D93 Family & Employee Update
August 15, 2024
Scott Woolstenhulme
Student Attendance Funds Our Schools
Dear Parents,
As we gear up for a new school year, we’d like to take a moment to remind our D93 families how important it is for students to strive to have excellent attendance this school year.
Since COVID, chronic absenteeism, or missing one or two days of school every few weeks, has increased significantly, both in Idaho and nationwide. Chronic absenteeism can have significant impacts on both short and long-term student achievement. For younger students, this can mean falling behind on skills critical to future learning, like literacy. For older students, it can be an indicator that they are struggling socially or academically and may not graduate.
Also, with Idaho’s return to an attendance-based school funding model, attendance also affects the amount of resources the state sends to our district. This year, we expect that the return to an attendance-based funding formula will cost our District more than 4 million dollars. This loss will mean higher class sizes, less support for students, and fewer opportunities and programs. If our students and families make a sincere effort to attend school regularly, we can help minimize the loss of funding to our District for these critical positions and programs.
We appreciate the support from our families in striving to keep kids in school.
ParentSquare: The New Messaging System for D93
D93 is using ParentSquare!
SwiftK12, the messaging platform that we have used for the past ten years, is no longer in service. In its place, this year we’ll be using ParentSquare to communicate with you from the district, schools, and classrooms.
With ParentSquare you’ll be able to:
• Receive all district, school and classroom communication via email, text, or app
• View the school and classroom calendar and RSVP for events
• Easily sign up to volunteer and/or bring items
• Securely receive report cards, IEPs and other important student documents
Activate your Account
Click this link to activate your account. If you have already received an email or text of this link from your school, you are ready to download the app and stay informed.
You can use ParentSquare on any device. You can download the free mobile app for iOS or Android or use the desktop version at www.parentsquare.com.
You are in control of what type of messaging you would like to receive. Click here to manage your account settings. Please refer to the Parent Guardian Getting Started Guide below.
Our goal is for every family to join ParentSquare and engage with our school community.
Upcoming Important Dates
For D93 Students and Families
- Back to School Nights
- Elementary schools: Thursday, August 22: 5:00 pm – 7:00 p.m.
- Middle schools and high schools: Monday, August 19th 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- First day of School
- Elementary Schools: Monday, August 26 (full-day)
- 7th grade, 9th grade, and Lincoln HS: Monday, August 26 (half-day)
- 8th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grade: Tuesday, August 27 (full-day)
- Elementary Collaboration Day: August 30th (no school for K-6th grade students)
New Law, New Policy
Last Night's Board Meeting Recap
Praxium Mastery Academy Has a New Leader
The Board of Trustees has officially approved the appointment of Nancy Jackson as the new Principal of Praxium Mastery Academy. Nancy has previously served as the Assistant Principal at Bonneville Online High School, where she demonstrated her dedication and leadership. She is eager to embrace her new role and is committed to driving Praxium Mastery Academy to new heights in academic excellence. Congratulations, Nancy!
Celebrating Excellence: D93 Board of Trustees Honors Two Exceptional Students
The Bonneville School District 93 community has reason to celebrate as two of our outstanding students have been recognized for their remarkable achievements. At the August board meeting, Clara McBride and Analee Grover were honored for their exceptional performances in two very different, yet equally impressive, arenas.
Clara McBride: A Historic Achievement
Clara McBride has brought great pride to Bonneville School District 93 by winning a prestigious award at the National Contest of the National History Day (NHD) Competition. Competing against over 1,000 entries in the Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers Prize category, Clara's project stood out for its exceptional quality and depth of research. Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities, this award highlights the importance of understanding history through primary sources.
Analee Grover: Perfecting Academic Excellence
Analee Grover, was also recognized by the Board for her exceptional academic performance. Analee achieved a perfect score on the ACT. This achievement places Analee among the top percentile of students nationwide, showcasing her dedication, intelligence, and hard work.
The ACT is a critical component of college admissions, and Analee’s perfect score opens doors to a wide range of opportunities for her future.
A Community of Excellence
The recognition of Clara McBride and Analee Grover by the D93 Board of Trustees is a testament to the exceptional talent and hard work of students within the Bonneville School District. Their achievements highlight the district’s commitment to designing success for every student.
Congratulations to Clara McBride and Analee Grover on their outstanding accomplishments!
School Communications
From D93 to Hollywood: Matt Sweat’s Journey to Editing Blockbuster Hits
Hollywood Dreams Do Come True! Bonneville High School alum Matt Sweat proves that with passion, hard work, and a D93 education, anything is possible! Lori Biggs caught up with Matt to talk about his journey from our very own halls to editing blockbuster hits like the new Top Gun movie and an exciting upcoming project with none other than Brad Pitt. Get ready to be inspired by his story of perseverance and success in the film industry. Tune in now!
D93 K-3 Teachers Begin CKLA Training in Pilot Program Across Several Schools
There was lots of excitement this week as our K-3 teachers dove into CKLA training. Several schools are piloting this amazing program, setting the stage for even greater learning opportunities for our students. We are proud to see such dedication in action!
Resources for Parents
Apply Now for Free or Reduced Price Meals
Ensure your child has access to nutritious meals by applying for free or reduced-price meals for the new school year. Remember, an application must be completed each school year. By participating, you may also help bring additional funding to our school district, supporting vital educational programs. Plus, eligible students could benefit from reduced fees for ACT and SAT exams, as well as college applications. Don't miss out—apply today!
Annual Health Services Notificaiton
As required by Idaho law, here are the health services and screenings that may be provided to students who enroll in Bonneville School District 93 for the 2024-2025 school year. Please contact your school secretary if you have questions about any of these services.
Rise Up Youth Crisis Center
The recently opened youth crisis center “Rise Up” is now able to serve children in our region ranging in ages of 5-17 years old. This center provides a safe, secure, facility for children in crisis for up to 23 hours and 59 minutes (per crisis). This fully staffed facility will provide food, lodging, case management services to connect children and families with community services, and programming to support de-escalation, stabilization, and support. This is all free of charge to the family or individual and is funded by the State of Idaho. This is a great referral source for students in crisis. The contact information is below.
Phone: (208) 862-0994
Email: ybhcccdirector@gmail.com
Website: www.riseupyouthcrisiscenter.com
Address: 1140 Science Center Dr. Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402
Big Future Website
Parent Resources: PARENTGUIDANCE.ORG
ParentGuidance.org is website with free online courses and resources for parents and anyone who needs support. There is Parent Coaching, Ask a Therapist and Get Help options as well as specialized courses for your specific needs and support measures. Spanish is available if needed. Again these services are free.
D93 Get Help Line
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 News Family Update.