Superintendent e-Newsletter

SD 41 is committed to quality education and collaboration by teaching skills, developing knowledge, and fostering both responsibility and confidence so that all students become productive and successful citizens.

Goal 1. Academic Achievement for all students (measured by the ISAT in Math, ELA, and Science) (Social Studies is measured by end-of-year exams)

• Emphasize K -3 early literacy
• Implement an instructional model with five key strategies for K -12
• Use Professional Learning Communities
• Response to intervention

Goal 2. College and Career Readiness. Measured by the state's CCR rate and graduation rate

• Offer a variety of CTE and elective courses
• Offer a range of college-ready courses

Goal 3. Setting a safe and welcoming school setting. Measured by the student climate survey

• Have a K -12 Behavior matrix
• Systemically recognize "the Lumberjack behaviors and be consistent/firm in consequences
• Grow the building safety measures and the student's mental safety.

Goal 4. Improve Communication between SD 41 and the families/community.

• Communicate in a variety of venues (i.e., Newsletter, newspaper, phone
• Communicate frequently with the different venues (i.e., monthly)
• Hold several two-way communication options (i.e., workshops and input sessions)

We started the year running. We set the bar high with the goals and plans to see our students be safe and excel in school. Staff welcomed the students and taught the school etiquette so students felt safe in a kind setting. Staff went right into teaching and assessing the grade-level skills.

Staff are prioritizing a few action steps to support Goal 1( academic growth and achievement):

• A focus on the Science of Reading
• A focus on five instructional research-proven strategies
• A focus on the Singapore Math pedagogy for K -5

Staff are also prioritizing a few key action steps to support Goal 3 (safety):

• Explicitly teaching the behavior expectations in school or on the bus
• Systemically recognize students for using desired expectations like "being kind" or "showing responsibility."
• Being consistent and tough on infractions/behavioral referrals

• October 7. Staff/community Input on a CCW Policy at UpRiver at 6:00 pm
• October 14. Information about the Supplemental Levy at UpRiver School at 5:00 pm
• October 14. A Regular Board Meeting at UpRiver, starting at 6:30 pm (executive session starts at 5:30 pm)
• October 24. Information on the Supplemental Levy at the District Office at 5:30 pm
• November 18. A Regular Board Meeting to discuss the input regarding a CCW Policy

The Regular School Board Meetings are now being broadcasted through this link: https://www.youtube.com/@SD41YouTube/streams

The next School Board Meeting is Monday, October 14, 2024.

• October 14 at Fernwood, starting at 5:00 pm at UpRiver School
• October 18 at TimberPlus, starting at 7:00 am at the St. Maries Firehouse
• October 15 at Rotary, starting at 12:00 pm at the Benedictine Church
• October 17 at Kiwanis, starting at 12:00 pm at the St. Maries Firehouse
• October 24 at the District Office, starting at 5:30 pm

You can click on the link to see the Information Graphic. You can email questions to levyquestions@sd41.org

Facts:

• Tax Credit. Your current levy tax rate of $1.68 should be even less with this next supplemental levy.
• The current levy tax rate of $1.68 is lower than it has been in prior years.

• The next levy tax rate is expected to be less than $1.68 per 1000 taxed property market value.
• The supplemental levy amount of $2,073,385 has been the same amount since 2012.
• The $2,073,385 helps the School District fund its current operations, staffing, and programs.

The Supplemental Levy Funds the Following:

• Extra-curricular and co-curriculum programs such as athletics

• A Pre School Program at Heyburn

• Classroom student support staff such as bus drivers, librarians, and instructional aides

• Elective Teachers and programs such as Music, Band, Art, and business

• Career Technical Education (CTE) teachers and College Ready programs such as Welding, Forestry, Woodshop, Nursing, and Auto-repair

• The operation of a small school in a remote area, UpRiver School

Three points:

1. The negative impact screen time has on children and young people is significant.

2. Instructional time is limited and needs to be protected. Students only spend 11-13% of a calendar year in school for class time. Every minute counts.

3. The use of cell phones can have serious consequences. It can disrupt sleep, lead to increased depression, and impair critical-thinking skills.

Understand that each building currently restricts where and when to use a cell phone during the day. For PK–8, the phones are not to be used in the school building. For high school students, phones should not be used in the classroom. Refer the school's student handbook to read more detail.

To be clear, students use district-issued devices (i.e., Chromebooks) during the school day.

In case of an emergency, parents/guardians can always reach the school's main office. SD 41 knows that there will be times or situations when a student needs to utilize the school phone or cell phone during the day.

Stay tuned for more messaging and information sessions between now and January.

Superintendent Dr. Teresa Rensch remains open to phone calls, emails, and face-to-face meetings. A person can drop into the District Office at 240 South 11th Street in St. Maries, call/email, or make an appointment. I believe good communication is one effective way to advance St. Maries Joint School District 41. SD 41 made gains in the 2023-24 school year. I attribute teamwork, trust, and a strong belief/commitment, to the improvements and accomplishments achieved last school year! I look forward to the continued work and efforts; improvements and accomplishments in the upcoming school year!

The School District Stands Strong on these Six Principles:

1. We believe in a safe and secure environment for our students.

2. We want students and staff to be held accountable to and for our work and actions.

3. Staff and students value constitutional freedoms, and civic responsibility.

4. Staff and students believe in integrity, matching our actions with our words. (doing the right thing even when no one is watching us).

5. Staff and students necessitate respect towards all individuals (authority figures and peers).

6. Staff will make data-driven and informed decisions on behalf of the students.