Articles Posted in October 2008
- By: Suzette F. Miller, Principal, Acequia Elementary School
This year at Acequia Elementary we decided to use as our theme, “Finding the Treasure Within.” We have previously used the “Fish!” philosophy as the springboard for helping our staff and students recognize the unique gifts and talents they bring to our school and district. We believe that it is important for all those involved in educating our students to take the opportunity to get to know what makes each and every child unique.
As educators, we have the responsibility of teaching students the essential skills they need to master at each grade level, as well as preparing them for what lies ahead. It is also important to keep in mind that delicate balance between what they need to learn and what we can learn from them…
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- By: Dr. Scott A. Rogers, Superintendent, Minidoka County Schools
As most of you are aware, the Idaho State Board of Education has increased the high school graduation requirements for students entering high school in 2009. The Idaho State Department of Education is also preparing for the changing requirements and has provided the following frequently asked questions:
Q&A
Why are the high school graduation requirements changing?
The Idaho State Board of Education worked with all educational stakeholders to revise the high school graduation requirements to ensure all Idaho high school students receive the preparation they need to live, work, and succeed in the 21st century, whether they choose to go on to postsecondary education, enter the work force or join the military. After a series of public meetings to gather input from all stakeholders, the Board proposed, and the Legislature approved, an increase in high school graduation requirements so every student must take the necessary science and math courses before leaving high school.
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- By: Brian Duncan, Board Chairman, Minidoka County Joint School District #331
Frankly, I’m getting tired of hearing that our public schools are failing! I have the privilege of having been elected to serve as a Trustee of Minidoka School District and take great pride in knowing that we have very dedicated, passionate and hard working staffs that have embraced the tenets of NCLB (No Child Left Behind), and are diligent in their effort to help every child learn every day. NCLB has changed the way we look at education. In the beginning it felt like a dead weight we were dragging around hoping it would just go away. Today, I like to think of it like the gauges and warning lights we have in our automobiles which keep us informed that the vehicle is operating properly or warn us of signs of trouble. Using the same analogy, just like when a new model car is rolled out, there are always bugs that need to be worked out. Hopefully next January, regardless of which political party obtains the White House, the reauthorization of NCLB with much needed changes will be a priority…
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- By: Minidoka County School District
Minidoka County School District hosted visits by three local legislators on Thursday, October 16, 2008. Senator Dean Cameron and Representatives John “Burt” Stevenson and Maxine Bell toured the new elementary school construction site in Acequia and visited first grade reading classes at Rupert Elementary School. The legislators were escorted by Superintendet Scott Rogers and were met by Suzette Miler, Acequia Principal, and Laurie Copmann, Rupert Principal, and many of the Rupert Elementary staff. All three of these legislators have been very instrumental in support of local schools and communities.
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- By: Terri Johnson, Special Services Compliance Secretary
Supporting the Minidoka County School District’s goal of “Increasing Instructional Intensity”, the Minidoka Preschool Center is providing a strong foundation for success in the early childhood program and preparing children for the elementary years. Judy Woodward, early childhood special education teacher, is excited about applying the extensive knowledge, training, and experience she has been involved with over the past two years in the District’s Preschool Program. Judy has been teaching children with developmental delays and other disabilities since 1999 in Minidoka County.
“All of the time and energy spent in this training and experience will provide a strong foundation for success in the elementary years for our preschool kids,” noted Woodward. “I am excited about how this applies to the district goal of instructional intensity.”
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- By: Michele Widmier, Federal Programs Director/District Test Coordinator
If you are the parent of a Minidoka County student you may have noticed this year at your child’s school a new banner that simply states: "We will increase INSTRUCTIONAL INTENSITY to significantly improve academic achievement for all students." But, what is instructional intensity, and why would the schools bother to create banners with this statement on it? Is it just some educational mumbo jumbo, or is it something more significant? To answer these questions, we should first explain the origins of this statement.
Last winter, the Minidoka County School Board entered into a five-year program of study called the Lighthouse Project. The Lighthouse Project is a study of what school boards do in high-achieving school districts…
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- By: John Fennell, Assistant Superintendent
Our board members volunteer many hours of their time for the benefit of our community’s students and children. They know they represent large numbers of citizens who elected them to their positions, and they want to hear from those citizens about issues that are critical to all students they represent. At the same time, they are very much aware that their role is to hire the superintendent, set policy and adopt goals; the superintendent and other administrators are responsible for day-to-day operations.
When you are considering taking a concern to a board member, ask yourself if the board is the proper place for this concern…
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