Superintendent Scoop

Included in this edition of the news is a copy of my “Back to School” speech for the staff of BCSD #101. (see page B5). I wanted to share these thoughts with the community, as it directly speaks to our work with your children. But, I also need to assure the community of promises made in the past and an explanation of the direction I see for our future.

First, an introduction to our new staff! Maureen Blackmore, Bonners Ferry High School Bookkeeper; Bethany Blackmore, Boundary County Middle School English Teacher; Heidi Bo Hawkins, Valley View 3rd Grade Teacher; Amy Brown, Valley View 3rd Grade Teacher; Kevin Campbell, Bonners Ferry High School Chemistry; Natalie Erickson, Para; Pamala Fleck, Para; Nelda Gentry, Valley View 1st Grade Teacher; Chase Hill, Bonners Ferry High School English Teacher; Christin Knechtges, SLP; Macee Laplante, Preschool Para; Andrea Leach, Valley View 4th Grade Teacher; April Leyden, Para; Jessica Naranjo, Foreign Language Teacher; Gina Reinhardt, Valley View Para; Mark Rives, Boundary County Middle School Computer Teacher; Christopher Sabin, Bus Driver; Garbriela Solum, Valley View Computer Para; Samantha Tinerella, Naples Para; Kristine Vessey, Bonners Ferry High School Business Ed; Jessica Vickers, Valley View 1st Grade Teacher; James Workman, Bonners Ferry High School Welding Teacher; and Mark Yercheck, Bonners Ferry High School English Teacher.

Second, special thanks to our friends at Mountain West Bank for the fine breakfast served to all staff at the Back to School event on Monday, Aug. 28!

All five of the schools in Boundary County School District #101 are in great order under the direction of a strong administrative team. We have the right people in the right places! We will continue to work toward our three word motto: SAFE, CIVIL & PRODUCTIVE! Safe refers to the physical and emotional safety of all students and staff. Civil is the basic behaviors of a polite society. Civil behaviors are not only needed in the classrooms and hallways, but also on the athletic fields, the sidelines and in the grandstands. This shows “Badger Pride”! Let’s cheer for our kids instead of cheering against the visitors or ref.

Productive is the advancement of the academic programs. In BCSD this means the standard H.S. Diploma is the minimum requirement. Advanced opportunities, dual enrollment and college credit lead as far as students can reach. I will continue to advance the Career-Technical Education Program at Bonners Ferry High School. This vocational based opportunities will give our trade oriented students a hand up toward a career of their choice.

Choice can also be found in the extra and co-curricular areas: athletics, band, choir, drama, leadership classes, robotics, etc. I will continue to focus our efforts toward a “Student First” philosophy. I believe we have something for most every student. But, I also live by a strong belief and that is: not every child is cut out for public education. If what we have does not work for you or your child, please let us know and we will help you find something else to meet their needs.

Another promise I made when I accepted this position is for fiscal responsibility and clear budgeting practices. I will continue to hold a meeting of the Financial Understanding Committee. This group will meet on the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. in the District Office, beginning Oct. 2. One of the challenges we need to study is the physical state of our aging elementary schools. We have some hard decisions to make! These meetings are open to the public.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or stop by. I like to hear what you think.

Final Note: We will hold a dedicated for the renovation of our VVES Gymnasium on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 3 p.m.

Gary Pflueger, Superintendent BCSD #101