East Valley School District

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The most important thing we can do to help children thrive is to support families before they reach a crisis. Learn more during #ChildAbusePreventionMonth. #ThrivingFamilies https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/ preventing/preventionmonth/about

Hello EV Students, Staff, and Families, About an hour ago, I was one of 35 superintendents across the state who received a threatening email indicating a bomb threat. The message was emailed to each of the 35 superintendents at the same time. Law enforcement has been notified here and in the many different jurisdictions across the state. Though this is assumed to be a hoax, we are taking precautions. Given recent situations within our own school district and in schools across the state and nation, I felt it important that you learn of this from me rather than through the media. Thank you. Together, we are East Valley. Brian Talbott Superintendent. -bt

Hello East Valley Students, Staff, and Families, Regardless of one’s proximity or involvement in last Friday's school shutdown, it has been a hard and emotional week for all of us in East Valley. It cannot be overstated; we have work to do. That said, we would much prefer to be defined by how we collectively respond to this situation, rather than by the incident itself. Though I cannot yet provide a definitive plan as to next steps, you should know that we are working on it. We have no intention of merely putting a lid on this in hopes it goes away, because we understand that it won't. However, sometimes as educators (and adults), we make well intended decisions on behalf of our young people without ever inquiring of them their own personal perspectives. I believe an essential step moving forward will be asking for and listening to student voices. Through them, all of them, we will engage in the hard conversations and foster the healing process. I ask for your patience as we wish to do this in a thoughtful manner that helps us improve and grow as a school community. Thank you for your support and understanding. The safety of our students and staff must always be at the forefront of our decisions. There is no room for error; we will act thoroughly and thoughtfully, but with necessary urgency in these matters. Thank you for the partnership we have between home and school. If you haven't already, please take the time to talk to your kids about: the incredible power of and potential consequences of their words; when you see something, please say something; and, finally, we look forward to seeing them on Monday, April 10th. Time to roll up our sleeves and get to work; these are our children, in our schools, from our communities, and our neighborhoods. Together, we are East Valley. Brian L Talbott Superintendent -bt

To My East Valley Community, As promised, I am following up to share that information which I am able to provide. Though I have to consider how much is wise to disclose, I am taking the risk of oversharing. If we are to improve as a school community and community at large, it is going to be through truth, regardless of how difficult that truth is. The social media threats made last night, resulting in the closure of all eight campuses today, were not anonymous. Unfortunately, those who perpetrated the threats are (or were) East Valley students. Though no victims were named, threats of harm were made against EVHS students who identify as LGBTQ+. Law enforcement was immediately contacted and the legal process was underway while I was communicating the closure of our schools just before midnight yesterday. Several arrests have been made already today and additional arrests are anticipated. Furthermore, the individuals known to be involved in the threats will be emergency expelled; be assured a full and thorough investigation is in process. I will send out another message next week and prior to our schools returning from spring break. Aside from being your school district superintendent, I am also a father. As both, I feel compelled to share my raw heart today. The intolerance, ignorance, and hate that sometimes comes to and through the schoolhouse doors is horrific at best. It is the same hate, intolerance, and ignorance displayed throughout society on any given day. After all, schools are but a microcosm of society. The cruelty of the world, and that which humanity places upon its own kind, is far more disturbing than the words I am able to come up with. I do not live in a fantasy land; however, I do believe in kindness and most definitely in the golden rule. This incident does not define East Valley; this is not who we are or who we wish to be. We will continue our efforts to educate and to practice acceptance. Hate has no place in East Valley. I stand with, and in this case, in front of our students against hate. I humbly ask you to stand with me...and for them. Together, we are East Valley Brian L Talbott Superintendent -bt

Hello East Valley Students, Staff and Families,  I am deeply saddened to share that tonight we have learned of some social media threats made against East Valley High School students. Thus, we have made the decision to cancel all schools (district-wide) tomorrow, Friday March 31st. Law enforcement is involved in this matter and they are conducting their own investigation on this matter as well. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any additional information at this time; however, we will provide an update when we are able to do so.  Again, all EVSD schools have been cancelled on March 31st to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff. Additionally, all school related activities are also cancelled.

On Saturday, March 25, 2023, Harvey Ballman, Kootenai County Sheriff and owner of Continuum of Force Concepts, and Ty Holms, owner of The Defensive Action Center, teamed up to train our transportation drivers on real-life scenarios. In this training, drivers learned firsthand what a true crisis is and the best way to react to keep our students safe while in transit. We want to thank everyone involved with this training, including the instructors and staff who participated, along with Newman Lake Fire and Rescue who were gracious enough to allow us the use of their facility for this training.

We're now on Instagram!

Congratulations to EVHS Senior Dianna Demko! The 2023 Superintendent Choice Award was Dianna Demko’s photograph titled “Beauty After the Pain”. The piece is a beautiful photograph of yellow roses after a rain. Superintendent Rob Roettger said he was struck by the beauty and emotion captured in the artist’s photo and the incredibly moving artist’s statement of resilience and hope. Dianna received a $200 cash prize, and her artwork will be permanently displayed at the ESD.

During March we partnered with WSU to run a virtual Medical Mystery Event for our 7th & 8th-grade students and after weeks of investigating, the medical mystery has finally been solved! Huge thank you to Becki Meehan and Mariah Newbill from WSU for running this event for our students! Shout out to STCU for donating dinner for the reveal night and thank you to Eric Puthoff from STCU for running a financial education portion of the night. We also want to thank and recognize Michele Chavez for her help and support for this event. Together, we are East Valley! #knightpride

What an incredible night! Thank you East Valley families for attending our second Flight Knight at the Historic Flight Foundation. A night around discovery, exploration, and learning about aviation and potential career pathways. A huge thank you goes out to Collins Aerospace for donating $500 to this event, The Air National Guard for donating pizza and water, and Dean Cameron for bringing a Let’s Go Aerospace magazine for all the attendees! We also want to thank and recognize our EVSD staff for their help and support for this event. Thank you, Amy Magill, Kent Allen, Karen Cloninger, and Michele Chavez. We could not have done it without every one of you! #knightpride

Washington ranked first and second in the nation in 2022 for the most recertified and new NBCTs. We are so proud and grateful for our 2022 recertified teachers!! View the full list of all regional teachers here: http://bit.ly/40hgN4M.

Mark Your Calendars! On Friday, April 21st the Annual Donkey Basketball Game returns to East Valley High School! Brought to you by East Valley's FFA (Future Farmers of America) Chapter!

ATTENTION EVHS Students! STCU is putting on a Money Live Event on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, from 6 pm to 8 pm in the EVHS Cafeteria. This is an excellent opportunity for students to understand the practical application of money and the impacts decisions can make on their bottom dollar. Pizza and prizes will be available. While this event is ONLY for 9th-12th grade students, parents are welcome to attend and watch the event. We look forward to seeing you there!

PACE Trait for March - Diligence “Diligence is defined as persistence, dedication, and hard work. Some may say these qualities are deep-rooted within individuals while others say they are acquired. It is my experience that they are both.” - Tracie Husted, Intervention Specialist, West Valley School District and PACE guest columnist for March 2019. Who comes to mind when you think about diligence?

Kindergarten registration begins today, March 1, 2023!

Due to weather conditions, all East Valley schools will be on a 90 minute delay today.

Just a reminder that there will be no school tomorrow, Monday, February 20, 2023.

REMINDER: Our public surplus sale begins today! Employee Access: Thursday, February 16, 2023, 3-6 pm & Friday. February 17, 2023, 3-6 pm Public Access: Saturday, February 18, 2023, 9-3 pm

4th Grade/Kindergarten Reading Buddies at East Farms! Mrs. Thompson's kindergarteners love when their 4th grade reading buddies from Mrs. Quinn's and Mrs. Britton's class visit. The 4th graders are learning patience and empathy while they work with their kindergarten buddies. And the kindergarten buddies are able to see fluent reading happening and establish a poisitive role model in their school!

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