D91 Update Nov 22, 2024

Saturday evening, as I was walking to my car, a young man caught my attention. Though I couldn’t immediately understand what he was saying, I noticed the $20 bill in his hand and quickly realized I had walked away from the checkout without my change. I thanked him for his honesty and kindness, and as I continued to my car, I couldn’t help but reflect on how fortunate we are to live in a community where people genuinely look out for one another.

That same reminder of the goodness of our community was evident this week as businesses from across the community joined the District in honoring our Education Support Professionals. These incredible individuals tirelessly support our teachers and students every day. Some teach small groups or work one-on-one with students, others serve meals, ensure students get to and from school safely, or work behind the scenes to keep our schools running smoothly.

Sharing the remarkable contributions of our Education Support Professionals with leaders throughout the community was a privilege. Seeing our community partners so willingly recognize the important contributions of our Support Professionals was heartwarming. Once again, I was reminded of how lucky we are to be part of a community that values and supports all educators in our mission to help every student succeed.

My heart has also been filled with joy hearing from principals and teachers about their students’ accomplishments. Whether it’s improved reading skills, high school writers excelling at constructing arguments, recovering lost credits, or celebrating merit finalists, these stories are a testament to the life-changing work happening in our schools.

This work of the heart truly takes an entire community. It takes our dedicated teachers, administrators, and Education Support Professionals, as well as the families and community members who stand behind them. Together, we are helping each child grow, learn, and achieve more than they ever dreamed possible.

I am continually reminded of the goodness and dedication of our D91 family and the community that supports us. It is an honor and a privilege to be part of such meaningful work. Happy Thanksgiving!

Superintendent Karla LaOrange

Janelle Chaffin of Eagle Rock Middle School shares what she likes about the Intervention Model.

With the launch of the new Intervention Model, a renewed focus on Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and our continued emphasis on student success, we know teachers and staff are working tirelessly to support every student’s learning journey. As we implement these initiatives, you may have questions about the changes, or even about processes that remain the same.

What Do Assignments Look Like on Intervention Fridays for 7th–12th Grade Students?

Intervention Fridays provide an opportunity for students to engage in online learning while practicing or extending their knowledge independently. Here’s what you can expect for your student:

1. Assignments for Each Course:

• Your student will have an assignment for every course. These tasks are designed for practice or extension and can be completed independently. Examples include editing writing assignments, conducting research, completing lab write-ups, or solving math problems.

2. Practice or Extension:

• These assignments are intended for practice or extension only and do not include new content. Examples of practice or extension assignments are editing writing assignments, conducting research, completing lab write-ups, or solving math problems, etc.

3. Assignment Accessibility:

• Middle School & Emerson: Students can find assignments on Schoology.
• Compass: Assignments are available on Echo.
• IFHS & SHS: Assignment details will be provided by teachers and may vary by course.

4. Submission Methods:

• Teachers will determine how assignments should be submitted, whether online, on paper, as a presentation, or another format.

These guidelines ensure that students continue learning and stay on track, even during online learning days. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your student’s school or teacher.

Please feel free to submit any inquiries through the following link: Ask the Superintendent

I’m thrilled to announce an exciting new way to connect with you—our very own district podcast! This podcast will provide insights into the incredible things happening in our schools and give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we’re working to support student success.

As we begin this journey, I’d love your input. What topics would you like to hear about? Here are a few ideas to get us started:

• Updates on district initiatives and programs
• Tips for supporting your child’s learning at home
• Highlights of student achievements and teacher innovations
• Insights into how the district operates (e.g., budgeting, curriculum decisions, safety measures)
• Interviews with educators, students, and community partners

Your feedback will help us create content that’s meaningful and engaging. Please share your suggestions using the following link. Podcast Ideas Survey

Thank you for being such an integral part of our district family. I’m excited to embark on this new adventure together and keep the lines of communication open in a fun and accessible way!

Longfellow Elementary School’s Kari Augustus has been nominated for Idaho State University’s Mentor Teacher of the Year award, a recognition that highlights her dedication to supporting and shaping the next generation of educators.

Augustus decided to become a mentor to pay forward the guidance and inspiration she received from her own mentors throughout her career. “I have had such incredible mentors throughout my career, and I know what a difference that has made in shaping my pedagogy as a teacher,” she explained. “I hoped to be able to do that for someone else.”

The experience has been mutually rewarding. Augustus shared that she has loved watching her student teacher grow in both content knowledge and teaching strategies. “I also have learned a lot of fun and exciting new techniques from her that I’m adding to my teaching toolbox,” she added.

When asked what advice she would give to other teachers considering becoming mentors, Augustus acknowledged the natural apprehension of being observed in the classroom. “The scariest part of being a mentor for most of us is just having someone watch you teach all day and wondering what they think,” she admitted. “To that I say, just be you! You have a lot of valuable advice, experience, and enthusiasm to share with someone who is finding out what kind of teacher they want to be.”

Thank you to all the D91 Community Supporters for helping us celebrate our Education Support Professionals!

D91 is holding weekly committee meetings to determine future curriculum. All meetings are held at the District Office and are open to the public. Agendas will be posted on ifschools.org 48 hours prior to the next meeting.

Here is the schedule.

• High School World History, Economics, and Government: Tuesdays at 4:30 pm
• High School Math Curriculum Committee: Wednesdays at 4:30 pm
• K-6 Music Curriculum Committee: Thursdays at 4 pm

We are also looking for parent volunteers to review the proposed curriculum and provide us feedback. If you are interested, please email Todd Brown at browtodd@sd91.org.

The Idaho Falls School District #91 Learning and Instruction Department is conducting a review of our Gifted and Talented program and is seeking parent and community committee members. The committee aims to study our GT program at all grade levels to determine its effectiveness and ability to meet the needs of gifted students.

The committee will develop a report with recommendations for the Board of Trustees. Some topics the committee will review include state GT requirements and monitoring, program design and alignment, identification and accessibility, instruction and curriculum, student outcomes and impact, family and community engagement, and resources and funding.

If you are interested in serving as a parent or community committee member, please complete the information using the link.

• Nov 25-29: Thanksgiving Break, No School
• Dec 2: Start of 2nd Trimester
• Dec 4-5: Parent Teacher Conference- Elementary Schools
• Dec 6: On-Line Learning Day-Elementary Schools/Teacher Comp Day
• Dec 23-Jan 6: Christmas Break, No School

Elementary schools will be holding Parent Teacher Conferences on December 4th and 5th. Here's a breakdown of how it will affect the school schedule.

• Elementary School Students
• Thu Dec 5: Early Release
• Fri Dec 6: On-line Learning Day/Teacher Comp Day, No in-person classes
• Middle and High School Students
• No change. Regular School Days

Elementary school parents should contact your child's school for details on scheduling a parent teacher conference.

Idaho LAUNCH is a grant program that provides students a one-time opportunity to have 80% of the published tuition and fees at an eligible institution covered, up to a maximum amount of $8,000.

Eligibility:

• Graduate from an accredited Idaho high school or equivalent
  • Public School
  • Charter School
  • Private School
  • Homeschool
  • GED
• Be an Idaho resident
• Be enrolled in or have applied to an in-demand career program at an eligible Idaho institution
• Begin enrollment by fall semester after graduation, unless granted an extension
• Complete a Career Pathway Plan or equivalent, submitted for approval by each district
• Review the approved list of eligible in-demand careers

Find out more here.

Now is the time to apply if your high school student wants to take classes at Compass Academy for the new trimester. You can apply here or click on the graphic below.

Temple View Elementary is getting some new books for its library thanks to a grant from the Idaho Lottery. Today a check for $3,000 was presented to school librarian Ann Broughton. It was through the Idaho Lottery's Bucks for Books program. Thank you Idaho Lottery for supporting our schools.

The lights don't get any brighter on a Friday night. Skyline faces Hillcrest for the 5A football state championship Friday, November 23 at 8:15pm at the ICCU Dome in Pocatello. All tickets will be sold online on the IHSAA website. Go Grizz!!

This week, Skyline soccer star Caliyah Wagner signed on to play soccer for Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. The 2024 5A HCC girls soccer player of the year lead the Grizzlies to 14-3-2 record this season. Congratulations on a great season and good luck at the next level.

In support of the NFHS and the IHSAA, District 91 is encouraging sportsmanship at athletic events by participating in the #BenchBadBehavior campaign. Watch for videos like this one below when you attend D91 home events this winter season. Thank you to the student athletes for helping us spread the word.

Longfellow Elementary: Reading Intervention Tutor Part-time

Child Nutrition Department: Assistant Kitchen Manager-Full-time at Fox Hollow Elementary

Child Nutrition Department: Kitchen Worker-Part-time at A.H. Bush

Eagle Rock Middle School: Resource Room Aide-Limited Full-time

Skyline High School: Assistant Tennis Coach

A.H. Bush Elementary: EL Tutor Limited Full-time

See all current openings here.