D91 Employee News:

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week next week, I want to take a moment to reflect—not just on the work our educators do, but on the incredible heart, soul, and dedication they bring to it each and every day.

I often think back to my seventh-grade year, when I was lucky enough to be in Mr. Knudsen’s band class. Mr. Knudsen was everything you’d want a teacher to be—joyful, passionate, and endlessly patient. His upbeat energy was contagious, and his love for music lit a spark in each of us. Whether he was carefully counting the beat, demonstrating a tricky fingering, tuning pitch, or patiently teaching us how to place a reed just right—he did it all with unwavering commitment and a smile.

But what I remember most wasn't just what he taught us—it was how he saw us. Mr. Knudsen saw me. He saw talent and ability, even when I doubted myself. He reinforced that belief through kind explanations, endless repetition, and the celebrations that made learning feel like triumph. He taught us to be proud of our efforts, to live with confidence, and to embrace our mistakes—“If you’re going to make a mistake,” he’d say, “make a loud one!” He never, ever gave up on helping us grow into more than we believed possible.

Mr. Knudsen embodies what so many of our District 91 teachers represent every day.

A Celebration of Every Educator in D91

Our teachers are extraordinary. You:

• See the unique spark in each child and believe in their potential.
• Work tirelessly to help students learn in the way that works best for them.
• Inspire achievement, nurture growth, and encourage confidence.
• Show up every day ready to make a difference—even when it’s hard, even when it’s unseen.
• Help students become more than they ever thought possible.

In every classroom, hallway, and heart across our district, you are the force that shapes futures and lifts lives.

With Deepest Gratitude

To all the incredible teachers in District 91—thank you. Thank you for the early mornings, the late nights, the encouraging words, and the endless patience. Thank you for seeing what’s possible in every child and working to bring it out, day after day.

You are an incredible force for good in this world, and your impact is felt far beyond the classroom. You are making an immeasurable difference!

Beginning next school year, a new Idaho state law—House Bill 1046 (HB 1046)—will take effect in schools across the state. This legislation, known as the Distraction-Free Learning Environment Bill, aims to create a more focused, connected, and mentally supportive atmosphere for students by setting new guidelines on the use of electronic communication devices during school hours.

Why Limit Device Access

The law is rooted in growing research and community concern about how smartphones, smartwatches, and constant digital connectivity can impact student well-being. HB 1046 seeks to:

• Limit electronic device usage during the school day, with specific policies to be adopted by each school district.
• Support student mental health by reducing digital distractions, which can often contribute to anxiety and overstimulation.
• Encourage meaningful social interaction by removing digital barriers that hinder face-to-face engagement with peers and educators.
• Promote engagement and academic success by keeping students focused during learning time.

What Educators Can Expect

As we move toward the implementation of HB 1046, educators and staff should be aware that students will have significantly reduced access to phones and other communication devices during the school day. The school board will be working over the summer to develop clear district-wide policies that align with the law’s intent, and each school will establish site-specific procedures to support enforcement and consistency.

In general, students will be expected to keep devices powered off and stored out of sight not only during instructional time, but also during passing periods and other unstructured parts of the day. Exceptions may be made for medical needs or other approved circumstances, as outlined in the final policy.

Supporting Students Through the Transition

We recognize that this change will represent an adjustment for many students. As educators and staff, you can play a vital role in helping students prepare for and adapt to these new expectations. Consider the following strategies:

• Set a positive tone: Talk with students about the purpose behind the new guidelines. Emphasize the benefits for their learning, well-being, and peer connections.
• Model balanced technology use: Be intentional about your own device habits during the day, reinforcing the importance of presence and engagement.
• Build in social and interactive opportunities: Encourage moments for meaningful connection during unstructured time to ease the transition away from digital distractions.
• Communicate with compassion: Understand that some students may feel anxious or resistant at first. Approach reminders and redirection with empathy and clarity.

More details and guidance will be shared prior to the start of the new school year. Thank you for your partnership in creating a supportive, distraction-free environment for our students to thrive.

Getting Ready for Fall

As fall approaches, watch for information about specific district policy and guidance on HB 1046 implementation. Our goal is to work together to ensure a smooth and supportive transition for students and staff alike.

Thank you for being a partner in creating a distraction-free and emotionally supportive learning environment for all our students!

The Idaho Department of Education will host a series of webinars designed specifically for parents this May. The Parent Compass webinar series will cover topics like Advanced Opportunities, Youth Suicide Prevention, Summer Nutrition Programs, and Career Exploration. Each webinar is designed with parents and guardians in mind, covering available resources, frequently asked questions, and more.

Parents and guardians can select from several available topics throughout the month of May. Descriptions are available at each registration link:

• Advanced Opportunities: Student and Parent Webinar | May 12 | Register Here
  
  
• Youth Suicide Prevention and Intervention Resources for Families | May 13 | Register Here
  
  
• Summer Nutrition Programs | May 14 | Register Here
  
  
• Career Explorations: a Motivator for Student Success | May 16 | Register Here

We are transitioning our enrollment process to a new online platform with the help of American Fidelity ; they will have representatives in the buildings helping us guide you all through the new online highly secure portal. They encrypt all data, use secure systems and limit access to authorized personnel.

This complete benefit platform will allow you to enroll in all coverage options- Regence Blue Shield medical, Blue Cross of Idaho dental and give you valuable information as you make your benefit elections for the coming year.

While it is not mandatory that you meet with a representative in person, it is encouraged just to make sure that you are getting all of your needs met with the benefits that are being offered to you.

You can schedule an appointment here : Schedule your appointment

Remember that if you are enrolled in an FSA, you must re-enroll every year. All paper forms can be returned to the building secretaries.

FSA FY26

If you can't do the links that is fine too. You can adjust it as you see fit.

• Start early! Save the deadline to your calendar and start gathering your information now. Review your current benefits, usage and expenses.
  
  
• Know your needs. Did you have any life changes in the last year (marriage, added dependents, new or changing health conditions)? Take those changes into consideration to get an idea of what your medical expenses could be in the coming year.
  
  
• Review your options. Explore all three available medical plans, Traditional, PPO, and High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), to see if there is a better fit for your budget and needs. For example, if you rarely use health care services, a plan with a higher deductible and lower monthly premium may be a more cost-effective choice. Regardless of the plan you choose, your provider network will remain the same.
  
  
• Be proactive. If you have questions, don't wait. Reach out to your HR contacts or visit the Office of Group Insurance website, www.ogi.idaho.gov, for details about benefits and eligibility.
  
  
• Take action. Don't let open enrollment pass by without reviewing your options. If you take no action, your current medical plan will automatically renew.
  
  
• Note: members with an FSA must re-enroll and update elections during the open enrollment period.

Tiger-Grizz 2025 in the books! Proud of our athletes who competed against the region's best this weekend at Ravsten Stadium. Thirty-eight schools attended, and local stars shined bright with multiple PRs and meet records broken despite challenging winds. Thanks to all competitors, coaches, officials, and fans who made this 55th annual invitational a success.

Congratulations to Idaho Falls senior Abby Coleman claimed her first Tiger-Grizz title in 100m hurdles!

Excellence deserves recognition - congratulations to this week's standout Skyline athletes!

• CoEd: Shay Shippen & Grant Parker took Skyline's top mixed doubles spot a week ago and have been on fire ever since. They both started the season as singles players but decided to come together as a mixed team. They beat Hillcrest this past week in a tense match, then in the capital tournament this past weekend in Boise, they took 2nd in a 33-team field. They play aggressively at the net, communicate well with each other, and have fun while playing.
  
  

• Male: Hayden Nahay went 11 for 12 on the week in games against Rigby and Blackfoot. Against Rigby, he was 2 for 2 with a Homerun to help the GRIZZ win. Against Blackfoot, he was 9 for 10 with 4 doubles. He walked 6 times, with 3 of them intentionally.
  
  

• Team: Desmond Swaner, Nick Smith, Alexander Renna, Porter Orchard our boys 4x800 relay team broke a school record from 1995 by 24 seconds. They were the Tiger-Grizz 4x800 Champions, competing against 14 other schools. The race was epic, competing against Rigby in the final stretch when Porter Orchard broke the Rigby athlete with 10 meters to go!!

Join us for a 60-minute MyRetire course that cuts through marketing noise to provide objective knowledge about Social Security and Medicare. Designed for adults 55+ who want to make informed decisions about retirement benefits, this course covers optimal timing for Social Security, tax strategies, Medicare plans, and payment options.

Attendees receive tools including a digital Social Security optimization guide, FREE 1:1 consultation, personalized analysis, and comprehensive reference materials.

Available in-person or virtually through Alliance Wealth Advisors. For more information, visit www.myretire.us or contact info@awaplanning.com.

If you need to the send an email to the HR department, please direct those to humanresources@sd91.org.

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.

WE HAVE A WINNER! Congratulations, Anna Reed! Today was an incredible and unforgettable day for Anna Reed and her parents, Maryann and Steve! Anna held the winning ticket for the Teton Toyota car raffle—and her excitement was absolutely contagious!

Anna shared that she only had enough money to buy one ticket, which she purchased during a Skyline High School boys basketball game. And what a ticket it turned out to be!

In a special moment filled with cheers and celebration, Crystal Zmak, owner of Teton Toyota, personally presented the keys to Anna and her family.

Theresa Bunker's 1st grade Bobcats are learning to “Say Yes to No” and accepting boundaries. They are using the books of Julia Cook to help us learn and joining the “SAY YES TO NO” club!

Compass Academy's Wilderness Survival class, integrated Anatomy and Physiology and Health, received hands on training for bleeding emergencies for their First Aid project. Students completed and earned certificates for Stop the Bleed training led by EIRMC staff. Thank you, Ms. Leisher and Mrs. Aspinall for the project spotlight.

Fox Hollow Elementary's Fun Run is coming up!! It will be happening on Wednesday May 7th. Packets should have either been sent home already. If you don’t see it please reach out to your child’s teacher. It will have all the information you will need attached to the envelope. This is always a super fun event. If you can, please plan on coming to cheer your child on.