Dear Families and Stakeholders,

On October 6th, we held districtwide professional development for all educators. This day provided a valuable opportunity for our dedicated teachers and staff to enhance their knowledge and skills by being the students themselves. Our professionals had a chance to fill their cups as learners, allowing them to grow and better serve our students. I am grateful for the commitment our educators showed during this day of learning.

Our recent Coffee Klatch, held earlier this month, allowed me the opportunity to speak with many parents. Together, we covered a range of subjects including weather-related closures, the purpose and work of the Long Range Facility Planning Committee, middle school wrestling's high participation rates, and a variety of perspectives about the AR Reading program. I greatly appreciate the insights and perspectives shared by parents :). Our next Coffee Klatch will be in February.

As we enter my favorite season of all, a month focused on giving thanks, I invite you to join me in cultivating a regular practice of gratitude. What are you most thankful for? Take a moment today to share out your gratitude!

With Much Gratitude for your continued support, bwm

Dr. Becky Meyer, Superintendent

Check out Dr. Meyer's second Podcast episode, a glimpse into the CTE Residential Carpentry Program at Sandpoint High School! Click the picture below to listen on Spotify today!

Student connection includes many aspects of engaging with students - increasing academic engagement through hands-on learning, re-establishing attendance expectations to boost achievement, and ensuring all students feel connected to their school environments. This fall, we began the “One Trusted Adult” Initiative. Read more about this initiative in a letter from the Superintendent. Click here.

1. Parents have the ultimate decision whether to send their children to school or keep them home! If you feel it is unsafe for your child to get to school, please call the office & their absence will be marked as excused.
2. Road conditions are the primary factor in deciding school closures during heavy snowfall. Monitoring of local road conditions and weather begins at 4 AM using the National Weather Service (NOAA) and radar imagery.
3. We try to make delay and closure decisions by 5:00 AM to allow time for parents and staff to receive communication & plan for the day accordingly.
4. A delayed start may be utilized if road conditions are expected to improve mid-morning. School will start 2 hours later than the normal start time at each school, and the school day will end at the usual time. Bus routes and morning pickup times follow the 2-hour morning delay schedule.
5. Instructional hour requirements are regulated by the state, and the district is allowed up to 3 emergency closures per year.

Text 67587 today!

• Zone 1 area residents will elect a new Trustee; candidates include Jennifer McKnight and Scott Wood.
• Unsure if you live in Zone 1? Type in your address and find out your Trustee Zone using this link: Google Earth Trustee Zones (KMZ) For those who do not have Google Earth, you can download the app for your desktop here.
• A photo of zones is provided below. You may find additional Board information on the LPOSD Board of Trustees webpage.

Thank you to the "Lit Cadre" (pictured below) - a group of passionate specialized educators who have stepped in to helping ensure that every student graduates a reader in LPOSD! Every school also has a "Literacy Lead" - these individuals are Laura Nishek (Washington Elementary), Susan Wickboldt (Northside), Trish Butler (Kootenai), Joanie Hammelman (Farmin Stidwell), Caitlin Ginter (Sagle), & Kayleigh Tuttle (Hope) at the elementary level. Secondary leaders include: Meagan Hofmeister (Sandpoint High), Kristan Peacock (SMS), Becca Palmer (Clark Fork), and Stacee Sawyer (Lake Pend Oreille High).

Do you have a coat in good condition that you'd like to donate? Would your family benefit from the coat distribution at the Bonner Community Food Bank in November? See the flyer below for details.

Distinguished Young Women is a national program that inspires high school girls to develop their full, individual potential. The annual program combines the opportunity to win college scholarships with Life Skills training. Participants learn skills related to interviewing, public speaking, self-confidence building and more. Female students who will be graduating within the 2025 school year can register now until January 15th. Last year's DYW winner, Aurla Palmer (SHS) received a $4,200 scholarship and represented our area at the state level earlier this month. Congratulations to her on a job well done! Click the button below if you're interested in more information!

Click the photo to access the District's Academic Calendar.