By Kathryn Reed

ZEPHYR COVE — Demographics are changing at Zephyr Cove Elementary School.

This is one of the things Principal Nancy Cauley highlighted in her report to the Douglas County school board this month. This is the first time in her four years at the helm of the K-6 school that it has students who fit two subgroups when it comes to federal testing – free lunch and limited English proficiency.

To be a subgroup there has to be at least 25 students who fit the criteria.

“They are reading below grade level,” Cauley said of the LEP students. “We are looking at ways to implement strategies to meet their needs.”

Giving students double and triple doses of the subject matter they are weak in is being done. Whenever possible, instead of pulling students out for specialized work, a tutor-instructor is going into the classroom to address the needs of students.

Despite having more students operating below grade level, Zephyr Cove still has the designation of a Nevada High Achieving School.

Using flexible groupings, especially in math, is another tool of Cauley’s. Students are not stuck in a certain group all year – placement is re-evaluated and dependent on their capabilities.

High-achievers are going to Whittell High School for seventh-grade math.

Enrichment activities this year include spelling and geography bees for some of the grade levels. Beginning and intermediate band is offered to fifth- and sixth-graders. Sixth-grader also have a sports program. More than 70 students participate in after school programs.