lake tahoe unified school district

Lake Tahoe Boys and Girls Club helping out Sierra House families

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One hundred percent of the operations of Sierra House Elementary have now moved over to the Al Tahoe school site (where the Lake Tahoe Boys and Girls Club is also housed) until possibly mid-February. Due to the size a split schedule is in place to accommodate the students, with some students only attending in the morning, others only in the afternoon.

The Boys and Girls Club (Club) is assisting parents with that split schedule and in partnership with Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) will be offering free programs and activities during the school day.

Dr. Stephen Bannar’s memorial service set for Wednesday

Memorial services for Dr. Stephen Banner, a popular South Lake Tahoe orthopedist who died on December 13, 2018, have been set.

On Tuesday, December 18 there will be a viewing at McFarlane Mortuary from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Then, on Wednesday, December 19, a funeral service will be held at Saint Theresa’s Parish at 10:00 a.m. with burial following at Happy Homestead at 11:15 a.m. There will be a reception following the burial at Grace Hall.

Sierra House students could have split schedule at Al Tahoe until mid-February

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The third graders from Sierra House Elementary are now at the Al Tahoe school site, and on Monday, December 17, the rest of the students will join them. At first it was believed that work could possibly be completed by the time students return to school after the holiday break but now that the hired restoration specialists are getting into the walls and ceiling the scope of work has increased.

Belfor cannot commit to the scope of work until the crews get into their job, so the plan is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. As of today, the

Some Sierra House students will move to Al Tahoe this week; rest head over Dec. 17

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is now a new plan for students at Sierra House Elementary School, one that will require some to move over to the Al Tahoe site sooner than expected.

Fire update: Sierra House Elementary to relocate all grades Dec. 17-21

After further evaluation on their school restoration and cleaning plan, Belfor has asked Sierra House Elementary to be vacant starting the week of December 17.

This access with no students or staff present will facilitate clean up and reconstruction so that the job can be completed thoroughly and with integrity by the time school resumes after the Christmas break.

In order to accommodate Belfor, Sierra House Principal Karin Holmes has let those affected they will be moving all of students and staff to Al Tahoe Elementary School (the Lake Tahoe Boy's and Girl's Club site).

Both Bijou and Magnet schools set to reopen after gas and water issues

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If unusual issues come in threes, then its now safe for schools in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD).

Following on the heels of the November 11 fire at Sierra House Elementary, two more schools in LTUSD had issues this week that caused the schools to close.

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.

Parents question safety at Sierra House Elementary after school reopens soon after fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A fire that destroyed a hallway, reading room and teacher's room on Sunday, November 11 was just seconds away from engulfing all of Sierra House Elementary. Had it not been for the quick response by Lake Valley Fire Protection District the discussion would be about replacing the 44-year-old South Lake Tahoe school rather than the processes involved to get it cleaned up and opened in just two days.

Barbara Grant ~ 1932 - 2018

It is with a mixture of sadness and rejoicing that we announce the passing of Barbara Grant from this world to her home in heaven. She enjoyed being with friends and family and always conducted herself with humility, love, and dedication to God.

Karl James Hildinger ~ 5/30/31 - 11/11/18

Karl James Hildinger was born in Danville, California on May 30, 1931. Jim passed away at home, surrounded by family, in South Lake Tahoe on November 11, 2018.

Three weeks after he was born, he was carried into Angora Lakes Resort in a Washoe papoose basket. He was a staunch environmentalist and spent his lifetime protecting and preserving Angora and the greater Lake Tahoe Basin. The Angora Lakes Resort remains in the family.

Sierra House Elementary fire caused by power cord overload

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A fire at Sierra House Elementary School on November 11, 2018 was caused by an electrical overload due to “daisy chain wiring” of two power cords in a classroom.

When firefighters from Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) arrived at the school at 9:35 p.m. they found smoke once the front doors were opened and flames observed as they turned the corner near the "upper pod" wing.

Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe signs land lease, first step for new clubhouse

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The community could see a new Boys and Girls Club in South Lake Tahoe as early as Spring 2021.

During their November 13 meeting, the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Board voted unanimously to approve a ground lease between them and the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe (BGCLT), enabling the nonprofit youth club to build on a lot owned by the district adjacent to their current location at Al Tahoe Elementary.

Multiple agencies respond to fire at Sierra House Elementary

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif - An automatic fire alarm was triggered by a fire inside Sierra House Elementary school at 9:35 p.m. Sunday, November 11, bringing out a full response from fire fighters around the lake and law enforcement.

Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) was the first on the scene and saw smoke coming from the school which is located at Pioneer Trail and Remington Trail. Once inside they found fire in what is known as the upper pod at the school.

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.

Over last 20 years, Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe donates over $1M

Through generous contributions made to the Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe (SISLT) club during their annual wine tasting events, the club has been able to give back to the local community over $1,040,822 in scholarships, awards and grants.

Two new electric school buses to be added to LTUSD fleet

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Does this bus look any different than your usual school bus? Well it is. The little turquoise bird above the door with the electric cord tells all. It is an all electric bus!

Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) received a grant earlier this year to purchase two electric school buses. Tuesday was the first test drive of the production vehicle and we expect a few more test drives this winter If all goes well LTUSD expects to have the two buses in service by next school year.

Community partners bring "Farm-to-School" program to South Lake Tahoe schools

SOUT LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It is often said, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In South Lake Tahoe, the same could be said about keeping kids healthy. October is National Farm to School Month, and in South Lake Tahoe, the UC Cooperative Extension CalFresh nutrition education program has partnered with Barton Health and Lake Tahoe Unified School District to implement Harvest of the Month, a statewide initiative that motivates students to make healthier choices and brings fresh, in season produce to all South Lake Tahoe elementary schools.

SLT City Council candidates respond to 100% Renewable Committee questions

On April 18, 2017 the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously passed a resolution to do two things: Power the South Lake Tahoe community with electricity provided from 100 percent renewable sources by 2032; and reduce community carbon emissions from baseline by at least 80 percent by 2040. The 100% Renewable Committee was formed to help the City accomplish these tasks.

Meet the Candidate: Wendy David seeks second term on South Lake Tahoe City Council

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For each of the next nine days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.

First up is Wendy David, the current mayor of South Lake Tahoe. She is seeking a second term on the Council.

Eveyone a winner as W.E. C.A.R.E Sports visits South Lake Tahoe schools

W.E. C.A.R.E. Sports has spent the week in South Lake Tahoe, visiting each elementary school thanks to a grant awarded by the Tahoe Women's Community Fund to bring the program to Lake Tahoe Unified School District.

The Oregon-based organization helps support the physical development and social-emotional tenets for young children by teaching life skills and building self-esteem.

Every child is on an equal playing field as they are introduced to unique alternative sports in a positive non-judgmental environment where everyone wins.

Candidate forum to feature 20 candidates seeking office on South Shore

Event Date: 
September 27, 2018 - 6:00pm

The South Lake Tahoe Democratic Club is hosting a candidate's forum on Thursday, September 27 at the California Conservation Corps in Meyers at 6:00 p.m.

Meet and talk to twenty candidates seeking election to South Lake Tahoe City Council, South Tahoe Public Utility Board, El Dorado County Board of Supervisors Area 5, Lake Tahoe Unified School District, Lake Tahoe Community College Board of Trustees, El Dorado County Recorder Clerk, South Lake Tahoe City Clerk and City Treasurer, and the Tahoe Paradise Improvement District Board.

El Dorado County Supervisor District 5 candidate forum

Event Date: 
September 20, 2018 - 5:30pm

Hear what the two candidates for El Dorado County District 5 Supervisor have to say during the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce (Tahoe Chamber) Candidates Forum on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Tahoe Beach Retreat in South Lake Tahoe.

"Angel of Tahoe" donates $3M to Boys and GIrls Club for new building

The "Angel of Tahoe" has struck again, this time with a $3,000,000 check for the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe (BGCLT).

On Friday, August 24, 2018, Lisa "The Angel of Tahoe" Maloff stopped by the club in South Lake Tahoe to not only present the check, but to have fun at the annual end-of-summer party she hosts.

Over 200 current, past and future club members enjoyed a marionette puppet show, the largest bounce houses in local memory, face painting, lunch, ice pops and special angel-shaped cookies by Squishiebaby Sweets in honor of Lisa and all she does for the community.

FEET Fund to help families with costs of educational trips

The "Angel of Tahoe" Lisa Maloff has made $100,000 available to students in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) to provide equitable educational trips for all students through 6th grade.

As a result, a F.E.E.T (Fulfill Equitable Educational Trips) Fund was started by a newly formed group founded by Kathy Haven.

Edgewood gives local volunteer groups over $55,000

South Shore students are the beneficiaries of funds raised during the American Century Championship (ACC) in Lake Tahoe this July. Edgewood Tahoe partnered with three local non-profits who operated concessions during the tournament in exchange for donations to be used for education.

Lake Tahoe Community College Foundation, Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation, and Tahoe-Douglas Rotary Club each volunteered at least 400 hours at the food tents, and in exchange for their efforts they split $55,230, giving each group $18,410.

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.

November ballot filling up: Nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council

This story has been updated to include Lake Tahoe Community College Board of Trustees candidates.

Nine South Lake Tahoe residents have qualified to run in November and thrown in their hats for three open seats on City Council.

The three incumbents, Mayor Wendy David, Mayor Pro Tem Tom Davis and Councilman Austin Sass will all be running for reelection. They will be joined by some veterans of local politics as well as newcomers.

November ballot filling up for South Lake Tahoe voters

There are still a few days left for those interested in running for public office this November, but several candidates have completed the process to qualify for the ballot. The following number of seats will be open: El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (1), LTUSD School Board (2) , City Council (3), City Clerk (1), City Treasurer (1), South Tahoe Public Utility District (3), Tahoe Paradise Recreation and Park District, and Lake Tahoe Community College Board of Trustees (3).

The deadline to complete the candidate process is August 10, 2018.

Dozens of small cell towers planned around Lake Tahoe Basin

As most people have experienced, cell phone coverage around Lake Tahoe can be trying at times, especially during heavy tourist days when thousands of extra users are in the area. Combine that with over half of homes ditching their land-lines and relying only on cell phones, demand has greatly increased.

Lake Tahoe cell phone coverage may soon be improved as Verizon is working with Liberty Utilities and NV Energy and local governments to place small, seven-foot, grounded cell towers on top of current power poles on all sides of the lake.

Sing-along story in Spanish and English

Tahoe local, Krissi Russell, has written a bilingual version of her original sing-along story, In The Meadow (Don’t Feed Our Bears).
"No Alimente a nuestros osos Don’t Feed Our Bears" features the same beautiful full color illustrations and the same toe tapping melody. The difference is there are now two musical versions of the same message: Don’t feed our Tahoe wildlife!

Three seats open for South Tahoe Public Utility District Board

Besides openings on the Lake Tahoe Unified School District, Lake Tahoe Community College Board, South Lake Tahoe City Council, Tahoe Paradise Park Board, El Dorado County Board of Supervisors this November, there will also be three openings on the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) five-member board.

From July 16 to August 10, those interested in being on the STPUD board must file for candidacy. That deadline is extended to August 15 if an incumbent fails to file for their term prior by the earlier deadline. The incumbent is not allowed to file after August 10.

Two LTUSD Board of Education seats open in November election

There are two seats on the Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board of Education up for election on November 6, 2018, those in Trustee Area #2 and #5.

These board seats are currently held by current Board President Barbara Banner and current Board Clerk Angela Swanson. Banner has served on the board since 2012 and has been president since 2014. Swanson was selected to fulfill the term of Ginger Nicolay-Davis and has been on the board this time since 2016.

"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.

SLT Soroptimist members teach local youth 'A Fighting Chance '

Members of the Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe (SISLT) spent the month of May teaching the program, A Fighting Chance, to students at Bijou Elementary, Sierra House Elementary and Tahoe Valley Elementary.

Edgewood Tahoe to partner with local education groups during American Century Championship

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Edgewood Tahoe has moved from one non-profit receiving the proceeds from food concessions during July's American Century Championship to several groups.

This year, Edgewood Tahoe is partnering with Lake Tahoe Community College Foundation, Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation, and Tahoe-Douglas Rotary Club who in turn will be donating 400 volunteer hours at Edgewood’s four main concession tents.

26 retire from Lake Tahoe Unified School District; Over 627 combined years of service

Twenty-six team members from Lake Tahoe Unified School District are retiring this year after serving a collective 627.5 years in the local schools.

During a reception hosted by the Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation, each retiree was honored with a gift and plant and a round of applause.

The following certificated and classified retirees will be honored:

Certified Employees - 300.5 years of employment

Joann Allister, P.E. Teacher, 22 years of service
Melissa Bornstein, 2nd Grade Teacher, 35 years of service
Diane Burtraw, Kindergarten TWBI Teacher, 34 years of service

Soroptimists of Tahoe Sierra give away 3,200 books to local students

The Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra club members got together this week to give away 3.200 books to K-8 students in Lake Tahoe Unified School District, and at Zephyr Cove Elementary and Whittell High School.

This is an annual project for the club, spearheaded by long time member Cookie Rork. Literacy is a key goal of the club, and a book bag and book to take home for the summer encourages reading for fun.

Teachers provide the club with individual reading levels of their students and the orders are filled.

Free solar assessment opportunity in South Lake Tahoe

On April 17, 2017 the City of South Lake Tahoe committed to becoming the 26th city in the United States to obtain 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2032. This 100 percent renewable effort was joined locally by the Lake Tahoe Unified School District, Vail Resorts and our regional neighbors Truckee and Nevada City.

Olympian David Wise joins in on inaugural Gift of Literacy event in South Lake Tahoe

"Choose joy, even in hard times," two-time Olympic gold medal winner David Wise told students form the Lake Tahoe Environmental Magnet School on May 25.

Wise had just shared his children's book "Very Bear and The Butterfly" with kindergarten and first grade students from the school who were on the Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) campus for a day of literacy.

Karin Holmes named permanent principal at Sierra House

Karin Holmes can now take the "Interim Principal" off her name tag and add "Principal."

During last week's Lake Tahoe Unified School District(LTUSD) Board of Trustees meeting, the new position was made official.

"We're fortunate to have Karin Holmes," said LTUSD Superintendent Dr. James Tarwater. "She is an outstanding educator."

In July 2017, Holmes was given the interim principal job at Sierra House Elementary after Ryan Galles left the district for a job in Vacaville.

Four vying for El Dorado County Supervisor, District 5

There are four people running for El Dorado County Supervisor for the 5th District on June 5: Incumbent Sue Novasel and challengers Kenny Curtzwiler, Norma Santiago and Jeffrey Spencer. The 5th District covers Pollock Pines to South Lake Tahoe and Tahoma.

South Tahoe Now asked each candidate the same questions, and here are all of their answers, exactly as they were presented to us.

Sue Novasel
Occupation: El Dorado County Supervisor – District V
Past political history:
2015 – Present: County Supervisor, District V

Barton Foundation to give away $50,000 in grants

The Barton Foundation will be awarding $50,000 in grant funding to improve community health. As part of Barton Health’s commitment to community health and collaboration, this annual grant cycle provides funding for programs and services that positively impact the health of the local community. Applications are being accepted through May 31, 2018.

Grant criteria and the application can be found online at bartonhealth.org/grants, and for more information contact Marty Chartraw at 530.543.5784.

Inaugural "Bikes for Kids" program in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
May 19, 2018 - 11:00am

The South Lake Tahoe Fire Association and Police Officers Association have joined forces and will be giving away 25 bicycles to pre-selected youth on Saturday, May 19 at the Bijou Bike Park.

Along with a bike, the 25 youth will also receive bike helmets from the California Highway Patrol.

This is the first annual “Bikes for Kids” program that the fire and police agencies are hosting in partnership with the California Highway Patrol and the youth advocate for Lake Tahoe Unified School District.

South Tahoe High gets good news - Fully accredited until 2022

South Tahoe High School received great news from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Commission with confirmation that the school is fully accredited through June 2022. When the accreditation team left the campus in March they had nothing but glowing reports for the staff and school, but the final decision was mailed to the school May 3.

First/second grade winners at 34th annual Kiwanis / Katey Fagan Spelling Bee

The Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe held their 34th annual Spelling Bee on Thursday, with students from the four South Lake Tahoe elementary schools taking part: Tahoe Valley, Sierra House, Bijou and Lake Tahoe Environmental Magnet.

The students from the Magnet School won first place in the 1st/2ndh grade division at the bee which is now named the Katey Fagan Spelling Bee in honor of a local Kiwanian who died in 2017.

Bijou won 3rd/4th grades and the Magnet School also won grade 5.

34th annual Kiwanis / Katey Fagan Spelling Bee in South Lake Tahoe

The Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe held their 34th annual Spelling Bee on Thursday, with students from the four South Lake Tahoe elementary schools taking part: Tahoe Valley, Sierra House, Bijou and Lake Tahoe Environmental Magnet.

The students from the Magnet School won first place in the 5th grade division at the bee which is now named the Katey Fagan Spelling Bee in honor of a local Kiwanian who died in 2017.

Bijou won 3/4 grades and the Magnet School also won grades 1/2.

Local teachers honored as community heroes by Tahoe Douglas Rotary

The Tahoe-Douglas Rotary Club held their annual Community Heroes Awards luncheon at the MontBleu Resort on Friday, April 27. In the past the club has honored firefighters, law enforcement and dispatch employees. This year, the awards went to local teachers from five schools: Whittell High School, South Tahoe High School, South Tahoe Middle School, Bijou Community School, Sierra House Elementary and Zephyr Cove Elementary.

Whittell High School: The winner is Susan Van Doren who has taught Engligh and Computer Science. She has taught for 20 years.

Dual enrollment, calendar changes and free tuition focus of LTCC-LTUSD meeitng

The annual joint board meeting with the Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) and Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) to discuss common goal strategies was held Tuesday, will innovative programs and successes highlighted.

Two colleges to be housed in LTCC University Center in Fall 2018

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Students will soon be able to graduate from South Tahoe High, move into Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) for their associate degree, then head over to the new Lisa Maloff University Center for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts, Global Business Management, Psychology, and possibly in the near future, Ski Resort Management.

Sierra Nevada College was the first school to offer four-year degrees at LTCC, and now there will be another.

Angel of Tahoe strikes again: Large donation headed to Boys & Girls Club

Lisa Maloff, whose name is synonymous with gracious donations to the South Lake Tahoe community, has once again thrown her financial support behind a local need.

Maloff has given the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe $500,000 to get started on a new building, but she won't be stopping there.

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