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.

Some highlights that let's know we are on the right track:

• Goal 1. Academic Achievement was 55% increase in the number of students who reached or exceed grade-level, on either or both of the Math and ELA, as measured by the annual state exam.
• Goal 2. College and Career Readiness. Over 90% of the students graduated HS, a 10% increase that also exceeds the state’s graduation rate.
• Goal 3. Setting a safe and welcoming school setting. Over 60% of the students said that they feel welcomed and respected at school. This is over a 15% increase from prior years.

Over 90% of the staff returned. And over 30% are graduates of SMSD.

As we gear up for a new school year, the staff reflected on the work and results gained in the 2023-24 school year. The staff and I also reviewed the vision, goals, and results for this coming school year. As shared above, we saw progress, and we have work to do.

We are committed to working as a team to ensure that 100% of our kids get the necessary skills, knowledge, responsibility, and confidence to be successful and productive citizens.

Our journey is one of collective achievement. Our recent results have given us cause for celebration, as evidenced when we danced on August 26th. We are a team that takes action and seeks answers, all in the pursuit of growth and achievement for every student. We are a team that can, and we are a team that will.

September 3rd was the first of school for our Panthers and Lumberjacks. The buses pulled out early and transported our students safely. Foodservice staff graciously fed a high volume of students breakfast and lunch! The office staff excitedly welcomed students and parents. Counselors enjoyed schedule changes - no more schedule changes:) The buildings were full of chatter and smiles. The classrooms were abuzz with academics and behavior expectations. The principals led the way for a smooth and joyful day of camaraderie and learning.

• September 16. Regular Board Meeting.
• September 18. Kids, Phones, and Social Media Presentation
• September 26. Staff/community Input on a Carry Conceal Weapon (CCW) Policy at Heyburn
• October 7. Staff/community Input on a CCW Policy at UpRiver
• October 14. Information about the Supplemental Levy at UpRiver School
• October 14. A Regular Board Meeting
• October 24. Information on the Supplemental Levy at the District Office
• 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, September 16, 2024.

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.

The policy would look something like this:

● Device: All personal electronic communication devices including, but not limited to, the following personal devices and accessories used for communication and entertainment: cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, video recording devices, personal digital assistants (PDA), iPods, iPads, laptop computers, tablet computers and other similar electronic devices.

● School Day: From the official school start time to the end of the day school dismissal, including class periods, passing periods, free periods, lunch periods, recess, and assemblies.

DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

Students must keep their Devices powered off, out of sight, and not on their person while on school campuses for the duration of the School Day.

Based on certain medical needs, there may exceptions that are written into a legal plan.

Each school’s procedures will determine where students (other than on their person) shall keep Devices during the School Day, such as in a separate backpack, bag, locker, cubby, etc.

To be clear, students may use district-issued devices (i.e. Chromebooks) during the School Day.

CONSEQUENCES

If a student’s Device is visible, stored on their person, or turned on during the School Day, the Device will be confiscated by an SD 41 employee and may be retrieved from the school's front office by the student’s parent/guardian at the end of the School Day.

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS

Parents should not expect to communicate directly with their children using their Devices during the class-time.

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

CONDUCT

Students may not use Devices (nor district-issued devices) in any manner that disrupts the educational environment, violates student conduct rules, or violates the rights of others. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

● Using any Device (or district-issued device) to take photographs in locker rooms or bathrooms

● Cheating

● Creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing an indecent visual depiction or non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images (i.e., sexting)

● Inappropriate use of any Device (or district-issued device) at other school activities or events, on or off campus, either during or outside of the School Day.

Adults and students, alike, we have questions such as:

• How do we monitor and regulate cell phone usage?
• What are our students/children doing on their cell phones?
• What is screen time doing to the brain?

These questions and more will be discusses at the Kids, Phones, and Social Media Presentation on Wednesday, September 18, starting at 6:00 pm at the Elks Lodge.

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.