Cassia Schools Community Newsletter
October 2026
Update from Superintendent Root
Dear Cassia County School Communities,
This newsletter includes a link to an important survey developed by our Feasibility Study Task Force, and we strongly encourage you to take a few minutes to complete it. Your voice matters in shaping the future of our schools. Your input will help us understand what is working well and where adjustments to programs and services might better meet the needs of our respective school communities.
Our Task Force members will begin analyzing the survey results in two weeks, comparing the findings with research on a wide range of educational programs and school structures, including charter and magnet schools throughout Idaho. The ultimate goal is not change for the sake of change, but rather thoughtful adjustments, where warranted, that will better serve the children and teenagers entrusted to our care.
The first quarter of the school year is nearly complete, bringing with it grades and
parent-teacher conferences, some occurring before the quarter ends and others shortly
thereafter. Grades are an important measure of academic progress, but they tell only
part of the story. There is a tremendous amount of learning taking place that is not
captured by formal assessments—from positive social interactions and developing
friendships to participation in activities, athletics, and countless other experiences.
There have also been occasional missteps, inevitable in any school community. These,
too, can be and are being turned into valuable learning opportunities for students and
adults alike.
This commitment to learning and continual improvement extends to our work as
educators. Cassia County School District is deeply committed to the Professional
Learning Community (PLC) framework, which emphasizes monitoring individual
student learning and providing timely, appropriate interventions to ensure that every
student has the opportunity to succeed. Yet PLCs represent something much broader
than academic interventions. At their heart, PLCs embody a philosophical commitment
to a growth mindset—the belief that by coming together as a community, collaborating,
reflecting, and continually learning, we can move from good to great, and from great to
exceptional.
You, too, are essential members of this learning community. Your involvement in your
children's and teenagers' education strengthens everything we strive to accomplish in
our schools. Thank you for partnering with us in providing an educational experience
that goes well beyond grades and formal assessments—one that nurtures character,
builds relationships, develops confidence, and fosters a positive sense of identity and
belonging.
Ultimately, our success is measured not only by what our students know and can do, but also by the young people they are becoming. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the education of your children and teenagers and to work alongside you in nurturing their growth and development into capable, caring, and responsible individuals.
Best wishes for a wonderful fall season!
Dr. Scott Root | Superintendent
Cassia Jt. School Dist. #151
The Cook Center Family Mental Health Resources
Raft River High Certified Employee of the Month
I got my start in education as a speech therapy tech before transitioning into the classroom, where I’ve now been teaching for 10 years—three in 2nd grade and seven in junior high. A USU graduate, lifelong learner, and follower of Jesus, I bring a wide array of life experiences to my classroom—from growing up on a farm, driving trucks in the sugar beet harvest, and building hiking trails, to working as a waitress, bookkeeper, and home loan closer. Over the years, I've lived in Utah, Idaho, North Dakota, and Colorado.
I love attending sporting events—my favorite team being Raft River, of course!—and currently help my husband coach high school trap shooting. I live by Marjorie Pay Hinkley's advice that "the only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it—crying gives me a headache!" Above all, I find my greatest joy in spending time with family, friends, and students, especially in my favorite roles as a wife of 28 years, mother of three, and recent grandma to one!"
Raft River High Classified Employee of the Month
I am proud to call Malta, Idaho, home. My husband, Branden, and I love raising our four boys in such an amazing, close-knit community. Branden is also a teacher, so education is a big part of our family life.
I grew up in Jerome, Idaho, and have always appreciated the importance of community, family, and supporting others. Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors in the sunshine, spending time with my family, and cheering on and supporting our boys in all they do.
I am grateful to be part of the RRHS family. I truly enjoy my work and feel fortunate to work alongside such a wonderful staff and with such fantastic students. Being part of a school community where people care about one another is something I value greatly.
Raft River Elem. Certified Employee of the Month
Shylo Garrett is in her second year at Raft River Elementary and her eleventh year as an educator. Before joining Raft River, she taught for nine years in Minidoka County. In addition to teaching, she leads the elementary school's K-Kids program, a youth service organization sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, and coaches junior high girls' basketball. She is passionate about building meaningful connections with every student she encounters, believing that strong relationships allow her to support and positively influence more young people.
Outside of school, Shylo enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, attending rodeos, and working with horses through her equine business. She also loves to spend time with her son, who is a freshman this year, and watch him compete on the school’s trap team.
Raft River Elem. Classified Employee of the Month
Sheryl Cottle is a Special Education Paraprofessional at Raft River Elementary and Raft River High School. She has been working here for 14 years, and has enjoyed every minute of it. She especially enjoys seeing the kids master a new concept or just figuring out how to make things work for them.
Sheryl loves English and History, but will try to help the High School students with math also if needed. When not at school, she enjoys reading, playing with the grandkids and planning vacations that will hopefully happen someday. Sheryl is a huge Philadelphia sports fan (being from Delaware) and loves Christmas.
Food Service Employee of the Month
Since joining Oakley Elementary in 2023 as a cook/cashier, Viviana Carranza has been a wonderful addition to our Child Nutrition team. Viviana is hardworking, dependable, and always willing to lend a helping hand. She never complains, takes on each day with a positive attitude, and always has a smile on her face. Although she may be quiet at first, once you get to know her, her kind personality shines through. Viviana is always eager to learn and take on new challenges, including her newest adventure of stepping up to help serve students in our new Oakley Bistro. Her dedication, positive attitude, and willingness to go above and beyond make her truly deserving of Employee of the Month!
