January 2024 Update

The end of the 1st semester is quickly approaching, and we are already beginning to plan for the 2024-2025 school year. As you know, the 4-day school week is a pilot. Please check your email inbox on February 1st, so you can provide input on whether you would like the 4-day week pilot to continue in the 2024-2025 school year or if you would prefer to return to a 5 day school week. Thank you in advance for your help in determining next year's school calendar.

~ Dena Naccarato, Superintendent

The holiday is recognized on Monday, February 19 (no school).

School is in session on Friday, February 23.

At the January 2024 Post Falls School District's school board meeting, new trustees were sworn in and the annual re-organization of the board took place. Pictured above are all PFSD trustees: Neil Uhrig - 2024 board chair (zone 1); Paul Wagner (zone 2); Sara Rodriguez - 2024 board vice-chair (zone 3); Logan Creighton (zone 4); Jake Dawson (zone 5).

Appointed in October 2022, Sara Rodriguez was sworn in as a returning trustee for zone 3. “Being a PFSD board member is a unique way for me to support our school district and students. I am all about our schools and feel I portray that in everything I do. Our students are the future, and it is important to invest in and support them.”

New to the board, Paul Wagner was sworn in for zone 2. Mr. Wagner has been a resident of Post Falls for over 40 years and has always had a strong commitment to the educational well-being of our community. His wife, Sharon, served as a dedicated teacher in the school district for 25 years. All three of Mr. Wagner's children proudly graduated from Post Falls High School further cementing his family's connection to the district. "Our schools have played a pivotal role in my family's life, and I am committed to ensuring that every student in our district receives the best possible education. I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow board members, administrators, teachers, parents, and the entire community to uphold and enhance the educational standards of our district."

In order to make certain all our students receive appropriate educational support, Post Falls School District 273 conducts a mid-year residency verification. Residency is defined as where your family sleeps at night. Has your residency changed since September 5, 2023? If so AND if any of the following statements are true for your family, please contact your school counselor or the Post Falls School District McKinney-Vento Liaison, Janelle Baker, at 208-773-0581 or janelle.baker@sd273.com for more information about educational services that may be available to your student(s) and family.

• We are doubled up with friends, grandparents, or other family due to economic hardship.
• We are living at a hotel/motel because other housing is unattainable.
• We are living in a domestic violence shelter.
• We are living in transitional housing.
• We are sleeping in public places or abandoned buildings.
• We are living in a car, trailer or campground.
• We are living in a home for pregnant or unwed mothers without another place in which to live.
• I am a student not in the physical custody of my parents or guardian.

More information about the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program can also be found on the PFSD website:

As you are aware, on occasion it is necessary to cancel school because of inclement North Idaho winter weather. Typically icy conditions, not snow, present a problem.

We also have the option of a 2-hour late start when it appears the weather could improve enough to safely open school for students and staff members later in the morning. Starting school later will also provide city and county road crews with more time to clear roadways, parking lots and sidewalks.The decision to keep school open, close, or delay the start by 2 hours is announced by 5:30AM.

For more information about this topic can be found on the district website.

As a reminder . . . students are outside for recess unless the “feels like” temperature is single digits (below 10 degrees). Please send your children to school with warm coats, hats, gloves, etc. Thank you!

The Post Falls Boys and Girls Club currently has limited openings in their after school and "full day" Friday programs. The also provide childcare during many of the school breaks.

Pricing:

• School year membership $20 it covers after school care until 6:30 p.m. Snack and homework help are provided.
• "Full day" Fridays and other full days cost = $10 per day. A $20 school year membership is required to sign up for "full day" Fridays and other full days. Breakfast, lunch and a snack are provided at no extra cost.

Here are links to their calendar and also to their FAQs. For more information, call 208-457-9089.

Parents and caregivers of children ages 4-5 learn how to turn everyday moments into learning moments. FREE educational toys geared to your child's age are given upon completion of each workshop!

Dinner and childcare are provided.

Click here for more information and to register.

Your child may be eligible to receive free or reduced price meals. You may qualify if your household’s annual gross income is within the limits identified by the Federal Income Eligibility Standards.

Our online application can be found on our website and paper copies are available upon request. Only one application needs to be filled out per household. Remember - each year you must submit a new application.

Please contact Becky Elmore, Child Nutrition Supervisor, at 208-773-1625 with your questions regarding the school lunch or breakfast program.

Payments to your student(s) account may be made online at RevTrak or through Skyward Family Access, by cash or check at the school kitchen, or by mail. For information on using the RevTrak system see our help document.

It’s National Thank You Month! Thank You Month is an opportunity to spread kindness by thanking all the people who’ve helped us along the way.

To kick off Thank You Month, we want to thank you for your dedication. Every day, you encourage your student to learn and grow. You are a major reason for the success of our students, and it’s an honor to serve your family.

We encourage you to spend some time this January thinking about what you’re thankful for and express gratitude for those who have helped you. Help from others is so appreciated and, at times, needed. If you or a family member needs extra support, Post Falls School District partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of students and their family members. If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health or substance use treatment and would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:

• Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.
• Visit caresolace.com/pfsd and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

Thank you again for your dedication to your students and this community.

Email: info@sd273.com
Website: https://www.pfsd.com/
Location: 206 West Mullan Avenue, Post Falls, ID, USA
Phone: (208) 773-1658