Dear LPOSD Families,

The 2023-24 academic year is off to a great start! As I visited every classroom in our district, what struck me was the culture of care, compassion and connection. Our staff strive to foster strong relationships with our students to create a safe, supportive learning environment where everyone can thrive. To foster greater connection with students, our District is prioritizing the One Trusted Adult Initiative. We want every student to feel safe at school and, along with their parents, identify one staff member they can turn to in need. Ask your student: "Who is your trusted adult at school?"

I'd also like to express my gratitude to the community members who signed up for the Long Range Facility Planning Committee. We will be meeting for the first time in early October and commence the 18+ month process of assessing the current condition of our buildings, touring facilities, and prioritizing the district's needs. This step is critical to ensuring that our schools remain safe and up-to-date for our students – the primary desire expressed by stakeholders in our 5-Year Strategic Plan.

Thank you for your continuous support of Lake Pend Oreille School District. It is an honor to lead such an incredible district. With Much Gratitude, bwm

Dr. Becky W. Meyer, Superintendent

Check out Dr. Meyer's first ever Podcast episode, an interview with Dr. Will Love of Sandpoint High School! Click the picture below to listen on Spotify, today!

The Lake Pend Oreille School District developed a 2023-2028 Strategic Plan with input from various community forums, focus groups, and an online survey. The plan, which was finalized in the spring of 2023 and implemented on July 1, 2023, focuses on four areas: Facilities & School Safety, Student Connection, Quality Staff, and Community Connection. The deliverables for each of these focus areas represent the priorities of our stakeholders, and therefore our school district moving forward.

It’s been just 14 months since Dr. Becky Meyer started the District Safety Task Force, and the passionate and active participants began their swift and essential upgrades to school safety throughout our district. Most recently, the Lake Pend Oreille School District applied for $240,000 in grant funding from the Securing our Future Grant Program. The total amount that the district requested was awarded in full, providing the monetary support to implement new safety and security upgrades throughout the school district. Read more here.

Our school district would not be the same without our dedicated community supporters and the opportunities that they provide students! LPOSD wants to give a HUGE thank you to Panhandle Alliance for Education, who works tirelessly to support educational opportunities in our district year-after-year. This year, the independent organization's fundraising efforts have been notable. PAFE recently grossed $308,000 at their annual Litehouse Charity Golf Classic. Additionally, the Summer PAFE Gala grossed over $450,000 for the first time in Gala history! The money raised at these events directly benefits our students through teacher & staff grant awards. Congratulations to this year's recipients! Your innovative ideas positively impact student learning!

The Graduating Class of 2024 is highly encouraged to take a look at the Idaho Launch Grant Program - which could cover a significant amount of tuition at eligible institutions for in-demand career training. Review Next Steps Idaho / Idaho LAUNCH Resources (link provided below) for answers to common questions. For questions not answered by the website, please email questions to idaholaunch@wdc.idaho.gov.

Adventure Packs are designed to immerse visitors into the adventures of a history explorer! When arriving at the Museum, participants receive a map that will guide them through the many exhibits to special activity stations, each connected to a facet of Bonner County history. Donning an explorer vest, visitors will find in its pockets the accessories needed to complete the hands-on activity at each station. Click the flyer above for additional details.

Did you know that the space industry is rapidly expanding our knowledge and understanding of the universe and presents an opportunity for people of all backgrounds and ages to participate? Spacepoint partners with students and families to bring awareness and educational opportunities to our community! Don't miss this event! Some lucky students will even be considered for qualification to the Kennedy Space Camp Ticket Challenge! Doors Open at 5pm and prizes are awarded for the best Sci-Fi costume!

• Fall workshops focus on Language & Literacy Development.
• Workshops will be held on Saturday, October 14th at Farmin Stidwell Elementary.
• E-workshops are available upon request.
• The workshops are funded by The Panhandle Alliance for Education so they are free to the community and include free toys and materials that parents get to take home and use with their children.
• Free childcare during the workshops are also provided.
  

The Every Kid Outdoors pass offers free access to federal land or water recreation sites for fourth graders and their families.

On October 28th at 6pm, join Spacepoint in support and celebration of this highly anticipated Grand Opening of Sandpoint's New Astronomical Observation and Imaging Observatory. The event includes guest speakers, key sponsors and catering from local supporters. Prizes are awarded for the person(s) sporting the best Tin Foil Hat!

Parents play an essential role in their child's academic success. Thank you for partnering with schools to ensure your child arrives at school daily and on time. Your ongoing support in prioritizing regular school attendance and punctuality is greatly appreciated. We encourage families to take advantage of non-student days for appointments and travel, when possible.

LPOSD 2023-24 academic calendar.