Superintendent Thanks Staff For Things That Are Often Unnoticed, Find Out When to Return to Work, See Who Won the Sound Bar, Learn About Tech Systems Change, Read About Retirees + More

BCSD Staff Newsletter

June 2018

Superintendent Letter to Staff

June 2018

Dear Colleagues,

As we wrap up another great year, please allow me to express my gratitude for the care and dedication you provide to our students day after day. Some of the ways that I notice this include:

Your cheerful greeting each morning as students board the bus and arrive at school.
Your extra time spent planning your lessons so that they include both the standards and content that is of special interest to your students.
Your excitement when your students demonstrate success.
Your extra hours spent improving your own professional practice in workshops, collaborative planning, curriculum and/or program committees, and endless professional reading.
The high level of energy you expend in teaching day in and day out.
All the events you attend (even if you don't have flesh and blood children participating) to cheer on students at athletic events or applaud their performance in the arts or club activities.
The pride you express when you share your student's accomplishments with the community.
The patience you demonstrate when you help a student understand a difficult concept.
The way our buildings shine, providing excellent learning environments.
The dependability of our technology and instant connectivity to the world.
The way you express delight in seeing our students out in the community even on your time off.
The groggy mornings after a sleepless night you had as you worried about a student.
Your endless quest to find ways and partners to enrich student learning and relate it to real life.

You are amazing! Our students are blessed to have the BCSD team behind them. Rest and recharge yourselves this summer - you deserve it!

With gratitude,

GwenCarol

Teaching & Learning

Thank you to all who served on district committees this year! There were 213 staff members involved in committees this year, some of whom served on more than one committee. Your time , voices and decisions contributed to the district's continued improvement efforts to provide curriculum and instructional practices that positively impact student learning and aim to close the achievement gap. It is the collective efficacy of the BCSD team that makes a positive impact in the lives and learning of our students. Enjoy your summer and celebrate the wonderful work you have all just completed on behalf of your colleagues and students this year!

Back-to-School 2018-19 Calendar

Do you know when you are to return to work next fall?

Do you know where you are to report once you return?
What Back-to-School PD is planned for the days before students walk through your doors?

What is on the calendar for the first days of school once you arrive?

Click here to view the BCSD Back-to-School Calendar.

Technology

And we're off! With summer right around the corner, Tech is busy preparing for the Novell to Windows migration. Our goal is to get 90% of the staff logged in to the new Active Directory before Summer Break. All the computers in the District will be changed over the next few weeks. Here is the schedule. If you have a laptop used at home during the summer, please leave it in your classroom prior to the date Tech will be sweeping your building or make arrangements with your building Instructional Technology Specialist(s).

Don't forget to copy your files from the local hard drive C: to Y: or a removable media device or Google Drive before leaving for the summer!

Location	Computers Changed
Alturas	June 11
Bellevue	July 16
Carey	July 23
Hailey	July 30
Hemingway	July 2
SCHS	June 11
WRHS	June 11
WRMS	July 2

Community Campus	June 4
District	June 4
DSS	May 29
Maintenance	June 4
Technology	May 14

Communications

Congratulations to Dan VandenHeuvel for winning the Sound Bar from Cox Communications! Dan is pictured with Victor Watson from Cox Communications who donated the Sound Bar. Dan entered our "Good News" contest. He sent information about his collaboration with Wow Students and the Sawtooth Botanical Garden. Thanks, Dan! And thanks to Cox for the donation.

Other staff who entered included: Devan Hoehn, Stephanie Spindler, Lisa Thilmont, Edith Lopez-Millard. Keep sharing your good news with the district so that our community understands the amazing opportunities for students in BCSD.

Save the Date! - Saturday, September 29

The BCSD Latino Staff Advisory Committee Presents:

2nd Annual Conferencia Educativa Para Padres

Saturday, September 29, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Community Campus

Keynote Speaker: Sam Byrd

Breakout Sessions: Skyward, Building the Youth of the Future and Transition to College and Career

Free! Most of the presentations are in Spanish with English Interpretation

BCSD Says Goodbye and Thank You

Wanda Baxter

Hailey Elementary

Teacher

1998-2018, 20 years

After teaching in Wyoming, Wanda Baxter came to Blaine County and has taught here for the past 20 years. She has been the cornerstone of the third grade team at HES, and has been a wonderful colleague to work with. It has been our joy to watch her teach and work with students every day. Her students respect and adore her, and their academic and emotional growth has been tremendous. We hope to see you at HES from time to time, and wish you joy and happiness as you transition to a new phase of life.

Bill Brooks

Transportation

Mechanic

1989-2018, 29 years

After 29 years of faithful service in the Transportation Department, Bill Brooks will be retiring. Bill, or Billy as he is known to all, has been a great asset to the District by keeping the buses and other vehicles in good running order. His commitment to his work is an inspiration to me and I have enjoyed getting to know him this past year. His expertise and work ethic will be missed, but we wish him well on his new adventure.

Mona Brooks

Bellevue Elementary

Paraprofessional

1989-2018, 27 years

It's hard to imagine but Ms. Mona has served in BCSD for 27 years! She herself has attended all of the schools in some way whether as a student or employee during this time. She was always the first one to work making coffee, providing a heartwarming smile, or getting ready to help our Kindergartners that she loves so much. After retirement, Mona will settle in Gannet, Idaho where you will find her gardening and helping with her three young grandchildren and husband Alan. Once a Bear, Always a Bear!

Brian Clore

Maintenance

Custodian

2008-2017, 9 years

Brian Clore served in the District's Buildings and Grounds Department for nearly 10 years. His diverse skill set and commitment to quality made him a great fit for the position. His passion for the great outdoors called to him a bit louder than his pipe wrench and snow shovel, and he opted to exit early. We wish him well as he hikes, hunts and fishes to his heart's content.

Donna Davis

Bellevue Elementary

Paraprofessional

1998-2018, 20 years

Donna has been volunteering, guesting, and working as a paraprofessional for almost 20 years. She is a master of all things mechanical and machines and has an undying love for all animals big and small. Donna's generous spirit is shared with all the Bears at BES whether it is through her rocks or dinosaur egg collections. Upon her retirement you will find Donna on their ranch in Buhl, Idaho with her husband Greg and her collection of pets and maybe even doing some guesting in the Buhl School District. Once a Bear, Always a Bear!

Bob Dix

Hailey Elementary

Art Teacher

1998-2018, 20 years

For 20 years Bob Dix taught math and art at WRMS and then at HES. Kids appreciated his gregarious and outgoing personality and enjoyed the art projects that he worked on with them. In addition to his art and math work, he was very supportive and helpful with the music department, and musical productions. Best of luck in the future.

Anne Elmore

Alturas Elementary

Special Ed Teacher

1990-2018, 28 years

It has been an absolute pleasure getting to experience your passion as a person, hearing your perspective as an educator, and watching you do the magic that you do as a teacher. During your time with BCSD you have had an amazing impact on the students, our programs, and our teachers - changing mindsets and practices that resulted in amazing celebrations. You blessed us with your many gifts - as a classroom teacher, art teacher and reading teacher, always keeping it fresh and delighting your students through the passionate experiences and opportunities you etched throughout your career. It's your turn to celebrate. You should be proud of all your professional accomplishments. We are honored that we were able to spend your incredible career with you. Thank you for the laughs and the incredible time we have spent together. You will be missed.

Laurie Engel

Wood River High School

Counselor's Secretary

1997-2018, 21 years

Laurie Engel has been a staple of Wood River High School for the past twenty two years. She has given of herself and always found patience when working with those that support our students. Laurie not only managed the counselors, but has helped manage administration by keeping the master schedule running. Laurie can never be replaced. We will miss her and wish her well in the next adventures of life.... especially with the grandbabies.

Susan Feldhusen

Wood River Middle School

Special Education Teacher

2003-2018, 15 years

Susan Feldhusen has served the students of Blaine County with determination, respect and class. Her high expectations for students in special services has been a perfect example of how we, as educators, must challenge and expect the most from all our students. Her level of perseverance was only matched by her abundance of patience. Sue won a prestigious award as a mentor teacher and was recognized at Boise State University for her excellence. The last few years Sue has been retired, but worked with the District Office under the retire/rehire program. This allowed three more cohorts of students to grow and flourish under her tutelage. Her legacy is set for all the young lives she changed for the better.

Barb Feehan

Hemingway STEAM School

Music Teacher

1986-2018, 32 years

Barb Feehan has worked as a music teacher for over 30 years, most of them at Hemingway. She is a remarkable teacher, friend, mentor, and coworker. Barb went above and beyond to cultivate student's musical abilities and build positive relationships. She held practices for students and staff before school, during lunch and after school, not to mention teaching every student at Hemingway music each week. Barb's additional programs included Band, Orchestra, Choir, Bell Choir and the Strings Program that she created. The students who were lucky enough to have performed in any of Barb's 64 performances sparkled with pride. Barb always paid close attention to her students and could remember for years afterward about students and their special talents and interests. To say the least, Barb has a tender spot in her heart for dogs and will be spending much more time with her furry children, Darby and Aria.

Dave Knoll

Transportation

Bus Driver

2006-2018, 12 years

Dave has been a bus driver for twelve years and has driven the same route all of that time. The first time I rode with him he pointed out high school students that he had driven on their very first ride to school. The students that ride his bus have expressed how sad they are that he is retiring. Dave will be moving to Illinois to be close to his grandchildren. Dave always has a smile and a passion for the Chicago Bears. We all will miss him, but wish him the best of luck going forward.

Ronald Martinez

Carey School

Elementary Teacher

1998-2018, 20 years

Mr. Martinez has worked in Blaine County for the past 20 years (Wood River High School and Carey School). He came here from Alaska where he taught and worked for 10 years. Before that he taught in the Idaho Falls and Pocatello areas for 9 years. Mr. Martinez's smile and warm personality have served him well over the years as he played an important part in the lives of so many. He has a big heart and is always willing to help out whoever or where ever he is needed. Mr. Martinez on occasion, has turned into the Governor of Idaho and even Fish and Game Officer Rodriguez when necessary to keep everyone on their toes, and the good times going. He is a friend to all. Best of luck with your future endeavors Mr. Martinez, you will be missed.

Kate Parnes

Hemingway STEAM School

Elementary Teacher

2005-2018, 13 years

Kate has been a part of Hemingway STEAM School since her children traveled the halls of Hemingway. After serving on the school board she joined Hemingway's staff, working as a paraprofessional in the learning center. Her respect for young learners as unique little people radiated and followed into her first grade classroom. With the whole-child always at the center of Kate's practice, we have all seen her students smile with joy and learn with laughter. When taking on double the students as a dual immersion teacher, Kate's family reminded her of how many more students got to share in that love. Lucky them. Kate even made time to eat with her DI students every day during lunch, a feat most of us cannot even fathom. While we've all seen Kate spin in a circle or lose her line, we have also seen her advocate ceaselessly for what is right for kids. For all these reasons, Kate will be missed. May the gift of time bring pleasant adventures.

Liz Patterson

Hailey Elementary

Paraprofessional

2001-2018, 17 years

Liz Patterson has been at HES for 17 years. Over the years, she has worked as a classroom para, the RTC para, as a one-on-one para, and filled in at the front office. Each morning she is in the lunch-room greeting and talking with students as they eat breakfast and get ready for their day. We appreciate her flexibility and wish her the very best in retirement.

Becca Pierce

Hailey Elementary

Teacher

1989-2003 & 2004-2018, 28 years

Since 1989, Blaine County Students have had the pleasure of learning from Becca Pierce. She has taught students and adults of all ages, but her classroom experience has been in Kindergarten, 2nd, and 3rd grade. She loves to teach, and has always been willing to take risks and try new things with her students each year. We hope Becca won't be a stranger at HES, and will miss her greatly.

Tony Randall

Wood River High School

Music Teacher

2007-2018, 11 years

Tony Randall has been a staple in this community for thirteen years as the Wood River High School and Wood River Middle School Band Teacher. His guidance and encouragement to his students has helped so many thrive in a very competitive environment, and we've all benefited from his expertise. He will be missed, but on behalf of the music department, we hope that the next phase of his life will bring everything he seeks and more.

Sandy Scott

Hemingway STEAM School

Elementary Teacher

1979-2018, 39 years

After nearly 40 years of service to the students of the Wood River Valley, Sandy Scott is retiring from Hemingway STEAM School. Sandy's strength, positive attitude, and professionalism has help shaped what Hemingway STEAM School is today, and what it will continue to be into the future. Sandy is the type of person whose legacy will live on, not only through all of the teachers she has helped mentor and the students whose lives she has touched, but also through all of the lives she has changed for the better. Sandy has dedicated her life to making other people's lives more fulfilling. Sandy's well deserved retirement will allow her to spend more time in the outdoors hiking and golfing with friends and hanging out with her daughter who is attending college at BSU. Sandy's smiling face and warm personality will be missed by all of those who have had the immense pleasure of working with her.

Douglas Simmons

Carey School

Custodian

1992-2018, 26 years

Doug began working for the Blaine County School District in January of 1991 at Hailey Elementary as a substitute. He worked there for four years before moving to Wood River Middle School when it was brand new and stayed for 4 years. At that time he moved back to Hailey Elementary for 4 years and then finished his career with BCSD after 14 years at Carey School. Doug was a trusted employee over the years quietly doing his job. Best wishes in your retirement years Doug. We appreciate your years of service to the students of Blaine County School District for the past 26 years.

Pedro Terrazas

Hailey Elementary

Custodian

1996-2018, 22 years

Pedro Terrazas has been with us for 22 years. Through rain, sleet, snow, and sunshine, Pedro has diligently kept our building clean both inside. He has always been friendly, upbeat and dedicated to our HES team. Good luck Pedro!

Mary Ann Ward

Alturas Elementary

Technology Teacher

2000-2018, 18 years

What an amazing journey you have had in all your varied careers, but most notably with the Blaine County School District. What a pleasure it has been working with you and sharing in the many gifts and talents you have brought to our school(s) Hailey, Woodside, and Alturas. You have always been a collaborative and supportive person who goes above and beyond to support your peers and all our students selflessly and without need for any fanfare. You deserve a standing ovation for the years of dedicated work, commitment and love that you have given to your profession and the students you serve. We know our school environment will be impacted for years to come by the positive influences you have so willingly shared.

Speaking of retirement -

The National Council of Teachers of English wrote a letter regarding retired educator Darlene Dyer. The letter states, "Darlene Dyer has served as our P12 Policy Analyst for Idaho since September of 2015. Her two terms of two years each will end this June. The NCTE created the Policy Analysis Initiative to inform our membership about policies and legislation in the United States. One covers prekindergarten through twelfth grade and the other higher education.

As our P12 policy analyst, Darlene combs through various resources, analyzes them, and then reports those issues to our membership through posts on our website. Darlene has been one of our more prolific policy analysts, filing reports on funding, legislation, ESSA, early learning, mastery education, K-3 reading tests, teacher evaluations, graduation rates and the four-day week. In addition to these responsibilities, Darlene volunteered to complete a rather extensive Literacy Assessment Survey for the state of Idaho."

The letter concludes by stating "We are grateful for Darlene's enthusiastic support of NCTE, her colleagues, and English literature and language arts."

Finance

Important information: Per a new policy that was implemented this year all employees who have an outstanding balance with the District will have said amount deducted from their June paycheck if it has not be paid by June 15th. Outstanding balances can be any amount owed to the District for any purpose/reason, but some of the more frequent balances stem from preschool tuition and meal purchases.

The notification of this new policy was provided in the start of the year Safe School material that each employee is required to review and sign each year. If you have any questions please feel free ask any Finance Team member.

As of the date of this newsletter we will be in our purchasing blackout period. What is that you may ask. It is the time period where we transition from spending funds in the 2017-18 fiscal year to spending funds in the next year of 2018-19.

We call it the blackout period because we suspend purchasing other than for operational and emergency purposes. Since we need all invoices in preferably by the regularly scheduled June Board meeting we close the spending window in May so that invoices on purchases will have enough time to reach our office and be processed.

If you have reimbursements for this fiscal year such as travel or mileage please be sure to send those to us preferably by the end of school, but before the end of June.

Because reimbursements have some rules applied to them that are new this year please see below for guidance so that you do not miss the opportunity to be reimbursed for your 2017-18 approved expenses. The following material is in our Finance Handbook which is provided on-line.

(1) Reimbursements will be made up to 90 days from the date of the purchase/transaction. After the expiration of this time period, the employee will forfeit their reimbursement from the District.

(2) All receipts must be legible.

(3) All receipts must be itemized by listing each individual item purchased with an individual charge associated with each line item. Auditor restrictions preclude our ability to accept any receipt that does not meet the criteria.

(4) Receipts that include reimbursable purchases that are comingled with personal purchases can no longer be processed for reimbursement. Please keep purchases that you intend to submit for reimbursement separate from purchases that are not reimbursable. The receipt that you submit to the Finance Department for reimbursement may only include items that will be reimbursed; no other purchases.

(5) Purchases from L.L. Greens may no longer be submitted for reimbursement. This is due to Idaho Statute that limits a Public Entities ability to transact business with a company who may have a conflict of interest (perceived or otherwise) due to a sitting Trustee.

As an adjunct to the reimbursement information we have received a couple of question on how PD reimbursements are to be submitted for payment. The following procedure is taken from the Finance Handbook:

(1) If PD funds are being used for Travel purposes, please see the "Travel Guidelines" section for procedures and guidance.

(2) If PD funds are being used for university credit payments or the purchase of textbooks, subscriptions, or items associated with university credits, please see the "Employee Reimbursements" section for procedures and guidance.

You can access the Finance Handbook via the Employee Staff Portal

Go to blaineschools.org
Click Sign In on the top right hand corner and enter your user name and password
Staff Portal will appear on the blue menu bar at the top of the page once you are signed in. Click.
Go to Guidelines to Finance on the left hand grey menu
You can now access the Guidelines to Finance document and related Finance Forms from this page

The Finance Forms are interactive PDF's - to access this feature, download the form to your computer and you are then able to complete electronically

Finance Handbook Shortcut

Finance Forms Shortcut:

Community Campus

During the summer months the Community Campus will be open Monday through Friday 6:00Am to 10:00pm and Saturdays from 8:00Am to 2:00PM. The Community Campus will be closed on Sundays June 10th through Labor Day weekend, September 2nd.

We will also be closed the 4th of July and Labor Day, September 3rd. Have a wonderful Summer.