McTeacher Night

** Vote on March 8, 2011 **

March 8, 2011 will be the bi-annual supplemental levy election.  This year's 1.975 million dollar supplemental levy is more important than ever.  Assistant Superintendent Chad Struhs estimates, if Mr. Luna's proposal is adopted, there will be a revenue shortfall of $750,000 for programs for next year.  It is vital that the levy  be ratified so that current programs will not  be cut more than is necessary.  Dr. Crane reminded school board members that passage of the levy will not change the taxes paid by local patrons.  The passage of the Consolidated Election Law requires voters to vote at their regular polling precincts.  If you don't know how to register or where to vote, contact the district office (785-8800).

Electricity In The Air

Mr. McInelly Takes Medical Leave

On the morning of January 14^th, Principal Blaine McInelly called an emergency faculty meeting to announce his leave of absence to the faculty and staff of Blackfoot High School.  Mr. McInelly said he had been having severe medical problems over the last couple of months and suffered a mild heart attack just before Christmas.  With advice of his doctor, Mr. McInelly advised Superintendent Crane that he would be stepping down and that he was giving the board early notice so they could begin a nation-wide search for his replacement.  Immediately after the faculty meeting, Mr. McInelly called a meeting for all BHS students to meet in the auditorium.  While addressing the students he told them he wanted them to hear "first hand," of his intention.  The students were visibly shaken by the unexpected news.  Mr. McInelly said he and his family had agonized many nights about the decision, but this was the one that had to be made.  Mr. McInelly then introduced Mr. Ben Speelmon, a former superintendent in Jefferson County, as his interim replacement.  Mr. Speelmon filled the same assignment five years earlier when the BHS principal resigned in the middle of the year.  
 
 Mr. McInelly became principal in the summer of 2006.  Over the course of the next 4 ½ years, many changes occurred at BHS.  A short list includes:
  

1) Dual enrollment classes (allowing students to receive college credit for classes taken while still in high school) increased by 10 fold. 
 

2) The main offices were remodeled to provide the public with better access to school administrators. 
 

3) A new Career Center was created next to the counseling offices. 
 

4) In order to fulfill state requirements to "Create a New School," when BHS missed making AYP by just two students, the CPR (Credit, Progress, Recovery) program was implemented.  A student needs assessment taken in 2009 indicated that the number one request from busy students was that there be a time to complete class assignments in school.  Five minutes were shaved from each of the five classes and the school day was extended another five minutes to provide a 30 minute block of time to what they told us they most needed.  Mr. McInelly and others had to make a presentation to the State Department of Education for approval of the program changes.  Reports came back that this was one of the most thoroughly thought-out proposals from any school in the state.  We were given permission to proceed. 
 

5) A new state mandate requires the classes of 2013 and 2014 to prepare and present a "Senior Project."  Portfolio classes are now provided for the freshman class to learn how to gather and organize artifacts that will qualify them to receive a graduation diploma.  Any other student may take the portfolio class to work on his or her project.

Ladles to the Ready.  Go! 

Monday, January 24th was the 6th Annual District Wide Chili cook-off at MVMS.  The best cooks in the district have a chance to put their talents on display by cooking up what they hope the public will vote the "best chili in the district."  That means each person has to sample all 10 schools' concoctions and decide his/her favorite.  The choice (vote) is made by depositing the ticket given as the patron entered the cafeteria into the container corresponding to the school he/she wanted to congratulate. 

The $3 admission price for adults included a cinnamon roll, and a bottle of milk or water. Kids and students were free.  Tami Robinson, the district Child Nutrition Director, reported that 382 adults and 500 kids and students were served.

The cooks obviously also have marketing degrees because they were tempting voters even before they sampled the chilis with creative titles for their chili creations like: Beary Yummy chili (MVMS), Bucking Bronco, Buckaroo Kicking, Flavor Busting chili (BHS), Chief chili (Fort Hall), Maverik's Hot and Hearty chili (IAHS), Beep Beep Roadrunner chili (Stalker), Eagle Nest chili (Ridge Crest), Bull Dog Fights chili (BSGS), 5 Chick chili (Wapello), Beary Good chili (Groveland) and Rock Star chili (Stoddard). 

Superintendent Scott Crane and his wife Kathy also came to share in the festivities.  Congratulations to everyone who helped with the fun evening!

And the winners are!!! Drum roll please -

3rd place:  Groveland Elementary!  Go Bears!!,

2nd place:  Independence Alternative High School!  Go Maveriks!!

And this year's best chili is:

1st place:  Blackfoot Sixth Grade School!  Go Bulldogs!!!

Picture Caption: MVMS 6th Annual Chili Cook-off

Gem State Honor Bands in Concert

The 27th Annual Honor Bands in Concert were from surrounding area schools and performed on January 20th in our Blackfoot Performing Arts Center.  Twelve local schools participated in the all day training which was followed by an evening concert.  The schools and directors were: Blackfoot High School, Jan Eddington; Bonneville High School, Richard Landauer; Century High School, Colin Brien; Highland High School, Jay Ronk; Hillcrest High School, Jeff Nelson; Idaho Falls High School, David Burger; Madison High School, Dan North; Pocatello High School, David Beckstead; Rigby High School, Bill Weed; Skyline High School, Bob Dunmire; Madison Junior High School, Steve Klingler; and Eagle Rock Junior High School, Terry Wright. The best of the best musicians from each of the schools joined forces to be directed by two outstanding guest conductors.  Jason Petrovich conducted the Clinic Band.  Mr. Petrovich is currently the band director from Mountain Crest High School in Utah.  Dr. Eric Smedley conducted the Gem State Honor Band.  Dr. Smedley is an Assistant Professor of Music, and Director of the Athletic Bands at Boise State University.  Individually, each of these young musicians is accomplished in his or her own right.  But it's when the cream of the crop is brought together that a whole new level is achieved. The awe inspiring performance was one that students and parents alike will almost certainly remember throughout their lives. Thanks go to the students, and especially to their parents for a wonderful evening of entertainment.

Picture Caption:  Dr. Smedley conducting the Gem State Homor Band during the 27th Annual Honor Bands Concert. 

Happenings at Donald D. Stalker Elementary

by Laurie Kearsley 

January may have had a cold start with outside temperatures, but inside our Stalker  students were "HOT"!  Testing results showed overall growth in each grade level!  We are all so proud!  We will continue to grow and learn for the remaining months ahead.  We hope to see even greater growth by May.

D. D. Stalker students are also working on demonstrating consistent good behavior.  The goal is to earn ten "happy faces" on our good behavior chart that is up by the office.  When that happens we will have a whole school reward!  Students are trying extra hard to show self discipline and responsibility to earn the reward.

We had our quarterly Hall of Fame Assembly.  In this assembly each teacher spotlights a few of his/her students. All teachers shared growth data results during the Hall of Fame from the recent IRI/CBA tests this month. At that time a new Principal for the Day is named, and there is a special award from the library for exceptional library manners.  We also congratulate students with (Bell to Bell, that's approximately 17, 500 minutes in school) perfect attendance. Great Job! That's Amazing!

D. D. Stalker was well represented in the district Hoop Shoot contest! Nephi Bigler and Andrew Stosich represented us. Nephi Bigler came away with a first place in his age division. Way to go Nephi!

School winners were as follows:

8-9 year old girls - 1st Kimberly Santillan, 2nd Elvira Alcaraz, 3rd Jacey Olney

8-9 year old boys - 1st Andrew Stosich, 2nd Nephi Bigler, 3rd Jovanny Garcia

10-11 year old girls -Shyla Monnarez, 2nd Rylie Moore, 3rd Kelsie Monson

10-11 year old boys - 1st Cody Gay, 2nd Walker Harris, 3rd Trey Worthington

Congratulations!

Teachers are also always learning here at D. D. Stalker.  We had an intensive Aims Web training during the month.  We learned a great deal and hope to be on our way to using it productively the rest of the school year.

We had special nutrition lessons called "Snack Attack!" for our students put on by  U of I Extension staff.  The children learned about making good choices for healthy snacks.

All in all, we are off to a great new year here at D. D. Stalker!  We plan on it being a productive and fun time for all of us!

Students Recognized At Groveland Elementary 

Groveland Elementary has implemented the Positive Behavior Support Program this year.   Students are recognized for demonstrating appropriate behavior in the hallways, lunchroom, library, computer lab, office, on the playground, busses, at assemblies, and of course, in the classroom.   At a special assembly held on January 18th, the following students received awards for exceptional behavior:     

Cassidy Bishop, Noah Butikofer, Ryan Steidley, Blake Johnson, Jennifer Barrus, Marcelina Trejo, Priscila Acevedo,  Gerardo Galvan, Carlos Swearingen, Ismael Cortez, Keaton Folsom, Angelica Arriaga, Shakayla Morgan, Julian Cuevas, Olivia Propsom, Emily Silva, Makenna Thomas, Nataly Mendoza, Taya Sensenbach, Kelsey Higginson, Tyler Stott, Race Capson, Ryder Henderson, Joe Yancy, Katie Thibeault, Madison Ramey, Dragen Robinson, Ismaelia Alba, Tayloranne Adams, Cole Adams, Savannah Ramirez, Kassie Spencer, Tyson Berry, Natali Vega, Scott Carter, Sam Reynad, Herlindo Labra, Daniel Rivas, Tiana Thibeault, Sydney Furio, Kamdyn Salmon, Hansen Murdoch, Anthony Tafoya, Rilie Wixom, Kaycee Eddington, Jalen Jenson, Jessica Salisbury, Emmanuel Becerra, Hannah Higginson, Daniel Martinez, Christina Arriaga, Sarah Wright, Jose Quinones, Nichole Hardiman, Julia Johansen, Kayler Wilcox, Kadan Wilcox, Kadan Davis, Megan Shipley, Vanessa Garcia, Karla Silva, Wyatt Gerrie, Lauren Jensen, Scott Robinson, Reese Boyd, Tabitha Butikofer, Cordell Barrus, Hannah Cannon, Cameron Gabrylczyk, Isabella Sanchez, Kylee Sponenburgh, Cami Spencer, Conner Johnson, Riley Porter, Lupita Maria, Estrella Morales, Katie Jensen, Lupita Garcia, Gabe Becerra, Kayeleigh Olson, Taya Sensenbach, Kelsey Higginson, Emmerson Jackson, Kevin DeLoera, Sydney Murdoch, Malachi Marlow, Ben Acevedo, Mia Johansen, Josh Maddox, Lydia Stott, Boden VanOrden, Nicole Smith, Aidan Lloyd, Jasmin Martinez, Ryan German, Mariana Vera, Ashlee Kendall, Tyson Rocha, Allee VanOrden, Sam Reyna, Tyler Stott, Leslie Maldonado, Illiana Cardona.

Congratulations!!

Science Day at Ridge Crest

Dr. Gene Davis Makes His Report

The Blackfoot School Board and Superintendent Scott Crane recruited a consulting firm owned by 

Dr. Gene Davis to make procedural recommendations to avoid the hazing and bullying cases that have been such an emotional drain and such a dividing force in our community.

The multi-page report explained that the policies and administrative procedures currently in place are sufficient to protect the students and staff of our district.  Dr. Davis did make recommendations on how to strengthen and enhance the procedures in the district. 

Dr. Davis gave several commendations to the district:

1)  Immediately involving legal services when bullying/harassment/intimidation information came to their attention.

2)  The recent updates to current policy on bullying, harassment, and intimidation.

3)  The press releases were timely and appropriate to keep the community informed about district actions.

4)  The Superintendent was commended for securing external assistance in reviewing board policy and administrative procedures in relation to best practices.

5)  The Blackfoot High School administration was also commended for developing a Harassment Incident Report Form that will aid in documenting complaints.

Dr. Davis recommended that all staff members be periodically inserviced in the proper steps required to report suspected infractions as well as the proper chain of command to address improper activities whether they be from students or staff members.  Dr. Davis said the student agenda needs to be more specific about reporting.  He also recommended that a pamphlet be generated by the high school that would then be distributed to all patrons advising everyone of the need to be more vigilant and report any suspected concerns.  "The next level will be clarifying procedures from bottom to top." Dr. Davis fears that many incidents go unreported because people believe that "nothing will be done."  When anyone asks, "Are you familiar with the district's harassment policy?" it is hoped the answer will be yes.  A clear understanding needs to be widely known as to what the consequences for inappropriate activity will be.  

Dr. Crane admonished all those present at the board meeting, and everywhere else in the district, to report any concerns they might have so those concerns can be addressed promptly at the lowest possible level.

The incidents that have occurred over the last several months have brought national attention to the Blackfoot School District, but it should be obvious to everyone that our Superintendent and School Board are not hesitant about defending the rights of students in our district.  Enlisting the help of an outside agency to review our policies and procedures should communicate to all that we are not trying to hide anything and will do whatever is necessary to protect our students.