SNACS Family Newsletter | October 2026
The school year is in full swing, and we’re proud of how our students keep learning new skills, building friendships, and showing kindness throughout our school community. This month brings cooler weather, fun activities, and new opportunities for our students and families to connect. This month, we want to focus on ways families can prepare for flu season, acknowledge our leadership team, and touch on our dress code policy. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to help our students feel supported, confident, and successful.
We look forward to all that October has in store!
Message From Dr. Regan’s Office
Dear SNACS Families,
We have so much to celebrate at Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School!
Over the past two years, our students, teachers, staff, and families have worked incredibly hard to strengthen our school. The results are showing—not only in academic achievement, but in the halls, classrooms, playgrounds, and relationships that make SNACS such a special small-school community.
Our Students Are Growing Academically
The Nevada Department of Education released the annual Nevada School Performance Framework (NSPF), and I’m happy to report SNACS has made great gains across multiple measures of performance. This past year, our Elementary School performance score increased approximately 130%, moving SNACS from a one-star to a two-star school and bringing us within just 12 points of three stars. Elementary math growth increased dramatically, and overall proficiency nearly doubled.
Our Middle School made tremendous progress as well. Its performance score increased approximately 70%, reaching two stars and putting our middle school just 5.6 points away from three stars.
Those numbers represent much more than percentages on a report.
They represent students who kept trying when learning was difficult. They represent teachers who planned, taught, assessed, adjusted, and tried again. They represent small groups around classroom tables, personalized learning goals, student choice, exploration, and the daily work happening through our PLAY® model and Interactive Choice Board.
Most importantly, they represent a school community that believes every child can grow and succeed.
Our School Climate and Culture Are Growing Stronger, Too
Some of our most exciting progress cannot be measured by a test.
In 2023–24, SNACS had 83 major discipline incidents and 109 suspensions. In 2024–25, those numbers fell to 32 major incidents and 25 suspensions. Last year, we had just 3 major discipline incidents and 2 suspensions.
That kind of change doesn’t happen by accident.
Our teachers and staff have worked intentionally to create classrooms where students know what is expected of them, feel connected to their school, take greater responsibility for their choices, and understand that they belong here.
This is what positive school culture looks like.
It is students learning to solve problems differently. It is teachers building relationships while maintaining high expectations. It is children feeling known in a small school where adults recognize their names, their strengths, their struggles, and their potential.
It is SNACS.
Families, You Are Part of This Success
We also want to say a very important thank you to our families.
Our chronic absenteeism rate decreased from 27.6% to 15%. That improvement matters tremendously because students cannot benefit fully from great teachers, personalized instruction, intervention, enrichment, and the PLAY® model if they aren’t at school.
Every morning that you get your child up, ready, and through our doors matters.
Every effort you make to schedule appointments outside the school day when possible, communicate with us about absences, and make regular attendance a family priority gives your child another opportunity to learn and grow.
Thank you.
Please continue helping us meet our attendance goals by having students at school, on time, every day they are healthy and able to attend. Reducing chronic absenteeism remains one of the most important things we can accomplish together.
We Are Not Finished Yet
We are incredibly proud of how far our students and staff have come—but we are still climbing.
Two stars is not our destination. Our next goal is three stars and beyond.
The difference today is that we can see the progress. We can see it in our academic growth. We can see it in our attendance. We can see it in the dramatic reduction in discipline and suspensions. And, most importantly, we can feel it in the climate and culture of our school.
SNACS has always been more than a building or a school performance rating. We are a small school community where students are known, families matter, teachers care deeply, and children have opportunities to discover who they are and what they are capable of becoming.
To our students: We see how hard you are working, and we are proud of you.
To our teachers and staff: Thank you for believing in our students and in what SNACS can become.
And to our families: Thank you for trusting us with your children, supporting our teachers, getting your children to school, and standing beside us as we continue this journey.
This progress belongs to all of us.
Together, we are building the SNACS our students deserve—and we are just getting started.
With gratitude and SNACS pride,
Dr. Kimberly Regan, CEO of Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School
Important Dates and Reminders 📅
📅 Upcoming Dates and Important Reminders
October
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- October 2nd – Early Release; dismissal at 1:45 pm
- October 5th through 9th – Fall break; no school for PK-8. Educare available with pre-registration and payment
- October 12th – No school; Professional Development for Staff
- October 14th– Literacy and Art Night with Eric Carle (3:30-5 pm)
- October 16th – Early Release; dismissal at 1:45 pm
- October 19th – Picture Makeup Day (8-9:30 am)
- October 23rd – Early Release; dismissal at 1:45 pm
- October 23rd– Harvest Festival and Resource Fair (4-7 pm)
- October 30th – No school; campus closed in observance of Nevada Day
November
- November 3rd– No School; Professional Development for Staff
- November 6th– Early Release; dismissal at 1:45 pm
- November 11th– No school; campus closed in observance of Veterans Day
- November 13th– Early Release; dismissal at 1:45 pm
- November 19th and 20th– Farm and Ranch Days
- November 20th– Early Release; dismissal at 1:45 pm
- November 23rd through the 27th– Thanksgiving break; no school for PK-8.
Leadership that Makes a Difference
October is a wonderful time to recognize and appreciate the people who help make our school community a welcoming and supportive place to learn. We want to give a special thank you to our SNACS leadership team for the time, care, and dedication they put into supporting our students, families, and staff each day. From helping solve challenges to celebrating student successes, our administrators and leaders play an important role in helping our school continue to grow and thrive. We are grateful for all they do behind the scenes and for the many ways they show up for our community. Thank you for everything you do to make SNACS a special place to be!
Meet Dr. Regan, Our CEO
Dr. Regan is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School and SNACS Preschool. She founded SNACS with a group of families in 1998, with a vision to create a small school community where students could learn through choice, play, exploration, and personalized learning.
With more than 30 years in education, Dr. Regan has dedicated her car
eer to creating innovative learning opportunities for children and supporting families in our community. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Nevada, Reno, along with advanced training from Harvard University and Georgetown University. Dr. Regan also created the PLAY® Model and PLAY® Interactive Choice Board, which are central to the way our students learn at SNACS. Her work focuses on
giving students a voice in their learning and creating engaging, hands-on experiences that help children
grow academically and personally. Dr. Regan is passionate about children, education, and the power of play and choice. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, writing, photography, nature, horseback riding, camping, yoga, and other creative activities.
Meet Mr. I, Our Associate Director of Teacher Effectiveness and Digital Management 
After coming to SNACS to substitute, Mr. Ingalls quickly realized there was something special about our school community. He fell in love with SNACS, and what started as a one-day substitute opportunity turned into 14 years of being part of the SNACS family!
Today, as our Associate Director of Teacher Effectiveness and Digital Management, he wears many hats to support our school, staff, students, and families. He works closely with teachers to provide support, professional development, and resources that help strengthen teaching and learning. He also helps oversee the digital tools and systems that keep our school running smoothly. His role also includes many of the day-to-day responsibilities of a principal, including supporting students and families, working alongside teachers and staff, helping address student needs and concerns, supporting school policies and procedures, and helping create a safe, welcoming, and positive school environment. For the past 14 years, he has continued to support SNACS in countless ways, helping our teachers grow, our students succeed, and our school community stay connected.
Meet Mrs. Ingalls, Our Literacy, Instruction, and Family Engagement Coordinator
Mrs. Ingalls began her career as a kindergarten teacher and has since grown into her role as Literacy, Instruction, and Family Engagement Coordinator. Before becoming a teacher, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. She earned a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University in 2024, completing the program in less than six months, and a Master of Science in STEM Education from the University of Nevada, Reno, in June 2026.
With an endorsement in Early Childhood Education and specialized training in the Science of Reading, Mrs. Ingalls is passionate about helping students learn to read and supporting the development of young children. She has been part of the SNACS community for nearly nine years. In her free time, she enjoys baking, crafting, and reading. The most rewarding part of her work is helping students build confidence and discover the joy of reading.
Staying Healthy This Flu Season
As we head into flu season, we want to remind our SNACS families about the simple steps we can all take to help keep our students, staff, and community healthy. Flu and other seasonal illnesses can spread quickly, especially in school settings, but working together can make a difference!
Families can help prevent the spread of illness by encouraging children to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow, and avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Also remind children not to share drinks, utensils, or other personal items with others.
Please keep your child home when they’re feeling sick. Students aren’t allowed to attend school when vomiting, diarrhea, and/or fevers are occurring. Students must be free of these symptoms for at least 24 hours unmedicated to return to school. Allowing children time to rest and recover helps them feel better and reduces the chance of spreading illness to classmates and staff.
Good attendance doesn’t mean coming to school when your child is sick; it means helping your child be at school consistently when they’re healthy and able to learn. Even a few missed days can make it harder for students to keep up with classroom learning, so taking preventive steps and communicating with the school when your child is absent can make a big difference. If your child gets sick, knowing where to turn can make things a little easier. Families should contact their child’s healthcare provider when they have questions about symptoms or treatment. If your child doesn’t have a regular provider or your family needs help accessing care, these local resources may be able to help:
- Northern Nevada HOPES Pediatrics: Provides pediatric care for children from birth through age 18, including sick visits, immunizations, and testing for illnesses such as flu, RSV, strep, and COVID-19. HOPES accepts Medicaid and many insurance plans and offers a sliding fee scale for uninsured families. Call 775-786-4673.
- Northern Nevada Public Health: Provides community health services and information for Washoe County families, including immunization resources and health information.
- Nevada 211: Families can call 211 to connect with community resources and assistance throughout Nevada. Washoe County also directs residents to 211 for statewide resources.
Getting a doctor’s note can go a long way when it comes to your child’s attendance. Doctor’s notes help our school keep accurate attendance records and document when an absence is related to a medical reason. This information is especially helpful when a student has multiple absences or an ongoing health concern. Accurate records also allow our school team to better understand a student’s attendance and determine when additional support may be needed. Doctor notes also excuse the child’s absence so the missed day(s) won’t count against them. If you’re unsure whether your child should attend school, contact your child’s healthcare provider or reach out to the SNACS front office for support.
🍂 October at SNACS: Caring for the Whole Child
October brings several important opportunities to support the health, safety, and success of our students and families. At Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School, we believe that true education means caring for the whole child, including academically, socially, and emotionally.
Here is what we are focusing on, celebrating, and supporting together this month:
💖 Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This month, we honor the strength of those facing breast cancer, celebrate survivors, and stand beside the families and communities who support them. It’s also a helpful reminder to check in on your own health and talk with healthcare providers about recommended screenings.
SNACS Action: Show your support every week! We invite all students and staff to wear pink on Fridays throughout October.
🤝 National Bullying Prevention Month & Nevada’s Week of Respect
(Observing Nevada’s Week of Respect: Sept. 28 – Oct. 2)
Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued at school. We are kicking off the month by emphasizing kindness, empathy, and inclusion.
How Families Can Help: Talk with your child about what it means to be an “upstander” rather than a bystander, and remind them that they can always reach out to a trusted adult at SNACS if something doesn’t feel right.
📚 National Literacy Month
Reading opens doors! October is the perfect time to foster a lifelong love for books and storytelling.
Quick Family Tip: Literacy doesn’t have to mean sitting with a textbook. Try listening to audiobooks or podcasts on the drive to school, visiting the local library over the weekend, or asking your child to tell you their favorite story. Even 10–15 minutes of daily reading makes a massive difference in building confidence.
🛡️ National Substance Abuse Prevention Month
Prevention starts with strong, open communication at home. Creating a safe space for age-appropriate conversations helps children develop healthy decision-making skills early.
Key Takeaway: Reassure your child that they can bring questions, worries, or mistakes to you (or a trusted school staff member) without fear of judgment.
🧠 National ADHD Awareness Month
ADHD Awareness Month reminds us that every student learns, focuses, and interacts with the world in unique ways.
Our Commitment: We celebrate every learner’s unique strengths. By pairing patience and structure with individualized support, families and schools can work together to help every student feel confident, capable, and empowered to succeed.
Questions or need resources? Contact our Family Engagement team at familyengagement@snacs.org, or reach out directly to your child’s teacher. Let’s make this October impactful together!
Community Events and Local Highlights
Free Family Fun Events
- Crafternoon Series (All Ages)
- When: Tuesdays, October 6th and 20th at 3:30pm
- Where: North Valleys Library
- Craft varies by session
- North Valleys Game Night! (All Ages)
- When: October 9th from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
- Where: North Valleys Library
- Join the library for some family fun at Game Night! At this event, they will provide a variety of board games such as chess, Code Master, and dominoes. You can bring a game to share, too!
- 38th Annual Trick-or-Treat Parade
- When: October 28th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
- Where: North Hills Shopping Center
- North Valleys Library will host the 38th Annual Trick-or-Treat Parade at North Hills Shopping Center. Stop by any time between 5:30 and 7 pm to show off your amazing costumes as you parade about the library and the shopping center, stopping for treats!
Literary Arts
- Paws 2 Read (All Ages)
- When: October 10th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
- Where: North Valleys Library
- Cost: Free
- Friendly dogs lend a loving, non-judgmental ear to beginning readers. After reading to a gentle dog, children receive a free book.
- Nevada Department of Wildlife Presents: Bats! (All Ages)
- When: October 13th from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
- Where: North Valleys Library
- Cost: Free
- Uncover the mysteries of bats and learn why these nocturnal creatures are essential to our ecosystem. A hands-on presentation will be followed by a flying bat craft.
STEM Happenings
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- STEM Lab: Girl Power (Ages 7 and up)
- When: October 17th. 10:30 am to 12 pm (Grades 3rd-5th) and 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm (Grades 6th-8th)
- Where: The Discovery Museum
- Cost: Free (must register)
- Through a variety of hands-on activities led by experts in the field, this intensive STEM Lab will help aspiring female energy professionals explore energy careers from solar and wind to hydro and geothermal. Find a geothermal vein, create a hydro-powered machine, cook in a solar oven, and build a vehicle powered by the sun. No matter the source, this STEM Lab is designed to generate sustainable girl power!
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- STEAM: Apple Pie Oobleck (Ages 7 and up with an Adult)
- When: October 27th from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
- Where: North Valleys Library
- Cost: Free
- Explore the physics of non-Newtonian fluids in this fall-themed science experiment, great for tactile sensory play and messy learning!
Misc/Ongoing Events
- Fall Festival
- When: All of October, Wed-Sat from 10 am-7 pm
- Where: Andelin Family Farm
- Cost: $15.50 -$19.50 (Buy here)
- Celebrate the harvest season with pumpkins, a 5-acre corn maze, hayrides, and all the autumn magic that makes fall special on the farm. Experience the best of fall with family traditions, seasonal treats, pumpkin patch access, corn maze entry, and activities that capture the spirit of harvest time.
- World Space Week: Rocket Revolution (All Ages)
- When: October 5th through the 10th from 10 am to 5 pm
- Where: The Discovery Museum
- Cost: Members- Free Nonmembers- Free with admission
- The Discovery is counting down to World Space Week, an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to space exploration. Visit the museum October 5-10 to get hands-on with rockets, satellites, and the future of space exploration through a variety of activities designed to inspire the next generation of astronauts and aerospace engineers!
- Family Health Festival
- When: October 8th from 3 pm to 6 pm
- Where: Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
- Cost: Free
- The Family Health Festivals (FHF) provide an opportunity for the community to connect to a variety of local education, employment, food, health, housing, safety, and transportation resources, all in an effort to make small steps to a healthier life for all. Free services offered at the FHFs typically include the Food Bank’s Mobile Harvest, assistance with applying for SNAP (food stamps) benefits, immunizations, dental screenings, along with a wide variety of other resources.
- 15th Annual Halloween Trick or Treat (All Ages)
- When: October 24th (Members-only: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, General admission: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm)
- Where: The Discovery Museum
- Cost: Members: $4 Nonmembers: $5
- Get ready for a hauntingly good time at The Discovery’s 15th annual Halloween Trick or Treat. Visit the museum in costume and trick-or-treat from gallery to gallery. There’ll be spooky decorations and delicious treats for all the friendly or scary ghosts, ghouls, and goblins who dare to attend.