Weekly Update

Need Help? Have Question? First check the Parent Communication Directory

Join us for a Unity Circle on Wednesday, January 21st, in M-15 during the first half of lunch.

Then on Friday, January 23rd, come to the Breezeway for our Open Mic event. Peace Week events focus on promoting peace, kindness, and inclusivity. Students are welcome to share their voice through poetry, music, or reflection—or simply come to listen and support.

Peace Week pins will be available in the quad during lunch. Share what peace means to you!

Let’s come together, uplift one another, and build a stronger school community.

Campus is closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

9:58 to 11:58 - Lunch and Learn - Students may only eat lunch in the cafeteria, quad or breezeway.

• 9:58 to 10:30 - Lunch & Learn is in English
• 10:30 to 10:58 Lunch & After School - Clubs - Please see the updated list at LVA Clubs & Organizations Updated 12.10.25
• 10:30 to 11:00 - Be the Light Club meets in M-15
• 2:15 to 3:45 - Batteries Included meets in the Main Conference Room
• 2:15 to 3:45 - Afterschool Tutoring in Math, F-12

9:58 to 11:58 - Lunch and Learn - Students may only eat lunch in the cafeteria, quad or breezeway.

• 9:58 to 10:30 - Lunch & Learn is in Social Studies, Health & PE
• 10:30 to 10:58 Lunch & After School - Clubs - Please see the updated list at LVA Clubs & Organizations Updated 12.10.25
• 10:30 to 10:58 - Key Club meets in M-15
• 2:00 to 3:45 - Basketball Club meets in the New Gym
• 2:00 to 3:45 - Soccer meets on the field
• 2:00 to 3:40 - Math ACT Bootcamp, Cafeteria
• 2:15 to 3:45 - Afterschool Tutoring in Science, FB4

9:58 to 11:58 - Lunch and Learn - Students may only eat lunch in the cafeteria, quad or breezeway.

• 9:58 to 10:30 - Lunch & Learn is in math
• 10:30 to 10:58 Lunch & After School - Clubs - Please see the updated list at LVA Clubs & Organizations Updated 12.10.25
• 10:30 to 11:00 - Chess Club meets in VA102
• 2:00 to 3:40 - Science ACT Bootcamp, FB4, Data Representation & Practice Questions
• 2:15 to 3:45 - Afterschool Tutoring in English, M-23

9:58 to 11:58 - Lunch and Learn - Students may only eat lunch in the cafeteria, quad or breezeway.

• 9:58 to 10:30 - Lunch & Learn is in science
• 10:05 to 10:50 am PEACE WEEK Open Mic, Quad - promoting peace, kindness, and inclusivity - Students are welcome to share their voice through poetry, music, or reflection—or simply come to listen and support.
• Pick up a peace week button by dropping by the table in the OLD GYM in the quad and SHARING what " PEACE MEANS TO YOU!"
• Celebrate Senior Day! Student Council will serve ice cream to seniors! Prove you are a senior by wearing your crown, senior shirt and ID.
• 10:30 to 10:58 Lunch & After School - Clubs - Please see the updated list at LVA Clubs & Organizations Updated 12.10.25
• 10:30 to 11:00 - SOL meets in M-15

• Students can sign up at tables in the Breezeway on January 21, 22, & 23
• Must be 17 years of age or older
• Students must have parent permission forms
• Parents and faculty may walk-in the day of the drive

To ensure campus safety, all exterior doors and gates must remain closed and locked at all times. Students who arrive late or have open periods must enter and exit through the Main Entrance or parking garage only. Students may not leave campus through exterior doors or gates, prop them open, or open them for others, as this compromises campus security. Violations will result in disciplinary action.

Thank you to our incredible LVA community and families for the hundreds of big and small donations already received for the Experience the Arts Gala auction! Your generosity is truly what makes this event shine.

Just found the perfect item to donate? There’s still time! We are happily accepting last-minute donations—simply drop them off at the Development Office or the front desk.

The excitement is building for a “Brilliant” evening filled with outstanding student talent, unforgettable entertainment, and both live and silent auction offerings you won’t want to miss.

Have you purchased your tickets yet? 🎟️
All ticket information and additional ways to support the Friends of the Academy Foundation–sponsored gala can be found on the LVA website under Support or by visiting the Experience the Arts Gala page.

Join us for a night that celebrates the creativity, passion, and talent that make LVA extraordinary!

All counselor course selection presentations will take place during students’ English classes on the following dates:

• Juniors: January 22–23

• Sophomores: January 26–27

• Freshmen: January 28–29

During these classroom presentations, students will receive their Course Selection paperwork. The counselors will also have other forms with them (Petitions, Office Aide, etc.). Students can also go to the counseling office to pick up any forms.

Beginning February 1, counselors will conduct individual 1:1 meetings with students during their Major class. At this meeting, students must have their Course Selection paperwork signed by a parent/guardian.

The final deadline to submit all completed paperwork is Friday, March 13. Late forms will not be accepted.

Please ensure that all required forms are completed and returned by the deadline for correct course placement. The counselors will not make any more changes after March 13th.

For questions, contact your student's academic counselor or call 702-799-7800, ext. 4300.

🎤Call for Speaker Applications for TedxLVA Event at LVA on March 24, 2026 [new event date!]
We’re looking for passionate students, educators, and community members to speak at TEDxLVA on March 25, 2026, at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts.

Theme: Learning Through the Lens of Creativity — fresh ideas. bold stories. real impact.

⚠️ Apply only if you can fully commit to developing your talk and being on campus March 25.
🗓 Deadline: January 31, 2026
📬 Speakers notified the first week of February of acceptance and details for the event.

Follow @lasvegasacademy and visit lasvegasacademy.net → News & Announcements for updates.

Questions? Email Susan Thornton at thorns@nv.ccsd.net.

Dear LVA Parents & Students,

The State of Nevada requires all students to take the ACT Exam prior to graduation. This year's statewide test will be given to all 11th graders during the school day on February 24, 2026. For students wanting to prepare for this test, we will once again be partnering with Tutors Across America to provide a discounted ACT Prep Bootcamp on February 20 - 22, 2026. Students of all ages are welcome to attend.

Schedule for the 3-Day (20-hour) ACT Weekend Bootcamp

Friday, February 20th 4:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Saturday, February 21st 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (lunch break from 1:00-2:00)

Sunday, February 22nd 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (lunch break from 1:00-2:00)

The bootcamps are averaging 3 -7 point improvements on the ACT, which can help with college admissions and scholarships.

Regular Cost of Camp: $399

Discounted Cost: $199 for LVA students.

Use coupon code LVA at checkout.

How To Enroll in the ACT Camp

1. Go to: http://TutorsAcrossAmerica.com/ACTcourse

2. Scroll down to find the one you want.

3. Enroll as directed. You are free to enroll in any camp that works for you.

4. Use coupon code LVA at checkout to get the 50% discount.

5. See the attached flyer for more details

For additional subject-specific exam support, students are encouraged to attend an LVA Subject Area Boot Camp.

• Students should speak with their subject-specific teacher to sign up, or they may simply show up to the scheduled boot camp sessions.

• Juniors who attend boot camp are expected to participate in all scheduled sessions.

• Late bus transportation is available for students who need it.

These boot camps provide focused instruction and targeted assistance to help students strengthen their skills and improve exam and academic performance.

ENGLISH

Paolina Taglienti, Instructor

Location: K18 *[Tentative change in location due to number of students]

Time: 2 PM - 3:40 PM

• Tuesday, February 3, 2026

• Tuesday, February 10, 2026

• Tuesday, February 17, 2026

MATH

Teresa Prezgay/Paul Fagone, Instructors

Location: Cafeteria

Time: 2 PM - 3:40 PM

• Wednesday, January 14, 2026,

• Wednesday, January 21, 2026,

• Wednesday, January 28, 2026,

• Wednesday, February 4, 2026,

• Wednesday, February 11, 2026

• Wednesday, February 18, 2026

SCIENCE

Helen Wolcott

Location: FB4

Time: 2 PM - 3:40 PM

• Thursday, January 15, 2026: Introduction to ACT & Practice Science Exam

• Thursday, January 22, 2026: Data Representation & Practice Questions

• Thursday, January 29, 2026: Research Summaries & Practice Questions

• Thursday, February 5, 2026: Conflicting Viewpoints & Practice Questions

• Thursday, February 12, 2026: Practice Science Exams

• Thursday, February 19, 2026: Practice Science Exams

Congratulations to our winners! 🎉Juniors Everett G. placed first, Nadia F. placed second, and Rachel F. placed third. Everett and Nadia will advance to the regional competition, and all three students earned cash prizes for their outstanding achievements. Their success reflects the values of the Rotary 4-Way Test, which has guided ethical decision-making worldwide since 1932 by encouraging us to ask: Is it the truth? Is it fair to everyone involved? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? And will it be beneficial to all?

Congratulations to our Students of the Month! 🌟 Selected by their teachers, these students were recognized for demonstrating leadership, being helpful and proactive, and showing meaningful improvement—all while exemplifying the LVA Way. We are proud to celebrate their positive contributions to our school community.

Friday was full of fun and laughter at Fun Friday! Students enjoyed Oscar Burgers, cuddled with therapy dogs, and competed in exciting games like trivia for prizes and musical chairs for mini bundt cakes. Our musical theater students wowed the crowd with performances, and everyone joined in for some lively audience participation. It was a super fun way to kick off the weekend!

NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert is a beloved music series known for its intimate, stripped-down performances filmed in a small office space centered around a desk. With minimal amplification and a small audience, the series captures raw talent and authentic musical moments—often launching artists to viral fame. The name Tiny Desk comes from its humble beginnings and creator Bob Boilen’s former band at NPR. This event is open to individuals 18 years or older." For more details and see if you quality visit https://tinydeskcontest.npr.org/2026/open/

This opportunity is NOT sponsored, managed, or controlled by the Clark County School District, Las Vegas Academy, and its employees. The persons handling this event do not work for CCSD or LVA. Participants participate at their own risk."

Submissions are opening soon for Desert Companion magazine's 14th Annual Focus on Nevada Photo Contest. Check out this link for more details and official rules https://knpr.org/focus-on-nevada-photo-contest-submission.

What can you enter: Any photo from any time, as long as it was taken by you in Nevada. We have several categories covering all the bases.

• Artistic & Abstract
• Black and White or Monochromatic
• Landscapes
• Plants & Animals
• Town, Country, City Scenes
• Storyteller

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please take a moment to check out these valuable resources.

Together, we can support one another and make sure no one in our community goes without.

See the list for more information.

Updated from Websites:

The Just One Project - https://thejustoneproject.org/food-programs/mobile-food-pantry/

Three Square - https://www.threesquare.org/find-food

Nevada 211 - https://www.nevada211.org/

Mid-year transcripts are updated and ready for you to request if needed.

• If you are using the Common Application, as long as you have matched your Common Application account to your Naviance account (go to the "Colleges I'm applying to" page and click the pink box to "Match Accounts"), your schools will import to Naviance automatically; however, you will still need to request the transcripts. Follow the directions below for students who have already added their schools to Naviance. Please note that if your counselor has not done your initial School Report for Common Application, you will need to ask them to do it before the Mid-Year report and transcript can be sent to those schools.
• If you have already added your schools to Naviance: Log in to Naviance and go to the "Colleges I'm applying to" page. At the top, click the Manage Transcripts link to request mid-year transcripts for the schools that need them.
• If you have not added your school to Naviance: Log in to Naviance and go to the "Colleges I'm applying to" page. At the top, click the blue circle with a plus (+) sign in it to add your school. While adding it, you will have the option to add the school and request the transcript.

Graduation is almost here! Seniors, leave your mark at LVA by sharing your favorite memories, advice, and photos. You could be featured on social media, the LVA website, and in the Class of 2026 slideshow at Senior Night and Graduation.

Deadline: January 31

Visit https://forms.gle/te75aVzjpDi3jtLE9
Questions? Contact Ms. Thornton at thorns@nv.ccsd.net

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this special celebration!

If you have questions about graduation, please contact the following offices:

On campus, visit the Front Reception Desk

Curriculum and Counseling: Citlally Plascencia-Gomez, plasccd@nv.ccsd.net, 702-799-7800 ext. 4200

Development Office: Susan Thornton, thorns@nv.ccsd.net, 702-799-7800, ext. 4207

Cost is $90.

Jostens is LVA’s official cap and gown supplier and offers senior swag, invitations, Class of 2026 jewelry, and more—so don’t miss out!

All cap and gown orders must be placed at Jostens.com/Cap&Gown by April 25 to be guaranteed delivery for graduation rehearsal and the ceremony.

For all things graduation—including senior grad packs, invitations, jewelry, clothing, and more—visit:
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/packageBrowse/1013845/LAS-VEGAS-ACADEMY/Graduation/2983984514/CATALOG_REPOSITORY/PACKAGES

Missed the Jostens Guidance Day presentation?
Don’t worry—but don’t wait! Pick up your information packet at the front office reception desk now or visit Jostens.com to get everything you need. Make sure you’re not the one left out!

• Discounted Cost: $199 for LVA students.

• Use coupon code LVA at checkout.
• http://TutorsAcrossAmerica.com/ACTcourse

February 24, 2026 - ACT Exam Day - Juniors Only report to campus

** Date change/New date

The Development Office helps keep our arts programs thriving by building connections with families, alumni, and community partners.

Our Services Include:

• Parent Funding Agreement – Supporting student programs through family contributions

• Sponsorships & Partnerships – Connecting businesses and community organizations with LVA

• Fundraising Efforts – Organizing campaigns and events to sustain programs

• Ticketing & Event Support – Managing access to LVA performances and productions

• Communications – Sharing updates on performances, opportunities, and special events with all families

Together, we help sustain LVA’s mission of artistic and academic excellence.

• Want to get involved? Contact the Development Office to learn how you can make a difference at LVADevelopmentOffice@gmail.com or call 702-799- 800, ext.4123!

Got a teacher or LVA staff member who made your day — or changed your whole year?
Share the love! Submit a Rave Review and help us celebrate the educators who go above and beyond for our students every single day.
👉 Share your rave review now! https://engage.ccsd.net/ravereview/

• Parent Communication Directory - How and who to contact at LVA
• https://www.lasvegasacademy.net/student-parents - All things LVA: rules, forms, guidelines, handbook, resources and important links.
• Student Absence Form
• SAFE VOICE NEVADA

• Off-Site Emergency Accounting of Students [Use ONLY if LVA is in lockdown and you [the student] have self-evacuated.

• LVA parents can Request Infinite Campus Parent password reset here.

IMPORTANT LINKS

• RAVE Review - Recognize an outstanding CCSD Employee
• https://www.lasvegasacademy.net/blog - Includes accolades, events, need-to-know information and the Weekly Update that is released each Sunday.
• Friends of Las Vegas Academy Foundation, [Non-Profit Support Organization]

Have news to share with the LVA Community, student awards, or community events? Contact the LVA Development Office at 702-799-7800, ext. 4123, or email LVA Communications Coordinator Susan Thornton, at thorns@nv.ccsd.net.

Follow us on Social Media! X [Twitter]: https://twitter.com/lvahappenings, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OfficialLVA/ Instagram: lasvegasacademy

Have a general question or a concern? Contact LVA at 702-799-7800 or through Contact Us on our website at https://www.lasvegasacademy.net/contact-us.