Jo Mackey Elementary School, 1964
Increased growth continued on the Westside and another new school was required. Jo Mackey was born Josephine Smith Giese in Montana in 1895. She married Claude J. Mackey while residing in Montana and came to Las Vegas in 1925. Mrs. Jo Mackey was dedicated to welfare work in Clark County and devoted her life to the under-privileged and to the handicapped, being handicapped herself. She was active in Red Cross work, American Legion Auxiliary activities, welfare programs, and for many years made the March of Dimes campaign an outstanding success. She worked for the establishment of a school for handicapped children, which later became Variety School. She received a national citation as a Red Cross "Gray Lady." Jo Mackey was a great humanitarian who resided in Las Vegas until her death in 1957.
Jo Mackey Elementary School transformed from a neighborhood elementary to a Sixth Grade Center School in 1971. Jo Mackey remained a Sixth Grade Center until 1992 when it became Jo Mackey Prime 6 School. For the 1995-96 school year the school became a Magnet School for Academy of Learning and Global Leadership. Leadership is the focus of Jo Mackey Magnet School. There are leadership projects in each classroom and a Leadership Fair showcasing the projects to the families and community is held each year. The theme is also carried out through extensive use of technology. Daily school broadcasts combine leadership skills and technology. Giving back to the community is emphasized through service-learning projects. The activities and clubs offered also support the global awareness that is part of the academic theme. Business partners as role models are important and Mackey is fortunate to partner with Sam’s Club, Lowes and 100 Black Men of Las Vegas.
The school has been recognized as a Magnet School of Distinction for 2012 by the Magnet Schools of America. This is the 6th year in a row they have been recognized as a Magnet School of Merit.
Joe Mackey Elementary School - Photo 1969