Boise School District News
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 (Updated)
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Boise School District Leads Idaho with the Most U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates
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The Boise School District proudly announces that 28 of its high school seniors have been named candidates in the prestigious 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, the highest number of candidates from any single public or private school or school district in Idaho.
Out of 80 Idaho high school seniors selected statewide, Boise School District students account for an impressive 35% of the total candidates. This remarkable achievement is even more noteworthy given that the Boise School District represents just 7% of Idaho's total public school enrollment.
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BOISE SCHOOL BOARD CORNER
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Boise School Board Recognizes Outstanding Staff with February 2025 Red and Golden Apple Awards
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The Boise School Board is proud to recognize exceptional staff members who go above and beyond in their roles with the Red and Golden Apple Awards for February 2025. These prestigious awards, presented monthly during the school year, celebrate both certified and classified staff for their dedication, hard work, and contributions to the success of Boise School District students and schools.
The Red Apple Award, given to certified staff members, highlights those who excel in their teaching and instructional roles, fostering a positive learning environment and inspiring students to achieve their best. The February 2025 recipient is Patti Bellan, Peer Assistant, AVID Consulting Teacher, Boise School District, for her invaluable support, coaching, and guidance to teachers, helping them deliver the highest quality instruction to our students.
The Golden Apple Award recognizes classified staff for their invaluable behind-the-scenes support, from administrative roles to operations and maintenance, ensuring our schools run smoothly and efficiently. The February 2025 honoree is Stacy Rogers, Administrative Assistant, Treasure Valley Math & Science Center, for her unwavering support to students, staff, and families.
These award recipients exemplify the Boise School District's commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and a strong, supportive school community. Congratulations to Patti Bellan and Stacy Rogers for their outstanding contributions!
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Expanding Career Pathways: A Look at CTE Success in Boise Schools
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Boise School District is committed to preparing students for the future through Career Technical Education (CTE), and a recent update to the Board of Trustees highlighted the impressive growth and success of these programs.
A Strong Leadership Team
Under a newly restructured leadership model, CTE is thriving. Wendy Johnson, Area Director for CTE, ensures communication and alignment across programs, while Chelsie Wilson, K-12 CTE Program Advocate, oversees program development and funding. Alongside them, Jeff Roberts (DTEC Principal), Jen Keavney (CTE Student Opportunities Coordinator), and Brandon Hampton (CTE Industry Liaison) work to strengthen opportunities for students at every level.
Growing Participation & Impact
CTE participation in Boise Schools is on the rise, with a record number of students enrolled in courses at the Dennis Technical Education Center (DTEC). High school participation ranges from 43% to 50%, while junior high participation spans from 31% to 50% per school. These students gain valuable technical, employability, and life skills—better preparing them for life beyond graduation.
Industry Certifications & Career Preparation
Students are taking advantage of hands-on learning experiences through internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning. The Tech Squad at DTEC, for example, not only provides IT support to the District but has saved over $30,000 in equipment costs. Meanwhile, students earned 2,342 industry certifications last year, including CNA, OSHA 10, and welding certifications, with more opportunities like phlebotomy and fiber optics training on the horizon.
Looking Ahead
CTE leadership is actively exploring new program pathways to align with high-demand careers and student interests. A recent survey of high school students is helping shape the direction for future course offerings, ensuring students have even more opportunities to develop in-demand skills for their future careers.
For a deeper dive into the successes and future plans for CTE in Boise Schools, view the full presentation made to the Board of Trustees here or watch the following video.
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Click the video link above to watch Chelsie Wilson, K-12 Career Technical Education Program Advocate, present to the Board of Trustees on the successes, growth, and future opportunities of Career Technical Education (CTE) in the Boise School District.
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Boise Students Shine in SkillsUSA, DECA, and CTE Advocacy
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Boise School District students recently showcased their leadership and advocacy skills through their participation in SkillsUSA, DECA, and Career Technical Education (CTE) advocacy efforts at the state level.
Representing CTE at the State Capitol
Kenzie Banks, SkillsUSA Idaho High School President and a DTEC student, delivered an outstanding speech to the Idaho House Education Committee, advocating for the value and impact of CTE programs. Her passionate presentation highlighted the opportunities and career pathways CTE provides students across the state.
Meanwhile, Yvonne Shen, Idaho DECA State President and a Boise High student, represented Boise Schools at a student-led advocacy luncheon, where she engaged with legislators and industry leaders about the importance of business and marketing education.
SkillsUSA Week Proclamation
DTEC SkillsUSA officers joined fellow SkillsUSA members from across Idaho for the official SkillsUSA Week Proclamation, signed by Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke. This event reinforced the significance of career and technical education in preparing students for the workforce and beyond.
We are incredibly proud of these student leaders for their dedication to advancing CTE opportunities and advocating for their peers. Their involvement exemplifies the impact of hands-on learning and leadership in shaping future careers.
To watch Kenzie's presentation to the House Education Committee, visit this link and start at 19:14 in the February 5th recording.
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SkillsUSA’s High School President, Kenzie Banks, spoke at the House Education Committee to tell her story of how CTE programs and SkillsUSA has helped her on her career readiness journey, and the opportunities that CTSOs can provide for students!
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Yvonne Shen, Idaho DECA State President, (pictured - center, front, blue jacket) in the group photo, is a Boise High Business and Marketing student. She advocated with legislators and industry partners at a student-led luncheon.
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TVMSC Science Bowl Team Wins Regional Title, Advances to National Competition
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TVMSC Science Bowl Team #1 has won the regional championship and will advance to the National Science Bowl Competition in Washington, D.C. Team #2 also excelled, earning third place.
Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the National Science Bowl is a fast-paced academic competition testing middle school students in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, Energy, and Math.
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Team #1 – Regional Champions
- Coach: Allyson Randall
- Students: Maria Ma, Jonas Wen, Elvin Song, Albert Pan, Chris Li
- Supervisor: James Wei
- Alternate: Jacob Huang (not pictured)
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Their victory reflects hard work, teamwork, and scientific excellence. As Team #1 prepares for nationals, the TVMSC community and Boise School District celebrate their success!
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Timberline’s Andy Jones Reaches 500th Career Win
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Timberline High School girls basketball coach Andy Jones reached a remarkable milestone on the evening of January 28, 2025, securing his 500th career win as a head coach. The victory marks a testament to Jones’ decades-long dedication to Idaho high school basketball, a journey spanning 30 years, three schools, and an impressive collection of championships.
Jones' coaching career began at Caldwell High School in 1995, where he led the Cougars for seven seasons, finishing with a 57-110 record. Despite early struggles, he made history by guiding Caldwell to a state championship in 2001.
In 2002, Jones took over the program at Middleton High School, where he cemented his reputation as one of Idaho’s most successful coaches. Over 16 seasons, he amassed a stellar 317-89 record, leading Middleton to nine district championships and five state titles (2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2017). His teams were known for their disciplined play, relentless defense, and championship mentality.
Since joining Timberline High School in 2018, Jones has continued to build on his legacy. Under his leadership, the Wolves have gone 126-43, winning a state championship in 2022. His ability to develop talent and sustain excellence has made Timberline a powerhouse in Idaho girls basketball.
Beyond the numbers, Jones has been widely recognized for his coaching excellence. He has been named Coach of the Year 16 times—nine times as a conference coach of the year in the Southern Idaho Conference (SIC) and seven times as the Idaho State Coach of the Year by the Idaho State Coaches Association.
Reaching the 500-win milestone is a rare and extraordinary accomplishment in high school basketball. Jones' dedication to the game, his players, and the communities he has served is evident in his lasting impact on Idaho girls basketball.
"Reaching this milestone is an affirmation that the principles I believe in are sustainable,” explained Coach Jones. “If you show kids that you care about them as people, they will dedicate themselves to your program and the demands required to be successful."
As Timberline continues its season, Jones and his team will undoubtedly set their sights on adding to his already storied career. With a proven track record of success and a championship pedigree, there’s no telling how many more milestones await one of Idaho’s greatest high school basketball coaches.
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Timberline High School Girls Varsity Basketball help celebrate Coach Andy Jones' 500th career win.
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Timberline High School Varsity Girls Basketball Team, coached by Andy Jones.
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Boise High Girls Basketball Raises $9,705 for Pink Zone 2025
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The final numbers are in, and the Boise High Girls Basketball Team has once again made a powerful impact through Pink Zone 2025, raising an impressive $9,705 this year! This brings the team's 16-year total to $57,305, all in support of the fight against cancer.
Pink Zone is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a community effort. Leading the charge was Erinn Norman, whose dedication made the event a success. The effort was further strengthened by local businesses that generously donated raffle items, dedicated volunteers like Peg Luke, and the coaching staff who helped with shirt and raffle ticket sales. The players also played a crucial role, working tirelessly at the stands throughout the season.
A special thank you goes to Michael Najera, who beautifully captured the event through photography, and Mrs. Tetrick and the Boise High Student Council (STUCO) for amplifying Pink Zone’s presence with Tip-Off Week. Warren Maxfield, our contact at the American Cancer Society, played a key role in securing an inspiring speaker for the Tip-Off assembly.
A huge shoutout to Del Taco, whose sponsorship covered this year’s pink shirts—ensuring that every dollar from shirt sales went directly to the cause!
To all the fans, families, and community members who bought shirts, participated in the raffle, and supported this event—thank you! Your generosity and spirit continue to make Pink Zone a meaningful tradition at Boise High.
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Kate Raley, a junior in Video Broadcasting and Production at Boise High School, recently had her news segment aired on KTVB Student News. Kate's story reported on the history of the event ahead of the 16th Annual Pink Out Girls Basketball Game on Saturday, January 25th. Her video stems from a collaboration between Boise High Video Broadcasting and KTVB which kicked off at the start of the second semester.
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Boise School District’s Extreme Cold Procedures: Keeping Students Safe
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As temperatures drop, the Boise School District remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. Our Extreme Cold Procedures provide clear guidelines for adjusting outdoor activities, including recess, physical education, and sports, during periods of extreme cold.
Each school evaluates conditions such as temperature, humidity, wind chill, student age, clothing adequacy, and time spent outdoors when making decisions about recess and outdoor activities. While properly dressed students can typically participate in outdoor activities in most conditions, additional caution is exercised when temperatures, including wind chill, fall below 20°F. At that point, students remain indoors for recess and physical activity.
Families play a crucial role in helping students prepare for cold weather. Each year, we remind parents and guardians about our guidelines and the importance of dressing children in warm, weather-appropriate clothing. Schools will also work with families to accommodate students with health conditions, such as asthma, who may require additional support during cold weather.
We encourage parents to communicate with their child’s school if they have concerns or special requests regarding cold weather procedures. By working together, we can ensure all students stay warm, safe, and ready to learn—no matter the weather.
For more information on our Extreme Cold Procedures and other emergency weather policies, visit our Emergencies & Inclement Weather Procedures page.
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Announcing the Boise Youth Well-Being Data Walk Road Show
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Promoting a Positive Future: Idaho Public Television’s “Unaltered State” Campaign
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The Boise School District is proud to support our partner, Idaho Public Television, in their latest campaign, “Unaltered State.” This powerful initiative invites all Idahoans to embrace a substance-free life and serves as a community call-to-action to fight for a brighter, substance-free future for our kids.
The “Unaltered State” campaign celebrates the beauty of Idaho and its young people, featuring local children in its inspiring advertising. The campaign aims to spark conversations about the importance of leading a positive, substance-free life and uniting as a community to protect the well-being of Idaho’s youth.
We encourage you to visit the campaign’s website at www.theunalteredstate.org for more information, resources, and ways to get involved. This site offers tools and ideas to help families, educators, and community members support our shared goal of a healthier future for all Idaho kids.
Together, we can make a difference by fostering a positive, supportive environment for our youth. Let’s work to create an Unaltered State where Idaho kids can thrive.
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Dennis Technical Education Center Open House
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Boise Book Celebration at Valley View Elementary School
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Boise School District Partners with City of Boise to Share Information About IRS Direct File
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The Boise School District is excited to partner with the City of Boise to help spread the word about a valuable resource for our families: IRS Direct File. This new program allows 32 million taxpayers in 25 states, including Idaho, to file their federal taxes for free, providing an easy, secure, and cost-effective way to meet tax obligations.
IRS Direct File is designed to simplify the tax filing process for eligible individuals and families by offering a free, online tool to file federal tax returns directly with the IRS. With tax season now underway, this resource can make a significant difference for many households, particularly for those who might otherwise face financial barriers in completing their returns.
As part of our partnership with the City of Boise, we encourage families to explore this program and see if they qualify for free filing. By removing the cost of tax preparation, IRS Direct File empowers families to maximize their returns and reduce financial stress.
For more information on how to access IRS Direct File and determine eligibility, visit IRS Direct File.
We are proud to collaborate with the City of Boise in sharing resources that support the well-being of our community. Together, we can ensure families have the tools and support they need for a successful tax season.
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Boise School District Announces Spring 2025 Graduation Dates
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Boise School District is pleased to announce the following spring 2025 high school graduation dates.
- Frank Church High School
- May 15th at 6:00 p.m., Capital High School Auditorium
- Boise Online School
- May 16th at 6:00 p.m., Borah High School Auditorium
- At Extra Mile Arena at 7:00 PM
- May 19th - Timberline High School
- May 20th - Boise High School
- May 21st - Borah High School
- May 22nd - Capital High School
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Boise School District Partners with Varsity Tutors to Offer Free 24/7 Online Tutoring for Secondary Students
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Boise School District is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Varsity Tutors, bringing 24/7 online tutoring and academic resources to secondary students, free of charge through 2030. This innovative partnership ensures students in grades 7-12 have access to a comprehensive suite of academic support tools, empowering them to learn at their own pace and succeed in any subject.
Through Varsity Tutors, students can connect with flexible, on-demand support, including live tutoring sessions, essay reviews, enrichment classes, and access to celebrity-led StarCourses. The platform offers a variety of self-study tools, recorded lessons, and group classes designed to cater to every learning style.
Key Features Available:
- 24/7 Chat Tutoring – Instant help for any subject, anytime
- Essay Review – Expert feedback on written assignments
- Enrichment Classes – Supplemental courses to enhance learning
- Self-Study Resources – Tools and recorded lessons for independent study
Access for Boise Secondary Students (Grades 7-12):
All secondary students in Boise School District already have a Varsity Tutors account, accessible via Classlink on “My Apps.” Parents and students are encouraged to explore the Varsity Tutors Academic Support Launchpad for an overview of available resources. For login support, students can follow instructions provided through Classlink (myapps.boiseschools.org).
With this partnership, Boise School District is dedicated to providing students with the academic support they need to succeed anytime, anywhere.
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Explore Boise School District’s Comprehensive Curriculum Website
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The Boise School District is committed to providing every student with a rigorous and relevant curriculum designed by highly-qualified educators and administrators. This curriculum ensures students are prepared for success in college, careers, and citizenship.
To support transparency and engagement, the District offers a comprehensive Curriculum Website where parents and families can explore detailed information about the curriculum taught in each content area. Boise School District’s curriculum aligns with Idaho Core Curriculum Standards, ensuring a high-quality, standards-based education for all students.
By visiting the website, families can gain valuable insights into what their students are learning and how the curriculum supports their academic and personal growth.
We encourage parents and families to explore the Curriculum website to learn more about the exceptional educational opportunities offered in the Boise School District.
Together, we can continue to support our students’ success and future achievements!
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Boise Students: Join the Climate Action Simulation and Make a Difference!
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Boise School District juniors and seniors have an exciting opportunity to tackle the climate crisis head-on during the Climate Action Simulation on February 20 at the Boise Main Library.
This interactive, half-day event invites students to participate in a realistic mock climate negotiation, modeled after an emergency UN summit. Representing diverse stakeholders—such as oil executives, farmers, tech innovators, and government leaders—participants will negotiate climate solutions to reduce global warming.
The experience uses the En-ROADS climate simulator, developed by MIT’s Sloan Business School, which is the same tool many global delegates use to prepare for real UN climate conferences. Hosted by the Citizen’s Climate Lobby and BSD Sustainability, this event is free, includes snacks, and promises to be an engaging and impactful learning experience.
Are you ready to save the world during your school day? Don’t miss your chance to collaborate, strategize, and make a difference. Space is limited, so secure your spot soon! Sign-up online today!
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Explore Boise Schools: A Unique Opportunity to Discover How the Boise School District is Shaping Future Generations
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Have you ever wondered about the range of opportunities the Boise School District offers its students? The Boise Public Schools Education Foundation invites you to discover some of the innovative ways Boise Schools enrich student experiences, foster growth, and prepare young learners for a bright future.
Join us on one (or all!) of our special tours to visit three schools that highlight the distinctive programs and supportive environments that make Boise Schools exceptional. Each tour provides a unique glimpse into programs that nurture skills, confidence, and success. To keep the experience personal and meaningful, space is limited to 35 attendees per tour. Register today online.
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Dennis Technical Education Center (DTEC)
Date: April 9, 2025 | Time: 9:00-10:30 am
Learn how DTEC prepares students for both career and higher education by offering hands-on programs that teach academic, technical, and real-world skills. See firsthand how students can explore a range of career fields and gain valuable, practical experience.
Each tour highlights Boise School District’s dedication to creating pathways for student achievement, and we hope you’ll join us to see these programs in action. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Calling All Former Owyhee Elementary Students! Stay Connected with Owyhee’s Legacy
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As we prepare for Owyhee Elementary's exciting transformation into an early learning center for Pre-K students beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, we want to keep the rich legacy of Owyhee Elementary alive. To celebrate the school’s storied history, we’ll be hosting events and activities to honor the memories and milestones shared by students, families, and staff over the years.
If you're a former Owyhee student, we’d love to keep you informed about these special events! Please complete a short form with your email address so we can send you updates and invitations as plans take shape.
Stay connected and be part of celebrating Owyhee’s wonderful legacy. Sign up today by filling out our online form.
Let’s keep Owyhee’s spirit alive together!
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School Resource Officer Newsletter | Boise Police Department
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Idaho State Board of Education Now Accepting Applications for Empowering Parents Grants
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Applications are now being accepted for the next round of Empowering Parents grants, as recently announced by the Idaho State Board of Education.
Families can find instructions and a link to the 2024-25 application on the Empowering Parents website. Idaho families with existing Empowering Parents grant balances are encouraged to continue using their funds to purchase educational items and services through Odyssey.
What are Empowering Parents grants?
The Empowering Parents program provides eligible families with grant funds ($1,000 per child, with a maximum of $3,000 per family) for use towards eligible education services and devices to help students recover from learning loss.
ALL parents of Idaho students ages 5-18 who filed a 2023 Idaho tax return are eligible. Families with adjusted gross incomes (AGI) of under 60k receive priority. Grants are $1,000 per student and up to $3,000 per family. The grant funds can be used for a huge range of items to support student learning – including laptops or technology, extracurricular classes, camps, and school athletic fees, driver’s education, tutoring or speech therapy – and more!
Applications will close when funding is exhausted, so families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible!
The application guide is available in English and Spanish and phone customer service agents are also bilingual.
For more information, please review the Empowering Parents Frequently Asked Questions
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Enroll Now for Winter Community Education Classes!
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We’re excited to announce that registration for our Winter 2025 Community Education session is now open! At Boise School District, we believe in the transformative power of education and are proud to offer more than 300 engaging courses and workshops designed to inspire and connect our community.
Whether you’re looking to pick up a new skill, advance your career, or explore a creative passion, we have something for everyone. Choose from hands-on classes in arts & crafts, cooking, dance, fitness, and gardening, or delve into professional development opportunities in business and technology.
Don’t miss this chance to enrich your life and connect with others in the community.
Enroll today at www.boiselearns.org and explore our Winter 2025 course catalog!
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- February 12: Early Learning Open House (see information below); DTEC Open House (see information above).
- February 17: Presidents' Day - No School Pre K-12
- March 6: Kindergarten Registration/Open House, 3:45 p.m. -5:30 p.m. (check with your neighborhood elementary school to confirm times).
- March 14: End of Third Quarter - Early Release K-6 to work on Report Cards, No School Pre K
- March 17-21: Spring Break - No School Pre K-12
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READY! for Kindergarten Event
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Please join us for our annual READY! for Kindergarten event at the Lincoln Learning Center for children ages 2-5.
READY! for Kindergarten is a series of parent education workshops designed to teach parents how playing with their child is the best way to prepare them for Kindergarten. READY! has identified 26 skills most associated with academic success and social-emotional well-being in Kindergarten, known as the READY! Targets.
Parents attend a series of 90-minute workshops, each focusing on 10 of these 26 school readiness skills. In the workshops, parents engage in hands-on activities and discussions to understand and practice these targets.
Three sessions beginning March 12th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Lincoln Early Learning Center, this initiative is particularly exciting as parents who attend will receive a range of free developmental materials specifically tailored to their child's age. These resources are designed to enhance learning and development at this critical stage.
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Early Learning Open House
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Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be inspired and motivated! Join us at South Junior High on March 4th from 6-7pm for an unforgettable talk from Brad Montague, the producer of Kid President and a New York Times bestselling author. Brad has a unique perspective on how we, as adults, can better support the kids in our community. His message is not only impactful, but also entertaining and full of humor, making it a must-see event for all parents.
Whether you're a parent, guardian, or community member, Brad's insights will leave you feeling empowered and ready to make a positive difference in the lives of the young people around you. Childcare will be available. For more details or to RSVP, please see the flyer. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Understanding Special Education Workshop
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Please join us for our workshop that guides parents through the Special Education Process. This event will take place at Whittier Elementary on March 11th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. We will share valuable information for parents who are starting the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process or for those who have gone through it and want to review all the different components. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for parents to ask questions about special education to our district leadership. Dinner and childcare will be provided! Please register here or see our flyer for more information.
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Free Developmental Screener (Ages 3-5)
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Technology Tips: Keeping Kids Safe
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Student Device Monitoring for Parents
Boise Schools are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for our students, both in school and online.
We understand that smartphones and other devices can be a valuable tool for students, both for learning and staying connected with friends and family. However, it is important to ensure that your child is using their device responsibly and safely.
Parental Controls for Student Chromebooks
Boise School District provides parents/guardians with the ability to monitor their student’s activity on their District-assigned digital device via the GoGuardian Parent App:
Parental Controls for Mobile Phones
Parental controls allow you to set limits on your child's screen time, manage the apps they can install and use, and filter inappropriate content.
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Boise School District has always been highly regarded for academic achievements. At the same time, we have always been considered a leader throughout Idaho and the Pacific Northwest in the area of athletics. Many of our programs have become models for other districts. Below are the try-out dates and first days of practice for the 2024-2025 athletics program. Please contact your school for more information.
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Keep In Contact: Emergency Text Notifications
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Parents & Guardians: Sign-Up for Emergency Text Messaging The Boise School District offers emergency text messaging for parents/guardians.
Learn more and sign-up.
Not a Parent or Guardian?
Non-parents may receive emergency text messages by downloading the Boise School District’s Mobile app. The app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
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