• Carson Now on Facebook
  • Follow Carson Now on Twitter
  • Follow Carson Now by RSS
  • Follow Carson Now by Email

Pioneer High School, Carson Online Employees of the Year

Anne Frank wrote, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait for a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Two exemplary staff members at Pioneer High School are definitely not wasting any time when it comes to improving the world around them.

This month Cary Jordan was nominated by his colleagues to be Pioneer High School’s certified employee of the year. Additionally, Shannon Archer was nominated as Pioneer High School’s classified employee of the year.

Colleagues sent their nominations to administration along with letters detailing why these employees deserve to be honored.

Cary Jordan is the counselor at Pioneer High School (PHS). In his capacity as a school counselor, Mr. Jordan has helped many students to be successful. He helped design the new 4x4 block schedule which increased the number of course offerings and credit earning potential for students in Carson City School District.

Mr. Jordan also led the Jump Start program at PHS. This provides students with an opportunity to earn college credits.

Mr. Jordan’s valuable input has been integral to school improvement throughout the year. His professional and caring personality has helped support the mission of PHS.

In addition to the many duties of a school counselor, Mr. Jordan supports PHS students in a number of other ways.

He has been the student leadership advisor and has helped plan a number of school events. As the leadership advisor, he helped students serve their community by hosting a number of Blood Drives with the United Blood Services.

In an effort to encourage daily attendance, Mr. Jordan personally cooked pancakes for students on Friday mornings.

Mr. Jordan has attended several Project Discovery Events, worked as PHS Ski Team advisor, and served as the Carson High School Ski Team Coach.

Moreover, he developed a summer camp plan for a dozen students who participated in a three-day expedition into Desolation Wilderness.

Jason Zona, Principal at PHS, stated, “Cary Jordan is one of the main reasons why students at PHS feel safe and cared for, and they have learned important life lessons to launch them into the adult world of work, careers, and higher education.”

The environment at PHS has benefited greatly from the influence of Mr. Jordan.

Shannon Archer is the Carson Online Lab Assistant for PHS.

The online lab is a critical component of the coursework at PHS. Many students at PHS take online classes in addition to their traditional classes in order to recover credits and/or get ahead. Both core classes and electives are offered through the online lab.

The successful online program that Ms. Archer helped to build has served over 970 students throughout Carson City School District during the 2017-2018 school year.

Keeping all this up and running, while also supporting students as they are
working, is no small task. She also manages the Chromebook access for all students on campus.

In addition to the online lab duties, Ms. Archer uses a number of other skills to support students at PHS.

Ms. Archer teaches a sign language class at PHS and teaches as a faculty member at Western Nevada College.

This year, Ms. Archer helped initiate the campus-wide ACT preparation. Because of her efforts, students were able to practice for the ACT on a weekly basis.

Ms. Archer has earned an Associate in General Studies with an emphasis in Deaf Studies as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.

Before starting at PHS in 2015, Ms. Archer spent ten years as a sign language interpreter for Washoe County.

She is a native of Northern Nevada and is the mother of two children.

She said that she did not expect to be chosen as classified employee of the year, but that she is honored her colleagues nominated her.

Mr. Zona expressed, “We are lucky to have such a talented and caring individual join the Panther team. The ways in which she has helped students are immeasurable.”

Indeed, PHS is fortunate to have Ms. Archer as an exemplary member of the staff.

Top Stories

... or see all stories

An 18-year-old Carson City man was arrested at a local diner after allegedly stealing a car from a used car lot two days prior to test drive it.

The Carson City Symphony Association will present a concert, "Pleasures of Music," on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran Church, 3680 N. Hwy. 395, south of Best Buy, Carson City. The concert is a Mark Twain Days event. Admission is free, donations welcome,

Organized by Carol Park, the Elks held an open to the public, two-day indoor garage sale at the lodge in March as a fundraiser for Holiday with a Hero. Lodge members donated all items sold and assisted at the event which received excellent support from the community.

Members of the Rotary Club of Carson City will learn how its annual Educational Grant has helped local students at the club’s next meeting. Carson School District K-12 Curriculum & Assessment Coordinator Brittany Witter received the club’s Carson City School District’s Professional Development Center Grant last year with the goal of funding the “Literacy and Love of Reading through Social Studies” project.

Western Nevada College hosted a ceremony to celebrate students succeeding in training to reestablish themselves in the workforce on Thursday.

Perfection in a fur coat is the best way to describe Cher, our cat of the week. Just 7 months old, she is a pretty little short-haired girl with a sweet and social personality.

Carson High School's Senior in the Spotlight this week is Parker Schmid, a remarkable young man whose sparkle radiates in every aspect of his life. From academics to extracurriculars, Parker's journey embodies excellence and compassion, traits that set him apart from his peers.

UPDATE 6 p.m.: Courtesy of the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office: On May 3, 2024 at approximately 1430 hours, Lyon County Sheriff’s Deputies responded along with Central Lyon County, Carson City and Storey County Fire personnel to the area of 34 Newman Ln. for a report of motorhome on fire. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the fire had spread and multiple other abandoned vehicles caught fire as well. No one was hurt or injured during the incident. The incident is currently under investigation, which is being conducted by the Nevada State Fire Marshall’s Division.

UPDATE 2:38 p.m.: Firefighters from Storey are also now responding.

UPDATE 2:33 p.m.: Multiple vehicles on the property are engulfed in flame.

***

Around 2:15 p.m. a fire was reported at 34 Newman Lane in Mound House.

Firefighters from Carson City and Lyon County are enroute to the scene.

UPDATE 1:20 p.m.: According to Sheriff Ken Furlong, a student reported they saw a weapon. The incident was investigated and there was no weapon found. The lockdown has now been lifted and students are leaving the school.

UPDATE 1:15 p.m.: Update 05-03-24 at 1:15 p.m.
One student has reported an alleged weapon sighting. It has not been corroborated, but school officials and the sheriff’s office are investigating out an abundance of caution.

***

UPDATE 12:50 p.m.: The following update was provided by the district:

Carson High School was put on lockdown this afternoon around 12:15 p.m. No person was injured. There is an active situation being investigated in cooperation with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office. We will provide more information as it becomes known. The school is secure. Do not go to the school. No entrances will be permitted at time. The district will provide updates every 30 minutes. Expect the next update at 1:15 p.m.

***

Carson High School is currently on a lockdown as of 12:40 p.m. Friday, but there has been no incident reported according to Sheriff Ken Furlong.

Two School Resource Officers are on scene investigating why the alarm went off.

The Lyon County Board of County Commissioners heard a presentation from the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) on the current status of the Highway 50 Preservation Project in Dayton.

Kids ages 8-14: Join Skiing is Believing at Western Nevada college for our multidiscplinary sport & fitness camp! Every day of every week, Skiing is Believing staff will help provide a variety of sports for kids to develop their physical skills and promote emotional development through exercise and community service.

After months of thorough community engagement and meticulous deliberation, Douglas County has announced the completion of its new Strategic Plan. This document, which will guide the County's decisions and resource allocation for the next five years, is the result of extensive input from both internal and external stakeholders.

The unpredictability of spring this first weekend of May continues with the threat of snow showers in the Sierra on Saturday, along with gusty winds and rain down to the valley floors for Carson City and surrounding areas. The storm system should moved out by Sunday morning.

Carson High School Culinary Arts and Early Childhood Education students competed at the three-day state conference last month for Nevada Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. This was the first time the school’s programs participated in the conference. A total of 25 students competed in eight events.

Family fun, lively bands and historical characters return to Dangberg Historic Park in Minden beginning in May. Favorite presenters, bands and Chautauquans will be joined by new ones as well.

Carson City’s former Board of Supervisor and business owner Stan Jones was posthumously awarded Thursday the Historic Preservation Award for his long time work for downtown Carson City.

Each year, a Historic Preservation Award is awarded by the Historic Resources Commission to Carson City residents or organizations who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to historic preservation.

The Nevada Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is today, Thursday, May 2 at the Nevada State Capitol in Carson City. The memorial brings hundreds to the capitol grounds. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office arrested three for their alleged involvement in business thefts last month on Topsy Lane south of Carson City.

The national issue of suicide — particularly among veterans — touched many people who attended the Walk for Hope on Wednesday morning at Western Nevada College in Carson City.

The new renovations at the Carson City Senior Center opened the opportunity to host art shows to extend enrichment to the senior community. Carson City Senior Center presents “Geographical Divides: Finding Common Ground,” featuring 16 artists who were asked to explore the geographical and cultural differences in Nevada, if such differences truly exist.

Meet Nash, Nevada Humane Society, Carson City branch Pet of the Week Nash. He's a striking 2-year-old German Shepherd who entered our shelter a couple of weeks ago due to his previous owner's moving. With Nash's handsome appearance and endearing personality, this young man captures the hearts of all who meet him.

Time to dust off those ten-speeds Carson City, because May is Bike Month in the capital city!

Carson City’s Muscle Powered hosts bike month each year in addition to their year-round volunteerism.

More than 48 Carson High School Future Business Leaders of America students attended the state conference in Sparks, Nev. this past week. In total, 38 of those students earned 74 “Top-10” placements in 30 separate events. Additionally, three CHS FBLA students took state with first-place finishes and 15 of them qualified for the National Business Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla. this coming June.

Carson Animal Services Initiative (CASI) would like to thank everyone who attended or contributed to our annual Bark Whine & Dine, held on April 27. What a wonderful event it was!

The inaugural Carson City Cinco de Mayo 2024 festival this Friday through Sunday will be a 3-day celebration of Mexican culture for all the Northern Nevada region to enjoy.

In recognition of Historic Preservation and Archeological Awareness Month, the City’s Historic Resources Commission has organized the 2024 Scavenger Hunt.

We’re back, bigger and better than ever! Please welcome the second annual Mark Twain Days, May 10-12. For a listing of events take a gander at the website here.

You will find something of interest or my name’s not Mark Twain, or used to be anyways. And this year Virginia City is joining in on the fun along with Carson City. Wow!

Marilyn "Mert" Paoli Lewis retired on April 30 after 42 years as a State Farm Agent. She started her career as a Scratch Agency in 1982, meaning she had no customers initially.

Food Bank of Northern Nevada made a stop to the Carson City Senior Center on Wednesday morning, with another stop at the Dayton Senior Center from 11 to noon.

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles has announced the implementation of a new appointment system, WaitWell, in all metropolitan and rural offices throughout the state.