Originally written and published for LIVE.WORK.PLAY Magazine, Family and Education Edition, Fall 2026

When volunteers come together each fall for the Great Sierra River Cleanup, every bag of litter collected helps protect the waters, forests, and communities that make the Sierra so extraordinary. On Saturday, September 19, 2026, Incline Village will do its part as IVGID Waste Not and Diamond Peak host the Pollution Penguins/Diamond Peak Ski Team Cleanup with everyone’s favorite mascot, Penguin Pete.

Organized in partnership with The League to Save Lake Tahoe’s Tahoe Blue Crew and other local organizations, the event is part of a region-wide effort to beautify communities while preventing litter from entering local waterways. Volunteers will help remove trash from Diamond Peak’s ski slopes and around town, protecting the watershed that ultimately flows into Lake Tahoe. Every piece of litter collected helps preserve the natural beauty that makes our community so special.

The cleanup takes place from 9 a.m. to noon at Diamond Peak Ski Resort, with volunteers meeting in the upper parking lot before heading out to cleanup locations. Families, friends, coworkers, and community groups are all encouraged to participate. Penguin Pete will be on hand to greet volunteers, pose for photos, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Cleanup supplies will be provided—participants simply need to wear comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and bring a reusable water bottle.

Whether you can spare an hour or stay for the morning, your efforts will make a lasting impact. Join your neighbors for a day of stewardship, community pride, and teamwork as Incline Village joins thousands of volunteers across the Sierra in helping keep Lake Tahoe and our mountain community clean and beautiful for generations to come.  It’s a meaningful way to share your love for Tahoe and leave the community a little better than you found it.

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

As students head back to the classroom, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) is reminding everyone to use a little extra caution on our roads and around our schools.

The start of the school year means more students walking and biking, increased activity at bus stops and crosswalks, and more traffic during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. With more students also using e-bikes to get to and from school, it is especially important for both drivers and riders to slow down, stay alert, and be aware of their surroundings.

A few extra seconds of patience and attention can make a big difference in keeping our students safe.

Important Safety Reminders

For Drivers:

• Slow down and follow posted speed limits in school zones and neighborhoods.
• Watch for students at crosswalks, intersections, and bus stops.
• Obey school bus signals and never pass a bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.
• Give bicyclists and e-bike riders plenty of space.
• Put phones and other distractions away while driving.

For Students & Parents:

• Review and practice a safe route to and from school.
• Use sidewalks and designated crosswalks whenever possible.
• Stop, look both ways, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Wear a properly fitted helmet when riding a bicycle or e-bike.
• Stay visible, avoid distractions, and follow the rules of the road.
• E-bike riders should ride at a safe speed and stay alert for vehicles, pedestrians, and other cyclists. Review the safest route to and from school before the first day.

Backpacks:

• Use both shoulder straps to distribute weight evenly.
• Keep backpacks light. The National Safety Council recommends backpacks weigh no more than 5% to 10% of a child’s body weight.

A Message from NLTFPD

Back-to-school safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you are behind the wheel, walking to class, riding a bike or e-bike, or dropping a student off at school, we all have a role in helping students get where they are going safely.

“A few extra seconds can make all the difference. Slow down, put the distractions away, and take the time to look for the student in the crosswalk, getting off the bus, or riding alongside you,” said Fire Chief Sommers. “Keeping our students safe is a shared responsibility, and we all have a role in making sure they get to and from school safely.”

On behalf of everyone at NLTFPD, we wish our students, families, teachers, and school staff a safe, healthy, and successful school year.

Slow down. Stay alert. Look out for each other.

Learn More & Stay Informed:

https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/school-safety/school-safety-home#

Extension hosts free back-to-school family pre-K event with community partners

The new school year is already in full swing, with kids across Nevada excited for another year of learning, and the Silver State’s littlest learners are getting ready to join the fun. To help families with young children prepare for the transition to school, University of Nevada, Reno Extension is hosting its annual Kickoff to Kindergarten fair in Las Vegas. Designed for children ages 3 to 5 and their families, the event offers fun, interactive opportunities to build the knowledge and skills children need to step confidently into kindergarten.

Extension is partnering with Las Vegas – Clark County Library District and Vegas PBS to provide this free event, Aug. 22, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the East Las Vegas Library, 2851 E. Bonanza Road. Tote bags, exploration learning kits, books and school supplies will be given out to the first 250 families.

“Families are a child’s first and most important teachers,” YaeBin Kim, Extension specialist, said. “Our goal is to help parents and caregivers feel informed, confident and supported as they prepare their children for a successful transition to kindergarten and beyond.”

Attendees can expect tools such as safety resources from the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, dental screenings by UNLV, health screenings by the UNLV School of Nursing and vision screenings by Walmart Vision Center. The event provides connections to more than 40 community organizations offering resources and services.Participants can also enjoy outdoor games, a produce market, rock painting, face painting, balloon artists and more. 

Additionally, children will be able to meet Carl from the PBS KIDS show “Carl the Collector” as seen on Vegas PBS, visit the Clark County School District Book Bus and enjoy dairy treats from the Dairy Council of Nevada. 

In addition to Extension’s Partners in Parenting Program, other Extension programs will be there to offer activities and information, including the 4-H Youth Development Program and other programs offering information on early childhood development, health and nutrition, youth horticulture and healthy aging. 

Other supporters or participants in the event include Clark County School District Family Engagement, Early Childhood Department, Safe Routes to School and English Language Learning Departments; Anthem Nevada Medicaid; Bureau of Land Management; City of Las Vegas – Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs – Pop Up Recreation; Clark County Family Services Foster Care; College of Southern Nevada Early Childhood Education Lab Program; U.S. Rep. Dina Titus; Dairy Council of Nevada; DISCOVERY Children’s Museum; Family Child Care Association of Nevada; Hands Of Luvv Childcare; Healthy Living Institute at UMC; Henderson Libraries; Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine UNLV; Little Red’s Bright Beginnings; Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Volunteer Program; Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program; Nevada Department of Early Learning and Development; Nevada PEP; Nevada State Treasurer – NVIgate; North Las Vegas Library District; Prevent Child Abuse NV; Scouting America; Southern Nevada Health District – Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Spread the Word Nevada; The Children’s Cabinet; The Kreative Minds Childcare; Tiny TLC Childcare; UNLV School of Dental Medicine; UNLV School of Nursing; Walmart Vision Center; and Walton Accelerated Learning Academy LLC.
 

For more information, visit the Kickoff to Kindergarten event website or email Extension Program Officer Heidi Petermeier at heidip@unr.edu. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should contact Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, at plessick@unr.edu or 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs.

– @unevadareno –

Photo Cutline: A preschool boy participates in a building block activity at the 2025 Kickoff to Kindergarten event. Photo by Heidi Petermeier. 

The University of Nevada, Reno, is a public research university that is committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. As a Nevada land-grant university founded in 1874, the University serves 21,000 students. The University is a comprehensive, doctoral university, classified as an R1 institution with very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Additionally, it has attained the prestigious “Carnegie Engaged” classification, reflecting its student and institutional impact on civic engagement and service, fostered by extensive community and statewide collaborations. More than $800 million in advanced labs, residence halls and facilities has been invested on campus since 2009. It is home to the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Wolf Pack Athletics, maintains a statewide outreach mission and presence through programs such as the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Small Business Development Center, Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Through a commitment to world-improving research, student success and outreach benefiting the communities and businesses of Nevada, the University has impact across the state and around the world. For more information, visit www.unr.edu.

On July 29, the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe announced a transformative gift from the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation — including two donated buildings, renovation funds, and operational support — paired with a State of Nevada ARPA grant. Together, this support will bring the Duffield Center for Great Futures to life in Incline Village.

What’s coming:

🧸 Early Learning Center Serving infants as young as six weeks old through age five, with year-round, all-day programming — closing a long-standing gap for working families who’ve struggled to find reliable, affordable early childhood care close to home.

🎮 Teen Center Serving youth in grades 6–12 with out-of-school-time and specialty programming all year long. Early ideas include a fabrication lab, an e-gaming space, a digital journalism studio, and a café.

BGCNLT is currently in the design and development phase for both buildings, with renovations and construction expected to begin in spring 2027, and a goal of serving youth in early 2028.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation and the State of Nevada for their support, and we’re ready to carry out the important work of expanding our services to all age groups in Incline Village.” — Mindy Carbajal, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe

“The Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation has proudly partnered with BGCNLT for many years. We believe supporting youth programs has had an expansive impact in North Lake Tahoe, and we are happy to be a part of their next phase of growth.” — Chris Watts, Co-President, Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation

With this generous support — and with community partners, donors, and Club families like you — BGCNLT will expand its capacity in Incline Village, deepen academic support and mentorship programming, and extend our reach to even more families who depend on the Club.

With gratitude,

Mindy 

& The Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe Team

LEARN MORE >

Originally published by Keep Tahoe Blue

Lake Tahoe’s best summer days are worth protecting. A beach day, trail walk, paddle, or dog-friendly outing all depend on clean beaches, healthy forests, clear water, and shared respect for the places we all love. Those conditions are shaped by the small choices made before and during your time exploring Tahoe.

Bring reusables instead of single-use plastics

Use lake-friendly transportation when you can

Clean, Drain, Dry gear before it touches the water

Clean up after your pet so Tahoe’s dog-friendly areas stay clean, open, and welcoming.

Pick it up, pack it out, and toss it in the trash

This month’s Spotlight highlights the everyday choices and dedicated people who help Tahoe stay enjoyable, safe, and protected. From wildfire awareness and aquatic invasive species prevention to the volunteers, Tahoe Blue Crews, and interns working behind the scenes, these efforts are making a difference. Meet the stewards and discover the small actions that add up to a better Tahoe for everyone.  

LEARN HOW GOOD DOG HABITS HELP LAKE CLARITY

SUPPORT OUR LAKE-SAVING WORK