Superintendent Wins $600 for OLMS Relay For Life

Cedar Lanes hosted a bowling challenge that paired local celebrities and heroes on two person teams competing for money to be donated to local charities. The Bowling Challenge was held on Wednesday, April 20 from 4:30-6:30pm. Superintendent Wiley Dobbs and Perrine Principal Bill Brulotte participated in the challenge. Dobbs and his teammate, Bob Templeman, won the challenge and $600 for O’Leary Middle School’s Relay for Life Fundraiser. The challenge was presented by Kids Bowl Free, a program promoting free summer bowling for kids! Children 15 and under can sign up to get two free games of bowling EVERY DAY for the whole summer at Cedar Lanes!

Danny Marona Performing Arts Scholarship Finals

Former Twin Falls High School Student, Andrew Bortz, and current TFHS student, Whitney Smith, took home the 1st and 2nd place prizes at the Danny Marona Performing Arts Scholarship Finals. Bortz received the first place prize of $5,000 and $500 for the TFHS Band Program. Bortz captured the audience with his skilled piano playing and singing. Smith received the second place prize of $2,500 for her medley singing performance. For more information, please visit http://www.magicvalley.com/news/local/twin-falls/article_9b47a39e-672d-11e0-b485-001cc4c002e0.html For pictures from the event, please visit http://clickychicksofsouthernidaho.blogspot.com/

Twin Falls Rotary Club Awards Grants to Schools

The Twin Falls Rotary Club awarded nearly $5,000 in grants to help Twin Falls School District schools and programs. The following amounts were awarded: $581- MVHS Math, $750- MVHS Culinary Arts, $800- Perrine Technology, $500 - TFHS Media Center, $500- RSMS Technology, $1,000- Lincoln Technology, $800- CRHS Hawk Awards Breakfast. We are very grateful for the continued support of the Twin Falls Rotary Club.

Morningside Inventors Win Big at State

Over 60 Morningside students were involved in the 2011 State of Idaho Invention Convention. Starting in October of 2010, and working hard through March 2011, young inventors from Morningside Elementary set out to tackle the challenge of identifying a problem and creating an original solution in the form of an invention.

Building onto last year’s motto of “It’s Too Early to Quit”, we added “Inventing: It’s Too Fun to Stop!” By putting the scientific method into practice, students worked for months and each built a model, kept a detailed scientific journal, and designed elaborate backdrops to present their project.

In January, their work was put on display at Morningside for parents and the community to view. Five judges had the difficult job of choosing 15 projects to be sent to the regional contest held in Boise. After the selections were made, those projects were taken to the engineering building on the campus of Boise State in February. Of the 15 projects taken, all of our inventors received awards; seven projects placed and five projects were spotlighted for the State Championship contest.

At State, all of our Morningside Inventors earned awards. In addition to this, Kyler Western from Mrs. Beck's 2nd grade class placed third for the state of Idaho in the adaptations category with his popular project "The Shoe-inator". Sara Mandura and Anders Wondrick in Mrs. Rush's fifth grade class teamed-up with their project "The Shoe Sizer 2000" to also take home a third place in the Jules Verne category. Standing at the top of the mountain of inventors, Holden Davis and his “Trash-bot” from Mrs. Speicher's 2nd grade class came back with the title of "Best of Category for Working Models” for grades 1st-8th. Our very own Holden Davis won the entire category!

Our Morningside students have proven to be creative problem-solvers that are capable of great things. They’ve also learned that inventing is…Too Fun to Stop! *Special thanks to the judges of our Twin Falls Invention Convention: Dr. Jim Tarter and Mr. Jim Woods (both of CSI), Mr. Ace Marcellus (O’Leary), Mr. Chris Bell (Idaho Power), and Mrs. Sallee Middlekauff (Middlekauff Auto/cousin of Barbara Morgan)

Also to be recognized and thanked: All of the parents, teachers and staff that helped out with the Invention Convention this year, our Morningside PTA, Mr. Bill Ebener and The College of Southern Idaho

Regional winners are pictured above.

Student Choir Performs on KMVT

The Perrine and Harrison Elementary School Honor Choir performed on KMVT's Rise and Shine last Thursday, March 3rd. Watch their performance online at: http://www.kmvt.com/features/riseandshine

Public Meeting to Discuss Supplemental Levy

Public Meeting to Discuss the Supplemental Levy Election
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.

IDAHO STEELHEADS Welcome TFSD Parents, Students & Staff

Welcome Twin Falls school district students, teachers, friends and families on February 18th or 19th. You will receive a special price on tickets of either $12 + $1 ticketing fee (normal full price is $17.00 + ticketing fees) or $20 + $1 ticketing fee (normal full price is $29.00 + ticketing fees) . Each ticket will also come with a voucher for a free RR Ranch hot dog, small Pepsi product & Tim's Cascade bag of chips. Lower Bowl tickets also come with a Free Steelheads Hat. Tickets will be located on the either the Lower or Upper Level of Qwest Arena. To order your tickets simply select the event date of the game you wish to attend. Ticket orders must be placed 24 hours prior to game date OR subject to availability. Please do not refresh your browser during the sales process.
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

Glanbia Surprises MVHS Students

Glanbia Foods played the role of Santa Claus on December 17th as they surprised each Magic Valley High School student with a block of cheese and $20 bill. To show their appreciation, the Magic Valley High School culinary arts program cooked steak and baked potatoes for Glanbia representatives. The Twin Falls School District would like to express gratitude to Glanbia Foods for their generous donation. This was a wonderful Christmas gift for students at MVHS.

Parent Survey

The parent survey is a valuable tool in helping our schools meet the needs of all students, parents and staff. If you are a TFSD parent, please select the link that applies to you and take a moment to complete the survey. All responses are confidential and anonymous.

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!

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)

Volunteers Needed for Budget Advisory Committee

The Twin Falls School District is forming a Budget Advisory Committee that will consist of TFSD staff, parents, students, and community members. This committee will meet to discuss budget concerns. The first task will be to discuss the possibility of a supplemental levy for the 2011-12 school year. If you are interested in volunteering to sit on the committee, please contact Beth Pendergrass at 733-6900 by Friday, October 8, 2010.

September Employees of the Month

Congratulations to the Twin Falls School District September Employees of the Month! Certified employee of the month is Kathleen Sylva from Morningside Elementary. The Classified employee of the month is Robert Price also from Morningside Elementary. Congratulations! (Pictured first: Associate Superintendent Patti O'Dell, Trustee Crowley, Robert Price, Principal Hoy; Pictured Second: Associate Superintendent Patti O'Dell, Kathleen Sylva, Vice-Chairman Ward, Principal Hoy)

August Employees of the Month

Congratulations to the Twin Falls School District August Employees of the Month! Certified employee of the month is Amy Kenyon from Harrison Elementary. The Classified employee of the month is Diane Fullmer also from Harrison Elementary. Thank you for all you do! (Pictured: Diane Fullmer, Amy Kenyon)

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.

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)

May Employees of the Month

Congratulations to the Twin Falls School District May Employees of the Month! Certified employees of the month are Donell McNeal from CRHS and Dan Creek from TFHS. The Classified employees of the month are Carol Warner from CRHS and Julie Petersen from TFHS. We really appreciate these employees and all the hard work that goes into their jobs. (Pictured First: Superintendent Dobbs, Donell McNeal, Vice-Chair Ward; Pictured Second: Superintendent Dobbs, Dan Creek, Trustee King; Pictured Third: Superintendent Dobbs, Carol Warner, Trustee Crowley; Pictured last: Chariman Matsuoka, Trustee Young, Julie Petersen, Superintendent Dobbs)

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.

The test itself consists of four subject multiple-choice examinations; the exams cover English, mathematics, science and reading. A fifth exam, an essay writing test, was added in 2005, though not all schools require the essay portion of the test. Questions on the ACT are based on testing standards developed by national governing organizations such as the American Educational Research Foundation, as well as national and state standards for education, such as those established per the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Textbook reviews and national surveys of teachers and other educators are also used in determining exam content.

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 12^TH

WHERE: CANYON RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

REGISTRATION: REGISTER ONLINE BY MAY 7^TH 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*

April Employees of the Month

Congratulations to the Twin Falls School District April Employees of the Month! Certified employee of the month is Nichole Hall. The Classified employee of the month is Sean Ludlow. Both employees work at O'Leary Middle School. The Twin Falls School District is proud to have such hard working and dedicated employees. (Pictured First: Trustee Ward, Sean Ludlow, Chairman Matsuoka, Superintendent Dobbs; Pictured Second: Superintendent Dobbs, Nichole Hall, Trustee King, Trustee Crowley )

TFSD to Hold Public Meeting to Discuss Budget Cuts

Monday, April 5, 2010
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.