Back in school but still enjoying summer
The day seemed a lot like summer vacation: Ice cream, hiking, a visit to the library and swimming in Lake Coeur d’Alene.
On the last day of the first week of school, fifth-graders from Sorensen Magnet School did all of those things.
“We’re just having fun,” teacher David Groth said as students stripped down to swim suits and laid out beach towels on the warm sand of City Beach.
On Tubbs Hill, students shared essays they’d written about what they had done over summer break. During a visit to the new Coeur d’Alene Public Library, students received a tour and, for those who didn’t already have one, library cards.
The day included some juggling and dessert before the trek to the beach after school.
“We’re trying to build a little sense of community and enjoy the beautiful place where we live,” Groth said. “We’re here today to catch one of the last times of summer.”
For students, having the opportunity to have fun and enjoy a little sunshine in a waning summer was a good way to start the weekend.
A shivering and dripping-wet Hanna Betts summed up the day in one word: Awesome.
“We went to Tubbs Hill which was really fun,” classmate Evan Phau said. “I think it’s great.”
Waldorf School welcomes new teacher
Sandpoint’s Waldorf School is starting the year with a new first-grade teacher.
Erin McNamara comes to Sandpoint from Red Lodge, Mont. She is married with two children who attend the Sandpoint Waldorf School. She was involved in a Waldorf initiative in Montana and has a degree in elementary education with a concentration in special education.
For information on the Sandpoint Waldorf School, call 265-2683.
Slow down in school zones
Speeders in school zones will face stiffer fines under an Idaho law that went into effect July 1.
Speeds up to 15 mph over the posted speed limit will result in a $116.50 ticket. Speeding more than 16 mph over the limit will cost $140.
Law enforcement officers are conducting emphasis patrols in school zones during the first few weeks of school.
Projects completed during summer break
The Coeur d’Alene School District completed several school projects during the summer months, from a new coat of paint at Fernan Elementary to a new roof at Borah Elementary and new science labs at both of the district’s high schools.
The district also painted fresh stripes in parking lots and added $145,000 worth of insulation throughout the district.
One of the district’s goals this year is to improve air quality. Maintenance Director Bryan Martin said the district is also working to be more “green” in the cleaning products used.
Long-range planning adds members
The Coeur d’Alene School District’s Long-Range Planning committee is adding six new members: Marcello Conigliaro, Tim Skelton, Patricia House, Guy DeGarmo, Roger Snyder and Angie Phillips. Alternates are Renata Moon, Gregory Peak and Christos Fillios.
The committee is an advisory group that reviews the long-range plans, programs and facilities in the district and recommends updates and modifications to the district’s plans.