State superintendent Debbie Critchfield hit the ground running Monday.

She began her day with breakfast at the Boise Centre for the Know Your Government Conference — a 4-H sponsored event that encourages youth to engage with their communities and learn about local government.

And she continued her youth-oriented morning back at the State Department of Education and a meeting with Gracie Castillo, a senior at Garden Valley High School. Castillo presented to the House and Senate education committees Monday, sharing with lawmakers her experience as a student raised by rural schools.

Castillo discussed how she’s able to build relationships with students of all ages in her small community, and told legislators about the unique opportunities she receives in Garden Valley — like getting to dissect roadkill off Highway 55 in her science class.

She followed up with a meeting with education stakeholders, and then appeared on a panel for the Idaho School Boards Association’s Day on the Hill event. There, she gave input to local school board trustees and education leaders about what’s being talked about in the Legislature, and how to get involved.

She headed to the Senate Education Committee Monday afternoon to hear Castillo’s full presentation to the committee, and will conclude her day at the Boise Centre for the Larry Brannen Idaho Ag Summit Strolling Supper.