Superintendent's Message
Happy November, Post Falls Families!
It is hard to believe we have wrapped up the first quarter of the school year. As you know, one of our metrics for moving to a 4-day school week was to increase student attendance. Last year, our attendance rose by almost a percent to 92.6% district wide. Prior to COVID, our district's average daily attendance was between 94% and 96%.
On any given day, 456 of the 5,911 total PFSD students are absent. This equates to a loss in state funding of $20,976 each day. I sincerely appreciate parents' efforts to ensure students attend school regularly. Together, we can support PFSD students achieving at their highest levels.
Wishing you and yours the very best for the upcoming holiday season.
Warmly,
~ Dena Naccarato, Superintendent
In honor of Veterans' Day, various activities took place at each school in Post Falls School District. Some schools conducted classroom lessons, and others held assemblies where students learned about the history of the holiday as well as information about each branch of the US Armed Forces.
Students created artwork and/or wrote appreciation letters which were delivered to local veterans. Slideshows honored the family members of staff and students who are currently or previously served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard. School choirs and bands played patriotic songs, and color guard teams posted the colors. Local servicemen and women as well as veterans attended many of the schools' activities.
Post Falls School District 2024 Veterans' Day activities encouraged students to support those individuals who have sacrificed so much to ensure the freedoms we all enjoy.
It's cold and flu season in Post Falls School District. The Nursing Department has answered many calls lately about when parents should keep their children home from school.
Here is the general guidance:
If your child has a fever he/she must stay home until fever free for 24 hours without a fever-reducing medication such as Tylenol/acetaminophen or Advil/ibuprofen. If your child is vomiting or has diarrhea with or without a fever, he/she needs to stay home.
To minimize the spread of contagious illnesses:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer if water is not available.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Encourage your students to cough and sneeze into elbows.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Keep hands away from eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Encourage getting enough sleep, drinking water, and eating healthy.
- Discourage any sharing of drinks and utensils.
- Stay home when you are sick.
If you have any questions, please call our Nursing Office at 208-773-6976.
Student Attendance Policy
Board Policy 501.9 "Attendance Requirements" - It is the policy of the Board of Trustees that every student of compulsory school age must be in attendance unless otherwise exempt as provided in Idaho Code. (link to the full policy)
Though students should stay home when they are sick, parents are notified either through a mailed letter or Skyward email when students reach five (5) and nine (9) excused or unexcused absences per semester. (link to procedures)
The Post Falls Boys and Girls Club currently has limited openings in their after school and "full day" Friday programs.
Pricing:
- School year membership is $20 and covers after-school care until 6 p.m. Snack and homework help are provided.
- "Full day" Fridays and other full days cost = $40 per month. A $20 school year membership is required to sign up for "full day" Fridays and other full days.
- Breakfast, lunch and a snack are provided at no extra cost.
Here are links to their calendar and also to their FAQs.
For more information, call 208-457-9089.
Community Clothing Closet Reopening Announcement
We are excited to announce the Community Clothing Closet at New Vision High School is reopening for operations on December 17th and will continue to serve the community on Tuesdays thereafter! In partnership with the Coeur Group and California Closets, this closet has recently undergone significant updates, thanks to the generous donation of approximately $30,000 in materials and labor.
New Vision's Clothing Closet provides essential items for children, women, and men, including:
- Casual and career clothes
- Footwear
- Hygiene items
Conveniently located in a portable behind New Vision High School, you can access the closet by entering through the small gate on Catherine Street on the east side of the building.
Hours of Operation:
Tuesdays from 2:45 PM to 3:45 PM. If these times do not work for you, please email Richard.raynor@sd273.com to arrange a different day and time to meet.
We are immensely grateful for the generous donations from Post Falls businesses and the community. Currently, we do not need any additional donations, but we appreciate your support! Come and see how we can help you or someone you know in need of clothing.
Child Nutrition: Meal Debt
Our nutritional services staff are working diligently to communicate with parents regarding student meal balances. When a student’s balance gets low, an email is generated to keep parents informed. In the event a student's balance moves into the negative, emails are sent three times a week, statements are mailed monthly, and parents receive a call from either child nutrition, the school or both.
Beginning November 1st, if a student has a negative balance of $50 or more, he/she will no longer be able to choose a breakfast or lunch option. Instead, the student will be given a breakfast/lunch option that meets all USDA guidelines. This meal will include all of the necessary components of a balanced meal (such as protein, grains, fruit, vegetable and milk). The meal is a regularly offered menu option and is available to all students.
You May Qualify for the Free/Reduced Price Meal Benefit
Your child may be eligible to receive free or reduced price meals. You may qualify if your household’s annual gross income is within the limits identified by the Federal Income Eligibility Standards.
Our online application can be found on our website and paper copies are available upon request. Only one application needs to be filled out per household. Remember - each year you must submit a new application.
Please contact Becky Elmore, Child Nutrition Supervisor, at 208-773-1625 with your questions regarding the school lunch or breakfast program.
Congratulations to PFHS choir teacher Melody McLeod!
In October, PFHS choir teacher Melody McLeod was named a 2024 Vandal Outstanding Educator by University of Idaho's College of Education, Health and Human Sciences.
Click here to read the complete CdA Press article about Melody's award.
Post Falls School District #273
Email: info@sd273.com
Website: https://www.pfsd.com/
Location: 206 West Mullan Avenue, Post Falls, ID, USA
Phone: (208) 773-1658