Empowering Futures: Boise School District Celebrates AVID Seniors and a Decade of Life-Changing Scholarships

Boise School District’s unwavering commitment to student success through the AVID program was on full display during the 2024 AVID Senior Night, held Wednesday, April 16th. Hosted in partnership with the Boise Public Schools Foundation, the event honored more than 120 graduating seniors from across the district who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program.

This year’s celebration was especially powerful, as the Foundation awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to graduating AVID students—bringing the 10-year total to an impressive $1.4 million in support for college-bound seniors. These scholarships are more than financial awards; they’re a testament to what happens when determination meets opportunity.

To see a full list of recognized students and scholarship recipients, view the 2024–2025 AVID Senior Night Program.

Boise School District AVID Seniors Shine 🎓

AVID seniors from across the Boise School District gather on stage at South Junior High School to be honored during the 2024 AVID Senior Night celebration—an inspiring evening recognizing their hard work, determination, and college-bound futures.

Timberline High School Wins Statewide Award for Promoting College-Going Culture

Boise School District’s commitment to post-secondary success shines as Timberline earns top honors in statewide FAFSA Challenge

Timberline High School has been named the winner in the Extra Large School Division of the Idaho State Board of Education’s FAFSA Completion Challenge. The recognition honors Timberline’s outstanding efforts to support students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and fostering a strong college-going culture on campus.

At the heart of this achievement is Jenni Kimball, Timberline’s College and Career Counselor, who spearheaded the school’s FAFSA outreach efforts. Through her leadership and collaboration with staff, students, and families, Timberline implemented creative and effective strategies to increase FAFSA completion and empower students to plan for life beyond high school.

“This recognition reflects not only the incredible work happening at Timberline, but also our district-wide commitment to preparing students for success after graduation,” said Lisa Roberts, Superintendent of the Boise School District. “I’m especially proud of Timberline High School for their focused efforts to support students through the FAFSA process. Their dedication is a shining example of how we build a college- and career-ready culture in all of our high schools.”

As part of the honor, Timberline High School will receive a $500 award from the Idaho State Board of Education to further enhance its college and FAFSA support efforts. The school’s success will also be celebrated at the upcoming Waypoint conference and highlighted in the State Board’s April Monthly Newsletter.

📸 Pictured: Timberline senior Ella Engle, proudly holding a “FAFSA Done” sign—one of many students whose futures are brighter thanks to this dedicated effort.

Congratulations to Timberline and to all Boise School District high schools for continuing to inspire students to dream big and plan boldly for their futures.

🐺🎓 #CollegeReady #FAFSA #BSDproud #TimberlineHS

East Junior High Takes Top Honors at Regional Reading Tournament

Students Earn 1st and 2nd Place in Idaho Battle of the Books

Two teams from East Junior High recently captured first and second place out of 42 teams at the Region 3 Idaho Battle of the Books (IBOB) Tournament, showcasing their dedication to reading, teamwork, and academic excellence.

The first-place team, Reading Incorporated, includes Zander Barnes, Alaire Barnes, Adelie Rathore, Gillian Low, and Boone Yerxa. They received medals, custom bookmarks, and a trophy for the school.

The second-place team, Flammable Pandas—all 7th graders—features Dishi Deliwala, Siri Rajanala, Albert Hsu, Valerie Wu, and Mila Hendley. They earned medals and a trophy after competing impressively against older teams.

IBOB is a statewide reading program open to Idaho students in grades 4–12, designed to promote a love of literature, broaden reading interests, and foster teamwork. Students prepare by reading selected books and compete in teams to answer quiz-style questions.

East’s strong showing reflects both the school’s academic culture and the students’ passion for reading. Congratulations to both teams on this outstanding achievement!

East Junior High’s Idaho Battle of the Books teams proudly display their Region 3 trophies alongside their coach, East teacher librarian Rashelle Mack. The first-place team Reading Incorporated and second-place team Flammable Pandas earned top honors out of 42 teams—an outstanding achievement that celebrates their teamwork, dedication, and love of reading! 📚🏆

Pictured, left to right: Coach Rashelle Mack, Valerie Wu, Siri Rajanala, Dishi Deliwala, Albert Hsu, Mila Hendley, Alaire Barnes, Adelie Rathore, Zander Barnes, and Gillian Low.

North Junior High Student Wins Top Honors in Regional Radon Poster Contest

Boise School District's Commitment to Student Excellence and Environmental Health Takes Center Stage

Mary Haley, a talented 7th grade student at North Junior High School (pictured), has earned top honors in both the Idaho and Northwest Radon Poster Contest! Mary was named 1st Place Winner for Idaho and the 2025 Northwest Regional Champion—representing Idaho, Oregon, and Washington—with her powerful artwork raising awareness about the dangers of radon. Her poster now advances to the national competition.

This incredible accomplishment comes with a $400 prize and an official certificate of recognition. Mary’s inspiring work was created under the guidance of her teacher, Mrs. C. Johanna DeJong-Roper, North Junior High’s Art Department Chair.

Boise School District proudly supports environmental awareness through education and action. The district is actively engaged in radon testing and mitigation in schools and provides detailed information and updates on its efforts. To learn more, visit: boiseschools.org/our_district/radon_testing___mitigation.

Congratulations to Mary for her outstanding achievement, and thank you for helping us spotlight the importance of healthy learning environments!

Adams Elementary Plants a NASA Moon Tree with Astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa 🌍🌙🌱

On Earth Day, April 22, Adams Elementary students celebrated in unforgettable fashion—by planting a NASA Moon Tree grown from a seed that orbited the Moon aboard the Artemis I mission. The entire school participated in the event, which featured a special appearance by Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina astronaut in space.

Students had the opportunity to ask Dr. Ochoa questions, help plant the tree, and learn about the connection between space exploration and sustainability—all in the school’s outdoor learning space made possible by the Adams PTO.



📷🎥 View photos, watch the highlight video, and read the full story:

🔗 Adams Elementary Plants a “Moon Tree” with Special Guest Astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa on Earth Day

Building Brighter Futures Together

Borah-Lincoln Partnership Highlights Boise School District’s Commitment to Early Learning & Career Readiness

A powerful partnership between Borah High School and the Lincoln Early Learning Center is helping shape the future—for both our youngest learners and the high school students preparing to serve them.

This spring, Mitzi Beal, Family & Consumer Science Teacher at Borah High School, teamed up with Lisa Ramey-Hernandez, Administrator of the Lincoln Early Learning Center, and Chelsie Wilson, Boise School District’s K-12 Career Technical Education Program Advocate, to create a hands-on, career-connected learning experience for high school students exploring the field of early childhood education.

Two of Mitzi’s classes—one with 26 students and another with 15—visited Lincoln on April 3rd and April 10th. In the mornings, Borah students observed preschool classrooms, gaining insight into the structure and care of early learning environments. In the afternoons, they led engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons and activities they had planned collaboratively with Lincoln’s expert educators.

“This partnership gave our preschoolers an enriching experience while helping high school students see what it means to support and uplift young learners,” said Lisa Ramey-Hernandez, Administrator of Lincoln Early Learning Center. “We’re proud to be part of a district that values early education and offers opportunities like this to inspire future educators.”

“This was an excellent opportunity for secondary students to interact with and learn more about the various experts who support our youngest learners,” added Chelsie Wilson, K-12 Career Technical Education Program Advocate. “It’s partnerships like this that help students make real-world connections between what they’re learning and how it applies in a professional setting.”

The experience had a meaningful impact on the Borah students as well.

“My students were so excited to be part of a real classroom environment and to contribute in a meaningful way,” said Mitzi Beal. “They walked away with a deeper understanding of early childhood development and a renewed sense of purpose about their futures. I’m so grateful for the collaboration and care that went into making this happen.”

This initiative reflects the Boise School District’s strong commitment to early learning and preparing all students—from preschool through high school—for success in college, career, and citizenship. By creating learning opportunities that connect students across grade levels, the District is helping shape future educators and leaders who will continue to serve and strengthen our community.

A heartfelt thank you to Mitzi Beal, Lisa Ramey-Hernandez, Chelsie Wilson, and the staff and students at both Borah and Lincoln. This is what education looks like when we invest in each other—at every age and every stage.

Students from Borah High School’s Family & Consumer Science class gather beneath the welcome sign at Lincoln Early Learning Center, where they participated in a hands-on learning experience supporting preschool classrooms—part of a districtwide commitment to early learning and career readiness.

Boise School District Students Shine at 2025 Patty Duke Awards

Celebrating Student Excellence in Theater Across the Treasure Valley

Boise School District is proud to celebrate the exceptional talent of our high school theater students recognized at the 2025 Patty Duke Awards, Idaho’s premier celebration of high school musical theater. Presented by the Morrison Center, the annual awards program honors outstanding performances and achievements in student theater productions statewide.

This year’s honors spotlight a number of remarkable Boise School District students:

🎭 Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role

• Ella Saycon – Capital High School, as Katalin Hunyak in Chicago: Teen Edition
• Xander Wagner – Borah High School, as Gangster 1 in The Drowsy Chaperone

🌟 Outstanding Performance in a Lead Role

• Eliza Fors – Timberline High School, as Rosie in Mamma Mia!
• Cade Tucker – Timberline High School, as Sky in Mamma Mia!

📰 Outstanding Student Reporter

• Abby Gold – Capital High School

In recognition of their promising futures in the performing arts, several students have also been selected to attend the 2025 Patty Duke Awards Weeklong Intensive at the Morrison Center. This unique program provides hands-on training with professional artists, directors, and choreographers.

🎓 Intensive Week Participants

• Lily Peterson – Borah High School
• Reagan Lines – Borah High School
• Divya Danesh – Capital High School
• Johnny Tran – Capital High School
• Lucy Ruth – Timberline High School
• Gavin Lee – Timberline High School

🇺🇸 Jimmy Awards National Finalists

Among the top honors, Timberline High School students Eliza Fors and Cade Tucker were selected as two of only eight 2025 Jimmy Awards National Finalists from Idaho. As part of this recognition, they will also attend the intensive week and perform live at the Patty Duke Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 16th at the Morrison Center.

🎶 Outstanding Theater Production

Timberline High School’s production of Mamma Mia! was named Outstanding Theater Production and will be featured as a performance during the awards ceremony.

Luke Lords, Director of Arts Education at the Morrison Center, shared his heartfelt congratulations:

“Congratulations to each and every one of you for the extraordinary work you've created this season! The passion, talent, and heart you've poured into your productions have truly brought the magic of musical theater to life here in Idaho. You and your students should be incredibly proud—your voices, your stories, and your artistry have made a lasting impact. The future of theater in Idaho is bright because of you.”

Boise School District extends its sincere congratulations to all the talented students, educators, and theater departments involved. These honors are a testament to the creativity, dedication, and excellence being nurtured in our schools.

🎟️ Join the celebration! The 2025 Patty Duke Awards Ceremony takes place Friday, May 16th at the Morrison Center. Tickets are available at www.morrisoncenter.com.

Valley Visions 2025: Celebrating Student Art & Literature

On April 15, 2025, the Boise School District proudly hosted the Valley Visions Showcase, a celebration of student creativity in art and literature. Held at Timberline High School, the event featured a gallery viewing, student readings, and the unveiling of this year’s student-produced magazine.

Valley Visions highlights the talents of high school students across the district, with all content selected and edited by student editorial boards under the guidance of dedicated advisors.

🎨 View the 2025 Magazine:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pTTTuQTJ27fOpre3B3E50rGKnpOSKu0Q/view

📘 See the Event Program: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ITzZOzETFQ_vQPixwEOymlgyhvxS6Bexi3X-J1uywxY/edit?usp=sharing



Special thanks to all advisors, student editors, and the Boise Public Schools Foundation for making this showcase possible.

Students from across the Boise School District gather for the 2025 Valley Visions Showcase on April 15, celebrating creativity in art and literature through student-led presentations and exhibits.

Enroll Now for Spring Community Education Classes!

240+ Courses to Discover, Learn & Connect

Registration is now open for Boise School District’s Spring 2025 Community Education session! With more than 240 affordable and engaging classes, there's something for everyone—whether you’re looking to gain a new skill, boost your career, or pursue a creative passion.

Explore hands-on courses in cooking, arts & crafts, dance, fitness, gardening, business, technology, and more. It’s the perfect way to learn something new and connect with your community.

Sign up today at www.boiselearns.org and view the full Spring 2025 catalog.

Boise School District Stands with Survivors on Denim Day

The Boise School District is proud to recognize Denim Day on Wednesday, April 30, as a powerful symbol of support for survivors of sexual violence and a unified stand against harmful myths surrounding consent.

Students, staff, and community members are encouraged to wear denim as a visible statement of solidarity, awareness, and education. Denim Day began as a global movement in response to a court ruling that perpetuated misconceptions about sexual assault—reminding us all that clothing never equals consent.

By participating, we aim to foster a culture of respect, empathy, and support throughout our schools and community.

Let’s make a difference—one pair of jeans at a time. 💙

Now Enrolling: Early Learning Opportunities for Children Ages 3-5

At Boise School District, we believe every child deserves a strong start and a place where they feel seen, supported, and inspired to learn. Our early learning programs are designed to welcome and support all children, ages 3 to 5, in a warm and inclusive school culture where every child belongs.

We’re now accepting interest forms for the 2025-2026 school year! Spots in our Community Classrooms are open now, and we encourage families to complete the form if you are considering early learning opportunities for your child. Transportation is available to support families and make accessing our programs easier.

Whether your child is ready to explore, play, and grow—or you’re simply curious about what we offer—we’re here to help guide your journey and answer your questions.

Click here to complete the Early Learning Interest Form and take the first step toward a bright beginning.

Together, let’s build a joyful foundation for lifelong learning.

Boise School District Partners with Varsity Tutors to Offer Free 24/7 Online Tutoring for Secondary Students

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.

Calling All Former Owyhee Elementary Students! Stay Connected with Owyhee’s Legacy

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!

• April 30: Denim Day
• May 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week.
• May 15: Last Day of School for Seniors, Early Childhood Special Education Programs and Pre K
• May 15: Frank Church High School Graduation, 6:00 p.m., Capital High Auditorium
• May 16: Boise Online High School Graduation, 6:00 p.m., Capital High School Auditorium
• May 19: Timberline High School Graduation, 7:00 p.m., Extra Mile Arena
• May 20: Boise High School Graduation, 7:00 p.m., Extra Mile Arena
• May 21: Borah High School Graduation, 7:00 p.m., Extra Mile Arena
• May 22: Capital High School Graduation, 7:00 p.m., Extra Mile Arena
• May 16: Early Release K-6 to work on Report Cards
• May 20, 21, 22: Secondary End of Semester Testing - Early Release 7-12
• May 22: Last Day of School - Early Release K-12
• June 3-27: Secondary Summer School - Semester 1 (19 days)
• Juy 1-25: Secondary Summer School - Semester 2 (18 days)
• July 4th: No Summer School

Technology Tips: Keeping Kids Safe

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: 

• GoGuardian Parent App - Welcome letter
• GoGuardian Parent App Instructions  

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.

• Parent Guide for Setting Up Parental Controls on Mobile Phones

Keep In Contact: Emergency Text Notifications

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.

Boise School District | 208-854-4000 | 8169 W. Victory Rd., Boise, Idaho www.boiseschools.org

Boise School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to all individuals. Learn more...