D91 Weekly Update

Yesterday was one of those unforgettable moments for me—not just as an educator, but as a parent. My husband and I had the privilege of attending the college graduation of our son-in-law, who is also our last child to graduate from college. As I watched Isaac walk across the stage to receive his degree, I was filled with pride—and also deep reflection.

I couldn’t help but think back over the years and the many people who played a role in helping all my children reach that moment. It wasn’t just college professors who prepared him—it was the entire team of educators and staff who walked alongside all my children from the very beginning.

I remembered the bus drivers who greeted my children every morning with a smile and the office staff who listened patiently to childhood stories about lost teeth or lost friendships. I thought of the teachers who gently wiped away tears, who noticed when something wasn’t quite right, who celebrated my kids wins and helped them grow through the challenges.

I thought of the teachers who helped each of my children believe in themselves, who encouraged them to keep going when things got hard, and who made sure they knew that with determination and effort, they could achieve their goals. And I thought of the educators who showed up—not just in the classroom, but in the stands at games, in the audience at performances, cheering my children on, long after they left their classrooms.

As parents, we see the incredible effort our children put into their learning. But yesterday, I had the privilege of seeing, with fresh eyes, the cumulative impact of the years of work, care, and commitment from educators, administrators, and support staff. I saw the difference they made—not just in test scores or report cards—but in who Isaac has become.

So today, I simply want to say thank you. Thank you for trusting us with your children. Thank you for partnering with us in this incredible journey. And thank you for believing in the power of public education, even in the small, everyday moments.

Please know that the people who serve your children—our bus drivers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, teachers, principals, and support staff—are here for one reason: to help every child grow into the best version of themselves.

When you drop off your child at school, when you check backpacks and sign permission slips, when you help with homework or attend a performance or game—you’re part of something so much bigger. And so are we. Together, we’re building futures.

Because yes—what we do together matters.
Yes—your child matters deeply to us.
And yes—we are honored to be part of their journey.

On April 15, Idaho Falls School District 91 proudly held the first meeting of its District Advisory Council—a powerful and diverse group of teachers, principals, parents, city and community leaders, and state legislators all coming together for one purpose: to help shape the future of education in our district.

Superintendent LaOrange opened the meeting by sharing her deep commitment to community partnership, emphasizing how vital your voices are in guiding the important decisions that shape our schools. She highlighted that the District Advisory Council is not only a reflection of the D91 community—it’s an essential part of our shared mission to serve every child.

A Vision Rooted in Values and Powered by Collaboration

The Council’s work is focused on defining a bold, innovative new vision for Idaho Falls School District 91—one that opens doors of opportunity for every student and ensures they are prepared to succeed, now and in the future. Together, this dedicated group began identifying the core values and key areas of focus that will guide our journey forward.

Why does this matter? Because a clearly defined and shared vision helps us align our efforts, make intentional decisions, and create meaningful, lasting change for our students.

The input gathered by the Council will serve as the foundation for an innovative strategic plan, built to meet the diverse needs of all learners. This plan will include clear goals and objectives—and progress will be regularly shared with the District Advisory Council, D91 educators and staff, parents, and the Idaho Falls School Board.

A draft of the district vision will be shared with the community. We will be seeking your input to help us refine and strengthen it. Please watch for opportunities to provide feedback. Your voice is not only valued—it’s essential.

We’re In This Together

Partnering with teachers, staff, families, and our D91 community continues to be one of the most meaningful and essential parts of our work. At D91, we are deeply committed to supporting our educators and staff as they help every child learn, grow, and become more than they ever dreamed possible.

Thank you for your continued support and trust. You are a vital part of our work. It is truly an honor to teach, mentor, and walk alongside your children. There is no greater work—and we are proud to do it with you!

This week, I had the privilege of joining other District Office Administrators to celebrate some of the true unsung heroes of our school district—our incredible bus drivers! To show our appreciation, the D91 administrators, staff, and I served lunch to these dedicated professionals in honor of their tireless work and commitment to our students.

Let’s be clear: our drivers are some of the very best in the state of Idaho—and we have the trophies to prove it! Each summer, bus drivers from across the state compete in the annual Bus Roadeo—a rigorous School Bus Safety competition that tests skills in parallel parking, stop line precision, navigating tight spaces, and more. Drivers also complete events in pre-trip inspections, student loading/unloading, and take a written exam on safety regulations.

Year after year, Idaho Falls School District 91 drivers consistently place in the top three statewide in nearly every category—and most often take home the first-place trophy for overall score! But as impressive as their driving skills are, that’s not what makes them truly exceptional.

What sets our drivers apart is their heart. They know their students by name. They worry when a student suddenly stops riding the bus. They celebrate student milestones and offer a reassuring word on tough days. They show professionalism, compassion, and care in every interaction—with both students and parents.

Our drivers are so much more than transportation providers—they are mentors, protectors, and friendly faces who start and end the day with our kids.

So next time you see a bright yellow D91 bus, please smile and give a friendly wave—because you’re waving at the best drivers in the state. We are beyond fortunate to have them on our team.

Our D91 drivers make a difference every single day. D91 is proud and grateful for the tremendous work of our drivers. They drive our mission forward—one safe, caring mile at a time!

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.

D91 Teton Toyota Car Giveaway is April 26th at the Tiger Grizz Track Meet at Ravsten Stadium. We're excited to announce the winner tomorrow.

Compass Academy is accepting applications for the 25/26 School Year! Want to take a tour? Please call the front office to schedule a tour during the school day (208) 525-7720