Dear Cascade School Families,

As we near the upcoming holiday break, I want to take a moment to share just how important the next couple of weeks are for our students. While we’re all excited for some well-deserved time off, it's crucial that we stay focused on the learning that still lies ahead. Every minute in the classroom counts, and this time will make a difference in the progress our students are making.

At Cascade Schools, we are committed to maintaining a high level of engagement right up until break, and our teachers are fully dedicated to helping every student reach their potential. I’ve encouraged our team to teach with energy and enthusiasm, and I ask for your support in motivating your children to keep working hard and stay focused.

Encouraging your child to stay committed to their schoolwork during this time will make a difference not just in their grades, but in their long-term growth. Let’s work together to help our students finish strong, so they can enjoy their break knowing they’ve done their best.

I am incredibly thankful to be the principal of such a dedicated community, and I truly believe that with our combined efforts, we can make the last couple of weeks of 2024 count.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing the hard work and dedication of our students in action!

We are excited to announce that this year’s Annual Christmas Breakfast will be held on Thursday, December 19, and will be open to students of all grades! We look forward to celebrating the holiday season together and creating wonderful memories with our entire school community.

To make this event a success, we invite you to join in by signing up to bring an item or volunteer. Your participation, whether through donations or your time, will help make the breakfast a festive and enjoyable occasion for all.

Please visit our SignUp Genius link to see the list of items needed and volunteer opportunities:

Thank you in advance for your support! We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you and your family.

Warm regards,
Cascade Schools

** Full day of School on 12/19/24**

NO SCHOOL

December 20, 2024 - January 5, 2025

SCHOOL RESUMES

Monday, January 6, 2025

What is the See, Tell, Now App?
The See, Tell, Now app is a simple tool that allows anyone to report concerns anonymously. If you see something that doesn’t feel right—like bullying, threats, unsafe behavior, or anything that could harm others—you can use the app to report it. Your identity stays private, so you don’t have to worry about being identified or judged.

Why are tools like this important?
Having a way to report concerns is important because it helps keep everyone safe. Sometimes, people might notice something wrong but feel too scared or unsure to speak up. This app makes it easier to share important information without fear. When problems are reported early, adults can step in and prevent things from getting worse. Tools like See, Tell, Now create a safer, stronger community by giving everyone a voice to make a difference.

Are you ready to make a lasting impact in our students' lives and be part of a milestone they'll never forget? Cascade High School is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to serve as Senior Project Judges! This is your chance to support our graduating seniors as they showcase their hard work, creativity, and dedication in their capstone projects.

Why Volunteer?

• Be a Mentor: Share your perspective and encourage the next generation as they prepare to take on the world.
• Celebrate Achievement: Help us honor the Class of 2025 as they cross one of the final thresholds of their high school journey.
• Give Back to the Community: Your time and input mean the world to our students and their families, demonstrating the power of volunteerism in shaping bright futures.

Whether you're a parent, alumni, community member, or simply someone passionate about education, this is a unique opportunity to make a difference and witness the incredible potential of our students.

When: January 28, 2025 - Presentations start at 5:30
Where: Cascade High School - upstairs classrooms

To volunteer or learn more, contact Joni Stevenson at joni@cascadeschools.org. Together, let’s create a memorable experience for the Class of 2025!

Dust off your hats and get out your whistles, we need you!

We have openings for Coaching Track

High School Head Track Coach

JH Head Track Coach

JH assistant Track Coach

We also have a need for workers at the home Basketball Games taking admission money to the games.

Contact Ron Emry for questions (ronem@cascadeschools.org).

Parents and students can now apply for federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. The 2025 - 2026 application features more instructive language to help students and families avoid mistakes and takes significantly less time to complete compared to previous versions of the form.

Applicants can start a new form, edit an existing form or access last year's application on the official FAFSA website. The 2025 - 2026 form takes about 20 minutes to complete, though the website recommends blocking out an hour of time to go through the process.

Applicants will need:

• Verified account username and password (FSA ID)
• Parent or spouse contributor name, date of birth, Social Security number and email address
• Income and asset information (if required)

Emotional regulation can be a challenge for many children, especially those with disabilities. Helping your child learn how to manage emotions in different situations is crucial. Parents can use strategies such as teaching deep breathing, providing a calm-down space, and modeling how to handle frustration. Creating a predictable routine and using visual cues can also help children feel more in control of their emotions​.

Nicole Dellabalma

Director of Special Services

nicole@cascadeschools.org

Here is what is on the agenda:

• Policy 1600 - Code of Ethics for Trustees (2nd Reading) - 3rd reading at next meeting
• Policy 2500 - Library Materials (3rd reading) - Approved
• Policy 2520 - Selection, Adoption, Use, and Removal or Curricular Materials (3rd Reading) - Approved
• Policy 3265 - Student Technology, Internet Acceptable Use & Student Owned Electronic Communication Devices (2nd Reading) - 3rd reading at next meeting
• Policy 5325 - Employee Use of Social Media Technology & Communication (1st Reading) - 2nd reading at next meeting
• Policy 5330 - Employee Electronic Mail and On-Line Services Usage (1st Reading) - 2nd reading at next meeting
• Policy 5335 - Employee Use of Electronic Communication Devices (1st Reading) - 2nd reading at next meeting
• Policy 5430 - Insurance Benefits for Employees/Trustees (1st Reading) - 2nd reading at next meeting
• Long Term Strategic Planning Values Statements & Next Steps - Trustees will meet with school leadership team on Monday to discuss the staff feedback and vision for the LTSP.
• Board Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Handbook - Will talk more in January
• 2025 Grant Writer Contract - Approved
• January 2025 regular board meeting date - Approved for Tuesday January 14, 2025
• Simbli Board Management Software - Would like to continue to gather information on this software

Future Meeting Agenda Items:

• Annual Meeting dates
• 2025-2026 Master Calendar
• Policy 1500, 1500P, 1500B, & 4105

We have a dedicated webpage for Strategic Planning progress so we can all stay in the loop on the work that has been done and where we are headed.

Cascade Strategic Planning Webpage

Email: joni@cascadeschools.org
Website: https://www.cascadeschools.org/
Location: 209 North School Street, Cascade, ID, USA
Phone: (208)630-6057
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CascadeRamblers422
Twitter: @ourschool