“It is so important that our words equal our actions.

It is imperative that we make sure that we go through a self-evaluation process on an almost daily basis to make sure that our actions are in line with our words.

We must do what we say and say what we do.”

Jon Gordon

Thank you to everyone who has already participated in our parent engagement surveys. The information that you have shared is incredibly important in helping guide the decisions that we make. If you have not yet had a chance to participate in this survey, will you please take a few minutes to complete it by going to https://d93.org/parentsurvey?

We are excited to announce the appointment of Trent Dabell as the new principal of Thunder Ridge. Born and raised in District 93, Trent brings a wealth of passion and experience to his new role, succeeding Doug McLaren, who will be embarking on a new journey as the superintendent in Shelley.

Trent Dabell is no stranger to the Thunder Ridge and D93 community; he has been a pivotal part of the school since its inception. His dedication and commitment to the school's vision and values have been evident through his substantial contributions over the years. As a homegrown leader from within our district, Trent's deep understanding of our community's educational landscape and his innovative approach to leadership make him the perfect fit for this position.

Trent's vision for Thunder Ridge High School includes a strong emphasis on academic excellence, the development of student leadership, and the enhancement of community engagement. He is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages students to explore their passions, challenge themselves, and achieve their fullest potential.

D93 is immensely grateful to Doug McLaren for his leadership and service, and we wish him all the best in his new role as the superintendent in Shelley. We are confident that Trent Dabell's leadership will continue to propel Thunder Ridge High School toward greater heights of success and innovation.

Please join us in welcoming Trent Dabell as the new principal of Thunder Ridge High School. We look forward to the positive impact his leadership will have on our students, staff, and the broader community.

Student Council Officers from Bonneville Online and Thunder Ridge each presented their year in review to the Board. Both groups did an outstanding job and had a strong focus on building their school communities and providing service to our D93 community.

The school calendar for the 2024-2025 school year was approved. The Board accepted our recommendation to change elementary school collaboration days to the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month next year. We will also keep the first Friday of the school year (August 30th) as a collaboration day for elementary teachers.

The Transportation Spot Inspection Report from the state was presented to the Board. While the spot inspection identified a handful of practices for improvement, the report concluded with the statement, “although certain operational items have been identified as needing, these items should not overshadow the positive aspects of the district's student transportation operational program. The commendations listed [in] this report affirm . . . the district's effort to manage an efficient student transportation program that ensures student safety.” Highlights from those commendations included:

• Very clean and well-maintained buses

• 100% compliance with all required documentation of driver records

• The district's accounting effortlessly reconciles student transportation reimbursements

• Helpful and courteous transportation staff

• Numerous improvements from the last spot review

We want to express our sincere appreciation to Pam Cripps, Transportation Supervisor, Daniel Lewis, Special Education Transportation Coordinator, David Kerr, Driver Trainer, Jake Bielby, Lead Mechanic, and all of the other dedicated men and women who show up in the dark hours every morning to get our kids safely to school. You are a terrific team!

I shared district level results from our employee engagement survey with the Board last night. The Board and I sincerely appreciate our staff members taking the time to share their thoughts with us. Principals and supervisors may be following up with their staff members to get more insight into the feedback we have received.

• 3385 Extracurricular Participation is published for public comment.

• U-4110 General Complaints and Grievances was approved for public comment.

• This revision combines our procedure and policy into a single policy and provides more consistency in terms such as working days instead of school days.

• 2565 Chaperones was approved for final approval.

• This revision removes the requirements for volunteers and chaperones to sign release of liability and indemnification forms.

**Special Visit from Debbie Critchfield**: It was a privilege to welcome Debbie Critchfield, the State of Idaho's Superintendent of Public Instruction, to Bonneville County. During her visit, she shared insights from the latest legislative session. Stay tuned as we delve into the significant outcomes of her discussions with the State Department of Education and explore their impact on our schools and families.

**Wellness Assembly with the Bonneville Hope Squad**: Join us for a heartwarming and energizing event at the Summit Hills wellness assembly, brought to you by the Bonneville Hope Squad. This gathering promises a fantastic mix of camaraderie, entertainment, and that special "oompa-loompa" magic. It's an event that promises smiles and laughter for our kids, and you won't want to miss it!

**Parental Guidance on Cellphone Management**: This week’s EIRMC Health Minute is a must-watch for parents. Discover essential strategies for managing your children's cellphone use, equipping you to better face the technological challenges that come with parenting today.

**Insights on the D93 News Podcast**: Don't miss this week's podcast feature with Ken Marlowe, offering thought-provoking insights that are relevant to our community. His perspectives are sure to enrich your understanding and connection to our collective story.

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District 93 is inviting 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students to get out and enjoy outdoor learning at Pine Basin Lodge! Activities include group games, outdoor classes, hiking, swimming, campfires, visiting Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Playhouse, and more!

To register, please go to pinebasin.com and click elementary application. You may select one of the following weeks for the elementary camp (Please note that some weeks may be sold out):

The cost is $226.42 plus state tax of $13.58 for a total of $240.00 (includes Pine Basin Summer Camp T-shirt and admission to Jackson Hole Playhouse). We cannot guarantee a reservation until it is paid in full. Follow the fee payment portal instructions to reserve your date.

Send questions to pinebasin@gmail.com

7th - 12th grade students may also register for an outdoor high school science credit on one of the following weeks:

• Week 1: July 29 – Aug 2
  Week 2: Aug 5 – 9

To complete the registration process for 7th-12th grade Science Camp:

1. Fill out the Pine Basin EcoScience Application
2. Pay your fees (instructions below)

The recently opened youth crisis center “Rise Up” is now able to serve children in our region ranging in ages of 5-17 years old. This center provides a safe, secure, facility for children in crisis for up to 23 hours and 59 minutes (per crisis). This fully staffed facility will provide food, lodging, case management services to connect children and families with community services, and programming to support de-escalation, stabilization, and support. This is all free of charge to the family or individual and is funded by the State of Idaho. This is a great referral source for students in crisis. The contact information is below.

Phone: (208) 862-0994

Email: ybhcccdirector@gmail.com

Website: www.riseupyouthcrisiscenter.com

Address: 1140 Science Center Dr. Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402

ParentGuidance.org is website with free online courses and resources for parents and anyone who needs support. There is Parent Coaching, Ask a Therapist and Get Help options as well as specialized courses for your specific needs and support measures. Spanish is available if needed. Again these services are free.

Students, parents, and employees can reach out for help with bullying, harassment, suicidal tendencies, self-harm, threats, or to report weapons at school by going to d93.org/gethelp or sending the text @gethelp to 855-528-0074.

Be a part of the D93 Community by browsing our selection of We Are D93 Spiritwear. There is a variety of sweatshirts, hoodies, jackets and vests. Check it out!

Thank you to our community partners at EIRMC for supporting our D93 News Family Update.