LAS VEGAS (AP) — School district officials in Las Vegas are asking a judge to put an end to what it claims is a coordinated union campaign of teacher absences during a bitter contract battle, forcing school closures and classroom disruptions in a state where it is illegal for public employees to strike.

Since Sept. 1, unexpected staff shortages have forced seven schools to cancel classes for the day and two others to combine classes, according to the Clark County School District, which includes Las Vegas. The district’s motion seeking an emergency court order said one of those schools had 87% of its teachers call out sick on the same day.

“The absentee level at the affected schools is unprecedented,” the motion said, “and these mass sickouts have left students, parents, staff, and administrators scrambling to ensure students’ wellbeing.”

The tense contract negotiations in the nation’s fifth-largest school district are unfolding at a time when labor unions across the country are challenging how workers are treated — from Hollywood’s ongoing writers strike and Detroit ‘s auto production lines to the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Las Vegas Strip.

A state judge is scheduled to consider the Clark County School District’s request Wednesday morning, although it wasn’t immediately clear if a ruling would be issued from the bench or at a later date.

The Clark County Education Association — which represents about 18,000 licensed educators — has denied that it is behind the recent wave of absences. The union said in a statement it would “make its position clear in court” on Wednesday.

In addition to being one of the largest school districts in the U.S., with about 295,000 students, the Clark County School District is the largest in Nevada. It is facing more than 1,100 teacher vacancies.

The education association, however, says vacancies are almost double that if you factor in the open positions that substitute teachers are currently filling.

Contract negotiations have been underway since March over topics such as pay, benefits and working conditions.

Negotiations resumed this week, but ahead of Wednesday’s hearing, the school district announced it had declared an impasse with the teachers union, saying arbitration was now “the only way” to resolve the ongoing fight after 11 unsuccessful bargaining sessions. It called the union’s demands “unaffordable” and “budget-busting.”

Union leaders said they welcome “a third set of eyes” to look over a new contract during arbitration, while also expressing frustration over what they say will likely be a lengthy process before an agreement is reached.

The union is seeking 18% across-the-board pay raises over two years. It also wants additional compensation for special education teachers and teachers in high-vacancy, typically low-income schools, as well as an increased pay rate for teachers working extended-day hours at certain campuses.

The district said its final offer before declaring an impasse included a 9% salary increase during the first year of a new contract, a new pay scale that it says emphasizes college education and years of experience, and other incentives for special education teachers and hard-to-fill positions.

In recent months, negotiations have grown increasingly tense, particularly after the union gave the school district a deadline to reach a contract before the start of the 2023-24 school year.

In Nevada, it is illegal for public employees to strike. But the union had said they would consider taking what they called “work actions” if their deadline wasn’t met, including teachers refusing to work more hours than their contracted work day.

“It is simply not believable that Defendants would threaten targeted work actions for months and have no involvement when those work actions come to pass through their own members’ conduct,” the school district said in its motion.

Meanwhile, thousands of students have already been affected by the wave of teacher absences.

Andrea Brai, whose son was diagnosed with autism, told KVVU-TV last Friday that students’ needs shouldn’t fall by the wayside amid the contract disputes. According to the district, 72% of licensed staff members at Sewell Elementary, where Brai’s son is a student, called in sick that day.

“When you become a teacher,” she said, “you should go into this profession with that in mind.”

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Attended by colleagues, board members, family members and school/district employees, the surprise visits highlighted Elia Sanchez from the Corona-Norco Unified School District as the Classified Employee of the Year, and Jannette Price from the Riverside County Office of Education as the Principal of the Year. Five additional surprise visits are planned throughout March.

“Our first two 2022 Riverside County Educators of the Year are great examples of innovative educators who are giving their best every day to serve students who face significant barriers in their educational journeys,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “Students that might otherwise be labeled as ‘at-risk’ youth are now considered ‘at-promise’ scholars because of the dedication and commitment of educators like Elia Sanchez and Jannette Price.”

Elia Sanchez has worked in public education for 25 years — including the last seven years as a Clerk/Community Liaison at the Corona-Norco Unified School District. In her current position, her main priority is to identify students with attendance challenges and to seek out solutions to ensure they remain on track to graduate. To ensure that students don’t fall through the cracks, Mrs. Sanchez utilizes data reports, training sessions with administrators, connecting with parents, and collaborating with educators and outside agencies, to change student behavior and establish a support system aimed at re-engaging them with their education. Mrs. Sanchez will advance to represent Riverside County in the statewide Classified Employee of the Year competition. “I feel so honored by this award. There is a whole team behind me, and, at the end of the day, it takes a great team to serve students and families,” said Elia Sanchez, moments after being surprised with the news that she is the 2022 Riverside County Classified Employee of the Year. “After 25 years in education, I had an idea of how I wanted to help students, and it has worked out.”

“Elia believes that all students need is a ‘hook’ to get them connected to school, and she is that ‘hook’ to influence students to succeed,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “Elia truly emulates what classified employees do for students every day in Riverside County.”

Jannette Price is an alternative education principal for the juvenile court school operated at three locations by the Riverside County Office of Education. Mrs. Price’s role differs from traditional schools with constant student transfers between probation facilities and individualized learning plans as part of the daily collaboration with staff. The development of an effective transition policy for students exiting the system, and the casting of a vision for students beyond their current circumstances, have contributed to a graduation rate for students in Riverside County’s juvenile court school that is the highest in California among schools serving this specialized student population.

“I do this because I love working with kids — especially our court school population. I know that there can be a stigma for some of our students, but I truly fight for them and advocate for them,” said Mrs. Price shortly after being surprised with the news that she is the 2022 Riverside County Principal of the Year. “They have the ability to learn and make the choices and changes in their life and that drives me every single day.”

“Mrs. Price’s vision for her juvenile court school students is based on the understanding that every student has the right and ability to learn with our support, guidance, and knowledge of their unique, individualized educational needs,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “An example of her heart of extraordinary service is that she has the ability to restore the self-confidence and strength of students by helping them prioritize their future over their past.”

The Riverside County Educators of the Year are selected from the more than 36,000 educational employees in the county. The rigorous application process starts with nominations by teachers, classified employees, and school district administrators throughout the county. Applications are then submitted to the Riverside County Office of Education, where an outside selection committee selects the honorees before the county superintendent announcement.

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Program founder and event hostess Karena Zermeno also represents one of the sponsors, Altura Credit Union. Backpacks filled with gifts, a Student of the Month plaque, certificates of recognition and much more were donated by the program’s sponsors to the award recipients. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past challenges and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers, family members and community and school district dignitaries.

December’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District schools are Lanaya Contreras, Aaron Holaway, David Lieras and Kimberly Montanez Quintanilla. San Jacinto Unified honorees are Adanesne Carrasco Soto and Derin Ramos.

Hamilton High School’s Lanaya Contreras was recognized for all of her hard work and passion. Principal Jeff Franks said she is a leader on the basketball team with drive and passion that carries over into the classroom. Her teacher, Preston Brimhall, said the reasons he selected Lanaya for this honor is because she is all heart and determination, she has the qualities of a resilient person and she possesses forgiveness. “An important thing about me that I take full pride in is being Native American from the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians as well as the San Pasqual Band of Diegueño Mission Indians also known as Kumeyaay people,” Lanaya, of Mountain Center, said. “Growing up on a reservation has taught me so much. It wasn’t always easy, but it made me the person I am today. I have stayed true to myself and the people I love.” Her plans are to attend Cal State San Marcos to major in psychology with a career goal of becoming a counselor for her tribe.

Aaron Holaway from West Valley High School was introduced by biology and chemistry teacher Mary Grace Padron, who said she has been fortunate to have Aaron in her classes since he was a freshman. She described him as passionate, humble and caring. Aaron wants to major in biology and eventually have a career in scientific research. He admits to entering high school with low self-worth but was able to find his way through biology thanks to Padron’s motivation. He said that was a lesson that he will take to college as it helped him realize he could turn things around with the right positive mindset. “One of the things that impresses me about Aaron is his ability at helping other people,” his father said.

Tahquitz High School recognized David Lieras for December. His English teacher Molly Otis shared one of his quotes, which she says David writes to help motivate others. “You can do anything you put your mind to. Whatever you want you can get it. Work hard. Never give up. Set goals and live up to them.” Otis said, “This young man totally represents Tahquitz Pride.” David said some of his contributions to his school and community have been demonstrating good citizenship to his peers and being an active student. He is looking forward to becoming an electrician and plans to attend San Joaquin Valley College to pursue that goal. “There have always been many obstacles that have shaped my life,” David said. “However, one that has challenged me day by day was losing my beautiful mom. And though she may not be here today, it makes me more determined to keep pushing and pursuing for her.”

Kimberly Montanez Quintanilla was Hemet High School’s choice for December. An active member of the school’s vet science program and FFA, she feels the greatest contribution she has given to her community, school and family is her inclination to help and her empathy. “Everywhere I go, I never hesitate to agree to help,” Kimberly said. “I plan on giving back to my community by volunteering at animal shelters.” Her career plan is to be admitted to the animal science program at Cal Poly Pomona followed by admission to UC, Davis’ School of Veterinary Medicine to earn her doctorate degree, with the goal of becoming a small animal veterinarian.

Adanesne Carrasco Soto from San Jacinto High School was singled out for this month’s honor. She could not be present at the event as she was in the hospital undergoing a week long chemo treatment for Ewing’s Sarcoma, which she was diagnosed with in September. She was able to attend via Zoom and said, “I was given life-changing news,” Ada said. “After a while I accepted my new path, the path that would be taking me away from everything I knew and was known for: school and sports.” Principal Courtney Hall said Ada has had to face incredible obstacles throughout her life that would be crippling to most people. “She, however, persists and she does it with a smile and optimism like none I have ever experienced before.” That persistence has allowed Ada to continue to achieve academically and earn her high school diploma early. “One of Ada’s goals is to inspire people and we all want her to know that she has far exceeded that goal and that she inspires us every day,” Hall said. With aspirations of becoming a registered nurse, Ada shared her favorite quote which she said has kept her going since she first heard it while in middle school: “She believed she could and so she did.”

Mountain View High School selected Derin Ramos for being involved in his school through ASB. His future plan is to enlist in the United States Army after graduation. He wants to work in the medical field while serving in the military and then pursue that as a career after he returns to civilian life. He also has an interest in engineering and starting his own business someday. Derin said an important life lesson he has learned is to make smart choices as to who you have around you as they can be negative or positive influences. He credits his stepfather with showing him the right way to live. Derin also gave “a big thank you to all the sponsors for giving me this opportunity and helping me let my name be known.” Principal Ken Swanson said Derin is a great role model for the other students on campus as he is “very friendly and accepts people the way they come.”

Zermeno asked all the students to stand and be applauded for their accomplishments. “I think many components make us who we are and the most important is what’s in here, our hearts, and every student here today shares that,” she said. “Education’s important and our health is important but having a heart and helping others makes a huge difference.”

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

Diane A. Rhodes

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“It’s important for us to see the families that are receiving these meals,” Soboba Foundation President Dondi Silvas said. “It’s easy to give but to volunteer to help means so much more. We are grateful for all the help we had at both locations. I would like to give a special thanks to our sponsorship coordinator Andrew Vallejos for organizing these two events. It was great to see Tribal Executive Officer Steven Estrada along with Tribal Administration employee and Tribal member Lynn Saenz. Soboba Casino Resort’s Assistant General manager and Tribal member Jason Cozart and some of his team members were also there to volunteer their time, which was great.”

Tribal members who joined in the giveaway for the first time were Wade Abbas and Dione Kitchen. Soboba Foundation board members, such as Secretary Antonia Briones-Venegas, readily gave their time to the cause and some brought along family members to help as well. Pitching in were Treasurer Julie Arrietta-Parcero and her husband Albert Parcero, Vice President Catherine “Cat” Modesto and her husband Ray Godinez and President Dondi Silvas with her son Joseph Burton. Also assisting, representing the Foundation and Soboba Tribal Council, were Treasurer Daniel Valdez and Chairman Isaiah Vivanco.

Modesto said she likes to help others. “It’s all about being able to bless people who don’t have much, giving back and working together for your community,” she said. “Everyone here has a smile on their face; it’s a good feeling. I’m grateful we are blessed enough to be able to bless others.”

The overwhelming message from those who were recipients of Soboba’s generosity was “thanks for giving” as 2,000 families throughout the San Jacinto Valley were treated to a turkey and all the fixings needed for a robust Thanksgiving Day feast. In addition to those with children attending schools at either of the valley’s districts, all charter schools as well as Valley Community Pantry and Noli Indian School students from non-gaming tribal families received the same abundant meal makings.

Each identified family received a 22-pound turkey, cornbread stuffing, and cans of roasted turkey gravy, whole kernel golden fancy corn, cut green beans, cut yams and jellied cranberry sauce. A large package of seasoned mashed potatoes, dinner rolls and a thaw and serve pumpkin pie completed each meal.

More than 100 volunteers started arriving at San Jacinto High School’s parking lot at least an hour before the giveaway event to prepare. Pallets of items were stacked high as helpers wheeled carts by each one in an assembly-line fashion to expedite distribution. Personnel from each site within the district set up a greeting line to welcome each vehicle and accept their voucher upon arrival. Some helpers, such as SJUSD Superintendent Dave Pyle, directed traffic throughout the afternoon.

“I don’t think the timing could be any better, this is a great sendoff for the holiday week,” Pyle said. “Soboba is an incredible partner to work with, such a powerful community partner and so giving.”

Vince Record was volunteering while wearing many hats, as a SJUSD employee, Hemet San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce chairman and a longtime resident.

“It’s awesome to have this donation from Soboba; it’s staggering how much food they give out,” he said. “Seeing people who are helping to give out the food get as much pleasure as the ones receiving it is very rewarding. A lot of families are going to have a great meal this year.”

SJUSD’s Director of Nutrition Services Tammy White oversaw the operation of about 30 workers from her department who had already worked a full day but stayed on to help distribute the food.

“We had a new employee say they had never seen a turnout of volunteers like this,” she said. “It’s something we know but it’s nice to hear someone express it. Everybody is having a good time and is thankful for each other and thankful to Soboba for all the food they provide.”

Carla Adame, Family & Community Engagement Specialist at the SJUSD Parent Center, worked closely with the schools to identify the families most in need. “First and foremost, Soboba continues to think of us and we’re super grateful for that. Look at all these families that don’t have to worry about where their Thanksgiving dinner will come from. This is such a feel-good event and so much fun after what we’ve all been through with (pandemic) closures and everything.”

At HUSD on Nov. 20, Emily Shaw was helping coordinate the drive-through giveaway. As the district’s Parent Resource Center’s director of wellness and community outreach, she was directly involved with referrals that came in for this year’s meal distribution.

“This is an amazing opportunity that Soboba offers us,” Shaw said. Along with families that picked up their meals, about 80 meals were delivered to HUSD students in outlying areas such as Idyllwild and Anza.

Parent Engagement Specialist Miriam Ortiz said there are a lot of unique situations in the community which makes her even more grateful for the Soboba sponsorship, allowing the district to use its resources in other much-needed ways. “Their support allows for us to do more with what we have and use our resources in a creative way,” she said. “I find it difficult to disconnect when I hear about some of the situations our students are in, but I find myself amazed by many of our families’ resilient attitudes.”

Organized a bit differently than the prior day, HUSD’s nutrition center had pre-packaged boxes of all non-perishable items ready for pick up. Warehouse manager Sonny Rachunok made sure helpers had full pallets of boxes to put in the trunks or back seats of vehicles as they passed through the double pick-up lines set up around canopies where volunteers assembled. Frozen items were kept inside refrigerated trucks until needed.

HUSD Public Information Officer Alexandrea Sponheim said aside from many volunteers provided by Soboba and its entities, there were about 10 from HUSD management and 10 from admin services as well as about eight from nutrition services and 15 parent liaisons from school sites. Additionally, six security workers were on traffic duty and other community members joined in throughout the three-hour event.

“We are so thankful to Soboba for the donations to make this happen,” Sponheim said. “This is not just about San Jacinto Unified or Hemet Unified, it’s about everyone wrapping their arms around our families.”

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The fundraising event will be Friday, May 7, 2021 at Lemongrass Asian Cuisine, 3376 Wentworth Dr., Hemet where donors can pick up meals chosen in advance from a nine entre menu. Lemongrass is owned by Tu Thien Uong who has made a commitment to, “Serving organic produce from local farms and fresh natural ingredients including local and natural meats.”

Tu says the dinners will also include “An additional meal of ½ lb. Cajun Shrimp compliments of Lemongrass’ new seafood restaurant opening soon.”

Healthy Valley Foundation supports a variety of projects which benefit the citizens of the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley.

Foundation President, Bruce Wallis, laid out the tremendous impact the Foundation is making on the Valley, “In the past few years, Healthy Valley Foundation has contributed thousands of dollars to support or underwrite projects such as fitness and exercise equipment at multiple Valley Wide Parks • Hemet Center Against Sexual Assault Programs (C.A.S.A.) • Mt. San Jacinto College • Scholarships for Health Professional Studies • Hemet Hospice Volunteers • EXCEED • EEK Fitness • Boy Scouts of America 3 Peaks Division • V.I.P. Tots • Fingerprints Kids Museum • State of the Art Fitness Center San Jacinto High School • BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) Program at Hemet Union School District • • Exercise equipment for Healthy Living Project at Tahquitz High School and most recently providing restaurant meals to first responders during the pandemic.”

Wallis continues about this year’s Fundraiser, “With the help and support of the community, Healthy Valley Foundation is already planning new projects and contributions that promote healthy living in our beautiful valley.”

To find out more about Healthy Valley Foundation, visit healthyvalleyfoundation.com.

Cindy Thompson • Contributed

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Su’la Arviso is a sophomore at San Jacinto High School and current president of the school’s Four Directions Native American Club. She was singled out for her leadership in honor and celebration of Native American Heritage Month.

“Su’la is part of the reason we took a group of our San Jacinto leaders to visit the Soboba Reservation and learned from the Soboba Cultural Department on the unique aspects of their culture,” Smith said. “This included, but wasn’t limited to food, traditions and government. Su’la contacted the Soboba Tribal Council and made the proposal for the visit and she contacted the Cultural Department to organize it.”

SJUSD Superintendent Dave Pyle said it was his first “official” field trip since joining the team in San Jacinto and was thankful for the opportunity.

“I couldn’t think of a more important place and such a wonderful time to visit and to hear from not only one of our students but many of our members,” he said.

Su’la has been with the Four Directions club for two years, serving as its secretary when she as a freshman. However, she founded the club at Estudillo Elementary when she was in fifth grade.

The club’s mission is to promote more cultural appreciation within San Jacinto High School and the district, to help non-native and Native American students expand their knowledge about the Native American culture/problems and to prove Native American kids can make a difference within the community.

“Personally, my favorite goal is the first one; it lets me make that connection with the school district and the kids here,” Su’la said. “Because not a lot of people know of the Native culture, I’m just proud to share it and share who I am.”

Working closely with the high school’s 35 club members, Su’la has helped keep things active despite the inability to have regular in-person meetings or large events.

“The most recent activity we had was a handful of us were picked to help prepare Thanksgiving food boxes for those in need within the district,” said Su’la, 15. “I am currently trying to organize a day where the younger Four Directions club members (at other schools) can join us and ask questions or just get to know each other.”

Jesse Spriggs teaches Social Science at San Jacinto High and is serving as the club’s advisor for his third year. He said the past year has made it very difficult to execute any activities for any clubs.

“In the past, the club performed Native dancing and exhibitions on campus (this would be what stands out to me as the most effective for awareness), community clean-ups, and Native issues postings,” Spriggs said.

Su’la said participating in those events during Native American Heritage Month in 2019 was the most fun.

“Every Friday of November during both lunches, we either had Wayne Nelson and his singers or other bird singers come and sing/dance a couple songs for us,” she said. “Tekla Diaz, me and a couple girls I dance with put on a Fancy Shawl exhibition, which consisted of crow hop, double beat, straight step, and lastly round dance. At the end, students at the high school could come out and dance with us to a round dance song, since it’s the song of friendship.”

Spriggs said there are multiple reasons why he accepted the responsibility to advise the Four Directions club. “First, and overall, I totally understand the hardships and atrocities suffered by First Peoples; therefore, I would like the students to have a voice and feel included in society,” he said. “Secondly, I grew up with Native kids back in Northern Virginia where I was born and raised. These were my friends plus east coast school systems have a heavy curriculum in Native studies. Lastly, I earned my bachelor’s degree in sociology at California State University at San Bernardino. There I continue my studies of Native history with elective courses. In addition, I served as a professor’s assistant to Dr. James Fenelon who is of the Lakota Nation. He is not only a great mentor but a good friend as well. I knew that I was going to get involved with Native affairs once I started teaching.”

Su’la said she was proud to be publicly recognized for her efforts at the recent board meeting. “Just seeing that the school district is trying to make that connection with their Native students and acknowledge our presence makes me even happier and prouder about myself and my culture,” she said. She added that the club’s purpose is to advocate for Native American and any Indigenous students/people’s agendas and to offer social gatherings where students can immerse themselves in First People’s culture and student camaraderie. Any student is welcome to join the club.

“Su’la is very active outside of the club,” Spriggs said. “I have witnessed her display great pride and talent in her cultural traditions.”

Her mom, Melissa Vera said, “She continues to make us proud with all she does. We have no doubt that she will reach her goal to be on Soboba Tribal Council one day as an adult.”

Sherry Smith continued the evening’s recognitions by acknowledging Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, Vice Chair Geneva Mojado, Secretary Monica Herrera, Treasurer Sally Moreno-Ortiz and Sergeant at Arms Daniel Valdez plus Soboba Foundation President Dondi Silvas, Vice President Jacob Briones, Secretary Michelle Modesto, Treasurer Julie Parcero and Sponsorship Coordinator Andrew Vallejos for their generous efforts during the holidays.

“There are no words to express our gratitude of our collaboration and partnership with you to make this valley the best place it can be,” Smith said.

She cited the recent contribution of 1,000 turkey dinners for the Thanksgiving holiday and 1,000 toys and gift cards donated from the Soboba Gives Back! Toy Drive to families with children attending SJUSD schools. She said that while this year’s event couldn’t be held in the same style as previous years with a long line of community volunteers unstuffing the bus filled with toys, Christmas carols blaring from loud speakers and hot cocoa for all guests, Soboba didn’t disappoint.

“They came out in force and helped us find an alternative way to impact and help our families,” Smith said. Along with certificates of appreciation, she noted that a perpetual plaque will stay at the school board room and the years will be added as the partnership between Soboba and the district continues to deepen and strengthen. “On behalf of the Tribe and the Foundation, we appreciate the recognition and the honor,” Vivanco said. “It’s something we really enjoy doing – giving back to the community. The idea came out of our office to expand upon what we’ve done in the past and Andrew and the Foundation team really took off with it and you’ve seen the outcome. We are honored to be in a position to help out when we can. I know it’s been a trying year for everyone, and I know it just meant that much more for everyone to receive these meals at this time. It’s something we are pretty proud to participate in.”

Vivanco also thanked all the school district staff and volunteers that came out to help distribute the turkey dinners.

“There were hundreds out there helping and it made things that much easier,” he said. “I really appreciate it and I know the Foundation and Council appreciate the support while working together to make something like this happen and go so smoothly. It was a true community effort.”

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

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An old tradition that has been forgotten

I remember growing up the idea of having to complete community service to graduate high school was passed around by classmates. My Mom told me that all of the volunteer work I did at the church we attended counted, and I logged those hours and turned them into my school. When I graduated, I was honored with an award and acknowledged as the “Riverside County Golden Citizen” award. It was cool to know that all of my volunteer work meant something. Come to find out it wasn’t a requirement that I had to do community service, it was more of a suggestion, but I learned a lot from it. Passing out toys to the less fortunate at Christmas time, turkey during Thanksgiving, Community Clean up days where we just walked around the town picking up trash, volunteering in children’s ministries and so much more. They taught me the value of helping people and to always respect where other people come from because not everyone has the same struggle.

Community service requirements date back to the late 70’s various school districts have approached it differently over the years, and nothing has seemed to stick. Is requiring students to complete a certain amount of hours of community service to graduate a dated idea? Or do you think it could be beneficial to our community? In our last Question For The Community, we had an excellent response and conversations with many of you! This will become a bi-weekly article. In between weeks, we will print answers from the community about the previous week’s questions. So don’t be shy, let your opinion be heard. The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle cares about your opinion and would love to print some of the answers if you would like your response printed, please email VCsportsKyle@gmail.com

I think that community service should be a requirement to graduate. However, I feel like the school should regulate it. How would this work? I feel like kids these days would benefit in a two-semester elective course called Life Skills/Community Outreach in semester one they would learn about things like Paying Taxes, How To Register A Vehicle, How To Make A Resume and other things that will help prepare you for life after High School. In semester two, the class will plan and organize a community service project. This project can be big or small. Students will be graded on attendance and participation. I feel like a class like this will help prepare students for life after school and help show them the benefit of giving back to the community. The position of the classes could even be flipped if the school district felt like that was a better idea. Either way, our community and students at the local high schools could benefit from the idea of a community service class.

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