Applications now due May 3! The Maeck Family Foundation gave away more than $80,000 in grants to D91's teachers and programs last year and they're hoping to do that again this year. Grants can be requested for classroom supplies, innovative learning materials and special resources. Grants in support of science, math and special needs are especially encouraged. It's easy to apply!

Thank you so much for helping spread the word about the Ed Foundation's scholarship opportunities! We had more than twice the number of applications as last year. We expect to announce the winners of the scholarships the Week of May 13. Watch for more details!

There’s no better fundraiser than the D91 Ed Foundation/Teton Raffle. Tickets sell for $10, $9 goes to the group, team or club selling the ticket and $1 goes to the D91 Ed Foundation. We're lining up summer selling opportunities including some potential sales events at Teton Toyota. If you're interested in learning more or selling tickets, let us know!

Parents, patrons, students and staff recently had the chance to share ideas about issues the district should consider as it looks to improve school buildings. Those who couldn't attend the April 9 community meeting provided input by completing an online survey.

They responded to questions like when a facility should be considered for replacement, what should be done when a building is being over-utilized or under-utilized, what are current perceptions of our building and what new programs should be offered in D91.

The results of that outreach are now available on the project website. The district's administrative team and steering committee will review the results and begin drafting options and recommendations, which will be presented to the community at the next community meeting scheduled for May 15 at Skyline High School. Again, an online survey will be available for those who can't attend the meeting.

When the Idaho Falls Police Department suspended the DARE program last year because of a shortage of officers the district began researching character development programs that would meet the social and emotional needs of students.

A team of 6th grade teachers, counselors, administrators, parents and a community member have led this effort. After extensive research, the committee has selected the Second Step Program, a development and drug prevention program that is used in schools across the country.

It was selected because it is comprehensive and addresses current and relevant issues including topics such as making good decisions, drug and alcohol prevention, friendships and bullying. It also includes a component to include parents, which the committee felt was important. Before the end of the year 6th graders will cover three units -- tobacco and marijuana, alcohol and inhalants and hope and planning.

The district is continuing to look for more opportunities for students to build relationships with police officers, which was one of the strengths of the DARE program. We hope to do that by working with IFPD to expand the Blue in the School program. The district and IFPD are also increasing the number of resource officers in our schools.

The Beyond the Bell after-school program is celebrating its second year. The program funded by a federal 21st Century Community Learning Center grant provides extended learning and enrichment opportunities for students at Dora Erickson Elementary School.

More than 100 students are currently enrolled in the program. It begins after school with recess and snacks. Students then take part in an academic block featuring literary and math lessons with homework support. Afterward students can pick an enrichment class and then everyone takes part in activities such as art, science and PE. The day ends with snacks and a story. Over the last two years the program has partnered with more than a dozen community organizations such as INL contractors, the Idaho Falls Police Department, ARTitorium, Boy Scouts of America, Idaho National Guard and more. Congratulations to program director Christina Fullmer and her staff!

The district works to make its facilities easily accessible to the community. As part of that effort, the district recently met with community groups to coordinate field use for the upcoming school year. The annual meeting includes groups such as Grid Kid Football, Idaho Falls Lacrosse, BYSL soccer, IF Rugby and more. Dozens of teams will be using our fields as well as our gymnasiums in the coming school year. It's a great way to show off our facilities!