Our cornerstone of positivity is grounded on the principles of positive psychology. iMind Mental Solutions describes positive psychology as "a relatively new – but increasingly influential – branch of psychology that focuses on individual and community strengths that enable people to thrive.

Unlike traditional psychology, which often centers on diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, positive psychology aims to elevate human experiences such as happiness, hope, and resilience. It asks not just how to alleviate suffering, but also how to cultivate the best within us."

This month, I will share suggestions from iMind that can help us to intentionally develop a positive mindset.

Gratitude involves noticing and being thankful for the positive aspects of life, no matter how big or small. Studies show that cultivating gratitude can significantly improve psychological well-being, reduce stress, and even enhance our physical health. Even in the most challenging circumstances, we can find things to be grateful for.

Corrie and Betsie Ten Boom were Christian sisters who were imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II. Here is how Corrie described their quarters, "Because of the broken windows, the vast room was in semi-twilight. Our noses told us, first, that the place was filthy: somewhere plumbing had backed up, the bedding was soiled and rancid. Then as our eyes adjusted to the gloom we saw that there were no individual beds at all, but great square piers stacked three high, and wedged side by side, and end to end with only an occasional narrow aisle slicing through. We followed our guide single file—the aisle was not wide enough for two—fighting back the claustrophobia of these platforms rising everywhere above us . . . . Something pinched my leg. “Fleas!” I cried. “Betsie, the place is swarming with them! I wailed. “Betsie, how can we live in such a place?”

I cannot even imagine how overwhelming and devastating living in such conditions must have been. But Bestie found hope through gratitude, telling her sister Corrie, "That’s His answer. ‘Give thanks in all circumstances!’ That’s what we can do. We can start right now to thank God for every single thing about this new barracks!”

Corrie protested, "Betsie, there’s no way even God can make me grateful for a flea.”

But Betsie reminded her, "‘Give thanks in all circumstances. It doesn’t say, ‘in pleasant circumstances.’ Fleas are part of this place where God has put us.”

And so they expressed gratitude for their crammed, stuffed, and suffocating circumstances, including the infestation of fleas. And soon they found that those very dismal conditions the guards never came into their rooms, giving them space and time to build friendships with their fellow prisoners and to worship freely in the awful space.

Intentionally practicing gratitude will help us to see the positive in every situation, regardless of how daunting, overwhelming, or discouraging it may feel in the moment. That is the power of positive thinking.

Ty Salsbery, who is currently serving as the principal of HIllcrest High School, will replace Lanie Keller next year at Mountain Valley.

Ty spoke with me a few weeks ago about the demands of being a high school principal with raising a young family who are involved in a lot of different activities. At that time, Ty hoped to be considered if an elementary position came open, and an even stronger hope for it to be in the Hillcrest family of schools. Ty had previously worked as an elementary principal at Holy Rosary in Idaho Falls and as the principal of Bonneville Online before returning to Hillcrest as an assistant principal.

When Mr. Keller officially announced his retirement from Mountain Valley, we felt that Ty would be an ideal candidate to replace him.

In their meeting yesterday, the Board accepted that recommendation. The Board expressed their gratitude to Lanie for the time he spent serving the children of District 93, first as a teacher at Lincoln High School and then later as the principal at Ammon Elementary and Mountain Valley Elementary. Lanie had a unique ability to connect with children and to make each one feel like they were his favorite.

Paul Jenkins commented that whenever he visits Mountain Valley, he notices that Lanie knows each child by name. While we are sad to see Lanie leave, we are excited for him and for his family, and all of the scuba diving, sword fighting and other adventures that are waiting for him.

PowerSchool will soon be sending notifications to families whose information was compromised during the data breach. Those emails will be sent from Experian using one of the following email addresses:

• Ps-sis-incident@mail.csid.com
• Ps-sis-incident@mail1.csid.com
• Ps-sis-incident@mail2.csid.com

For more information about this data breach, please go to d93.org/breach.

Exciting News! Kindergarten Registration is Coming!

Dear Families and Friends,

The time has come to welcome our newest little learners! If you have a child ready to start Kindergarten, or know someone who does, please help us spread the word—Kindergarten registration is happening at our schools on March 10, 2025!

We can’t wait to meet our future students and begin this wonderful journey together.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. See you soon!

The Board of Trustees has accepted the retirement of Principal Keller at Mountain Valley, and Ty Salsbery from Hillcrest has been named as his successor. We thank both leaders for their incredible service and wish them the best in their next chapter.

We also take a moment to remember former D93 Superintendent and Idaho Falls Mayor Tom Campbell, who passed away last week at the age of 88. His leadership and vision left a lasting impact on both our city and school district.

In brighter news, students from D93 and D91 enjoyed a special Carnegie Hall Link Up concert at the Frontier Center, where they experienced the magic of symphonic music firsthand!

And finally, it’s State Tournament Weekend! 🎉Good luck to all of our students representing D93 at State Cheer, Dance, and Wrestling.

The D93 Extra Mile Award celebrates those whose hard work and positive attitudes make a significant impact on our students, staff, and community. Thanks to our amazing friends at Rusty Taco, we’ll be recognizing those who go above and beyond with this special award! 🌮🙌

Calling all creative teens! Ever wanted to take apart old gadgets and turn them into something completely unique? Join us at the art museum for a hands-on night of sculpture-making using recycled materials! With guidance from a local artist, we’ll be taking apart old appliances, repurposing scrap materials, and transforming them into amazing 3D art. No experience needed just bring your imagination!
When: Friday, March 7th, 6:00–8:00 PM
Where: The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, 300 S. Capital Ave., Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Who: Teens (ages 13-18)
Come break, rebuild, and bring your wildest ideas to life! Space is limited—sign up now at theartmuseum.org.
Art is for everyone and need-based scholarships are available! Please apply on our website!
D93 families get 10% off museum memberships! Enjoy free admission, invitations to special events and opening receptions, free admission to lectures, discounts on most classes and workshops, and a 10% discount in TAM's gift shop! Explore our other programming for elementary ages (including spring break camp!), middle school and adults (poetry slams, lectures, art sales, makers nights and more!)!

By popular demand, the D93 Store link has been activated for personal purchases. We will keep a link in the newsletter until the end of the school year so you know where to go to get the coolest swag around.

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