Turnaround school in Clark County gets a makeover
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Mike O’Callaghan Middle School has been designated a turnaround school, meaning it receives extra funds and attention to help fix its recent track record. Video by ktnv.com
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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Mike O’Callaghan Middle School has been designated a turnaround school, meaning it receives extra funds and attention to help fix its recent track record.
The school has started the new school year with optimism and big changes: a new principal and a new paint job.
"What we need to do is just turn it up a little bit," said Principal Belinda Jones, who has 20 years experience in the Clark County School District.
This summer Jones spent her entire month of July painting and giving the school a makeover -- with help, of course.
"When you walk up on campus and you see these things, it just makes a difference in the way you feel," said Jones, pointing to new mural in front of the school.
The home of the Comets has been home to some poor test results recently. The designation as a turnaround school means the campus has had at least three years of low academic performance.
Still, even the kids are noticing change and feel excited to improve.
I'd really like to show them that I can do my best and that I can get A's," says Ashton Boyer, the school's "Turnaround Kid".
Boyer says he got bad grades last year but wants to change his attitude this year.
CCSD will monitor progress throughout the year.
Currently, there are 11 turnaround schools in the district.
Performance is based on state standardized testing done in April each year.
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