Immediate Action with a Smooth Transition
At Nevada State High School (NSHS), students have remained academically, socially, and personally successful while adapting to COVID-19 restrictions. NSHS, an early college charter school that allows juniors and seniors to take real college courses with real professors in the state of Nevada, made the immediate transition to a virtual learning model on March 16, 2020 after schools were officially closed by Governor Sisolak and the state of Nevada. The announcement was made by School Founder and C.E.O., Dr. Wendi Hawk. She stated, “NSHS staff will continue to teach, answer help tickets, respond in a timely manner, and support students over the phone. Let’s work together to try to give our students, and especially the seniors, the best possible end of the school year they can have.” Since this time, NSHS staff, students, and families have risen to the occasion—continuing to engage in virtual classes and social events with enthusiasm and determination!
Online Education with Integrity
Since the school shutdowns, NSHS Courses—including Study Skills and Transitions—continued virtually without missing a single day of instruction. With the new online model, Educational Advising Coordinators teach college and career readiness skills while providing one-on-one support and guidance for students using video conferencing software. NSHS students were able to transition to online learning with ease, as they were instructed on how to navigate online courses through their orientational Introduction to College course. Myriam Gonzalez, a senior at the Northwest Campus recalls the transition from March: “I think it went really well! If I had any questions, I was able to contact the staff. Showing options for how to contact the staff was helpful. [The transition] has been nice!” Desha Collins, another senior, states, “At first it was a little difficult for us, but it was easier as we started figuring things out. I think the staff handled it well. Everything was posted on Moodle. Whenever a student needed help, there were multiple people helping and answering help tickets.” The real college experience has also continued without missing a beat. Courses at Nevada State High School’s partner colleges—College of Southern Nevada, Truckee Meadows Community College, Great Basin College, and Western Nevada College—have all proceeded online. Final grades were earned by students with integrity, reflecting the cumulative mastery of the college-level content covered during the term.
‘Socially Distanced’ not ‘Antisocial’
In the face of COVID-19, Nevada State High School has also successfully engaged students with a variety of social events. At the end of the Spring 2020 term, NSHS seniors were celebrated with a drive thru graduation ceremony! Parents, families, and friends were able to come together and recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of the Class of 2020 while abiding all social distancing guidelines. Banners, balloon towers, and waving staff greeted the cars as they arrived. Since this grand event, NSHS has planned and executed over 20 virtual social events for students and parents. From enthralling book clubs like the Empowering Woman Series to Virtual Museum Tour Scavenger Hunts, events have encouraged NSHS students to learn, discuss, and socialize within the comfort and safety of their homes.
A Real College Experience
Despite COVID-19 restrictions, Nevada State High School is providing a real college experience. As college classes press on, NSHS Staff is readily available virtually or by appointment and services such as tutoring, Parent in Partnership meetings, and ACT Boot Camps have continued. While the long-term effects of COVID-19 on education in Nevada are unknown, Nevada State High School is committed to keeping students safe while providing a free college education.
