From The Principal's Desk

Spring testing is upon us.  ISAT testing is going well, and I am so proud of our kids!  They are working hard and thoughtfully engaged in the test at hand.  Reading, math and language usage will be completed by all 3^rd-5^thgraders.  Science is added for our 5^thgraders.   We begin testing our K-3^rdgraders for reading with what is known as the IRI (Idaho Reading Indicator).

Kindergarten registration is up and coming.  If you know of families with this age group of kids, please let them know about our date and get them in here.

Our 4^thand 5^thgrade student enrollment numbers are a concern.  If you know of any families that are looking for a new home in public education, please steer them our way.  We have been having some home-schooled, virtual academy and out-of-district transfers coming in recently as families are making choices to guarantee spots in our school.

As we look to the next school year, 2012-2013, much has changed.  Education and what most of us adults experienced in school has changed significantly.  The changes have been good, for the most part.  We now use a model similar to that of the medical community, where we use data to drive decisions regarding the needs of our students.  Data is used to determine where the student is (wellness), and progress monitoring to determine how the student is progressing towards achieving educational level.  This model is called the Response to Intervention (RTI).  This method of data driven decision making allows our staff to design an educational program that meets a wider variety of student needs and to check up on how they are doing along the way.

Funding for the coming school year is a challenge.  This is always complicated to explain as we are a public entity that is affected by the political process of those that govern us.  At the time of writing this, our district faces a $400,000 decrease of funding.  We are working to cut expenses. Even taking into account the generous support of our county in the passing of last year’s M&O, this figure is still true.  We are working to make appropriate cuts where they will remain as far away from our kids as possible.  However, this may not be possible and we face the elimination of a full-time teacher at both Mount Hall and Naples.  This could make combined classrooms a necessity.

I will make efforts to inform everyone of what can be expected at Mount Hall and Naples for next year.  In addition, Valley View will also be facing the same challenges and I will try to keep you updated on all school related funding challenges for next year.  This process takes place across the nation in public education every year at this time.  Whatever the outcome, we will make it a great year and provide an outstanding education for our children.  Working together, at home and at school!!!

Jim Nash

Principal