May Employees of the Month

Congratulations to Tracy Barnes and Marilyn Thompson from Twin Falls High School. They were selected as the TFSD Employees of the Month!

Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week

Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week (CNEAW) is fast approaching and what will you do to recognize your favorite child nutrition professionals?

Preparing healthy school meals, role modeling healthy eating habits and offering a friendly greeting are all in a day’s work for Idaho’s USDA child nutrition employees. The non-profit School Nutrition Association celebrates this professional commitment with Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week, May 5 – 9, 2008. The week is an opportunity for parents, students, school staff and communities to thank those who provide healthy school meals to more than 30 million children throughout the country each school day.

School nutrition employees must balance many roles and follow numerous federal, state and local regulations to ensure safe and healthy meals are available in schools. They are trained sanitation and food safety experts and must manage financially self-sufficient programs. They use their creativity to make the cafeteria a fun and welcoming place all year long and perform their jobs each day because they care passionately about the children they serve.

The importance and nutritional value of school meals are well documented. For many children, school lunch is the most important and nutrient-rich meal of their day. Children depend upon school lunch for 1/3 to 1/2 of their daily nutritional intake. The U.S. Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress, found that "school meals are healthy and children who eat school meals consume more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy items than children who do not eat school meals."

In a 2007 Trend study, school nutrition professionals provided specific examples of common improvements made to school meals this school year. Among the most popular responses were:

Reducing/limiting trans fat content (74%)
Limiting fat content of a la carte/vending items (73%)
Increasing availability of healthier beverages in vending machines (81%)
Increasing availability of fresh fruits/vegetables on a la carte lines and/or vending machines (69%)

Additionally, policy development has in areas such as wellness improved in nearly every area from past years, including the percentage of districts with a policy that limits the fat content of a la carte and/or vending items rising to 73% from 38% in 2004.

Please join me in thanking our Idaho Child Nutrition Employees for a job well done.


Tom Luna, Superintendent of Public Instruction

TFHS Student Places at National Investwrite Competition

Alex Yeggy from Twin Falls High School won 6th place in the National Investwrite Competition. There were more than 80,000 entries and his prize was $100 gift certificate. This competition was associated with the personal finance class offered at TFHS, the teacher is Jim alcaro.

TFHS SKILLS USA Organization Places at State

The SKILLS USA Organization at TFHS competed at State competiton April 10th-12th. Many Students placed in their technical skills or leadership competitions. The following is a list of students who placed:

Promotional Bulletin Board:
Bronze: Paula Muniz and Jenna Palmer

Computer Programming:
Bronze: Steven Burgess

Web Design:
Silver: Erica Sanchez and Selina Duankaew

Photography:
Bronze: Paula Muniz

Extemporaneous Speaking:
Silver: Steven Burgess

Customer Service:
Silver: Zach Hill

TFHS Excels at FCCLA State Competition

Twin Falls High School FCCLA students did very well at state competitions. Sheree Haggan placed Gold and will be going onto nationals in Orlando presenting an illustrated talk titled “A Woman’s Worth!” Erica Akridge placed Bronze and is the Alternate to go to Nationals in Career Investigations as a Chef. She also received a $750.00 scholarship to Johnson and Wales. LeRissa Crider and Toni Allred received Bronze in an Illustrated Talk for their piece on Recycling. Summer Calabro, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, also received an award as the Outstanding New Professional.

Paula Chapman: 2008-09 Educator of the Year recipient

Region IV is proud to present Paula Chapman as their 2008-2009 Educator of the Year recipient. Paula is a 7th grade Geography teacher at O’Leary Junior High School in Twin Falls. She has been very active in ensuring that the students and teachers of O’Leary continue to move forward in the pursuit of middle school greatness. O’Leary has been participating in Making Middle Grades Work (MMGW) and Paula is co-site coordinator. She and her partner are the link between O’Leary and MMGW, putting in countless hours planning, surveying, and presenting so that it is relevant to the needs of O’Leary. Even the little things don’t go unnoticed, such as providing treats at meetings. She is always appreciative of the time teachers have to take out of their classes to get MMGW things accomplished. When asked to describe Paula’s role in MMGW one teacher wrote, ―She is the knot that holds the focus teams together.‖

In addition, Paula works continuously to improve professionally by attending trainings, workshops, and conferences. She is always willing to share the great things she learns with her col-leagues. She has braved the duties of cheerleading advisor and started a ski club at O’Leary that has grown from barely filling one bus the first year, three busses and a waiting list this past winter. Thanks, Paula! Region IV is lucky to have you!

Announcing TFSD Finalists - Danny Marona Performing Arts Scholarship Finals

Don't miss the opportunity to watch our fellow Twin Falls High School Student particpate in the Danny Marona Performing Arts Scholarship Finals!

The finals will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at the CSI Fine Arts Auditorium, and starts at 7:30 p.m.

Be sure to cheer for our Twin Falls students:

• Susan Dodds


• Danielle Essma


• Carson Howerton


• Michelle Sorlea

Also performing from our neighborhood cities: Eliza Christensen (Delco High School), Temperance Davis (Oakley High School), So-Yeun Kwak (Magic Valley Christian Academy), McKay Nield (Kimberly High School), Emily O'Connor (Buhl High School), Brian Town (Wood River High School), Amber Wagner (Jerome High School), Keely Ward (Raft River High School), and Brendon Williams (Wood River High School).

Admission is a $10 suggested donation and students are free.

For more information on the Danny Marona Performing Arts Scholarship visit http://www.dannymarona.com/.

Raise the Roof for Morningside Inventors!

Seventeen students taking part at the regional event in Boise won awardsand prizes; of these students, seven placed in the top three for their invention category. Four Morningside Inventors moved on to compete at the state contest held at the Discovery Center of Idaho. These finalists included: ConnerGough, Ethan Hass, Kathryn Clark and Jade Winterholler. All finalists earned awards and prizes. Kathryn Clark from Mrs. Hawkin's third gradeclass placed in the top three at the state level with her eco-friendly invention entitled "The No Waste Paper Saver". Jade Winterholler from Mrs. Rush's fourth grade class earned the prestigious award of Best of Show with her game, "The Odd Ball". It's important to know that her invention was awarded first place above all others in her category for grades 1-8. The Times News featured Jade and her invention on Tuesday, March 11th in an article entitled "A Winning Invention". Students at Morningside are already gearing up with great problem solving ideas for next year's invention contest. Special thanks to our judges, participating students and staff members, The Wedding Shop on Main Street, and the Morningside P.T.A.

View the Times-News article here -> http://www.magicvalley.com/articles/2008/03/11/news/local_state/132567.txt

Rebecca Duke - Awarded at City Council Meeting

(left to right) Bill Kyle, Rebecca Duke, and Dave Snelson

Rebecca Duke (Twin Falls District employee) received the Jim A. Mildon Traffic Safety Award at the City Council meeting. She was recognized for her efforts during the past few years to improve safety for students specifically around Lincoln elementary, but creating awareness for all area school zones. She has been involved as a parent volunteer, an official school crossing guard, and as a parent/community volunteer on the Twin Falls Traffic Safety Commission (and for the past few months as an official member of the commission).

Great job Rebecca Duke!

Plant Facilities Levy Results!

The votes are in! The 10-year Plant Facilities Renewal Levy was approved by voters by 65.36%. The district would like to thank those who took the time to vote yesterday.

Here is a breakdown of the votes. The following graph shows the results at each voting location:

This pie chart shows how many voters showed up at each voting location:

Bickel Elementary Featured in Commercial

KinderVision is a non profit community service organization whose primary purpose is to teach children and youth personal safety education via a unique, pro-active multimedia program aimed at preventing abduction and sexual exploitation.

They needed a classroom to film a part of their commercial so we had them, along with several children of TFSD staff members head down to Bickel Elementary. The kids had a great time, and it was alot of fun!

(HINT) Our district is featured towards the end in the classroom scene.

For more information on Kindervision please visit their website at http://www.kindervision.org/.

MVHS Takes 3rd Place for the Third annual Death by Chocolate

Recently, several students from Magic Valley High School spent dozens of man-hours preparing an entry for the third annual Death by Chocolate, sponsored by the Rotary Club. Their entry was a Pound Cake Sundae. First, orange flavored milk chocolate was spooned over the pound cake with a dollop of chocolate mint mousse topping the chocolate. A dark chocolate dipped maraschino cherry and shaved white chocolate topped off the mousse and a sprig of mint completed the ensemble. The students built 1000 of these creations and our Third Place award in the People’s Choice category is something every one at Magic Valley High School is very proud of. None more than teacher, Bob Withrow, who says, “These kids did an outstanding job! We’ll be back next year.”

National Counseling Week - 2/4 - 2/8

School Counselors Celebrate During National School Counseling Week, Feb. 4–8, 2008

National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 4–8, 2007, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact that counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century. Dr. Dobbs, the Twin Falls Superintendent supports Feb. 4–8 as National School Counseling Week.

In a proclamation, Dr. Dobbs cited school counselors for being actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today's world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students' social/personal, educational and career development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. Professional school counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master's degree in guidance and counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.

"Every day, school counselors work with school counseling programs that address the personal/social, academic and career needs of all students," said Eric Sparks, ASCA 2008–2009 president. "Their ultimate goal is to enable all students to achieve success in school and to become responsible and productive members of our society."

More than 21,000 school counselors nationwide will be participating in the week's celebration honoring school counseling.

Any parent or other community member with specific questions or concerns about school counseling programs should contact the individual counselor at his/her school. More general information can also be found on ASCA's Web site, www.schoolcounselor.org

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is a worldwide nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, Va. Founded in 1952, ASCA supports school counselors' efforts to help students focus on academic, personal/social and career development so they not only achieve success in school but are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. The association provides professional development, publications and other resources, research and advocacy to more professional school counselors around the globe.

Perrine - Leah Bess Awarded $5,901 from QWest

Mrs. Bess has been awarded $5,901.00 from Qwest for a technology grant she wrote. A representative from Qwest and from the state department was here to award her this check. Leah will be using this money for a smart board and accessories!

Congratulations!

Danny Marona Performing Arts Scholarship Competition - Twin Falls Sectional

The Twin Falls Sectional for the Danny Marona Performing Arts Scholarship Competition was held last night in the TFHS Roper Auditorium. The following students qualified for the finals which will be held on Saturday, April 5th, 2008 in the CSI Fine Arts Auditorium:

1st Place ($1500 scholarship) – Carson Howerton - Clogging (Twin Falls High School)
2nd Place – ($1000 scholarship) Danielle Essma – Dance (Twin Falls High School)
3rd Place – ($500 scholarship) Susan Dodds – Vocals (Twin Falls High School)

Nine students have qualified from three sectional competitions that have been held around southern Idaho and they will compete for a grand prize $5000 scholarship.

Robert Stuart Wrestling Conference Champs

The 7th and 8th grade wrestling teams at Robert-Stuart Junior High were BOTH conference champions!!!

GREAT JOB!!!

Students Raise Donations - Principal and Vice Principal GO RED!

O'Leary Junior High established a event called "Festival of Giving". The students were challenged to collect 7,000 canned goods and $1000 for donations.

Well, they exceed their goals!!!! The students were able to collect 7,721 canned goods (721 over their goal) and $2,132.69 ($1,132.69 more than their goal)!!!!

So check out Mr. Withers and Mr. Lords new hair do:

***UPDATE***

The O'Leary Student Council is presenting Sharon Breshears with a donation of $2,132.69. (Pictured left to right: Jayson Welker, Madison Traveller, Henley Blick, Hannah Meyerhoffer, Jade Byce, Braydon Urratia, Sharon Breshears of Valley House, Sarah Chappell, McKenzie Johnson, Rocky Todd, Ashtin Meeks.)

Thank You Morningside Honor Choir!

On December 11, 2007 the Morningside Honor Choir gave a fabulous performance at the Twin Falls Senior Center. The members at the Senior Center were so pleased and entertained ... they loved them!

Thank you Mr. Gibson and your honor students for spreading holiday cheer to the senior center!

O'Leary JH - Erik Harris - A Phenomenal Runner!

8th grader, Erik Harris competed at the National Junior Olympics Cross Country competition in Lawrence, Kansas this last Saturday (12/8). Out of almost 300 runners (ages 13 and 14) from all over the nation he placed 7th. He had qualified for this event by winning first place in the regional race last month in Boise. Erik is a phenomenal runner! He won every junior high cross country meet this year! GREAT JOB!

MVHS - Mix It Up Day

National Tolerance Day, recognized on the school level as Mix-it-Up Day, is a time to recognize and work to dissolve social barriers. For many students, school is an exercise in exclusion. The Mix-it-Up program works to improve inter-group relations by encouraging students to identify and challenge social boundaries and make new friends.

This year, MVHS joined 4 million students in 9,000 schools in asking students to step out of their comfort zones and meet new people. We had several activities planned November 13. These included a poetry contest, food and decorations from countries around the world, a video featuring MVHS students about diversity, and the signing of the MVHS pledge to “tear down the walls and build up the bridges.”

1st place winner of the poetry contest was Hayley Stiles, 2nd place was Kelsey Bohlmann, and 3rd place was Tabitha Rabe. Mr. and Ms. Diversity (chosen by their peers for displaying kindness and friendship to all) was Kevin Whitehead and Alyssa Munning.