The December meeting of the Oneida School Board was held on the 17th at the Malad Middle School Library. Larry and Wendy Thomas were honored as the Oneida School District “Employees of the Month.” (See accompanying article.)

New Elementary School

The move to the new elementary school was the main topic for the meeting.  Principal Sarah McIntyre said that the students are excited to help move their classrooms to the new building and that the teachers will welcome the help of 50 high school students who have volunteered to assist with the move.  Professional movers will be there to ensure that everything is done safely. Professional piano movers will move the black baby grand piano and the console piano. (The other baby grand has already been moved to the high school.) Students were allowed to sign the walls of the old school. Teachers and students are excited to show the new school to family and community members. In spite of a snowstorm, the open house on Monday was a huge success with many, many people coming to tour the building.

Concern has been expressed about the lighting for the new stage in the gym/commons room of the new building. That topic will be discussed once things have settled down from the move and the focus can be on details like lighting.

Superintendent Jon Abrams said that Jared Lusk, the contractor, will set aside bricks from the old building for those who would like souvenirs. Demolition of the old building will begin in the spring.

Mr. Abrams has announced a schedule for the public to be allowed to acquire items from the old building that will not be transferred to the new building. 

Jan. 6-11 OSD Staff, Local Non-Profit Groups and Local Government Agencies 

** Contact Superintendent Abrams for access: 208-705-3723

Jan. 13-14- Local Public Bid for Items: 4-8pm

Jan. 15-18 - Public pick-up bid items:  4-8pm

Jan. 20-23- Public Access (donations accepted) 4-8pm

Administrator Reports

Mr. Abrams reported that he and Dr. Terri Sorensen, Administrator of the Idaho Home Learning Academy charter school, will go to Boise to testify before the legislative Education Committee about the negative impact of some legislative actions on Oneida School District last year and to clarify the role of IHLA..

Building administrator reports were included with the agenda, resulting in very short oral reports.

The Stone School expressed thanks to the Dan Cervantes family for donating hats and gloves for students.

Sarah McIntyre, Principal of Malad Elementary School, announced that the students had raised $300 to be donated to the Oneida Crisis Center to help families in need during the holidays. A thank-you was sent to the Preston Elks Lodge for the donation of coats, caps, and gloves. 

The Malad Middle School report indicated that the dental sealant program went well with 260 sealants placed. A special thanks was given to April Sluder, the Oral Health Program Coordinator for Southeastern Idaho Public Health Department.. The band and chorus Christmas concert was excellent. The Middle School wrestling team took 2nd place at the Pocatello Classic tournament at which schools in all divisions from throughout eastern Idaho participated. At the district tournament in Soda Springs, Malad had 11 district champions and 19 medalists.

Dallin Rupp, Principal of Malad High School, reported that Boise State University provided training on differentiated instruction to high school and middle school staff on December 13. Additional ongoing support will be provided through monthly conference calls with the high school instructional coaches. Mr. Rupp also reported that Lexie Evans, the ag teacher, had received a Perkins Grant for almost $8000 to purchase lab tables with Phenolic topics. Shantel Tavoian, the family and consumer science teacher, received the same grant and will use the money to purchase RealCare Babies for the parenting and child development class. Seniors presented their senior projects to the public on December 12.

The Board approved Justice Servoss as a substitute teacher, pending her passing the State-mandated background check. Three policies that were under consideration were tabled due to the need for additional wording changes.