Submitted and written by Mary Danahey of Incline Education Fund, 09/03/2024

Well, now that we’ve all had 2 weeks to accept that summer is over, it’s time to get back into the groove of the school year. This week and next week, each of the schools will host their Back to School Nights: (Note: IES already had their BTS night last night!) but the other two schools are:

IHS:  Sept 4th 5:30-8:00pm

IMS: Thursday, Sept 10th 5:00-8:00pm

If you want to be “in the know” all year round, this is the time to join the parent group at each school you have a student at. The parent organizations provide vital support for our schools and are also the BEST way to both get involved and find out what’s going on and when.  At Incline Elementary, it is the PTA, at Incline Middle, it’s the Jr. Boosters and at Incline High School it’s the Boosters. Check your school websites for contact information.

If you don’t have a current student in the schools, you can still volunteer!  Incline Education Fund can help you find a place or contact your school of choice directly.  

Incline Elementary School is hosting their Jog-a-Thon on 9/25/26.  It is their biggest fundraiser and helps support opportunities like Makerspace, Art, and PE. 

Incline Middle School continues to expand (enrollment is up by 23% this year) and they are refining the opportunities for students to “learn by doing” in the Wednesday Exploratory programs. This quarter’s offerings include: financial literacy, robotics, culinary, swimming, leadership, bowling, bear box beautification, environmental science with TINS, mountain biking, building and fiber arts. Middle school sounds a lot more exciting than I remember it.

Incline High School students are already thriving, the athletic teams are all off to a fantastic start and IHS will host a HUGE College and Career Fair on Sept 21st with 30+ organizations. There will be both 2 and 4 year universities and well as a number of trade organizations and local service organizations like the sheriff, fire, forestry departments.

Stay tuned. It’s going to be an exciting year.

Mary Danahey, Incline Education Fund : Originally published in the Families & Education Edition of LIVE.WORK.PLAY Magazine

The elementary years are about more than learning to read, write, and solve math problems. They’re the years when children discover how they learn, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning. At Incline Elementary School (IES), that journey is shaped by small class sizes, caring teachers, and a schoolwide commitment to creative, hands-on learning.

As part of the Washoe County School District, IES serves preschool through fifth-grade students in a close-knit learning environment where every child is known. With approximately 220 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of about 13:1, teachers personalize instruction while building the strong relationships that help children thrive.

What truly sets IES apart is its integrated STEAM approach, weaving Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics throughout the school day.

At the heart of that approach is the school’s vibrant Makerspace, where students explore robotics, coding, engineering, and creative problem-solving through hands-on projects. More than a weekly enrichment class, the Makerspace extends classroom learning by using technology and design thinking to reinforce concepts across math, science, literacy, and social studies.

Art and music are woven throughout the curriculum, helping students deepen their understanding of academic concepts while developing creativity, confidence, and critical-thinking skills. Whether illustrating a history lesson or exploring mathematical patterns through music, students learn by creating, collaborating, and making meaningful connections.

That spirit of exploration extends into every classroom, where curiosity, communication, and problem-solving are part of daily learning. Students are encouraged to ask questions, take thoughtful risks, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways while teachers create a supportive environment where every child feels seen, valued, and challenged to grow.

Combining the personalized feel of a neighborhood school with innovative STEAM experiences, Incline Elementary prepares students not only for success in middle school but for a lifetime of learning. It’s a place where curiosity is celebrated, creativity is nurtured, and every child is empowered to discover their unique potential.

For more information call: (775) 832-4250