January 25, 2015

Students Qualify for All State Orchestra and Choir

Students from left to right: Thalia Rojas, Jorgen Lawrence, Arika Gourley, Sam Bingham, Josie Koeplin, Lance Verst, Brooke Sundholm, Spenser Pfau, Penny Hope, Olivia Stimac, Madeline Austin

Several students at Wood River High School qualified for All State Orchestra and Choir. The All State Orchestra and Choirs will perform in February in Pocatello at Idaho State University with students from other schools in Idaho. Orchestra teacher Rebecca Martin stated, "Hundreds of students around the state of Idaho submit auditions and only the top recordings qualify to participate." Fun Fact: The orchestra will be playing a piece by Kenji Bunch, the composer of "Wood River Reel" which premiered with the Wood River Chamber Orchestra and Time for Three last summer at the Sun Valley Summer Symphony. Read more here.

Students Learn to Ask Questions, Conduct Research, and Demonstrate Knowledge

2nd grade students at Hailey Elementary took charge of their learning recently during a unit on Animal Habitat. Teacher Gabrielle Diedrick introduced marine mammals to the students and then the students worked in groups to determine what they already knew about the animals and what else they wanted to learn. They conducted research based on their questions and created scale models of their animals. Students demonstrated knowledge through student-made videos and student presentations. Diedrick wrote, "the students were inspired by being able to make choices in their own learning."

Read the Board Accolades

Read the January Board Accolades for Paul Zimmerman and Lester Wilson here.

Do you know someone who deserves a Board Accolade? If so you can submit your nomination here.

Superintendent Proposes Secondary Education Task Force

The BCSD Board of Trustees agreed to the Superintendent's proposal to convene a Secondary Education Task Force in order to establish a structure for secondary (grades 6-12) education, replacing the current structure, or framework, of International Baccalaureate. International Baccalaureate, in grades 6-10 at Wood River High School and Wood River Middle School, was identified as a topic for further conversation during the community and staff budget meetings last fall. In further exploration of the topic the recent budget survey indicated that IB authorization is a low priority in the community. Teachers from different content areas among all secondary schools will work collaboratively to determine a proposal for the Board's consideration in the winter of 2016-17, with implementation beginning in 2017-18 school year. Stay tuned to the BCSD Weekly Update for further information.

Read the Results of the Financial Plan Survey

At the January 19 Board of Trustees meeting, Superintendent Dr. GwenCarol Holmes presented the next steps for creating a Financial Plan and the results of the Financial Plan Survey. To read the memo, view the materials from the Budget Meetings, and see the results from the recent Financial Plan Survey, click here.

Are You Struggling With Everyday Needs?

The Blaine County School District understands that unexpected adverse economic conditions may occur for any family at any time. This type of hardship may cause a change in a desired living condition and a loss of housing. It could mean that a family must move in with relatives, friends, or other people until the economic hardship passes. It may mean that the living conditions are no longer adequate in accommodations (lack of running water, electricity, other utilities).

Typically each year between 15-20 students are identified as homeless in the Blaine County School District (BCSD). BCSD wants to make sure that these conditions do not negatively impact the education of children. Director of Student Services, Debi Gutknecht, stated, "If you are experiencing economic hardship that impacts your housing, please talk to your school Social Worker to discuss education possibilities and assistance that may be available. We are here to support you."

For more information about how Social Workers support the everyday needs of students, and a list of community organizations and resources, read more here.

Watch the Board of Trustees Webcast