Idaho School Districts are required by new state law to report all financial transactions on our websites. In January, you will see a new button on the left menu for District Financial Reports. Click this button to access our reports.
District expenditures, including salary and benefit information, fall in the domain of public information. With the new law, we are required to report salary and benefit information by individual as part of our financial publication.
If you have questions or concerns, please give me a call or drop a note!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Call for Parent Assistance
I will date myself with this memory: At 10:00 PM a voice on the T.V. and radio announces, “It’s ten o’clock. Do you know where your children are?” Looking back through today’s eyes, such an announcement seems a great intrusion on our parental rights. We ignore the fact that as a community, we had established a ten o’clock curfew for our children.
As a School District, we face increasing expectations to step-in and act in areas considered by many to be the domain of parents. Last week, we met with our eighth grade students to discuss a number of inappropriate behaviors that are impacting our school. Parents, you can help us as we seek to provide a safe and appropriate learning environment for the students in our care. Please consider the following:
- Appropriate Dress and Attire for School. Are you aware what your child wears to school? We see an increase in ‘revealing’ attire, as well as shirts with inappropriate messages for our school environment. TALK TO YOUR STUDENT about what they wear to school!
- Appropriate Use of Cell Phones. Text messaging during class time is not allowed in Salmon District Schools. You can help by NOT texting your student during class time! As a parent, CHECK THE MESSAGES on your student’s phone. You can see both the time and content of messages being sent and received by your students.
- Cyber-Bullying by Text Message and FaceBook. We face a real challenge as students use both text messaging and FaceBook postings to harass and bully each other. Students then confront each other face-to-face at school, or fail to come to school in order to avoid confrontations. As a parent, CHECK MESSAGES ON CELL PHONES AND FACEBOOK!
- Sexually Explicit Conversations. We face an increasing number of complaints from students about both electronic and in-person comments that are inappropriate for school. While it is not Salmon School District’s intent to dictate morality to our students, we are responsible for providing a safe and appropriate learning environment for our students. Sexually explicit comments fall under State and Federal regulations regarding sexual harassment. Your student has a right to attend school in an environment free of such harassment.
Parents, please help us as we seek to maintain a safe and appropriate learning environment for your children. I welcome the opportunity to discuss any of these concerns with you. Don’t hesitate to email or call.
As a School District, we face increasing expectations to step-in and act in areas considered by many to be the domain of parents. Last week, we met with our eighth grade students to discuss a number of inappropriate behaviors that are impacting our school. Parents, you can help us as we seek to provide a safe and appropriate learning environment for the students in our care. Please consider the following:
- Appropriate Dress and Attire for School. Are you aware what your child wears to school? We see an increase in ‘revealing’ attire, as well as shirts with inappropriate messages for our school environment. TALK TO YOUR STUDENT about what they wear to school!
- Appropriate Use of Cell Phones. Text messaging during class time is not allowed in Salmon District Schools. You can help by NOT texting your student during class time! As a parent, CHECK THE MESSAGES on your student’s phone. You can see both the time and content of messages being sent and received by your students.
- Cyber-Bullying by Text Message and FaceBook. We face a real challenge as students use both text messaging and FaceBook postings to harass and bully each other. Students then confront each other face-to-face at school, or fail to come to school in order to avoid confrontations. As a parent, CHECK MESSAGES ON CELL PHONES AND FACEBOOK!
- Sexually Explicit Conversations. We face an increasing number of complaints from students about both electronic and in-person comments that are inappropriate for school. While it is not Salmon School District’s intent to dictate morality to our students, we are responsible for providing a safe and appropriate learning environment for our students. Sexually explicit comments fall under State and Federal regulations regarding sexual harassment. Your student has a right to attend school in an environment free of such harassment.
Parents, please help us as we seek to maintain a safe and appropriate learning environment for your children. I welcome the opportunity to discuss any of these concerns with you. Don’t hesitate to email or call.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The following was released to the Salmon Recorder Herald today, October 28th.
For Immediate Release – October 28, 2010
Salmon High School Student Drug Testing
Tuesday, October 26th, random drug testing resumed for students involved in extracurricular activities at Salmon High School. This round of testing produced a small number of “positive” test results for tobacco. No other positives were recorded. Included in the random testing pool were varsity football players, cross country runners, student body officers and cheerleaders.
Upon notification of activity suspensions consistent with district policy, we once again experienced a number of challenges to our policy. One challenge has been upheld: The Drug Testing Consent Form language grants permission “to test for drugs and alcohol use.” It does not explicitly mention tobacco. This language has been changed for all winter sports, and parents of students participating in on-going or upcoming extracurricular activities will be required to sign the new consent form.
On September 13th, Superintendent Foote presented a memorandum to the Board of Trustees outlining inconsistencies in our drug testing policy. It also outlined remedies for those inconsistencies. On September 15th, Superintendent Foote met in a general student body assembly and corrected information in the Student Handbook and clarified the district drug testing policy, emphasizing the inclusion of tobacco in upcoming drug testing. Students would be given 30 days to clear their systems prior to testing being resumed. On September 16th, the above mentioned memo was published in the Recorder Herald. On September 28th, Superintendent Foote posted the revision information on his blog [salmonfootenotes.blogspot.com], including the reinstatement of testing to begin some time soon after October 15th.
Given this notification, students were well aware of upcoming testing. Based on the successful challenge of our consent form, we cannot require that students who tested positive be excluded from extracurricular participation (sports activities.) However, it is within parents’ rights to hold their individual students accountable for the positive test results, excluding them from participating in sports or other extracurricular activities as would be expected for such a test result.
Students who tested positive will be required to complete a “cessation” course and will be re-tested prior to participation in other activities as per current policy.
We wish to recognize all students who tested clean and who continue to bring honor to themselves and Salmon High School by upholding the law. We especially celebrate those students who decided to “go clean” and had the determination to stick with that decision. Way to go Salmon Savages!
I strongly support parents who exercise their parental rights to exclude their students from this week's game, respecting both the law and the district's zero tolerance policy. Students knew the consequences.
For Immediate Release – October 28, 2010
Salmon High School Student Drug Testing
Tuesday, October 26th, random drug testing resumed for students involved in extracurricular activities at Salmon High School. This round of testing produced a small number of “positive” test results for tobacco. No other positives were recorded. Included in the random testing pool were varsity football players, cross country runners, student body officers and cheerleaders.
Upon notification of activity suspensions consistent with district policy, we once again experienced a number of challenges to our policy. One challenge has been upheld: The Drug Testing Consent Form language grants permission “to test for drugs and alcohol use.” It does not explicitly mention tobacco. This language has been changed for all winter sports, and parents of students participating in on-going or upcoming extracurricular activities will be required to sign the new consent form.
On September 13th, Superintendent Foote presented a memorandum to the Board of Trustees outlining inconsistencies in our drug testing policy. It also outlined remedies for those inconsistencies. On September 15th, Superintendent Foote met in a general student body assembly and corrected information in the Student Handbook and clarified the district drug testing policy, emphasizing the inclusion of tobacco in upcoming drug testing. Students would be given 30 days to clear their systems prior to testing being resumed. On September 16th, the above mentioned memo was published in the Recorder Herald. On September 28th, Superintendent Foote posted the revision information on his blog [salmonfootenotes.blogspot.com], including the reinstatement of testing to begin some time soon after October 15th.
Given this notification, students were well aware of upcoming testing. Based on the successful challenge of our consent form, we cannot require that students who tested positive be excluded from extracurricular participation (sports activities.) However, it is within parents’ rights to hold their individual students accountable for the positive test results, excluding them from participating in sports or other extracurricular activities as would be expected for such a test result.
Students who tested positive will be required to complete a “cessation” course and will be re-tested prior to participation in other activities as per current policy.
We wish to recognize all students who tested clean and who continue to bring honor to themselves and Salmon High School by upholding the law. We especially celebrate those students who decided to “go clean” and had the determination to stick with that decision. Way to go Salmon Savages!
I strongly support parents who exercise their parental rights to exclude their students from this week's game, respecting both the law and the district's zero tolerance policy. Students knew the consequences.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Bullying in Salmon Schools
Recent letters published in the Salmon Recorder Herald would lead some to believe bullying is out of control in our schools. On the contrary! These two letters represent two cases we are working through with students, parents and law enforcement. I appreciate the manner in which the large majority of our students manage their own behavior. This is a positive reflection on you, their parents!
One of the above situations involved "cyber bullying" between students. The students used phone texting and social networking (Facebook, YouTube, etc.) to harass their victims. Please take a moment and review your expectations with your children for appropriate use of text and computer communication.
A big thanks to two of our high school students who stepped forward and submitted letters themselves celebrating the positive atmosphere in the high school.
One of the above situations involved "cyber bullying" between students. The students used phone texting and social networking (Facebook, YouTube, etc.) to harass their victims. Please take a moment and review your expectations with your children for appropriate use of text and computer communication.
A big thanks to two of our high school students who stepped forward and submitted letters themselves celebrating the positive atmosphere in the high school.
High School Drug Testing
The Salmon community has determined that students participating in extra-curricular activities should be tested for controlled substances. This was not a decision by the current (or former) High School principal. It was not a decision by the current (or former) District Superintendent. The decision to test students for the presence of controlled substances was made by YOU, the community of Salmon through your elected Board of Trustees.
As current District Superintendent, it falls on me to administer your policies. As previously published and publicly declared, the District has NOT been consistent in following thorough on the testing policy. That declaration was accompanied by a commitment to consistency in seeing that both initial testing and random testing be conducted as required by policy. Students were given notice on September 15th that ALL participants in extra-curricular activities would be tested, and that their ability to continue to participate would be based on ‘clean’ or ‘negative’ test results. Most accepted this notice with resign. Several commented that we wouldn’t really test them, and surely wouldn’t kick them off teams. Parents have contacted the High School and District offices, concerned about the consequences of a ‘positive’ test. Those consequences are and have been in the student handbook. Yes, we will test. Yes, there will be consequences as prescribed in policy. Students who are ‘clean’ or who chose to ‘go clean’ when given notice have nothing to worry about. The initial test will not take place until sometime after the 15th of October (30 days from when notice of policy enforcement was provided.)
If you have concerns about testing procedures, please give me a call. If you have concerns about the testing policy, contact the Board Trustee for your zone. It is our intent to be open and responsive to YOU, the Salmon community!
As current District Superintendent, it falls on me to administer your policies. As previously published and publicly declared, the District has NOT been consistent in following thorough on the testing policy. That declaration was accompanied by a commitment to consistency in seeing that both initial testing and random testing be conducted as required by policy. Students were given notice on September 15th that ALL participants in extra-curricular activities would be tested, and that their ability to continue to participate would be based on ‘clean’ or ‘negative’ test results. Most accepted this notice with resign. Several commented that we wouldn’t really test them, and surely wouldn’t kick them off teams. Parents have contacted the High School and District offices, concerned about the consequences of a ‘positive’ test. Those consequences are and have been in the student handbook. Yes, we will test. Yes, there will be consequences as prescribed in policy. Students who are ‘clean’ or who chose to ‘go clean’ when given notice have nothing to worry about. The initial test will not take place until sometime after the 15th of October (30 days from when notice of policy enforcement was provided.)
If you have concerns about testing procedures, please give me a call. If you have concerns about the testing policy, contact the Board Trustee for your zone. It is our intent to be open and responsive to YOU, the Salmon community!
Monday, September 13, 2010
A huge thanks to the Salmon Recorder Herald this past week for a balanced article on the situation with the Band Class for Carmen Charter School. I look forward to continuing positive dialogue between Salmon District and Carmen Charter School.
Thanks also to all of you who volunteer in our schools. With dwindling resources, your contribution of time and talent is even more valued! It is a pleasure to work in an environment where such commitment exists.
I look forward to your input. Please take a moment and drop us a note and let us know how we can make things better.
Thanks also to all of you who volunteer in our schools. With dwindling resources, your contribution of time and talent is even more valued! It is a pleasure to work in an environment where such commitment exists.
I look forward to your input. Please take a moment and drop us a note and let us know how we can make things better.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
We just completed a great Opening-of-School Institute with faculty and staff. As part of our meeting, our group went through a needs assessment and goal-setting process resulting in the following top areas of emphasis:
Communication within the school system. Staff comments included ‘between- school’ communication as well as communication with co-workers, everyone working as a team, and consistency. Newsletters shared between buildings. Know and publish testing dates well in advance. Build the sense of teamwork within and across buildings.
Academic Focus – Data Driven. Set high academic standards and stick to them. Use of instructional time for assemblies and extracurricular activities needs to be reduced. Use state testing when required only. Document interventions. Support each other in providing interventions.
Collaboration across and within the system. Accept responsibility to be part of the education team that is Salmon School District. Build the sense of teamwork.
Parent Involvement – Expectations and Communication. Educate parents on policy and expectations. Invite them to participate/volunteer in meaningful ways. Engage parents as partners in educating their students. Get information to them in a timely manner through a variety of means.
Professional Development. Align staff development with standards. Make focus on meeting the variety of needs of students. Include teachers in establishing direction for PD.
Communication with the community. Radio, newspaper, newsletter, phone calls, weekly newsletters, getting info to kids who share with each other and parents.
Safety and security of our students and staff. Supervision of students crossing back and forth for classes between buildings. Drop-off/pick-up times. Lunch.
As you can see, there is a strong emphasis from within our school district on parent and community involvement and communication. We are also facing some difficult realities about needs within our system. We welcome your feedback as we strive to make Salmon School District the best it can be for our community!
Communication within the school system. Staff comments included ‘between- school’ communication as well as communication with co-workers, everyone working as a team, and consistency. Newsletters shared between buildings. Know and publish testing dates well in advance. Build the sense of teamwork within and across buildings.
Academic Focus – Data Driven. Set high academic standards and stick to them. Use of instructional time for assemblies and extracurricular activities needs to be reduced. Use state testing when required only. Document interventions. Support each other in providing interventions.
Collaboration across and within the system. Accept responsibility to be part of the education team that is Salmon School District. Build the sense of teamwork.
Parent Involvement – Expectations and Communication. Educate parents on policy and expectations. Invite them to participate/volunteer in meaningful ways. Engage parents as partners in educating their students. Get information to them in a timely manner through a variety of means.
Professional Development. Align staff development with standards. Make focus on meeting the variety of needs of students. Include teachers in establishing direction for PD.
Communication with the community. Radio, newspaper, newsletter, phone calls, weekly newsletters, getting info to kids who share with each other and parents.
Safety and security of our students and staff. Supervision of students crossing back and forth for classes between buildings. Drop-off/pick-up times. Lunch.
As you can see, there is a strong emphasis from within our school district on parent and community involvement and communication. We are also facing some difficult realities about needs within our system. We welcome your feedback as we strive to make Salmon School District the best it can be for our community!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
My thanks to those taking time to attend our ‘meet and greet’ sessions. It has been enjoyable to meet folks from our community. Your insights are informative as well. Some common themes are emerging as we chat:
Building Needs – It seems the residents of Salmon are in support of replacing the Pioneer and Middle School buildings. However, many concerns arise about the need to build efficiently. Great feedback is coming from the community on making sure we utilize all external fund sources. Of critical importance is the need to recognize that we have a limited tax base here in Salmon, and that we must NOT call on citizens to bear an undue burden for extravagant buildings. I am pleased at the positive support expressed for the need to get our children into safer, more educationally inviting buildings as soon as possible. Thank you for this support.
District/Community Relationship – It is clear there is a desire in the community for Salmon School District to be more transparent. I am delighted to report that this continues to be one of my primary goals for our district. We have a new website, and are using it to improve our communication in both directions! Look for information on a monthly basis about the operating budget and expenditures for the district. Please feel free to respond to my blog posts (www.salmonfooteprints.blogspot.com). In addition, my door is opened to you and I welcome your phone calls as well (208-940-0327 or 208-756-4271). Ask questions of our principals and teachers. You will find them more than willing to assist you.
School Volunteers – There is need for clarification on some procedural aspects of volunteering in Salmon School District, particularly around the issue of fingerprinting and background checks. When a volunteer is working with students under the direct supervision of a teacher (e.g. in the classroom) and is not alone with students, we do not fingerprint and background check. We welcome your participation in supporting classroom activities whenever your time allows. Please work directly with your child’s or grandchild’s teacher to arrange time to come in. If you don’t have a direct connection into the classroom, check with the office staff at the respective school where you’d like to volunteer. (Note: We check the Sex Offender Registry weekly and immediately report the presence of offenders on or near our schools to law enforcement.)
Other items will be discussed in coming weeks. Thanks for visiting this site!
Building Needs – It seems the residents of Salmon are in support of replacing the Pioneer and Middle School buildings. However, many concerns arise about the need to build efficiently. Great feedback is coming from the community on making sure we utilize all external fund sources. Of critical importance is the need to recognize that we have a limited tax base here in Salmon, and that we must NOT call on citizens to bear an undue burden for extravagant buildings. I am pleased at the positive support expressed for the need to get our children into safer, more educationally inviting buildings as soon as possible. Thank you for this support.
District/Community Relationship – It is clear there is a desire in the community for Salmon School District to be more transparent. I am delighted to report that this continues to be one of my primary goals for our district. We have a new website, and are using it to improve our communication in both directions! Look for information on a monthly basis about the operating budget and expenditures for the district. Please feel free to respond to my blog posts (www.salmonfooteprints.blogspot.com). In addition, my door is opened to you and I welcome your phone calls as well (208-940-0327 or 208-756-4271). Ask questions of our principals and teachers. You will find them more than willing to assist you.
School Volunteers – There is need for clarification on some procedural aspects of volunteering in Salmon School District, particularly around the issue of fingerprinting and background checks. When a volunteer is working with students under the direct supervision of a teacher (e.g. in the classroom) and is not alone with students, we do not fingerprint and background check. We welcome your participation in supporting classroom activities whenever your time allows. Please work directly with your child’s or grandchild’s teacher to arrange time to come in. If you don’t have a direct connection into the classroom, check with the office staff at the respective school where you’d like to volunteer. (Note: We check the Sex Offender Registry weekly and immediately report the presence of offenders on or near our schools to law enforcement.)
Other items will be discussed in coming weeks. Thanks for visiting this site!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Welcome!
It is truly a pleasure to work with the great people that are the Salmon School District! Our community is fortunate to have such dedicated folks looking out for our children. In my 31 years as a professional educator, I have never seen a better, more committed group of public servants.
Experience.
I began my career with 11 years as an elementary teacher. I moved into public school administration where, during the next 17 years, I had the opportunity to work at the school, district, and state level in various positions. During this time, I also worked as an education advocagte in Washington, D.C. where I shared a grassroots perspective in an attempt to influence education policy. I returned to teaching where I spent the past three years reconnecting with my passion for seeing students learn and discover!
Goals.
Salmon School District is about Excellence in Education. I am here to facilitate that noble goal. We have many of the elements in place. It is my primary goal to see our schools move from good to GREAT! Specifically:
- Improve communication between school and community by being accessible and responsive
at all levels in our district.
- Incease transparency so our pagtrons know both the sources of school revenue and how our
our public funds are spent.
- Celebrate student achievement as our central focus!
Public education is the foundation of our democratic way of life. The future of the freedoms we enjoy depends on our success. Your support is essential to that success. It is my hope that as we move forward, the wonderful people of Salmon will unite their support and be the powerful force that will move our schools from good to GREAT!
It is truly a pleasure to work with the great people that are the Salmon School District! Our community is fortunate to have such dedicated folks looking out for our children. In my 31 years as a professional educator, I have never seen a better, more committed group of public servants.
Experience.
I began my career with 11 years as an elementary teacher. I moved into public school administration where, during the next 17 years, I had the opportunity to work at the school, district, and state level in various positions. During this time, I also worked as an education advocagte in Washington, D.C. where I shared a grassroots perspective in an attempt to influence education policy. I returned to teaching where I spent the past three years reconnecting with my passion for seeing students learn and discover!
Goals.
Salmon School District is about Excellence in Education. I am here to facilitate that noble goal. We have many of the elements in place. It is my primary goal to see our schools move from good to GREAT! Specifically:
- Improve communication between school and community by being accessible and responsive
at all levels in our district.
- Incease transparency so our pagtrons know both the sources of school revenue and how our
our public funds are spent.
- Celebrate student achievement as our central focus!
Public education is the foundation of our democratic way of life. The future of the freedoms we enjoy depends on our success. Your support is essential to that success. It is my hope that as we move forward, the wonderful people of Salmon will unite their support and be the powerful force that will move our schools from good to GREAT!
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