School Notes 101
Spring is in the air. It is time to transition into graduation, step-up day/eighth-grade promotion, ‘08/’09 registration and hopefully better weather.
As we enter into May, the school district is making the final push to the finish line. This is a time when students, staff and families can recharge their batteries for the final quarter. It has always been my position that the fourth quarter of the year should be the best quarter.
As I was driving around town last week, I was very nostalgic about my five years in the community. I was thinking about all the trials and triumphs we have had.
Whether it was fires or floods, elections or political appointments, eighth-grade promotions or high school graduations, it always seems that events — good or bad — have galvanized the strength of this community.
Community members can never argue the greatest strength of our school district is our students.
During my tenure as principal, I have witnessed the best and worst of times, yet I can say unequivocally that our students make my job worth having. I have witnessed top quality instruction on a daily basis, and I have enjoyed a wide range of activities that provide a sense of pride and accomplishment — no matter what the outcome.
As a parent and employee of the school district, I am encouraged at the efforts to prepare young people in the future.
Bonners Ferry High School is in a state of transition. Our staff continues to evolve in experience and skills.
As the staff looks for personal and professional challenges, we continue to look for people who can have the enthusiasm and skills to be part of our instructional team. Our student population is evolving in various ways.
We continue to have about 500 students in our building. But these students are becoming more involved in technology programs.
More and more students have the opportunity to take dual enrollment classes and online classes. We continue to work with our local North Idaho College branch to develop programs. This year we will be introducing a Certified Nurses’ Assistant Program with NIC.
As we enter into the fourth quarter, our students and staff are preparing for the last push to the finish line. We will begin work on various programs and topics. These include the development of a master schedule for next year, registration options for next year, improving our transition program to ninth grade, to name a few.
Our students will participate in many rites of spring. Prom, Move Up Day and Graduation are three high points of our spring. Our Move Up Day will be April 28.
Freshmen Parent
Information Night
On April 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the Becker Auditorium, we will have a Freshmen Parent Information Night. Parents of incoming freshmen will receive information on transitions from middle school to high school, the registration process and the 21st Century High School Experience.
The district Safe and Drug Free School Program continues to work to educate and prevent drug and alcohol abuse. Our student resource officer is working with the elementary schools with the DARE Program.
i2i Town Hall Meeting
The high school will be hosting the i2i town hall meeting on May 6 at 6:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for community members to listen to the significant ramifications of student and adult drug and alcohol abuse.
We will have a panel of guests addressing the various stages and consequences of these behaviors. Each family will receive a one-time use drug testing kit. Contact the high school for more information on this event.
A few of weeks ago the newspaper wrote about the numbers of teachers who were born here and returned to Boundary County to teach. That article provided insight to the number of people who take pride in giving back to the community.
As we continue with the 2007-2008 school, it is important to remember that it’s always better to give than to receive. We encourage the community to continue to support the efforts of the Boundary County School District.
My wife, a native of the county and fellow educator, always reminds me of the good times she shared not only as a child but as an adult. She sees the county expanding and improving.
As I watch my twin daughters grow up in Boundary County, I hope they will be provided the same chance to be involved in various activities and educational experiences. Most importantly I want them to understand the need to give back to the community that helped raise them.
As we continue to debate the various issues that reflect our views and opinions on various topics, I encourage the community that respect for each other’s viewpoint is imperative and that it will always take a village to raise a child.
Curt-Randall Bayer is principal at Bonners Ferry High School.