Boise School District Bands Shine at the Mel Shelton Idaho District III Marching Band Competition

On Saturday, October 26th, bands from across the region gathered to compete in the prestigious Mel Shelton Idaho District III Marching Band competition, showcasing their talent and hard work. Boise School District bands delivered impressive performances, earning top honors and continuing a legacy of excellence.

Timberline High School led the way in the Large Band Open Division, taking home 1st Place Overall along with awards for Best Music and Best Visual. Their remarkable musicianship also earned them the coveted Mel Shelton Award for the highest music score among all 27 competing bands and a 2nd Place finish in the Sweepstakes category. This continues Timberline’s impressive streak of placing in the top three in Sweepstakes at each event since 2016. Timberline’s Color Guard also demonstrated skill and precision, securing 4th Place in their category.

Timberline High School Marching Band celebrates their outstanding achievements at the Mel Shelton Idaho District III Marching Band Competition, proudly displaying their trophies for 1st Place Overall, Best Music, Best Visual, and the prestigious Mel Shelton Award for highest music score. Under the exceptional direction of Band Director José Rodríguez, II, Timberline continues its tradition of excellence!

Borah High School delivered a strong performance in the Large Band Open Division, earning a commendable 4th Place Overall. Their hard work and dedication were evident in their skillful presentation.

In the Medium Band Open Division, Boise High School’s Color Guard shone brightly, capturing 1st Place. Their exceptional performance highlighted the talent and creativity of the students and their instructors.

Boise High School’s Color Guard earned their 1st Place victory in the Medium Band Open Division at the Mel Shelton Idaho District III Marching Band competition! Their outstanding performance showcased the talent, creativity, and dedication of these students and their instructors. The Boise High School Marching Band is under the direction of Meghan FayOlswanger.

Capital High School made its mark in the Small Band Open Division, achieving 3rd Place Overall and a 3rd Place finish for their Color Guard. Their accomplishments are a testament to their commitment and passion for the art of marching band. Capital High's Marching Band is under the direction of Band Director Casey Lindorfer.

The Mel Shelton Idaho District III Marching Band competition not only celebrates musical excellence but also fosters a spirit of community and collaboration among young musicians. Congratulations to all the Boise School District bands for their outstanding achievements and for representing our schools with pride and distinction.

For more details about the competition, visit idahod3marchingfestival.org.

Boise Students in the Spotlight on Boise State Public Radio

Timberline Wind Symphony Prepares for National Stage in Indianapolis

Last spring, the Timberline High School Wind Symphony auditioned for the prestigious Music for All National Concert Band Festival, earning a spot as one of only 23 bands in the nation to perform in Indianapolis. Timberline was the only school selected from west of Texas, marking a significant milestone for the school and its growing music program.

Band Director José Rodríguez II, along with Timberline High students Matias Vidal-Russel and Grant Cardoza, recently joined Idaho Matters on Boise State Public Radio to discuss this exciting opportunity and the dedication it took to reach this level. They shared their excitement about representing Boise on a national stage and the importance of community support.

Timberline Band is also raising funds for their trip to the festival. To learn more or to support the band, visit their website at timberlinebands.com. 🎷📯🎶

Catch the full conversation on Boise State Public Radio's Idaho Matters, or by clicking on the following video link.

Capital High Students Share Perspectives on Civility and Voting Ahead of November 5th Election

Boise State Public Radio’s Morning Edition host George Prentice recently welcomed Todd Simis, Tessa Houston, and Carter Maness from Capital High School for a conversation about American government and the role of young people in politics. In a season full of challenges, these Capital High students and their American Government teacher shared insights on how political discourse can shape future voters.

Reflecting on today’s election landscape, Todd Simis remarked, “There’s a convergence this year. It’s exciting.” He also highlighted the respect and decorum his students have shown in class. Carter Maness noted his choice to step away from social media, observing that “no one really wants to have a fight” over differing views. Meanwhile, junior Tessa Houston shared thoughts on increasing voter engagement, suggesting that the winner-take-all method in the Electoral College can dilute representation.

This thoughtful discussion reminds us of the role schools play in preparing respectful, informed citizens. Catch the full conversation on Idaho Matters, now available on Boise State Public Radio.

America First Credit Union Donates $5,000 to Support Boise Public Schools Foundation’s Teacher Grants and Student Emergency Aid

Last week, America First Credit Union generously donated $5,000 to the Boise Public Schools Foundation. Boise School District Superintendent Lisa Roberts accepted the donation on behalf of the Foundation and explained that the funds will be used for two purposes: (1) to fund Teacher Innovation Grants and (2) to provide aid for students experiencing emergencies. Thank you to America First Credit Union for this generous gift, and congratulations on your new branch! We are so appreciative of your belief in our 22,000 students, our 4,000 educators and staff, and the future of our community!

Explore Boise Schools: A Unique Opportunity to Discover How the Boise School District is Shaping Future Generations

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.

Tour Options:

1️⃣ Lincoln Early Learning Center

Date: November 20, 2024 | Time: 9:00-10:00 am

Discover Boise Schools’ commitment to its youngest learners through the Community Classroom model, where children ages 3-5 are valued, respected, and encouraged to grow and reach their fullest potential.

2️⃣ Fairmont Junior High School - AVID Program

Date: January 28, 2025 | Time: 9:00-10:30 am

Experience a tour of Boise Schools’ national AVID Demonstration School. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a program dedicated to closing the opportunity gap and preparing students for college, career readiness, and success in a global society.

3️⃣ 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!

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 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 7-12 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. 

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.

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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

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...