D91 Update Oct 25, 2024

Empowering Learning Through Collaboration

Last week, I had the opportunity to join several PLC teams as they engaged in thoughtful, purposeful collaboration. It was inspiring to see our dedicated teams delving into core concepts, analyzing data, and designing evidence-based instruction that truly meets students where they are—all while remaining committed to closing learning gaps. I witnessed professional educators asking reflective questions, rethinking practices, and exploring strategies to best support our students. This experience served as a powerful reminder of the joy and impact that meaningful collaboration brings to our schools.

We often use “PLC” to describe what we do together in our PLC teams. But the heart of a Professional Learning Community isn’t simply “PLC-ing”; it is collaboration grounded in trust, shared goals, and a vision of what we want to accomplish. True collaboration starts with trust, shared goals, and a vision of what we want to achieve. PLC teams rely on each other deeply, build interdependent relationships, and create an environment of mutual respect that fosters openness and vulnerability. When we collaborate, we depend on each other deeply, work interdependently, and develop the kind of mutual respect that fosters openness and vulnerability. This commitment and purpose give rise to a true community of learners and leaders dedicated to student success.

Our D91 PLC teams empower one another to support every child’s learning journey. They honor each member’s unique expertise and perspectives, forming a collective strength that benefits all our students. The dedication of D91’s teachers and staff to student learning, powerful teaching, and unwavering focus on student success is truly exceptional. Together, D91 educators are empowering student success every single day!

Thank you to our families and community for the time our teachers have to work together to truly collaborate. It is through this collaboration that teachers and staff work together in deep and meaningful ways to design success for every student. We are grateful for your support!

Superintendent Karla LaOrange

Kaitlyn McMurtrey of Westside Elementary shares what she likes about the Intervention Model.

With the launch of the new Intervention Model, a renewed focus on Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and our continued emphasis on student success, we know teachers and staff are working tirelessly to support every student’s learning journey. As we implement these initiatives, you may have questions about the changes, or even about processes that remain the same.

Let’s get those questions answered!

Starting this week, I will be addressing your questions in this section of the employee newsletter. Please feel free to submit any inquiries through the following link: Ask the Superintendent

Look for answers to your questions in next week's edition of the newsletter!

The state of Idaho program provides eligible parents and guardians grant funds to purchase education-related items and services for their students.

Idaho students ages 5-18 are eligible. Income eligibility is based on the parent or guardian’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for the prior year as verified by the Idaho Tax Commission.

Eligible families may receive $1,000 per student and a maximum of $3,000 per family.

Applications will close when funding is exhausted, so apply right away!

Apply at empoweringparents.idaho.gov.

Now is a perfect time to consider Compass Academy if your student is exploring different high school options. As a Magnet high school in D91, Compass Academy offers a unique learning experience through Project-Based Learning (PBL), where students engage in hands-on projects that integrate real-world problem solving. Students can still participate in sports or take electives like band and choir at their home high school.

How to apply:

1. Visit the Compass Academy homepage on the D91 website.
2. Click on the 'Apply to Compass' graphic located in the center of the page.
3. A member of our office will contact you with the next steps!

Transfers within District 91 are only permitted at the end of the first trimester, so this is an important window of opportunity. If you'd like more information, feel free to call Compass Academy at (208) 525-7720. We're here to help!

Idaho recently passed a new law that requires parental consent before any non-life threatening medical services can be provided to minors. This includes mental health care, which also requires parent approval. You can learn more about the services offered by Idaho Falls School District at the here.

Additionally, the new law requires parent consent if a student wishes to be called by a name at school that differs from their legal name.

To provide consent for non-life threatening medical services, mental health care, or a name different from your child’s legal name, simply log in to your PowerSchool Parent portal.

We value our partnership with parents and appreciate your help in sharing your preferences to best support your student!

• Oct 29: Board Work Session, 12:30 pm at the District Office, 690 John Adams Parkway. View Agenda here.
• Nov 3: Daylights Savings Time Ends, Move clocks BACK an hour
• Nov 11: Veterans Day
• Nov 5: Election Day, Online Learning Day
• Nov 22: End of 1st Trimester
• Nov 25-29: Thanksgiving Break, No School
• Dec 4-5: Parent Teacher Conference- Elementary Schools
• Dec 23-Jan 6: Christmas Break, No School

We want to remind you that Tuesday, November 5th, is Election Day! This year, it will also be an online learning day for students. What does this mean for your child? Students will complete assigned work from home. These assignments will be easily accessible in either online or paper formats. Learning will build on concepts already introduced in class and may include new concepts or practice to enhance understanding.

While students are engaged in online learning, our teachers and staff will be participating in professional development. This time is an important opportunity for them to learn new skills, collaborate, and refine current practices. Teachers will also use this day to plan and prepare meaningful learning experiences for students.

We are excited for this dedicated day of learning and growth for both our students and our D91 team!

Time to start preparing for the 2025 District Musical. This year it will be Guys and Dolls. Auditions will be Nov 13th, 4-6:30 pm at the Skyline Choir room and Nov 14th, 4-6:30 pm at the Idaho Falls Choir room. Auditions are open to all district students grades 7th through 12th. Performance dates are April 11-12, and April 14-15 at Compass Academy.

We are celebrating Bus Safety Week. Here is a closer look at how D91 is using the latest technology to help keep our students safe.

Idaho Falls boys soccer will be playing Blackfoot in the 3rd place match at the state tournament Saturday at 12pm at Bonneville High School. The 6th seeded Tigers started their run by upsetting 3rd seeded Century 3-2 on Thursday. It then took six rounds of penalty kicks for 2nd seed Vallivue to get past the Tigers on Friday. Good luck Saturday and congratulations on a great season.

D91 schools dominated the 5A District VI Cross Country championships this week with both Skyline and Idaho Falls finishing in the top two in each race. The Grizzlies won the boys district title with Alexander Renna taking the individual crown. The Tigers took the title in the girls race with Jaycee Jensen crossing the finish line first. All four of our D91 teams are heading to the state tournament November 2 at Eagle Island State Park. Good luck to all of our runners!!

For the first time since 2015, the Idaho Falls Tigers are district champs in volleyball. Top seeded Idaho Falls swept Bonneville in the championship game Thursday night at the Tiger Den. Up next is the state tournament. It will be held at the Mountain American Center in Idaho Falls Oct 31-Nov 2. Good luck, go Tigers!!

The Idaho Falls High School Marching Band performs for the final time this season Friday night at halftime of the football game at Ravsten Stadium. The band is the biggest it has been in a decade and competing in the biggest and best division in southeast Idaho.

Here's a recap of their season:

Highland HS Competition - 2nd place finish overall, 2nd place finish for music - visual - and visual effect

Madison HS Competition - 2nd place finish overall, 2nd place finish for music - music effect - and visual effect

Utah State University competition - 2nd place finish overall, 2nd place finish for music and color guard

ISU Mountain West Invitational - 4th place finish overall, 2nd place finish for percussion and color guard

Congratulations on a great band season!!

The Future Farmers of America club at CTEC is working on some big plans. This week they invited Superintendent LaOrange to their classroom to make a presentation. The students proposed a project that will involve other students in the district and help get them excited about CTEC and the FFA. More details will be shared at a later date. It is inspiring to see our students take initiative to make a difference and lead the way.

Dora Erickson Elementary: Special Education Support Aide-Limited Full-time in the DAC Program

Skyline High School: EL Tutor Limited Full-time

Eagle Rock Middle School: Custodial Night Shift Leader Full-time

Intervention and Support Department: Migrant Student Sucess Facilitator-Full-time

A.H. Bush Elementary: Elementary Media Center Specialist Part-time

Child Nutrition Department: Kitchen Worker Part-time at Taylorview Middle School

Child Nutrition Department: Substitute Child Nutrition Worker-Various locations

See all current openings here.