Back-To-School 2025 by Lewiston Tribune

Tools,Tips,andTrends fora Successful SchoolYear

WELCOME BACK

Five important things to consider when choosing a school backpack

The new school year is fast approaching! It’s time to think about buying school supplies for your child. Do they need a new backpack this year? Making an informed choice will ensure they feel comfortable wearing it and can help prevent back problems. Here are five crucial elements to consider, along with some expert advice for safe use.

1. Dimensions. Choose a backpack that fits your child. The backpack should extend from the base of their neck to the small of their back without protruding beyond their shoulder. A backpack that’s too large can negatively impact your child’s posture and balance over time.

2. Straps. Look for straps that are at least five centimetres wide and adjustable to ensure better weight distribution and increased comfort. Consider a backpack with additional chest and hip straps to stabilize the bag and promote proper posture.

3.Compartments. Select a backpack with multiple easyto-use compartments. It will help distribute the weight of school supplies, such as pencils and textbooks.

4. Material and padding. Opt for a backpack made from durable canvas with a lightly padded back for added comfort. Ensure the shoulder straps are thick to prevent painful pressure points.

5. Visibility. Prioritize safety by choosing a backpack with reﬂective elements. These features will increase your child’s visibility when they’re on the move, especially during the early mornings or late afternoons in the winter months.

Visit your local shops to find the ideal backpack for the upcoming school year.

Join the Magic of Live Theatre!

Lewiston Civic Theatre – Celebrating 60+ Years of Community, Creativity & Connection

For over six decades, the Lewiston Civic Theatre has been a cultural cornerstone of the Lewis-Clark Valley—bringing people together through powerful performances, creative exploration, and hands-on opportunities for all ages.

What We Do:

• Inspire audiences with diverse stories, cultures & perspectives

• Nurture young talent through theatre education

• Offer performance & backstage roles for actors, artists, and volunteers

• Bring quality entertainment and connection to our community

Get Involved This Season! 2025–2026 Auditions:

• Big Fish (Musical) – July 28 & 29

• The Sound of Music (Musical) – Sept 29 & 30 (Double casting for children)

• Nunsense (Musical) – Dec 1 & 2 (Special event at Lindsay Creek Vineyard)

• The Play That Goes Wrong (Play) – Jan 26 & 27

• Mamma Mia (Musical) – April 6 & 7

Acting Out Youth Company – Fall Acting Classes

Details coming soon—stay tuned!

Whether you’re ready to shine onstage, work behind the scenes, or cheer us on from the audience, there’s a place for YOU at the Lewiston Civic Theatre.

www.lctheatre.org | (208) 746-3401 | Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

Will your child be biking to school this fall?

Follow this guide!

Back-to-school season is just around the corner! Will your child be biking to school for the first time? This is a fantastic opportunity to promote your child’s independence and encourage a healthy lifestyle. These practices and habits will help keep them safe.

Bike maintenance

Start by inspecting the condition of your child’s bike. Does it have all the mandatory reﬂectors? Reliable brakes, properly inﬂated tires and a strong chain are crucial for a smooth ride.

Protective helmet

Wearing a helmet is vital to prevent serious injuries in case of a fall or collision. Ensure your child’s helmet fits correctly and fastens securely for maximum protection.

Optimal visibility

Dress your child in bright colours or clothes with reﬂective strips to help other road users spot them. Highly visible clothing is especially important on overcast days or at dusk.

Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles

Remind your child that heavy vehicles like trucks and buses have large blind spots. Encourage them to keep a safe distance and always remain visible to drivers.

Finally, to help your child feel more comfortable, ride to school with them a few times before school starts.

Quick guide to labelling school supplies

Before the start of the school year, you should take the time to properly label your children’s supplies. Try these tips.

• Markers. Label ring binders, pencil cases and clothing with permanent markers to ensure they stand out.

• Self-adhesive labels. Stick labels on small items like pencil sharpeners, scissors and glue sticks. Opt for bigger labels on textbooks and larger books to make them easily identifiable.

• Label maker. Invest in a small label printer to create attractive, clearly legible labels for plastic containers and water bottles.

Shop for all the necessary supplies at your local school supply stores and set aside time to label everything with your child.

Three benefits of extracurricular activities in secondary education 101 Notetaking

Mastering effective notetaking is essential to your success, whether you’re in high school, college or university. Try these simple tips to improve your technique.

PREPARE YOUR MATERIALS

Before class starts, gather everything you need, including pencils, highlighters, sharpeners, erasers, rulers and more.

PRACTICE ACTIVE LISTENING

Eliminate distractions during the lesson. Listen carefully so you can pinpoint key information and jot it down. Don’t hesitate to ask questions for clarification on certain points.

USE ABBREVIATIONS

Speed up your writing by using abbreviations and symbols. For example, write “b/c” instead of “because,” and use an asterisk to mark something important.

WRITE DOWN ONLY THE ESSENTIALS

Writing everything down is unnecessary and unhelpful. Instead, concentrate on the main ideas, key concepts, important dates and relevant examples.

USE VISUAL AIDS

Add arrows, tables, geometric shapes, pictograms or diagrams to illustrate relationships between concepts.

STRUCTURE YOUR PAGES

Well-structured notes will help you better memorize and understand the information. Organize your notes with titles, subtitles and bullet points to create a clear layout. Leave spaces between sections to enhance readability.

REVISE YOUR NOTES

Spend a few minutes after class reviewing and completing your notes. Rephrase sections to improve clarity, if needed. You’ll find that the more often you take notes, the better you’ll become.

Adolescence is a critical period for physical, intellectual and social development. Extracurricular activities can significantly enhance young people’s integration and growth while they’re in high school. Here are three key benefits.

1. A SENSE OF BELONGING

Extracurricular activities, whether in sports, arts or sciences, allow young people to meet peers who share their interests. This connection fosters friendships and cultivates a greater sense of belonging, which is vital for building strong interpersonal relationships.

2. BETTER CONCENTRATION

Studies indicate that young people who participate in extracurricular activities often show higher motivation and exhibit fewer behavioural issues in class. Moreover, they can concentrate better, which leads to an improvement in overall academic performance.

3. HEALTHY EMOTIONAL MANAGEMENT

Participating in activities like volleyball, music rehearsals or volunteering teaches valuable lessons related to emotional management. Young people can learn to calm themselves and express their feelings appropriately. These skills enable them to handle stressful situations effectively throughout their lives.

In short, extracurricular activities in secondary school are a win-win! Encourage your teenager to get involved in one. If they need equipment or materials, check out your local shops.

What Is a Charter School— and Why Choose One?

By Scott Zuercher, Principal of Pinecrest Academy of Lewiston

As families in the LC Valley prepare for the new school year, many are asking important questions about their child’s education: Is my child getting the attention they need? Are they excited to learn? Is school preparing them for the future? At Pinecrest Academy of Lewiston, we believe charter schools offer powerful answers. What exactly is a charter school?

Charter schools are public schools that operate with greater ﬂexibility and independence than traditional district schools. That ﬂexibility allows us to innovate in ways that truly benefit students. Pinecrest Academy of Lewiston is proud to be the first and only charter school in Lewiston, serving students in grades K–7. Our mission is to provide a high-quality, student-centered education rooted in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and Project-Based Learning (PBL). In our classrooms, students don’t just memorize facts—they collaborate, create, experiment, and solve real-world problems!

Because we are a free public school, any family in Idaho can choose to enroll with us. We offer small class sizes, a tight-knit

community, and a missiondriven staff that focuses on student growth, curiosity, and creativity.

We also prioritize the development of strong character and leadership skills. Our students are encouraged to ask questions, take initiative, and think critically—preparing them not only for academic success but for life beyond the classroom.

Choosing a charter school means choosing a different kind of learning experience—one that values innovation, personalization, and student voice. If you’re looking for a school that thinks outside the box, we invite you to discover what makes Pinecrest Academy of Lewiston special.

Learn more at pinecrestlewiston.org or call us at (208) 717-3855. Applications for the 2025–26 school year are open now.

Tips for recognizing and managing performance anxiety in your teenager

The start of the school year often brings stress for young people, which is completely normal. However, this stress can sometimes linger, leading to a persistent fear of failure or a feeling that disaster is just around the corner. Is your teenager suffering from performance anxiety? Here’s how to recognize and manage it. Signs to look out for When performance anxiety takes hold of a teenager, several symptoms may appear. Watch for these signs:

• They frequently complain of stomach aches or headaches, fatigue, insomnia or hot flashes. They may describe the feeling of having a lump in their throat or stomach before going to school.

• They have negative self-talk, such as “I’m useless,” “I’m definitely going to fail,” or “I forget everything all the time.”

• Their behaviour has changed. They may develop motor tics, experience fluctuations in appetite, seek constant approval, isolate themselves or procrastinate. Possible solutions

As a parent or supportive adult, you can help a teenager struggling with performance anxiety. Start by being present and listening to them. Encourage them to talk about their emotions. A touch of humour can help lighten the mood. Discuss various strategies to improve their sense of well-being, such as:

• Adopting healthier eating, sleeping and physical activity habits

• Doing relaxing exercises such as heart coherence and meditation

• Expressing their feelings to a trusted person to help them gain more clarity

There are many other ways to address this complex issue. Don’t hesitate to reach out to local resources for further support.

How can I prepare for parent-teacher meetings?

Every parent wants their child to succeed at school. Meetings with teachers, especially during report card time, provide a golden opportunity to gain an accurate understanding of your child’s performance. Proper preparation for these meetings is essential. Use this guide to help you do just that.

Analyze the report card

Once your child receives their report card, take some time to review it together. Discuss the results and ask questions about each subject. Inquire about their favourites and the ones they find challenging. This conversation can help you better understand their strengths, engagement levels and overall attitude toward learning.

Write down questions

After you’ve analyzed the report card and discussed it with your child, write down any questions that come to mind for you to ask the teacher. Avoid overly open-ended questions like, “How’s it going?” Instead, opt for more direct formulations. Consider asking:

• Is my child making normal progress in math?

• Do they listen carefully to instructions in class?

• How can I motivate them to do homework?

Also, bring a notebook or use your phone to take notes on the teacher’s advice and any resources they suggest.

Be open-minded

Parent-teacher meetings can feel daunting but remember that teachers are your allies. They, too, want to help your child succeed in school. Be ready to discuss potentially sensitive topics, such as poor behaviour or a lack of motivation. Remind yourself that meeting the teacher is a step in the right direction.

Do you need help preparing? Contact your child’s school service centre for additional resources.

Where to Find Us in August!

August 7th & 8th (Thursday/Friday)

SPORT Physical Therapy - 3506 12th St. (Orchards) 3pm-7pm

August 9th (Saturday)

SPORT Physical Therapy - 3506 12th St. (Orchards) 11am-7 pm

August 12th (Tuesday)

Food Truck Night - Nez Perce County Fair Building 5pm-9pm

August 14th & 15th (Thursday/Friday)

Next to the Lewiston Library parking lot - 523 D Street 3-7pm

August 16th (Saturday) 523 D Street 11am-7pm

August 21st & 22nd (Thursday/Friday)

Hot August Nights - 523 D Street 3pm-7pm

August 23rd (Saturday), 11am-7pm (Special Menu - Thursday/Friday/Saturday)

Show Your School Spirit with Artbeat!

Whether you’re gearing up for game day, organizing a club, or prepping for class spirit week, Artbeat is your local go-to for custom school apparel. We specialize in highquality screen printing and embroidery, and we’ve spent years curating school designs that capture the pride of communities across the region. From tees to hoodies, spirit packs to team gear— if you can wear it, we can print it.

Stop by Artbeat or visit us online to find the perfect look that reps your school in style. Big or small, we do it all—with fast turnaround times and friendly, personalized service.

School Spirit Headquarters

SCHOOL BREAK SCHEDULE

Thanksgiving Break

November 26-28, 2025

Winter Break

December 22-January 2, 2026

Spring Break

March 30-April 3, 2026

Asotin County Library Details

DOWNTOWN LIBRARY:

417 Sycamore St, Clarkston Open Mon – Sat Mon-Wed 10am–7pm, Thurs & Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–3pm

HEIGHTS BRANCH: 2036 4th Ave, Clarkston

Open Mon – Sat Mon & Wed 10am–5pm, Tues, Thurs & Fri 12–5pm, Sat 10am–3pm

Closed Sundays & Holidays

Book Return Drop Boxes Available at Downtown Library and Heights Branch

Visit www.asotincountylibrary.org to learn more and follow us on our socials

Subscribe to our monthly digital newsletter at www.asotincountylibrary.org.

Access to books, DVDs, music and more in the Valnet Library Catalog www.valnet.org

Borrow digital books at www.valnet.overdrive.com or with the Libby app

facebook.com/AsotinCountyLibrary

Instagram: Asotin County Library

Start the School Year Strong with Your Library!

Asotin County Library – Your Free Resource Hub

From kindergarten to college, the Asotin County Library is here to support students, families, and educators this school year with:

• Homework Help & Research Tools

Access online databases, encyclopedias, and tutoring resources—free with your library card.

• Free Wi-Fi & Computer Access

Work, study, or print your assignments in a quiet and connected space.

• Books for Every Age & Interest

From early readers to college prep guides—our shelves are stocked and ready.

• Study Spaces

Reserve a quiet room or study solo in our welcoming reading areas.

• Friendly Staff, Always Happy to Help!

Make this your best year yet—start with your Asotin County Library!

Visit us at our Clarkston and Heights branches or online at www.asotincountylibrary.org

Phone: 509-758-5454 | Email: yourlibrary@aclib.org

Why Choose Moscow School District?

Academic Excellence

Moscow School District is consistently one of Idaho’s topperforming districts across all grade levels and subjects. These outcomes reﬂect the district’s focus on academic rigor, outstanding educators, and targeted student support.

• English Language Arts and Mathematics (ISAT): Moscow ranks as a top-performing large district (over 2,000 students) in ELA and Math proficiency.

• K-3 Reading (IRI): Ranked #2 among large districts and #10 statewide, ensuring a strong foundation for early readers.

• SAT Performance: Moscow High School regularly ranks in the top ten statewide for SAT averages and is a recognized as a distinguished AP program, preparing students for postsecondary success.

Expanded Learning Opportunities

Moscow offers students diverse ways to explore interests and prepare for future careers.

• Business Partnerships: Real-world learning with local businesses like SEL (engineering) and Knit (architecture).

• Adventure Club: A low-cost, after-school and summer enrichment program.

• Career & Technical Education (CTE): Strong CTE programs in agriculture, business, health, and more—with courses starting at the middle school level.

• Maker Space & Podcast Studio: Creative, hands-on learning spaces that foster innovation and communication skills.

Strong Community Support

MSD ensures students have what they need to thrive— academically, socially, and emotionally.

• Resource Hub: Free clothing, toiletries, school supplies, and books.

• Food Support: School-based pantries and grocery vouchers for families in need.

• Medical Liaison & School Nurses: Helping families address health issues that impact learning.

• Therapeutic Counseling: In-school mental health support in partnership with local providers.

• Community Partnerships: Collaborations with SEL, Gritman, U of I, Blue Cross of Idaho, and many more public and private entities support students and families beyond the classroom.

Arts, PE, and Athletics Moscow is home to award-winning music, art, and physical education programs from grades K through 12. Students participate state and nationally recognized programs and have the opportunity to explore and showcase their creative talents.

Moscow’s student-athletes are not only competing at the highest level but also setting records and bringing home state championships, further cementing the district’s reputation for excellence. Our recent successes include the 2024 State Champion Baseball team and the 2025 State Champion Girls Track Team as well as multiple state trophies, individual champions and state record holders in other sports including soccer, golf, and swimming.

Why Moscow?

Because it’s more than a school district— it’s a community. With top academic performance, rich extracurricular offerings, deep community ties, and a welcoming environment, Moscow School District is the ideal place for students to learn, grow, and thrive. Everyone is welcome here!