south tahoe middle school

Smell of gas at South Tahoe Middle School leads to evacuation of students

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A leaking regulator on the gas meter on the South Lake Middle School boiler led to an evacuation of the school Thursday morning.

At 9:34 a.m., South Tahoe Fire Rescue responded along with Southwest Gas to the school on Lake Tahoe Boulevard. The students and staff evacuated in the process.

South Tahoe Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Jay Manning said these regulators go out on a regular basis and get replaced. He said there was a faint smell of gas. Southwest Gas was called and they advised the school to evacuate as a precaution.

200 people, young to old, joined Global Climate Strike in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As the Global Climate Strike was taking place around the world will millions of people participating, approximately 200 people in South Lake Tahoe held their own on the shores of Lake Tahoe at Lakeview Commons.

Several speakers addressed the crowd, one bigger than organizers imagined.

"This is a fantastic turnout," said organizer Stephen Wright of South Lake Tahoe. "Kids even left school."

Wright was referring to a group of students who walked from South Tahoe High to Lakeview Commons (a 4-mile trek) to join in.

Lake Valley Fire concerned with repopulation of Sierra House Elementary

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There continue to be harsh words aimed at Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Superintendent Dr. James Tarwater over his handling of the fire, reconstruction and now repopulation of Sierra House Elementary.

Last minute touches being done as Sierra House Elementary prepares to open Monday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Students at Sierra House Elementary School will be walking through the doors of their school for the first time this year, two weeks after the rest of those in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District.

When a fire damaged the school in November 2018, little did anyone know that it would take almost 10 months to reopen.

Barton Foundation awards $50,000 to groups focused on community's health needs

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Fifteen local health programs offered by nonprofits and agencies in the South Lake Tahoe area have been awarded grants by the Barton Foundation. A total of $50,000 was distributed among the groups to aid in their efforts to address the community’s most pressing health issues.

During the 2018 Barton Community Health Needs Assessment, the top health issues identified in the South Lake Tahoe community were access to care, mental health, and substance abuse.

Backpack giveaway to 80 TRiO ETS students at STMS Kickstart Day

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Backpacks stuffed with needed supplies will be given away to the first 80 students to turn in a completed application for the first time with TRiO ETS in grades six to eight at South Tahoe Middle School.

This 2nd annual Backpack Giveaway is on Thursday, August 22 during the school's Kickstart day from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During Kickstart, students will also be getting their class schedules, class pictures, photo I.D. and much more.

Sierra House Elementary not opening on the first day of school August 26

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The first day of school has been pushed out until September 9 for all of the students at Sierra House Elementary School. South Tahoe Now had spoken to the school district on Wednesday and at that time they were still hoping to have the school open by August 26.

Crews working to get Sierra House Elementary open by start of school

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A fire at Sierra House Elementary School on November 11, 2018, caused extensive damage and forced students to spend the school year at other campuses in South Lake Tahoe - 4th and 5th graders at South Tahoe Middle School and K-3 at the old Al Tahoe campus. With the beginning of school just around the corner, crews have been beefed up and are working overtime to try and get the doors open for all students on August 26.

South Tahoe Middle School holding "Kickstart" day for all students

Event Date: 
August 22, 2019 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With the start of the new school year rapidly approaching, students are not only getting their back to school shopping, but they are also wondering who their teachers will be, what buses to ride, and other important information.

South Tahoe Middle School is holding "Kickstart" on Thursday, August 22. It will be a day dedicated to giving out class schedules, taking school pictures, getting identification cards and tables full of information from the school and community for students and parents.

Small South Lake Tahoe fire spotted from Nevada Beach

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A person sitting on Nevada Beach Thursday morning saw a stream of smoke coming from the California side of the lake and called the fire department just before 10:00 a.m. The caller thought there was fire along the beach in South Lake Tahoe so a search began for the source. Other calls went into dispatch and the fire turned out to be on a strip of land near Spruce Avenue between Peninsula and Heather Lake Roads.

The fire was put out within five minutes of the arrival of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR). An area of 20' x 20' was burned.

Special LTUSD meeting to discuss Sierra House Elementary

Event Date: 
July 5, 2019 - 2:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A special meeting of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Board of Trustees will be held on Friday at 2:00 p.m.to discuss approval of funds needed to get Sierra House Elementary opened by the beginning of the school year.

Since a Labor Day 2018 fire, the school which housed grades K-5 has been closed with students split between South Tahoe Middle School and Al Tahoe Elementary.

There have been concerns in the community the school wouldn't be ready to open in August.

LTUSD Superintendent Dr. Jim Tarwater announces retirement

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Superintendent Dr. James Tarwater of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) has announced he'll retire in one year.

Dr. Tarwater has been with LTUSD since 2005.

During their last meeting on June 11, the Board concluded its annual evaluation of Dr. Tarwater's performance. Though details of that evaluation are not available, they extended his contract one extra year until 2022 until they were notified of his notice of retirement.

At their June 25 meeting, the Board is scheduled to accept his retirement.

South Lake Tahoe group collecting items for migrant children in Tijuana

Event Date: 
June 19, 2019 - 5:00pm

A group of locals from South Lake Tahoe are leaving town next weekend with backpacks filled with stuffed animals, toys, books, art supplies and more that will go to migrant children living with their families in shelters in Tijuana.

John Friedrich, his wife Kim and daughter Rosie will be going to Mexico joined by another local, Joanna Lilly, with the collected items. They've had help from the Bijou Community School PTA and South Tahoe Middle School (STMS) Spanish Teacher Krissi Russell.

17 set to retire from Lake Tahoe Unified School District with 465 years of combined service

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Eleven teachers and six instructional and library assistants are retiring this year from Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD). Together they have worked in education for 465 years.

Bike Rodeo in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
June 8, 2019 - 7:00pm

The Kiwanis Club of Tahoe Sierra in conjunction with the El Dorado County Sheriff's office, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, Lake Valley Fire Department, South Lake Tahoe Fire Department, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, California Highway Patrol, Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition and Blue Zone Sports will be hosting a bike rodeo at South Tahoe Middle School on Saturday June 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Kudos: Bread & Broth thanks STMS Club Live

Thanks to the leadership of Club Live’s advisor, Larry Lambdin, South Tahoe Middle School students have the opportunity to experience leadership events, participate in community service projects and enjoy recreational trips all focused on providing safe and high energy alternative activities.

14th annual Tahoe Bike Challenge June 1-14

It appears Mother Nature will be offering some great biking weather for the hundreds of participants in the 14th annual Tahoe Bike Challenge June 1 - 14. The two-week basin-wide event is a team-based challenge to encourage everyone to ride and experience the benefits and joys of cycling.

The event is co-sponsored by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition/

South Shore students receive awards from Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra (SITS) awarded $12,700 in awards and scholarships on Thursday to students from South Tahoe High, Whittell High, Mt. Tallac High, and South Tahoe Middle School. The students and their families were treated to breakfast as the awards were given to the deserving students.

George Whittell High School Most Improved Eighth Grade Students
Faith Alvarez, James Johnson

South Tahoe Middle School Most Improved Eighth Grade Students
Victoria Capilla, Anthomy Navarro Rodriguiez

City of South Lake Tahoe settles with fire engine manufacturer, gets $1.775M

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Since its arrival, the 2013 model Ferrara ladder truck the City of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) purchased has been been a "lemon," and now they have reached a settlement with the manufacturer, Ferrara Fire Apparatus of Holden, Louisiana.

In 2014, City of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) took possession of a 2013 model Ferrara ladder truck at the tune of almost $1,050,000. It was purchased to replace the aging ladder truck SLTFR had from 1982 and was paid for with funds from California sales tax money devoted to public safety.

Airport Way renamed "Lisa Maloff Way" in honor of her numerous contributions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In honor of Mrs. Lisa Maloff's numerous contributions to our community, today the South Lake Tahoe City Council officially renamed a street after her, and issued a proclamation.

In this proclamation, the City extended to Lisa and Robert "Bob" Maloff their appreciation and gratitude for the numerous donations made to the local community. Her philanthropic donations have forever changed the community and her donations
throughout the medical, education, field sports, and family services will touch generations of Lake Tahoe residents.

Grant applications being accepted for $50,000 in funding to improve community health

The Barton Foundation will be awarding $50,000 in grant funding to improve community health across the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. As part of Barton Health’s commitment to community health and collaboration, these annual grants provides funding for programs and services that positively impact the health of the local community. Applications are now being accepted through May 31, 2019. Grant criteria and the application can be found online at bartonhealth.org/foundation/grants. For more information, contact Tania Pilkinton at 530.543.5614.

Viking Corner: This Week at South Tahoe High

With only two months until summer, South Tahoe High School is getting ready for end-of-year school spirit activities and dances. Students also took the time to prepare for tonight’s Black Light Dance and celebrate Earth Day.

On Campus
This week, students went online to select their schedule for next year.

Black Light Dance is in the student union 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. tonight. Before the dance, the Black Light Rally is being held in the school’s gym at noon.

Harrah’s Casino hosted a job fair Tuesday for students interested in summer jobs.

Just in time for spring sprucing: The Lake Tahoe Home & Garden Show

The annual Lake Tahoe Home and Garden Show will be held on Friday, April 26, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The show will be staged in the South Tahoe Middle School Multi-Purpose Room. Use the Al Tahoe Boulevard entrance between the bus garage and track.

Admission to this show is FREE, and free door prize drawings will be held every twenty minutes with prizes going to show attendees.

This year's vendors:

GOLD Sponsor, USA BATH
Baxter’s Bargains
Bear Busters
BeautiControl
BRH Construction
Chalk Couture
Chicken in a Barrel

Autism awareness event to be held in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
April 30, 2019 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In honor of National Autism Awareness Month there is an event on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 to not only bring awareness of autism to the community with a panel discussion, but to celebrate with a silent auction, games, and food. "An Evening With Autism" will be held in the South Tahoe Middle School Multi-Purpose Room from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Community wildfire evacuation and preparedness meeting

Event Date: 
April 25, 2019 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The threat of wildland fires grows in California and the Lake Tahoe Basin every year. They are becoming larger, more destructive and deadly than ever before. Do you know what to do in case of fire?

The public needs to be prepared when wildfire strikes. The Camp Fire in November 2018 was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history to date. It burned 153,336 acres, destroyed 18,804 buildings and killed 85 people. The center of that fire was Paradise, California, They had held city-wide fire drills and appeared to be prepared.

Lake Tahoe Home and Garden Show

Event Date: 
April 27, 2019 - 10:00am

The annual Lake Tahoe Home and Garden Show will be held on Friday, April 26, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The show will be staged in the South Tahoe Middle School Multi-Purpose Room, behind the bus garage and next to the track, entrance off Al Tahoe Blvd.

Admission to this show is FREE, and free door prize drawings will be held every twenty minutes with prizes going to show attendees.

30th annual Elegant Evening silent auction begins: Just 35 tickets remain for event

Event Date: 
April 13, 2019 - 5:30pm

The 30th annual Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra's (SITS) Elegant Evening is just one week away. On Saturday, April 13 join over 400 over your friends at the special event which includes dancing, a sit-down dinner, wine and vodka tasting, a silent auction, Elegant Business Baskets and their signature Elegant Bags. It takes place at Harrah's Tahoe from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (and free self-parking validation).

Challenge Day at STMS and STHS: "Life-changing"

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In a world where youth are faced with continued bullying on social media and at school, and where they feel disconnected and unsafe, a program continues to be offered to South Lake Tahoe students to change the direction of negative outcomes.

Imagine a school where everyone feels safe, loved and celebrated. Imagine enemies finding common ground and making peace; friends healing past hurts and making amends; people igniting their passion for service and leadership; adults and youth working together to create a school where everyone is included and thrives.

Kudos: Drug Store Project appreciates help from the community

Tahoe is a glorious place. Most of us come here to live in its beauty, but it’s the “community” that keeps so many of us here. It’s that sense of doing good for one another that keeps many of us hopeful about the future. I’m happily involved in different aspects of our community and that part of my life is why I feel so grateful and blessed. Tuesday’s Drug Store Project for our sixth-grade youth was a testament to the compassion and dedication of our agencies, businesses, service clubs, and community members for the good of its people.

16th annual Drug Store Project in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Tuesday, April 2, 325 6th graders from South Tahoe Middle School, Zephyr Cove Elementary School and home-schooled youth, will spend the day at Lake Tahoe Community College going through the 16th annual Drug Store Project.

Since 2004, middle school students in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) have gone through the Drug Store Project (DSP), a day-long comprehensive drug prevention program designed to educate youth about the dangers of substance use and abuse.

Tahoe Arts Project brings Hip Hop Fundamentals to town

Event Date: 
March 29, 2019 - 7:00pm

Hip Hop Fundamentals, an award-winning team of diverse professional Breakdancers dedicated to Hip Hop Education, are heading to South Lake Tahoe courtesy of the Tahoe Arts Project.

They are the world’s only Breakdance education company combining academic and social content with the world’s most dynamic dance form. They'll be in local schools starting March 25 and ending their stay with a free public performance on Friday, March 29 with a 7:00 p.m. show in the South Tahoe Middle School gym.

Bijou Community School taking steps to become 100% two-way immersion

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's been twelve years since Bijou Community School in South Lake Tahoe started offering two-way immersion classes where students become bilingual and learn Spanish and English in their daily work.

South Lake Tahoe women celebrated with awards from Soroptimist of Tahoe Sierra

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Six women were honored this week by the Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra (SITS) club for their work in the community.

Ruby Award - An award created in honor of the first Soroptimist Federation President, Ruby Lee Minar. The gemstone ruby is associated with wisdom, importance, vitality, strength, power, and love. This year's recipient is Amy Jackson, someone who is always working for the future of Tahoe's youth in education, sports, and life

South Tahoe Little League and Babe Ruth tryouts

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Play Ball! There is still a few feet on top of the baseball diamonds but its never too early to plan baseball tryouts.

South Tahoe Little League

Player evaluations/tryouts will be held in March and those playing have to choose one of the following dates. Arrive 30- 45 minutes prior to the listed start time to sign in and warm up:

Friday, March 15 (sign-ins will start at 5 p.m. this day) - 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 16 - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 17 - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Lake Tahoe Home and Garden Show

Event Date: 
April 26, 2019 - 4:00pm

The annual Lake Tahoe Home and Garden Show will be held on Friday, April 26, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The show will be staged in the South Tahoe Middle School Multi-Purpose Room, behind the bus garage and next to the track, entrance off Al Tahoe Blvd.

Admission to this show is FREE, and free door prize drawings will be held every twenty minutes with prizes going to show attendees.

Sierra House Elementary students move to full-day schedules at STMS/Al Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Since a fire destroyed a section of Sierra House Elementary on November 11, 2018, students and staff have been dealing with the smoke damage, relocation, and minimum school days.

Just before the winter break classes were held at the Al Tahoe Elementary school site, home of the Boys & Girls Club, but that plan will now change starting January 14, 2018.

South Lake Tahoe prepares for SnowGlobe - Important road closure and noise information

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Thousands of music fans and dozens of performers are headed to South Lake Tahoe for the 8th annual SnowGlobe Music Festival from December 29-31. Before they get here, hundreds of workers are spending many hours preparing the scene from the delivery and installation of stages, tents, electrical cables, ski jumps, trailers, vehicles and port-a-potties.

Vail Resorts gives $1.9M to 93 Tahoe-Truckee area nonprofits

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During their annual community grant EpicPromise celebration, 93 local nonprofits were awarded a total of $1.9 million in cash as well as additional in-kind product support. Across the company, Vail Resorts will give $11.4 million in support to more than 250 community non-profits over the upcoming year.

Each year Vail gives away money and product to groups serving the communities they have resorts located. For Kirkwood, Heavenly and Northstar, support was given to support the health and resilience of the Truckee and South Lake Tahoe communities.

South Lake Tahoe youth fundraising for dogs and cats

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Four local young ladies are continuing to help the South Lake Tahoe community with their fundraising efforts to help different needs on the South Shore.

For the 2018 Christmas season Maiella and Milan Riva, Lily Demus and Simone Sitchon will be collecting items and money to help both Lake Tahoe Humane Society and El Dorado County Animal Shelter.

Last year the four girls collected clothing and toys for local foster youth and in 2016 they collected gloves, hats, socks, coats, and thermals for the Tahoe Warm Room.

South Lake Tahoe man arrested after allegedly selling marijuana to middle school students

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A South Lake Tahoe man was arrested on November 14, 2018 after concerned parents alerted the police department about pot being sold to children at South Tahoe Middle School.

Gary Frega, 56, has been charged with selling marijuana to students as young as 13-years-old and is currently in the El Dorado County Jail on a $50,000 bail hold.

A Veteran’s Musical Tribute in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
November 7, 2018 - 6:30pm

THe Lake Tahoe Unified School District Performing Arts Department presents A
Veteran’s Musical Tribute on Wednesday November 7, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. in the South Tahoe Middle School multi-purpose room.

This free concert is a wonderful tribute to our men and women who have served or are currently serving our country in the various branches of the military. We would like to invite all veterans and their families to attend our concert to honor and thank them for their brave and selfless duty.

Director and staff sought for spring musical at South Tahoe Middle School

Do you love the theater? Do you enjoy working with youth? The Tahoe Arts Project (TAP) is seeking a director, technical director, music director and choreographer for their spring South Tahoe Middle School musical theater performance.

Rehearsals will begin in February, and the musical production will be held in May. The performers will have rehearsals immediately after school at STMS, 2 - 3 days per week.

A stipend will be offered for each position.

If you're interested in this opportunity, please send an email noting your specific

Letter: The 16th annual Drug Store Project needed now more than ever.

What rattles our communities across our nation to their core? Drug abuse. Approximately 100 people each day die from drug overdoses. Whole industries of products and programs are being developed to combat this problem. Every day more grandparents are now “parenting” their grandchildren so they can be raised in a stable and healthy environment. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs is costing our Nation over $740 billion annually in costs related to crime, lost work productivity and health care.

It's back to school for South Shore students

It's back to school from youth at the south end of Lake Tahoe on Monday, August 27. Both Lake Tahoe Unified School Distrist and Douglas County School District open their doors and welcome back students for the 2018/19 school year.

All school offices are open and available to help with registration and scheduling needs and to pick up schedules.

Lisa Maloff pledges money to get STEAM and gardening programs for LTUSD

Mrs. Lisa Maloff, the Angel of Tahoe, has offered a generous donation for STEAM and Garden Education for Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD). In the works since April, the LTUSD Board of Trustees today heard plans from two parents who have been working on the donation and ideas for implementation of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) and gardening education in all South Lake Tahoe schools.

Bike challenge week riders pedal 11,215 miles and save $2,493 in gas purchases

During the first two weeks of June, participants in the 13th annual Lake Tahoe Bike Challenge traveled 11,215 miles on foot or on bicycle, burning an estimated 482,245 calories and preventing an estimated 12,105 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions and $2,493 in gasoline purchases.

Organized by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition, the basin-wide Bike Challenge is a friendly competition to see what individuals and teams can rack up the most trips and miles by biking, walking, or taking transit instead of driving cars.

Missoula Children’s Theatre auditions for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Event Date: 
July 9, 2018 - 10:00am

The Tahoe Arts Project is bringing the Missoula Children’s Theatre back to South Lake Tahoe next week and there are rolls for 50-60 local students in grades 1-12. This year they will be rehearsing and performing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Its a whirlwind week with auditions are on Monday, July 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (some cast members will rehearse right after auditions, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m). Practices are held Tuesday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and the shows are on Friday, July 13 at 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

"Angel of Tahoe" Lisa Maloff continues to spread joy in South Lake Tahoe

Philanthropist Lisa Maloff, better known as the “Angel of Tahoe,” is once again making a contribution that will enrich opportunities for students in South Lake Tahoe. Maloff donated $25,000 to South Tahoe High School’s Performing Arts Booster Association, PABA, for the purchase of new musical instruments for Lake Tahoe Unified School District.

Maloff’s generous donation will be distributed evenly between South Tahoe High School, South Tahoe Middle School, and the four elementary school music programs.

Children's summer food program starts Wednesday in South Lake Tahoe

The 2018 Bread & Broth 4 Kids Summer Program will once again serve the children in the community with food beginning June 20, thanks to generous donations from the community and Vail Resorts. Food will be available at three South Lake Tahoe locations every Wednesday through August 22.

AAUW South Lake Tahoe sponsors Tech Trek campers

The South Lake Tahoe branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), recently awarded three sponsorships to a week-long STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) focused Tech Trek Camp on the UC Davis campus in July. The winners are Kyla Schrauben, Daniela Bonilla, and Evelyn Bennett  All three girls are from South Tahoe Middle School, with an alternate, Mia Roper, chosen from Whittell.

These girls who are entering 8th grade next September were nominated by their science/math teachers and selected following a personal interview.

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