This week: Board of Trustees Maintains Commitment to Student Outcomes and Balanced Budget, Carey Seniors Celebrate Graduation, Introducing New Hemingway Teachers + More News

May 30, 2017

Board of Trustees Maintains Commitment to Student Outcomes and Balanced Budget While Responding to Teacher's Association

Contract negotiations between the Blaine County Education Association and the Blaine County School District Board of Trustees took place starting on April 25 and ending on May 17. On Tuesday, May 23 the Board of Trustees was notified that teachers voted not to ratify the tentative agreement from negotiations.

"First and foremost I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to the staff for their dedication and commitment to students as well as to the community for their continued support of small class sizes and programs that engage individual students," Board Chairman Shawn Bennion said.

"The Board of Trustees is committed to improving student outcomes including closing the achievement gap, balancing the budget and maintaining and building a reserve fund," Bennion continued. Read more.

Carey Graduation Parade

The Carey Class of 2017 started a new tradition by parading through the elementary school in their caps and gowns. Teachers and students alike celebrated the success of their graduates. Special thanks to Toby Whitworth who wore the GoPro video camera during the parade.

Eight Silver Creek Students Earn 112 College Credits

Eight Silver Creek High School students earned 112 college credits through the College of Western Idaho's College Level Examination Program (CLEP). CLEP is a group of standardized tests created and administered by College Board. Six students received 16 college credits and two received eight college credits. That is a total savings of $15,568 at the College of Western Idaho, at a cost of $139 per credit.

Congratulations to Alexis Quinonez, Quetzalli Ramirez, Graciela Robles, Jossue Montengro Mata, Elsa Ontiveros, Amber Nava, Luis Ibarra and Andrians Sanchez.

Introducing New Hemingway Teachers
Full STEAM Ahead for 6th Grade

Ross Parsons

6th English Language Arts and Social Studies

"Teaching at Hemingway Elementary is a dream come true, as the Wood River Valley is an ideal landscape to teach under the STEAM platform. I'm looking forward to connecting students with their own backyard!"

Danica Robrahn

PreK-6 Art

"I am over the moon for the opportunity to join the Hemingway family and excited to learn and grow as an art educator alongside Hemingway students." .

Kevin Quaderer

6th Grade Science and Math

"I couldn't be more excited to join the team at Hemingway. You'll hear a lot of buzz next year about the new 6th grade program - the kids will be doing and learning some pretty unique and exciting things. Our focus on STEAM represents a new opportunity for making learning engaging and meaningful to kids. It's going to be a lot of hard work, and a lot of fun. I can't wait."

Read more about the new Hemingway teachers here.

Eye on the Future
Sun Valley Writers Conference Awards Scholarship

At the Academic Awards Ceremony, Wood River High School senior and valedictorian Jesse Cole received the Sun Valley Writers' Conference "Eye on the Future" scholarship for 2017. The award, along with a full conference pass, is given annually to a local high school student who demonstrates academic excellence and a true love of learning, along with a desire to share his or her knowledge with others, giving us all hope for a better future. Read more.

Students Create Art About Endangered Species

Wood River High School Ceramics II students created an endangered species totem and installed it at the district office with the help of Brian Clore from Buildings and Grounds. Students researched and selected endangered species that they wanted to investigate and create sculptures of for the unique art work. Three other totem poles were installed at Wood River High School over the past two years. Come visit the district office at 118 W. Bullion and see the student's totems! View more photos here.