Great Student Award: Timberline’s Petra Smith Is Making A Difference In Our Community

When Timberline High School senior Petra Smith sets her mind on something, she makes it happen. 

Petra has been selected for BoiseDev’s Great Student Award — where one student each week is selected for a $200 scholarship based on their good deeds in the community — from helping others, volunteering, and more.

She has been accepted to the prestigious Duke University, is taking the maximum number of AP classes, is on the varsity dance team, and is on the student council — and none of this deters her from making a difference in our community. Four years ago Petra started an organization called “Gathering Good.” She started this during the COVID-19 pandemic when she realized basic needs were not being met.

The organization allows nonprofits to collect more “unique” items for people in need. She wanted to do something different from the typical coat drive. 

“We started it to create a place where nonprofits can reach out to collect the more unique needs such as shampoo or conditioner, so we can gather them for those throughout the year,” Petra said (pictured left). “So our most popular ones have been socks for the Boise Rescue Mission and school supplies for the Children Home Society. And then all the other ones have just been random needs that we’ve tried to fill when we are reached out to by nonprofits.”

Music Student Chosen for National Honor Band

Nathan Li, a senior at Timberline High School, has been selected as a clarinetist for the 2024 Honor Band of America (HBOA).

Nathan started playing the clarinet in 5th grade at White Pine Elementary School. He achieved 1st and 2nd place in the IMEA State Solo & Ensemble Competition in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Additionally, he has served as the principal clarinetist in Timberline's Wind Symphony.

Over the past seven years, Nathan has participated in various prestigious honor ensembles, including the Boise All-City Intermediate Honor Band, Junior High Honor Orchestra, Boise Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (BPYO), Idaho All-State Honor Orchestra, Idaho All-State Honor Band, BSU All-Star Honor Band, and the NAfME All-Northwest Honor Band.

Additionally, he was a member of Timberline's Marching Band for two years, during which the team won numerous awards. Last year, he served as the Junior Representative on the Timberline Band Council. Moreover, over the past two summers, he has actively participated in and co-chaired fundraising activities for their school band.

Nathan is also an accomplished piano player. He won 2nd place in piano in American Protégé International Music Talent Competition in 2023 and 2019 (awarded in 2021 due to COVID-19), and was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall, 2024 and 2019.

Two Educators Recognized

Two Timberline High School educators recently received recognition for their outstanding service to our students. Carol Carnahan and Mary Berglund were named Teacher and Paraprofessional of the Year, respectively, by The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). The Council for Exceptional Children is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

In her nomination, colleague Amy Lamping had this to say about Ms. Carnahan. "Carol is a forward thinking educational leader who provides support to school staff members in a collaborative and nurturing environment that serves the best interest of students. She enjoys working alongside students, staff, parents, and community partners to support student achievement and success."  

Another colleague was quick to point out Ms. Berglund’s qualities. “Mary is always thinking about our students. She is always thinking about how things could be better, or how we could get students to do certain things. She is always working on what is best for the students' whole experience; academic skills, mobility, social skills, self help and communication skills.”

Carol and Mary were presented their awards during a reception with their students in Timberline’s library on Friday, February 2nd. State Senator Carrie Semmelroth, a former special education teacher, and State Representative Soñia Galaviz, a Boise School District teacher, made brief remarks thanking Carol, Mary and the students for their hard work and accomplishments.

Rep. Galaviz said, "Being around kids and being in a library– I cannot tell you how much it fills my heart. I just wanted to say how grateful I am to all of you, to the educators in this room...congratulations, you are inspiring."

Senator Semmelroth added, "As a special education teacher, I want the teachers in this room, the paraprofessionals, the community-based workers, teaching assistants, I want you to know that I see you, I appreciate you, and I advocate for you in the statehouse. Just like Rep. Galaviz, we keep you in our thoughts in the work we do every day."

Pictured L - R: State Senator Carrie Semmelroth; Lisa Admunson, CEC representative; Carol Carnahan Special Education Teacher of the Year, Timberline High; Mary Berglund, Special Education Paraprofessional of the Year, Timberline High School; State Representative Soñia Galaviz; and Kalley Malone, Special Education (RISE) Teacher, Timberline.

A Love of Learning Through Reading

Reading took center stage during a recent visit by a Boise School District patron who donated a children's book to all second and third grade students in the Boise School District. Morley Nelson Elementary School students were excited to receive their own copy of the book, which inspired them to love learning through reading! Watch the following video to learn more.

Leadership Restructuring Reinforces Commitment to Student-Focused Learning

Boise School District is proud to announce a restructuring of our District’s leadership to better serve student academic needs and improve the educational experience and opportunities for all learners, while providing a safe, secure and responsive culture of learning. 



Led by incoming Superintendent Lisa Roberts, the new superintendency will reflect the importance teaching, learning, academics and operations play in the ability to successfully deliver an outstanding comprehensive educational experience for all students. In addition, the restructuring will support our District’s core belief that each and every student will learn when provided the proper resources, guidance and support. 

Our Boise School District Superintendency (effective, July 1, 2024).

Pictured L to R: Jodie Mills, Deputy Superintendent of Learning; Lisa Roberts, Superintendent of Schools; and Nick Smith, Deputy Superintendent of Operations.

Announcing Kindergarten Registration/Open House Day!

Welcome to the class of 2037! Boise School District is currently accepting Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 school year. We offer free, full-day kindergarten at all Boise School District elementary schools. You may register your Kindergarten student using our online Kindergarten Registration System.  Mark your calendar and plan to attend our annual Kindergarten Registration Day/Open House at your neighborhood school on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

Our Schools Care

How to Talk to Your Child About Suicide

Parents, have you wondered how to talk to your child about suicide? Find ways to start this important conversation with your child of any age at our Mental Health Resources webpage, where you will also find helpful information about support and resources for all Boise Schools families.

Healthy Relationships - Family Night

Boise School District is partnering with the Women's and Children's Alliance to host a family night for high school students and their parents/guardians to talk about healthy relationships. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and this family night is a great way to learn about strategies to help your teen and help build healthy relationships. 

This event could also be beneficial for students entering high school next school year. Parents are welcome to attend without their teen.

Parents and teens will go to separate workshops that focus on the following:

• Technology and relationships,
• Setting healthy boundaries in dating relationships,
• Tips on how to have conversations about healthy relationships with your teen, and more!

Please join us at Capital High School, 8055 W. Goddard Rd., Boise, ID 83704 on February 29th from 5:30-7pm. Dinner will be provided. If you need childcare for younger siblings we will have that available. Please register online. If you have any questions, please contact Sara Nord at [email protected]. 

February is International Boost Self-Esteem Month

February is 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒇-𝑬𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒎 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉!

According to a recent psychological research review, having high (vs. low) self-esteem has wide-ranging positive impacts, including better social relationships, more success at school and work, better mental and physical health, and less antisocial behavior. (Robins & Orth, 2022)

Understanding Special Education

Please join us for our workshop that helps guide parents through the Special Education Process! This opportunity will be at Garfield Elementary School, 1914 S. Broadway Ave., Boise, ID 83706 on March 5th from 5:30-7pm. We will share helpful information for parents starting the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process or have gone through it but want to review all of the different components. We will also discuss the role of the parent in this process and share resources. Dinner and childcare will be provided! Please register online. If you have any questions, please contact Sara Nord at [email protected]

National School Counseling Week - February 5-9, 2024

2024 Youth Eco Film Contest:

Spotlight on Climate Action

Calling all young filmmakers! Are you passionate about the environment? Do you want to make a difference? Showcase your creativity and passion for a sustainable world in the Youth Eco Film Contest: Spotlight on Climate Action.

The Youth Eco Film Contest is a platform for high school students to use the power of film to drive change and inspire action on climate issues. It's a celebration of young voices and commitment to preserving our natural resources.

Announcing New Bus Locator App

We've got a NEW school bus locator app launching February 5th with our transportation partner, Durham School Services.

On this awesome new app, you can:

• Create an alert to receive notification when the bus passes through an area.
• Enable school notifications to receive notification when the bus arrives or departs the school.

• Download it from the Google Play Store: https://bit.ly/googlebuszone
• Download it from the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/buszone/id1637157853

• 𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲 for Boise School District: 𝟮𝟬𝟰𝟴𝗜𝗦𝗗𝗕𝗖
• Find your student's bus numbers and student ID number in Infinite Campus: https://boiseschools.infinitecampus.org/

Find more information in the parent user guide: https://support.zonarsystems.net/hc/en-us/articles/8673470779021-BusZone-Parent-User-Guide

Learn Something New in the New Year!

Community Education - Now Enrolling

Whether you're interested in learning a new skill, enhancing your professional development, or simply exploring a new hobby, we have something for everyone.

From hands-on workshops in arts & crafts, cooking, dance, fitness, pets & animal care and gardening to professional development courses in business and technology, our Community Education program aims to empower individuals with knowledge and skills that can enrich their lives and open new doors of opportunity.

Together, let's embark on a journey of growth, discovery and community building through education!

Enroll today at  www.boiselearns.org  

Gifts. Passions. Dreams. Possibilities.

WE SEE IT, TOO.

Boise School District's Everything's Possible movement shares the dreams, aspirations and experiences of our students and teachers. As a parent, you see your child’s potential. And we see it, too. Everything’s possible.



Student Device Monitoring 

A reminder to parents that Boise School District provides parents/guardians with the ability to monitor your student’s activity on their District-assigned digital device via the GoGuardian Parent App: 

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

Keep In Contact

Parents - Sign-Up for Emergency Text Messaging: The Boise School District offers emergency text messaging for parents/guardians. Learn more and sign-up.

Non-Parents - Mobile App Available: Boise School District has a mobile app to improve communication to you. The app offers emergency alerts and is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Spring 2024 High School Graduation Dates

Boise School District is pleased to announce the following spring 2024 high school graduation dates.

Spring 2024 Graduation Dates

ExtraMile Arena, 7:00 p.m.

(unless otherwise noted)

• Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - Boise Online School, 2:00 p.m.; Frank Church High School, 6:00 p.m. (both graduation ceremonies to be held at the Morrison Center)
• Monday, May 20, 2024 - Boise High School
• Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - Borah High School
• Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - Capital High School
• Thursday, May 23, 2024 – Timberline High School

• February 5-9: National School Counselors Week
• February 12: Regular Monthly Meeting of Boise School Board, 6 p.m., District Services Center, 8169 W. Victory Road, Boise. When available, Board agenda will be posted online.
• February 19: Presidents' Day - No School Pre K-12
• February 29: Kindergarten Registration, 3:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at your neighborhood school. Learn more...
• March 3-9: National School Social Workers Week
• March 15: End of Third Quarter - Early Release K-6, No School Pre K
• March 18-22: Spring Break - No School Pre K-12

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...