Happy New Year. It is nice to have the students back in school. This school year has proven to be very successful. Student achievement is on the rise, and federal, “Covid”, funds have been available to build and maintain our schools to meet federal guidelines. The district office has been moved into the old high school offices and new bleachers have been added to the old high school gym to meet ADA requirements. The district plans on having an “Open House” on February 24th for patrons to visit the old high school to see the improvements that have been made in the gym areas as well as the office areas.
Along with the new year comes inclement weather. During the winter months, everyone knows Idaho weather is difficult to predict especially during the months of January and February. Cold weather can be a challenge. Parents are encouraged to check their phones for the “Reminder” that may be sent by building principals to announce school closures and other information that may need to be addressed. The school district will announce school closures on the KIDK 3, KPVI 6 and KIFI 8 TV stations. KLCE, KTHK, KZBQ, KID KSEI, KBear and KCVI radio stations will be used to announce school closures as well. Students should be dressed warmly during the winter months in case emergency conditions arise. Warm shoes or boots, hats and gloves should be worn each day during the winter months.
It is always difficult to make the call to cancel school. The primary concern when trying to decide when to cancel school is safety. Students, faculty and staff are our primary concern during winter months when weather conditions could end up hazardous. Before canceling school, the bus supervisor is in contact with the county to see if the snowplows can maintain the roads in a safe manner. If roads can be maintained, school will be in session. If however the bus drivers, the bus & maintenance supervisors, or a patron identifies areas that may be unsafe to travel, The bus supervisor and the superintendent will again look at options before opening school that day.
It is always the parents’ option to keep their children home during those “extreme weather” days. Parents are encouraged to watch for the bus and refrain from leaving students alone on those days that may be challenging for the buses to travel on the outlying roads. The district will make every effort to contact parents when there are weather related problems, but if the buses have not arrived within 15 minutes of the normally scheduled time, it would be wise to assume the buses will not be arriving at your bus stop that day. Parents, in that case, would be encouraged to bring the students to the nearest operational bus stop or bring them to school themselves, if possible.
As a district we will strive to provide each child an excellent and safe education throughout the school year.
-Jane Ward