K-3 Literacy Intervention Plan

In 2016, Idaho legislators passed H526 and 451 which now require districts to develop an extended hour literacy intervention program for students in grades K-3 who score below-basic or basic on the statewide reading assessment, the Idaho Reading Indicator, otherwise called the IRI.

By law, the program must be include the following components:
• A proven effective research based substantial intervention and shall include phonemic awareness, decoding intervention, vocabulary, comprehension and fluency applicable to the student based on a formative assessment designed to, at a minimum, identify such weakness.
• The program may include online or digital instructional materials or programs or library resources.
• The program must include parent input and be in alignment with the Idaho comprehensive literacy plan
• The program must include a minimum of 60 additional hours of reading instruction for students (K-3) below-basic (score of 1) and a minimum of 30 hours for students (K-3) scoring basic (score of 2) on the statewide reading assessment administered in the fall.

Genesee Joint School District #282 has developed a literacy plan for K-3 that utilizes the IRI as an initial screener for literacy intervention. Students who receive a "1" or a "2" on the assessment will receive further diagnostic testing to confirm and determine specific area of need.  If a student shows no need on the additional diagnostic testing, students will be progress monitored to ensure that they are being successful within the general education setting.  If a need is identified, parents and guardians will be invited to attend a planning/informational meeting and students will begin to receive intervention as deemed necessary.

We believe that literacy is crucial to a students future success.  Literacy is the ability to read, write, speak and listen in a way that allows individuals to effectively with other individuals and is important in every facet of our life.  We believe that by providing interventions at an early age that we can build a strong foundation for our students and enable them to be successful productive citizens in the future.

If you would like a copy of the district plan, please contact Wendy Moore at wmoore@sd282.org or 208-285-1161.

 

Genesee Joint Schools moves to Full Day Kindergarten

Genesee Joint Schools will begin offering full day kindergarten in the fall of 2016.

Although the state of Idaho does not require students to attend kindergarten, we as a district believe that prekindergarten and kindergarten offer students a great opportunity to build a strong foundation for K-12 education. Full day kindergarten will increase the amount of instructional time for students significantly throughout the school year. This additional time will allow students to receive more academic instruction, therefore increasing opportunities for students to build the skills necessary for academic success.

Research from the National Educational Association (NEA) identifies that full day kindergarten not only increases students' academic abilities, but strengthens social and emotional skills as well.  Longitudinal data shows children enrolled in full day kindergarten show greater reading and math ability than those in traditional half day programs. Research also shows full day kindergarten helps narrow achievement gaps, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. By providing additional time, students show greater short and long term academic, social and emotional gains.

While some parents may be concerned that full day kindergarten is too much for kids, research shows that 5 & 6 year olds are ready for longer instructional days and do better when allowed additional time for in depth exploration. Our purpose for implementing full day kindergarten is not only on the potential for increased academic development of our students, but we believe that attending school promotes many social emotional skills that are designed to help children in and out of the school environment.

If you have questions regarding the full day kindergarten program, please contact me at wmoore@sd282.org or 208-285-1161 ext 201.


Source

• NEA . Full day kindergarten helps close achievement gaps. http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/HE/mf_PB12_FullDayK.pdf
• NEA. Full day kindergarten: A missing link in the Pre-Kindergarten though third grade. http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/18781_Full-Day_Kindergarten_Backgrounder-Final.pdf

Supplemental Levy Election: March 8, 2016

SUPPLEMENTAL LEVY ELECTION

March 8, 2016

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE LEVY?

The Genesee Joint School District #282 will ask voters on March 08, 2016 to RENEW the proposed one-year levy of $935,000. This supplemental levy allows the District to  maintain quality educational programs and opportunities for students of the Genesee Joint School District #282.

This levy is a RENEWAL of the 2015/2016 levy. 

The determination of the levy amount is based on the discrepancy between the revenue available to the District from state and federal funding and the educational needs determined by the Board of Trustees. Taking into account the property tax reduction provided by the agricultural equipment replacement exemption, which is approximately $51,726 and the personal business property tax exemption , which is approximately $5,000. The estimated cost of this levy will be  $878,274.

This supplemental levy allows  the District  to support educational and extra-curricular programs for students attending Genesee Schools for the 2016/2017 school year.  The proposed levy provides necessary funds that State and Federal Dollars do not cover. 

If you have any questions regarding the levy please contact Wendy Moore, Superintendent or Lezah Shinkle, Business Manager. 

If you have questions regarding the voting process, we encourage you to contact Latah County Auditors Office, Room 101, 522 South Adams, Moscow, ID.

For Electors in  Latah Co:

Precinct 21:  Genesee Senior Center, 140 E. Walnut, Genesee, ID  

 Precinct 23: Juliaetta City Hall Annex, 203 Main St, Juliaetta, ID

Absentee (In Person) voting will take place at:  Latah County Auditors Office,  Room 101, 522 South Adams, Moscow, ID. 

 Deadline for Absentee (in person) voting is March 4th at 5:00 p.m.

For Electors in Nez Perce Co.

Ballots will be mailed to registered electors beginning Feb. 13, 2016.

Absentee (In-Person) voting will take place at:  Nez Perce Co. Courthouse, Room 100, 1230 Main St, Lewiston, ID  Deadline for Absentee (in person) voting is March 4th at 5:00 p.m.

Safety is our Priority

Dear Parents & Community Members,

In followup to the events of last week where the school district was put into Closed Campus.  I would like to explain the difference between a Closed Campus/ Lock Out and a Lock Down, which may help clarify a few questions and concerns.

Terms:

1.  Closed Campus/ Lock Out:  (This is what happened last Thursday)

District is notified by the Sheriff's Department that there is a concern somewhere in the nearby vicinity of the district, and they are recommending the district "Lock Out" or go into "Closed Campus".  There is no known threat to students or staff during this period of time. The district then secures the building, by locking all exterior doors. Classes operate under normal schedules, with the exception of any outside activities.  All students will remain indoors at all times.  No visitors, guests or parents are allowed into the building during this period of time. The Sheriff's department notifies the district when we can open campus. This is a precautionary measure taken by the District as advised by the Sheriff's Department.

2. Lock Down: 

District has been notified that there is a  possible threat to the safety of the school district. Lock Down's may be initiated  by Administration and/or the Sheriff's Department.  The district will notify all staff that the district is in Lock Down and all exterior doors and classroom doors are locked and secured. Students will not be allowed to leave their classroom and/or building. Procedures are in place to address any classes that may be outside or off campus.  No visitors, guests or parents will be allowed into the building during this period of time.  We will notify parents and/or guardians as soon as we have secured the building and will give updates as they become available.  We will remain in lock down regardless of time of day, until the all clear is given by the Sheriff's Department.

Your child's safety is our first and foremost concern. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at wmoore@sd282.org or 208-285-1161.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Wendy Moore
Superintendent