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Join Alexis as she sits down with Jeff Simmons, Superintendent of the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA), to explore the incredible opportunities this online school provides to students across Idaho. From elementary to high school, IDLA offers courses for students at every level, including summertime classes designed to combat the "summer slide." Not sure what the summer slide is? Tune in to find out! They also discuss how IDLA enables students to take dual credit courses, earn CTE certifications, and utilize Advanced Opportunities funding to cover all costs.

Plus, don't miss the HUGE announcement that WILL impact families statewide. This episode is packed with valuable insights for every parent in Idaho—be sure to listen and share! Have questions? Reach out to Alexis directly!

About IDLA:

Idaho Digital Learning Alliance was created by the Idaho State Legislature (Title 33, Chapter 55 Idaho Code, 2002) and Idaho educators, developed for Idaho students, and is recognized as a leader across the nation in online virtual education. Idaho Digital Learning Alliance was created to provide access, equity, and flexibility for students in the state of Idaho according to its statutory authority, and Idaho Digital Learning Alliance enables the state to meet its constitutional requirement to provide a uniform and thorough educational system.

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alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

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BONUS EPISODE!

We welcome Jake Dempsey, a dedicated school board trustee for the Middleton School District. Jake joins us to discuss Middleton's efforts to pass a critical school bond in the upcoming May election — a feat that requires a supermajority of 66.67% voter approval, a notably high threshold to meet in Idaho. This won't be Middleton’s first attempt, but this time the school board approached the proposal differently, revising it based on community feedback to ensure their patrons' voices were heard. Jake shares insights into the collaborative process behind proposing a school bond and highlights key changes made to improve its chances.

Additionally, we explore the dos and don'ts of being an effective school board member, especially in a role that demands significant volunteer time and a passion for the school community. Whether you're interested in the complexities of school bonds or want to better understand the responsibilities of a school board trustee, this episode offers an engaging look into leadership, community interaction, and the perseverance needed to support local education. Take a listen to learn more about Middleton's school bond initiative and the valuable lessons from Jake’s experience!

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

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Alexis sat down with Lance Hansen, the Superintendent of the Year, from Lewiston School District #1. Lewiston is a community known for its collaborative spirit, and the school district plays a key role in this dynamic. Recently, Lance and the Vice President of the Lewiston School Board presented to the Senate Education Committee during the Idaho School Boards Association Day on the Hill. In their presentation, Lance shared the unique features of the district and school board, highlighting their commitment to working in collaboration with our community — a vision that drives everything they do.

Lance dives into the strategies that are helping students achieve success, creating spaces for teachers to collaborate, and how they convene committees with their school community to address challenges. Lewiston isn't just known for its academic success, but also for some impressive accolades: the district was recently honored with Teacher of the Year recognition, and one of their schools was the first in Idaho to be nationally recognized as a Professional Learning Community.

Why does Lewiston receive these distinctions? Listen to find out how a strong sense of community and innovative strategies are making Lewiston School District stand out and achieving remarkable success!

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

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Dr. Marc Gee, Superintendent of Middleton School District, sits down with Alexis to dive into the important role of a superintendent and how Middleton is working to support its school community. In this conversation, Dr. Gee provides an in-depth look at the district’s upcoming bond request on the May 20th, 2025 ballot. He breaks down the details of the proposal, explaining what’s at stake and how it will impact the future of Middleton schools. Learn how the district has engaged with the community, prioritizing transparency and open communication throughout the process. Dr. Gee also discusses the differences between the superintendent's and school board members' roles in bond elections, giving listeners a clear understanding of the decision-making behind school funding. We discuss the highlights of the calendar year, from exceptional student achievements to innovative teaching and strong parent involvement. Middleton continues to rise in rankings, securing top places compared to other districts around the state. The community is also looking forward to the new CTE building, which will offer students even more opportunities for hands-on learning and career exploration. This episode is essential for all Middleton School District community members and anyone interested in how school districts navigate the complexities of funding and leadership.

Learn more about the Middleton School District Bond Proposal: HERE

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

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Have you heard of PLCs? These Professional Learning Communities are transforming education by improving student outcomes, enhancing teaching experiences, and fostering stronger school cultures. In this episode, Alexis sits down with Emalee Merell, Coordinator of Professional Learning Community and Tiered System of Supports from the Idaho Department of Education, to explore how Idaho schools are successfully integrating the PLC model.

Join us as we discuss the fundamentals of PLCs, their evidence-based impact on education, and how the Idaho Department of Education is supporting schools in their implementation. From real-world success stories in Idaho to strategies for fostering collaboration among educators, this episode dives deep into the why and how of PLCs. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or a parent simply curious about innovative approaches in education, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Tune in now!

Are you and Idaho educator and have questions for Emalee Merrell regarding PLCs? Send her an email. emerrell@sde.idaho.gov

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

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Alexis sits down with Matt Todd, host of The Ranch Podcast, to discuss three critical topics impacting education in Idaho. First, they dive into the upcoming More Social Less Media Event—an opportunity for teenagers, parents, teachers, district administration, lawmakers, and school community members to come together on Saturday, April 26th, from 12PM - 4pm at Eagle High School. Featuring a keynote from Chris McKenna of Protect Young Eyes, plus talks from Dr. Megan Smith of Boise State and insights from The Dignity Index, this event promises to spark essential conversations about social media, technology, and the future of our children.

Next, Alexis and Matt tackle the urgent need to improve communication around education policy in Idaho, particularly with the key decision-makers who need to be at the table to discuss tough topics and find solutions for our schools. The episode wraps up with a deep dive into the hot-button issue of school vouchers in Idaho, and the importance of assessing the current regulations to ensure they’re creating the best learning environment for kids while holding ourselves accountable for public funds.

With around 94% of Idaho kids attending public schools, it’s crucial that we work together to strengthen our system for every student.

Have thoughts? Alexis invites listeners to share their opinions and join the conversation—this is a discussion we all need to be part of.

Tune in for a thoughtful, action-oriented episode on the future of education in Idaho!

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

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Alexis is joined by Audra Talley, board member of Homeschool Idaho, a homeschool parent, and a passionate advocate for educational choice. Together, they dive into the rich history of homeschooling in Idaho, the good and the ugly, exploring the state's unique approach to this educational model.

DID You Know? Idaho has 9 school choice options...and homeschooling is one of those choices.

Audra shares insights on the benefits and challenges of homeschooling, shedding light on how families navigate both the freedoms and the obstacles that come with it. They discuss how Idaho stands out as one of the states with the fewest restrictions on homeschooling and what that means for families in the state.

The conversation also covers important topics such as:

• The growing trend of homeschooling in Idaho
• How homeschool students can access public school resources, like music classes and extracurriculars
• The debate around vouchers and tax credits and how the homeschool community is responding
• Current trends and future possibilities for homeschooling in Idaho

Tune in for a thoughtful and informative discussion about the evolution of homeschooling in Idaho, and the opportunities and challenges it presents for families today.

Keywords:
Homeschool Idaho, homeschooling history, benefits of homeschooling, challenges of homeschooling, Idaho homeschool laws, Idaho education, homeschool resources, public school resources, homeschool trends, school vouchers, tax credits, homeschool advocacy, Audra Talley, educational choice, homeschooling community

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
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Alexis welcomes Greg Wilson, Chief of Staff for Superintendent Debbie Critchfield of the Idaho Department of Education, to discuss the proposed changes to high school graduation requirements in Idaho. The conversation revolves around the process and rationale for these updates, which include replacing the speech credit with a digital literacy requirement. Greg outlines the procedure for implementing the changes, starting with a proposal from the Department of Education, approval by the State Board of Education, and final authorization from the Legislature, making this the first overhaul of graduation criteria in over a decade. The discussion touches on the four major proposals, including the addition of digital literacy, updates to the senior project, a guide for aligning electives with future goals, and ensuring students graduate with “currency” for their futures. Greg addresses questions about the quality and rigor of the new digital literacy course, concerns about the loss of essential interpersonal skills, and potential impacts on speech teachers. Throughout the episode, the balancing act between modernizing education and preserving critical soft skills takes center stage. These changes, if approved, are expected to be fully implemented for the graduating class of 2028.

Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
alexis@ourkidsourschools.com

Find great resources and info on school communities:
https://ourkidsourschools.com/