D91 Update Oct 18, 2024

The Power of Collaboration: Helping Every Child Succeed

In D91, we’re fortunate that our teachers have two dedicated hours each week to collaborate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)—and this is no small thing! PLCs are truly the heart of our mission to ensure that every child learns and grows. Each meeting is focused on one central goal: students. But how do teachers determine exactly what students need to learn and how best to support them?

That’s where data comes in. By analyzing student data, our teachers get a clear picture of where each student is on their learning journey, allowing them to make informed decisions about the next steps in their growth.

During PLC time, our dedicated teams dig deep into assessments. They use this information to identify student strengths, address areas for growth, design targeted intervention groups, select evidence-based practices, and plan high-impact instruction. When our teachers come together, they create strategies that meet students exactly where they are, setting them up for success in the most effective way possible.

PLCs are where the real collaborative magic happens, and it’s just one of the many reasons why D91 teachers are truly incredible—dedicated, skilled, and always focused on helping every child reach their full potential.

We want to express our sincere appreciation to our families and community for supporting the time our teachers and staff have each Friday to work together. This collaboration allows us to design meaningful learning experiences that meet the unique needs of every student. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our educators as they work tirelessly to ensure success for every student.

Superintendent Karla LaOrange

I don’t know about you, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our gorgeous fall weather—it has been so beautiful! But with shorter days and cooler temperatures, it’s time to review our snow closure procedures. Yes, snow!

Ralph Frost, our Transportation Director, and his dedicated crew begin driving the roads around 4 a.m. to assess road conditions. Ralph also works closely with city and county officials to stay updated on the latest weather and road reports. By around 5 a.m., Ralph gives me a call to report his findings, and I’m in touch with superintendents from nearby districts. Needless to say, snowstorms mean early, busy mornings for all of us!

I’m often asked why D91 doesn’t close schools as frequently as surrounding districts. One key reason is that many of our district’s roads are within city limits, and the City of Idaho Falls does a fantastic job of keeping those roads clear. Unlike rural roads, city streets are less prone to blowing closed, which allows us to stay open more often than some neighboring districts.

I also understand that for many families, snow days can present an unexpected challenge in finding daycare, especially on short notice.

The decision to open or close schools is never easy. Regardless of the decision, it generates a lot of social media posts! More importantly, the decision to remain open or close school impacts students, families, teachers, and staff alike. Above all, my priority when making this call is always the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Let’s hope for a smooth winter ahead!

Idaho recently passed a new law that requires parental consent before any non-life threatening medical services can be provided to minors. This includes mental health care, which also requires parent approval. You can learn more about the services offered by Idaho Falls School District at the here.

Additionally, the new law requires parent consent if a student wishes to be called by a name at school that differs from their legal name.

To provide consent for non-life threatening medical services, mental health care, or a name different from your child’s legal name, simply log in to your PowerSchool Parent portal.

We value our partnership with parents and appreciate your help in sharing your preferences to best support your student!

Here is an opportunity for students. The Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leaders Program is an innovative two-year program, available to sophomores, juniors, and seniors, offering a unique opportunity for students’ personal and academic growth.

Through its focus on leadership styles in both the public and private sectors, students will gain invaluable skills that are essential for their future success. Learn more about the program by clicking the link below.

Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leader Program

• Oct 22: Board Work Session, 4 pm at the District Office. Click here for agenda.
• Nov 5: Election Day, Online Learning Day
• Nov 22: End of 1st Trimester
• Nov 25-29: Thanksgiving Break, No School
• Dec 4-5: Parent Teacher Conference- Elementary Schools
• Dec 23-Jan 6: Christmas Break, No School

We want to remind you that Tuesday, November 5th, is Election Day! This year, it will also be an online learning day for students. What does this mean for your child? Students will complete assigned work from home. These assignments will be easily accessible in either online or paper formats. Learning will build on concepts already introduced in class and may include new concepts or practice to enhance understanding.

While students are engaged in online learning, our teachers and staff will be participating in professional development. This time is an important opportunity for them to learn new skills, collaborate, and refine current practices. Teachers will also use this day to plan and prepare meaningful learning experiences for students.

We are excited for this dedicated day of learning and growth for both our students and our D91 team!

We are celebrating our Child Nutrition Department this #NationalSchoolLunchWeek. D91's child nutrition staff works diligently to provide our students and staff with healthy, nutritious, and low-cost or free meals that meet the latest state and federal nutrition guidelines.

The department consists of cooks, kitchen staff, servers, cashiers, warehouses, drivers, and a menu planner that prepares, serves, and delivers about 4,600 lunches and 1,000 breakfasts every school day. Thank you for all that you do for our students.

A top priority for Idaho Falls School District 91 is safety. This week, staff at Linden Park Elementary took a Stop the Bleed course. Thank you to Tonya Rupp and Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for providing the training. This is a skill we hope our staff never has to use, but if they ever do, we are grateful for their dedication to be ready.

Congratulations to Idaho Falls boys soccer for winning the district championship and earning a spot in the state tournament. Skyline can still qualify for state with on win over Blackfoot on Saturday, 11am at the Butte Soccer Complex #2. The boys soccer state tournament is Oct 24-26 at Bonneville High School.

On the girls side, Skyline and Idaho Falls will play Saturday for the final spot in the state tournament. The match with be at 11 am at Ravsten Stadium. The girls soccer state tournament Oct 24-26 at Hillcrest High School.

Hawthorne Elementary held its annual Fall Festival this week. It included lots of great costumes and fun games for Halloween. It also gave students a unique learning opportunity. Hawthorne's 5th and 6th graders put together a spook alley in the school's basement. It was a fun way for the students to learn how to work together on a big project.

A.H. Bush Elementary: Special Education Support 1:1-Limited Full-time Para

Dora Erickson Elementary: Title I Tutor-Limited Full-time

Human Resource Department: Human Resource Assistant-Full-time

See all current openings here.