As we focus on learning and literacy this month, I want to take a moment to recognize that your child’s success depends on far more than what happens in the classroom, and we are incredibly grateful for the many people who make school work each day.

Our support staff are essential to creating the safe, welcoming, dependable environment students need in order to learn. From the bus drivers who provide a safe ride and a friendly greeting, to the cooks who make sure students are nourished and ready to focus, to the custodians and maintenance teams who keep our buildings clean, warm, and working, to the office staff and aides who help students and families navigate each day with care, their work matters in powerful ways.

We’re thankful for the professionalism, kindness, and consistency our support staff bring to students and families. If you see one of these team members this week, please join me in offering a quick thank you. Their work helps make learning possible for all students.

If you want your child to attend a school other than their zoned school, please submit an open enrollment application.

Applications received by February 1 will receive priority consideration, and we will use the number of applications received by that deadline to help determine staffing at each school. Because school boundaries are changing next year, any student in kindergarten through 6th grade who plans to attend a school other than their zoned school will need to submit an open enrollment application.

EastIdahoNews.com, in partnership with Ashley and Ashley Outlet of Idaho Falls, recently honored one of our own through their Feel Good Friday series. Michelle, a child nutrition employee at Rocky Mountain Middle School, was surprised for her quick thinking and compassion during a busy lunch service when a student experienced a medical emergency. Michelle immediately stepped in, called 911, and stayed with the student to provide calm, caring support until help arrived.

Her actions reflect the teamwork, care, and commitment to student safety that define Bonneville School District 93.

We’re excited to share that we’ve teamed up with East Idaho News for another upcoming Feel Good Friday feature, so be sure to watch for that on their website. We love partnering with them to recognize our incredible faculty and staff, and we encourage families and community members to nominate deserving D93 employees at: https://www.eastidahonews.com/nominate-for-feel-good-friday/.

Idaho National Laboratory’s K-12 Education Programs have opened applications for their annual STEM grants, supporting hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math learning across Idaho. Over the past decade, nearly $5 million has been awarded to strengthen STEM education and connect learning to future workforce needs.

🗓️ Applications are open through February 16.

Grants include:

🔗 Learn more: https://www.inl.gov/k-12-stem

📝 Apply here: https://www.inl.gov/k-12-stem/grants

A great opportunity for educators and community partners to bring innovative STEM experiences to Idaho students!

For the first time ever, the National Civics Bee is coming to Idaho, thanks to a partnership between Melaleuca and the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber. Idaho’s top 6th–8th grade students will compete in a statewide competition on May 29, with the top 20 finalists earning a chance at exciting prizes — including $1,000 for first place and $5,000 for their school.

This civics-focused program is supported by partners including the Idaho Department of Education, Idaho National Laboratory, and others, and is designed to build students’ civic knowledge while encouraging community engagement.

🗓️ Application deadline: February 3, 2026

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://idahofallschamber.com/national-civics-bee-idaho/

Families are encouraged to check out the link for full details, resources, and how to apply.

The State Department of Education and the State Board of Education are currently accepting applications to fill vacancies on the Curricular Materials Selection Committee. Accepting applications until filled.

Vacancies currently include positions for:

• K-12 Public Education Parent

• K-12 Idaho Certified Public Education Teacher

• K-12 Idaho Certified Public-School Administrator

• K-12 Idaho Public School District Trustee/Board Member

• Idaho Higher Education Official

• Appointment on the committee is for a 5-year term.

• The Committee meets at the call of the chair: Evaluation week usually lasts 3 – 5 days in

the summer (tentatively mid-June) in Boise. Attendance is expected for evaluation

week.

• Committee members participate in orientation and a comprehensive training session.

• Committee members evaluate all textbooks/instructional materials offered for adoption and make recommendations to the State Board of Education.

• Textbook Committee members may recruit teachers to serve as Textbook Evaluation

Advisors to review materials during evaluation week.

• Committee members facilitate activities and debriefing meetings during evaluation week (tentatively 3-5 days in June).

• Committee members are reimbursed for mileage, lodging, and meals according to state

guidelines for any in person meetings.

• For committee members who require substitute teachers, reimbursement is provided

for the substitutes at the state reimbursement rate of $70/day.