Debbie Critchfield — in the midst of her first week on the job — headed to the Magic Valley to tour Simply Hope Family Outreach, a Burley-based family outreach program and community crisis center.

Simply Hope’s youth program is aimed at supporting teens struggling with behavioral health.

“These types of models are so good for kids and communities,” Critchfield told Scott Graf, the new communications director for the State Department of Education. “I love to be an advocate for them when I can.”

Today’s was Graf’s first day in his new job. He spent the past six years as the public information officer and director of constituent affairs at the attorney general’s office. He’s a former news director for Boise State Public Radio, and worked in news radio for 15 years.

Critchfield also met virtually with a national rural schools group today, and had a planning meeting for a panel she’ll be on next week.

The superintendent will be back in Boise Friday for her formal induction ceremony, where she’ll join Gov. Brad Little and other elected officials in reciting the oath of office on the Statehouse steps.