As we near the halfway point of the school year, I want to thank you for your partnership and support, especially with our Monday schedule. That time is intentionally set aside so teachers can engage in collaborative professional learning, plan together, review student progress, and strengthen instruction. We know schedule adjustments can add complexity to family routines, and we truly appreciate your flexibility. Your support helps us invest in our teachers so they can better support your children every day.

If you want your child to attend a school other than their zoned school, please submit an open enrollment application.

Applications received by February 1 will receive priority consideration, and we will use the number of applications received by that deadline to help determine staffing at each school. Because school boundaries are changing next year, any student in kindergarten through 6th grade who plans to attend a school other than their zoned school will need to submit an open enrollment application.

During last night’s meeting, the Board of Trustees completed its annual reorganization of officer responsibilities. Trustees nominated and declared Carissa Coats as Chair, Richard Hess as Vice Chair, Paul Jenkins as Treasurer, and Samantha Williams as Board Clerk. The district appreciates the continued leadership and service of each trustee as they work together in support of our students, staff, and community.

Idaho National Laboratory’s K-12 Education Programs have opened applications for their annual STEM grants, supporting hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math learning across Idaho. Over the past decade, nearly $5 million has been awarded to strengthen STEM education and connect learning to future workforce needs.

🗓️ Applications are open through February 16.

Grants include:

🔗 Learn more: https://www.inl.gov/k-12-stem

📝 Apply here: https://www.inl.gov/k-12-stem/grants

A great opportunity for educators and community partners to bring innovative STEM experiences to Idaho students!

For the first time ever, the National Civics Bee is coming to Idaho, thanks to a partnership between Melaleuca and the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber. Idaho’s top 6th–8th grade students will compete in a statewide competition on May 29, with the top 20 finalists earning a chance at exciting prizes — including $1,000 for first place and $5,000 for their school.

This civics-focused program is supported by partners including the Idaho Department of Education, Idaho National Laboratory, and others, and is designed to build students’ civic knowledge while encouraging community engagement.

🗓️ Application deadline: February 3, 2026

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://idahofallschamber.com/national-civics-bee-idaho/

Families are encouraged to check out the link for full details, resources, and how to apply.

Tomorrow’s Feel Good Friday will spotlight a member of our D93 Child Nutrition Program who went above and beyond to help a student during a medical crisis. It’s an incredible story of care and compassion you won’t want to miss. Watch it tomorrow on EastIdahoNews — and we’ll also be sharing the story on our D93 Facebook page. 💙

It seems like everyone is talking about the old Idaho Falls water tower being demolished right now, but did you know our own Lincoln Elementary predates that local icon by 32 years?

And Lincoln isn’t the only one! The building that currently houses Ammon Elementary opened its doors in 1936, just one year before the Idaho Falls water tower was erected.

A huge shoutout to our incredible maintenance team for keeping these historic buildings going strong, and to our community for supporting public schools for well over a century.

We Are D93 💙

The State Department of Education and the State Board of Education are currently accepting applications to fill vacancies on the Curricular Materials Selection Committee. Accepting applications until filled.

Vacancies currently include positions for:

• K-12 Public Education Parent

• K-12 Idaho Certified Public Education Teacher

• K-12 Idaho Certified Public-School Administrator

• K-12 Idaho Public School District Trustee/Board Member

• Idaho Higher Education Official

• Appointment on the committee is for a 5-year term.

• The Committee meets at the call of the chair: Evaluation week usually lasts 3 – 5 days in

the summer (tentatively mid-June) in Boise. Attendance is expected for evaluation

week.

• Committee members participate in orientation and a comprehensive training session.

• Committee members evaluate all textbooks/instructional materials offered for adoption and make recommendations to the State Board of Education.

• Textbook Committee members may recruit teachers to serve as Textbook Evaluation

Advisors to review materials during evaluation week.

• Committee members facilitate activities and debriefing meetings during evaluation week (tentatively 3-5 days in June).

• Committee members are reimbursed for mileage, lodging, and meals according to state

guidelines for any in person meetings.

• For committee members who require substitute teachers, reimbursement is provided

for the substitutes at the state reimbursement rate of $70/day.