Boise School District Students Receive National Recognition for Academic Excellence

We are proud to announce that 35 students from the Boise School District have earned national honors through the College Board’s National Recognition Programs. These prestigious awards celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of underrepresented students who have excelled in their studies.

The National Recognition Programs recognize African American, Hispanic, Indigenous, first-generation, and rural/small-town students for their hard work and dedication. Receiving this recognition opens doors to scholarship opportunities and can make students stand out to colleges across the country.



Curious to learn more about the eligibility criteria and how these programs are helping our students succeed? Click here to discover more about the College Board National Recognition Programs and how they’re making a difference in the lives of Boise School District students.

Let’s celebrate the hard work of these students and continue to support academic excellence in our schools!

Boise National College Fair Connects Students to Future Opportunities

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) hosted the Boise National College Fair at Expo Idaho in Garden City on Thursday, October 17, 2024. This event provided a valuable opportunity for students, parents, and counselors to explore the college search process and meet with admission representatives from a wide range of institutions, including 2-year and 4-year colleges, both public and private, from across the country and internationally.

The fair, held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., allowed attendees to engage with representatives from various colleges and universities, as well as visit the college advising center to speak with counselors. A new user-friendly attendee app helped guide participants through the event, making it easier to connect with potential schools and gather information.

In a highlight video produced by the Boise School District (watch below), an AVID student shares his experience at the fair, emphasizing how his education in the Boise School District and the support of his AVID teacher have prepared him to succeed beyond high school. His words resonate with the many students attending the fair, inspired by the wealth of opportunities available to them as they begin planning for their futures.

The Boise National College Fair continues to be an essential resource for local students, providing the guidance and information needed to take the next step toward higher education.

Watch as an AVID student shares his inspiring experience at the Boise National College Fair, emphasizing how his Boise School District education and teacher support have prepared him for life beyond high school. Learn how this event connects students with opportunities to explore their futures at colleges and universities across the nation!

Boise High Boys Golf Wins Second Straight State Championship, Timberline’s Ella Arnzen Shines, and Borah’s Grace Byrns Earns Great Idaho Athlete Award

Congratulations to Boise High Boys Golf for capturing the 2024 Team State Championship, marking their second consecutive state title! The team’s hard work and determination paid off, solidifying their dominance in high school golf.

A special shout-out goes to Timberline High School's Ella Arnzen for her remarkable individual performance. Tying for 1st place in the girls' competition, Ella competed fiercely in a playoff, ultimately earning the runner-up position. Her exceptional effort highlights her skill and perseverance on the course.

Boise High’s back-to-back titles and Ella’s standout finish make this a proud moment for Boise School District golf. Congratulations to all the athletes on their outstanding achievements!

Additionally, Borah High School’s Grace Byrns has been recognized with BoiseDev’s Great Idaho Athlete Award. As the varsity soccer team’s goalkeeper, Byrns played 1,120 minutes this season and ranked fifth in Idaho for saves. Off the field, she excels academically with a 4.0 GPA, is a National Honor Society member, and volunteers at Boise Zoo. Byrns hopes to continue playing soccer in college while pursuing a career in emergency response or fire sciences.

Lincoln Early Learning Center Hosts 'Mini Olympics' to Connect Families, Community, and Early Education!

On October 9, 2024, the Boise School District’s newly opened Lincoln Early Learning Center held a community event designed to raise public awareness about the new facility and its programs. Titled the “Mini Olympics,” the event welcomed families with children ages 3 to 5 to participate in fun and inclusive Olympic-style games, creating a playful and engaging atmosphere for young learners.

The Mini Olympics was more than just a day of games—it provided a unique opportunity for families to connect with local community organizations that serve children. The event featured booths where families could interact with representatives from various partner organizations, learning about resources available to support their children's development.

In addition to the games, guests were invited on informational tours of the Lincoln Early Learning Center. The newly opened facility is designed to provide a nurturing environment that fosters learning and growth for pre-k students. Tours showcased the center’s modern classrooms, play areas, and learning spaces.

To round off the evening, a complimentary dinner was provided, giving families the chance to relax, socialize, and build connections with one another and the center’s staff.

This highlight video features an interview with a family who shared their positive experience with the new center. They expressed excitement about the opportunities the Lincoln Early Learning Center offers their child. The highlight video also features an interview with the district's strategic partnerships coordinator, who spoke about the importance of building strong community partnerships to support both children and their families.

The Lincoln Early Learning Center’s Mini Olympics was a resounding success, bringing families together, showcasing the new center, and fostering community connections to benefit Boise's youngest learners.

Watch as families and young learners participate in the Lincoln Early Learning Center's 'Mini Olympics,' a fun-filled community event that brought together games, local organizations, and a sneak peek of the center's state-of-the-art facilities. Hear from families and staff about the exciting opportunities this new center offers!

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!

Boise State Football Players Visit Owyhee Elementary to Teach Teamwork and Sportsmanship

As part of Owyhee Elementary School's efforts to make its final year as a traditional elementary school unforgettable, students had a special visit from members of the Boise State University football team. The athletes spent time with students during an extended lunch break, sharing valuable lessons on teamwork, sportsmanship, and inclusivity.

The visit wasn’t just about football – it was an opportunity for the players to show how working together can achieve great things, both on and off the field. Students left with a deeper understanding of how these principles can be applied to their lives.

Of course, for the kids, it was also one of the coolest lunch breaks ever, filled with excitement, laughter, and memories that will last far beyond Owyhee's final year. Watch the following video to learn more.

Owyhee Elementary students enjoy an unforgettable visit from Boise State football players, learning about teamwork, sportsmanship, and inclusivity during their most exciting lunch break yet.

Boise Schools’ Dual Language Immersion Program: Preparing Students for a Bilingual Future

At Whittier Elementary, teacher Zoraida Juárez is making a difference through Boise Schools' Spanish and English Dual Language Immersion Program. The program not only teaches students to speak two languages but also helps them learn academic content in both, fostering critical thinking and cultural awareness.

“Our goal is for students to think and learn in both languages,” says Juárez. “It’s about expanding their minds and preparing them for the future.”

Lucia V., a student in the program, credits it with boosting her confidence and providing opportunities she wouldn’t have had otherwise. “I feel confident speaking and learning in Spanish and English. I know this will help me in the future,” she shares.

Research shows that dual language students often excel academically and gain valuable problem-solving skills. Boise Schools' program aims to prepare students for success in a global society.

Learn more by watching the video below, which highlights the program's impact on students and the community.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Spotlight on Norma Brittell

As we conclude our celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we are excited to highlight Norma Brittell, a dedicated School Support Assistant at Whittier Elementary School. In this video, Norma shares what her Hispanic heritage means to her and the value she finds in being bilingual.

Norma plays a vital role in creating a welcoming environment for students, making them feel at home when she speaks to them in the language they speak at home. Her ability to connect with students through language is a gift that makes a meaningful difference in their daily lives.

We are incredibly grateful for everything Norma does to support our students and staff. Check out the video to hear Norma's story and join us in thanking her for her outstanding contributions!

Norma Brittell, School Support Assistant at Whittier Elementary, shares what her Hispanic heritage and being bilingual mean to her. Thank you, Norma, for making our students feel at home!

Boise School District Celebrates National School Bus Safety Week: October 21-25, 2024

National School Bus Safety Week, from October 21-25, 2024, highlights the importance of keeping students safe during their bus rides. This year’s theme, "Driving Safely Into the Future,” emphasizes shared responsibility between students, drivers, and the community to ensure safe transportation.

In conjunction with the week, students are encouraged to participate in the 2025 National and State School Bus Safety Poster Contest. Running from October 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025, the contest invites K-12 students to create posters promoting bus safety. The theme is "Safety First - Safety Always” and winners will receive prizes and have their artwork featured in future campaigns.

Bus Safety Tips:

• Arrive at the bus stop early.
• Stay 10 feet from the curb while waiting.
• Follow the driver’s instructions.

For more details on the poster contest and bus safety, review the announcement and contest information for the 2025 National and State School Bus Safety Week Poster Contest. Let’s all work together to ensure student safety on the road!

Stay and Play Kickball Tournament to Support Student Well-Being

The Kade Parrish Benefit Kickball Tournament will be held October 26th in memory of Kade Parrish, a 14-year-old Boise boy who tragically took his own life on November 17, 2023. Kade was passionate about sports. By using friendly competition to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health, we honor his life. Funds raised will support three suicide prevention nonprofits.

This tournament serves as a powerful example of our community’s commitment to supporting the mental health of our students, aligning with the Boise School District’s ongoing efforts to prioritize student well-being. By coming together, we can help foster awareness, provide support, and create a safe, caring environment for all.

For more information on programs or to register for the tournament, visit Kade Parrish Stay & Play.

*Please note that this is not a Boise School District-sponsored event. The district is simply informing the public about this important initiative.

Navigating the First Quarter: Boise School District Offers Support for Student Well-Being and Mental Health Resources

Between Parent-Teacher conferences and report cards, there’s a lot going on as we wrap up the first quarter of the school year. While there’s much to celebrate, this can also be a pretty stressful time for some students and parents. We have resources that can help you as you navigate difficult situations.

Supporting Student Well-Being Beyond the Classroom

At Boise School District, we believe in fostering a supportive environment where every student can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. 

As part of our commitment to student well-being, we've partnered with BPA Health to offer the K-12 School Well-Being Program. This program is designed to provide comprehensive support to students from kindergarten to 12th grade, as well as their immediate families.

For more information, visit our Student Mental Health & Wellbeing website. 

If You Need Immediate Support

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988 (Available 24/7)
• Pathways Crisis Center: Call 1-833-5-CRISIS (Available 24/7)
• Mobile Crisis Support: Call 208-334-0808 (Available 24/7)

Need Help Getting Started?

Our schools have access to resources throughout our community. Please contact the counselor or social worker at your child's school.

Thank you for your active engagement in the health and well-being of your student.

Boise Schools Counselors Share Mental Health Tips: Talking to Teens, Warning Signs, and Seeking Support

As we near the end of National Suicide Prevention Month, Boise Schools counselors Sarah Campbell, Boise High School, and Angel Robison, Hillside Junior High School, share tips for better mental health, how to talk to your teen or tween about sensitive topics, and warning signs to look out for that may indicate a need to seek additional support for your child.

Student health and well-being are top priorities at Boise Schools. You matter. We care. And together, we can all help prevent suicide.

If you or anyone you know is considering suicide and needs support, call or text the Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline at 9️⃣8️⃣8️⃣, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 365 days a year.

Boise Schools Counselors Share Mental Health Tips: In this informative session, our counselors discuss how to talk to teens about mental health, recognize warning signs, and find the right support. Valuable advice for parents, educators, and the community to help our students thrive.

Reminder: Opt-In for the Student Well-being Survey

Parents and guardians, we are approaching the administration of the Student Well-being Survey in partnership with Communities for Youth. This survey is a valuable tool for gathering student voices to help us better understand and address the strengths and needs within our schools and community.

If you have not yet opted in for your child to participate, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. Your consent will allow your child to share their perspective, which is vital for us to support student well-being across the district.

Survey Dates: The survey will be conducted between October 28th and November 8th. Schools will select the best date for their administration during this window.

If you have not yet responded with a Yes or No, please take a moment to log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal and provide your consent. Here are instructions on how to access the "annual update" where the consent for the student well-being survey is located. Your participation is greatly appreciated, and it helps us ensure we’re capturing as many student voices as possible.

Thank you for your continued support!

BOISE SCHOOL BOARD CORNER

Board Presents Art Award to Former Whitney Student

Abbey Farrill, a 7th grader at South Junior High and former Whitney Elementary student, has been awarded the 2024 Bob Wand Memorial Art Award. Abbey’s artwork, depicting the Northern Lights, was selected from hundreds of submissions by elementary students across the district. She received the award at the Boise School Board meeting on October 14, 2024, where she was pictured with Boise School District Fine and Performing Arts Supervisor Benji Simmonds, who presented her with the award.



The Bob Wand Memorial Art Award is named in honor of Bob Wand, a former Boise School District Art Supervisor who was a strong advocate for the importance of art education as part of a comprehensive, high-quality education for all students.

Submissions for the 2025 Bob Wand Memorial Art contest are due to the Art Cottage by May 2, 2025. Click here for more information.

Abbey Farrill's award-winning artwork, depicting the Northern Lights, earned her the 2024 Bob Wand Memorial Art Award.

Boise School Board Honors Outstanding Staff with Red and Golden Apple Awards for October 2024

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 October 2024. These prestigious awards 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 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.

These award recipients exemplify the Boise School District's commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and a strong, supportive school community. Congratulations to the October honorees for their outstanding contributions - Capital High School Teacher Librarian John Georgeson recognized with the Red Apple Award and Taft Elementary School Community Schools Coordinator Jenny Hirst recognized with the Golden Apple Award.

For more details on the award winners and their accomplishments, review the words of nomination for Capital High School Teacher Librarian John Georgeson and review the words of nomination for Taft Elementary School Community Schools Coordinator Jenny Hirst.

Boise School District Winter Art Contests 2024

Elementary Winter Art Card Contest 2024

All Boise elementary students are invited to participate in Boise Schools' Winter Art Card Contest, held in conjunction with the St. Alphonsus Foundation Festival of Trees. The winning artwork will be featured on holiday greeting cards sent to friends of the Boise School District and St. Alphonsus. All entries will be displayed at the Festival of Trees from November 27 to December 1, and the top entries will be showcased at the District Services Center throughout December.

The top 100 entries will win a pass to the Festival of Trees and a gift card to Quality Art. For more information and to access the entry form, click here. Please submit all entries to the Art Cottage or the District Services Center by Friday, November 8th. For questions, contact Kate Miller at kate.miller@boiseschools.org.

Pictured is the winning artwork from the 2023 Elementary Winter Art Contest, created by Andria Li, a 5th grader at White Pine Elementary School.



Secondary Winter Art Contest 2024

All Boise secondary students are encouraged to participate in the District-wide Winter Art Contest, also held in conjunction with the St. Alphonsus Foundation Festival of Trees. Students in grades 6-12 are eligible to submit their artwork for a chance to win Amazon gift certificates for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Entries will be displayed at the Festival of Trees from November 27 to December 1, and the top entries will be exhibited at the District Services Center throughout December. For more information, click here. All entries must be delivered to the Art Cottage or the District Services Center by Friday, November 8th. For questions, contact Kate Miller at kate.miller@boiseschools.org.

Stay Updated with the Latest from Career Technical Education (CTE)!

We’re excited to share the first districtwide CTE newsletter! This issue is packed with exciting updates, student achievements, and highlights of the incredible programs offered districtwide. Whether you're interested in learning about new opportunities for students or seeing how CTE is preparing them for future careers, this newsletter has something for everyone.

Don’t miss out on all the great stories and information!



Click here to read the newsletter and stay connected with all that’s happening in CTE districtwide!

School Resource Officer Newsletter | Boise Police Department

Idaho State Board of Education Now Accepting Applications for Empowering Parents Grants

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. 

For more information, please review the Empowering Parents Frequently Asked Questions. 

• November 5: Non-Student Day due to General Election. Learn more.
• November 25-29: Autumn Break - No School Pre K-12
• December 18, 19, 20: Secondary End of Semester Testing - Early Release 7-12
• December 19: Early Release K-6 to Work on Report Cards, No School Pre K
• December 20: End of First Semester - Early Release K-6 to Work on Report Cards, No School Pre K
• December 23 - January 3: Winter Break - No School Pre K-12
• January 6: Staff Professional Development and Building Work Day; Non-Student Day
• January 6: Online Registration Opens for Winter 2025 Community Education Session
• January 7: School Resumes

Bus or Treat

Capital HS Holiday Bazaar November 2nd (Vendors Wanted!)

If you are interested in being a vendor, please contact Heather Asbury or Pam Arriola.

Free Developmental Screener (Ages 3-5)

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

Interested in Athletics?

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.

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...