Three Idaho lawmakers were recognized by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools — a nonprofit that supports charters — for advancing the cause of charter schools, which have now grown to serve 3.2 million students in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
Idaho has 53 public charter schools that serve 22,000 students, or 7 percent of the state’s K-12 population. At least six more charter schools are expected to open this fall.
The three Idaho Republican lawmakers recognized this week as part of an annual Champions for Charters awards event are Sen. Lori Den Hartog, Sen. Bob Nonini and Rep. Judy Boyle.
They are among 20 state, local and federal politicians on both sides of the aisle being recognized, including California Gov. Jerry Brown (D), and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R) of Utah.
Hatch received an inaugural Lifetime Achievement Champion for Charters award for supporting funding of the federal Charter Schools Program and advising his legislative colleagues on how to best address financing and facilities issues for charters. Hatch is the longest-serving U.S. Republican senator who will retire at the end of this year.
Two Idaho students named U.S. Presidential Scholars
Jack A. Lauer of Boise High and Tia T. Vierling of Moscow High have been named as Idaho’s Presidential Scholars for 2018.
They will travel to Washington, D.C., on June 24 to receive their Presidential Scholar medallions.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the 54th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars Tuesday, recognizing 161 high school seniors across the country for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. families living abroad. In addition, 15 scholars are chosen at large, 20 are named Presidential Scholars in the Arts and 20 are named Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education.
Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,200 candidates qualified for consideration for the 2018 awards.
Kuna to survey students and patrons
The Kuna School District is consulting with a marketing agency to survey students, staff and patrons in an effort to increase the percent of students who pursue education beyond high school.
Peppershock Media will be orchestrate an online survey and conduct in-person focus groups. Only Kuna students, parents, district employees or community members are asked to take the survey. (Take the survey here.)
The in-person focus group sessions will be held at Kuna High on May 16.
- Middle school: 1:30 p.m.
- High school: 2:15 p.m.
- Teachers and staff: 3:30 p.m.
- Community: 4:45 p.m.
- Spanish Speaking Community: 5:45 p.m.
For further information or questions, contact Rhea Allen at (208) 461-5070.
Teton senior earns scholarship check
Teton High’s Isaac Calderwood was the first Idaho senior to complete his college applications this year using the State Board of Education’s Apply Idaho program through the Next Steps website and was rewarded with a $200 scholarship.
His promptness will earn him a check presented by IDEAL, the Idaho College Savings Program. The money will be deposited into an IDEAL account and will be available for Calderwood to apply toward college.
“Isaac is a well-rounded student. He balances school work with his extracurricular activities and has been very successful in both areas,” his mother Ann Calderwood said.
Isaac owns a 3.6 grade-point average and is involved in multiple sports on campus. After graduation this spring, Isaac plans to serve a church mission. Upon his return, he plans to enroll in college and study biology and dermatology.
