Iris Chimburas

My name is Iris Chimburas. I am Santee Sioux and Nez Perce. I grew up in Flandreau, South Dakota. I am a wife to one lucky Carlo Chimburas a Northern Ute. Together we have five beautifully ornery children: RedSky 24, Ione Skye 22, Lakota Rose 19, Wanbli GoodThunder 15, and Juan 10. They are my greatest accomplishments! I have 1 grandson Wihinape Suuhghut! He is a 1 year old and rules the world! I am the Dean of Students for Lapwai Middle High School. I currently serve on the Lewis Clark State College Advisory Board and Idaho State Department of Education Professional Standards Commission. I have my Masters Degree in Education and have been in the field of teaching for over 22 years and ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!!!!!!

As Dean of Students, my goal is to work directly with our community in establishing a Culture of Hope. It’s going to require profound changes that will challenge many to rethink how we view teaching and learning. Together we can create a school atmosphere focused on optimism, respect, safety, and success. Every student has the right to be educated in a safe, respectful and welcoming environment. Every educator has the right to teach in an atmosphere free from disruption and obstacles that impede learning. This will be achieved through the adoption and implementation of a consistent Student Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct is designed to EMPOWER our students. It is designed to TEACH our students how to make POSITIVE decisions within their lives. Students will be able to LEARN from their mistakes and CREATE GOALS. Students: By following the Lapwai Student Code of Conduct we will gain knowledge to empower us. We will have respect for ourselves and for others. We will identify a positive path in life. Our high expectations of ourselves will lead to high achievements and allow us to grow to our full potential so that we may be positive leaders in our communities.