As the new school year approaches, Clark County School District is preparing for the arrival of new staff and students. Principal Chris Jenkins announced that five new staff members will join Joseph Bowler Elementary School on August 31, with returning licensed staff starting on September 7. Students are set to begin classes on September 12, following an open house event on September 8, designed to familiarize families with the school environment.

A notable addition to the curriculum this year is a new humanities position focused on teaching Spanish to students in a six-day rotation. This initiative aims to enhance bilingual skills among students, providing valuable language exposure from an early age. The hiring process for the Spanish instructor is ongoing, with plans for students to start with basic conversational phrases.

In staffing updates, Jenkins welcomed Summer Whitney as the new assistant principal, following the departure of Sarah Donald. The school anticipates an enrollment increase, projecting between 520 to 540 students, up from last year's 520. Jenkins expressed optimism about future growth as new housing developments in the area may attract more families.

Despite the positive outlook, Jenkins noted challenges in securing a licensed counselor for the school, leading to the creation of a student success advocate position to support students and teachers. The school is currently well-resourced, maintaining a favorable student-to-teacher ratio, and is prepared for potential increases in enrollment.

Overall, the school community is gearing up for an exciting year ahead, with new programs and staff aimed at enhancing the educational experience for students.