RATHDRUM — Just as the moose is mighty, Mountain View Alternative High School's support for its students and their families is strong and steadfast.

The school hosted a Moose Family Night on Wednesday, opening its doors for students, their loved ones and community members to explore resources, educational exercises and other local opportunities available in North Idaho.

"We're learning a lot about colleges and where he wants to go, what path he wants to take," said Angela Gravelle, who attended Moose Family Night with son Ethan Sailor, a Mountain View senior interested in pursuing animation when he graduates.

Ethan said he enjoyed interacting with people during Moose Family Night.

"It's almost like a community fair with all these people showing off their stuff," he said.

Among those who gave presentations or had educational booths were Gizmo-CdA, Panhandle Health District, North Idaho College, the Idaho National Guard, Lakeland Head Start and the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Gizmo innovative educators Ivana Johnson and Alayna Utt encouraged students and their parents to participate in interactive mining and robotics exhibits, which proved to be entertaining and educational.

"We are just so excited for them to have opportunities they might not have otherwise," Utt said, adding that Gizmo has a plethora of after-school activities for kids and teens.

Johnson said it was a priceless feeling to participate in the evening and engage with students and families.

"I know when I was growing up, I always wished someone would interact with me on this level, and those opportunities are slim," she said. "I'm so happy people like Alayna and I can come out and make these opportunities not sparse. People will know there's a place to go and people to see that will help you explore and grow as young little minds."

Moose Family Night is held once a quarter. It serves as a parent-teacher conference night, but has blossomed into an evening of community engagement.

"The more we expose kids and families to what's in the community, the more they know what their options are," said school counselor Kelli Aiken. "We've got kids having good conversations with the community providers, the parents are having good conversations as well and learning about programs that can help their kids not only here but as they transition to job training, college or life after school. That's the win for me, is having those connections for kids."

Senior Jimmy Gardiner, decked out in Lewis-Clark State College gear, has been a Mountain View student since freshman year. He is also a computer repair and cybersecurity student at Kootenai Technical Education Campus.

"Tonight is awesome," he said. "I've been wanting to talk to the Lewis-Clark representative who's here."

He said this event means more resources for students.

"Most of the students are underprivileged, you know, low income, don't get a chance to have a fun day like this," Jimmy said. "You can spin a wheel, learn about cool things, learn about robotics, color things. The lives of many students aren't as great, their upbringings aren't as great, but the school brings this opportunity to see the community, see the people and it brings to light the situations that we have."

Mountain View Principal Paul Uzzi said it's exciting to see the engagement that happens during Moose Family Night.

"It really speaks to how comfortable the students feel with school," he said. "We really strive to build strong relationships with them, because with strong relationships comes that student who wants to work hard and really perform well. It's nice to see the kids just chat with teachers and excited to see each other after school. It's neat to see them chatting with community resources and looking at possibilities for their future."

The next Moose Family Night will be in December.