LAS VEGAS -- Students at Hancock Academy School are heading out of the classroom to help improve their grades.

Hancock is one of the oldest schools in Las Vegas but physical education instructor Sara Trieff is bringing some new ideas to get kids on track.

Trieff isn't only a teacher; she's also a marathon runner.  She thinks it's important for the kids to get a dose of exercise four days a week which is more than most schools.

Hancock Principal Gerri Moore explained exactly why the extra workout is so important.

"A neuroscientist talked about how increased activity increases what kids learn 5 to 20 percent more," Moore said.

The students agree. They're proud of the improvements they've been seeing in grades and test performances.

Summertime brings a need for lifeguards at local pools and the city of Las Vegas offers discounted training.

The city is providing the new American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course for $50 during February. Normally priced at $90, the course is required for those who wish to be employed as lifeguards.

Those who successfully complete the course will be certified for two years in Lifeguard Training and First Aid, as well as CPR/AED for Lifeguard. Participants must be at least 15 years old to take the class. The course is approximately 30 hours in length. Participants must attend all class sessions and successfully complete the requirements to receive certification. 

For the first time, a Chinese New Year celebration will take over the Fremont Street Experience. The five-day festival starts Tuesday night.

Organizers hope the Year of the Dragon will bring good luck for local businesses in the downtown area. Chinese New Year celebrations have been a mainstay for Las Vegas’ Chinatown, which is along Spring Mountain Road. Strip hotels have also made special efforts for the holiday.

Organizers of the downtown event dubbed "Dragon in the Desert" say the area is becoming more popular and it is time to bring the energy of Chinese New Year here to Fremont Street.

"The Year of the Dragon signifies prosperity and it is such a powerful sign of the zodiac. We have to do it this year,” organizer Jan-Ie said.

Many Asian people believe this is a good year to open a new business. Those behind the celebrations downtown also hope that the party persuades more Asian-Americans to open businesses in the area.