This week: Graduation Rate Increases Third Consecutive Year, Students News + More

February 6, 2017

BCSD Graduation Rate Increases For the Third Consecutive Year

The State Department of Education announced the four year cohort graduation rates for all districts and high schools in Idaho. The Blaine County School District graduation rate increased for the third consecutive year, from 84% in 2014 to 89% in 2016. The state graduation rate is 79.5%.

Wood River High School graduation rate is 92%. Carey High School is 100%. Silver Creek High School is 50%.

At Wood River High School, graduation rates among Hispanic students went from 79.6% to 90.6% and graduation rates among Economically Disadvantaged students went from 77% to 89% in the last two years.

Superintendent Dr. GwenCarol Holmes stated, "The increased graduation rate is an achievement that is accomplished student by student. This means that our staff have identified each student by name and helped that individual student reach graduation. Kudos to our staff for giving so many more students in Blaine County the keys to unlock the doors of opportunity for their future."

Graduation rates are a measurement of Strategic Plan Goal Two: All students will be engaged actively in our learning community through relevant and real-life experiences.

Students Recognized for Excellence in Writing

Congratulations to Carey students Kya Schafer and Chase Bennion, who were recognized for excellence in writing through the Idaho Scholastic Writing Awards . Kya Schafer won an Honorable Mention for her short fantasy story, "Redsnow." Chase Bennion won the Gold Key Award for his short fantasy story, "The Wolf's Eyes of War." His piece has been automatically submitted to the national Scholastic Writing Awards.

Both students will be honored in a ceremony at Boise State University on March 19. English teacher Lindee Williams wrote, "Both students took the initiative to come in after school to work on their pieces and spend time working independently editing and perfecting their writing. Their hard work paid off!"

Students Compete and Win in Robotics and Innovation Program

The BCB Bots competed against 46 teams in the First Lego League State tournament. Both teams took home championship trophies. The trophies were the Robotic Performance award and Grand Champion award 2nd place. Volunteer coach Krista Jones wrote, "The kids were amazing. They have worked really hard, and long hours ---they definitely deserve those championship trophies. We're so proud of them!"

FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL®) is an international robotics and innovation program. FLL ignites enthusiasm for science, engineering and technology in boys and girls ages 9 to 14.

Youth solve real-world challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a themed playing field. Thank you to the parents and staff who volunteer to make this program a success.

Business Professionals of America: Students Compete in Business Skills

Carey School students attended the regional Business Professionals of America competition on January 26th at Wood River High School. This is the first year that Carey students have competed in this event. Of the 14 students that competed this year 6 qualified to compete at the state level in Boise.

Principal John Peck wrote, "Congratulations to all who competed and best of luck to those going to State March 9 - 11th!" Click here to read the names of students who participated in the regional competition.

Student Spotlight

Meet in Amelia Anderson in the Weekly Sun.

Each week, Jonathan Kane will be profiling a local high-school student. If you know someone you'd like to see featured, e-mail jkjohnkane@gmail.com.

Read the article here .

WRHS Schedule Changes: Full Days on Wednesdays Beginning February 22

Starting Wednesday, February 22 and continuing for four weeks until Spring Break, Wood River High School students will have full days of school on Wednesdays, rather than early release at 1:40 p.m. Principal John Pearce states, "We will continue the block days of instruction as usual, odd periods on Tuesdays and even periods on Wednesdays, with added instructional time to each." The State of Idaho requires hours for every elementary and secondary student. Due to the three school closures in January, Wood River High School needed to add 6 ½ hours of instruction time to the schedule. Click here for the WRHS schedule.

Student Art Exhibits: Community Events Showcase Student Voices

Wood River High School Studio Art classes will hold an art exhibit of paintings at the Hailey Public Library. The show entitled Political Prisoners will be on display for the month of February. Inspiration for the Political Prisoners exhibition came from Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, who explored human rights and freedom of expression through a series of site-specific installations on Alcatraz Island, CA.

Teen interns with the Advocates hosted an open house on the second floor at Whisky Jacques last Saturday. The theme of artwork and music produced by the students was "Love Shouldn't Hurt". View more art here.

Trustee Vacancy for Zone 5: Deadline to Apply is Friday, February 10

Individuals interested in applying for the Zone 5 seat should submit a letter of interest to Board Clerk, Amanda LaChance via email at amandalachance@blaineschools.org, via fax at 208-578-5110, or in person at the District Office located at 118 W. Bullion St. Hailey, Idaho.

Letters of interest are due to the Board Clerk by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2017.

Zone 5 Boundaries

Includes areas North of Quigley Drive, East of Quigley Gulch, North of Myrtle and East of Buttercup Rd (including South Hiawatha Drive, Indian Creek and Valley Club areas, excluding Old Cutters Subdivision), East of Highway 75 to Ketchum, East of Trail Creek to rejoin Highway 75 near Big Wood Golf course, North to County Line.

For an interactive search of the Blaine County School District zones please click here .