Annual Benefit Scheduled for March
The Post Falls Education Foundation (PFEF) will hold its 14th annual Wine, Stein and Dine fundraiser on March 6, 2010, at the Post Falls Greyhound Park and Events Center. The event raises funds for grant awards to Post Falls School District educations. Those attending the event have an opportunity to taste and sample the very best foods, wines and beers that regional vendors have to offer.
Since 1997 the PFEF has awarded over $300,000 to enhanced educational programs in classrooms throughout the district. Last year more than 100 district educators submitted grant applications to cover classroom supplies and materials for special educational projects. Tickets can be purchased at the Post Falls School District Office or call Loretta at 661-1880. The attached link will take viewers to more information regarding the PFEF.
District to Update Strategic Plan
Beginning January 20, a committee of patrons, parents and staff will be meeting to review and consider recommending revisions to the district’s existing strategic plan. The current Strategic Plan, established in 2003, has served as a roadmap for the district and has been a document that drives district activities and program decisions. The committee will complete its work by the end of February and will recommend any changes to the plan to the Board of Trustees during the regular Board meeting in February. This attached link will take viewers to the current Strategic Plan. We encourage you to provide any suggestions for changes by e-mailing the district at info@sd273.com.
District to Purchase School Site
The Post Falls School District Board of Trustees has agreed to move ahead with the purchase of 45 acres located in the north western part of the district that will eventually be the site of a second high school. The money for this purchase was included in the successful 2006 bond levy that built West Ridge Elementary, an eight classroom addition at the Post Falls High School and a new Transportation Facility. Idaho Code requires that school districts have a formal appraisal on a proposed purchase site prior to an actual purchase. The board action allows the district to continue the process toward the eventual formal purchase. If the appraisal cost per acre is lower than the negotiated cost per acres, the district would not be able to purchase the property. However, the district is very pleased with the negotiated cost per acre and is confident that the appraisal costs will be considerably higher than the sell price. If everything goes as planned, purchase will be completed in a month or so. The proposed site is located on the west side of McGuire Road and north of Prairie Avenue. The district's Long Range Facility Committee projects that the district may need a second high school in the next 5-7 years. That addition of a second high school could be sooner than the projection if the district sees even more accelerated student enrollment growth. Student enrollment growth in the district has averaged approximately 2% a year.
Sensel Receives Award
New Vision Alternative High School Principal Chris Sensel recently received the “Citizenship Award” from the Idaho School Board Association (ISBA). Mr. Sensel was recognized during an awards banquet held on November 12, in Coeur d’ Alene. Mr. Sensel served with his United States National Guard Unit in Iraq from 2003-2005. Chris received the award for his outstanding commitment to his country and to the children of Post Falls. “Chris will not let a student fail” said Donagene Turnbow, Chair, of Board of Trustees. “He is a man with a heart for students and a passion to succeed at whatever he is doing”. Mr. Sensel started as a Social Studies teacher for the district in 1996. He began serving as the principal of New Vision in 2006. He and his wife Kerri have two children, Zachary and Ben. Congratulations Mr. Sensel.
District Plans for Inclement Weather
As we near the winter months, District administrators are once again reviewing the snow closure procedures. A summary of those procedures are as follows:
4:00am‑5:00am: the Transportation Supervisor drives the various roads in the district to check their condition.
5:00am: The Transportation Supervisor consults with the Superintendent. The Superintendent and the Transportation Supervisor may drive various roads together to better judge conditions. They may also consult with city and county road crews, the national weather service and local and state police regarding road conditions.
5:30am‑6:00am: The Superintendent makes a decision to hold or cancel school for that day.
If school is cancelled the Superintendent immediately starts the phone tree to staff, and the Transportation Supervisor notifies the local radio and television media regarding a decision to close school. If a decision is made to close school it will be posted on the home page of the district web site, www.pfsd.com, by 6:00am and the news media will be contacted. The decision to hold or not hold school is always based on the safety of students, staff and parents.
Seltice Earns State Award
Seltice Elementary School was recently awarded the Additional Yearly Growth Award from the Idaho State Board of Education as a result of outstanding performance by students on the Idaho State Student Achievement Test in 2009. Principal Mike Uphus along with two staff members attended a ceremony on October 15, in Lewiston to receive the award.
This award is given by the Board to schools who meet the following criteria:
- Must make Adequate Yearly Progress two consecutive years.
- Based on grade level test:
- Show an increase in at least one group or subgroup- Ethnicity or Special Programs (Special Ed, Limited English Proficiency, Free or Reduced Lunch/Economically Disadvantaged)
Seltice was one of just fifty-three (53) to earn this very selective honor in 2009. Seltice earned this award in two (2) subgroups. Well Done!
Flu Precautions
As we begin a new school year, the Post Falls School District is asking for your help to protect your children, their friends, schoolmates, school staff and the community from the H1N1 flu virus and other communicable illnesses. All flus and colds are contagious and spread easily and quickly in gathering places. Parents, schools and the community at-large working together with guidance from the Panhandle Health District and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can reduce the spread of the H1N1 flu and other illnesses.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is working to get an H1N1 flu vaccine ready for use in the fall. Vaccinating your children against the common seasonal flu and H1N1 will help your children and our schools stay healthier.
Please be sure your school has all your up-to-date phone numbers in case the school needs to reach you. School nursing staff will aggressively monitor student and staff illness. Sick children will be sent home.
Here’s how you can help protect yourself and your family against H1N1 influenza and seasonal influenza, the common flu that circulates yearly. Help prevent the spread of viruses by teaching your children to:
- Wash their hands often and well. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
- Stay home and not go to child care or school when they are sick.
- Cough or sneeze into their sleeve/elbow and not into their hands if they don’t have a tissue.
- Dispose of used tissues promptly in the trash.
- Not share food, utensils or beverages with others.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Always follow doctor’s instructions and take medicine as prescribed.
Please check with your doctor, health clinic or Panhandle Health District if you have questions. The CDC also has a 24-hour phone bank at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
You can stay up to date with current flu conditions at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov or www.phd1.idaho.gov/emergency/emergencyindex.