D93 Family Update

When we pull individual efforts together into a collective and unified effort, we can multiply the strength of our efforts. Instead of having to shoulder our responsibilities alone, we share the weight of responsibility and make each other stronger. This is why in District 93, we value teamwork so much: it is essential to our efforts to design success for every student.

Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow.

The Board recognized our high school marching bands and Thunder Ridge math teacher Natalie Woods for their outstanding accomplishments.

• High Desert Marching Band
• 5A Division Champions
• Gem State Award: Highest Score in the Competition
• Best Music
• Best Percussion

• Thunder Ridge Marching Band
• Best Music
• Best Percussion
• Best Visual
• Best Auxiliary

Natalie Woods has been selected to receive the prestigious Presidential Award by the National Science Foundation. The PAEMST are the top honors bestowed by the U.S. Government to K-12 STEM teachers. Each year, outstanding educators from across the country may be recognized by the White House for their passion, dedication, and impact in the classroom. We are proud for Natalie Woods to be recognized for her remarkable dedication to helping our students achieve at the very highest levels in math.

Dr. Woolstenhulme reported that for the 7th consecutive year, D93's graduation rates continue to soar above the state average with more than 90% of students graduating from high school in four years. Some key highlights from the report:

• D93's graduation rate has climbed from 78% in 2017 (3% below state average) to 90-91% the last two years (8% above state average)
• The climb in graduation rates coincides with our focus on professional learning communities and designated intervention time for middle school and high school students on Mondays.
• Our students from low-income and minority families as well as those with disabilities have seen the same growth in their graduation rates.
• 92% of our graduates earned college credit while in high school last year
• 70% earned 9 or more college credits

Click on the picture below to see the entire presentation.

Hello and welcome to D93 News! February is always a busy month, and this week, we hosted Reality Town—a fantastic program that gives students a real-world glimpse into life’s responsibilities.

💼 Looking for a job? We’re hosting a Certified Hiring Event on Monday, February 24th at Hillcrest High School from 3:30 to 6:00 PM. We’re hiring teachers, counselors, and speech-language pathologists—don’t miss this opportunity!

🛍️ Show your D93 pride! The D93 Swag Store is open, so grab your gear and represent your community.

Join the Thunder Ridge Drama Club as they bring Peter and the Starcatcher to life on stage! 🌟

📅 Showtimes:
📌 February 13, 14 & 15 at 7 PM
📌 Matinee: February 15 at 2 PM

Prepare for a magical journey filled with laughter, excitement, and the untold origins of Peter Pan! 🏴‍☠️🚢✨

📍 Location: Thunder Ridge Performing Arts Center
🎟️ Tickets: trpac.ludas.com – Get yours before they’re gone!

This week’s Rusty Taco Extra Mile Award winners go above and beyond for their students! 🌟

🍎 Ms. Grover – Sandcreek Middle School
She selflessly sacrifices her personal time to support students in need, making a lasting impact on their lives.

📚 Ms. Friess – Falls Valley Elementary
As an instructional coach, she builds strong, one-on-one connections with students, ensuring they have the tools to succeed.

👏 Thank you, Ms. Grover & Ms. Friess, for going the extra mile!

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! 🌮🙌

Ammon Arts Community Theatre is hosting an exciting art contest! 🖌️🎭 This is your chance to bring classic characters to life and have your artwork featured in the show’s program!

🔹 Draw one of these beloved characters: Mr. Toad, Mole, Ratty, Mrs. Otter, Mr. Badger, or Chief Weasel.
🔹 Use a WHITE background & submit one entry per character.
🔹 Include your first name, last initial, and teacher’s name on your artwork.
🔹 Six winners will have their artwork showcased in the program! 🌟
🔹 All submissions will be displayed in the lobby in March.

Get creative, have fun, and share your artistic talent with the community! 🖌️🎭

📌 Submit your entry here: forms.gle/fvxj52bDj9j485Mc6

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.

🔥 Preventing Scald Injuries in Children 🔥

Did you know that EIRMC, Idaho’s only Burn Center, treats hundreds of burn patients each year, including many children? Unfortunately, pediatric scald injuries are on the rise, with 14 children hospitalized in 2024 alone.

🚨 Top Scalding Risks:
🍜 Hot liquids in the kitchen – Be mindful of children using the microwave and handling hot food & drinks.
🛁 Bathtub safety – Always check the water temperature before placing a child in the tub.

Dr. Tait Olaveson, Medical Director of EIRMC’s Burn Center, shares essential prevention tips to keep your little ones safe. Read the full article for practical ways to prevent scald injuries and what to do if an accident happens.

🔗 More info: https://eirmc.com/blog/entry/scald-injury-in-children

#ChildSafety #ScaldPrevention #EIRMC #FamilyWellness #WeAreD93

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