As Nye County students know all too well, the lazy, carefree days of summer vacation have nearly slipped past, and soon it'll be time to get dragged to the store to shop for school supplies.

But students aren't the only ones who need to be prepared for the new school year, and preparations for the first day of classes were a big part of the last school board meeting.

Middle school students will have a whole new science curriculum and the ability to crack open new text books to go with it now that the board has unanimously approved the Glencoe Science integrated program at a cost of $159,302.

The new curriculum reflects new science curriculum standards.

Previously, each year a middle-school student focused on a different area to study. For example, sixth graders learned about Earth science, seventh graders were taught life science, and eighth graders were taught physical science.

The new curriculum integrates all three scientific fields each year at increasingly more involved levels.

High school students will also have a shiny new textbook to rest their iPods on while they study since the board also approved new, updated science texts as well.

The new texts, for zoology, physics, and Earth science, will replace books that have been deemed "unserviceable," which means they're either too battered or simply too outdated to be used effectively.

The more ambitious of the district's students with also have some new books, since the advanced placement courses will also be receiving new texts.

The board approved spending $28,000 out of the general budget to supply the future college students will 70 new statistics books, 25 pre-calculus books, 30 U.S. government books, and 25 English literature texts.

The money for the texts has already been budgeted.

An attempt by the district to sell two modulars located at Round Mountain was unsuccessful due to a lack of bidders.

Four free-standing mobile classrooms in Round Mountain have been replaced with two new ones, holding four classrooms.

The district decided to keep two of the old modulars for storage and sell off the other two old ones.

The district will re-advertise for bids on the units.

Free vision screenings

During the month of August, Dr. George D. Leaks is offering free vision screenings for children ages five through 18.

These screenings will not result in a spectacle prescription. However, they will determine if a comprehensive eye exam should be scheduled.

Appointments are available and will be seen first, but walk-ins will be accepted.

Call 727-8300 to schedule an appointment for your child. The clinic is located at 2120 E. Calvada Blvd.