D91 Updates 01.09.26

Teaching is rewarding and exciting! It is also challenging. Great teaching takes time. Understanding each student’s needs takes time. Helping every child succeed takes time. Teaching also takes courage: the courage to show up fully for students, even on days when energy feels low. It takes compassion for every learner, and because learning doesn’t happen overnight, it requires persistence rooted in strong conviction.

To support this important work, Monday was a “Soft Start” day. This approach, inspired by teaching practices in other states, provides teachers with a first day back from the holiday break without students. Soft Start gives teachers time to reacclimate to the school environment, prepare meaningful instruction, collaborate with colleagues, and ensure everything is ready to welcome students back the next day.

Most importantly, a Soft Start recognizes the tireless effort teachers give to students and families every day. It acknowledges that teachers are people as well as professionals, and it gives them time to catch their breath and prepare thoughtfully for the week ahead, all of which directly benefits students.

As a district, we remain committed to supporting our teachers in innovative ways. We value them professionally and personally. On the January 19th workday, in addition to professional practice opportunities, teachers will have access to workshops focused on wellness topics such as the relationship between diet and mental health, relaxation strategies, exercise, and more. Supporting teacher well-being strengthens classrooms and enhances learning for all students.

We are incredibly grateful for the educators who lift our students, help them see what they can become, and cheer them on toward success. No other profession empowers individuals to learn, lead, and think in quite the same way.

Thank you for partnering with us as we support teachers who lead with courage, teach with compassion, and remain deeply committed to student growth. We are truly fortunate to have such dedicated educators serving our students and families.

Together, we are building bright futures for your children!

• Saturday, Jan. 17: 3rd Annual East Idaho eSports Invitational
• Monday, Jan. 19: NO SCHOOL -- Staff Professional Development & Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Tuesday, Jan. 27: College & Career Fair (for juniors and seniors)

Get ready for some exciting competition! On January 17, 2026, Idaho Falls School District 91 will host the 3rd Annual East Idaho eSports Invitational at Compass Academy.

In partnership with Information Technology Core (ITC) and HP/Omen, this event continues to grow each year, bringing together students from across the state for a day of teamwork, strategy, and high-energy gaming. Teams will compete in a variety of popular titles, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship in a fun, technology-driven environment.

We’re thrilled to welcome returning schools and new participants as we celebrate the growth of eSports in education and the incredible talent of our student gamers.

⭐This event is for students only! Transportation will be provided.

⭐ Students should wear appropriate professional attire (business casual is recommended) and bring multiple printed copies of their resume.

Applications for the 2026 Mayor's Scholarship are now open! This fund provides financial assistance to students in the greater Idaho Falls area who plan to pursue a post-secondary education. Applications are due February 4!

The $250 Promise Award is available to students in grades 8-11 and can be used for dual enrollment classes or college preparatory expenses. The $1,500 Senior Award and the $2,500 Legacy Award is available to graduating seniors and can be used for post-secondary tuition and fees at an accredited Idaho college, university or workforce training program.

Each year, the ISU College of Education accepts nominations from their student teaching candidates for the most Outstanding Cooperating Teacher. While many educators are nominated and receive certificates of appreciation, only one teacher is selected per semester to receive the award.

This year, the award was presented to Kelsey Bischoff, a science teacher at Skyline! Kelsey was nominated by her student teacher (and former Skyline student), Drew Chapman. Bischoff was nominated for exceptional leadership and her drive to create meaningful classroom experiences. Esther Ntuli, dean of the ISU College of Education, came to present the award.

"Kelsey Bischoff serves our building as a dedicated science teacher and girls basketball assistant coach, consistently modeling excellence in both the classroom and on the court," principal Josh Newell wrote. "She builds strong relationships with students, sets high expectations, and creates engaging learning environments that push students to grow academically and personally. As a coach, she brings energy, preparation, and a team-first mindset that helps our athletes develop confidence, discipline, and leadership. Her commitment to growth and service makes our school stronger, and we are fortunate to have her as part of our staff."

Congratulations, Kelsey! Your dedication and care are shaping students into the next generation of educators. We are so grateful to have you on the D91 team!💙

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released the full list of recipients for the 2025-26 Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program (FFVP) grant, and 4 D91 elementary schools were included: AH Bush, Dora Erickson, Ethel Boyes, and Hawthorne!

The FFVP provides participating elementary schools with a wide selection of fresh fruit and vegetables during the school day, many of which they might not encounter in their regular diets. Schools were awarded grants through a competitive application process.

Special thanks to our dedicated child nutrition staff, who help prepare the grants, distribute the produce each week, and teach students about the new fruits and vegetables!

Freshmen at Compass Academy hosted their 14th annual medieval carnival for D91 elementary students in December! They staffed a variety of interactive stations: an apothecary, catapults, castles and architecture, medieval medicine, myths and legends, trade and commerce, viking ships, and more. It was an exciting day to see their project-based learning model in action!

Longfellow third-grade students recently enjoyed an exciting and memorable visit from Zoo Idaho! Dan Albro presented to students about animal classification, tying directly into their reading unit. This connection helped bring classroom learning to life in a meaningful and engaging way.

Dan also shared his personal experiences digging up fossils and taking care of animals, which sparked curiosity and thoughtful questions from our students.

The highlight of the visit was meeting Aggie, a desert tortoise. Students had the special opportunity to see Aggie up close and gently pet her shell while learning more about her habitat, diet, and life cycle.

We are grateful to Zoo Idaho and Dan Albro for providing such a hands-on and enriching learning experience. Opportunities like this help make learning memorable and inspire our students’ love of science and the natural world!

Over the break, D91 wrestlers competed at the prestigious Rollie Lane tournament in Boise.

🐻Skyline Grizzly Molly Olague (above) took home the 170 individual championship! She is currently ranked 11th in the country. Aiden Tokita, also a Grizzly, earned 6th place in 120 at Rollie Lane and 1st at the Sierra Nevada Classic in Reno.

🐯IF Tiger Mya Bolander placed 3rd in 110, and the Idaho Falls team took 9th overall.

Congrats to these wrestlers! We look forward to seeing their success in the rest of the season.

Congratulations to Leah Thomas and Addison Bowen, who were named to Idaho's All State Volleyball 1st Team at the end of their season!

If your January is feeling dreary, here's some holiday cheer from December to brighten up your day!

Kindergarten students in Ms. Darian Nelson's class ran a hot chocolate bar for teachers! Serving hot cocoa and cake pops, they practiced writing, greeting others, and using math skills for numbers up to 5.

Before the break, staff at Ethel Boyes Elementary celebrated the 67th day of school (and likely the 67th day of hearing "six seven" jokes!) We're grateful for our wonderful staff and how dedicated they are to connecting with students!

We are grateful for the generous donations from the team at Albertsons, who surprised kindergarten students at Ethel Boyes and Bush Elementary with Christmas stockings before the break. The looks on their faces were priceless! It was a wonderful opportunity for these students to experience the magic of giving.

U.S. News and World Report ranked Idaho Falls High School and Compass Academy as the #1 and #2 best high schools in the Idaho Falls area! Rankings are based on college readiness, state test scores, and graduation rate. This recognition reflects the achievement of our students and the dedication of our faculty and staff — not only at the high schools, but also at our middle and elementary schools. That's the D91 difference!

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!

If you know someone who lifts others up, spreads positivity, or brings their best to every day, take a minute to nominate them for a High Five today! This is your chance to celebrate those everyday heroes who make D91 an incredible place to learn and work. Let’s keep the positivity going and recognize the people who make D91 truly exceptional!

The D91 Parent Learning Center is now live! The Parent Learning Center is designed to help families stay informed, connected, and confident in using the tools that support student learning. Whether you’re setting up an online account, learning how to check grades, or navigating school technology, this is your resource for guidance and support.

The learning center will be updated as new videos are created. Watch for information in future newsletters about additional videos and guides. Have a specific question or suggestion for a future training video? Call the D91 Tech Dept. at 208-524-7886.

• Asst. Track Coach (Taylorview)
• Cashier (Ethel Boyes, limited full time)
• CNA Instructor (CTEC)
• Stepping Stones Program Aide (Ethel Boyes, limited full time)
• Title Tutor (Eagle Rock, limited full time)
• 7th Grade Volleyball Coach (Eagle Rock)
• Bus Aides & Bus Drivers (part time or limited full time)
• D91 Substitute