Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 27, 2025) — Two staffers from the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada are stepping into classrooms this morning as part of the Clark County School District (CCSD) “Principal for a Day” program. This initiative allows participants to explore the challenges, responsibilities and successes of CCSD leaders while discovering new ways to support students and educators in disaster preparedness and emergency response.
“The experience will give our staffers a deeper appreciation for the role of school principals, not just in education but also as key community leaders,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “We hope to come away with valuable insights that will help the Red Cross better address the unique needs of our communities and foster greater resilience.”
Lowell Smith, Community Disaster Program Manager, will spend the morning at Shirley & Bill Wallin Elementary School in Henderson, while Alyssa Rueda, Community Disaster Program Specialist, will be at Ernest A. Becker Sr. Middle School in Las Vegas.
Building Stronger Partnerships
CCSD’s Community Engagement Department oversees the 2025 “Principal for a Day” program, running this week from February 24–28, to bring business and community leaders into schools. The program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of public education by exposing them to the daily successes and challenges of school principals. By fostering these connections, the program encourages meaningful collaboration on lasting solutions.
Participants shadow principals for at least half of the school day, exchanging ideas, learning from one another, and building a mutual understanding of the skills and challenges associated with their roles.
“Programs like ‘Principal for a Day’ allow the Red Cross and other community organizations to build relationships that extend far beyond the classroom,” said Flanigan, who earlier this week, served as a “guest principal” at Ulis Newton Elementary School in Henderson. “These partnerships enable the Red Cross to share its mission of preparedness with future generations of Southern Nevadans.”
Promoting Emergency Preparedness from a Young Age
Over the past two years, the Red Cross has presented its “Prepare with Pedro” youth preparedness program to nearly 3,200 Kindergarten through third-grade students across Nevada. This free 30-minute, interactive presentation teaches children the basics of emergency preparedness in a fun and memorable way.
“Our goal is to help Nevada’s children feel confident and prepared in emergencies, like a home fire,” said Flanigan. “By equipping kids with these critical skills, we help foster a culture of safety and preparedness.”
For older students, the Red Cross offers Be Red Cross Ready disaster preparedness training and Hands-Only CPR courses, empowering them to take lifesaving actions in emergencies with confidence and skill.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.