Teachers Union Honors Educators Statewide North Idaho Schools Recognized For Work With At-Risk Kids To Parent Involvement
Colleen Kelsey, head teacher at New Vision Alternative School, got a bit choked up as she accepted an award Tuesday from the Idaho Education Association.
“There are days when I go home and pull out my hair,” said Kelsey. “There are days when I go home and sit and grin.”
On most days she and her fellow staff members are doing a lot of things right, according to the IEA. New Vision is among 45 schools or school districts receiving the association’s “Excellence in Education” awards.
IEA is the state teachers union. Its officials are on a two-week swing through the state to present the plaques, which recognize innovation in public education.
In North Idaho, they recognized:
New Vision in Post Falls: The school serves no more than 65 students ages 14 to 21 who are at risk of dropping out. Students sign a contract to attend school regularly, strategize with teachers about the best way for them to learn, and help set school policy.
Ponderosa Elementary, Post Falls: The school’s after-school program delivers a message on the importance of staying drug-free and provides skill-building activities ranging from cake decorating to wrestling. The IEA also recognized Ponderosa’s state-of-the-art computer lab.
Hayden Meadows Elementary, Hayden: Teachers annually host Technology Night to bring students, teachers, parents and patrons together to learn how technology has affected education at the Coeur d’Alene School District’s biggest elementary school.
Boundary County Junior High, Bonners Ferry: There’s a high level of parent involvement. That includes an active Booster Club, individual efforts to upgrade the building and create inviting classrooms, and volunteers who help with an after-school study group.
Naples Elementary, Naples: Instruction and evaluation tailored to individual students’ needs.
Student-led conferences give parents a better idea of what students know and what they’re learning. Children evaluate their own work and develop portfolios to display it.
Moscow School District: The Moscow Community School-to-Work Team - comprised of school, business, higher education and community representatives - works on a program called “Chain of Hands.”
As a result, sixth-grade students explore potential careers; junior high students have access to technology and family life classes; and a career exploration class is offered at the high school.
, DataTimes