D91 Employee News:

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Student Advisory Council, a dynamic group of student leaders from all high schools in the Idaho Falls School District! This council was created to provide meaningful input into district initiatives and offer feedback on the high school experience from a student’s perspective.

Each member of the council was recommended by their school principal for their ability to represent their peers and effectively communicate questions, concerns, and ideas with district leadership. These students bring valuable insights and serve as important voices for their classmates.

The council held its first meeting on March 17th during a special Lunch with the Superintendent. During this engaging and thoughtful session, students met with Superintendent LaOrange to discuss a timely topic: new Idaho legislation requiring school boards to develop policies that limit student use of electronic communication devices—such as cell phones and smart watches—during school hours.

Students openly shared their experiences and perspectives on:

• The need for phone access during lunch, especially since many high school students leave campus during that time.
• How social media and cell phone use impact their mental health.
• Concerns about restrictions on using phones for educational purposes during class time.
  
  

In addition, students reviewed and provided feedback on a student cell phone survey that will be launched in the coming weeks. Their input will be instrumental in shaping the survey, which will be conducted alongside teacher and parent versions to gather well-rounded perspectives.

The Student Advisory Council’s insights will be carefully considered as the school board and district work to develop a thoughtful policy in response to the new legislation.

Thank you to the Student Advisory Council members for their leadership, honesty, and thoughtful participation. Your voice matters, and your contributions are already making a difference. This first meeting was a powerful learning experience—we look forward to the important work ahead!

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Student Advisory Council, a dynamic group of student leaders from all high schools in the Idaho Falls School District! This council was created to provide meaningful input into district initiatives and offer feedback on the high school experience from a student’s perspective.

Each member of the council was recommended by their school principal for their ability to represent their peers and effectively communicate questions, concerns, and ideas with district leadership. These students bring valuable insights and serve as important voices for their classmates.

The council held its first meeting on March 17th during a special Lunch with the Superintendent. During this engaging and thoughtful session, students met with Superintendent LaOrange to discuss a timely topic: new Idaho legislation requiring school boards to develop policies that limit student use of electronic communication devices—such as cell phones and smart watches—during school hours.

Students openly shared their experiences and perspectives on:

• The need for phone access during lunch, especially since many high school students leave campus during that time.
• How social media and cell phone use impact their mental health.
• Concerns about restrictions on using phones for educational purposes during class time.
  
  

The Student Advisory Council’s insights will be carefully considered as the school board and district work to develop a thoughtful policy in response to the new legislation.

Thank you to the Student Advisory Council members for their leadership, honesty, and thoughtful participation. Your voice matters, and your contributions are already making a difference. This first meeting was a powerful learning experience—we look forward to the important work ahead!

Sexual abuse remains a significant concern within K-12 schools, with incidents on the rise. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, reported cases of sexual violence in K-12 schools increased by 55% between the 2015-2016 and 2017-2018 school years.

With such a troubling increase in incidents, it’s important for administrators and educators to recognize the signs of potential abuse and take proactive steps to safeguard students. This post will examine the role that teachers can play to help protect students and the broader strategies for preventing sexual abuse in schools.

How Does Sexual Abuse Affect a Child?

According to the CDC, one in four girls and one in 20 boys will experience sexual abuse or assault before the age of 18.

The lasting effects of child sexual abuse can often present as warning signs that educators and school staff can recognize. Identifying these signs early can help flag potential cases and ensure students receive the support they need.

The signs of sexual abuse in children include:

• Impaired Psychological Development: Experience feelings of shame, guilt, fear, and confusion; struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and PTSD.
  
  
• Altered Behavioral Patterns: Sudden changes in mood or behavior such as anxiety, aggression, and withdrawal; changes in sleep patterns and nightmares; loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
  
  
• Compromised Social Relationships: Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships; avoidance of physical contact; fear of being alone.
  
  
• Deteriorated Physical Health: Unexplained bruises, bleeding, or pain in genital areas; sleeping and eating disorders; self-harming behaviors; chronic stomachaches and headaches.
  
  
• Disrupted Developmental Progress: Difficulty concentrating; poor attendance and performance at school; loss of interest in school activities; regression to early behaviors like thumb sucking and bedwetting.
  
  

What Role Can Teachers Play in Sexual Abuse Prevention?

Teachers are uniquely positioned to recognize and report signs of abuse both at home and in school. Click through to read 5 actions teachers can take in preventing sexual abuse.

If you need to the send an email to the HR department, please direct those to humanresources@sd91.org.

• April 18: Midterms
• April 18: Early Release ES/Intervention School Day MS and HS
• April 25: Early Release ES/Intervention School Day MS and HS
  
  

Traditionally, we have had a different schedule on the last day of school. On the district calendar this year, the last day of school is May 30th and it is also an intervention day. We will be following the normal intervention schedule that day for all schools.

The Board of Trustees approved the calendar for the next three years. They are uploaded on our district website here.

There’s still time for students apply for the Idaho LAUNCH grant — and it’s absolutely worth it. The application deadline is April 15, and there are still millions in funding available for Idaho students. LAUNCH offers up to $8,000 to help cover 80% of tuition and fees for training or college in high-demand career fields — and that money doesn’t have to be used right away.

Compass Academy: Evening Custodian-Full-time

Ethel Boyes Elementary: Afternoon/Evening Custodian Full-time

Idaho Falls High School: Special Education Support 1:1 Limited Full-time Para

Longfellow Elementary: Special Education Support, Day Treatment Limited Full-time Para

Longfellow Elementary: Elementary School Secretary-Full-time

Student Services Department: Educational Sign Language Interpreter -Full-time

See all current openings here.