LOOKING IN ON: EDUCATION

By Emily Richmond (contact)

Monday, Oct. 15, 2007 | 7:22 a.m.

David Clementson, a student at Sandy Miller Elementary School, had no trouble picking his favorite teacher.

"Mr. Hyatt lets us do everything," said David, now a fourth grader . "He's the coolest teacher ever."

Chad Hyatt, a third grade teacher at the school, was named Wal-Mart's Nevada Teacher of the Year on Thursday . David was among the students who nominated Hyatt last spring. After winning the honor through a local store, Hyatt went on to the statewide competition. He is now in contention for a national honor.

Representatives of Wal-Mart, along with former Nevada first lady Sandy Miller, were on hand for a surprise assembly at the school, as was a representative of Phi Delta Kappa International, a professional education association and partner in Wal-Mart's "Teacher of the Year" program.

In accepting the award, Hyatt praised his colleagues and students.

"You are the cream of the crop," Hyatt said. "I'm only trying to live up to each one of you."

Hyatt joined the Clark County School District six years ago after graduating from college in Indianapolis. He's been teaching at Miller since the school opened in 2003.

"He's dedicated, has a great personality and truly loves what he does," said Erica Creque, a fifth grade teacher at Miller.

The school earned a $10,000 check from Wal-Mart, along with a banner proclaiming the campus home of the state's teacher of the year. When asked how the school should spend the money, Hyatt - as expected - had his students' interests at heart.

"The kids had such a great time learning about crayfish," Hyatt said. "I bet they'd love a pond."

Sometimes, prayers are answered.

All Saints' Day School is now in a position to stay open through the end of the academic year, thanks to donations and pledges from the community.

The school, which is operated by All Saints' Episcopal Church, was to close next week after falling in to debt and seeing its enrollment sharply decline.

The school at 4201 W. Washington Ave. needed $60,000 to remain open through May. Donations ranged from $50 to $5,000, with substantial pledges coming from two former parishioners, said Dyan McCarthy, the school's director.

The church's vestry must approve the financial plan, McCarthy said. In the meantime, the efforts of the school community will be honored Sunday at the church's 10:30 a.m. service at the church.

The Rev. Ed Lovelady said the school was one of the reasons he became rector of the church three years ago.

"It's an important part of our community," Lovelady said.

Founded 34 years ago, the school has seen its enrollment dwindle in recent years. McCarthy attributes the decline in part to the popularity of the School District's expanded full-day kindergarten programs. All Saints' is planning an open house next month in hope of boosting its enrollment, which is fewer than 40 . For more information about the school, call 878-1205.

Sierra Vista High School has 3,434 students this year, more than 800 above the number the campus was built to handle.

But principal Emil Wozniak isn't complaining. The high enrollment means the school is entitled to an additional guidance counselor. Sierra Vista has eight, each one responsible for 429 students. Clark County's average is 400 students per counselor. The district has set an informal goal of 300 - to - 1.

If Sierra Vista hires a ninth counselor, the school's ratio will drop to 382 - to - 1 . Having another counselor would be better for students, but there's another reason Wozniak says he (and the district) wants to see Sierra Vista's ratio reduced. The Northwest Association of Schools, which monitors and accredits campuses in Nevada and six other states, expects a student-guidance counselor ratio of no more than 400- to- 1. Most colleges and universities will enroll only students who attend ed accredited high schools.

Wozniak plans to advertise the job opening as soon as he gets approval from the district's central office.