Hello friends,

It’s that time of year again — end-of-school-year plays, concerts, awards and graduation ceremonies. And also, ESA and tax scholarship application time!

I know parents and schools are running dizzy with all the festivities. And, then, in a blink, it will be summer and families will be embracing vacations, slower days and relaxing family evenings. That’s why our team has been working hard to get parents informed, prepared, and updated on Nevada’s educational choice opportunities.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been to Pahrump, a few homes, a fundraiser and several Vegas-area schools providing information and helping parents complete applications and scan documents. We’ve also been working really hard with some spectacular partners to organize three community information events — two in the Las Vegas area and one in Reno. 

            Tuesday, May 24th — Historical West Last Vegas

Reconciliation Apostolic Ministries

911 G Street

Las Vegas, Nevada 89106

7:00 PM

Wednesday, May 25th — Henderson

Henderson International School

1165 Sandy Ridge Ave.

Henderson, Nevada 89052

5:30 pm

Tuesday, May 31st — Reno

Bishop Manogue Catholic High School — Small Gym

110 Bishop Manogue Dr.

Reno, NV 89521

6:00 pm

Representatives from the Treasurer's and Attorney General's office, plus Donna Wix from the Department of Education and I, will all be present to provide updates, information and answer your questions on the programs and ESA lawsuits. Application assistance and document scanning help will also be available.

These events may be the last opportunity to get large numbers of families informed in time to apply for the Education Savings Accounts and the Tax Scholarships for the start of the upcoming 2016-17 school year. An order is expected as soon as today, possibly, in the Duncan case (the one brought in southern Nevada by the ACLU), and these public events also offer unparalleled opportunities for schools, families and whole communities to receive, firsthand, the latest information from knowledgeable experts.

I'm reaching out to everyone on this email list to help me distribute information about these events to the community. Whatever you can do, your help is needed. Maybe you can distribute fliers in your surrounding community, take fliers to football practice and other parent gatherings, or just forward this email to everyone you know.

Let’s work together to empower Nevada families so all can secure the best educational opportunities for their children — whether they choose a traditional public school, charter school, private school or home-based learning. And, to all you social media gurus, I am indebted to you always for all your posts on #LetOurChildrenSucceed. Any way you can help, I am deeply grateful.

And, be sure to keep yourself up-to-date. Attend one or all of the information events — and bring some friends. Make sure to come by and introduce yourself!

Also, let your neighbors know the state Treasurer is accepting ESA applications through June 30^th. Applications must be stamped and received in the office by 5:00 pm by June 30^th. While those application can’t be processed while the injunction in Lopez is still in effect, they can, as soon as that injunction is lifted. Until then, parents won’t receive notice of receipt from the Treasurer’s office. I recommend sending applications certified, return-receipt-requested. That way you’ll have proof of delivery, should that be needed later. Please, please, hold on to your receipt.

For families seeking the tax scholarship, the Education Fund of Northern Nevada is accepting applications until June 1^st. Dinosaurs and Roses are accepting applications from current scholarship families and will open applications to new families on May 20^th.

Stay Strong!

#LetOurChildrenSucceed

~Karen