Ponderosa 4th-graders studying city’s history for mural project
Ponderosa Elementary School fourth-graders are helping breathe life into Post Falls history.
Historical figures may become public art around town in the form of life-size portraits painted by a local artist.
With help from the Post Falls Historical Society, Ponderosa fourth-graders are researching which people from the past should be portrayed, said Principal Kathy Baker.
The project is the brainchild of her fourth-grade daughter, Madeline, who saw a similar project in Anacortes, Wash., while on a family vacation.
“It was like you were living their history even though you didn’t live there or were just visiting,” 9-year-old Madeline said last week.
Ponderosa Elementary and the historical society are applying for a grant for the project, which may begin next fall, Baker said.
Last week, Kim Brown, of the historical society, visited with fourth-grade classes to introduce possible candidates, including Frederick Post, Chief Andrew Seltice, John Mullan and Wendell Satre.
“You’ll probably know more Post Falls history than anyone else in town,” Brown said of the children’s research. “I want to thank you for being pioneers in this mural project.”
Fourth-graders study Idaho history as part of their regular curriculum, Baker said. But these students will get to research city records and other documents.
“We are going to be giving Post Falls their story back,” Brown told the students. “This project is going to make history come alive.”
Fourth-graders ‘take pride in America’
Mullan Trail Elementary School fourth-grade students got a lesson in volunteerism this week when they raked and cleaned up Q’emiln Park as part of Take Pride in America, a nationwide service project organized by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
About 70 children from three classrooms spent Tuesday morning in the park, learning to take care of their community.
“We’re trying to get them to appreciate how lucky they are. They live in such a beautiful spot,” said fourth-grade teacher Kathy Webster.
By working in the park – an area they normally play in – they may “realize it takes effort,” Webster said.
The project is the school’s second one connected to the Take Pride program, qualifying Mullan Trail to become a Take Pride in America school, Webster said.
Post Falls kindergarten roundup: Register kids
Are your children ready to hit the books? Frederick Post Kindergarten School will hold a kindergarten roundup May 2 to register students for next fall.
Parents are asked to bring their children, a certified birth certificate and proof of immunization to the event between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. at 205 W. Mullan Ave.
Children, who must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, will be screened for placement during the registration, said Principal Julie Billetz.
Children are placed in one of four kindergarten sessions on a first-come, first-served basis, Billetz said.
The four sessions are held mornings only, afternoons only, all day Mondays and Thursdays plus Wednesday mornings or all day Tuesdays and Fridays plus Wednesday afternoons.
“We encourage parents to come out and register their kids because it helps us in our planning process,” Billetz said. “It is important to get their children registered early.”
Parents who need to order a birth certificate can contact Karen Wilhem at 777-0479 for more information.
Post Falls resident appointed to state board
Gov. Butch Otter recently appointed Post Falls resident Len Crosby, chairman of the Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency, to the Idaho Public Charter School Commission.
Crosby will begin his term this month, serving the remaining year of a term of a member who resigned.
Crosby has a master’s degree in education and taught briefly at the secondary level. About two years ago, he also worked on a state subcommittee addressing teacher qualifications and compensation.
“I see the positive impact they have in our community,” Crosby said of charter schools. “I’m happy to do this and am looking forward to getting on board with the committee and participating.”