So far during school year 2008-2009, the teachers have really been enjoying TIC with much success. If you remember, last year we held the very first TIC workshop for teachers in southeast Idaho and increased the total classrooms involved in the program from one to nine, extending participation to American Falls, Blackfoot, and Marsh Valley.

In January 2009, we held another very successful Trout in the Classroom workshop at Snake River Junior High near Blackfoot. Gregg Losinksi, another IDFG Regional Conservation Educator from the Upper Snake region, co-taught the workshop and contributed terrific talents and knowledge. We also had incredible help from Jeffrey Seggerman and other American Falls Hatchery staff as they donated time and energy to conduct a hatchery tour, dissect fish, and give presentations . Brenda Beckley, our Aquatic Education Coordinator out of Boise, sent over tons of supplies, materials, and lent tremendous support. In fact, through an EPA grant, she provided funds to cover the costs of the workshop and even paid for lodging for those teachers traveling from out of the area!

We had 20 teachers and two TIC volunteers attend from all over southeastern and eastern Idaho. The Upper Snake region now has TIC in full swing, and we added even more classrooms here in this region. Our grand total for TIC participation here in southeast Idaho is now 16 classes, adding Shelley and Preston to the mix, ranging from 1st grade to high school! And, one of the teachers works with the After School Program at her elementary school, meaning that children from various classes and age groups can participate together in this educational experience at one school.

Because of the generous donations from SEIFF, JR Simplot Co, PetCo in Pocatello and private donations administered through your club as well as funds contributed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, we have enough money to ensure that each teacher enrolled in TIC in southeast Idaho has equipment and chillers. What a fantastic feat!!

Thank you so much for all of your efforts, support, and funding. SEIFF made the expansion of TIC in this region possible, and on behalf of the teachers and Idaho Department of Fish and Game, I extend our thanks and appreciation.