Jefferson School District 251
April Newsletter
Superintendent's Message
Elementary Math Curriculum Adoption
The Board of Trustees approved the adoption of Bridges Third Edition by The Math Leaming Center as the primary source for math instruction for all grades K-5 starting in 2024-25, including World Language Immersion Classrooms, and Derivita as the Assessment platform.
In January of this school year, the district formed an elementary math committee consisting of teachers, parents, and district staff to review textbooks using the NCSM-NCTM-Curriculum Materials Analysis Tool from Materials Anal)'sis Tools - NCSM (mathedleadership.org ). All meetings were open to the public and we had some patron attendance as well as additional staff members.
In February and March, each of the three textbook companies came and presented at the district
office and preliminary proposals for the textbooks and materials were received for a district-wide K-5 adoption. The committee determined the program that aligns the best to the Analysis Tool, the state board of education's expectations, and provides support for teachers in both the math standards and the eight mathematical practices is Bridges, which comes in both English and Spanish.
New Athletic Director Selected
The Jefferson Joint School District 251 proudly announces the appointment of Ty Shippen as the new Athletic Director for the 2024-2025 school year. Bringing a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for athletic achievement, Ty is poised to uphold and enhance Rigby High School's proud tradition of athletic excellence.
With a distinguished background in both athletics and education, Ty is no stranger to the Rigby community. Hailing from nearby Menan, Ty was a standout multi-sport athlete during his time at Rigby High School, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. Continuing his athletic journey, Ty played basketball at the college level and later transitioned into coaching with over 20 years of experience across multiple sports.
Prior to joining Rigby High School, Ty served as head basketball and golf coach at Skyline and Minico High Schools, where he garnered experience in coaching, mentorship, and leadership. His dedication to student success extended beyond the field, as he also served as a school counselor, focusing on academic, career, and mental health support for students.
Armed with an Educational Specialist Degree in Executive Ed Leadership from Boise State University, Ty brings a comprehensive understanding of educational leadership to his new role. With previous experience as an athletic director at Minico High School, Ty has cultivated strong relationships within the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA) and among athletic directors statewide.
Ty said he is "honored and excited to take on this role as Athletic Director." His mission is to foster unity, improve communication, and ensure that our student athletes have access to the best opportunities available.
ISBA SLATE Magazine Photography Contest Winners
We want to extend our our congratulations to Aundrea Varela and Ellie Miller, both students at Rigby High School, for their remarkable achievement in having their photographs recognized among the TOP 12 Best Photos in the prestigious Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) photography contest.
Aundrea Varela
Ellie Miller
Jefferson County Youth Sports
The district has been collaborating closely with Jefferson County Parks & Recreation for the county to handle the youth basketball program . The Jefferson County Parks & Recreation will oversee registration processes and manage program operations, ensuring a streamlined and efficient experience for participants and their families. A committee of patrons are serving on a committee with the county to ensure the success of the program.
The basketball programs belief is that every student, regardless of skill level, should have the opportunity to participate in the basketball program. By fostering an inclusive environment, the county aims to nurture talent, build confidence, and instill a love for the game among all participants.
Furthermore, the district has emphasized to the county the importance of maintaining affordability for families. Recognizing the financial constraints that many households face, the county is committed to keeping program costs reasonable, thereby removing barriers to entry and enabling widespread participation.
Integral to the success of the youth basketball program is its alignment with the values of the community it serves. The County Parks and Recreation has pledged to uphold these values of our community, fostering an environment of respect, sportsmanship, and teamwork both on and off the court.
The County Parks & Recreation Department is looking ahead to expand youth sports offerings throughout the county in the coming years. Their commitment to enriching the lives of our young athletes is commendable, and we deeply appreciate their collaboration in administering this program.
Idaho Public Television for Students, Parents and Families
Idaho Public Television has created a dedicated webpage for viewing made for parents, students and families. Parents have the option to curate educational programs for students with learning in mind.
The webpage provides a variety of free content and tools made to guide students through their learning based on their goals and interests. Parents can review program descriptions, watch with the whole family and unpack their learning with discussion questions, games and more to make learning fun.
Parents can explore a variety of available resources:
- Tips for engaging children
- Choosing family screen time
- Understanding themes
- Interacting while you watch
- Learning ecosystem for families
Upcoming Dates to Remember
- April 26 Roberts Elementary Gym Groundbreaking Ceremony 9:45 a.m.
- May 7 Rigby High School Career Technical Education Building Groundbreaking
- May 8 Board of Trustees Meeting 6:30 p.m.
- May 22 Rigby High School Graduation @ BYU-I Center 6:30 p.m.
- May 23 Jefferson High School Graduation @ Rigby High School Auditorium 6:30 p.m.
- May 27 Memorial Day Holiday, No School
- May 31 Last Day of School