WEISER - Mari Cluff

Working with students who are neuro-divergent or who have physical limitations is challenging. Mari Cluff is a 15-year veteran teacher at Weiser Elementary, working with special education students who are between 9 and 11 years in physical ages, but anywhere from pre k-3rd grade in their cognitive abilities.

Sometimes, the school setting can be its own challenge. Weiser Elementary sits on a large hill, which makes classroom field trips around the grounds difficult for some. To accommodate those with physical limitations, Mari asked for and received a wagon to pull those students along for the walks.

“I have a couple of students with physical limitations. That can make getting them down the very large hill our school is housed on and to community/school events when bussing is not available very tricky,” said Mari. “This past month, I had to get special permission to drive my two limited kiddos to our homecoming parade, but they missed out on the camaraderie of walking with their peers. They are small in stature and having a wagon that I can push/pull them in will allow them to participate in all our walking field trips with their classes.”

MEADOWS VALLEY – Katie Wright

In New Meadows, pre-school teacher Katie Wright asked for a Zoo Phonics program to lay a solid footing for future student success.

“I teach 3 and 4-year-olds in a small school district that provides preschool to the community,” said Kaite. “This Zoo Phonics program will help my students to learn their letters and letter sounds. This will be a starting foundation for my students. It will help prepare them for kindergarten and beginning to read.

PARIS – Penny Bassett

Most people do not know there is a Paris, Idaho. While it does not resemble its French namesake, it does sit close to Bear Lake near the conjunction of Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah in the southeast corner of the state.

In mid-November, Paris Elementary received six new tables in Penny Bassett’s classroom, compliments of the Idaho Lottery and Classroom Wishlist.

“My classroom is a split grade classroom with 27 students,” described Penny. “In order to be more effective in our learning we do a lot of groups and centers. Having tables to work at are much easier and more conducive to group activities.”