COMMUNITY
FBCS principal to retire after 21 years at school By Reader Staff After 21 years at Forrest M Bird Charter School, Principal Jennifer Greve has announced her retirement at the end of this school year. “I have worked with youth for 30 years. It has been a great career and I love FBCS,” she said. “But it is time for me to try something new.” Greve has been on the school’s staff from the first day it opened as Sandpoint Charter School in 2001. Originally the school secretary, she became a teacher and then a school administrator. Coworkers consider Greve to be instrumental in FBCS’s success. Teacher Sarah Evans explained, “Jennifer has been one of the most caring principals I have ever worked for. She works hard to make all teachers and students feel seen as the individuals that they are.” Special Education Director Kenda Rus-
sell became involved with the school as a parent. “Jennifer’s enthusiasm made me want to become a teacher. She will be sorely missed but we are happy for her in her retirement.” Greve has mixed emotions about retirement but believes that it’s time to step aside for a new generation of educators. “The teachers at FBCS are an amazing team. They are ready to take on the leadership roles that will ensure the school’s success for the next 20 years.” When asked about her immediate plans, Greve didn’t hesitate. “I am looking forward to spending more time with my husband and being available for our college-bound daughter,” she said, adding, “I am going to explore my other interests in conflict resolution and leadership development and see where they take me.”
Jennifer Greve (center) having fun with FBCS students. Courtesy photo.
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 12 / R / March 9, 2023
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.
By Reader Staff
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.
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
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.