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Five Debaters Qualify for Nationals
June 11-15, 2012, four BHS students will travel to Indianapolis, Indiana to compete in the National Forensic League tournament. Blake Dewveall, a sophomore will compete in Extemporaneous Speaking. The team of Brandon Turner and Marquette Lawrence, both juniors, will compete in public forum. Senior Tylie Polatis will compete in Lincoln-Douglas debate. Senior Bradley Carter will compete in the Catholic Forensic League tournament in Lincoln-Douglas debate in Baltimore, Maryland, May 25-27. All the students agree that being involved in debate has enhanced their research and public speaking skills.
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Blackfoot School District #55 End-of-the-Year Meeting
May 21, 2012
All district employees were invited to celebrate the end of the 2011-2012 school year with awards given for Inviting Employee of the Year, and Teacher of the Year. Each nominee received a $20 gift card from Tommy Vaughn's:
Inviting Employee of the Year Nominee
Kim Fundum - Irving Kindergarten Center
Elesha Watson - Blackfoot 6th Grade
Teresa Martinsen - Mountain View Middle School
Laurie Kearsley - Stalker Elementary School
Connie Forsgren - Groveland Elementary
Michelle Hernandez - I. T. Stoddard Elementary
Sandi Reynolds - Ridge Crest Elementary
Teacher of the Year Nominee
Jill Green - Irving Kindergarten Center
Kay Sorensen - Wapello Elementary
Maureen Gordon - Mountain View Middle School
Tessa Barrow - Blackfoot 6th Grade
Marsha Petersen - Groveland Elementary
Tammi Dayley - I.T. Stoddard Elementary
Ashley Bartausky - Stalker Elementary
Alicia Kepler - Ridge Crest Elementary
And the Winners Are ---
Inviting Employee of the Year - Teresa Martinsen from Mountain View Middle School
Teacher of the Year 2011-2012 - Marsha Petersen from Groveland Elementary School
Congratulations to ALL of the nominees. You represent what is the best in your school! Alvarez Awarded BSA Community Hero Award  | Christina Alvarez, Steven Drake, and
Sterling Wilford |
Mr. Steven Drake from the Grand Teton Council of the Boy Scouts of America presented the BSA Community Hero Award to Christina Alvarez. During the presentation Drake said, "This award is long overdue. Christina has given many years of exemplary service to the Boy Scouts in our community." The Blackfoot Education Association Awards Scholarships The BEA gives two $300 scholarships to deserving BHS seniors in memory of Mrs. Katherine Wilcox, "Who died way too early." This year's recipients were: Krista Paterson and Natasha Luker.  | | Krista Paterson accepts BEA scholarship |
Krista will continue to be a Bronco as she attends Boise State University in the fall. She will major in Biomedical Engineering.
 | | Natasha Luker accepts BEA scholarship |
Natasha will attend BYU-I and major in Elementary Education. Natasha said, "Mr. Gardner's English class taught me that I can do hard things."BEA Co-President Bobbie Steffensen Addresses District Employees In her remarks to district employees present at the annual end-of-year meeting, Mrs. Bobbie Steffensen, BEA Co-President, encouraged everyone to Vote NO on Propositions 1, 2, and 3. The Propositions, commonly called the Luna Laws, are briefly reviewed: Prop 1 (Senate Bill 1108) greatly limits collective bargaining. Teachers would not be able to negotiate many of the issues that impact them directly. It also eliminates the "just cause" provisions in employee dismissals. Prop 2 (Senate Bill 1110) is the PFP (Pay for Performance) bill that base bonuses on student test scores. Particularly objectionable is the requirement that any new education funding provided by the legislature must go to PFP first. That means new teachers would see no increase in the base salary. Prop 3 (Senate Bill 1184) requires technology and mandates student online courses. The cost of the proposition will be funded by reducing the number of teachers in Idaho classrooms. Grand Prizes Drawing At the end of the meeting was a drawing for three grand prizes. The prizes provided by Scott and Kathy Crane were a thank-you to the district for the years of positive experiences. "No district funds were used in the purchase of these prizes," added Dr. Crane. John Randall was drawn for seven days at the Royal Resort in Las Vegas. Linda Plewa won the Wyndam Resort trip to Hawaii.
Local businesses also contributed to the third prize, a Royal Caribbean Cruise. Jennifer Martin was the lucky winner.
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Blackfoot School District #55 Retirees Recognized
Dr. Scott Crane
I was raised in the Burley, Idaho area. I married my sweetheart, Kathy Dickinson, 34 years ago. We have two children, Lyndsey and Shawn, and two grandson, Titus and Eldon. I began my teaching career teaching Spanish, P.E., Grammar and Health at Burley Jr. and Sr. High Schools. I also coached Football, Wrestling, and Track.
Kathy and I moved to Blackfoot in 1985 when I became the Assistant Principal at Mountain View Middle School.
In 1997 I became the Assistant Superintendent, and in 2007 was named Superintendent of the District.
I have always believed that academic improvement is brought about by the vision and leadership of district administrators. I am proud of the programs instituted during my watch and to see the resulting academic improvement of the students in our district.
My years in Blackfoot have been fruitful. This has been a good place to raise my children.
Kathy Crane
I moved to Blackfoot in 1985 and didn't know a soul. Since I started teaching in Blackfoot in 1993, I have taught over 1000 5 year olds.
I received an Associate of Science degree in Child Development from BYU in 1977. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from ISU in 1991 and a Masters of Education in Reading Curriculum and Instruction in 2009 from Grand Canyon University.
After receiving my degree I worked as a substitute teacher in the Blackfoot School District for a year. I was hired by the Blackfoot School District in 1993 as a Kindergarten teacher where I have been ever since. I have also had the opportunity to be an instructor for the Comprehensive Literacy Course, a presenter at the Idaho Kindergarten Conference, and a BERS Instructor through ISU.
I am proud of the several books I have co-authored with Ms. Kathy Law. Our books deal with phonics, reading, and writing for students in grades K-2.
I have the conviction that through strategic implementation of research and standards based curriculum, along with varied and diverse differential instruction, all children may have the opportunity to become empowered life-long learners.
Cherie Clawson
I have been a teacher for about 20 years. I first taught English at Farrer Junior High in Provo, Utah. After our first daughter was born, I decided to stay home with her. I next taught for two years teaching speech classes as a graduate assistant, first for BYU in Provo and then for ISU in Pocatello. After finishing my master's degree at ISU, I taught public speaking, business and professional speaking, and small group communication classes at ISU for ten years, from 1994 until 2004. I came to Blackfoot High School in the fall of 2004 at the request of my daughter, then a junior. Her debate coach, Mrs. Leora Hansen, was retiring and she thought I would be a good coach.
I have loved my eight years teaching speech and debate and coaching the wonderful debate team at Blackfoot High School. They have brought home four sweepstakes trophies in debate, 1st in 2006, 3rd in 2009, 4th in 2010 and 2nd in 2012. I have also been privileged to take students to the national tournament seven of the eight years I have coached. I have loved coaching competitive speaking as well, and have had 3 state champions at State Speech in Oratory (2005), Impromptu (2006) and Extemporaneous Speaking (2012).
Teaching the speech classes at the high school has been challenging and rewarding. I loved developing a unit on job interviews and seeing it impact my students' lives. It has been wonderful to develop an Honors Speech course and to teach the dual enrollment course, Communication 1101 for ISU.
It is very hard for me to leave this position. I love my students and will miss them very much, but I feel strongly that I need to run for the legislature to try to improve education in our state.
Ruth Hanson They say you'll know when you're ready to retire, and I'm ready! I was born in Aurora, Illinois, never mind when! I grew up in California. I received an AA degree in Chaffey Jr. College in California in 1969. In June of 1969 I moved back to Illinois. While there I worked as a teacher's aide for 6 years at Waldo Jr. High in Aurora, Illinois. On a blind date I met my husband, Duane, and we were married on December 20, 1975. In 1976 we moved to Pocatello, Idaho. I worked as a teacher's aide at Jefferson Elementary, Irving Jr. High School and at the Teen Parent Program. During that time I had my two sons, Dana and Aaron. Duane and I bought our house in Inkom in 1977 where we still live. In 1991 I went back to school full time at ISU to complete my teaching degree. I graduated in 1995 with a BS in elementary and special education. I took a job at Blackfoot High School in 1996 as a special education teacher. I was there for 9 years until I moved over to the Blackfoot Sixth Grade School. While at BSGS I have taught both Title I classes in math, reading and English, and also general education classes in math, social studies and study skills. My most satisfying memories of teaching have been helping the students in my high school classes learn job skills, and also help them find jobs during and after high school. I remember that although my first year's class was very difficult, a young man gave me roses at his graduation. I have made many good friends at the Blackfoot Sixth Grade School and the high school.
Linda Plewa I have mixed emotions about leaving teaching after 39 years. Part of me is cheering and giving high fives! The other side of me is questioning - What about this family or that? What about this little brother or sister that I was planning on being here for? Then I answer myself. They will be fine! If I waited for all of them I would still be teaching another ten years!
I love teaching. I wanted to be a teacher since I was little. My dream began in 1972, in Avon, Illinois. I taught there for 3 years. I followed my husband to warm weather in FT. Lauderdale, Florida for 2 more years. Our collective dreams took us to Baton Rouge, Louisiana for 5 more years. We then spent 3 years in Clemson, South Carolina. We finally settled in our "western fantasy dream place" of Idaho!
I've been teaching here in Blackfoot since 1984. I was at the 6th grade, then the Middle School, and lastly Stalker Elementary School. I found my real "niche" with 2nd graders. I realized if you can't fight them, join them! I am a child at heart! Charles Guy Riddle I was born in Gary, Indiana. I graduated from Martin County High School located in Stuart, Florida. I received my Bachelor of Science degree and master's degree from Utah State University. I have spent 37 years in education working in three states, for two state departments of education, two school districts, and five schools. I have been married for 39 years to Sharon Jean Welty from Idaho Falls. We have two sons, three grandchildren, and two step grandchildren.
My favorite things are motorcycling, reading, The Moody Blues, Enya, Toby Keith, any chocolate, and Psalms 31:14-15a which states, "It is what it is." My plans are to do more motorcycling, reading, and volunteering; to do some home redecorating, and to spend time with family.
Karen Seely I was born on Friday, April 13 in Raymond, Alberta, Canada. I grew up in Canada-first on a farm and then later in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. I went to BYU and graduated in August 1977. My parents had moved to Blackfoot, Idaho, while I was attending BYU so I decided to apply for a job with the Blackfoot School District. My parents moved back to Canada after being here for only three short years. I stayed. I've taught for 34 years in the Blackfoot School District. I taught First Grade for three years and Second Grade for 31 years. I started at Irving, then Central, then Shilling, then Elmwood, and finally Ridge Crest. They just kept moving us. I married Gordon Wade Seely who is a Canadian. We've been married for 34 years. We have four children. They are Cheryl, Darryl, Michelle, and Jared. They all graduated from BHS, have married, and have graduated from BYU. We have 13 grandchildren. Teaching is a marvelous thing. The most exciting thing for me is when a child gets it-when the light comes on and they really understand what you've been trying to teach them. Every time it happens it is rewarding. It's what makes teaching worth it.
When the students see you unexpectedly in a public place, they are very excited and surprised. They don't expect to see you any place other than school. I love seeing them outside of school. It makes me feel like I'm as important to them as they are important to me. My students have touched my life in so many ways. I get up in the morning and look forward to each day that I can spend with these students. If I am having a bad day the students can often lift me up. I will always cherish my life as a teacher and will hopefully continue to have teaching moments. I have no regrets that I chose teaching as a career.Julia Dee Starr 
I received a BA degree from ISU in Home Economics Education. I taught in the adult education program at ISU for a year. I taught at Bliss, ID; Afton, Wyoming at Star Valley High School; and substituted in the Pocatello School District for many years. I returned to school and earned my master's degree. I was a visiting instructor at the University of Montana at Missoula for a year. I taught at Marsh Valley High School and Sho-Ban Junior/Senior High School. I've taught at Independence since 2004.
I helped set up ZCMI in the Pineridge Mall and worked in the china/silver department and as the department manager of the fashion jewelry and hosiery departments.
I've enjoyed teaching through the years but I am looking forward to more time with family, some home remodeling, crafting, and traveling with my husband.
Diane Tauscher I was born and raised in South Dakota and graduated from Huron High School in 1969. I attended South Dakota University in Brookings and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology in 1973. I moved to Lincoln, Nebraska and worked in a community mental health center where I became acquainted with social workers and the diversity of their roles with clients. I decided to pursue a master's degree in social work and attended the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating in December 1975, I accepted a position as a school social worker in southern Minnesota working in two special education cooperatives serving 13 school districts. After 2 years I moved to Alexandria, Minnesota, and worked as a school social worker for 4 ½ years. When my position was terminated, I accepted a position and moved to Blackfoot in 1982. I have worked at every educational level in the district from preschool to alternative for the last 30 years. While living in Blackfoot, I met and married my husband Michael. I have two step-children, Michelle and Michael, and son-in-law, Scott, all living in Anaconda, Montana. I have absolutely loved my job as a school social worker. The resilience of the students as well as the teachers and staff is a marvel to behold. They have re-energized me, tugged at my heart, brought a smile to my face, and tears to my eyes. I hope that I have given to others even a little of what I have received in the past 36 ½ years in education. Sue Thomas Sue Thomas taught for 33 years before retiring. Mrs. Thomas began her teaching career at Ammon Elementary School. She transferred to Tie Breaker Elementary after it was completed. She taught a total of 27 years in Idaho Falls, in Bonneville District #93. From there, Mrs. Thomas transferred to Snake River School District where she taught kindergarten for two years. The last four years Mrs. Thomas has taught at Stoddard Elementary here in Blackfoot. She and her husband Richard, a math teacher at Blackfoot High School, have two children.
When asked about favorite experiences, Mrs. Thomas told about a man who came into the school for directions and recognized Mrs. Thomas. He said, "I'm successful, you were my favorite teacher, you changed my life." That's like payday. 20 years had passed since I had that student in my class. "It's experiences like that, and many others, that make teaching so worthwhile."Best Wishes to all our Retirees!
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Hispanic Graduates
Front Row: Osvaldo Maria, Eli Beserra, Liliana Vega, Selena Acevedo, Obelia Muñoz,
Rosa Muñoz, Karen Gonzalez, Sirray Lopez
Back Row: Kyle Perez, Gabby Maldonado, Fernando DeArcos, Carols Murillo, Gerardo Bartolo
Not pictured: Veronica Arriage, Miraya Casteñada, Anjelica Castillo, Carlos Flores, Pricila Hernandez,
April Luna, Carmen Martinez, Rosa Martinez, Juan Moreno, jasmine Nochebuena, Luis Oseguera,
Maria Rivas, Mariela Sanchez, Cindy Silva
A special dinner and reception was held at the Meridian Center on May 21st for the 36 Hispanic students who graduated from Blackfoot High School and Independence Alternative High School. Esperanza Taylor encouraged the graduates to go on with their education, remember their heritage, and keep their Spanish. The dinner included pulled pork, Spanish rice, homemade tortillas, various salads, and topped off with a graduation cake.
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