D91 Updates

In Idaho Falls School District 91, our promise is simple but powerful: design success for every student. “Success by Design” isn’t just a slogan. It’s at the heart of everything we do!

One of the most impactful ways we live out that promise is through our work in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). When teachers come together in their PLCs, they plan, collaborate, and problem-solve around four key questions:

1. What do we want students to learn?

2. How will we know when they’ve learned it?

3. What will we do if a student needs more time or support?

4. How will we extend learning for students who are ready for more?

By using common checks for understanding and reviewing student responses, teacher teams adjust instruction, identify students who need extra help, and create meaningful extensions for students who have demonstrated mastery. This ensures that every child gets what they need to succeed.

To make this work possible, our district has intentionally built time for collaboration into our Friday schedule.

• Elementary schools release one hour early every Friday so teachers can meet in PLCs, analyze student progress, and design the next steps for learning.

• Middle and high schools use Friday as a half-day for targeted intervention, support, and enrichment, providing students with time to practice skills or extend learning at home.

These structures give teachers the dedicated time they need to focus on student learning and give students the extra time and support they need to grow, master skills, and reach their goals.

The Idaho Falls community has been relentless in its support of our teachers and students. I can’t thank you enough for your commitment. Together, we’re empowering learners, developing leaders, and creating a legacy of success designed just for your student. Thank you for partnering with us to help every child experience success by design!

• Oct. 22-23: Parent Teacher Conferences
• Oct. 23: 90 MINUTE EARLY RELEASE
• Oct. 23: Southeast Idaho College Fair | Skyline High School | 5 - 8 pm
• Oct. 24: PTC Comp Day - NO SCHOOL
• Nov. 4: Election Day - NO SCHOOL

Parent teacher conferences will be held next week, Oct. 22-23. School will release 90 minutes early on Thursday, Oct. 23. There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, Oct. 24. If you have questions about your student's conference schedule, please contact your school secretary.

These meetings are an important opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school and to ensure your child is on track for success. Whether your student is in kindergarten or high school, a little preparation can make your conference time more meaningful and productive.

1. Talk with your child first.
Ask your child how they feel about school, what they enjoy, where they’re proud of their progress, and what feels challenging. Their insights can help guide your questions and make the conversation with the teacher even more focused and helpful.

2. Review recent work and grades.
Look at homework, projects, or progress reports together. This will help you notice patterns and celebrate growth while identifying areas that may need support.

3. Come with questions.
Think about what you’d like to know. You might ask about your child’s participation, learning habits, social skills, or strategies to support learning at home. Writing down your questions ahead of time helps ensure you make the most of your conference.

4. Keep an open mind.
Conferences are a chance for collaboration. Teachers want the same thing you do - your child’s success. Listen for strengths as well as areas for growth and remember that every student’s learning journey looks a little different.

5. End with a plan.
Before you leave, clarify next steps or ways to stay in touch with your child’s teacher. Working together builds consistency and helps your child see that school and home are on the same team.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are not just about academics. They’re about connection, communication, and supporting your child’s growth. Thank you for taking the time to engage in this important partnership. Together, we can help every student reach their full potential!

The application window is now open for Idaho LAUNCH, Idaho Opportunity, FAFSA, and CEI Foundation scholarships!

Introducing our new series, D91 School Spotlights! Each week, we’ll be showcasing a school in our district — meeting teachers, getting to know principals, and more. Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook pages!

This week’s spotlight is on Westside Elementary! Westside was dedicated in 1979, and currently enrolls 473 students known as the Wolfpack. After 6th grade, Westside students keep their blue and attend Eagle Rock Middle School and Skyline High School.

Principal Kelsey Anderson grew up in Salt Lake City, UT, but moved to Ammon as a teenager and graduated from Hillcrest High School. After earning her teaching degree at BYU-Idaho and completing student teaching in Utah, Anderson returned to Idaho to be closer to family. She taught kindergarten for 6 years, and then decided to pursue a pathway in administration after being inspired by her principal’s leadership. After two years as an assistant principal at Linden Park, Anderson came to Westside.

Now in her 5th year at Westside, she says she is guided by a “servant leadership” philosophy that prioritizes helping teachers and students however she can. On days when she feels stressed or overwhelmed by paperwork, Principal Anderson says she leaves the office and heads into classrooms with this announcement: “I’m going to find the joy!” She loves the camaraderie in the Westside Wolfpack between staff, students, and community members.

Outside of work, Principal Anderson loves traveling with her husband and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

On Monday, Westside cut the ribbon and opened their brand new playground! Two years ago, the Westside PTO, led by Megan Stembridge and Kiery Wilson, began saving money for new playground equipment. Though they were anticipating the project would take 4-5 years, they successfully raised $109,000 in just two years!

Shout out to Westside’s families and students, who raised $53,461 of that total through restaurant nights, carnivals, raffle tickets, and fun runs. Other valued donations came from the American Farmers Network, the CHC Foundation, Mountain View Hospital, Walmart, and Sam’s Club. Thanks to all these sponsors for their support!

Principal Anderson said students gave input on what playground structures they wanted the most. The new equipment includes a row of eight swings, a netted climbing tower, and a connected set with three slides, three climbing nets, a rock wall, and a spiral fireman’s pole.

We are also grateful to Lucky Dog Recreation and the D91 Maintenance Department for their help removing the old structure and installing the new equipment. The old structure, which had been in use for over 35 years, had sentimental value and was auctioned off to the public, and now the double metal slide has a new home on local land.

👑A huge congratulations to the IFHS Marching Band, who placed 1st at the Burley competition this month! They took the crown in all 5 categories: Best Music, Best Visuals, Best General Effects, Best Percussion, and Best Colorguard. This is an impressive feat — Go Tigers!

Idaho Falls School District 91 continues to focus on helping all students develop the skills and habits they need to succeed, not just in school, but throughout life. This year, our district behavior goals emphasize personal growth, collaboration, and civility. This week, we are highlighting Goal 3: Growth Mindset and Grit.

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, effective strategies, and learning from mistakes. Students with a growth mindset understand that success comes from persistence and hard work, not just natural talent. They think, “I can learn this if I keep trying.”

Grit means showing persistence and determination, especially when things get tough. It’s the ability to stay focused and keep moving forward even when progress is slow or challenges arise. A student with grit says, “No matter what, I can and will do this.”

How Families Can Support Growth Mindset and Grit at Home

Families play an important role in helping children develop these skills. Here are a few ways to encourage growth mindset and grit at home:

• Praise effort and persistence, not just results. Recognize your child’s hard work and problem-solving rather than focusing solely on grades or performance.

• Model a growth mindset. Share your own learning experiences and talk about how you overcome challenges.

• Emphasize “yet.” When your child says, “I can’t do this,” remind them to add “yet”. “I can’t do this yet.”

• Celebrate progress and learning. Help your child reflect on what they’ve learned, even when the outcome isn’t perfect.

• Encourage perseverance. Remind your child that setbacks are temporary, and effort pays off over time.

As we focus on Growth Mindset and Grit, we’re helping students build confidence, resilience, and a love of learning that will serve them well into the future. We’re excited about our district goals and the positive impact they are having on our students, staff, and schools!

Every day in D91, there are amazing people whose hard work and positive attitude make our schools shine, from the cafeteria to the classroom, the ball fields to breakfast duty!

The High Five Club is your chance to celebrate those everyday heroes who go above and beyond. If you know someone who consistently puts others first, spreads positivity, or makes D91 a brighter place to learn and work, take a minute to nominate them today!

• Classroom Aide (Westside, part time)
• Crossing Guard (Temple View, part time)
• Custodian (Fox Hollow; part time)
• Head Custodian (Edgemont; full time)
• Satellite Server (Temple View, part time)
• Secretary (Hawthorne, part time)
• SPED Support Aide (Skyline, full time)
• Title I Tutor (Ethel Boyes, limited full time)
• D91 Substitute