The Idaho High School Activities Association selects a number of schools every year as “Schools of Excellence”, which is a year-long, voluntary programs in which schools earn points based on their student-athletes’ performance in the classroom, at the athletic venue, in activities’ competitions and in the area of citizenship and sportsmanship. Exemplary Achievement Status is awarded to schools of each classification that finish second and third in the final point compilation. Twin Falls High School has earned the honor of being a 2010-2011 Exemplary Achievement winner. Twin Falls placed 2nd in the 4A division. Congratulations to Twin Fall High School and their athletes.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Twin Falls High School Wins IHSAA Award
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Oregon Trail Students Pay It Forward
Oregon Trail created for the first time this year an activity called “Pay It Forward”. The “Pay It Forward” activity allows students to give up their a.m. and p.m. recess for two weeks to either help out in a classroom or help organize the school. The response from the students involved, younger students and the faculty was very positive. Oregon Trail plans to continue this new activity and plans to start the activity earlier next school year to allow for more students to have the opportunity to participate. Way to go Oregon Trail students for giving back to your school.
TFHS Athlete Wins Gatorade Player Award
Twin Falls High Schools’ Cy Sneed, a senior, has been awarded the prestigious Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year for the state of Idaho. Gatorade gives this award to one selected athlete in every state in the nation that demonstrates academic success, athletic achievement and outstanding character in his school and community. Congratulations to Cy Sneed for his achievements.
Local FFA Team Headed to National Convention
The Twin Falls High School FFA Dairy Judging team will be headed to the National FFA Convention in October after taking first at the state career development events in Moscow against 23 other teams. Abby Biedenbach, Hannah Biedenbach, Mark Dolecheck, and Shantel Peck will be representing Idaho in the Dairy Cattle evaluation category. Abby Biedenbach had the top score in her event overall. Others receiving honors were Lauren Casdorph who placed second in Dairy Cattle Handlers event and the Twin Falls team placed seventh in the Food Science event. Congratulations to Blaine and his students for their success and good luck at state.
June Employees of the Month
Friday, June 17, 2011
Students Earn Over $1.7M in Scholarships
The following students received scholarships this year:
Twin Falls High School Students:
University of Montana: Madi Worst
University of Idaho: Ricky Akridge, Taylor Barton, Samuel Behm, Abby Biedenbach, Julie Bixler, Morgan Deboard, Taylor Ellis, Daniel Gardner, Delainie Glodowski, Nathaniel Goss, Matthew Keeth, Sam Kessler, Trevor Lutz, Cody McBride, Salma Miramontes, Alexandria Simmons, Ben Strausbaugh, Blair Symington, Alesa Wagner, Alexandria Webb, Joshua Wirtz, Isabel von Zastrow
Idaho State: Blaike Case, Kendon Freeman, Ryan Fuchs, Nath Goss, Jana Miller, Lani Roemer, Jenna Sharp, Whitney Ward, Tyson Warth, Jason Welker
College of Southern Idaho: Ashlee Finch, Marissa Freitas, Christina Garcia, Kaitlin Garofano, Jeremy Hegmen, Shelby Howe, Garrett Oman, Vicky Tang, Chase Waldapfel
University of Utah: Mckenzie Johnson, Ashley Geist, Andrew Starley, Stephanie Maughan, Brady Barton, Samuel Behm, Jeff Ward, Madisen Traveller
Boise State University: Ryan Fuchs, Jessica Jenkins, Mallory Jund, Salma Miramontes
Summit Dental: Ashton Meeks, Josh Wirtz
Idaho Power: Sam Behm, Whitney Ward
Frank Charlton Memorial: Sarah Dodds, Mallory Jund, Taylor Barton
ROTC: Brady Barton
Hamilton Relays: Jeremy Hegman
Western States Bus: Ricky Ackridge
D.L. Evans Bank: Salma Miramantes
Magic Valley Bank: Andrea Ballestero
Amalgamated Sugar: Whitney Ward
National Merit Scholarship: Mikaela McMurtry
Chamber Of Commerce: Marissa Freitas
Danny Marona Scholarship: Daniel Gardner
Farm Bureau Scholarship: T.J. Ellis
Academy of Finance Scholarship: Nick Daley
Magic Valley High School Students:
Montana State: Karla Sanchez
Kelleen Chapman Memorial Scholarship: Johnathan Wagstaff
MVHS Scholarship: Tiffanie Starr, Andrew Mattair, Karla Sanchez, Samantha Briggs, Jasmine Victorious, Angelica Ramos
Canyon Ridge High School Students:
Boise State University Robert E. Lee Promise Scholarship:
College of Idaho: Guadalupe Ramirez
College of Southern Idaho: Taylor Angst, Matthew Anderson, Erika Blay, Tony Cuellar, Ania Ivanovic, Amanda Slagel, Victoria Pamparau, Elvis Martinez
Idaho State University: Brianna Bowcut, Danielle Bowcut, Garren Moreno
Northwest Nazarene: Sara Oliver
University of Great Falls:Jayd Wartluft
University of Idaho: Whitney Bell, Sarah Brierley, Peter Jones, Nicholas Magee, Johnny Perez, Taylor Sibley, Chase Smith, Jennifer Drysdale, Sarah Oliver
Texas Christian University:KellyAnn Buddecke
University of Portland: Taylor Sibley
Utah State University:Austin Thomas, Aaron Cutler, Derek Bastian, Joshua Schrader, Jacob Warner
DL Evans Bank: Erika Blay, Matthew Anderson
Hispanic Youth Symposium (Gem State):Cynthia Marin
ID Education Assocation: Herendita Arroyo
Kelleen Memorial Scholarship Education Major:
Kelleen Memorial Scholarship Wrestler:Chase Smith
Magic Valley Snowmobilers:Chase Smith
Summit Dental:Olivia Humberge
Western States Bus Scholarship: Jacob Warner
Friday, May 13, 2011
Teachers Earn Graduate Degrees
May Employees of the Month
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Physicals for Student Athletes
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Superintendent Wins $600 for OLMS Relay For Life
Friday, April 15, 2011
Danny Marona Performing Arts Scholarship Finals
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Twin Falls Rotary Club Awards Grants to Schools
Friday, April 1, 2011
Morningside Inventors Win Big at State
Monday, March 7, 2011
Student Choir Performs on KMVT
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Public Meeting to Discuss Supplemental Levy
Thursday, February 24
7:30 p.m.
O’Leary Middle School Auditorium
The Twin Falls School District Board of Trustees formed a community Budget Advisory Committee in October of last year. This committee met a number of times to discuss and review the TFSD budget and needs. The committee determined that the TFSD should pursue a Supplemental Levy for $7.5 million ($3.75 each year) in order to maintain services and operations over the next two years. The TFSD Board of Trustees accepted the recommendation of the Budget Advisory Committee and the levy election will be held on March 8, 2011.
The Twin Falls School District will hold a public meeting to discuss the Supplemental Levy Election on Thursday, February 24th at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Leary Middle School Auditorium, 2350 Elizabeth Blvd. District Officials and members from the community Budget Advisory Committee will present information in regards to the Supplemental Levy election.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
IDAHO STEELHEADS Welcome TFSD Parents, Students & Staff
https://www.groupticketwindow.com/groupticket/event/global-qwest/group
FOR UPPER BOWL TICKETS ($13)(ALL CAPS) LOGIN: TWINFALLS1PASSWORD: UPPER
FOR LOWER BOWL TICKETS ($21)(ALL CAPS) LOGIN: TWINFALLS2PASSWORD: LOWER
Friday, December 17, 2010
Glanbia Surprises MVHS Students
Friday, November 5, 2010
Parent Survey
Elementary and Middle School Parent Survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XXRT393
CRHS/TFHS Parent Survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NKBH7YM
MVHS Parent Survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M2NDCX5
THANK YOU!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
October Employees of the Month
Congratulations to the Twin Falls School District October Employees of the Month! Certified employee of the month is Steve Hill from Bickel Elementary. The Classified employee of the month is Kathleen Milligan also from Bickel Elementary. Congratulations and thank you for all your hard work and dedication! (Pictured first: Associate Superintendent Patti O'Dell, Steve Hill, Trustee King; Pictured Second: Associate Superintendent Patti O'Dell, Kathleen Milligan, Trustee Young)
Monday, October 4, 2010
Volunteers Needed for Budget Advisory Committee
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
September Employees of the Month
August Employees of the Month
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
July Employees of the Month
Congratulations to the Twin Falls School District July Employees of the Month! Certified employee of the month is Bob Seaman from the District Office. The Classified employee of the month is Beth Pendergrass also from the District Office. Thank you for all you do! (Pictured First: Superintendent Dobbs, Bob Seaman, Trustee Young, Vice-Chair Ward; Pictured Second: Trustee King, Beth Pendergrass, Superintendent Dobbs, Trustee Crowley)
Budget Q and A
First, please know that the Twin Falls School District Board of Trustees is making every effort to do that which is least disruptive to our students and to take care of our employees as best we can during these tough times. Second, we would like to clear up any misunderstandings or misinformation about the changes we are making due to a decline in funding. While we have made every effort to keep patrons and employees informed of the budget situation in newsletters, meetings, etc., it seems there are a few who have received inaccurate information.
Throughout the budget planning process it was our goal to constrict rather than cut programs or personnel. We wanted to preserve academic programs, extra-curricular activities, and jobs. Beginning in January, Superintendent Dobbs offered over 30 presentations to faculty, staff, community groups, parents and students regarding the funding emergency. During, and following, these presentations, the district collected ideas on ways to best respond to the state revenue reductions. Each idea was analyzed and it was determined that no matter what, a salary reduction would need to be a significant part of the plan. The Twin Falls Education Association and the district looked at the options of adopting the state salary schedule or furloughing days. Together they decided that furloughing days was the better avenue to take. The district also made reductions in other areas such as travel, supplies, computer purchases and personnel through attrition. In order to help clear up any remaining confusion, the following are some answers to questions we have received regarding the budget shortfall:
Why did the TFSD decide to go with furlough days rather than moving to the state salary schedule?
Had the district opted to move to the State Salary Schedule, the maximum reduction to teachers’ annual salaries would have been $8,800. With the furlough option, the maximum reduction to teachers’ annual salaries will be $3,723. In addition, we felt that it was unprofessional to ask teachers to work the same number of days for less pay. It is our goal to reinstate the furlough days, where practicable, as sufficient funds are realized by the district to allow for additions.
Is the Twin Falls School District reducing teacher salaries more than other districts across the state?
The salary reductions our teachers are taking this year are equal to or less than the total cuts many teachers have taken in other districts across the state over a two-year period. The reduction to TFSD teachers’ salaries through furlough days may be larger than some districts this year, but this is due to the fact that many districts made cuts to or froze staff salaries last year. Last year, the TFSD did not qualify to declare a financial emergency and was required to give raises in experience and education as per Idaho Law.
Is the Twin Falls School District making reductions because of costs associated with CRHS?
No. Due to the state budget shortfall, the TFSD will be operating with nearly $3.3 million less for the 2010-11 school year. This $3.3 million cut must come from the general fund. No money out of the general fund has been spent to pay for building costs associated with CRHS.
Are the salary reductions due to having to staff CRHS?
No. The State Department of Education funds the Twin Falls School District for the exact number of teachers we currently employ.
What is an Emergency Levy and was it considered when making reductions?
An Emergency Levy is a levy allowed by state law based on student growth. It requires only board approval. The Twin Falls School District has qualified for and received an Emergency Levy four of the last five years. It is anticipated that the district will qualify for the levy again this coming school year and the anticipated amount has been figured into the budget.
What is a “Carryover” and why is it important?
The carryover is general fund money that is not committed at the end of a budget year. It is important to sustain a carryover because it acts as a savings account and allows the district to have cash flow. It keeps the district from having to borrow money throughout the year and pay that money back including interest. At the beginning of the 2008-09 school year our carryover was $3.2 million or approximately one month’s worth of operating costs. At the end of the 2010-11 school year, the carryover is anticipated to drop to $1.6 million or approximately two weeks operating costs.
Why aren’t administrators’ salaries being reduced as much as the teachers’?
Administrators are furloughing the same number of days as teachers. Like teachers, their daily rates will stay intact. The resulting percentage cut from the annual salary for teachers is higher because it is based on employees’ daily rates and teachers work fewer days than administrators. It is important to remember as times improve and the district is able to add days back to the calendar, teachers will receive a greater percentage increase to their salary than the administrators will receive. We felt it was important to maintain employees’ daily rates as reducing daily rates would significantly impact employees’ retirement funds. We also opted to reduce some administrator positions through attrition thereby reducing the total amount spent by the district on administration by nearly ten percent.
Did the district consider a Supplemental Levy?
The district looked at the possibility of asking the community to support a Supplemental Levy for the 2010-11 school year, but a number of community and staff members indicated that because many patrons have lost their jobs or endured their own salary reductions, the district should not place the additional tax burden on the community without a comprehensive examination. However, a committee consisting of school administrators, board representatives, educators and members of the public will meet to review and analyze whether a supplemental levy will be proposed for election for patrons of the Twin Falls School District # 411 for the 2011-12 school year.
Why did the district hold a meeting on Memorial Day?
Since we opted to participate in the statewide financial emergency, we were held to a very tight timeline. The district wanted to allow for as much time as possible for an agreement to be made through the negotiations process. Memorial Day was the last possible day to hold the meeting without disrupting the tight timeline. This meeting was not mandatory for teachers. Further, if teachers were unable to attend, they had the option of submitting their input via letter for up to three days following the meeting.
We know that these are challenging times for many in our community and want to assure you we will continue to offer a quality education for our students. We invite you to call the Twin Falls School District office at 733-6900 if you have further questions or concerns on any of these issues.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
June Employees of the Month
Congratulations to the Twin Falls School District June Employees of the Month! Certified employee of the month is Nanette Allen from Sawtooth Elementary School. The Classified employee of the month is Hamidei Askari Sobbi also from Sawtooth Elementary School. We really appreciate these employees and all the hard work that goes into their jobs. (Pictured First: Superintendent Dobbs, Trustee Young, Nanette Allen, Vice-Chair Ward; Pictured Second: Trustee Crowley, Trustee King, Hamidei Askari Sobbi, Superintendent Dobbs, Chariman Matsuoka)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
May Employees of the Month
Monday, April 19, 2010
ACT Exam Offered at CRHS
What Is the ACT Exam?
The ACT, or American College Testing, is a standardized collegiate examination, similar to the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). In use since 1959, it is commonly used as an indicator of academic aptitude and readiness to enter college. Although the ACT is not as well-known as the SAT, it is almost as widespread; as of 2008, nearly all four-year colleges and universities in the United States accept the ACT, although every school factors the results into admission decisions differently.
Like the SAT, the ACT is given only at set time periods during the year, generally four to six times per year, depending on the state where the testing takes place. Testing must be scheduled in advance, and is only available on certain Saturdays. However, students with religious prohibitions against Saturday events can apply to take the examination on Sunday. Accommodations can also be made for students with disabilities. The amount of time allotted for the standard exam is roughly 3.5 hours, which generally includes two 15-minute breaks. Students that take the ACT Plus Writing exam, which includes the essay writing portion, are allotted just over four hours for testing. Students who take the ACT can send their score reports to up to four different colleges or universities.
NEXT TEST DATE: SATURDAY, JUNE 12TH
WHERE: CANYON RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
REGISTRATION: REGISTER ONLINE BY MAY 7TH AT www.actstudent.org or visit your school counselor for more information
COST: = $32.00 for the ACT (No Writing)
= $47.00 for the ACT Plus Writing
*FEE WAIVERS AVAILABLE*
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
April Employees of the Month
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
TFSD to Hold Public Meeting to Discuss Budget Cuts
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Canyon Ridge High School Auditorium
The Twin Falls School District will hold a public meeting to discuss budget cuts on Monday, April 5 from 7-9 p.m. at the Canyon Ridge High School Auditorium, 300 N College Rd. The district is expecting to receive $3.57 million less in state funding for the 2010-2011 school year.
Superintendent Wiley J. Dobbs will make a presentation regarding the district’s existing conditions, the 2010-2011 budget cuts and possible ways the district can meet the reduction in funding. There will be time for those in attendance to ask questions, give ideas and make comments. It is the goal of the Twin Falls School District to make decisions that will be least disruptive to students and employees.
For more information, please call Beth Pendergrass at 733-6900.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
March Employees of the Month
Monday, March 8, 2010
Steelheads Welcome TFSD Families and Friends
https://www.groupticketwindow.com/groupticket/event/global-qwest/group
(ALL CAPS)
LOGIN: TWIN
PASSWORD: FALLS
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
February Employees of the Month
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
TFSD Receives $100,000 From Idaho Power
· Daylight photo controls
· Occupancy sensors
· Efficient A/C units
· Reflective roof treatments
· Energy management control
· Demand controlled ventilation
Idaho Power estimates that the energy saving upgrades will reduce the Twin Falls School District energy costs by about $42,710 in electric bills per year. This equates to an approximate savings of 854,199 kilowatt-hours per year, which is enough electricity to power 65 average-sized Idaho homes for one year.
These measures qualified the Twin Falls School District for incentives from Idaho Power’s Building Efficiency Program, an incentive program for new construction and major renovations that is designed to encourage energy efficient design and installation by offering cash incentives.
Idaho Power officials stated that the $100,000.00 check represents a down-payment towards the savings the district will see in electric bills every month, and a sizable “Thank You” from Idaho Power for their energy saving efforts.
Superintendent Dobbs thanked Idaho Power and mentioned that the Twin Falls School District is very appreciative of the collaborative relationship they share with Idaho Power, the $100,000.00 check, and the long term saving the district will reap because of the energy efficient measures taken during the construction of the new buildings in our district.
The Twin Falls School District will also receive $1,635.00 for the Harrison multi-purpose room and $3,035 for the Morningside multi-purpose room.