March 2025 Update

Happy Spring Post Falls Families!

Did you know . . .

• The May 20th levy is a renewal of our existing levy which expires on June 30th.

• The only way Idaho public schools receive all the operational money they are entitled to is if 100% of students attend school 100% of the time.

• Only 19% of PFSD parents voted in our last two levy elections.

• The levy funds all extracurricular activities and athletics; school safety (including campus security, SROs, nurses and health room aides); KTEC (Kootenai Technical Education Campus); and augments all staff salaries (as we must pay more than the state allocation to remain competitive).

• You can now request your absentee ballot for the May 20th election: LINK.

If you are interested in learning more about our levy renewal, please contact me, and I will answer any questions you may have. Information is also available on our website.

~ Dena Naccarato, Superintendent

May 1, 2025 - Join Superintendent Naccarato and CFO Joshua Gittel at 6 p.m. for a Community Levy Information Webinar.

They will address the following:

• provide an overview of district finances
• clarify why state funding necessitates the need to renew the current levy
• explain what programs and staff the levy funds

Look for more information in the April PFSD newsletter.

May 20th marks an important election for the nearly 6,000 students in our district. The total levy ask is a renewal of our current $5,958,551 per year for two years.

Let your voice be heard! Did you know only 19% of PFSD parents voted in the 2023 supplemental levy election?

Board Policy 501.9 "Attendance Requirements" - It is the policy of the Board of Trustees that every student of compulsory school age must be in attendance unless otherwise exempt as provided in Idaho Code. (link to the full policy)

Though students should stay home when they are sick, parents are notified either through a mailed letter or Skyward email when students reach five (5) and nine (9) excused or unexcused absences per semester. (link to procedures)

• Parent Teacher conferences = March 20 (evening) and 21 (morning)
• Spring Break = March 31 - April 4 (no school)
• Memorial Day = May 26 (no school)
• Last day of school = June 11

Don't miss out! Post Falls School District in partnership with Lewis Clark State College is proud to offer summer learning opportunities for students currently in grades 3, 4 and 5.

• Reading and Math Academy June 23 - July 10 from 9-11:30 am Monday through Thursday
• Registration Link: https://forms.gle/hwKR4MZdXtuykyLc8
• Science Camp July 21 - 31 from 9 - 11:30 am Monday through Thursday
• Registration Link: https://forms.gle/uimSyVSLH5tD9TaP6

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and space is limited.

This is a FREE program, as it is fully funded by Lewis-Clark State College and the Post Falls School District.

We kindly request families to commit to daily attendance.

Looking for employment? We are still hiring for the following positions:

• School Psychologist
• Special Education teacher
• Classroom aide
• Playground duty aide
• Special Education paraprofessional
• Substitute teachers

Click here for a full list of current job openings.

Qualifications vary depending on the position. Applicants should enjoy working with students.

We have full-time and part-time positions available. Full-time positions include health, dental and retirement benefits.

Applicants apply online and submit to a State Department of Education mandated criminal history/background check. The applicant pays the required $36 background check fee.

Please call the District Office at 208-773-1658 with any questions.

Your child may be eligible to receive free or reduced price meals. You may qualify if your household’s annual gross income is within the limits identified by the Federal Income Eligibility Standards.

Our online application can be found on our website and paper copies are available upon request. Only one application needs to be filled out per household. Remember - each year you must submit a new application.

Please contact Becky Elmore, Child Nutrition Supervisor, at 208-773-1625 with your questions regarding the school lunch or breakfast program.

Payments to your student(s) account may be made online at RevTrak or through Skyward Family Access, by cash or check at the school kitchen, or by mail. For information on using the RevTrak system see our help document.

March is Self-Harm Awareness Month. If a student has been hurting themselves on purpose, the real hurt is inside. Self-harm is used to cope in the moment but can end up becoming a dangerous cycle.

Here are some signs that your student is vulnerable and may be self-injuring:

• Symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress
• Visible cuts, scratches, or unexplained wounds
• Covering their bodies with bandages, long sleeves, or long pants

If your student needs intervention and support for self-harm and its root causes, contact Care Solace. Care Solace will navigate the mental health care system, explain options, and quickly find available providers in our local community.

Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service provided by Post Falls School District.

• Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.
• Visit caresolace.com/pfsd and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

As always, we are committed to promoting and protecting our students’ total wellbeing.

Call or text 988

If you are struggling with emotional distress, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, mental health concerns, substance use issues, or experiencing trauma or abuse - reach out. Someone is always here for you on the other end of the line.

For more information, visit the Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline website.

The Community Clothing Closet at New Vision High School is open on Tuesdays! New Vision's Clothing Closet provides essential items for children, women, and men, including:

• Casual and career clothes
• Footwear
• Hygiene items

Conveniently located in a portable behind New Vision High School, you can access the closet by entering through the small gate on Catherine Street on the east side of the building.

Hours of Operation:
Tuesdays from 2:45 PM to 3:45 PM. If these times do not work for you, please email richard.raynor@sd273.com to arrange a different day and time to meet.

Come and see how we can help you or someone you know.

Parents and caregivers of children ages 4-5 learn how to turn everyday moments into learning moments. FREE educational toys geared to your child's age are given upon completion of each workshop!

Dinner and childcare are provided.

Click here for more information and to register.

The Family Online Safety Institute is an international, non-profit organization which works to make the online world safer for kids and their families. Check out their website for online safety tips for parents.

Email: info@sd273.com
Website: https://www.pfsd.com/
Location: 206 West Mullan Avenue, Post Falls, ID, USA
Phone: (208) 773-1658