To nominate an employee or student who has been an outstanding example of positivity, please go to d93.org/positivity

Based on more than 2,000 responses we received, most parents in D93 schools believe that students should learn concepts and skills to develop their social and emotional learning. But, we are still a long way for formally adopting materials or programs to support this. Our next step will be to ask our teachers and staff their thoughts about the importance of including this as an essential part of what students in D93 schools learn. Once we hear from teachers, we will share the results with our School Board who will make the final decision on how to move forward. Here are a few responses to questions and concerns that have been expressed about this focus:

• No. As of today, there has been no requirement, or even push, from the federal government or other national organizations for D93 schools to put more emphasis on Social and Emotional Learning. Our teachers and principals, however, have frequently shared that more and more students are struggling with appropriate behavior in the classroom, in our hallways, and on our playgrounds. Parents have also frequently expressed concern about issues with bullying, and harassment, and other ways that students are inappropriately interacting with each other. Creating a focus on social and emotional learning,where students learn to recognize and understand both their own feelings and the feelings of others, as well as recognizing the consequences of their actions, is one way that other school districts have successfully addressed these concerns.
  

• Any curricular materials or programs that we decide to use will first go through a review by a committee made up of parents and teachers from our school district. After thoroughly reviewing the materials or programs, the committee will make a recommendation to the School Board, who has the statutory responsibility to approve all curricular materials and programs in our schools.

Our parent engagement survey for 2023 is now open. This survey provides principals with valuable feedback from our parents on what's going well and what areas they should focus on for improvement. Will you please take 5 minutes to provide your feedback to us?

For families who currently receive Medicaid, the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) will be doing redeterminations for eligibility as the income guidelines will revert to pre-National Health Emergency (PHE) requirements. All individuals not found eligible through the redeterminations process will lose coverage by April 1, 2023. Those who do not participate in the redeterminations process of updating their information with DHW or through Idalink account run a greater risk of losing Medicaid coverage. Please see the flier below for more information.

ICYMI: Click the play button below to watch the D93 Live special school budget and finance edition that aired on Monday, March 16th.

Nominations are now open: Last call for Idaho’s most prestigious award in teaching nominations for Teacher of the Year. The Idaho Teacher of the Year will receive a cash award and travel across Idaho talking with other teachers, legislators and policymakers about education in the state. They will serve as Idaho’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year. Applications are due by March 20.

On March 28, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the Civic Center for the Performing Arts in Idaho Falls there is a free screening and panel discussion about the new documentary Nick Sick the Dangers of Youth Vaping. Click the poster for more details.

Reminder: The KNOW Vape Video Contest (idahoptv.org) entries are due April 1, 2023.

Parent’s Guide to Fentanyl was created to help families learn more about this drug and provide tips to help educate children.

The resource includes:

• Tips for Parents
• Information on Fentanyl
• Online Safety Tools
• Helpful Videos & Articles

Idaho Falls Power supports a variety of educational opportunities to empower today's youth to become tomorrow's leaders.

Each year, Idaho Falls Power sponsors several local high school students at the Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association's (ICUA) annual Youth Rally. The mission of the Youth Rally is to inspire, pique curiosity and help youth develop the leadership qualities they possess. For one week, youth -- representing Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Alaska -- converge in Caldwell, Idaho, at the College of Idaho Campus to participate in a variety of activities and classes to promote positive relationships and build skills in leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and more. Students have a chance to learn more about government, drug and alcohol awareness, business, and the electrical/energy industry. Activities include an obstacle course, dance, talent show, roller skating, volleyball, bowling, swimming at the water park, a tour of the Capitol, and more! It is a week filled with fun, friends, and learning and gives youth the opportunity to build long-lasting relationships with other local area students and youths attending the rally.

Those selected to attend will receive a $500 scholarship. Delegates also have the opportunity to earn MORE scholarship money at the week-long rally and to compete to be selected as the Idaho Representative at the NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association) National Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. The National Youth Tour expenses are paid by the ICUA.

IFP covers all expenses for students to attend the event. The scholarship program is open to high school sophomores and juniors and whose parent or legal guardian is an Idaho Falls Power utility customer.

Applications are available at local high school counselor's offices, in person at the Idaho Falls Power office at 140 S Capital Avenue, or by CLICKING HERE.

Applications and essays are due by April 15, 2023 to be considered for the July 10-15, 2023 Youth Rally and can be dropped off or mailed to the Idaho Falls Power office or email them to: ifpinfo@ifpower.org, ATTN: ICUA Youth Rally Scholarship Application

Students, parents, and employees can reach out for help with bullying, harassment, suicidal tendencies, self-harm, threats, or to report weapons at school by going to d93.org/gethelp or sending the text @gethelp to 855-528-0074.

Thank you to our community partners at EIRMC for supporting our D93 Family Update.