BCSD Staff Newsletter September 2017
Superintendent Letter to Staff


September 2017

Learning is what we are all about.  Learning is why BCSD exists.  So what is our role  in ensuring learning? Collectively, we seek to ensure that every student regardless of school or classroom is able to learn and demonstrate proficiency on the Idaho Content Standards. The District's role is to ensure that schools are supported so that every student regardless of school or classroom is proficient.  Robert Marzano and Timothy Waters examined the research on highly effective districts and found five essential leadership roles of the district. These roles and how BCSD addresses them are included in the table below.

Highly Effective School District
Responsibilities
(Marzano & Waters, 2009)
What BCSD Is Doing
1. Ensuring collaborative goal setting.
Has a Strategic Plan that defines our goals and tasks that was developed with community collaboration (over 2,000 participants). Has Engagement Facilitators and Teacher Advisory Team on Grading to guide work on specific tasks. Has grade level and content teams develop/revise curriculum.
2. Establishing non-negotiable goals for achievement and instruction.
Established Idaho Content Standards and Measures, Graduation, Attendance and Idaho goal on College and Career ready as District measures of progress on Inspiring, Engaging, Educating, and Empowering every student. Working to ensure all teachers have clarity on expected outcomes for students.
3. Creating Board alignment with and support of district goals.
Approved and monitors progress on the District's Strategic Plan. Identified and monitors progress on closing the achievement gap. Identified focus areas of elementary reading, academic language and student engagement as key tasks within the Strategic Plan that would help close the gap. Expects monthly data updates on multiple outcome measures at the Board table.
4. Monitoring achievement and instruction goals.
Uses teacher committees to create district wide assessments and EOCs. Established district wide screeners.  Provides support for data analysis to guide instruction.
5. Allocating resources to support the goals for achievement and instruction.
Staff allocations and school budgets determined by formulas that support District goals. Use of professional development funds tightly focused on district goals and focus areas.

Do you have other ideas about how the District can be supportive in these areas?  Is so, send me a note with your thoughts.

At the school level, staff know every student by name and their strengths and needs. They allocate building resources, develop programming and teach lessons that are tailor made to ensure specific students in their school and classrooms are meeting the expected outcomes while inspiring, engaging and empowering their students. Together, district and school based staff, we make the difference.

Marzano, R.J. and Water, T., 2009. District Leadership That Works: Striking the RIght Balance. Solution Tree Press, Bloomington, IN
Teaching & Learning

The BCSD invests in professional learning so we can grow and improve as individual teachers, schools and as a district organization. Over the years, PD has taken many forms. To build clarity of our current model, the following visual is provided. Teachers, schools and district leadership decide which PD will help meet the student performance goals of the district. Together, these paths lead to student success!

Individual Teacher PD

School PD

District PD

Teacher requested PD
School developed PD Plan
District developed PD Plan
Specific to teaching assignment and learning need to meet school/district  goals
Specific to goals of the school and requests made by schools to meet the unique needs and interests of each school 
Specific to goals of the district and working together as an organization to meet selected goals
Informed by individual and principal feedback
Informed by schools and their staff
Informed by data,  teacher committees and district leadership team
Use of personal professional development funds (can be carried over for three years) with principal and superintendent approval

Use of school and district funds with superintendent approval
Use of district funds
with department and superintendent approval

Buildings and Grounds

The Buildings and Grounds crew spent the summer months taking care of maintenance items preparing for the return of staff and students this past week.  In addition, they were pulled in to help on the Wood River Middle School locker room/restroom upgrade,  Hemingway STEAM school preparation and eclipse event, playground excavation and concrete placement at Alturas Elementary and Hailey Elementary,  BASE room improvements at Hailey, and a number of other  projects throughout the district.

Fire department inspections were recently completed. Department of Building Safety inspections will take place toward the end of September.  There will be an emphasis this year on making sure the area above upper cabinet spaces meet the 18" clear space requirement.  This will allow the fire sprinklers to operate properly in the event of a fire.

The Buildings and Grounds staff is considering a change in working hours to better serve the needs of the District.  During the school year, two or three members of the Department will come in early to perform work orders or take care of emergencies, with the rest of the crew arriving at 8am.  This change will hopefully decrease the lag time on work requests.     
Human Resources

Welcome Back! We are excited for the 2017-2018 Academic Year!
HR Reminders:
  • Check your earnings statements to ensure that your benefit deductions are correct and that you (and your dependent(s)) are enrolled correctly.
  • C ertified Staff -  your transcripts for salary movement are due to HR by October 15th.
  • All Staff - please update your staff photo during your school picture day.  If you are in a department or building, please visit one of our schools during their picture day.  We need current staff photos for the website.  Dates and times will be sent as soon as we know them. Thank you!
Student Safety and Strategic Partnerships
Spanish Teacher-Carey
Soccer-MS Head 7th/8th Girls Coach
Soccer-MS Head 7th/8th Boys Coach
Soccer-MS Asst 7th/8th Girls Coach-CLS
Cheerleading-HS Asst Varsity Coach
Basketball-HS Head JV Boys Coach
Basketball-HS Head 9th Boys Coach
Basketball-HS Asst Varsity Boys Coach


More Information to Come From HR:   
  • One of the Master Agreement MOUs includes educating staff on the need to ensure they have all of their credits on file with the HR office so that HR is able to obtain maximum funding for each teacher from the state ~ Stay Tuned!
  • Preventative Health Screening will be here on sight the week of September 12th through September 15th for the annual health panel screenings and to administer flu shots ~ Stay Tuned!
  • Sun Valley Company will be offering Ski Pass Discounts ~ HR is awaiting information from SVC ~ Stay Tuned!

Community Campus
Welcome to the new school year.  Our partnerships have grown over the summer and there are a few changes within the building.  This fall we will welcome the VOICE II program.  They will be moving into the the space previously occupied by the CSI Head Start program once the remodel of the space is completed.

The Drug Coalition moved to the office suite that previously housed the BCSD Communications Department.  The Blaine County Recreation District added new office and meeting space by taking over the space vacated by the Drug Coalition.  CSI is beginning a four year apprenticeship program for plumbing and electrical.  They have converted Room 201 (the old Alternate Settings Classroom) into their new plumbing apprentice classroom.

The Cafe is open Monday through Thursday 8:00am to 8:00pm and Fridays from 8:30am to 1:30pm.

As I receive After School Pass Requests I will make the badges and send them to the school secretaries for distribution.  Please click this link to access the After School Pass form,  
Community Campus After School Pass Form

The Community Campus partnerships include the College of Southern Idaho, Blaine County Recreation District. Lee Pesky Learning Center, Footlight Dance Centre, Sun Valley Summer Symphony School of Music, Chartwells, Blaine County Education Foundation and the Blaine County Community Drug Coalition
Board of Trustees

Teacher Board Liaison - The Blaine County School District Board of Trustees is currently accepting applications for an Elementary Teacher Board Liaison for the months of October and November of 2017.

For more information about the Teacher Liaison position please review BCSD Policy 203.4d . If you are interested in serving as the Teacher Board Liaison during the October 10th and November 14th Regular School Board meetings please complete the Teacher Liaison application located at the end of BCSD Policy 203.4d and return it to Board Clerk Amanda LaChance by September 6, 2017.

BoardDocs - The Board of Trustees is excited to announce the implementation of a new Cloud-based document management system called BoardDocs . Board agendas, minutes, and webcasts can now be viewed online via the Blaine County School District BoardDocs system.
 
Regular School Board Meetings - Regular School Board meetings are scheduled on the second Tuesday of the month except for the third Tuesday in January of 2018 and July of 2018. For more information about the regularly scheduled Board meetings please review the 2017-18 Regular Board Meeting Schedule.

Meet Some of Our New Staff
 
If we are missing you, please fill out the  New Hire Biography Form and we will include you in the next BCSD Staff Connection.

Ross Parsons
6th Grade Social Studies/English Teacher
Hemingway School 

Ross grew up in the Wood River Valley and attended Hemingway Elementary and Wood River Middle and High Schools. He graduated from the University of Idaho with a M.S. in Natural Resources and an Academic Certificate in Outdoor Education. Prior to his graduate work, he received a B.A. in Geography and Spanish from the University of Denver. Before coming to Hemingway, Ross worked as a field instructor at the McCall Outdoor Science School, ski patrolled at Snowbasin Ski Resort in Utah, and was a U.S. Forest Service River Ranger on the Salmon River. When not working, he can be found mountain biking, skiing, or river rafting. He is thrilled to be working with Hemingway students!

Molly Mendelsohn
Speech-Language Pathologist
WRHS, Carey, SCHS

Molly received her B.A. in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Western Washington University (WWU). After graduation, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She took a year off, during which she spent several months in Ketchum working and spending time with her grandparents and mother. She received her masters in Speech-Language Pathology at WWU in 2016 and has since worked in Seattle, WA and Twin Falls, ID in pediatric private practices. She looks forward to becoming a part of a school team, and working with kids of all ages and in various schools throughout the district. When not working, she spends time with family, listening to music, doing out-door activities and exploring her new home of Ketchum, Idaho.

Christy Blackstead
Fourth Grade Teacher 
Bellevue Elementary 

Christy graduated from Boise State University with her Bachelors of Arts degree in Elementary Education. She later graduated from the University of Idaho with her Master's of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She has taught Kindergarten and second grade and will be going into her sixth year of teaching in a new grade. When not teaching, Christy enjoys hiking, mountain biking, skiing, running, cooking, and reading. She is really happy to be a part of the Blaine County School District!

Robin Nagy
Special Education BASE Teacher
Hailey Elementary 

I am originally from Connecticut - my husband and I moved out west 3.5 years ago. I have a Bachelor's Degree in History and Social Science and a Master's of Education in Special Education. I have served in the military as well as in various positions in law enforcement. I began working with students with special needs and behavioral issues in 2010 and that was when I found my true calling. My first year of teaching was this past school year in the Restorative Processes class at Shoshone. I am very excited to become part of the BCSD family.

Devan Hoehn
ELL Teacher 
WRHS

Devan graduated from University of Montana with a degree in Elementary Education and Spanish. However, after spending a semester studying in Chile, she realized that she wanted to pursue English as a New Language. She got her Masters in ELL from Western Governor's University. When not in school, Devan enjoys hiking, hunting, and fishing with her husband and 2 dogs. She also likes playing hockey. She is very excited to return back to WRHS as a teacher.

Brooke Carwithen
2nd Grade DI Teacher
Hemingway School 

Brooke is returning to BCSD after working in Seattle for 3 years. While in Seattle she taught 4th grade and World Language (Spanish). She and her husband are very excited to be moving back to the valley and settling down where they can enjoy being with family, good friends, and beautiful views.

Danica Robrahn
Art Teacher 
Hemingway School 

Danica attended California State University, Long Beach where she received a B.F.A in 3D Mixed Media-FIber, a B.A. in Art Education and a K-12 certificate to teach art. An Idaho native, Danica is thankful to be able to live and work in a community she loves. She is excited to join the Hemingway team and continue to learn and grow with her students and peers.

Miranda Jones
Custodian 
Alturas Elementary and Hemingway School 

I am Miranda and I'm happily married and a Mom to a 3 year old girl. I love the outdoors. I'm from North Idaho and currently live in Bellevue. I love theater and music.



Lorie Barnes Hayes
Paraprofessional
Hailey Elementary 

Lorie is a graduate of the University of Idaho and a native Idahoan. She is a long time volunteer in the community and for the school district. Lorie has been a guest employee for BCSD for the last 2 years and is excited about this opportunity at Hailey Elementary. She loves being outside in the valley and hanging with family. Go Vandals.


Kevin Baker
Special Ed Paraprofessional 
Hailey Elementary 

I graduated from Southern Oregon University with a degree in psychology. In the summers I am a lead counselor at an outdoor adventure camp and in the winter I spend my time at school or on the mountain. During my free time you can find me outside skiing, biking, fishing or anything that allows me to enjoy the great outdoors. I am very excited to join the Hailey Elementary staff.

Abigail Menke
Preschool Special Ed Teacher 
Hailey Elementary 

Hello, my name is Abigail (Abby) Menke and I am lucky to have the opportunity to work at Hailey Elementary. I am originally from Healy, Alaska where I was born and raised, I spent most my time exploring the outdoors and playing sports. After graduating high school, I attended the University of Idaho where I graduated with a BA in Early Childhood Development and Special Education. Shortly after graduating I accepted a job in Pasco, Washington where I taught first and second graders life skills for one year. Shortly after the year in Pasco I decided to take my journey somewhere else and it brought me here to Hailey, Idaho where I have accepted the Early Childhood Special Education position and could not be happier with my decision.

Gabi Bryant
6th Grade Math Teacher
WRMS

Gabi loves exploring the world and helping others explore too. That's why she moved from Kansas City to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Bilingual/ENL Elementary Education with a Minor in Dance from Boise State University. Since graduating, Gabi has traveled and worked with a wide variety of age groups. In her spare time she enjoys being outdoors, trying new recipes, and spending time with those she loves. Although there's no place like home, Gabi is proud to be a part of the valley. 

Lance Doby
Transportation Supervisor
Transportation

I have lived in the Wood River Valley for 14 years. I came here after accepting a position at St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center as a Surgical Technologist. After about 6 years in the operating room I transferred to the Manager of the Supply Department. While at St. Luke's I obtained my MBA from Western Governors University. When I am not at work I enjoy camping, mountain bikes, running, skiing, and snowshoeing. I am looking forward to the challenges and rewards of working for the Blaine County School District. 

Alexis Farrell
Science Teacher
WRMS

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin La-Crosse and have taught Biology and Anatomy and Physiology in the state of Wisconsin in my five years with high schoolers. In addition to being a classroom teacher I have coached cross country and currently instruct yoga. I always find a way to incorporate mindfulness techniques in the classroom as this has been the game changer to effective teaching. When I am not teaching, I enjoy playing outside with friends and family; you may see me rollerblading, biking, walking with my dog, or tagging along as a "spotter" for my husband who is an avid hunter. Blaine County has made the transition to Idaho beyond welcoming; I am looking forward to my engagement with Wood River Middle School. 

Cathy Largent
Paraprofessional
Hemingway School 

After moving to the valley almost 30 years ago from Vermont I took a few "leaves" of absence to travel through Africa and sail across the Pacific. I finally settled down and started working as a teacher at Big Wood School. After 15 years I decide it was time to join the "big leagues" and am excited to be part of Hemingway Steam School. 

Kevin Quaderer
6th Grade Math/Science Teacher
Hemingway School

This is my 10th year in the classroom, and I'm excited to be part of Hemingway's move towards a whole school STEAM model!




Patricia Short
Principal
Hemingway School

I am thrilled to be the new principal at Ernest Hemingway STEAM School. I served as a principal for the last 5 years at the American School of Recife in northeast Brazil. Prior to that I served as a principal in Ventura County, California. I have taught grades 1-6, served as a Reading Specialist and Middle School Program Specialist. I was raised abroad and graduated from high school at the American School of the Hague in the Netherlands. I graduated from the University of Idaho and received my master's degree from California State University, Bakersfield. My parents are long-time residents of Sun Valley and I have been visiting the area since 1979. I enjoy skiing, hiking, biking and all outdoor activities that our beautiful Wood River Valley has to offer.

Kelsey Buchanan
PE/Health Teacher
WRMS

Kelsey graduated from Southern Utah University, taught PE in St George, UT for many years, and then moved up to Hailey last October as a late hire. Kelsey loves being able to share some of her passions with her students, whether that's by teaching or coaching. It's highly possible you can find her out on the trails, either running or mountain biking. She has loved the opportunities the valley has presented itself ever since moving here, and is happy to be teaching at WRMS!

Rebecca Lange 
2nd Grade Teacher 
Bellevue Elementary 

Rebecca has her degree in Elementary Education. She graduated from Boise State University. After graduating from BSU, she taught second and fourth grade in the West Ada School district. After being a stay at home mom, Rebecca returned to teaching. When she's not at school, she enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her family. Rebecca is very excited to be back working for the district she grew up going to school in. 
Conferencia Educativa Para Padres

It's here! Our first education conference for parents on  Saturday, September 9. The keynote speaker, Sam Byrd will present in Spanish with English interpretation available. Conference breakout sessions on Skyward, attendance, college and career transitions, co-teaching, testing, and more will be in both English and Spanish. Community partners like the Wood River Y, Girls on the Run, the Drug Coalition and others will provide information on their services. The conference is free and everyone is invited. Lunch is available for a charge, and childcare is available. Tell your parents and students, bring your friends, and see you soon! Together, we make the difference!

Special thanks to Cox Communications for sponsoring the keynote presentation and conference.



Le invitamos a nuestra primera 

Conferencia Educativa Para Padres

Sábado, 9 de septiembre
9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Community Campus, Hailey


Sam Byrd
Presentaciones:
          • ¡Asistencia! por qué es importante
          • Construyendo la juventud del futuro 
          • ¡Manténgase conectado!
          • Por qué la co-enseñanza es lo MEJOR para los Estudiantes del Idioma Inglés 
          • Manténgase conectado: Aspectos básicos del sitio web y Skyward 
          • ISAT, IRI, pruebas y cuestionarios: ¿Qué son y por qué son importantes?
          • Transición a la universidad y carreras profesionales
          • Sesión de preguntas y respuestas acerca de las Escuelas Intermedia y Secundaria Wood River



Acceso gratis para todos los padres del Condado de Blaine
Todas las presentaciones son en español con interpretación al inglés.  
Habrá almuerzos a su disponibilidad por un cargo.  

Patrocinado por el Distrito Escolar del Condado de Blaine con agradecimiento especial a Cox Communications.