Idaho Falls School District seeks community feedback for school redesign project
The Idaho Falls School District is seeking feedback from patrons regarding its $100 million plans to update its two high schools.
Parents, patrons and staff can share concerns and ask questions about district’s current, threefold direction of the project:
- • A large-scale remodel of Skyline High School
• A rebuild of Idaho Falls High School at a new location
• A repurposing of the current IFHS building to meet other district and community needs
Click here to access the online platform, Thoughtexchange, to begin the process.
“Now through March 3, parents, patrons and staff will answer three simple, open-ended questions and “share” their thoughts,” says Idaho Falls spokesperson Margaret Wimborne. “Then, from March 9-19, they will have an opportunity to review all the thoughts community members have shared, and “star” those they most value.”
Parents and staff should receive an email invitation to participate in the feedback forum. Patrons without children in the district can sign up by visiting the district’s webpage.
Board members are expected to make final decisions some time in May, Wimborne said.
Gold medalist drops in on East Idaho students
Gold medalist cyclist Kristin Armstrong stopped in to speak to students at Blackfoot High School last week.
Armstrong, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, pep talked roughly 800 high schoolers for about 45 minutes during the assembly, walking them through her bouts to overcome injuries and the importance of developing a vision in life.
“The grass isn’t always greener on the other side,” Armstrong told students. “And I’m here to tell you that you can succeed right here — Idaho can offer you what you need to do that.”
Armstrong’s appearance was also part of push from Blackfoot superintendent Brian Kress to help students in his district develop a vision for what they want their schools to be.
“As an educational leader, I have a vision for the children of our community,” Kress said. “However, I have come to the realization that in order for a vision to be impactful, it must be owned by the parties involved.”
After Armstrong’s speech, Kress challenged his students to complete an essay, artistic project, and multi-media project addressing the question of what it means to be a student at either one of the district’s two high schools in an effort to develop a shared vision for the school district.
“As part of the initiative,” Kress said, “I personally intend to contribute to the rewards for (the winner) in each category.”
Patrons or businesses interested in contributing to a reward for the winning students can call the school district at (208) 785-8800, Kress said.
Teton School District seeks input on potential $25 million school bond
Ybarra, staff to attend Kid’s Fair Boise
Schools chief Sherri Ybarra and her department staff will attend Kid’s Fair Boise on Saturday.
The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., promotes math and English language arts skills. Ybarra and her staff are slated to “interact with students and gather their thoughts on the classroom of the future,” during the event, according to an SDE press release issued Friday morning.
More information on the event may be found on Kid’s Fair Boise’s website.
