Fall Into D91 Updates
October 14, 2021
D91 Schools Address Learning Loss
D91 is tackling learning loss and closing achievement gaps using the one-time federal money it has received to counter the impacts of COVID-19. More than $500,000 is being distributed to fund new programs designed by school staff to meet students’ unique learning needs.
Programs range from after-school boot camps in core subjects like reading and math at Skyline High School, expanding classroom libraries at Sunnyside and Theresa Bunker elementary schools, creating after school programs at several elementary schools, and new credit recovery options at Compass Academy. Other ways the money will be spent include: additional instructional time for students who have not met benchmarks, specialized training for teachers in core areas such as improving reading across the district and more one-on-one tutoring opportunities for students.
Schools applied for the money through a grant program. In all, 17 schools received grants, and some schools received multiple learning loss grants. “These grants were written based on the unique needs of individual schools, and we commend our principals, teachers and staff for their hard work and ongoing efforts to help our students be successful,” said Brooke Stosich, D91’s coordinator of learning loss and interventions.D91 Is Expanding COVID-19 Reporting
In response to feedback from parents and staff, D91 is expanding the information included in its weekly COVID-19 updates. The district will now include a running total of cases reported since the start of school, a breakdown of cases based on whether they were reported by Eastern Idaho Public Health or self-reported by students/parents or staff with test results or a doctor’s note and also data from EIPH’s dashboard. The district will continue to report on infection rates for students and staff as well as the schools and/or departments impacted by active COVID-19 cases.
The district works diligently to report COVID-19 cases as soon as they are confirmed, but there is often a lag time between testing and official notifications that it has no control over. It’s important for parents, patrons and staff to remember COVID-19 numbers are constantly being updated and our COVID-19 reports always represent just a snapshot in time. The new dashboard should be posted in the next day or two. Check it out at www.ifschools.org.
Board Considers Updates To Attendance Policy
The Board of Trustees is considering updates to D91’s attendance policy, including reinstatement of the rule that students risk a loss of credit if they have more than 5 absences in a class during a trimester. That rule was removed from the attendance policy last year in response to COVID-19.
The new attendance policy outlines the importance of a “regular continuity of instruction.” It states: “The regular contact of students with one another in the classroom and their participation in instructional activities under the direction of a highly qualified teacher are vital. Education is much more than written assignments or homework; it encompasses instruction, discussion, interaction, and project work that occurs in the classroom. Most of the learning that takes place in a classroom cannot be replicated or sent home as homework. When a child is not in school, learning opportunities are lost.”
The board held a first reading of the updated attendance policy during its business meeting on Oct. 13. There will be two more readings of the proposed policy before the board formally adopts it, which is tentatively set for December. Parents and patrons can provide input by going to www.ifschools.org.SE Idaho College Fair is Oct. 20.
Congrats To The Mighty Tigers!
IFHS won the 57th Emotion Bowl 38 to 34 with a come-from behind victory. Way to go Tigers!
State of the District Chat!
If you missed Dr. Shank’s State of the District Address, make plans to tune in for the Facebook LIVE Chat version at 11:30 am on Oct. 25. After the address, we’ll post the video to the district website.
Important Dates:
- Oct. 15-22: School Bus Week
- Oct. 20: Southeast Idaho College Fair, 5-8 pm, Idaho Falls High School
- Oct. 25: State of the District Facebook LIVE Chat, 11:30 am @ D91Proud Facebook Page
- Oct. 27: Board Work Session, 4:45 pm, IFHS Cafeteria, In-person or LiveStream
- Oct. 30: D91 Trunk & Treat, 5 to 7 pm, Transportation Center off Pancheri
- Nov. 2: City & School Board Elections
- Nov. 19: End of 1st Trimester
- Nov. 22-26: Thanksgiving Break
Q&A With Curriculum/Professional Development Director Kris Smith
After being a principal at Longfellow and Linden Park elementary schools, Kris joined D91’s administrative team this summer. He is charged with coordinating professional development for D91’s teachers and staff, and also overseeing curriculum to ensure it meets state standards and provides students with the knowledge they need to be successful after high school.
Why did you become a teacher? My interest in how the brain learns and in developmental psychology led me to special education.
What is the best part about being an educator? The best part of being an educator is celebrating with students when they meet their goals. A favorite memory of being an elementary principal was when a second grader walked up to me in class to show me his reading fluency growth. He said, "Mr. Smith, I heard you love graphs." It's true. I do. In my new role supporting student learning district-wide I look forward to many more celebrations of student achievement!
What's your education philosophy? Every student has the right to receive a high quality education in a safe, welcoming, and positive classroom. I wholeheartedly believe in these words from our Idaho Constitution, "The stability of a republican form of government depending mainly upon the intelligence of the people, it shall be the duty of the legislature of Idaho, to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools."
What do you like to do when you're not working? I like to hike with my family and my dogs.
What's your favorite vacation spot? Si Como No Resort and Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica.
What do you like most about living in Idaho Falls? Idaho Falls is a community motivated to continually improve. I think we work to improve our infrastructure, arts, parks, restaurants, and schools!Winter Is Coming! We Are Ready
With this week’s snow, it’s clear winter is coming with its storms, ice and frigid temperatures. Eastern Idaho’s severe weather sometimes forces D91 to close schools, delay the start of school or release students early. Here are some of the factors the superintendent considers when facing the difficult decision of whether to close schools or not
Early in the morning, the superintendent will check road reports, get out and drive some routes, and consult with D91’s Transportation Director.
He will also look at early morning temperatures, forecasted temperatures, wind chill, road conditions and other concerns.
Then, based on the best information he has at the time, the superintendent will make the call about school closures no later than 6:30 am.
If schools are closed to keep students and staff safe, D91 will send out a text message to parents and staff so please make sure your contact information is up-to-date in PowerSchool. If you need to make changes, contact your school secretary. D91 will also post a notice on the D91Proud Facebook Page and district and school websites. We will also alert the media. Learn more about D91’s School Closure guidelines here.
Remember!
We’re planning a BIG Celebration!
Way to Go, Tigers!
IFHS was awarded $500 recently for having the most scholarship applications for the Jiffy Lube What Drives You Scholarship.
D91 Opens Family Resource Center
Idaho Falls School District 91 is opening a Family Resource Center designed to support English learners and migrant students and families. A grand opening celebration for the new center is planned from 5 to 7 pm on Friday, Oct. 15.
Part of D91’s efforts to address learning loss, the center will provide families with educational resources. Staff will also be on hand to help families with homework, communication with schools and with PowerSchool and other educational technology.The center, located in a trailer on the campus of Linden Park Elementary School, will be open from 1 to 5 pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Special parent education and student engagement activities are also planned once a month.
“The Family Educational Resource Center is one more way we can support families as they help their children be successful in school and in life." said Gail Rochelle, D91's director of Student Achievement.