SNACS Family Newsletter | November 2026
A month of belonging, engagement, and hope.
As November begins, we are celebrating the relationships, learning, and experiences that make SNACS a community. This issue includes a personal message from Dr. Regan about youth homelessness and hope, practical resources for families, student learning highlights, and dates to keep close at hand. Thank you for the care and partnership you bring to our school.
At a glance
- November 3: No school — staff professional development
- November 5: Family library field trip- Families are invited to join us for a fun evening at the library! Please arrive at SNACS by 4:30 PM. The bus will depart promptly at 4:45 PM. Please register through the event page on ClassDojo.
- November 11: No school — Veterans Day
- November 16–20: SNACSgiving
- November 19–20: Farm and Ranch Days
- November 23–27: Thanksgiving break — no school for Pre-K–8
Message From Dr. Regan’s Office
Dear SNACS Families,
November is a time to raise awareness about two deeply connected issues: youth homelessness and runaway prevention. For many, these are difficult subjects to discuss. For others, they represent experiences that are painfully familiar but rarely spoken about.
For me, they are both part of my story.
As the author of UNBROKEN Road to Freedom: Finding Strength to Fight When Life Beats You Down, I have shared my journey from homelessness to Harvard, a journey that began long before I became an educator or founded Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School.
My story began as a child who simply needed a safe place to call home.
Growing up, my family experienced homelessness, poverty, and instability. My parents’ health and financial circumstances meant we often depended on relatives for a place to stay. At one point, our family of six lived in a relative’s unfinished basement, sleeping on mattresses on the floor. Other times, we stayed in hotels or slept in our car. As our circumstances changed, I also spent time living apart from my parents and siblings, moving between relatives who welcomed me into their homes but weren’t always able to accommodate a long-term stay.
During one two-year period, I moved eight times and changed schools six times.
I learned early that having a roof over your head does not always mean having security, and that losing a home can mean losing far more than a physical place to live. It can mean losing your sense of belonging, your routines, your friendships, your school, and the comfort of knowing what tomorrow will bring.
As I grew older, the instability continued, and the abuse I experienced at home made returning there increasingly difficult. I began running away, searching for safety beyond the circumstances I was living in. Eventually, at age 14, I requested to enter the foster care system, and that request was granted.
I would not have chosen these experiences. They were experiences shaped by circumstances that no child should have to navigate alone.
I share this part of my story because there is often an unfortunate stigma attached to homelessness, children who run away, and families who struggle. We sometimes make assumptions about people without understanding the circumstances that brought them to where they are.
A child who runs away may not be rebelling. That child may be frightened, overwhelmed, or desperately searching for safety.
A family experiencing homelessness doesn’t mean irresponsibility. They may be doing everything within their power to survive an unexpected crisis.
And a young person living in foster care is not defined by the circumstances that brought them there.
Homelessness is not a character flaw. Running away is not always an act of defiance. And poverty is not a measure of a person’s worth.
My journey eventually led me to a career in education, earning my doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Nevada, Reno, completing postgraduate studies at Harvard and Georgetown, and founding SNACS in 1999.
But the most important lesson from my experiences is not that I overcame adversity and achieved professional success.
It is that every child deserves to be seen, heard, protected, and given opportunities to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.
That belief has influenced everything I have worked to build at SNACS.
Our PLAY® model is grounded in the Science of Hope and the understanding that children need three essential conditions to learn and thrive: belonging, engagement, and hope. We intentionally create opportunities for students to feel connected and valued, actively engage in their learning, and put hope into practice by setting meaningful goals, identifying pathways to achieve them, and developing the agency to shape their futures.
I believe schools should be places where children experience belonging, where their voices matter, where adults recognize their individual strengths and needs, and where students can discover possibilities beyond the circumstances of their childhood.
Our small school community is uniquely positioned to build meaningful relationships. We have the opportunity to know our students as individuals, recognize when something may be wrong, and respond with compassion rather than judgment. We also have an important responsibility to support families facing challenges that may affect their children’s well-being and education.
As we recognize Youth Homelessness Awareness Month and Youth HOPE Month (Homelessness Outreach, Prevention, and Education), formerly National Runaway Prevention Month, I invite our families to consider what these experiences might look like through the eyes of a child.
Imagine trying to concentrate on schoolwork when you do not know where you will sleep that night.
Imagine carrying the fear of returning to an unsafe home.
Imagine feeling that you cannot tell anyone what is happening because you are afraid of being judged, embarrassed, or separated from the people you love.
Now imagine what a difference one caring adult, one understanding teacher, one supportive friend, or one welcoming school community could make.
Sometimes, hope begins when someone simply says, “I see you. I believe you. You matter.”
To any family experiencing housing instability, please know that you have nothing to be ashamed of. If your family is facing challenges, I encourage you to reach out to our school. We want to help connect families with appropriate educational supports and community resources whenever possible.
To any young person who feels unsafe, unheard, or alone, please know your voice matters, your circumstances do not define you, and there are people who care and want to help you find safety. Please reach out to a SNACS staff member for support and guidance.
This month’s newsletter includes two accompanying features exploring the often unseen realities of youth homelessness, the circumstances that may lead young people to run away, and resources available to support children and families. I encourage you to read and share them, whether for your own family or someone else who may need support.
And to every member of our SNACS community, I ask that we remember we rarely know the full story behind another person’s struggles. A little kindness, a moment of understanding, or a willingness to listen can have a lasting impact.
My memoir is titled UNBROKEN because, despite the hardships I experienced, those circumstances did not determine my worth or the possibilities for my future.
But no child should have to demonstrate extraordinary resilience simply to experience safety, love, and belonging.
As we enter this season of gratitude, I hope we remember that compassion is more than a feeling. It shows up in how we treat one another, how we listen, how we respond to those in need, and how we build a community where no one has to carry their struggles in silence.
Every child deserves safety. Every family deserves dignity. And every story deserves compassion.
With compassion and hope,
Dr. Kimberly Regan
CEO & Founder
Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School
Author, UNBROKEN Road to Freedom: Finding Strength to Fight When Life Beats You Down
Youth Homelessness Awareness Month: Homelessness Doesn't Always Look the Way We Imagine
November Family Awareness Series | SNACS
When we think about homelessness, we often picture someone sleeping outdoors or living on the streets. But for children and families, homelessness can be much less visible.
A student may arrive at school every morning with a backpack, clean clothes, and a smile while experiencing uncertainty about where their family will sleep that evening.
Families experiencing housing instability may be staying temporarily with relatives, moving between short-term accommodations, or struggling to maintain stable housing after an unexpected hardship.
Homelessness isn’t always visible, and families experiencing it deserve understanding rather than judgment.
What Is Youth Homelessness?
Under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence may qualify for important educational protections.
Depending on their circumstances, this may include children and youth who are:
- Staying temporarily with relatives or friends because of housing loss or economic hardship.
- Living in motels or hotels because they have no adequate alternative housing.
- Staying in emergency or transitional shelters.
- Sleeping in cars, campgrounds, or other places not intended for regular sleeping accommodations.
- Living without a parent or guardian and experiencing homelessness.
Not every shared housing arrangement qualifies, but families should never assume they are ineligible without asking.
Why Does Homelessness Happen?
Housing instability can affect families from all backgrounds. Contributing circumstances may include rising housing costs, unemployment, medical emergencies, domestic violence, family separation, natural disasters, and other unexpected hardships.
Sometimes families experience several challenges at once, making it difficult to regain stability even when they are doing everything they can to provide for their children.
Homelessness is not evidence that a parent does not love their child or that a family has failed.
How Does Homelessness Affect Children?
Housing instability can disrupt a child’s education, friendships, routines, sleep, physical health, and emotional well-being.
Students may experience anxiety, difficulty concentrating, frequent moves, transportation challenges, or interruptions in attendance.
For a child, changing homes may also mean changing schools, leaving familiar teachers and friends, and repeatedly adjusting to new expectations and environments.
Yet many children work incredibly hard to maintain a sense of normalcy. Their classmates and even their teachers may never know what they are experiencing.
Schools Can Help Families Maintain Educational Stability
Under McKinney-Vento, eligible students have important educational rights, including:
- Immediate enrollment: Students can enroll in school even when documents normally required for enrollment are unavailable.
- School stability: Students may remain in their school of origin when it is in their best interest, even after a change in housing.
- Transportation support: Eligible students have the right to transportation to and from their school of origin when requested.
- Access to educational services: Students can participate in educational programs and receive appropriate supports to reduce barriers to learning.
Families and unaccompanied youth can work with Ms. Deb to determine eligibility and access appropriate educational support.
If your family is staying temporarily with others, living in a motel, experiencing a loss of housing, or facing another unstable living situation, please reach out to our family engagement team at familyengagement@snacs.org.
You do not need to know whether your circumstances qualify before asking for help.
No family should avoid seeking support because they fear embarrassment or judgment.
How Can Our Community Make a Difference?
We can teach children not to make assumptions about others based on their clothing, belongings, living situations, or family circumstances.
We can extend kindness to families facing hardship, protect one another’s privacy, and recognize that asking for help is not a sign of failure.
We can also help reduce stigma by remembering that housing instability can happen to families who are working hard, caring for their children, and doing their best under difficult circumstances.
A family’s housing situation is a circumstance, not an identity. Every child deserves stability, respect, and the opportunity to succeed.
For information about McKinney-Vento educational protections or available supports, please contact SNACS administration and ask to speak with Ms. Deb.
Resources for youths experiencing homelessness:
Eddy House Hangout — High school students ages 14–18
Eddy House also has a school-based outreach program that connects students with food, hygiene items, school supplies, referrals, and supportive adults.
Resources for families:
- Emergency shelter and supportive services for women and families experiencing homelessness.
- 605 S. 21st Street, Sparks, NV 89431
- Phone: (775) 327-7501
Washoe County Housing and Homeless Services
- Helps connect individuals and families with shelter, coordinated entry assessments, case management, and housing programs.
- Phone: (775) 325-8210
- Email: RegionalHomelessServices@washoecounty.gov
- Provides emergency shelter for adults experiencing homelessness, with meals, hygiene facilities, and connections to services. Family placement may be limited, so families should contact Our Place first.
- Phone: (775) 329-4141
- 100 Cares Drive, Reno, NV 89512
Youth HOPE Month: When a Child Feels There Is Nowhere Else to Turn
November Family Awareness Series | SNACS
November is Youth Homelessness Outreach, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) Month, formerly National Runaway Prevention Month. This national awareness initiative highlights the circumstances that may lead young people to leave home, the dangers they may encounter, and the importance of helping them find safety, stability, and support.
When we hear that a young person has run away, it can be easy to assume the child is rebellious, disobedient, or simply unwilling to follow rules.
But the reasons children leave home are often much more complicated.
Why Do Young People Run Away?
Some youth leave home because of conflict with parents or caregivers, while others may be experiencing abuse, neglect, family instability, rejection, or overwhelming emotional distress.
For some, running away is an impulsive response to conflict. For others, it may feel like the only available escape from an unsafe environment.
Every situation is different, and understanding the circumstances matters.
Instead of asking only, “Why did this child run away?” we should also ask, “What was happening in this child’s life that made leaving seem like an option?”
Running Away Can Create Additional Dangers
Even when young people leave to escape difficult circumstances, being away from safe adult support can expose them to additional risks.
These may include exploitation, violence, hunger, homelessness, interrupted education, and difficulties accessing medical or mental health services.
This is why prevention must focus on both safety and connection. Young people need trusted adults, supportive relationships, and access to help before a crisis occurs.
Warning Signs That a Child May Need Support
Changes in behavior do not necessarily mean a child is considering running away, but they may indicate a need for additional attention and support.
Potential signs include:
- Significant withdrawal from family, friends, or usual activities.
- Increasing conflict or sudden changes in behavior.
- Expressions of hopelessness or feeling unwanted.
- Fear of returning home.
- Statements about wanting to disappear, leave, or escape a situation.
These signs may have many explanations. The most important response is to approach children with care, listen without judgment, and take their concerns seriously.
What Can Families Do?
Build opportunities for open communication before a crisis occurs. Encourage children to talk about difficult feelings, family conflict, friendships, and concerns about their safety.
Listen carefully, acknowledge their emotions, and work together to identify trusted adults who can provide support.
Children should know that asking for help will be taken seriously and that they do not have to navigate difficult circumstances alone.
When a child discloses abuse or indicates that home is unsafe, protecting the child and connecting them with appropriate professional support must be the priority—not simply insisting they return to the same environment.
Where Can Families and Youth Find Help?
National Runaway Safeline
Call or text 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)
Website: www.1800runaway.org
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this resource provides free, confidential support, crisis intervention, and connections to appropriate services for youth and families.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for emotional distress, mental health crises, or suicidal thoughts.
Website: 988lifeline.org
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
Families may also contact SNACS administration for help connecting with school and community resources. Staff will respect family privacy while following applicable child safety and mandatory reporting requirements.
A Message Every Child Needs to Hear
You deserve to feel safe. You deserve to be heard. You deserve adults who will take your concerns seriously.
As a school community, we can help prevent crises by creating relationships built on trust, respect, communication, and belonging.
When children feel heard and supported, they have more opportunities to reach out for help and find a safe path forward.
At SNACS, every child matters.
Student Choice and PLAY® in Action
At SNACS, we want every student to feel excited about learning and proud of how far they’ve come! Through Student Choice and our PLAY® Model, students have opportunities to explore, make choices, and take an active role in their education. Our teachers guide students along the way, helping them build important skills while discovering their interests, strengths, and the ways they learn best.
One way our teachers support students is through small-group instruction. Working in a smaller group gives students more opportunities to ask questions, practice new skills, and get extra help when they need it. Teachers can spend more time getting to know each student’s strengths and areas for growth, offering additional support when something feels challenging or providing new opportunities when a student is ready to take the next step.
A Peek Inside Our Classrooms!
Student Choice and PLAY® look a little different in every classroom because learning is not a one-size-fits-all experience! Students might work with their teacher or a small group of classmates to practice reading, solve math problems, or review a skill they are learning. They may also explore hands-on learning centers, participate in activities, or try different ways to practice what they’ve learned. These experiences allow students to stay engaged, explore new ideas, and learn by doing. Our teachers also recognize that every student learns at their own pace. Some students may need extra time and practice with a skill, while others are ready for a new challenge. By providing activities that connect with each student’s learning goals, teachers help everyone continue making progress. Students may also have choices in how they complete an activity or practice a skill, giving them opportunities to build independence, manage their time, ask for help, and take pride in their work.
Why Does This Matter for Families?
When students have opportunities to learn in ways that meet their needs, they can build confidence, strengthen their skills, and feel more comfortable asking questions. Small-group instruction gives teachers more time to connect with students and provide individualized support, while Student Choice encourages curiosity, independence, and a love of learning.
Whether your child is working with a teacher, exploring a learning center, collaborating with classmates, or practicing a skill independently, each experience has a purpose. Our teachers are there to guide students, celebrate their progress, and help them work toward their learning goals. At SNACS, we want students to do more than complete assignments. We want them to understand what they are learning, feel proud of their growth, and become confident learners who are excited to discover what comes next!
Explore, Read, and Grow Beanstack and Comics Plus
At SNACS, we want to help our students build strong reading habits while making reading something they look forward to! Beanstack and Comics Plus are two great resources that help students discover new stories, explore their interests, and build confidence as readers. Beanstack is an online reading tracker where students can record the books they read and the time they spend reading. Students can participate in reading challenges, earn digital badges, and work toward reading goals. Whether your child is reading a chapter book, graphic novel, comic, or digital book, every reading experience is an opportunity to grow! Another fun way for students to enjoy reading is Comic Plus. It provides access to digital comics, graphic novels, and illustrated books that can spark a child’s interest in stories. Comics are more than just fun pictures! They help students practice reading, build vocabulary, understand story sequences, and use illustrations and context clues to make sense of what they read. For students who haven’t found a favorite type of book yet, comics and graphic novels can be a great place to start! Together, these resources encourage students to explore different types of reading, discover what they enjoy, and celebrate their progress along the way.
How Can Families Help?
Reading at home doesn’t have to be complicated! Families can support their child’s reading journey by setting aside a few minutes each day to enjoy reading together. Let your child choose books, comics, or topics that interest them. When children have a say in what they read, reading can feel less like a chore and more like something they want to do. Here are a few simple ways to make reading part of your family’s routine:
- Let your child choose! Encourage your child to explore books, comics, graphic novels, and other reading materials that match their interests.
- Read together. Take turns reading aloud, talk about the illustrations, or share your favorite parts of a story.
- Ask questions. Try asking, “What was your favorite part?” “What do you think will happen next?” or “Would you recommend this story to a friend?”
- Make reading a daily habit. Even 10–15 minutes of reading can help children practice their skills and build confidence.
- Celebrate progress. Help your child log their reading in Beanstack and celebrate when they complete a challenge, earn a badge, or reach a goal.
Getting Started with Beanstack
Students can access Beanstack through the school’s Beanstack website or the Beanstack mobile app. Depending on the school’s account setup, students may log in using the username and password provided by their teacher.
Beanstack Steps:
- Go to https://www.beanstack.com/.
- Click on Login.
- Search for Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School in the ” Find Your School or Library” search bar.
- Log in using your student’s username and password provided to them by the teacher.
- Explore available reading challenges and start logging reading!
Exploring Comics Plus
Comics Plus gives students another way to enjoy reading digitally. Encourage your child to explore the available comics and graphic novels, find stories that interest them, and share what they discover with you. Families can check with their child’s teacher for information on accessing Comics Plus through SNACS.
Comic Plus Steps:
- Click on reader info.
- Go to Login.
- Search for Sierra Nevaday Academy and select with elementary or middle school.
- Type in username and password provide you childs teacher.
Our goal isn’t simply to have students read more; it’s to help them discover stories they love and develop a positive, lifelong relationship with reading. Whether your child is working toward a Beanstack badge, exploring a new graphic novel through Comics Plus, or enjoying a bedtime story with you, every little step counts.
Family Literacy and Art Night
Our SNACS families came together for a wonderful evening of reading, creativity, and connection during our Family Literacy & Art Night! Families had the opportunity to enjoy time together while exploring the connection between books and art, inspired by the beloved children’s author and illustrator Eric Carle.
Students learned about Eric Carle’s unique artistic style and had the chance to create their own artwork inspired by his colorful illustrations. Using creativity, imagination, and hands-on art activities, children explored how simple materials, colors, and shapes can come together to tell a story. It was a fun way for students to see that reading and art can work together to bring books to life! Family Literacy & Art Night also allowed families to spend quality time together while encouraging a love of reading and creative expression. Experiences like these help children see that learning can happen beyond the classroom, whether they are sharing a favorite book, trying a new art technique, or creating something special together.
Thank you to all the SNACS families who joined us for this special evening! We appreciate your continued support in making learning a family experience and helping our students discover the joy of reading, creating, and exploring together.
Meet Our Admin Support Team
Meet Mr. Walker, Our Human Resources and Operations Manager and Behavioral Support
Mr. Walker is one of the friendly faces working behind the scenes to help make SNACS a welcoming and supportive place for our students, families, and staff. As a former SNACS elementary student himself, he has a special connection to our school and a unique appreciation for the community he now helps serve! He plays an important role in supporting our staff, welcoming new team members, and taking care of the many little details that help keep our school running smoothly each day. When he isn’t busy helping out around SNACS, Mr. Walker has quite the creative side! He has performed in 10 different plays at the Grand Sierra Resort (GSR) and also enjoys spending his free time golfing. It’s always fun to learn about the many talents and interests our SNACS team members bring with them beyond the classroom. We’re so glad Mr. Walker is part of our SNACS family and appreciate all he does to help make our school such a special place!
Meet Miss Sydney, Our Business and Finance Coordinator
Miss Sydney helps take care of many of the important details behind the scenes that keep SNACS running smoothly. From keeping financial records organized and preparing for audits to processing payments, managing expenses, and helping with the school’s everyday needs, she plays an important role in making sure our resources are handled carefully and responsibly. While much of her work happens behind the scenes, her contributions help make so many of the things we do at SNACS possible! When she isn’t busy keeping things organized at school, Miss Sydney loves traveling, enjoys life as a cat mom, and has a pretty unique hidden talent—she can write her name with her feet! We are grateful to have Miss Sydney as part of our SNACS family and appreciate all the care and hard work she puts into supporting our school community.
Meet Ms. Deb, Our Student Services Coordinator and Nutrition Coordinator
Ms. Deb plays an important role in making SNACS feel like a welcoming and supportive place for our students and families. She is often one of the friendly faces helping families navigate the many little things that come with being part of our school community. From connecting families with helpful resources and student services to assisting with enrollment, registration, and Infinite Campus questions, she is always happy to lend a hand. She also helps make sure our students’ nutrition needs are taken care of so they can feel their best and be ready to learn each day. Whether you have a question, need help finding a resource, or just aren’t sure where to start, Ms. Deb is someone families can turn to. She truly enjoys helping others and making sure our students and families feel welcomed, supported, and cared for. When she isn’t busy helping at SNACS, you might find Ms. Deb enjoying a trivia night or getting creative with her latest art project!
Meet Miss Savannah, Our Front Office and Student Support
Miss Savannah is often the warm and welcoming first hello our students and families receive at SNACS! As a former SNACS student, she has a special connection to our school community and now helps make the same school feel welcoming for today’s students and families. She is always happy to greet you, answer questions, help students and staff, and take care of the many little details that keep our school day running smoothly. Savannah also adds a special touch throughout campus by creating and updating our bulletin boards and displays, celebrating our students, sharing important information, and showcasing all the wonderful learning and community happenings at SNACS. Outside of school, she enjoys life as a proud dog mom!
Building Community Connections with PBS Kids
At SNACS, we love partnering with organizations in our community that bring new learning opportunities to our students! Throughout the school year, we are excited to welcome PBS KIDS from Reno as one of our community partners. During their visits, students will participate in fun, hands-on activities designed to encourage creativity, curiosity, problem-solving, and learning through play.
These visits give students opportunities to explore new ideas, work together with their classmates, and build skills in an engaging and interactive way. By connecting learning with play and exploration, students can discover new interests while practicing important skills that support their growth both inside and outside the classroom.
We are grateful to have PBS KIDS as part of our SNACS community and look forward to the learning experiences they will share with our students throughout the year! Community partnerships like this help us create meaningful experiences for our students and strengthen the connections between our school and the Reno community.
Upcoming Events and Reminders
November
- November 3– No School; Professional Development for Staff
- November 5– Family Field Trip to the Library, 5-6 pm
- November 6– Early Release; dismissal at 1:45 pm
- November 11– No School; campus closed in observance of Veterans Day
- November 13– Early Release; dismissal at 1:45 pm
- November 16 through the 20– SNACSgiving
- November 19 and 20– Farm and Ranch Days
- November 20– Early Release; dismissal at 1:45 pm
- November 23 through the 27– Thanksgiving break; no school for PK-8.
December
- December 4– Early Release; dismissal at 1:45 pm
- December 11– Early Release; dismissal at 1:45 pm
- December 18– No School; Professional Development for Staff
- December 21 through January 9 – Winter Break – If you are interested in Winter Break Educare, please contact the front office.
Community Events and Local Highlights
Free Family Fun Events
-
- Crafternoon: Diwali Glow Ball (All Ages)
- When: November 3, 2026, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
- Where: The North Valley Library
- Celebrate Diwali with bright, colorful glowing balls! Paint ping pong balls in warm colors like gold, red, orange, and green to reflect the lights and joy of the festival. Hang them around your home to share the warm glow of Diwali. This craft is a fun way to celebrate Diwali and learn about the beautiful traditions of different cultures.
- Crafternoon: Diwali Glow Ball (All Ages)
- Crafternoon: Wax Resist Leaf Art (All Ages)
- When: November 17, 2026, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
- Where: The North Valley Library
- Make unbe-leaf-able works of art using crayons, leaves, and watercolor paints!
Literary Arts
- Paws 2 Read
- When: November 14, 2026, from 2 pm to 3 pm
- Where: The North Valleys Library
- Cost: Free
- Reading program for children of all ages proudly presented by Paws 4 Love. Friendly dogs lend a loving, non-judgmental ear to beginning readers. After reading to a gentle dog, children receive a free book.
- Thankful Dreamer
- When: November 14, 2026, starts at 1 pm.
- Where: Daddy’s Tacos
- Cost: $43 per person
- Join Daddy’s Tacos and Paint with April for a painting party. Arrive early for food and drinks. Enjoy step-by-step instructions while enjoying good food and great company.
- Grow Gratitude
- When: November 20, 2026
- Where: Need2Speed
- Cost: $39 per person
- Join Need2Speed for a painting party. Arrive early for food and drinks, or eat while you paint. Enjoy step-by-step instructions while enjoying good food and great company.
STEM Happenings
- STEAM: Microscope Explorers – Discover the Invisible World (Ages 7 and up with an adult)
- When: November 10, 2026, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
- Where: The North Valley Library
- Cost: Free
- Come to the North Valley Library for Microscope Explorers! Participants will learn how to use microscopes to observe and investigate objects that are too small to see with the naked eye. This hands-on STEAM program encourages curiosity, scientific observation, and critical thinking as participants explore the hidden details of everyday materials and discover the fascinating world of microscopy.
- STEAM: Create Your Own Flag (Ages 7 and up with an adult)
- When: November 24, 2026, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
- Where: The North Valley Library
- Cost: Free
- Participants will explore geography and sharpen their observation skills as they design their own colorful flags using patterns, shapes, and symbols. This hands-on craft encourages creativity while introducing the meaningful role flags play in communication and identity.
Misc/Ongoing Events
- Dragon Lights
- When: All of November (ends November 29th) from 5 pm to 10 pm
- Where: Rancho San Rafael Park
- Cost: General Admission: $27 Ages 3- 11: $19.75 Four Pack: $23.25(Friday & Saturday)
- This year’s spectacular lantern festival invites visitors on a journey through three immersive realms, each brought to life with breathtaking artistry, vibrant colors, and larger-than-life illuminated displays. At the heart of the festival, the Asian Safari zone pays homage to the rich traditions of Chinese lantern artistry. Guests can explore a glowing panda bamboo forest corridor, pass beneath the illuminated lantern and feather corridors, and arrive at a dramatic display of galloping horses standing five meters tall.
- Letters for Heroes (All Ages)
- When: November 2nd through the 13th, except for November 8th and 11th. All-day event
- Where: North Valley Library
- Cost: Free
- Join the North Valley Library in recognition of Veterans Day for Letters for Heroes. Participants will create heartfelt letters and cards to be delivered to residents of the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home, sharing messages of gratitude, encouragement, and appreciation for their service. This community service program fosters civic engagement, meaningful connections, and an opportunity to honor local veterans through the power of the written word.
- The Discovery’s Recycle Round-up
- When: November 14, 2026, from 10 am to 5 pm
- Where: The Discovery Museum
- Cost: Members- Free Nonmembers- Free with admission
- Join The Discovery and partner organizations from throughout our region to celebrate The Discovery’s Recycle Round-up. We’re uniting our community to explore how recycling helps us reduce waste, save energy, and conserve precious resources. Learn, get inspired, and take action to help keep materials out of landfills, save natural resources, and reduce pollution. Find out how we can all pitch in to recycle more and waste less!