New Year, New Lowry

New Year, New Lowry

By Clarissa Olson Posted November 5, 2019

With the first quarter coming to a close, Lowry High School rang in the new school year with an abundance of improvements. 

Over the summer Lowry’s campus metamorphosed in preparation for the new school year. From landscaping to increased security measures, perhaps the school’s most notable difference is the new flooring in the New Gym.

“We modeled it after what we’re doing at the Boys and Girls Club,” said Principal Ray Parks. “That old plastic floor that’s been in there literally for twenty-something years [was] rough to deal with, and we’ve finally got something new. It looks great and we can use it year-round.”

PE students make use of the new gym floor./Clarissa Olson • The Brand
PE students make use of the new gym floor./Clarissa Olson • The Brand

In August, Lowry welcomed its newest group of teachers to the Buckaroo community. Several began the school year with the experience of seasoned veterans. SPED and Academic Success teacher Larry Renteria was awarded Teacher of the Year twice at previous schools he taught at. Teaching English, Chelsea Odoms recently joined Lowry’s staff from Winnemucca Junior High School. Laurel Weaver has come from the far reaches of Nevada to take over the CLS program. Former LHS student Calvin Connors has returned to Lowry’s halls as a Biology teacher.

Regardless of what backgrounds Lowry’s new staff came from, they are proving to be a valuable contribution to the school.

“Everything is just moving right along,” said Parks. “We’re excited to have them here.”

However, not everything at Lowry is changing. In light of the ever-increasing graduation rate, the high school is ready to build on its existing academic programs.

Mr. Calvin Connors instructs students./Clarissa Olson • The Brand
Mr. Calvin Connors instructs students./Clarissa Olson • The Brand

“Our programs are all the same from our academic success for the freshman and sophomores all the way up the advanced placement classes,” said Parks. “We’re just hopefully improving each year.”

Parks and the administration at Lowry are hoping to provide students with every opportunity possible, starting with the dual enrollment system at Great Basin College. Currently, the school has sixth and seventh periods set aside specifically for students pursuing dual credit graduation.

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