This week: Superintendent Letter to Parents, Gender Inclusion Procedure Meeting for Parents, Students News + More

March 6, 2017

Superintendent Letter to Parents

Dear Parents,

I have great news to share with you. 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%. This improvement is due to the collaboration between parents, teachers, and students.

Thank you for sharing your children with us. Thank you for ensuring they are in school every day to learn. Consistent attendance at school is paramount to their success. Thank you for encouraging them to study hard and try their best.

It is that time of the year when students are enrolling in classes for the next school year. Please help make sure your students are enrolled in high level English, World Language, mathematics, science, and social studies classes. When you sign your child's class registration papers, be sure they are taking the classes that will challenge them and give them the best future.

If you have questions about what classes your child should take next year, please call your child's school and ask to talk to the principal.

With gratitude for all you do for your children,

GwenCarol Holmes, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Principals:

Alturas Elementary: Brad Henson, 578-5090

Bellevue Elementary: Mark Sauvageau, 578-5080

Carey School: John Peck, 578-5040

Hailey Elementary: Thad Biggers, 578-5070

Hemingway Elementary: Don Haisley, 578-5050

Silver Creek High School: Mike Glenn, 578-5060

Wood River High School: John Pearce, 578-5020

Wood River Middle School: Fritz Peters, 578-5030

Board Accolade:
Teacher Engages Student Through Coding

WRMS Teacher Amanda Greif was recognized with a Board Accolade. The accolade read, "Gabe comes to school to see his friends, but felt uninspired in the classroom. He is intelligent, but has felt his creativity stifled. For students like Gabe, discovering where creativity fits is all it takes for the inspiration to come.

Computer design and technology classes at WRMS with Ms. Greif have allowed Gabe to thrive. He says project-based learning gives him "the ability to create his own world." From computer animation to coding, Gabe was "able to take the ideas that I could dream up and put them together to make something on the computer." Read more here .

Submit a Board Accolade here .

All-State Jazz Band: Congratulations to Beck Vontver

Congratulations to Beck Vontver for representing his school in the first Idaho All-State Jazz Band. Dr. Alex Noppes of Boise State University served as the conductor for the group. The 19-member band rehearsed for three days in a "high-stakes" ensemble. Kathy Stefani of the Idaho Music Educators Association called the final performance "stunning." Congratulations, Beck!

Cool Ride: Sheriff Harkins Delivers Student to School

The Blaine County Sheriff's Office began a new Community Policing Program involving local school children. "Ride to School with the Sheriff" continues the goal of the Blaine County Sheriff's other community policing programs by creating positive police interactions with young students. "We want them to know law enforcement is a friend and is always here to help keep them safe," said Sheriff Steve M. Harkins. Read more.

See more photos here.

Parent Meeting: Gender Inclusion Procedures

Thursday, March 9

6:00-7:00 p.m.

Minnie Moore Room, Community Campus

In August the BCSD Board of Trustees passed a Gender Inclusion Policy . All students need a safe, supportive school environment to progress academically and developmentally. The purpose of this policy is to foster an educational environment in BCSD that is safe, supportive, and fully inclusive for all students. Now, the district is tasked with implementing the policy through procedures.

Come and learn about the new procedures and how they affect every student as we strive to keep all students safe. Overnight school trips will also be discussed.

Student Survey: Student Voice Measures Engagement

The Student Engagement Survey is a measure of student engagement and curiosity and will be used as one of the data points for assessing how the district and schools are doing on inspiring and engaging more and more of its students. The survey contains questions about class experience, student experience, relevance, academic support, and curiosity.

Read past results here.

Student Spotlight

Meet in Dan De La Cruz 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 .

Resources for Spanish Speakers: Website and Facebook

Did you know that you can translate the website into any language? Look for the translate link on the right-hand side of every page on every website at blaineschools.org . Tell your family and friends that they can translate the website with the click of a button.