Dear Families,

Welcome to our April newsletter! We hope you are all enjoying a refreshing spring break. When we return to school on April 7th, we'll be entering the final stretch of the 2024-2025 school year. Let's make this last push count!

Now more than ever, consistent attendance is crucial. We encourage you to continue building strong attendance habits with your children, ensuring they fully benefit from the valuable learning opportunities provided in these final weeks.

Spring sports are in full swing! We're thrilled to see our students excel in golf, track, softball, and baseball. Come out and cheer on our athletes!

We're also excited to announce that, based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our family survey earlier this semester, our district will continue with the 4-day school week for the 2025-2026 school year. We deeply appreciate your support and look forward to building on this positive momentum.

And now for a very important announcement! The district has decided to replace all of the school chairs with pogo sticks. We feel this will help with student energy levels. we look forward to seeing all the students bouncing into class (April Fools! 😄)

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education. Let's finish this school year strong!

Due to this closure, access to Bunker Ave. will be limited.

Exit 49 will be open, however, you will not be able to turn south to access Bunker Ave. Bus routes will be adjusted accordingly beginning April 14th through the end of the 24/25 school year and the start of the 25/26 school year.

Pinehurst Elementary School is thrilled to announce that Crystal Holmes, a dedicated Special Education teacher, has been awarded a $1,900 grant from the Kiwanis Club of the Silver Valley. This generous grant will support her project, "Functional Life Skills," which aims to enhance the learning experience for elementary special education students in grades K-5.

Crystal Holmes's project focuses on creating an engaging and practical learning environment within the Functional Life Skills (FLS) room at Pinehurst Elementary. The grant funds will be used to purchase essential supplies that will enable students to develop crucial life skills. These skills are essential for students to become more independent and successful in their daily lives. By providing hands-on opportunities to practice tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and organizing, the FLS room will become a dynamic space for students to learn and grow.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Kiwanis Club of the Silver Valley for their commitment to our students," said Principal Leah White. "Crystal's project is a testament to her dedication to providing our special education students with the tools they need to thrive. This grant will make a significant difference in the lives of our students, helping them develop the practical skills necessary for future success. The Kiwanis Club's support of our local schools is invaluable, and we deeply appreciate their partnership in fostering a positive learning environment for all children in the Silver Valley."

The "Functional Life Skills" project will allow students to practice and master skills that are often overlooked but are essential for everyday living. This hands-on approach to learning will not only improve students' independence but also boost their confidence and self-esteem.

The entire Kellogg School District congratulates Crystal Holmes on receiving this well-deserved grant. We are proud of her dedication and commitment to our students and look forward to seeing the positive impact of her project. The Kiwanis Club of the Silver Valley’s investment in our schools will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the lives of our students.

Kellogg High School was a hub of activity on Thursday, March 13, 2025, hosting a dual event that showcased both career opportunities and community involvement. Students from Kellogg, Wallace, and Mullan High Schools converged on the campus for a comprehensive job fair, while the KHS student council simultaneously ran a successful blood drive as part of their alumni week celebrations.

The job fair, designed to provide invaluable exposure to post-secondary options, drew over 300 students from grades 9-12. The event featured presentations from 28 employers and higher learning institutions, offering a diverse array of potential career paths. Notable participants included North Idaho College, the University of Idaho, Hecla Mining, Ground Force, Women in Mining, Avista, and the Machinist Institute.

In addition to the presentations, nearly 40 information booths filled Andrews Gymnasium, providing students with direct access to representatives from a wide range of organizations. Employers such as the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office, Idaho Department of Labor, ACI Northwest, Bunker Hill Mining, and Northwest Specialty Hospital were on hand to answer questions and provide insights into their respective fields. Representatives from nine colleges and universities, as well as all four branches of the military, also offered guidance on further education and service opportunities.

The event proved to be a resounding success, giving students the chance to explore diverse career paths and educational opportunities. The Kellogg School District extended its gratitude to all participating vendors for their time and expertise. Special recognition was also given to the KHS counseling staff for their diligent efforts in organizing the event, which benefited the entire Silver Valley community. Organizers are already looking forward to making next year's event even larger and more impactful. Parallel to the job fair, the KHS student council's blood drive contributed to the community's well-being, adding another layer of success to the busy day at Kellogg High School.

April means ISAT testing will be starting for grades 3-8 and 11. Here are some tips for parents on how they can help students be prepared for ISAT testing:

1. Encourage Adequate Rest: Ensure your child gets enough sleep leading up to each day of ISAT testing. Well-rested minds perform better.

2. Provide Nutritious Meals: Offer balanced breakfasts and snacks to fuel their brainpower during testing days.

3. Practice Time Management: Help your child practice managing their time effectively during practice tests to ensure they complete the ISAT sections within the allocated time.

4. Encourage Confidence: Offer words of encouragement and boost their confidence by reminding them of their preparation and abilities.

5. Minimize Stress: Create a calm and supportive environment at home during the testing period to alleviate unnecessary stress.

6. Review Test-Taking Strategies: Go over test-taking strategies with your child, such as reading directions carefully, eliminating obviously wrong answers, and managing time wisely.

7. Foster Positivity: Encourage a positive mindset by emphasizing that doing their best is what matters most, regardless of the test outcome.

8. Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with the testing schedule and any guidelines provided by the school to ensure your child is well-prepared.

9. Offer Breaks: Remind your child to take short breaks during the test to relax and refocus their mind.

10. Celebrate Efforts: Celebrate your child's hard work and efforts during the testing period, regardless of the results, to reinforce their dedication and commitment.