School starts Monday in Douglas County

More than 50 new teachers will greet students throughout the Douglas County School District when school starts on Monday morning.

Valeri Bayard Volo is being welcomed as Carson Valley Middle School’s new principal.

“She has extensive background in the Washoe County School District as a teacher, leader and administrator and we are extremely excited for her to lead Carson Valley Middle School,” said Joe Girdner, Douglas County School District executive director.

With 22 years as an educator, Bayard Volo was an English and social studies teacher at Wooster High School and served as Reed High School’s vice principal for 6 years.

She came to Douglas County after Principal Josh Rosenbloom at Reed High School told her of his roots in Douglas County.

“He kept talking it up and what a great community it is,” said Volo. “It’s the No. 1 district in the state and I want to celebrate the school excellence and I am very excited to be a part of that.”

Volo said she is looking forward to making Carson Valley Middle School a fun and united community in the district.

“I want them to be proud to go here, for it to be fun and full of energy and for one solid community with our school, the teachers, parents and the community around us,” she said.

Also being welcomed to Carson Valley Middle School is Cayla Knapp who will be teaching P.E.

The 2006 Douglas High School graduate is excited to return to her roots and be a part of the district she grew up in.

“I’ve walked these halls and I’m just excited to be back home,” said Knapp. “I don’t plan to leave. This where I want stay and lay my roots so I’m excited to start this new chapter of my life and be a part of the district.”

After graduating from high school, Knapp received a scholarship in volleyball to Arkansas. After college, she moved to San Diego where she became a substitute teacher for a local school.

“When I started subbing, I just knew that it was something I enjoyed doing and wanted to do so I went back to school to get my credentials and master’s degree,” she said.

She taught P.E. for three years in Clear Creek Calif. She came back to Douglas after hearing about teaching positions from her old P.E. teacher.

“Jane Ballingham is who got me into volleyball and interested in becoming a teacher in the first place and she told me to apply here in Douglas County, so I did,” said Knapp. “So, it’s a full circle and I’m really excited about it.”

All school zones will be in effect starting Monday, and motorists are reminded to obey the speed limits.