D93 Family Update

May Cornerstone: Learning and Literacy
Growth in Student Engagement Outcomes
I’m excited to share that we are seeing significant growth in our student engagement outcomes—growth that reflects the foundation of learning and long-term success for our students.
On this year’s annual engagement surveys, students reported improvement in every one of these key indicators:
-
Feeling safe at school
-
Having positive connections with adults at school
-
Feeling that teachers care about them
-
Having close friendships
While I’m incredibly proud of the work our dedicated staff have done to achieve this growth, we know we’re not finished. Our goal is to ensure that every student in D93 can confidently agree with these statements. That’s an ambitious goal—but we’re making meaningful progress toward it.
Thank you for your continued support of the amazing staff members who are making this growth possible.
Next Week's Schedule
Board Meeting Highlights: Decisions, Recognitions, and Updates
Board Approves Michael Strobel as Assistant Principal at Rocky Mountain Middle School
The Board of Trustees unanimously approved Michael Strobel as the new Assistant Principal at Rocky Mountain Middle School. Strobel currently teaches at Bonneville High School, but he began his career in education many years ago at Sandcreek Middle School. The district is excited to welcome him back to the middle school level in this new leadership role. Congratulations, Mr. Strobel!
Celebrating Idaho History Day Champions: Madison Shupe & Clara McBride Headed to Nationals!
We are thrilled to celebrate the success of two outstanding students—Madison Shupe and Clara McBride—who earned first place at the Idaho History Day state competition and will represent our region at the National History Day contest in Washington, D.C. this June!
This year, 21 of our students qualified for state following the regional competition, and six went on to place in the top four at the state level. From there, four students qualified for nationals, and three will attend—including Madison and Clara.
Madison created an individual exhibit on a pivotal Supreme Court case that addressed Fourth Amendment rights and police invasion of privacy. Clara, a returning national qualifier and past national winner, developed an individual website comparing Angel Island and Ellis Island, highlighting the exclusion of Chinese immigrants in contrast to the acceptance of European newcomers.
Both projects involved extensive research, analysis, and creativity, and we are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Madison, Clara, and all our History Day participants!
Thunder Ridge FCCLA State Champions are Headed to Nationals Under the Florida Sun
At last night's board meeting, the Trustees proudly recognized Izabell Barnes, Maleah Kappas, Jackson Wallis, Joshua Brock, and Brilee Galbraith for earning first place in their events at the FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) State Competition—qualifying them to compete at Nationals later this summer!
These outstanding Thunder Ridge students demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication in their respective categories:
Izabell Barnes – Baking & Pastry
Maleah Kappas – Event Management
Jackson Wallis – Personal Finance
Joshua Brock – Impromptu Speaking
Brilee Galbraith – Fashion Construction
Their advisor, Kealie Wallis, praised their hard work and passion, noting how FCCLA opens doors for students while building lifelong skills and character. Highlights include a perfect four-year national qualification streak for Jackson, a $1,000 scholarship and professional knife set for Izabell, and a “golden ticket” to showcase Brilee’s work at Boise Fashion Week.
We’re incredibly proud of these students and wish them the best as they prepare to represent D93 on the national stage!
Maverick West & Trevor Cramer Take 1st at SkillsUSA – Headed to Nationals!
The Board was proud to recognize Maverick West and Trevor Cramer, students in the district’s pre-engineering program at Technical Careers High School for their 1st place finish in Additive Manufacturing at the SkillsUSA State Competition in Boise. Their impressive performance qualifies them to represent Idaho at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Georgia this summer! This highly competitive event required students to apply advanced design and manufacturing skills. Maverick and Trevor were challenged to design and 3D-print a functional rubber band car with multiple moving parts—all within a short timeframe. Their innovative design, technical precision, and problem-solving earned them the top spot. While Maverick was on hand to share details of their design, Trevor was home tending cattle—an everyday reminder of the diverse talents and responsibilities these students manage. Congratulations to both of these hardworking young men as they prepare for the national stage.
Technical Careers High School Student Council Report to the Board of Trustees
The Student Council from TCHS shared highlights from a successful and engaging school year, showcasing how TCHS continues to promote career readiness and hands-on learning through academics, leadership, and technical training.
Key highlights included:
- School Spirit Events - Senior Sunrise breakfast, a lighthearted senior prank, lunchtime games during Spirit Week, and class competitions that raised over \$1,400 for families in need.
- Career & Technical Programs: Students participated in real-world training in fields such as welding, auto tech, EMT, CNA, agriculture, construction, and engineering. Many students earned certifications and college credits.
- Project-Based Learning: Students created and sold items such as dog houses, chairs, and painted panels to fund program materials. They also contributed to a community chair-building event for veterans.
- Student Achievements: Two students, Maverick West and Trevor Cramer, won first place at the state SkillsUSA competition in engineering and qualified for nationals. Many others shared their individual career goals and how TCHS has prepared them for future success.
The presentation closed with heartfelt remarks from their advisor and a special note that their beloved instructor is retiring this year. The Board expressed appreciation and congratulations to the students and staff for their remarkable achievements.
Praxium and Ammon Elementary Update
Superintendent Woolstenhulme provided a brief update on the proposed relocation of Praxium Mastery Academy to the Ammon Elementary building, following additional discussions with the City of Ammon. He noted that while there have been some concerns about increased traffic, especially with the change to a 7–12 grade configuration, the projected number of student drivers is expected to be comparable to current elementary drop-off traffic. The district will explore possible traffic flow improvements, particularly directing access from Midway Avenue.
In response to input from staff and community members, the Superintendent also shared progress on revising the Certified Staff Transfer Policy. While the revised policy addresses many long-standing concerns, it did not fully account for the unique challenges presented by a school closure and simultaneous opening. As a result, the administration has drafted a proposed resolution to guide staff placement in situations with widespread displacement, like the potential closure of Ammon Elementary.
The proposed resolution would prioritize displaced teachers—both from Ammon and other elementary schools affected by boundary changes—by giving them the first opportunity to transfer into available positions before opening those jobs to other voluntary transfers or external applicants. The goal is to ensure a fair, transparent, and supportive process for all affected staff.
The Board will continue reviewing the proposed resolution and transfer policy, with plans to gather additional feedback and finalize decisions before the start of the 2025–2026 school year.
You can watch the Board Meeting in it's entirety right here.
Important Upcoming Events to Close Out the Year
Ready, Set, Go!
It’s almost time for one of the most exciting events of the year—our 6th Grade Track Meet!
On Tuesday, May 20th, students from our north elementary schools will take to the track, followed by our south elementary schools on Wednesday, May 21st. Get ready for two action-packed days filled with races, relays, long jumps, and lots of cheering!
This annual tradition is a great way for students to show off their hard work, sportsmanship, and school spirit as they wrap up their final year of elementary school.
Bring the energy. Bring the sunscreen. Bring your voices—let’s cheer on our incredible 6th graders as they race toward the finish line!
From Kindergarten to Cap and Gown: Senior Graduation Walk
On Tuesday, May 27th at 8:30 a.m. at all the elementary schools, our graduating seniors will return to their elementary schools one last time—not as students, but as role models. The annual Graduation Walk is a heartfelt tradition that gives our seniors the chance to reflect on how far they’ve come, from those first wobbly steps into kindergarten classrooms to the confident strides they're now taking toward the future. It’s a full-circle moment—one that reminds us all of the growth, learning, and experiences that have shaped their journey. As they walk the halls that started it all, we celebrate not only where they’re going, but everything it took to get there.
Note: White Pine Charter School will be having their senior walk on Thursday, May 29th at 8:30 a.m. If you have any questions about this senior walk, please contact White Pine Charter School.
Celebrating the Class of 2025!
We are proud to announce the 2024–2025 graduation ceremonies for our incredible seniors! These celebrations mark the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and unforgettable memories. Families, friends, and staff are invited to join us in honoring these remarkable students as they step into their next chapter.
Thursday, May 29, 2025 – Hillcrest High School Auditorium
-
Bonneville Online High School – 4:00 p.m.
-
Lincoln High School – 6:00 p.m.
-
Technical Careers High School – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, May 30, 2025 – Mountain America Center
-
Hillcrest High School – 11:00 a.m.
-
Thunder Ridge High School – 2:30 p.m.
-
Bonneville High School – 6:00 p.m.
We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with the Class of 2025—a class full of determination, talent, and promise. Let’s make these ceremonies unforgettable!
The Countdown is On - Last Day of School!
The final bell of the year is almost here! Thursday, May 29th will be our last day of school, and it's a half-day for all students. It’s a day filled with hugs, high-fives, and heartfelt goodbyes as we wrap up another amazing year of learning and growth. Please check the schedule below for your school’s early release time. Let’s finish the year strong and start the summer with smiles!
Great Things Happening in D93
A Tradition That Rolls On—Rain or Shine
There’s something special about the 5th Grade Bike Ride. Just hearing the name sparks memories for those who’ve experienced it—and excitement for those still counting down the days. This time-honored tradition is more than just a ride; it’s a rite of passage. And year after year, D93 has done everything possible to keep the tradition alive while ensuring student safety.
On Tuesday, that commitment was on full display as local law enforcement, fire departments, the City of Ucon, and others came together to shut down a major U.S. highway—making way for students from Ucon and Fairview to safely take part in the ride. With weather in mind, we made the early call to push the South Side Ride to Thursday, hoping to catch a better window. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans.
The timing couldn’t have been worse for our incredible Child Nutrition team. They had already unloaded equipment, set up tables, and were prepping food when the skies made it clear that the ride wasn’t going to happen. But instead of giving up, they jumped into action. Led by Heather Plain, this team wasted no time reloading the vans and delivering hot dogs and snacks directly to schools—turning disappointment into a silver lining.
This is what teamwork looks like in D93. With help from our principals, they made sure our students still felt the connection and joy they were hoping for—despite the rain.
Tears were shed when the announcement was made. Hillview had already begun their ride and, to their credit, finished it—earning not only miles but memories of grit and determination.
Yes, we all wish the weather had been better. But the spirit of the bike ride has never just been about sunshine and open trails. It’s about coming together. And in that way, this year’s ride was a success.
Thank you to everyone who helps make this tradition so meaningful—for our students, our staff, and our entire community.
Important Information for Parents
Bonneville Online High School Summer Classes and Chromebooks
If your student is taking classes through Bonneville Online High School (BOHS) this summer, they will need to use the Chromebook they’ve been using during the school year. To ensure they have access over the summer, please have your student check out their Chromebook with the school librarian before May 29. If the Chromebook is not properly checked out for the summer, your student will be charged the full replacement cost.
Upcoming Events
Pine Basin Summer Camps are Back
Registration is now open for Pine Basin Summer Camp. The camp is for students who have completed 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. The week's of the camp are:
Week 1 - June 9-13
Week 2 - June 16-20
Week 3 - June 23-27
Week 4 - July 7-11
Week 5 - July 14-18
Week 6 - July 21-25
The cost of the camp is $265.00. You can find more information about registration and the camp by clicking the button below.
Secondary Camp Information
Pine Basin is also offering summer camps for our upper grades. The camp is for 7th-12th grade students. Not only is the camp fun, your student can earn high school science credit at the same time. The week's the camp are running are the following:
Week 1: July 28th - August 1
Week 2: August 4-8
The cost of this camp is $265.00.
Please click the button below for more information and to register.
Opportunities for Students
Library Summer Reading Program
The Bonneville County Library is eagerly preparing for another exciting Summer Reading Program, set to begin in June! We would love to share our plans — along with tips on preventing the dreaded summer slide — with families in the district. Please click the following buttons for more information.
Girls Who Code
Apply to start a Girls Who Code Clubtoday - deadline to access the Club fund is May 21st!
Start a free Girls Who Code Club for 3rd -12th grade students and unlock a complete coding curriculum and resources to lead your Club. No coding experience is required!
Use the free coding curriculum for summer programming or get ready now to launch a fall semester Club. All you need to do is:
- Complete the Clubs Application today at girlswhocode.com/clubsapply.
- Enroll 3 or more members so your Club is eligible for funding.
- Submit your Amazon wishlist by the Clubs fund deadline, May 21st, 2025!
Resources for Parents
Employment Opportunities in D93
EIRMC Health Minute
Thank you to our community partners at EIRMC for supporting our D93 News Family Update.
