Gearing up for the 2017-18 school year
August 7, 2017
School goes back in session on Tuesday, September 5, but there's already a lot happening throughout Boundary County School District 101 as everyone gears up. Students participating in fall sports are taking to the practice field today, teachers, school administrators and staff are hard at work putting things in order, and parents are busy with all the back to school details necessary to get their kids off to a good start.

Here in no specific order, are items helpful to know as the big day draws nigh:
  * District In-service Day will be held on Monday, August 28 & Thursday, August 31.
  * Professional Development/Building Days are Tuesday & Wednesday, August 29, August 30.
  * BCSD#101 has a 4 day school week. Monday - Thursday. There will be no school on Fridays.
  * If Monday is a no school holiday, school will be in session three days that week from Tuesday through Thursday.
  * Secretaries and principals are in their buildings full time as of Monday, August 21.
  * Students may register at any time during regular school office hours.

Principals, folks to know and how to get in touch:
  * Bonners Ferry High School Principal: Kevin Dinning (208) 267-3149
  * Bonners Ferry High School Athletic Director/Dean of Students: Conrad Garner (208) 267-3149
  * Boundary County Middle School Principal: David Miles (208) 267-5852
  * Valley View Elementary Principal: Nathan Williams (208) 267-5519
  * Mt. Hall Elementary Principal/Title I/Migrant Coordinator: Lisa Iverson (208) 267-5276
  * Naples Elementary Principal/Title II Director: Robin Merrifield (208) 267-2956
  * Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment Director: Robin Merrifield (208) 267-2956
  * Special Education Director: Sara Yoder (208) 267-5519

Random but important stuff:

  * Busing information regarding bus routes and pick-up/drop-off points can be obtained from Transportation Supervisor Bill Irwin at (208) 267-2425. Buses will be in full operation and on their regular schedules on Tuesday, September 5. Those families who qualify for in-lieu of transportation reimbursement can pick up an application at the district office or contact Bill Irwin.

  * Handbooks and free/reduced meal forms will be sent home with students during the first week of school. School calendars are online and are also included as part of the student handbooks for year round referral. Extra copies of the handbooks are kept at each school office. Information concerning food service can be obtained from Food Service Director Tammy Schneider at (208) 267-5519. The first day of meals for students is Tuesday, September 5.

  * Student insurance forms are available at each of the school offices. It is imperative that a child participating in sports have insurance coverage.

  * School entry age is explicit in Idaho Code. For entry into Kindergarten, a child must be five (5) years of age on or before September 1 of the school year in which the child is to enroll. For a child enrolling in first grade, the age of six (6) years must be reached on or before the first day of September of the year in which the child is to enroll. If a child has completed a kindergarten program but is not six on or before September 1 of the year of enrollment, that child shall be able to enter first grade. The Idaho Legislature has not allowed for any flexibility in the law.

  * Pre-registration is NOT required for any student who is currently enrolled in Boundary County School District No. 101 schools.

  * A copy of the child’s birth certificate and immunization is required for incoming students of all ages.

  * Emergency school closure information is accessible via telephone line (208) 267-8934. This number is a recording and provides information for emergency school closure and an update of selective district activity. You may also access the district’s website at www.bcsd101.com. The district also utilizes an auto-call information software when there is an emergency school closure. Please check with your school office to be certain your emergency contact phone number is correct. If you wish to contact the superintendent, Gary Pflueger, he can be reached at the district office, (208) 267-3146.

Important dates for the 2017-18 school year:
  * Labor Day September 4, no school
  * First day of school Tuesday, September 5
  * District In-Service, no school, October 5-6
  * Thanksgiving vacation, no school, November 20-23
  * Christmas vacation, no school, December 26-January 4
  * Return to school Monday, January 8
  * Human Rights Day, school is in session, Monday, January 15
  * President’s Day, school is in session, Monday, February 19
  * Spring Break, no school, April 2-5
  * Memorial Day, no school, Monday, May 28
  * Last day for seniors, Thursday, May 31
  * Last day of school, K-11, Thursday, June 7