It’s open enrollment time for FBCS

By Reader Staff

Forrest M. Bird Charter School is now taking applications for the 2023-’24 school year. This year’s open enrollment window is scheduled to close on Thursday, March 23 at the end of the school day.

“This is such a great time at our school. It is wonderful to see who in the community is interested in our school,” stated longtime FBCS middle school teacher Todd Claunch. “And, after being here for over 20 years, we are starting to see former students bring their kids to us. That is really cool.”

Maddie Herron, middle school office assistant, also stated that during this time families often stop by seeking a tour or just to ask some questions.

“Our buildings are rather secluded, so we encourage families to reach out if they need details to find us. I’m always excited to share our school with new people,” she said.

As a public charter school, FBCS takes any student who applies as long as there is availability in that grade level. If, however, there are more applicants than available seats in a given grade, then every student who has applied goes into a lottery. The lottery is held on the last day of the enrollment period at the end of the day.

For more information, call FBCS middle school at 208-255-7771 or FBCS high school at 208-265-9737. Applications can be found at either building or online at forrestbirdcharterschool.org. Prospective students and their parents or guardians are also welcome to call to set up a tour.

Adoption fees waived at Better Together Animal Alliance

Community assistance needed to find homes for cats and dogs

By Reader Staff

Now is a perfect time for animal lovers to bring home a new furry friend. From Friday, March 10-Friday, March 24, Better Together Animal Alliance (BTAA) is waiving adoption fees on all adult pets to help them find homes faster.

While not everyone is in a position to adopt a pet right now, there are other ways to help and support these animals and find them homes during this time.

Visit bettertogetheranimalalliance.org/ adopt and share some of the animal profiles to your social media accounts, or send them to friends or family members who are looking to adopt.

Consider becoming a foster home for animals in our community. When you register as a foster through BTAA, all food, supplies and medical support are provided — you just provide the home and care. Visit bettertogetheranimalalliance.org/foster to register.

Donate to BTAA. This could be a financial contribution or in the form of food or other supplies. Visit bettertogetheranimalalliance.org/ways-to-give to see how you can support animals in our community and check out BTAA’s supply wish list.

Volunteer as a dog walker, cat room attendant or help with other duties around the animal care center. Visit bettertogetheranimalalliance.org/volunteer to learn more and apply.

Learn more about adopting a pet at BTAA by calling the animal care center at 208-265-7297 ext. 100 or by visiting bettertogetheranimalalliance.org/adopt.

VA outreach scheduled for Clark Fork

By Reader Staff

On Tuesday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bonner County Veterans Service Officer Bryan Hult will be at the Clark Fork Public Library to answer questions about current veteran’s benefits, assist with ongoing claims, and initiate new claims for benefits for eligible veterans and their dependents.

The Clark Fork Public Library is located at 601 Main St. Veterans will be seen by appointment only to ensure they are given quality time. Call 208-255-5291 no later than Friday, March 17 to schedule an appointment. If there are no appointments scheduled for this outreach, or if conditions prohibit travel, the outreach will be canceled.

Top: A mural highlighting the importance of a healthy salmon population, done in collaboration with the Umatilla, Nez Perce and other Native tribes, as well as teens, children and “us old ladies” at the Memorial Community Center in Hope. Photo sent by Kally Thurman.

Far right: A snow squall captured on March 2. “Within a few short minutes it blew across the lake and reached Hope,” said photographer Cynthia Mason. “Day turned to night as it became dark.”

Middle left: A quiet winter scene taken while skiing at Round Lake State Park after a fresh snowfall. Photograph by Denise Zembryki.

Bottom left: An interesting phenomenon captured on Feb. 25 after a big wind storm and cold snap blew through the region. “The ice chunks look to average about 3” in diameter and kinda look like fish scales,” wrote photographer Jon Hagadone.

To submit a photo for a future edition, please send to ben@sandpointreader.com.

Want to sponsor this page for $50? Please contact Kelsey Kizer at kelsey@sandpointreader. com for more info.