A Special Visit From Wiley Peterson!

Lillian Valley recently had a special visitor. Famous 2007 PBR World Finals Event Champion Wiley Peterson made an appearance on Friday, February 24th to meet and talk with the kids. Having grown up in Fort Hall and been a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, the famous bull rider was able to not only relate to all of the kids, but was also a great motivator and role model for everyone. He gave the kids a quick explanation of the steps he takes to get ready to ride a bull, and some tips on being successful in PBR (Professional Bull Riders). Wiley Peterson discussed with the kids about the importance of working hard, being healthy, making good choices and having high goals for themselves. He also stressed the importance of his faith, telling the kids that his relationship with Christ is extremely important to him. He brought in all of his bull riding gear and the kids had a blast checking it all out, and even trying on some of it! After he told his story, the kids had the opportunity to ask Wiley questions, including ones like: "When is your birthday?" and "When will you start riding again?" The morning visit ended with the kids all lined up to get Wiley's autograph and finally, a group picture.
Wiley briefly discussed his upcoming events, including a bull riding clinic for children on March 23rd and 24th in Pocatello. For more information on this event and Wiley Peterson, visit his website at http://wileypetersen.com/.

In the Classroom

The kids have been hard at work in the classroom over the past weeks. Mrs. Young's kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders have been reading The Mouse and the Motorcycle together. They kids are really enjoying the book and are very excited to finish it because when they do, they will get to watch the movie that accompanies the book.
Mr. Belnap's 3rd, 4th and 5th graders have been working very diligently on academics, and have started a new math system. The kids are working on division, subtraction, addition and other math skill worksheets. Each 90% on a worksheet gives them a star on their sticker chart, which they can later trade in for prizes. The kids have been more excited about doing math and have been working very hard to earn their stars.

Culture Day Friday

On Friday, January 20th the students participated in a Stick Game tournament for Culture Day Friday. The students truly enjoyed learning the traditional Indian game for the two weeks before the tournament, and caught on very quickly. The kids were split into seven teams of three, with each group of kids being able to pick a team name for themselves. The game was played to traditional Stick Game music, by the artist Gabby Corral Jr. On another fun note, the artist’s mother, Latrcia Stone, is a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe and Gabby Corral Jr. will actually be making a visit to Fort Hall this spring. The students are excited for his visit and very eager to play the game again.

The results of tournament are as follows:

1st Place: Team Sho-Ban Girlz (Kalianna (team captain) and Samantha)

2nd Place: Team Butterflies (Angel (team captain) Aracely and Taylen)

3rd Place: Team Green Natives-Keno (team captain) Xavier and A'Miah

Other team names included: Pink Hello Kitty's, Pink Roses & a Gentleman, The Eagles, and Blue Spirits

Box Top Winners!

General Mills and Associated Food Stores recently announced that Lillian Vallely School, received First Prize in the company's annual Box Tops For Education drawing. We received an extra 5,000 Bonus Box Tops a value of $500 to purchase books and A.R. tests for our students! Thank you to everyone that saves their Box Tops and sends them to us!

Mr. Kenneth Thomasma

Kenneth Thomasma, author of children's books featuring Native American children, visited Gate City Elementary School in Pocatello, ID, and we were invited to attend. Mr. Thomasma shared the story of Naya Nuki, the Shoshoni Girl Who Ran, he told the children how Naya Nuki and her friend, Sacajawea, had been captured by enemy warriors brandishing "fire sticks", as guns were called by the Shoshone people. Although young and afraid, Naya Nuki immediately began planning her escape, determined to return to her mother and her people. After months of patiently planning and preparing Naya Nuki makes her escape during a thunderstorm knowing if she is caught she will be killed. She was an 11 year old girl that walked 1000 miles determined to go home. At the end of Mr. Thomasma's presentation, he selected Lillian Vallely School first-grader Tiana Jim to receive an autographed copy of his book Naya Nuki: Shoshoni Girl Who Ran, saying Tiana had a similar appearance and features of Naya Nuki.

Roller Skating!

Each month, reading goals are established to determine the number of books each student must read and successfully pass the books Accelerated Reading quiz with an 80% or greater. For February all students who reached their goal were treated to a reward activity at Deleta Roller Skating rink in Pocatello, ID.

Throughout the month of February, we rewarded our most-enthusiastic readers with a free pizza from Pizza Hut. Any student who reads five books and passes the Accelerated Reading quiz with an 80% or higher for that book received a free personal pan pizza courtesy of Pizza Hut Restaurant's Book It! program. This is a nationwide reading incentive program sponsored by Pizza Hut. Book It! motivates children to read by rewarding their reading accomplishments with praise, recognition and PIZZA!