

A message from Mr. Winston
Some thoughts from the start of the school year.
Dear Patrons, Staff and all of Grizzly Nation,
It is hard to believe we are already two weeks into the school year with students. As we get to the end of August and enter into September, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to making this a wonderful start! Teachers, office staff, classroom aids, bus drivers, maintenance and food service staff members have all made sure the students felt welcome, safe and taken care of from the beginning to the end of their day. A positive culture is being established as we focus on 'educating all students to their full potential' just as the District Mission Statement states.
Our maintenance, grounds, and custodial teams have worked diligently to ensure that our facilities are in top-notch condition. The cleanliness and beauty of our buildings and grounds are a testament to their hard work and commitment.
I want to express my appreciation to our parents and staff for their support during this period of transition to a new superintendent. Your encouragement and support have made my introduction to the district smooth and welcoming. I am excited to build upon the strong foundation that has been established here.
Together, we have the opportunity to foster an environment where every student can thrive. I look forward to working with all of you to continue our mission of 'Excellence in Education' and to 'Support each student in reaching their full potential'.
Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with growth, learning, and success!
Be A GRIZZLY!
~Stoney Winston
FSD Superintendent
Grizzly Paws-atives
Fruitland Elementary
We have had a great start to the year! Smiling faces are all around. Lots of learning is already found, as you walk through the halls and listen to the classroom teachers. We all LOVE Mrs. Lopez, our full time school nurse. She has been very busy handling all our kids medical needs, from applying band aids to concussions, she has saved our busy office staff from having to "play" School Nurse, and we are all so very thankful to have her this year! The lines outside her office are really long and her breaks are really short, the kids have already accustomed themselves to where they can find Mrs. Lopez. This is going to be a great year!
Fruitland Middle School
After last year's open house, it became our goal to vastly improve our process. One of the big ideas was to involve our student leadership team to help by being accessible for questions, tours, and table help. Mrs. Seidel and Mrs. Weldon dedicated half the day prior to the open house night to train the students on the different responsibilities they may be asked to perform. The students were all so excited and willing to dedicate their time to prepare by learning the information and creating the posters used for each location.
The students all were given orange t-shirts to wear during the open house so they were visible and were known to be helpers for the night. These 8th grade students were outstanding ambassadors for our school and helped make the open house a much better event than the previous year. In the future they will help during different events along with the student assemblies. Thank you to all who helped and attended the open house this year. It has been an amazing start to the year! Go Grizz!
Fruitland High School
For the 2024 - 2025 school year, the Idaho High School Activities Association has chosen a Fruitland High School senior as its 3A Interscholastic Star. Ashlyn Lloyd has participated in soccer, basketball, and track at Fruitland High school. She enjoys music, drama, and marching band. Ashlyn is a member of FFA and has assisted in the “Grizzly Corridor” program which created a donation center in Fruitland for families who may need assistance. Ashlyn was chosen from 100’s of applicants and is well-deserving of this award.
FHS held our first Athletic Scholarship signing for the 24-25 school year. Kaden MacKenzie has signed a full ride offer to wrestle for the University of Providence in Great Falls, Montana. Kaden is a 2 time state champion and also has a runner-placing so far. He will be wrestling for his 3rd state championship later in the school year. Kaden is an excellent student in the classroom as well with a 4.0 gpa.
What's Happening
Musical Theatre Fundraising Cards
Fruitland High School Musical Theatre is raising money for the program through the sale of Grizz Cards. These cards offer great discounts from local businesses all year long. If you purchase a card, or even if you don't , please take time to thank the local businesses for supporting the program and our schools.
Athletic Schedules
If you are interested in attend any High School or Middle School Athletic events, please go to the links below to see schedules of all sports.
Marching Band Schedule
September 28th - Dutch Oven Dinner Fundraiser - 6:00
October 4th-7th - Canada Trip
October 12th - Kuna Marching Band Competition @ Kuna HS
October 19th - Treasure Valley Festival of Bands @ Vallivue HS
October 21st - Parma Band Competition - 6:00 pm @ Parma HS
October 26th - District 3 Marching Band Championship
Keys to Success
Reading
Our teachers and librarians are committed to nurturing your child’s love for reading. They provide access to a diverse range of books and incorporate engaging reading activities into the curriculum. Additionally, our school library is a fantastic resource, and we encourage you to make regular visits.
As we work together to support our students, let’s make reading a joyful and integral part of their daily lives. The benefits are profound, and the memories you create together through reading will last a lifetime.
Please take time to read to or with your students, especially those K-3rd grade.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child’s education. Here’s to a year of reading adventures and academic growth!
From the Board of Trustees
August Board Meeting Highlights
At the August 19th Board meeting the board reviewed technology and maintenance projects over the summer. The board also took the following actions:
- Elementary, Middle & High School status reports: Approved as presented.
- Open Enrollment: The Board approved open enrollment as presented. Registrars and Principals.
- Policy 4600F3 Coaching Volunteer Application: Form was approved.
- Ten year Facility plan was approved. The updated plan had to be approved and sent to the state with assurances to secure maintenance facility funds for the district that was created with House Bill 521. These funds can only be used for capital projects. They can not be used for salaries or any ongoing maintenance. They also can not be used for the construction or repair of any facility that is primarily for athletic purposes.
District Updates
Middle School New security wall - If you have gone into the middle school you may have notice the wall has been moved back and there is a second buzzer system. A banker window has been ordered and will soon be installed. This adds to security measures for the district. We appreciate your patience as we wait for the window to be installed to make communicating easier.
Dress-Code - Dress Code Committee met on August 14th . It was discussed that the handbooks have already been approved with current dress code that has previously been approved by the board is in place. Committee made the recommendation to convene in January and review any proposed changes at that time.
We received a lot of feedback from the survey that was sent out and appreciate all those that took the time to respond. That information will be used when making recommendations to the board from the committee.
Volunteers - Thank you to all those volunteering. The Fruitland school District is making sure to follow Idaho Code 33-130 in which all individuals who have unsupervised contact with students in a K-12 setting have a criminal history background check. We know this makes the process longer and appreciate everyone's understanding and believe that we want our students protected and safe.
District Parent Advisory Committee
Superintendent Winston will be starting the Fruitland District Parent Advisory Committee on the 3rd Monday of the month at the district office from 6-7 PM. This will be a forum where the state of the district will be discussed and input about the strategic plan and other items that will lead to positive growth of the district will be discussed throughout the year. This group will never discuss personnel. If you would like to be part of this group please fill out the Google Form. The link is below.
Important Dates
September 3rd - Labor Day - No School
September 14 - Fruitland Family Fun Day - 9:00 AM
September 21- Dutch Oven Dinner Band Fundraiser - 6:00 PM
October 17th - End of First Quarter
October 23rd - 24th - Parent Teacher Conferences
November 25th - 28th - Thanksgiving Break
December 4th - Fruitland High School Musical Theatre Performances begin.
December 16th - FSD Holiday Concert - 7:00 PM
December 19th - Last day of school Before Christmas/Winter Break