Discipline Problems

Disciplinary problems appear to be on the rise not only at Sierra Vista High School but schools across Clark County School District as students struggle with behavior issues that range from  basic manners to violent outbursts. As Las Vegas continues to have the fastest growing  population in Nevada, CCSD schools are quickly reaching full capacity, making it very difficult  for school personnel to keep track and control student behaviors. 

Discipline problems among students have increased in Vista. According to a graph shared with  students during an assembly dedicated to discipline issues during in the first quarter (see picture)  by Principal Jessica Lee Lovell, the school had an average of 29.5 major infractions among the  classes. Bullying and fights are the key factor of these issues. Ninth and tenth graders have the  highest amount of infractions (an average of 96 minor infractions and 37.5 major infractions) when compared to Eleventh and Twelfth graders. 

To reduce the amount of infractions, Vista’s administration took action by adding a third lunch.  Adding another lunch reduced the amount of fights and bullying that happened on campus, this  also helped the school to control students if a fight broke out. Ms. Collins (Assistant Principal  over Student Discipline said, “We have seen a decrease in aggressive behaviors/fighting during  lunch.”  

In addition to fights, student possession of weapons is becoming a major issue in CCSD (Clark  County School District). On December 15, 2021 a knife fight in Cimarron High School resulted  in both students going to the hospital. Another incident involving gun violence occurred on  January 31, 2022 outside of Chaparral High school. CCSD issued a statement saying: “CCSD  investigates every reported case of bullying and takes appropriate action if needed.” 

As second semester begins and students settle into the addition of a third lunch, Sierra Vista  High School hopes to see a decrease in negative student behavior, but there are still some  concerns about student safety in CCSD.