News from Blackfoot School District #55

The BHS team of James Montgomery and Josh Spiegel placed 4th of 22 schools at the recent Weber State University Auto Competition. The competition for high school seniors drew teams from Idaho, Oregon, and Utah. The competition lasted the entire day, so lunch and dinner were provided to the competitors by the WSU culinary arts classes.

The teams rotated among the 12 stations which included: brakes, suspension, scan-tool interpretation, management skills, employee relations, and customer satisfaction. The timed event allowed only 13 minutes at each station.

"I learn that a car is a lot more than just an engine. You have to know everything about a car from front to back," said Josh Spiegel.

The team of Montgomery and Spiegel was the best from Idaho. For their efforts each won $100 in tools and a $1,500 scholarship should they choose to attend WSU.

Picture Caption 1: Auto team of Montgomery and Spiegel.

Students Work on Their Choreography Every School Morning from

6:00 - 8:00 a.m.

The annual community musical production this year will be Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." General admission tickets will be $7.00. The show will run for six nights; March 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, and 30 at 7:00 p.m. The students have already been working on the performance for a month. It's going to be another smash. Tickets are available at Blackfoot High School, at the Blackfoot Chamber of Commerce, or at the door.

Picture Caption 1: Students work on choreography for Beauty and the Beast

BHS Students Practice for Upcoming Drama Production, "Greek Mythology Olympiaganza."

The BHS drama production was held on March 2nd, 3rd, and 5th at 7:00 p.m. each night. The Blackfoot High School Drama Department treated the community to a night of raucous entertainment. It's a spoof on the ancient days of Mount Olympus and the mythology that is alive and well today. You'll see 27 Greek Myths plus Jason and the Argonauts, and The Iliad all jammed into 2 ½ hours. With 32 cast members, and a crew of 10 working the lights and sound, this was the biggest production of the drama department to date.

Picture Caption 1: Students of the drama department practice for upcoming production.

MVMS MATHCOUNTS Students Qualify for State

Mr. Ken Maroney is proud of his seven eighth grade qualifiers who will be going to the state MATHCOUNTS Tournament in Boise on March 10th. The team of Anthony Van Orden, Trevyn Case, Jesse Smith, Daylan Bird, Kendra Dustin, Carlee Miller, and Vincent Millard finished third of 16 teams in their division and won the right to compete at the state level. At the individual level, Daylan Bird placed fifth and received a $750 scholarship to Idaho State University School of Engineering. At the state competition, the top four individuals will form the Idaho All-Star Team. That team will represent Idaho at nationals to be held on May 11th in Orlando, Florida.

MVMS Geography Bee Update

In last month's newsletter, we told you about Marcelo Alba who won the MVMS Geography Bee. Marcelo has qualified for the state Geography Bee and will be competing at Boise State University on March 30. We are cheering for Marcelo and hope that he does well.

Quick Links

Blackfoot School District #55 Website

U.S Dept of Ed

Idaho State Dept of Education

From the Superintendent's Desk:

Dr. Crane initiated a study on the importance of Parent Involvement (PI) and asked school principals, Colin Folsom and Brandon Farris, to spearhead that report. These are their findings:

Epstein's Parent Involvement

Parental Involvement (PI) means the participation of parents in regular, two-way, meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities, including ensuring:

That parents play an integral role in assisting their child's learning;
That parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child's education at school; and
That parents are full partners in their child's education and are included, as appropriate, in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child.

The purpose of parent involvement is to increase each parent's capacity to help their child(ren) be successful in school. Research has shown that the earlier a parent becomes involved in a child's educational process, the more powerful the effects (Cotton & Wikelund). For this reason alone, it is imperative that our schools work closely with parents to insure that students have the necessary support to succeed both academically and socially.

There are six keys to successful school, family, and community partnerships (Epstein, 2002). They include parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at home, decision-making and collaborating with the community.

1. Parenting: Schools have opportunities to assist all families in establishing home environments that support children as students. Parenting activities can increase families' understanding of their children's health, safety, nutrition, and other topics of child and adolescent development.

2. Communicating: Effective forms of school-to-home and home-to-school communication regarding school programs and children's progress is also necessary in parent involvement. Parent/Teacher conferences, language translators, and regular communications help tremendously in keeping parents involved.

3. Volunteering: Schools can work to improve recruitment, training, work, and schedules to involve families as volunteers and audiences at the school or in other locations to support students and school programs.

4. Learning at home: Schools need to involve families with their children in learning activities at home, including homework and other curriculum-related activities and decisions.

5. Decision-making: Parents and families need to be included as participants in school decisions, governance, and advocacy. This can be accomplished through PTA/PTO, school councils, committees, action teams, and other parent organizations.

6. Collaborating with the community: There are many community resources and services for students and families that need to be coordinated with the school. There are businesses, agencies, and other groups that provide services to the community and the schools can help parents be aware of these resources.

Most students want their families to be more informed about their schooling and are willing to take active roles in assisting communications between school and home (Epstein). This is not only true at the elementary level, but at the middle school and high school levels as well. When parents come to school regularly, it reinforces the view in the child's mind that school and home are connected and that school is an integral part of the whole family's life (Steinberg).

As a school district, we realize that school programs and teacher practices that encourage parents as partners at school are the best ways to keep parents involved. We are committed to provide parents with specific information on what they can do to best help their students be successful. We know that if we all work together that our students will succeed.

School Board #55 Meeting of February 23, 2012

School Board Treasurer Jenny Hong recently attended a school administrators' meeting and congratulated the district school administrators who were there. "You could just see the pride the administrators felt for their students as they discussed programs and achievements in their individual schools."

Mrs. Hong also asked Dr. Crane to write a letter of support to allow a local charter school to change their current lease agreement to a loan. She said she had only recently received the request, but understood that such a move would allow the charter school to be in a better fiscal position. Dr. Crane asked for the opportunity to gather further information so he could address the needs of the charter school. The charter school in question is not connected with Blackfoot School District, nor does the district have any jurisdiction over the charter school.

School Board Vice-Chairman Peter Lipovac made a motion to earmark up to $5,000 for ISBA (Idaho School Boards Association) attorney fees when needed. He noted that occasionally expert opinion is necessary before the School Board can make a decision. Mrs. Hong seconded the motion.

Dr. Crane pointed out that the district already has Mr. Dale Storer, a local attorney, on retainer, the Boise firm of Eberharter-Maki reviews district policies and procedures, and by paying annual dues of $6,000 to the ISBA, attorney representation is already available.

Dr. Crane agreed to provide the School Board with a calendar of upcoming conferences and training provided by the ISBA.

Mr. Lipovac withdrew the motion.

In other business, the "We the People" team was recognized for again winning the Idaho State championship. The 16 team members will be competing in Washington D.C. Holly and Mark Kartc 2012 BHS Students Board Mtg

hner will accompany the team. The team members are: Tyler Lott, Jordan Broadway, Ashley Bystrom, Mark Hudson, Erica Bruderer, Karen Alvarez, Rhett Davenport, Kenny Smith, Nesso Forest, Jaden Davis, Daniela Wheelwright, Kellie Hay, Cameron Baker, Kyra Babcock, Tyrell Lyons, and Logan Lindholm. The tournament for each of the state champions will be April 26th.

As a send-off memento, Dr. Crane presented the team with a facia stick to carry with them to Washington. He explained to the group that since 800 BC the stick, composed of several small sticks lashed together, represented strength in unity. Individually the thin sticks are easily broken, but together there is great strength. He asked that the team return the stick to him with honor. Dr. Crane added, "Honor is not judged by the number of wins you have, but by how you represent us in Washington D.C."

Mrs. Pat Farmer was recognized as the Idaho State Special Education Director of the Year. Mrs. Farmer was particularly pleased that to be considered for the award, she had to first be nominated by her peers.

Scout Troop 262 was in attendance and each boy was asked to stand and introduce himself. The boys are fulfilling one of the requirements of the Citizenship in the Community merit badge which requires that they attend a public meeting.

Mr. Chad Struhs, assistant superintendent, presented the January 2012 financial report. He stated that "budgets are right on target." He also reported that revenue on district investment accounts are "up a little bit."

Mrs. Diedre Taylor, principal of Blackfoot Sixth Grade School, Mr. Ron Reese, former principal of Mountain View Middle School and Blackfoot Sixth Grade School, and Mr. Todd Lauritson made a presentation on their findings concerning a study they had completed dealing with a possible merger of the two schools. With the sixth grade in MVMS, the district could reduce the number of teachers required by 4½ as well as to reduce the custodial staff and administrators needed. The savings to the district could be $200,000 - $350,000.

Mr. Ron Reese gave a brief history of building configuration in his 42 years with the district. During the years 1992-1994 MVMS was on year-round-school due to overcrowding at the school. With that configuration, the school could accommodate its 1188 students because only 800 students were in the building on any given day. Mr. Reese observed the following growth projections for the combined schools based on current enrollment:

Significant growth for grades 6-8 over the next five years.

He concluded that the plan could be done, but that year-round-school would likely be the best option for dealing with the increasing student population, and also recommended that the school district take a year to implement such a plan and encouraged community input.

Vicki Johnson, Dean of Students at Blackfoot High School, presented to the School Board a list of 44 students who had not passed all three of the ISAT tests, but were recommended for graduation under Policy 643.1. The students had been required to take

additional classes as well as to attend CPR (Credit, Progress, Recovery) every school day. During that 15 minutes each day students work on PLATO, study test taking skills, or do homework. School Board Member Mary Jo Marlow moved that the students be approved for graduation. School Board Member Taylor Johansen seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Picture Caption 1: Sixteen students will represent Blackfoot High School in Washington D.C. for We the People

Picture Caption 2: Dr. Crane teaches about strength in unity.

Picture Caption 3: Smiles all around as Mrs. Pat Farmer was recognized as SPED Director of the Year.

Picture Caption 4: Mrs. Diedre Taylor, BSGS principal, reports findings in the study to possibly merge BSGS and MVMS.

Picture Caption 5: Mr. Reese participated in the study.

Picture Caption 6: Ms. Johnson requests Board approval of 55 students who failed to pass one or more of the ISATs.

Winners of the Idaho History Day Competition

From the Senior Division, Randi Sheer and Alice Cannon placed first in Website. Their entry references the 13th Amendment. Randi said she became interested in history in her GT class with Mrs. Chase. The state competition will be held in Boise in April. If you'd like to check out their work go to 25126822.nhd.weebly.com.

MVMS winners were Junior Division - Noelle Johansen (not pictured), Kolby Olney, Savannah Lawhon, Daden Jorgensen, Emma Nelson, Cameryn Dougal, Carlee Miller, Amber Vail.

The challenge from the history class was to consider the theme, "Revolutions that changed the course of History." Sometimes as a team, Emma and Cameryn dressed in period costumes and discussed the Temperance Movement.

Carlee discussed Henry Gibson's play, "A Doll's House." She believes that women aren't just dolls. "I have a strong connection to women's rights. There is more for them out there."

Daden entitled his presentation, "Driving in a safer direction." He discussed the impact of auto crash tests. "I like cars."

Amber named her presentation, "Forced to Fight." She talked about the evolution of the draft system in the US military. "It was a way to get men into the military."

Savannah's presentation was called, "Revolutionary Medicine - Egyptian Style." The Egyptians were the first ancient world peoples to use medicine."

Kolby discussed how the Wright brothers' airplane revolutionized the world. "It improved travel. People could travel farther, faster, and more efficiently. Invention of the airplane also revolutionized war."

Sixth grade winners: Rosario Rivas, Hagen Moore, and Walker Harris.

Walker discussed the invention of the Gatling gun. "I've always been interested in military stuff."

Hagen researched Yellowstone Park. "We went there and it was really cool."

Rosario studied the effect of the Supreme Court decision in the Brown vs. Board of Education.

Picture Caption 1: Randi Sheer and Alice Cannon are proud of their website..

Picture Caption 2: Junior Division team members ..

Picture Caption 3: Sixth Grade Winners

Upcoming Events and Dates

District Wide

March 11 - Daylight Savings Time Begins

April 2 - 6 - Spring Break - No School

Blackfoot High School

March 10 - Jazz Festival

March 12 - BHS & MVMS Choir Concert

March 14 - Bronco Beginnings

March 23 - BHS Musical Performance of Beauty and the Beast

March 24 - BHS Musical Performance of Beauty and the Beast

March 26 - BHS Musical Performance of Beauty and the Beast

March 29 - BHS Musical Performance of Beauty and the Beast

March 30 - BHS Musical Performance of Beauty and the Beast

April 17 - PT Conferences

Independence Alternative High School

March 14 - An Evening with Families from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

March 23 - No School - In-service

Mountain View Middle School

March 8 - Boys Basketball @ Shelly 6:00 p.m.

March 9 - Life is What You Make It -- Be Drug Free -- Dress for Your Future Job

April 12 - PT Conferences 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Blackfoot Sixth Grade School

March 15 - Spelling Bee

March 22 - Walk to BHS for Beauty and the Beast

March 28 - Tom Sawyer presented by the Drama @7:00 p.m.

Fort Hall Elementary School

March 6 - Joseph Bruchac (ISU/Bellon Visiting Author) Presentation

March 9 - Classroom Pictures in the morning

March 15 - Character Counts Assembly at 1:30 pm

March 20 - Parent Council Meeting at 5:30 pm in the Library

Groveland Elementary School

March 7 - PTA Cotton Candy Sales $1 or 10 Box tops

March 9 - Danish with Dad from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.

March 12 - Awards Assembly

March 13 - McTeachers Night @ McDonalds 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

March 15 - PTA Popcorn Sales $1 or 10 Box tops

March 23 - PTA Cotton Candy Sales $1 or 10 Box tops

March 29 - PTA Popcorn Sales $1 or 10 Box tops

Ridge Crest Elementary School

March 9 - Student of the Month Assembly @ 8:45 a.m.

March 22 - Beauty and the Beast @ BPAC

March 23 - Spring Pictures

Stalker Elementary School

March 5 - Hall of Fame Assembly - Grades 1-2 @8:30 a.m. and Grades 3-5 @ 9:45 a.m.

March 14 - PTA Meeting @ 2:45 p.m.

March 22 - Beauty and the Beast @ BPAC

Stoddard Elementary School

March 8 - Luau Read - In at the Library from 12:00 to 12:45 and 3:00 to 4:00

March 9 - Hall of Fame Assembly @ 8:30 a.m.

March 9 - Science Fair

March 14 - 50 In a Minute

March 20 - Spring Pictures

March 21 - PTO VISTA Literacy Night - Camp Read A Lot @6:30-8:00 p.m.

March 22 - Beauty and the Beast @ BPAC 1:00 p.m.

March 23 - Sing-a-Long @ 8:30 a.m.

March 23 - Literacy Luau Reading Logs due

March 28 - 50 In a Minute

Wapello Elementary School

March 6 - Science Fair Grades 1-3

March 7 - Science Fair Grades 4-5

March 23 - Idaho Theater for Youth Assembly

March 30 - Freaky Friday Wear Sunglasses

March 30 - Midterm

March 30 - 2nd Grade Breakfast Buddies from 7:45 - 8:10 a.m.

Irving Kindergarten Center

March 12 - 23 PTA Fundraiser for Zoo Field Trip

March 26 - DINO Night for Law, Crane, Stewart, and Wood from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.

March 27 - DINO Night for Bingham, Patten, Nilsson, St. John, & Earley from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.

March 28 - No School for PM Classes

March 28 - AM Field Trip to see Sue at the Museum of Idaho

March 29 - No School for AM Classes

March 29 - PM Field Trip to see Sue at the Museum of Idaho

Catch the Trade Winds: Consistency, Simplicity, Quality, Victory

Blackfoot School District appreciates the opportunity to work with your children every day.

It is our pleasure to be a part of their future, and for that we thank you.

Contact Info

Public/Media Relations

Tom Harrington

harrt@d55.k12.id.us

Garnalee Harrington

harrgm@d55.k12.id.us

Technical Support

Trish Moore

moort@d55.k12.id.us

208-782-9548