Mountain View School District #244

Tawnya Poxleitner visited the Tech Math class with Mrs. Finnegan. She was talking about her job as a paralegal to the prosecuting attorney's office for Idaho County (Matt Jessup and also Brennan Wright). She talked about DUI laws, liability law if you are a dog owner in Idaho, traffic infractions, probate law, patent law, and subpoenas of social media. She also talked to the kids about college (how to get scholarship money for summer school, math required for her degrees, etc.). She stressed the consequences that they could face if they're involved with many of these situations.

Please join us in congratulating Tracy Lynde for being recognized by the Idaho School Board Association as Board Clerk of the Year. Mrs. Lynde is the Board Clerk for Mountain View School District as well as Kamiah School District. She was presented with the award on November 7, 2024 during the ISBA Convention. Thank you to the Kamiah Board of Trustees for making the nomination.

The GHS Environmental Science class took a field trip to the Lion’s Park to learn about longitude and latitude, invasive species, and the ecological norms of our region. Each group laid a transect line and calculated the invasive species in the area. They did a little GeoCaching too! In preparation we had guest speakers from Idaho County to discuss noxious weeds, the Forest Service, and USDA. Thank you Joe Sclichter, Alex Arnold, and Mariah Truax!

The Mountain View School District is honored to recognize the remarkable dedication and unwavering commitment of Elk City community member Sue Phillips. For over five decades, her tireless volunteerism and service to Elk City Elementary School have made an extraordinary impact on students, families, and the entire Elk City community. Her contributions span countless roles—from classroom assistance to leadership in the REACH Club, Inc., to spearheading efforts in preserving the school’s history. In the spring of 1973, Sue began working for the US Forest Service at the Red River Ranger District with plans to return to the University of Idaho that fall to pursue a degree in elementary education. However, after meeting her future husband at Red River Ranger, who proposed that fall, she remained in the Red River/Elk City area, where she has lived ever since. Sue's first connection with the Elk City School came in the fall of 1973 when the Red River Ranger District organized a Natural Resources Education program for the school. She volunteered to help, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to service at the school. Since then, she has consistently contributed in a variety of roles, including classroom assistance, participation in the Parent Teacher Organization, and substituting in both the classroom and the lunchroom/kitchen during the early years. In 1999, Sue was invited to join the Board of Directors for REACH Club, Inc., a new Before and After School and Preschool program in Elk City that is part of the Centers of Discovery consortium. Proud to have been involved since its inception, she continues to serve as Chairman of the Board, substitute teacher, and Co-director of the program. From 2002 to 2018, she was hired to teach grant-sponsored social/emotional training classes using the Positive Actions, First Step, and Mind Up curriculums. These weekly classes, tailored to two age groups, further cemented her role in supporting the school’s educational environment. Around 2010, when the library position at the school was eliminated, REACH took over library duties, with an AmeriCorps position initially covering the role. After the AmeriCorps position was abolished, she and retired Elk City teacher ReaAnn Loomis stepped in to operate the library for both the school and the community—a responsibility she continues to this day. In 2016, she became involved in the ‘Reading Grandmas Program’ initiated by teacher Kathy Nice. This program, which invites community members to read with students, has been another meaningful contribution to her long-standing service to the school. Most recently, she led efforts to save and restore the historic murals painted on the Elk City School in 1998 by muralist Robert Thomas, a project she was particularly proud of completing. Sue's two children attended Elk City Elementary School, receiving an exceptional education from kindergarten through eighth and ninth grades. Over the years, her involvement with the school has helped her forge countless valuable and lasting friendships. Although she never returned to obtain her teaching degree, her 51 years of service at the Elk City Elementary School have brought immense joy and fulfillment. Now in her 52nd year, she continues to cherish her connection to the school, proudly stating, "I love the Elk City Elementary School!" With a heart for education and a passion for helping others, Sue has become an invaluable pillar of support, ensuring that generations of students have the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive. It is with deep appreciation and gratitude that we celebrate her 52 years of selfless dedication, knowing her influence will be felt for many years to come.

Hello, There has been some confusion regarding the timing of the Deconsolidation Hearing tonight. The meeting will begin at 6pm, in the CVHS Library. Thank you.

The first deconsolidation hearing is available to watch on the district website! All the info available regarding the deconsolidation is accessible at https://www.sd244.org/page/deconsolidation including the latest deconsolidation info update from Trustee Harrington and Trustee Myers.

Idaho County Clerk, Kathy Ackerman, visited the Grangeville High School senior Government class to discuss how to vote and the procedures for voting. Her presentation included information about the process for students to register to vote.

The fourth grade students at GEMS were provided an authentic learning experience at the Lochsa Ranger Station. This location is important because the Nimiipuu Trail and Lewis and Clark Trail cross in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. This school year, fourth grade students will learn about Idaho's history including how explorers impacted western expansion and the creation of the State of Idaho. The Lochsa field trip allowed the students to explore early life in Idaho by experiencing the importance of blacksmithing, how resources from the forest provided housing materials, and how food preparation was achieved by early settlers. We appreciate how volunteers, parents, and the Forest Service Rangers began this year's learning for our students.

Today, the Grangeville High School duel credit Technical Math and Agriculture class listened to guest speakers from the local McGregor Company. Jill Smith (2019 GHS Graduate) and Rainey McKeirnan demonstrated the Tee Jet box. It uses technical math to determine the spraying requirements for fertilizers and crop maintenance in area fields.

Over the weekend of September 13-15, Clarkston High School in Clarkston, Washington experienced a security concern. In response to a report of a threat, increased security measures were taken. We applaud the response of the school district in taking steps to protect students, as Mountain View School District continues to hold school security as a priority. Frustratingly, multiple social media posts were later made that exacerbated the situation and spread concern throughout the Lewis and Clark Valley. Students are encouraged to See, Tell, Now when they have concerns for their safety or the safety of other students. It is important for us to help students understand that the “Tell” portion of that process means telling a parent, trusted adult, and/or school official immediately. Social Media posts from unofficial sources only cause further fear and confusion. Thank you in advance for working with the District in helping your child understand the importance of following the proper protocols for school safety while not causing further harm in spreading social media rumors. More information about the See, Tell, Now program can be found at: https://www.sd244.org/page/see-tell-now

The internet connection has been restored to Clearwater Valley Elementary. Thank you for your patience.

Mountain View School District is looking for interested patrons to serve on a Policy Committee for the 2024-2025 school year. The committee will review district policies and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees in regard to possible edits. The committee will meet twice monthly at the District Office at 714 Jefferson, Grangeville, Idaho. If you are interested in supporting the District through your participation on the committee, please send a letter or email to Alica Holthaus. (Superintendent Alica Holthaus, 714 Jefferson St., Grangeville, ID 83530 OR holthausa@sd244.org) Deadline - August 29, 2024 The committee will include 5 patrons. If more than 5 letters of interest are received, the Board of Trustees will randomly draw from the pool the names of 5 applicants at their September meeting.

Staff members that have been with the district for more than 5 years were recognized at the Mountain View School District Welcome Back Staff Meeting. Those staff members with the District longer than 5 years are pictured. The employee continuously working for the District is included in the picture. She has worked for the District for 35 years. Please join us in congratulating Michelle Tosten on her 35 years of distinguished service to the children of our District!

The staff of Mountain View School District #244 started their Welcome Back meeting on August 20, 2024 with the Pledge of Allegiance. There is no better way to start the new school year. Watch here! - https://youtu.be/Vko5LkfCSZE

The watering system at the Idaho County Fair Grounds - the "lickets"- were way too high for the pigs to drink from easily. The 4Hers worried about their pigs getting enough water. For years, there has been discussion about moving the "lickets" This summer students from the GHS Ag class took on this public service project. We look forward to less worries at the fair.

The Superintendent Meet & Greet is available online at the link below: https://youtu.be/NnRLU7s1XJA Thank you to all who attended.

SUPERINTENDENT CANDIDATE FORUM SCHEDULE AND INFOGRAPHIC AVAILABLE Click the link to view: https://5il.co/2orgq

Summer Food Service Program meal service information: Clearwater Valley Elementary School: 8/12 - 8/15, 12pm - 1pm Grangeville Elementary Middle School: 7/29 - 8/8, 12pm - 1pm

USDA's Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids is now available: Families now have more ways to get their kids the nutrition they need in summer when school meals aren’t available. USDA’s SUN programs offer convenient, flexible options to help kids reach their full potential! Click the following link to get more info- https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer

This Monday, June 17th, 2024, at 6:00pm PST, there will be a meet and greet forum for the MVSD superintendent applicants. The forum will be hosted at the Grangeville Senior Center: 108 Gville Truck Rte, Grangeville, ID 83530 All in the Mountain View School District communities are welcome to come and engage. Thank you. See Public Notice posting here: https://5il.co/2ohle