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The ADVENTURIST GUIDE aims to bring out the explorer in you. Get to know the individuals, businesses, entrepreneurs who have “bet it all” on Downtown to create an incomparable urban experience for everyone. Look up restaurants that satisfy your culinary cravings. Shop the stores that offer novel fashions paired with great customer service. Experience the unique nightlife. Beautify your environment with art that amuses and delights. Be an adventurist!
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Exploring new ways to keep kids learning. Anytime. Anywhere. • Hundreds of FREE math and literacy games featuring popular PBS KIDS characters. • Mobile apps, online games, home activities and more. • Designed for kids ages 3-8. • Lesson plans connected with games for classroom use.
Visit PBSKids.org/Lab
• FREE bilingual mobile app for Apple and Android devices. • Interactive activities to help parents make any time learning time!
Powered by a Ready To Learn Grant The contents of this advertisement were developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. [PR/Award No. U295A100025, CFDA No. 84.295A]
VegasPBS.org • (702) 799-1010
EDITOR’S LETTER
I have loved school from the time I first set foot in Mrs. Hamilton’s class at Lincoln Elementary School in Youngstown, Ohio. I prefer certain subjects (art, literature, languages) to others (science, math, history), but I still wonder at the way numbers play with each other to give us answers to problems or how the people who came before us built the world as we know it today. Of course, I’ll admit that the wonder hit me years after I took my last college math and history classes. I had to realize the effect that everything I was learning had on me. Clark County schools sometimes get a bad rap, and we all have to admit that there are places where they need to improve. That said, there are a lot of good things going on in the schools today, and in this education issue, we hope to show you a few things you don’t know about. We’ll also present programs in the arts (theater, dance, music, and art) that are helping students of all socio and economic backgrounds and to programs that teach students who have a variety of learning difficulties. Our food writers will introduce you to the head of one of the cooking schools currently calling Las Vegas home.
Copyright 2015 by BLVDS, Inc., all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from BLVDS, Inc. Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the information
Perhaps you don’t have children but are interested in discovering educational opportunities for yourself or a parent. We’ll take a look at the multitude of continuing education programs available in this city. Did you know you can take classes to learn about wine? To learn to organize? To obtain a certificate in human resources? I even know of a class that will teach you the basics of grammar to help you in business. (Hint: The instructor is managing editor of BLVDS.) It’s true. These days I spend more time in front of a classroom instead of in a seat. I teach memoir through LV Memoir Project, and I teach for UNLV’s Department of Educational Outreach (aka continuing education) because I want to impart what I know to those who wants to further their education. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” We hope this issue will inspire you to find some of the hidden educational gems in this city and work on investing a little more deeply in learning.
COMMUNITY ARTS LIFESTYLE FLAVOR n
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Jan Craddock | President & Publisher Chris Cutler | Managing Editor Victoria Hart | Creative Director Andreas Quinones | Web Developer Danielle Matera | Web Design Intern Cube Ruiz | Circulation ShaRhonda Ramos | Account Executive Editorial Board Brian Paco Alvarez Mauricia Baca Durette Candito Lisa Chasteen Kendall Hardin Charlene Herst Nancy Higgins LuAnn Kutch Dawn Labonte Rob McCoy Julie Murray Stephanie Pierotti
Jillian Plaster Willie Robinson Jason Roth Karen Rubel Dana Satterwhite Sydni Sayles Rick Sellers Eric Strain Kimberly Trueba Mark Vranesh Rachael Wadley Stephanie Youngblood
Contributing Writers Jacob Coakley Jennifer Cornet Chris Cutler Hektor D. Esparza Kay Foley Pat Getter
Elaine Harris Scott Harris Temple Kinyon Brianna Soloski Sarah Vernetti
Contributing Photographers Chris Cutler Mike Cutler Victoria Hart Gil Shaw Talbot Snow Analyst and Archivist Nancy Lee Craddock
BLVDS fans: Let us know what you think! The Cover
What better icon for education than the blackboard. Design by Victoria Hart at Pink Kitty Creative. in this publication, however, BLVDS, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. BLVDS, Inc. accepts editorial and photography submissions. Send all submissions to: editor@blvdslv.com.
facebook.com/blvdslv email editor@blvdslv.com call 702.386.6065 twitter.com/blvdslv go to blvdslv.com pinterest.com/blvdslv
mail 509 S. 7th Street Las Vegas, NV 89101
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The Education Issue | July - August 2015 | 3
CONTRIBUTORS
Kay Foley a long-time resident of southern Nevada, has been a freelance writer and editor for more than 30 years. She is passionate about Las Vegas history, murder mysteries, and proofreading.
Elaine & Scott Harris educate and produce interesting, informative articles, and videos about fine wine and fabulous food. They have received national recognition for their writing through their online publications, VinolasVegas and Cuisineist as well as contributors to several national media outlets from coast to coast.
Temple Kinyon moved to Las Vegas 11 years ago after enjoying life in rural Idaho. Embracing the diverse setting Las Vegas offered, she settled into her freelance writing life, pursuing both fiction and non-fiction. When she’s not writing, Temple creates with paper, paint, fabric and ink, and adores adventures with her husband and two ferociously funny bulldogs.
Hektor D. Esparza believes in the power of culture and community. He has spent the more than a decade expanding upon these subjects as a freelance writer, editor of a food magazine, and former managing editor of BLVDS LV magazine. He currently creates programming for the nonprofit Push Forward, and The LGBTQ Center.
Chris Cutler holds an MFA in creative writing from Murray State University (KY) which is appropriate since telling stories is her life. She founded The Las Vegas Memoir Project because she believe everyone has a story to tell. She teaches memoir (LVMP) and grammar (UNLV), edits (BLVDS), keeps her husband and dog in line, and travels to Italy as much as she can. Check out her travel blog at coldpastaandredwine. blogspot.com
Jennifer Cornet, a Texas native, has lived in Las Vegas for eight years. She enjoys the family friendly side of Las Vegas. She, her loving husband and her bouncing baby boy spend their time foraging Gilcrease Orchard, marveling The Smith Center, playing in the winter’s snow at Mountain Charleston Ski and Snowboard Resort and exploring Discovery Children’s Museum.
Brianna Soloski works in communications at the University of Nevada, Reno and owns a freelance writing business. An avid reader and writer, she’s self-published on Amazon. When she’s not working, you’ll find her with a book in hand. While she’s got her sights set on the fundraising/PR/marketing industry, for now she enjoys doing a little bit of everything.
Jacob Coakley started working in theatre because he wanted to follow his big sister. Since then he’s followed theatre all over the world and into multiple jobs. In 2006, theatre led him to Las Vegas where he works as editor of Stage Directions magazine and writes about the local theatre scene for the Las Vegas Weekly and now BLVDS. He’s also a big fan of gin and cheese. (Though not at the same time.)
Sarah Vernetti loves to write. When she isn’t writing about travel and the family-friendly side of Las Vegas, she’s busy crafting short stories and flash fiction. Sarah holds a Master’s degree in Art History, which, quite frankly, doesn’t come in handy very often. Feel free to say hi to her on Twitter: @SarahVernetti.
Pat Getter is an accomplished public relations practitioner, professional speaker and author. She teaches adult enrichment courses at CSN about customer service, grammar and deposition training. She is passionate about animals and serves tirelessly as president of Doberman Rescue of Nevada, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to rehoming her favorite breed.
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C O N T E N T S | BLVDS LAS VEGAS | NO. 51 | JULY - AUGUST 2015
THE Education ISSUE COMMUNITY
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Built on Student Success Roseman University focuses on their core values and research.
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Live and Learn No matter your age or interests, you can find classes to suit both all over town.
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Making A Difference The Center for Autism Studies and Developmental Disabilities at Touro University offers a variety of services to kids with ASD.
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Las Vegas Downtown Achieves Downtown Achieves is committed to educating kids and helping them succeed.
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Events Calendar
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STEPping into Education STEP offers blind and visually impaired students more than classroom learning.
ARTS
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Music and Art—As Important As Reading, ‘Riting, and ‘Rithmetic Educating students in the arts is just as important as teaching them the basics.
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ABC Un. Deux. Trois Montessori Visions Academy offers a French immersion program for students.
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Receiving Recommendations The Valley Awards celebrate the best of the area’s theatres.
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Parla Italiano? It’s never too late to learn another language.
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FLAVOR
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Educating the Next Top Chefs Chef Lachlan Sands of Le Cordon Bleu talks to BLVDS.
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I Scream, You Scream July is National Ice Cream Month. Get the “scoop” on where to get the best in town.
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IMHO— Opportunity Abounds UNLV President Len Jessup talks about great things in UNLV’s future.
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Vegas Creates Art Galleries Theatre Listings
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Opportunities Abound Discover the plethora of dance, music, and fine art educational opportunities available all over Clark County.
The Education Issue | July - August 2015 | 5
COMMUNITY
BUILT WITH STUDENT SUCCESS Roseman University focuses on their core values and research. Written by Brianna Soloski
oseman University began in a small, rented office in Henderson in 1999 with a focus on health sciences. Currently, the university boasts three campuses and more than 1,400 students. Dr. Mark Penn, founding dean of the College of Medicine in Summerlin, is a family physician who has been in practice for more than 25 years. He got his start in small-town Ohio before becoming chancellor of Roseman’s South Jordan campus in 2012. “I was drawn to Roseman because of its mastery learning educational program and high standards,” Penn said. Roseman attracted him because it’s built with student success in mind, and its frequent assessments and feedback help students maintain a high level of information. The College of Medicine concentrates on the values of the university, something that’s very important to Dr. Penn. The school is built on five pillars: values, educational
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philosophy, mission/vision, research, and community service. At the center of their values are the patients they serve. They do everything they can to keep their patients at the center of any decisions they make. Dr. Penn also feels being able to do research is important, and that fact weighed heavily in the university’s choosing their Summerlin location, the Ralph and Betty Engelstad Cancer Research Building. “Medical education space is one of the most important required space needs in the initial phase of developing a medical school in order to meet the requirements of our accrediting body, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education
(LCME). The Engelstad Building provides space for medical education but also for research,” Dr. Penn added. Community is also a guiding principle of Roseman, and Summerlin has been very welcoming to the student community. “The community recognizes the great value of having a premier health professions university in their community,” he said. It’s not just being in Summerlin that’s important to Dr. Penn. The most important thing is knowing that students with a passion for medicine are able to get the necessary education here and, eventually, practice in this community.
Community
COMMUNITY
LIVE
AND LEARN
School. It’s not just for kids anymore. Written by Pat Getter
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oodworking. Horticulture. Personal fitness training. Hollywood musicals. Cartooning. What do all of these have in common?
Several universities and colleges in Las Vegas offer more than 1000 non-credit or certificate courses every year from which to choose. If you live to learn, I bet at least one of these schools has a course that will interest you.
Looking for adventure and need a way to use that sub-zero parka? Try UNLV’s continuing education trip to Antarctica. Too cold? Try rafting through the Grand Canyon. Courses as diverse as business writing, barbecuing, breaking into stand-up comedy and LBD—yes, create your own version of the iconic little black dress. This fall’s new programs include one to help pass basic math tests. Dr. Peg Rees, vice provost of UNLV’s division of education outreach, says, “The need in the valley for this kind of help is staggering.”
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UNLV also offers certificate programs. Student Astra Herzlich enrolled in one from the Society for Human Resource Management to improve her chances of getting a better job. “The second I updated my resume, I got emails like crazy and tons of offers,” Herzlich says. One free certificate program in partnership with Workforce Development is gap training for RNs who have been unemployed for one year. “We are seeing virtually all of them get hired,” Rees notes of the nurses who spend 13 weeks of hands-on training at a local hospital.
“There’s a trend in continuing education called ‘just-in-time learning.’ Even students getting a degree will look to get a specific skill to get a specific job.” — Dr. Peg Rees, UNLV Other certificates include the high demand paralegal program and how to design and operate unmanned aerial vehicles (aka drones). But if you want to earn a certificate that is, shall we say, a little tastier, enroll in the sommelier academy. Not only will you learn how to make wine, you’ll learn how to speak French and Italian—at least enough to pronounce Bordeaux and Cabernet Sauvignon and know the differences in those wines.
UNLV’s OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) program is member-led and specifically aimed at retired and semiretired adults. Psychoanalyst Cameron Ashby Jr. started with OLLI as a student and now leads two courses including How to Work with Your Dreams. To him, OLLI is... “a gift for older adults because there is a difference between getting old and growing old. There is a joy that comes with these classes, making friendships and having memorable experiences.” Other courses include Perception vs. Reality, What’s News, and the ever-popular Soapbox where students have the opportunity to thoroughly grill the week’s guest speaker. UNR’s cooperative extension in Las Vegas offers courses in six major areas: agriculture, horticulture, health and nutrition, natural resources, community development, and children, youth and families. “Wherever we can find space to bring the university to the community, that is our model,” says Marilyn Ming, UNR’s cooperative extension marketing/ public relations specialist. There is something for every age group: Little Books and Little Cooks addresses literacy and nutrition for preschoolers and their parents. The master gardener volunteer program will turn you into a certified green thumb and then put you back into the community to share what you learned. The 4-H flagship youth development is their longest-running program, and in the robotics club, kids learn how to develop robots from Legos and other materials. CSN is willing to try anything—I should know since they currently offer three courses I teach: Trouble with Typos, Deposition vs. Root Canal, and Customer
Relation Experiences: Can YOU Top Santa Claus? Woodturning, photography, and golf classes are all popular. Line dancing, natural childbirth, and beginning guitar are new this year. “We are always looking for fresh class ideas,” advises LeQuanda Cole, CSN community and personal
Mike Smith, editorial cartoonist for the Las Vegas Sun, was a guest speaker in the “So, What’s New(s)” class for OLLI.
enrichment coordinator. “We offered youths creative hands-on engineering because it was new and different, but we didn’t think it would work. It ended up being a full class with a wait list.” CSN knows many of us find changing technology, shall we say, challenging. In addition to offering various levels of computer instruction, you’ll find software courses including Adobe, Wordpress, and Excel, and simpler ones that instruct us how to navigate iPhones and iPads. Whether you are eight or 80, the world is your oyster, and each school has a course that you probably didn’t realize is just what you’ve been looking for. Look hard enough and one of these schools might teach you how to catch, clean, cook, or consume that oyster. Continue learning. Your course awaits.
The Education Issue | July - August 2015 | 9
COMMUNITY
MAKING A
DIFFERENCE Touro Center Aims to Help Students with Autism and Developmental Disabilities. Written by Brianna Soloski
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utism Spectrum Disorders are a complex group of neurological issues, social development issues, and repetitive behaviors, including intense interest in a specific topic, to the exclusion of other things.
The Center for Autism Studies and Developmental Disabilities was founded at Touro University in 2008 as a multidisciplinary facility offering services and resources that include behavioral and occupational therapies. The Center aims to be as accessible as possible. Anyone can come to the Center for support, specific therapies for an already diagnosed child, or early intervention via neuropsychological testing. According to Dr. Nicole Cavenagh, clinical director, “Social skills training is an important part of the Center; it’s not only an issue for kids with autism.” Children aren’t taught how to be social, whether inviting a friend over or holding a conversation. The Center offers social interaction groups that consist of four or five children working together on activities tailored to their skill levels. The groups allow kids to interact with each other in a controlled environment.
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The Center focuses on community need and having it’s students benefit from access to the Center. Because Touro is a health sciences and education-focused university, students in every academic track come through at some point. “The occupational therapy students do their formal fieldwork here, learning how to use OT to benefit kids with neurological disabilities,” Dr. Cavenagh says. The Center’s faculty also spend time in the classroom. Touro has a partnership with UNLV and works with clinical psychology doctorate students. The Center specializes in pediatrics but understands that Las Vegas also needs resources for adult who have neurological and developmental disabilities. “There is a strong focus on early intervention, but we do our best to help folks by recommending places such as Opportunity Village or New Vista,” Dr. Cavenagh advises. The Center offers therapies for children until they reach age 13 and neuropsychological testing for teens through age 18. For information on The Center and Touro University, call 702.777.4808 or visit tun.touro.edu.
AUTISM RESOURCES AVAILABLE THROUGH OUT SOUTHERN NEVADA Asperger’s Syndrome/ High Functioning Autism Support Group 702.436.7996 aspergerhfagrp.com
Desert Regional Center 1391 S. Jones Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89146 702.486.6200 mhds.state.nv.us
Autism Society of America autism-society.org
Easter Seals Southern Nevada Autism Services Program 6200 W. Oakey Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89146 702.870.7050 sn.easterseals.com
Autism Speaks 801.834.3171 autismspeaks.org Brain Solutions 8515 Edna Ave., Suite 110 Las Vegas, NV 89117 702.340.2248 brainsolutionsnv.com The Center and Touro University 702.777.4808 tun.touro.edu
FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) 717 South 3rd St. Las Vegas, NV 89118 702.368.3328 featsonv.org
Nevada Institute for Autism 820 Rancho Lane Suite 62 Las Vegas, NV 89106 702.476.1809 nvautism.org
GoodFriends Las Vegas Young Adult HF Autism/LD Meetup Group Las Vegas, NV 89123 702.361.0866 meetup.com/LasVegasGoodfriends
Nevada PEP Parents Encouraging Parents 2355 Red Rock St. Suite 106 Las Vegas, NV 89146 702.388.8899 nvpep.org
Goodfriends Las Vegas Young Adult HF Autism/LD Meetup Group 10139 Donald Weese Ct. Las Vegas, NV 89129 702.818.5120 autism.meetup.com/343
Wrong Planet wrongplanet.net
Lili Clair Foundation 3540 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 182 Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.862.8141 liliclairefoundation.org
20%OFF* Daily Admission Tickets
Visitors will explore the Age of the Dinosaurs! Travel back in time to when dinosaurs last roamed the land at DISCOVERY Children’s Museum traveling exhibit, Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice™. As visitors move through the exhibit, they encounter unfamiliar landscapes, touchable dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes including a Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. This exhibit builds on the popular fascination with dinosaurs and includes science activities to challenge all ages and opportunities to investigate clues about what dinosaurs left behind.
May 30 – Sept. 13
DiscoveryKidsLV.org
Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice™ was created by Minnesota Children’s Museum. *Visit website for promotion details.
COMMUNITY
LAS VEGAS DOWNTOWN ACHIEVES
IT REALLY DOES TAKE A VILLAGE Written by Hektor D. Esparza t’s no secret that the Clark County School District (CCSD) has struggled with its graduation rates. Transience, poverty, single-parent households, a lack of mental health services, among other issues, are all factors which present challenges to academic success for area public school students. But if recent numbers are any indication, academic success is on the rise for Southern Nevada students. In 2014, the graduation rate for CCSD high schools was 71 percent—up significantly from 2012’s 62 percent.
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One big reason to be optimistic for local students is the bold and ambitious initiative called Downtown Achieves (DA), which completed its second full school year in June and shows no
Downtown Dynamos help at the Walter Bracken Elementary School Art Fair Farmer’s Market. 12 | blvdslv.com
signs of slowing down. A far-reaching endeavor that is equal parts exploration in the humanities and rigorous collection and examination of hard data, the ongoing and open-ended initiative represents a determined, focused effort by stakeholders that include CCSD, the City of Las Vegas, local businesses, and nonprofit agencies to make academic success a greater possibility for even the most disadvantaged youth. Downtown Achieves started with the simple idea of helping area schools succeed at educating their students. They asked, How do you make grade school students ready for middle school, middle school students ready for high school, and high school students ready for graduation?
Volunteers from Wynn Resorts helped the students at Owen Roundy Elementary School expand their vegetable teaching garden into an Outdoor Garden Classroom. Wynn Resorts also sponsored the original garden.
Chefs Xelyna and Matt from South Point Casino visit CT Sewell Elementary School and cook some delicious veggie pizza for the students.
As DA co-founder Brian Knudsen explains, “What’s been happening from our perspective is that you see a newspaper article that says, ‘[in education] Nevada is ranked somewhere in the bottom ten percent,’ and people get angry about it. They go to school district meetings, and sometimes they complain about district trustees or the superintendent or the teachers and that’s about it.” There is frustration on all fronts because the challenges are so vast and varied that parents, teachers, and administrators as individuals are not in a position to understand the issues much less come up with meaningful solutions. It turns out there are so many factors that contribute to academic success or failure—from food security to stable housing to language and cultural barriers—that any sincere effort to help Las Vegas schools succeed must be a multi-faceted, multi-agency endeavor. DA’s proposed solution is a collective impact model similar to other education
Michelle Layton reading to the students at Hollingworth Elementary School.
reform programs applied with varying levels of success in school districts across the nation. Locally, DA is an initiative focusing on 11 Clark County schools populated by students living in the environs of downtown Las Vegas. By and
Downtown Achieves started with the simple idea of helping area schools succeed at educating their students. large, the majority of students at these schools share similar socioeconomic backgrounds and thus experience similar challenges and obstacles to their academic success.
BLVDS began interviews and research for this article in October 2013 when the initiative first launched. At the time, Knudsen held a position with the City of Las Vegas and a leadership role over DA. He has since left that position to become CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada. Though Knudsen is still involved with the initiative, Executive Administrator Michelle Layton took over day-to-day operations of DA in November 2014. Before taking this post, Layton served on DA’s teacher engagement committee and built a noteworthy career in CCSD and the private sector in marketing and education prior to that. According to Theo Small, vice president of the Clark County Education Association, a confluence of circumstances contributed to the decline of the 11 schools in DA’s purview. As he says, “A part of what is important around this thinking is that we have allowed schools to fade away because of who is attending them. We
The Education Issue | July - August 2015 | 13
COMMUNITY have a system where, because folks don’t have as much money or they may not speak the dominant language or they may be the wrong skin color, they are perceived as less important. That has been a pervasive kind of thinking in the past.” As bleak and accusatory as that may read, the past two years of DA’s development have demonstrated that this, albeit intentionally coordinated community, is rising to the challenge of fixing of what others may have neglected to maintain.
Professional chefs George Bailey and Xelyna Rodriguez from the South Point visited Ruby Thomas Elementary School for a demonstration of a new way to prepare the veggies grown in the garden.
“Culture defines the character of an age. By displaying a quality of compassionate care through collective impact we will literally change the culture of our community and inspire other communities by doing so.”
As Knudsen explains, “Downtown Achieves aims at isolating the challenges associated with academic success here in Southern Nevada. Whether they be specifically related to the teacher and the classroom or tangential factors like health care, housing, transportation or food security, the goal is academic success in this geographically isolated area.”
United Way’s Downtown Dynamos work with kids to paint garden stepping stones.
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Small says core principles which support academic achievement are already understood. The task at hand is to encourage and facilitate the effective models and methods to become more commonplace. As he explains, “What we know about good teaching is that teachers really need to understand the
whole child. We know that they need to have a working knowledge of each child regardless of which age they’re at. And for this to happen you really need buy-in from the teachers at the schools.” One of the most challenged schools participating in DA is Park-Edison Elementary which educates students from among the lowest income households in the valley. Martha Calderon, whose daughter Sarah was in first grade in the ’13-’14 school year, says this about their experience there: “I am really happy with this school. They are giving a lot of attention to my child, and I am willing to work with them on whatever they need. I have had bad experiences in other schools with my daughter. She did not want to go. She didn’t want to do a lot of things. Now she wants to go to school and see her friends and teachers. And if she is happy, I am happy, too. She is really trying here. She’s not stressed.” Another indicator Park-Edison is getting it right is Kimberly Fundaro. During the ’13’14 school year, Fundaro was the school’s reading and data coordinator and had her own children attending. “My two children go here, and it’s not even their zone school. I have been criticized by family members who say, ‘Why are you letting your kids go downtown?’ My kids are getting a wonderful education. They’re getting cultural diversity. They’re getting opportunities that they might not get anywhere else, and I just think I wouldn’t have them go anywhere else.”
close of the 2014-15 school year, Layton says, “The preliminary data matches our expectations, but now we have the data to back it up. One exciting item already implemented is having UNLV PhD students embedded at DA schools for a four-year period to observe, collect/ track data, and gauge success. Three schools have had their PhD student since the beginning of 2015—Crestwood Elementary School, Fremont Middle School, and Valley High School. Four additional students will be embedded in the fall.” Layton further explains that, “DA was able to provide needed computers to DA schools in need of technology through a relationship with a local business. The computers have been used in the classroom, as well as have provided access for parents to the CCSD portal on campus when technology is not available at home. Another example, DA recently teamed up with a local nonprofit and business to provide over 2,000 students at three DA schools additional food. It’s about connecting resources to those who can use them, and it reinforces DA’s
belief that it takes a community to make a classroom.” At the beginning of the 2013-14 school year, some teachers and administrators interviewed for this article expressed hesitancy to lend their full enthusiasm to the launch of Downtown Achieves citing previous experiences where they were let down by other ambitious education initiatives which failed to realize their stated goals. Two years into the rollout of DA, it appears everyone is making good on the commitment to connect the schools to urgently needed resources.
In 2014, Green Our Planet and Three Square launched Nevada’s first STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) curriculum specifically designed for use in Outdoor Garden Classrooms. Over 80 teachers, administrators and donors attended the launch at John S Park Elementary School. The curriculum was created with the generous support of the American Honda Foundation and via a partnership between Green Our Planet, Three Square, and the Clark County School District. It is the first garden curriculum written to Nevada State and Next Gen Standards in Nevada.
According to DA Executive Administrator Layton, their particular collective impact model is built on “The 4 Rs,” which are: Research, Relationships, Resources, and Results. Following the
The Education Issue | July - August 2015 | 15
EVENTS
DO SOMETHING
DIFFERENT Explore the sights and sounds of our great city! Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice Exhibit
Every Friday 9am – 3pm Downtown3rdfarmersmarket.com
Through September 13 DISCOVERY Children’s Museum DiscoveryKidsLV.org
fresh52 Farmers & Artisan Market
Sister Act
at Tivoli Village Every Sunday 9am – 2pm at Sansone Park Place Every Sunday 9am – 2pm fresh52.com
Egyptian Paste Jewelry
July 16 Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas brooklynbowl.com
July 22 & 24 Clay Arts Vegas clayartsvegas.com
Children’s Summer Concert Series - Norman Foote
ONGOING The Downtown 3rd Farmers Market
Jurassic 5
Select dates through October 15 Tuacahn Amphitheatre tuacahn.org
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Select dates through October 17 Tuacahn Amphitheatre tuacahn.org
July 16 Historic Fifth Street School artslasvegas.org
Walk With a Doc July 16 Springs Preserve springspreserve.org
Las Vegas Summer Craft and Gift Show July 18 Silverton Hotel & Casino lvcraftshows.com
Le Salon Des Refusés Du Péché Through August 15 Sin City Gallery sincitygallery.com
Free Movies Select dates through August 27 Downtown Container Park downtowncontainerpark.com
South Pacific through September 4 Utah Shakespeare Festival bard.org
The Taming of the Shrew Select dates through September 5 Utah Shakespeare Festival bard.org
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Arrangements: Steve Diet Goedde September 3 – September 26 Sin City Gallery sincitygallery.com
JULY 2015 Sousa Foundation National Community Band July 12 Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall at UNLV unlv.edu/pac
Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage July 14 – 19 The Smith Center thesmithcenter.com
July 24 Craig Ranch Park craftfairshows.com
FLOP 4: May the 4th Be With You
Dino Summer Through September 20 The Springs Preserve springspreserve.org
North Las Vegas Movie Night
Chocolate Jazzed Café
Through September 5 Donna Beam Fine Art Gallery donnabeamgallery.unlv.edu
Every Thursday Nevada SPCA nevadaspca.org
July 24 – 25 Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall at UNLV unlv.edu/pac
July 24 City of the World Gallery cityoftheworldlasvegas.org
Basin & Range
Pet Adoptions
NPC USA Bodybuilding Championships
Exploring Dreamland: A History of Area 51 July 18 National Atomic Testing Museum nationalatomictestingmuseum.org
LoveNVegas 2015 July 18 Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Facebook.com/LoveNBooks
Artisan Craft Festival of Summerlin July 19 Suncoast Hotel & Casino artisancraftfestival.com
Speakeasy Cinema: Summer Movie Series July 22 The Mob Museum themobmuseum.org
July 26 Onyx Theatre | onyxtheatre.com
Lego Family Building Time July 26 City of the World Gallery cityoftheworldlasvegas.org
Willie Nelson July 26 Cosmopolitan cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
3rd Annual Happy Hour Fundraiser July 31 Blue Martini happyhomeanimalsanctuary.com
Side By Side - A Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorm Tribute July 31 – August 9 Las Vegas Little Theatre Mainstage lvlt.org
AUGUST 2015 National Night Out 2015 August 4 Town Square Las Vegas mytownsquarelasvegas.com
Hot Havana Nights August 6 The Mob Museum themobmuseum.org
Preview Thursday Art Walk August 6 Downtown Art Galleries 18b.org
Las Vegas Stories: Las Vegas in Pop Culture August 6 Clark County Library
Free Wine Tasting at Oil and Vine August 6 The District at Green Valley Ranch shopthedistrictgvr.com
Aretha Franklin
Art Soiree
August 14 Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino caesars.com
September 3 City of the World Gallery cityoftheworldlasvegas.org
An Evening with Reckless in Vegas August 14 The Smith Center thesmithcenter.com
One Drunk Puppy Wine Tasting August 15 Silverton Casino silvertoncasino.com
ANME Summer 2015 August 16 – 18 Tuscany Suites & Casino facebook.com/anmexpo
Las Vegas Career Fair August 18 Gold Coast Hotel & Casino careerintro.com
Bardway, Baby! August 7 Auditorium Theatre at Utah Shakespeare Festival bard.org
First Friday Art Celebration August 7 Downtown Las Vegas fflv.net
Of Monsters and Men August 13 Cosmopolitan cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
Weekend Workshop: Sandy Blain
Las Vegas’ Largest Mixer XI
September 5 & 6 Clay Arts Vegas clayartsvegas.com
September 16 Tuscany Suites & Casino largestmixer.com
Labor Day Craft Fair
Chocolate Jazzed Café
September 5 – 7 Galleria Mall craftfairshows.com
September 18 City of the World Gallery cityoftheworldlasvegas.org
Sabakon 2015
An Evening with Paul Anka
September 5 – 7 Alexis Park All Suite Resort sabakon.com
September 18 The Smith Center thesmithcenter.com
Free Concert: Kansas and Blue Oyster Cult
The Biggest Tattoo Show on Earth
Modest Mouse
September 18 - 20 Las Vegas Convention Center lasvegastattooshow.com
August 20 Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas brooklynbowl.com
Harvest Festival Original Arts & Crafts Show
Lego Family Building Time
August 21 City of the World Gallery cityoftheworldlasvegas.org
August 10 Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino photoshopworld.com
September 12 & 13 Henderson Events Plaza cityofhenderson.com
September 6 Fremont Street Experience vegasexperience.com
Chocolate Jazzed Café
Photoshop World Conference & Expo
Ho’olaule’a Pacific Islands Festival
The Jewelry Show August 29 Rainbow Library craftfairshows.com
SEPTEMBER 2015 Preview Thursday Art Walk September 3 Downtown Art Galleries 18b.org
September 11 – 13 Cashman Center harvestfestival.com
The Book of Mormon
Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival September 12 Red Rock Resort & Casino facebook.com/ foodandwinefestival
Beethoven & Brahms September 12 The Smith Center thesmithcenter.com
July 26 City of the World Gallery cityoftheworldlasvegas.org
September 22 The Smith Center thesmithcenter.com
Super Run Classic Car Show September 24 – 27 Henderson Events Plaza cityofhenderson.com
Asian Heritage Celebration September 26 The Springs Preserve springspreserve.org
The Education Issue | July - August 2015 | 17
COMMUNITY
STEPPING INTO EDUCATION The STEP program strives to educate, prepare, and inspire blind and visually impaired students in the Clark County School District.
Written by Sarah Vernetti
TEP (Student Transition and Enrichment Program) provides learning opportunities beyond the classroom for blind and visually impaired students. According to Lori Moroz-White, a transition specialist for CCSD’s Vision Services department, there are approximately 300 students in the district who are blind or visually impaired.
S
“Vision is a rare disability. Blind children need expanded core curriculum activities, which include anything from using a cane to learning how to cook to how to play games and how to keep fit. They don’t learn by observational learning, so it has to be taught to them,” Moroz-White explains. The program is particularly significant since Nevada does not have a state school for the blind, a place where students would have additional learning opportunities after school or during the summer. Kelly Perkins, a vision services facilitator, believes the program is a significant way to help bridge the gap for blind students.
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SOUTHERN NEVADA’S MEDICAL SCHOOL
“During the school year, the focus is primarily on academics, so there isn’t a lot of time to work on the expanded core curriculum. The STEP program is one way they can work on their skills outside of the classroom. For us to be able to offer that to our students is a huge benefit for them,” says Perkins. During its inaugural school year, STEP offered monthly afterschool activities like track and field events and game night. In May, visually impaired students joined sighted students to play “beep baseball.” Thanks to a beeping ball and buzzing bases, students with vision disabilities were able to play the sport alongside their peers. In addition to monthly activities during the school year, STEP also strives to keep kids learning during the summer months. Participants in STEP’s summer camp, held in June, had the opportunity to choose a career or interest track. Options included culinary arts, journalism and writing, equestrian skills, athletics, and community service. Suzanne Feigenson, a CCSD Vision Services teacher who has been working with the STEP program since the its start in January, says the experience has been a rewarding one.
ABOUT TOURO UNIVERSITY NEVADA Touro University Nevada was established to help address and serve the critical needs in medicine, health care, and education in the State of Nevada. A non-profit, Jewish-affiliated, private university, Touro University Nevada opened its doors in 2004 in Henderson and over the past decade has become a leading educator of health care professionals and teachers in Nevada. SOUTHERN NEVADA’S MEDICAL SCHOOL Touro University Nevada graduates more than 130 new physicians each year. Touro’s graduate medical education programs at Valley Hospital Medical Center and Nathan Adelson Hospice include nearly 100 residency/fellowship slots for Nevada’s future physicians. A COMMITMENT TO NEVADA Touro is making its mark at absolutely NO cost to the taxpayers of Nevada. With student expenditures, payroll and benefits for more than 200 employees, other university expenses and construction and renovation projects, the University invested more than $88 million in the local economy this past year.
For more information about supporting Touro University Nevada or if you are interested in a campus tour, please call: 702.777.3100 or visit our web site at www.tun.touro.edu
“What I enjoy most about working with the STEP program is family involvement. It is really nice to see the parents embrace our hard work as teachers in putting a program together for their children as well as taking the time to transport them to our activities after school,” she says. Parents of blind and low-vision children who would like to learn more about the STEP program can contact CCSD’s Vision Services office. STEP programs will resume in September and are planned to continue throughout the 2015-2016 school year.
874 American Pacific Drive | Henderson NV 89014 Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Licensed in Nevada by the Commission on Post-Secondary Education. Touro University Nevada does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender, color, creed, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability in its employment, programs, or activities.
Why fight the crowds? Get school shots early at one of our local public health centers or contact your childs health care provider. CENTRAL/WEST 330 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. *Special clinic: Saturday, Aug 22, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
EAST 560 N. Nellis Blvd., Suite D1., Las Vegas Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. SOUTH 520 E. Lake Mead Pkwy., Henderson Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. *For details about special clinics/fees, call 759-0850 or go to www.SNHD.info/school
Arts
ARTS
MUSIC AND ART— AS IMPORTANT AS READING, ‘RITING, AND ‘RITHMETIC How the arts help students stay in school, perform better, and prepare for life in the real world. Written by Kay Foley
I
f you want to know how important art and music are to students’ success, ask a teacher. We did. The three teachers we interviewed consider artistic classes just as essential as English or math in developing wellrounded students. Art and music in the classroom not only help students in other academic areas, but also teach valuable life lessons.
Ronnie Smith
Phil Gingerich
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Brain Training Research studies have shown that music and art engage both sides of the brain - the left (analytical) side as well as the right (creative) side. Ronnie Smith, an educator in Clark County for 34 years and a former principal of Clark High School, noted, “Art helps a student get into contact with the creative side of the brain. Balance between the two sides of
the brain enhances the quality of life for students and for adults as well.” Phil Gingerich, who recently retired after teaching G.A.T.E. (Gifted And Talented Education) for 25 years, agrees. “Art helps kids develop a higher level of thought processing, and not just the advanced Chuck Cushinery students. It works the same for everyone,” he explained. One of his classroom exercises was to show students a photo and ask them to “read” what it was saying. Putting their visual impressions into words taught the visual and verbal areas of the brain to work together. He also found that playing Mozart or other classical music in the classroom seemed to put students in the right frame of mind to learn other subjects like math. Life Lessons Chuck Cushinery, a music teacher at Clark High School for 18 years, was twice named one of 10 national finalists for the annual Music Educator Award from the Grammy
All three educators pointed out that art and music enhance the experience of school and give students something to look forward to every day, especially if they participate in a group activity like band, drama or choir. Smith noted, “When a child feels that they have an important part to do, like playing an instrument, they may attend school more often because they feel a responsibility to the group. The child learns to be a contributing member of society.” Cushinery sees this in his music classes. “A music classroom is a microcosm of society,” he said. “In order to function successfully, you must learn to get along with people. The effort is individual, but also collective.”
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BRIDGETTE BIGGERS as Little Girl, JASON MICHAEL EVANS as Beast, & KARI YANCY as Belle
Foundation. He was instrumental in encouraging the school’s administration to include the arts in all students’ coursework. “Music is about problem-solving, creativity, exploration, and dealing with success and failure,” he explained. “It really is a metaphor for everything we experience in our daily lives. Music teaches students to deal with disappointment if sound doesn’t come out of their instrument the way they wanted it to, but it also gives them a sense of accomplishment when they finally succeed.”
Gingerich said art can encourage students to try new things without fear of being judged. “There’s not a right or wrong answer in art,” he explained. “What you create is an expression of yourself, so you’re not judged by somebody else’s standards.” This frees children to think creatively, and can give encouragement and validation to students who may be struggling in other academic subjects. Training for the 21st Century No one can deny that we need math, science and language classes to prepare students for the workforce of the future. However, many jobs humans used to do are being automated and computerized. What the world will need more than ever in this changing society are problem solvers, innovative thinkers, and people who can build bridges between individuals and cultures. Classes in the arts can help today’s children develop the skills they’ll need to succeed in this brave new world.
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TUACAHN.ORG | (866) 321-5063 The Education Issue | July - August 2015 | 23
ARTS
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V E G A S C R E AT E S
VEGAS CREATES
MAK ER
Showcasing art and design from the talented and eclectic mix of people who make Las Vegas home.
PAINT ING
Su Limbert’s artwork is a personal narrative exploring themes of childhood, nature, and the complexities of relationships. Her work evolves from her imagination as she develops each painting. These paintings speak to the unknowable and unpredictable nature of life and express the complexities of our relationships with friends, family, lovers, and especially within our understanding of ourselves. Her art continues to explore themes of childhood and her experiences growing up surrounded by forests and lakes in northern Indiana where she developed a love of plants and animals and a desire to create work that evokes the missteps and magic of childhood. She currently teaches high school and college art courses in Las Vegas and is preparing for an exciting solo show opening this October at Blackbird Studios in the Las Vegas Arts District. | sulimbert.com
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Ralph Thomas is a illustrator living in Las Vegas. He works in both traditional and digital media. He loves clean art, custom typography, and simple user interfaces. Several years ago, Ralph made it a goal to always carry a sketchbook. This lead to his creation of Sketch Wallet — a leather wallet that holds a sketchbook. Currently featured on KickStarter, it comes in black or chocolate brown with a matching sketchbook. It doesn’t matter where he is, the doctor’s office, a restaurant, or wherever. If he has a few moments he’ll doodle a few sketches instead of surfing the net on his phone. Ralph has come to cherish all these quirky little drawings, and many of these raw ideas he has developed further into games he creates for work and other projects. Ralph respects craftsmen everywhere, but he wanted to use local factories to ensure the best quality and ethics possible. Sketch Wallets are made in the USA. sketchwallet.com
CCSN CONTEST INSPIRES STUDENTS The Clark County School District, in support of a stand-alone fine arts museum and in partnership with The Modern, held a contest earlier this year to inspire students to participate in the support of visual arts through creativity, art, and design. Students submitted their own work relating themes of the competition—Why do I create? And why is art important? Over 800 students created twodimensional pieces in any medium on an 8.5” x 11” paper. The judges, all volunteers from the art community, scored pieces based on execution of vision, creativity, elements of art, production, and emotional impact. From those 800 entries, the judges selected 16 finalists from which they chose four winners— one from each school level (elementary, middle, and high school) and a “Best All Around.”
Written by Chris Cutler
THE WINNERS :
Jasmine Al-Said, Centennial High School (High School)
Luis Hernandez, Cashman Middle School (Best All Around)
Christian Jazer Cerbito, Cashman Middle School (Middle School)
Tiera Salas, Walter Bracken STEAM Academy (Elementary School)
The Education Issue | July - August 2015 | 25
ARTS
ART GALLERIES DOWNTOWN ART SQUARE 1017-1025 First Street artsquarelv.com Galleries include: BRETT WESLEY GALLERY Suite 150 | 702.433.4433 brettwesleygallery.com NEVADA HUMANITIES Suite 190 | 702.800.4670 nevadahumanities.org THE STUDIO Suite 135 | nanhyopark.com LAS VEGAS CAMERA CLUB Suite 185 | 702.281.7810 lasvegascameraclub.com ARTS FACTORY 107 E. Charleston Blvd. theartsfactory.com Galleries include: 8 MARTINIS GALLERY Suite 205 | 8martinis.com 303 NORTH STUDIO Suite 115 | facebook. com/303NorthStudio CRICKET STUDIO & FACEUP GALLERY Suite 210 | cricketstudio.com HAPPY PANDA TOYS Suite 120B | 702.516.3432 happypandatoys.com HIPTAZMIC STUDIO Suite 105C facebook.com/Hiptazmic JAIKOWSKI STUDIOS Suite 115 jaikowskistudios.com JANA’S REDROOM Suite 160 | janasredroom.com
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JERRY MISKO Suite 220 | jerrymisko.com JOSEPH WATSON COLLECTION Suite 115 josephwatsoncollection.com PEACENART STUDIO Suite 230 R SPACE Suite 125 SIN CITY GALLERY Suite 100 | sincitygallery.com BLACKBIRD STUDIOS 1551 S. Commerce St. 702.782.0319 blackbirdstudioslv.com B SIDE GALLERY BLVDS HOUSE 509 S. 7th Street 702.386.6065 | blvdslv.com CITY OF THE WORLD GALLERY 1229 Casino Center Blvd. 702.523.5306 cityoftheworld.org CLARK COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER ROTUNDA 500 Grand Central Pkwy. 702.455.7030 CLAY ARTS VEGAS 1511 S. Main St. 702.375.4147 clayartsvegas.com COB4LT BLU3 STUDIO GALLERY 1400 S. 3rd St. 702.771.0032 | cob4ltblu3.com CORNERSTONE ART GALLERY 201 E. Colorado St. 702.238.5894
EMERGENCY ARTS 520 Fremont St. 702.686.3164 emergencyartslv.com Galleries include: DIFFERENT STROKES GALLERY Suite 212 DOBEZ DESIGNZ facebook.com/dobezdesignz V3 ARTS Suite 166 vivavegasventures.com GAINSBURG STUDIO 1533 W. Oakey Blvd. 702.249.3200 gainsburgstudio.com THE HIGH POINTS 707 Fremont St. #2240 thehighpoints.com LEFT OF CENTER GALLERY 2207 W. Gowan Rd. 702.712.1708 leftofcenterart.org LIL’ ART BODEGA 707 Fremont St. #2230 702.647.7378 | lilartbodega.com MICHELLE C. QUINN FINE ART ADVISORY 620 S. 7th St. 702.366.9339 | mcqfineart.com PHOTO BANG BANG 224 E. Imperial Ave. 702.527.2264 photobangbang.com PORARY ART 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702.769.6036 SOUTHERN NEVADA CENTER FOR THE ARTS 1310 S. 3rd St. 702.888.3400
SOUTHERN NEVADA MUSEUM OF FINE ART 450 Fremont St., Suite 280 702.382.2926 | snmfa.com THE ARTISTIC ARMORY 5087 S. Arville St. 702.574.9005 theartisticarmory.com WASTELAND GALLERY 1800 Industrial Rd. #104A wastelandgallery.com
AROUND TOWN ART ENCOUNTER 3500 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702.733.2000 ARTISTIC LIFESTYLES 2758 S. Highland Dr., Suite B 702.754.3355 BELLAGIO GALLERY OF FINE ART 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. 702.693.7871 CITY CENTER FINE ART COLLECTION 3730 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702.590.7111 DONNA BEAM FINE ART GALLERY 4505 S. Maryland Pky. 702.895.3893 KUSH FINE ART GALLERY 3500 Las Vegas Blvd S. # G27 702.650.3444 MARJORIE BARRICK MUSEUM 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy. 702.895.3381 MARTIN LAWRENCE GALLERIES 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. 702.991.5990 P3 STUDIO 3708 Las Vegas Blvd S. 702.698.7000
THEATRES ART SQUARE THEATRE 1025 S. First St. #110 702.818.3422 artsquaretheatrelv.com BAOBAB THEATRE 6605 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702.269.5000 baobabstage.com COCKROACH THEATRE 1025 S. First St. #110 702.743.3839 cockroachtheatre.com CSN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave. 702.651.5483 csn.edu FAITH LUTHERAN THEATRE COMPANY 2015 S Hualapai Way 702.804.4400 faithlutheranlv.org
RAINBOW THEATRE COMPANY 800 S. Brush St.. 702.229.6553 rainbowcompany.org
THEATRE IN THE VALLEY 200 S. Water St., Henderson 702.558.7275 theatreinthevalley.org
THE LAS VEGAS SHAKESPEARE COMPANY 821 Las Vegas Blvd. N. 702.229.6211 lvshakespeare.org
THE INSPIRE THEATRE 501 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 702.910.2388 inspirelasvegas.com
THE SMITH CENTER 361 Symphony Park Ave. 702.930.8113 thesmithcenter.com
UNLV PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 4505 Maryland Pkwy. 702.895.2787 unlv.edu/pac
SUMMERLIN LIBRARY & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 1771 Inner Circle Dr. 702.507.3860 lvccld.org SUPER SUMMER THEATRE Spring Mountain Ranch State Park Highway 159, Blue Diamond 702.736.4744 supersummertheatre.org
“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” — Margaret Mead
LAS VEGAS ACADEMY THEATRE 315 S. 7th St. 702.799.7800 lasvegasacademy.net LAS VEGAS LITTLE THEATRE 3920 Schiff Dr. 702.362.7996 lvlt.org NEVADA BALLET THEATRE 1651 Inner Circle 702.243.2623 nevadaballet.com NEVADA CONSERVAOTRY THEATRE 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy. 702.895.3011 unlv.edu/nct ONYX THEATRE 953 E. Sahara Ave., Suite 16B 702.732.7225 onyxtheatre.com
FAILURE by Eric Burwell at the Brett Wesley Gallery
The Education Issue | July - August 2015 | 27
ARTS
OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND FOR KIDS IN CLARK COUNTY Through unique collaborations, some of the valley’s top creatives engage children in a variety of artistic experiences.
Written by Temple Kinyon
rom Broadway musicals to ballet, symphony, and fine art, Las Vegas offers audiences all types of cultural exposure. But did you know amazing performance and educational opportunities like these exist for Clark County’s youth? Through unique collaborations, some of the valley’s top creatives engage children in a variety of artistic experiences while offering underserved children opportunities they may not otherwise have. These interactions plant seeds of inspiration and, potentially, a life-long love of the arts.
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Disney Musicals in Schools (DMIS) gives underserved grade-school children the chance to explore their creative side. In 2013, the Disney Theatrical Group presented The Smith Center a $100,000 grant for outreach through DMIS. “At the heart of The Smith Center mission is dedication to providing meaningful education experiences,” says Candy Schneider, VP Education and Outreach. “DMIS works with CCSD administrators and staff at high-needs schools to grow a sustainable theatre program.” The first year, five schools participated in producing a 30-minute musical adaptation of a Disney classic like “Jungle Book” or “Aladdin.” DMIS provided performance rights and educational support materials at no cost. Teaching artists were in the schools and provided guidance
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Clark County youth participate in the Disney Musicals in Schools Jungle Book production.
to administrators and staff committed to learning the theatrical process. After auditioning, the chosen students practiced and learned the magic of Disney for six months. Each school hosted a community day, bringing parents together to build sets, create costumes, and offer expertise. The student actors presented final productions to their
classmates and families. Each school also presented one song from their musical in an uplifting Student Share Celebration at Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center.
16,000 in 2015—with 10 concerts during a five day run. CCSD provides buses to shuttle students to and from The Smith Center at no cost to them or their parents.
This year, DMIS selected different schools to continue the program. By then, the original five schools were fully capable to continue and sustain their own theatrical programs. Using the remaining dollars from the original grant coupled with additional funding, The Smith Center will continue with a third year in 2015-2016.
Prior to YCS week, the philharmonic hosts their Young Artists Concerto Competition during which accomplished young musicians compete for an opportunity to work with the LVP and ultimately perform with them onstage. When YCS takes place, students watch in awe as they experience the live classical concert and the Concerto Competition winner performing with the entire philharmonic.
Reynolds Hall is also home to the Las Vegas Philharmonic (LVP) and its
Las Vegas Philharmonic
Nevada Ballet Theatre inspires youth through their “GO-MOVE-DANCE!!!!” program.
Youth Concert Series (YCS), which provide underserved elementary students exposure to the orchestral music experience. During its 16 years, YCS has reached more than 180,000 elementary-age students at CCSD Title 1 and other schools—more than
“We’re committed to enriching children through outreach and YCS,” advises Amy Wiles, VP for LVP Development. “YCS may inspire them to become a musician or to just love music or go into any creative field. Our threeyear goal is to double the number of
concerts and students we’re able to bring in for free concerts.” Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) also seeks to inspire kids through their “GO-MOVE-DANCE!!!” program. For 28 weeks, students in underserved elementary schools receive free ballet, jazz, and hip-hop instruction, all of which help to develop and improve the students’ balance, flexibility, and athleticism. In addition the program aids to bolster selfesteem and foster a strong work ethic. The program affords NBT an opportunity to discover talented atrisk students and offer scholarships to their Discovery Dance program, a six-level series of ballet classes in a focused atmosphere. A select few dancers may then be considered by NBT to continue on to the Future Dance program at the Academy, again via scholarship. Recipients are placed in the Academy according to age and skill level. All students must abide by a strict set of rules and guidelines to show their commitment to a future in ballet. As founder of Art Classes for Kids, Kim Bavington’s students are typically enrolled through the support of their parents. But, on occasion she’s presented an opportunity to offer assistance to a child showing artistic talent who may not be able to afford professional instruction. “I sometimes give a camp scholarship to a child who’s
The Education Issue | July - August 2015 | 29
ARTS
Students learning to paint at Kim Bavington’s Art Classes for Kids.
Blue Man Group show students what it’s like to immerse yourself in a character during a Las Vegas Performing Arts Initiative workshop.
passionate, self-motivated, and will benefit in our unique environment.”
“LVPAI is a cultural treasure for young people interested in the performing arts. It provides an invaluable platform for leaders in the performing arts arena to share their knowledge and expertise with our youth. By harnessing and sharing one of Vegas’ richest resources, our astounding community of celebrated artists, LVPAI is able to expand horizons and inspire young creative hopefuls. Immersed in excellence, the impossible becomes possible.”
Bavington and her instructors teach kids ages 3-15 the fundamentals and history of fine art in either one-on-one or group classes or through summer camp. “Students get so engaged with their creating that sometimes they don’t even realize they’re learning about a famous painter or current art trend,” Bavington says. “There are no grades or contests in my classes. My students learn by doing in a structured environment and through conversational learning which allows room for expression.” The Las Vegas Performing Arts Initiative (LVPAI) offers a unique learning experience for students of all ages in drama, voice, dance, percussion, musical theatre, and circus arts. They provide school workshops and an annual summer camps at an affordable rate. LVPAI also looks for opportunities to help children with session costs when ever possible.
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exposed to arts have higher academic achievement as well as improved health and self-esteem. The Smith Center, NBT, and LVPAI, along with creative entrepreneurs like Kim Bavington, have embraced the importance of those benefits and are a driving force behind cultural opportunities for all of Clark County young people.
— Dr. Kate Hausbeck Korgan, Ph.D., Interim Dean of the Graduate College, UNLV
All of the instructors who collaborate with LVPAI are world-class performers, choreographers, and directors working today. To date, more than 50 artists from shows that include Blue Man Group, So You Think You Can Dance, Céline Dion, Mystère, Jersey Boys, The Lion King, Mamma Mia, O, Love, Zarkana, Kooza, Jabbawockeez, Chicago, Iris, Le Rêve, and Michael Jackson ONE have contributed their time and expertise to LVPAI. Research demonstrates children
Be a part of creative and academic success for Clark County’s youth! Disney Musicals in Schools thesmithcenter.com - 702.749.2012 Art Classes for Kids artclassesforkids.com - 702.678.6777 Nevada Ballet Theatre nevadaballet.org - 702.243.2623 Las Vegas Philharmonic lvphil.org - 702.258.5438 The Las Vegas Performing Arts Initiative thelvpai.com - 702.375.2028
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8 0 0 - P L AY T I X Photos, top to bottom: Sam Ashdown (left) and Larry Bull in Henry IV Part Two, 2015; and Melinda Pfundstein (left), Saren Nofs-Snyder, and Tony Amendola in King Lear, 2015.
L-R: Tressa Bern and Sabrina Cofield, with Levi Fackrell (background), in Tracy Letts’ Bug, produced by Cockroach Theatre. The Education Issue | July - August 2015 | 33
LIFESTYLE
ABC UN. DEUX. TROIS.
Written by Jennifer Cornett
A look into Montessori Visions Academy’s French Immersion Program.
I
recently started the process of selecting the perfect preschool for my son. After doing hours of research and getting advice from trusted moms, I made a decision that was as easy as ABC and un, deux, trois!
The Montessori Visions Academy’s new French Immersion program completely amazed me. Montessori Visions is a Private Montessori College Preparatory School that instructs children from infancy through high school. Lead by Lori Bossy, the school is a member school of the American Montessori Society (AMS) and follows the true philosophy of Montessori education which includes multi-age classrooms where children learn at their own pace through a sequential curriculum with one-onone lessons from teachers and hands-on materials so children can build independence, self-motivation, self-confidence, and a love of learning. The school maintains a 1-12 teacher-tostudent ratio at the primary/kindergarten level and a maximum ratio of 1-15 at the elementary level.
Montessori materials with French vocabulary words as well as conversational French that takes place in the classroom with the teacher. All of the lessons—as well as circle activities, songs and games—are taught in French.
Lori shares, “We value our good reputation and strive to offer the highest quality Montessori education for our students. We are very proud to have the opportunity to share our passion for Montessori education with like-minded families.” Montessori Visions currently has 150 students enrolled in the school from infancy through 12th grade.
Christelle adds, “It is very rewarding for the teachers to see that after only four months, the children start communicating in French and ask regularly ‘How do you say that in French?’” A proud parent of a French Immersion preschooler says, “My child comes home singing French songs, and I am so amazed!”
The French Immersion program opened in January 2015 and was launched by Christelle Chamblas, director of the Academie Francophone de Las Vegas. Christelle says, “Language learning is definitely a natural process when children are young. Kids are really like sponges.” The French program utilizes
In addition to the French Immersion program, Montessori Visions will host several French summer camps in partnership with the Academie Francophone. To learn more about the summer camps offered as well as French activities for the whole family, visit aflasvegas.org.
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French Immersion is currently available for students age 2 years to 6 years old. Montessori Visions hopes to add French Immersion to the Lower Elementary (first-through-third grade) classroom in the fall pending support via enrollment.
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SATURDAY, JULY 18TH LAWN DARTS Enjoy an evening of classic rock tunes SATURDAY, JULY 25TH TODO MUNDO Voted “Best World Music” band FRIDAY, AUGUST 14TH SATURDAY, AUGUST 15TH NO SHOW: WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22ND MANY MILES Acoustic rock, pop/blues, world-beat, jazz, reggae-pop/rock influences SATURDAY, AUGUST 29TH SAM PAYNE Jazzed folk tunes and flair for good stories, a ‘must see’ show full of entertainment SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH ZION MATRIX Sacred Sounds, known as Mantras, “remixed” to create ecstatic dance and movement
PLAY your part. IT’S STILL
a desert out there. The Southern Nevada Water Authority is a not-for-profit water utility.
RECEIVING RECOMMENDATIONS Written by Jacob Coakley
hat I love about the performing arts are their liveliness, their immediacy. When you’re watching an amazing show, you’re a part of it like no other art. A painter can create a painting without anyone watching him, but theatre can only happen when performer and audience member connect. This connection means you can’t stream it, can’t pause it, and can’t watch it on your phone. I love this so much I have spent almost my entire adult life studying theatre, working in theatre, and creating theatre.
W
Not everyone has this kind of dedication—or time. There’s simply too much happening in this town for one person to take it all in, and no one wants to spend their precious time on a subpar experience. In addition to my work reviewing shows for publications around town—and now previewing upcoming works worth noticing here—I created the Valley Theatre Awards two summers ago as a way to promote the great work that our local theatre companies create. Rather than rely on just one reviewer’s voice or opinion, the Valley Awards sends a panel of adjudicators to the opening night performance of a show. If all the adjudicators give the show high marks, the show becomes Valley Recommended. Not every show gets Recommended, but the ones that do reflect the best of what theatre here can be. In addition to recommending quality shows throughout the year, the Valley Theatre Awards also presents an annual awards show\ where we name our yearly “Bests” in a gala event that features performances of the best work of the past year and numbers from current shows. Last year’s awards played to standing room only with Myron Martin from the Smith Center as our featured guest and performers from Las Vegas Little Theatre, Super Summer Theatre, Poor Richard’s Players, Off-Strip Productions
The Valley Awards not only celebrate the best of theatre with their annual gala but also guide audiences to the best shows all year round.
and more. This year’s ceremony takes place July 20 at the Inspire Theatre in Downtown Las Vegas and promises even more awards, more performances, and more surprises. It a night not to be missed if you like live, local art.
Ross Horvitz attempts to kiss Amy Solomon in Cockroach Theatre’s production of Stage Kiss.
If you can’t make it, don’t worry. Just be sure to keep checking out lasvegasvalleys.com where you’ll find information about all the great shows happening throughout the year. You can also look for me here in future issues. I’ll be sure and point you in the right direction for a good show.
The Education Issue | July - August 2015 | 37
LIFESTYLE
PARLA ITALIANO?
Written by Chris Cutler
(DO YOU SPEALK ITALIAN) Have you ever considered studying a language in another country?
s I write this, I’m in an apartment in Bologna where I’ve spent the last several weeks trying to write and to learn Italian. While I speak Spanish fluently—I majored in it and taught it—I never learned Italian, the language of my grandparents. After my first visit to my grandmother’s village in 2010, I decided to start learning. I tried to get by with the Spanish, but Italian is not the same.
A
My first class was through UNLV’s Continuing Ed program, and it gave me a good start. That said, having no one with whom to speak Italian on a daily basis made learning to speak and understand the language difficult. It was the same with Spanish, by the way. I learned more in three months in Mexico than I ever did in Spanish classes. Using the language helps you remember. Last year, I told my husband that I was going to “live” in Italy for two months so that I could go to school and immerse myself in the culture and language. I did a lot of research and ended up at Cultura Italiana, one of a number of language schools in Bologna. I chose it because it is the only school in town that does research with the University of Bologna and because it offered the intensive course I wanted. We had two hours of
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grammar and two hours of conversation every morning. In addition, Cultura Italiana offered extra activities every afternoon or evening. Included were cooking classes, performances, exhibitions, and tours of the gelato university, a clothing manufacturer, many museums, and a variety of towns near Bologna. The only language we spoke in all classes and activities was Italian. Immersion in the language forced us to think in it instead of our native languages, and that forced us to learn.
“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” — Frank Smith
I decided to totally immerse myself in the Italian language and culture. My communication and comprehension skills continue to improve daily, so much so that I rarely use Italian, Spanish, and English— Italospanglish— in one conversation any more. If you are considering attending or sending your child to a foreign language school, you need to do your research, as I did. Hopefully, these six questions will help you.
1) What is the class format, and how will it work with my learning style? Each language school has its own instructional techniques and methodology, and you want to find one that syncs with you. Some schools offer a “hands-on” approach to learning, as Cultura Italiana does, while others offer a more formal approach with lectures and grammar only. 2) What is the average class size? I prefer the smaller, intensive classes that have fewer students. At Cultura Italiana, there were 10 students in my classes. As I noted, I taught Spanish, and my classes averaged 28 students. Keep in mind that fewer students will give you more personal attention and help if you need it. On the other hand, having more students in the class can give you more opportunities to practice the language and make friends. 3) What are the teachers’ qualifications? While this might seem like an odd question to ask a school, you might find that some schools have “teachers” who do not have degrees. I know of a school in Mexico that used high school students to conduct its afternoon conversation classes. You might also consider asking how many teachers you will have. Different teachers have different teaching styles, points of view, and even accents.
Exposure to more than one teacher provides a lot of benefits. 4) Can I switch classes if I find I’m in the wrong class for me? Each language school has its own way of assessing which class each individual student should attend. You may find that the classes you attend are too easy or too hard. The school should allow you to switch to another class if you feel you need to move. 5) What’s the average student age? If you are going to be attending the school, you probably don’t want to attend class with a group of teenagers. On the other hand, if you are looking for a school for your teenage child, you probably don’t want him/her attending class with only retirees. A good mix of ages is important.
6) What is the city like? As I mentioned above, I looked at a number of language schools, and a few of them were in cities other than Bologna. I ended up focusing on Bologna because it is not a tourist destination for most Americans (I wouldn’t constantly hear English.), because it is a central railway stop (I wouldn’t need a car.), and because it is a clean and safe city (I was going to be alone.). As much as the school should sync with your learning style, the city should sync with your lifestyle. Of course, you should always consider cost (Most expensive is not always best.), extracurricular activities (Consider the quality, not the quantity.), and housing (Will you need to find your own, or does the school help?). A little research will go a long way and ensure that you not only learn but also have a great time while doing so.
Giotto’s Bell Tower is one of four monuments in the Piazza del Duomo in Florence, Italy.
As our world becomes more global, studying languages becomes more important. Fewer than 20 percent of Americans fluently speak a language other than English, while 55 percent of Europeans speak a language other than their own. America needs multilingual diplomats, intelligence agents, foreign policy experts, military leaders, business leaders, teachers, technicians, physicians, historians, artists, writers, and more.
Bologna, Italy, is home to the oldest university in the western hemisphere.
The Education Issue | July - August 2015 | 39
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Flavor
F L AV O R
EDUCATING THE NEXT LAS VEGAS TOP CHEFS Le Cordon Bleu President Lachlan Sands talks with BLVDS about culinary education. Written by Elaine and Scott Harris
ith its world-famous chefs, elaborate hotel restaurants, ethnic eateries, mom and pop venues, and even food trucks that serve up some of the best meals in town, Las Vegas is one of the greatest cities for culinary diversity. Given the fact that dining has now surpassed gaming, more people are looking at their dining options when traveling to Sin City. With the influence of TV food shows and the rise of celebrity “chefdom,� a more culinary-aware public is increasing. The awakening of the collective food consciousness now requires more people with higher level culinary skills to meet the demands of the more sophisticated diner.
W
We live in a city that offers superior training for those who want to embrace the challenging work of feeding the thousands of tourists and locals alike. But, culinary education is so much more than learning how to cook. Many diverse aspects of the industry also include the culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, beverage certification programs, and
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restaurant and catering management. Future student chefs should check out their options before committing their time and, more importantly, spending thousands of dollars for tuition, books, and tools of the trade. One of Las Vegas’s premier culinary educational schools is Le Cordon Bleu located in Summerlin. The Las Vegas’s campus is a stellar choice for those wanting to have an exemplary education in the culinary arts. At the helm of Le Cordon Bleu is President Lachlan Sands who offered us some valuable insights into Las Vegas culinary scene and beyond. BLVDS: With the expansion of the Food Network and other culinary shows and media outlets, have you seen an increase in your student population?
BLVDS: What other advice could you give an aspiring student? LS: I caution students. There is an assumption that everyone will be working in a fine-dining restaurant, but that is not always the case. This is a 700-billiondollar industry, and you may not ever work at Joel Robuchon. You may be at the VA or at one of the restaurants at UNLV. A huge market is retirement communities who want excellent food prepared for their clients. Career services are there to assist in the interviews, but the students must do the cooking. The best opportunities I have seen are for those who do the digging themselves and explore a place that they are really interested in. They usually get the best placements with our paid externship program. The quality of the food does improve with our graduates being placed in these situations.
BLVDS: Do you offer educational opportunities aside from your certification and associates program here in Las Vegas? LS: We do two things outside of our professional curriculum. We offer enthusiast classes on Saturdays with our Blue Ribbon Kitchen series (BlueRibbonKitchen.com). We also offer business-to-business opportunities for team-building, and we also do certified training and continuing education. Las Vegas continues to be a culinary leader in the national food scene. There are many educational opportunities throughout the city that can fit anyone’s dreams of working beneath the shining neon. Le Cordon Bleu may be your choice, but do the groundwork before committing your time and money to any program.
LS: Yes and no. It has had an influence, but it may not be what you would think. It’s not as visible in Las Vegas, but it is very visible in Los Angeles which doesn’t have a traditional food culture. They do, but it is more casual dining. What Food TV has done is created a more educated consumer. You can no longer pull someone off the streets to the dish pit and then have them work their way up. That may have worked back in the day, but it doesn’t work today. BLVDS: What advice would you give to those who choose to go into culinary school but have visions of TV chef stardom. LS: I asked that question in front of a group of students to legendary chef Jacques Pepin. His response was to focus on mechanical skills. When you have that mastered, you can focus on the food. You can go from there.
The Education Issue | July - August 2015 | 43
F L AV O R
45
locations
I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM,
WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM
Top 10 Ice Cream Facts You May Not Know...
cream cone months before the fair opened.
10. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July “National Ice Cream Month.”
1. Marco Polo brought a recipe for ice cream back to Italy after his travels to China.
9. The third Sunday of July is “National Ice Cream Day.” 8. The average American consumes 48 pints of ice cream annually. 7. Sales of private label ice creams account for 21% of the American market followed by Blue Bell (11%) and HåagenDas (8%). 6. According to the International Ice Cream Association, Vanilla is the most popular ice cream flavor (29%), followed by chocolate (9%) and butter pecan (5%). 5. The most popular ice cream topping (according to numerous sites) is hot fudge. 4. More than 45% of people prefer to eat ice cream in a cup while 31% prefer a cone. 3. Almost 10% of all milk produced in the United States is used to make ice cream. 2. While some claim Charles E. Minches invented the ice cream cone at the 1904 World’s Fair, Italo Marchiony of New York City filed a patent for the ice
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SPRING VALLEY Handel’s Ice Cream 10170 W. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89147 Sweet Addiction 5165 S. Fort Apache Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89148 CJ’s Italian Ice & Custard 3555 S. Durango Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89147 Mixers Ice Cream & Boba 5625 S. Rainbow Blvd. Ste D, Las Vegas, NV 89118 Rita’s Italian Ice 2192 N. Rainbow Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89108 The Perfect Scoop 5035 S. Fort Apache Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89148 Chilly Willie’s 5651 S. Grand Canyon Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89148 SOUTHWEST Poppy’s Frozen Yogurt 9345 S. Cimarron Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89178
The Perfect Scoop 7377 S. Jones Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89139
Cafe Gelato (Bellagio Las Vegas) 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89109
Cefiore 7380 S. Rainbow Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89139
BLVD Creamery (Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino) 3770 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Las Vegas, NV 89109
Baskin-Robbins 4360 Blue Diamond Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89139 WEST Cold Stone Creamery 9350 W. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89117 Pinkberry 740 S. Rampart Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89145 Tops N Bottoms Frozen Yogurt 1181 S. Buffalo Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89117 THE STRIP The Neapolitan (The Cosmopolitan) 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89109 Hexx Chocolate & Confexxions (Paris Las Vegas) 3655 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89109 Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop (The Linq) 3545 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89109
CHINATOWN Snowflake Shavery 5020 Spring Mountain Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89146 Sweets Raku 5040 W. Spring Mountain Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89146 Kuma Snow Cream 3735 Spring Mountain Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89102 SOUTHEAST Eis Cream Cafe 9711 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89183 Nielsen’s Frozen Custard 9480 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89123 Carvel Ice Cream 5757 Wayne Newton Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89119 Amorino Las Vegas Town Square 6649 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Las Vegas, NV 89119
Tasti D Lite 6587 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Las Vegas, NV 89119
ChillSpot by SasaSweets 707 E. Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101
Thrifty Ice Cream 5040 Boulder Hwy. Las Vegas, NV 89122
Lappert’s Ice Cream California Hotel & Casino 12 East Ogden Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89101
SUMMERLIN Gelato Messina 2010 Festival Plaza Dr. Las Vegas, Nevada 89135
La Flor de Michoacan 3021 Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89104
CREAM 1980 Festival Plaza Dr. #165 Las Vegas, NV 89135
HENDERSON Sweet Addiction 2291 N. Green Valley Pkwy. Henderson, NV 89014
Sweet Addiction 5165 S Ft. Apache Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89148
Rita’s Italian Ice 693 N. Stephanie St. Henderson, NV 89014
Vivido Gelato 1000 S. Rampart Blvd. Ste 15, Las Vegas, NV 89145
Cold Stone Creamery 1311 W. Sunset Rd. Henderson, NV 89014
EASTSIDE Froyo Time 3310 E. Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89121
Thrifty Ice Cream 2580 Wigwam Pkwy. Henderson, NV 89074
La Neveria 2482 E. Desert Inn Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89121 Baskin-Robbins 4500 W. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89103 DOWNTOWN The Art of Flavors 1616 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Suite 130, Las Vegas, Nevada Luv-it Frozen Custard 505 E. Oakey Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89104
Baskin-Robbins 4640 E. Sunset Rd. Henderson, NV 89014
GELATO IS NOT ICE CREAM While most Americans consider gelato to be the Italian form of ice cream, that’s not exactly correct. Today, American commercial ice creams are mostly water into which a fat—cream, milk, eggs, or all three—is emulsified to keep the ice crystals small. In addition, the amount of sugar dissolved in the liquids forms a barrier to crystallization. Because of the amount of sugar and fat in the ice cream, the temperature at which ice cream is stored is lower because that helps the product freeze. That also makes ice cream a lot harder to scoop, so during the churning process, a lot of air is incorporated into the mixture. The aeration gives the ice cream a less dense texture. Gelato, on the other hand, has less fat and sugar in the base and less air churned into it. Gelato uses more milk than cream and no egg yolks, so its fat content is less. The two biggest differences, though, are that gelato is churned at a lower speed (allowing less air incorporation) and stored at a higher temperature (allowing a softer, creamier consistency).
The Education Issue | July - August 2015 | 45
IN MY HUMBLE OPINION
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OPPORTUNITY ABOUNDS O
ne thing that drew me to UNLV is that this is truly a place of opportunity.
Like so many of UNLV’s students and alumni, I am a first-generation college graduate. I went off to junior college to play baseball and expected to leave with a business certificate. It took a coach and then a series of professors to urge me on to a bachelor’s degree, an MBA, and a Ph.D. So I feel an incredible sense of responsibility and good fortune to work in higher education today. I know what it’s like for higher education to lift you up from a place with limited options to one that’s wide open. I also know that as we lift up individuals, we lift up our entire community. For Southern Nevada, in particular, the opportunity for the university to contribute great things is vast and invigorating. The college-degree-holding population in Southern Nevada is about 21 percent—half that of regions around Salt Lake City and Denver, which have robust economies and high quality of life rankings. That’s just one statistic, but it’s indicative of the important role that UNLV, as the primary research university in Southern Nevada, has in contributing to the vibrancy and health of our community. With that in mind, legislative and business leaders have embraced UNLV’s goals to rise as a top-tier research institution. The Legislature recently granted our fullfunding request for the new UNLV School of Medicine which will welcome its first students in fall 2017. They’ll be welcomed to the school with full scholarships generously funded by a cross-section of community leaders and organizations.
Written by Len Jessup, President of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
If you’ve ever called for a doctor’s appointment only be told the soonest you could get in was weeks away, one impact of the School of Medicine is immediately evident. The school will expand access to health care, particularly to specialists, for our community. But it also will foster spinoff businesses in the wellpaying bio-tech sector. By 2030, the school will have created 8,000 new jobs, have brought in $60 million in new revenues for the state annually, and have generated an overall annual economic impact of $1.2 billion. The medical school is just one great example of how UNLV is aligning its resources to address the issues facing our state, to support our economy, to protect and preserve our environment, and to provide the cultural activities that make the heart and soul happy. I invite you to come discover the many opportunities we offer for community engagement.
UNLV’s Environmentally Friendly Science and Engineering Building
The Education Issue | July - August 2015 | 47
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