Student Essay: Idaho State Capital Visit

For the first time ever, 5 exemplary students were chosen to travel to Idaho's state capital. Boise. After a long drive and a few stops along the way, students Alina Henman, Devin Kerr, Jace Miller, Laneah Knickerbocker, and Rafe Herris made it to the capital building. Accompanied by math and science Instructor Rachelle Paxman and head community outreach coordinator Heather Smith, students were led into the capital building for a school choice rally. After signing in, students were allowed to mingle with other schools and prepare for the next part of the rally. The rally was put on by the Coalition of Idaho Charter Schools. After introductions, the national anthem, and the pledge of allegiance, schools were given their chance to shine. After a dance performance and a few heartwarming stories about school choice, one of our students was given the opportunity to speak. When asked his favorite part of our school, Devin Kerr gave this response: “ White Pine is unique because the relationships between teachers and student; and the adaptability of teachers.” as I’m sure many students can agree with - White Pine really does have amazing teachers and administrators who love to help you succeed and give you marvelous opportunities, such as this one was for us.

By: Laneah Knickerbocker

White Pine Attends Idaho’s National School Choice Week Flagship Event at the State Capitol

This week, White Pine Charter School was honored to attend the Idaho National School Choice Week Flagship Event, hosted by the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families at the Idaho State Capitol Rotunda. This statewide celebration brought together students, families, educators, and school leaders to recognize the value of educational choice and to elevate the stories of schools and students across Idaho.

The event served as an important opportunity to spotlight the impact of charter schools and the meaningful learning experiences happening in communities like ours. As part of the program, schools in attendance were formally recognized, and student voices were placed at the center of the celebration.

One of the most powerful moments of the rally was the Lightning Round, where students from across the state shared brief reflections on what school choice means to them. We are especially proud of Devin Kerr, who represented White Pine by speaking about the importance of having access to a learning environment that supports individual strengths, goals, and passions. Hearing students speak directly about their educational experiences was a meaningful reminder of why school choice matters.

Each year, Governor Brad Little signs a proclamation recognizing Idaho School Choice Week, and he was invited to present this proclamation in person at the event. This annual recognition reinforces the state’s commitment to empowering families to choose learning environments that best serve their children.

As one event organizer shared, “This rally is an important opportunity to positively highlight the schools and students whose stories deserve to be seen and understood.” We are grateful to have been part of this celebration and to stand alongside schools across Idaho that are committed to innovation, student voice, and educational opportunity.

Thank you to the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families for hosting this impactful event and for continuing to advocate for families, students, and high-quality school options throughout our state.

Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future: The 20-Year Time Capsule

Earlier this year, members of our administrative team took a quiet but meaningful step in marking White Pine Charter Schools’ 20-year anniversary. Together, we buried a time capsule filled with items chosen earlier this year by students to represent life at White Pine in 2025.

Inside are handwritten notes, small keepsakes, student work samples, photos, and reflections—pieces of everyday life that may seem ordinary now, but will hold great meaning when they are uncovered years from today. These items were selected as a way to share our story with the future: who we were, what we valued, and what made this place special.

The time capsule serves as a reminder that every student, every educator, and every family contributes to the living story of White Pine. The experiences happening in classrooms and hallways today will one day be someone’s history—someone’s starting point.

One day, future Cougars will open this capsule and rediscover moments that were once “right now.” They’ll see the creativity, curiosity, and community spirit that shaped us. They’ll be reminded that the White Pine story has always been built together.

Here’s to the past that shaped us, the present that inspires us, and the future that’s waiting to be uncovered. 

Building Strong Parent-School Partnerships: Why Collaboration Between Home and School is Key to Student Success

At White Pine, we’re all about shaping students into well-rounded individuals—ready to take on the world as compassionate, ethical, and involved citizens. But raising kids to be more than just academically prepared, especially in today’s fast-paced world, requires a strong partnership between home and school. As Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

Where do you think we are? Are we coming together, keeping together, or working together? What can we all do as stakeholders to help us reach success?

This kind of partnership is essential to helping our students thrive, and it takes mutual respect, open communication, and a lot of collaboration.

We all have the same goal: to see kids succeed—not just in school, but as people. We’re all invested in their growth, which is why we need to show respect for each other’s roles. That means when things get tough, we need patience and dialogue to keep things moving forward.

Communication is a big part of making this work. We’ll keep families updated regularly and reach out if there are concerns, but we need families to do the same. If a student is struggling or has an issue, it’s best to bring it directly to the teacher or staff member involved. That way, we can solve the problem together, with everyone’s input. Educating children is a team sport.

While we encourage open dialogue and value the perspectives of our families, the most effective solutions come when we work directly together. Addressing concerns through the right channels allows for constructive conversations and ensures that everyone’s voice is heard. This partnership—built on mutual respect and open communication—will lead us to stronger outcomes for our students. After all, progress is made when we’re focused on solutions, not distractions. 

We set high expectations for all our students, and we need families to back those up. Kids tend to rise to what’s asked of them, so instead of lowering the bar, we focus on building trust—trust that they can meet those expectations with our support.

At the end of the day, we’re here to help kids develop character. Sure, their grades matter, but it’s their perseverance, responsibility, and integrity that will really carry them through life. Mistakes will happen—we all make them!—but we can help them see those setbacks as opportunities to grow.

Parenthood and teaching aren’t easy, and the road ahead won’t always be smooth. There will be bumps, setbacks, and hard days—days when it feels like nothing is going right, and the weight of it all might feel too heavy. But through it all, the most important thing we can offer our children is unity. When we stand together, communicate openly, and respect one another’s role in their lives, we show them the power of collaboration. We show them that, no matter what, they are not alone.

It’s easy to get caught in the chaos of our busy lives and let frustration cloud our judgment. But at the heart of this work, of teaching and raising children, is a shared love for them. Every teacher, every parent, every staff member—we are all here because we care deeply. And we are in this together, through the challenges and the triumphs, hand in hand, working to give our children the foundation they need to rise.

By: Alysa Trust

K-3 Principal

How to Make Reading at Home More Enjoyable: Tips from a Mom who Loves it!

I recently saw a post in a Mom’s Facebook group from a mom asking how other moms manage to get reading homework done. The comments were full of other stressed-out moms with the same struggle. It actually made me a bit sad. Reading “homework” is by far my favorite part of the day. I am by no means an expert, but I thought I’d share some ideas that keep reading homework enjoyable for my family:

1.)     Change your mindset! Reading is not a chore. Reading is not something to rush to get done or something to check off a to-do list. Instead, think of reading as something you GET to do. Kids pick up on energy, so if you are looking forward to it and enjoying it, they will most likely follow.

2.)     Use reading to relax! Are you or your child frustrated or just having an annoying day? Take a “book break”. Dr. David Lewis’ research revealed that reading as little as 6 minutes a day can reduce stress by 60% by reducing your heart rate, easing muscle tension and altering your state of mine. Literally and simply, reading relaxes you!

3.)     Routine, routine, routine. Get into a routine that works for your child. I don’t like forcing or scrambling to get in some reading time. Just like there are certain parts of the day that I do and don’t want to read, the same goes for kids. My son and I prefer to read right before bed (which is no surprise considering #2), so that’s what we do.

4.)     You don’t have to finish every book you start. Just like we turn a movie off if it isn’t interesting or stop watching a TV series if it is boring, you can stop reading a book that just isn’t keeping your child interested. A child will be more likely to give different books a try if they know they won’t be forced to finish it. It also helps to have a conversation on why they don’t like it, so you can help with book selections next time.  

5.)     Don’t rush to get a book or chapter finished. During reading time, it is o.k. to spend more time talking about the book’s characters, settings, predictions, etc., than reading it. Some books have cool illustrations that need a little extra time to take in. Slow down and really enjoy the book and all that it has to offer!

6.)     Always have a book with you. You never know when you will get some unexpected time to read. Reading has helped during traffic jams, waiting time before doctors or dentist appointments and at the airport!

7.)     Make reading fun!

a.       Use silly voices for each character.

b.       Alternate pages. If I’m sitting on the left side, I read the left page, and my son reads the right page or vice versa.

c.       “Would you rather” questions always keep us laughing during books. (E.g., “Would you rather have Captain Underpants or Amelia Bedelia as your best friend? I am Team Amelia Bedelia in case anyone cares.)

d.       Incorporate different locations every so often. Read at park, along the River Walk, in a fort you make, at a soda shop, etc.

e.       Ambiance is everything. Try reading a mystery or spooky book in the dark with a flashlight. Build a fort to read inside of. Get a giant fluffy blanket and some hot chocolate to read with.

f.        Utilize libraries. Ammon and Idaho Falls have great libraries. Kids love getting to pick out as many books as they want and can hold. The board games, 3D printer, table toys, art supplies and picking movies to rent also makes it fun for kids. While there, find a cozy spot and read for a bit in between other activities.

g.       Text! Reading a text is reading, so engage via text for awhile.

h.       Browse different stores online! Reading product descriptions is still reading. My son’s personal favorite right now is reading about different Lego Sets.

i.         Try a real newspaper. This is not a joke. Kids feel like you’ve taken them back in time when you pull out a newspaper. It is even better if you have a newspaper from 10+ years ago. This one is fun for elementary through high school aged kids.

Please comment on this blog with your tips and tricks! I’d love to hear what others enjoy about reading and ways you keep it fun!

By: Michelle Brown

Mother of 3^rd Grade WPSC Student

Love of Reading

When I was a kid, I hated reading.

I know that might be controversial to say as an English teacher, but it's the truth. I had a difficult time seeing the 'point' in my education in general, and because reading did not come as easily to me as art did, I was determined not to do it at all.

And then my teacher read Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. 

It is my personal belief that everyone has a story that was written just for them. And my hope for everyone I meet is that they have either already found that story or that they continue their journey to find it.

Black Beauty was my story. As our teacher read aloud to us, my heart caught fire on the magic that is the written word. Sewell's engaging narrative pulled me into her world of horse-drawn carriages and class struggles, then pushed me back into a reality where I could either remain stagnant or grow into the potential that I always had. 

Because of that story, and because I made the choice to grow, I went from the lowest level student to the highest in one year. 

It is because of that experience and many similar to it that I became a teacher. While it is true that every student's journey is unique and that much of their success depends on their willingness to grow, I also know that my teacher's choice to read to us is the catalyst that cased that change in myself. I know that, without her and many other incredible people in my life, I would not have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.

So, while I do not consider myself the ultimate reason behind my student's success or failures, I take into account the importance of my role in their life every day. It is my job to provide those catalysts for growth and a love of learning that can only be sparked by those who have found it themselves.

The one universal truth I have found in educators is a genuine love of learning and developing forever.

For me, that love of learning came through the written word. For others, it may by that first science lab or math equation where everything just clicks. And for still others, that love could be seen on a football or soccer field while surrounded by the teammates who support you through any and everything. 

So, from one lost kid to another, please stay open to the possibilities all around you. Who knows? That history lesson or math worksheet could be the spark that sets off a lifetime dream - and even if it isn't, just take it one step at a time. It takes real bravery to keep trying...so let's keep trying together.

By: Amber Griffin, 6th Grade English/History

Discomfort Leads to Growth

Discomfort Leads to Growth

Teaching seventh grade is both a privilege and a challenge. It's a pivotal time in a child's life, where they navigate the often turbulent waters of adolescence and grapple with self-doubt. Last year, I introduced my students to Shakespeare's "The Tempest" through a group activity in which each group was tasked with performing a scene. Initially, the idea seemed fun and engaging, but soon, a wave of anxiety swept over some students when they realized they would perform in front of their peers.

One student, in particular, approached me with a request. She asked if she could perform just for me or be excused from the activity altogether because she felt uncomfortable. I empathized with her but explained that while I value comfort in my classroom, this was an opportunity for growth that I couldn’t let her shy away from. I told her that facing this challenge would make her stronger and more resilient. I stood my ground, clarifying that participation was a requirement because I believed in her potential.

Despite her anxiety, this student eventually embraced the fact that she had to perform. When the day of the presentation arrived, she not only completed her scene but did so with remarkable poise and confidence. I was thrilled to see her smiling throughout the performance, a testament to her triumph over her fears.

The real transformation happened later when the class was assigned a history presentation. This time, without hesitation, she volunteered to present. She didn’t even ask if she could perform just for me. Instead, she took the initiative to share what she had learned, showcasing her growth and newfound confidence.

Through this experience, I witnessed firsthand the power of pushing students beyond their comfort zones. It reaffirmed my belief that growth often comes from facing challenges head-on. I also realized that my own journey as a teacher involves similar moments of discomfort. Each challenging situation helps me grow, reminding me that I, too, am on a path of continuous development. I cherish my interactions with my students, as they inspire me and highlight the importance of embracing vulnerability. Through our collective growth, I am reminded that every uncomfortable moment contributes to becoming a better educator.

As parents and educators, we have the profound responsibility to guide our students through these transformative moments, helping them discover their strength and resilience along the way.

Encouraging our kids to step out of their comfort zones is key. Whether it’s trying a new sport, speaking in front of the class, or tackling a difficult project, these experiences can lead to personal growth. It's important that our children understand that feeling uncomfortable is a normal part of learning and growing and that embracing discomfort can lead to significant personal growth. This understanding can be a powerful motivator for them.

So, let’s embrace discomfort as an opportunity for growth. Let’s encourage our kids to take on challenges and try new things. By creating a home and a school where challenges are welcomed and viewed as chances to learn, we can help our children appreciate the knowledge that discomfort leads to growth. Let's inspire them to see that every step forward, no matter how small and uncomfortable, is a victory worth celebrating.

By: Angie Briscoe, 7th Grade English/History