Boise School District Leaders Featured on City Cast Boise Podcast to Discuss Mental Health Initiatives

In a recent episode of the City Cast Boise podcast, Boise School District’s Counseling Services Supervisor, Jason Shanks, and Andrea Geraghty, Supervisor of Social Work, Community Schools, and Mental Health Partnerships, shared valuable insights into how the district is proactively supporting the mental health of its students.

During the podcast, Shanks and Geraghty discussed a range of mental health services available to students, including counseling programs, partnerships with local mental health agencies, and resources to support both students and families. They emphasized the district’s commitment to addressing the growing need for mental health support in schools, especially in light of increasing concerns around youth suicide prevention.

The district's multi-faceted approach includes early intervention strategies, mental health awareness campaigns, and fostering stronger relationships between students, families, and school-based mental health professionals. The podcast highlighted how the district is working to create safe spaces for students to talk about their mental health challenges and access the support they need.

Through these efforts, the Boise School District aims to strengthen the mental well-being of its students and ensure that families feel supported in navigating these crucial issues. This work is part of a broader initiative to promote resilience and reduce the risk of youth suicide in the community.

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 School District Promotes Mental Health Resources and Support During National Suicide Prevention Month

Boise School District’s efforts to recognize National Suicide Prevention Month are well underway, reflecting the district’s commitment to student well-being as a top priority.

Throughout September, Boise Schools will be dedicating time in classrooms to discuss the critical topic of suicide prevention with students. Alongside these classroom discussions, the district is ensuring that families are aware of the wide range of mental health resources and support services available to all Boise Schools students and their families.

Every student deserves to feel a sense of belonging, support, and value at school. The district recognizes that conversations about mental health and suicide can be difficult, and wants students and families to know they are not alone. Boise School District encourages parents and guardians to take advantage of the many resources and programs offered, including:

• An age-by-age guide on how to talk to your child about suicide
• Signs that indicate your child may benefit from speaking with a counselor
• Suicide prevention and intervention programs
• Access to five free counseling sessions for students, their caregivers, and siblings, through a partnership with Central District Health and BPA Health
• Resources on grief and how to manage it
• And much more

By working together, we can foster a safe and supportive environment where every student can thrive.

Watch the video below to learn more about the Signs of Suicide® curriculum that will be taught in our junior high schools during September.

Signs of Suicide® curriculum overview video

School Well-Being Program

Boise School District is partnering with BPA Health to offer support services for our students, families and schools. Formerly known as the Student & Family Assistance Program (SFAP), the program has been rebranded as the School Well-Being Program, which represents our commitment to enhancing the lives of our students, families and our communities. The program is not another "assistance" service, but represents a comprehensive and holistic approach to providing expert care and support across a wide range of benefit offerings. Learn more below...

Flier above in Spanish language.

Resources for Talking to Your Child About Safety and Social Media

We recently sent district parents/guardians and staff a communication promising to provide resources on how to discuss school safety and social media with your children (students). As educators, parents, and caregivers, these conversations can be challenging, especially when rumors and misinformation create additional confusion. Honest, age-appropriate conversations about school threats can help us better understand how our children feel and reassure their sense of safety.

While schools remain among the safest places for students, our leaders and staff take safety concerns seriously. Any report of a threat is thoroughly investigated to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community. Review Resources for Talking to Your Child About Safety and Social Media.

Discover the Eye-Opening Insights from Our District-Wide Survey on Student Mental Health and Well-Being

Curious about what parents and staff think about student mental health and well-being? Last spring, we asked for your input, and after a thorough analysis over the summer, we're excited to reveal the insightful survey results. Discover the key findings that could shape the future of our students’ well-being!

Boise School District Leads Idaho in National Merit Semifinalists Once Again

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) has announced the Semifinalists for the 70th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program, and once again, the Boise School District stands out as Idaho’s top-performing district. 𝗔 𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟴 𝗕𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟮𝟳% 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲'𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 (103) – the most from any district in Idaho. This is particularly impressive given that the Boise School District enrolls just 𝟳% of Idaho's public school students.

“We are incredibly proud of this year’s 28 National Merit Semifinalists and their remarkable academic achievements,” said Boise School District Superintendent Lisa Roberts. “Having 27% of Idaho's National Merit Semifinalists come from our district, while we enroll only 7% of the state's public school students, is a clear testament to the academic excellence within the Boise School District.”

Boise School District Superintendent Lisa Roberts Discusses Key Issues in Recent Virtual Higher Ed Series

In a recent episode of the virtual Higher Ed Series, Boise School District Superintendent Lisa Roberts sat down with Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News to discuss the district’s strengths and challenges. The conversation touched on critical topics such as reading scores, the Idaho Launch program, and the impact of House Bill 521. Idaho House Bill 521 (HB 521) aims to enhance education and workforce readiness by providing grants for Idaho high school graduates to pursue training and education in high-demand fields, as part of the Idaho Launch program.

Click the video below to watch the interview.

BOISE SCHOOL BOARD CORNER

Boise School Board Reviews Safety Procedures, Approves Election Day as Non-School Day for Polling

The Boise School District held a special meeting on Monday, September 23, 2024, to raise public awareness about the district's safety and security procedures in response to the recent surge of unsubstantiated social media threats affecting school districts across the Treasure Valley and the nation.

In addition to the safety discussions, the Board approved a revision to the 2024-2025 school year calendar. Tuesday, November 5, 2024, will now be a non-school day for students, allowing many school campuses to serve as polling locations for the upcoming General Election.

Board's Student Advisory Committee Kicks Off School Year

The Boise School Board’s Student Advisory Committee held its first meeting of the school year at Timberline High School recently, where student representatives from across the district's high schools gathered to start a year of collaboration and learning.

The meeting began with team-building activities to foster connections and a sense of community among the student representatives (click video below to learn more). Students then identified key areas of interest that will guide the committee’s work throughout the year, ensuring that their voices drive meaningful discussions and actions.

The group also received training on the District’s Community Resiliency

Model, which focuses on promoting well-being and mental health, as well as overviews of standards-based reporting and the effective use of Google Classroom.



The Student Advisory Committee is looking forward to an engaging year of advocating for their peers and working together to improve the school experience for all students.

Student Advisory Committee members participate in team building activities.

Boise School District Hiring Testing Proctors

Boise School District is currently seeking individuals to serve as testing proctors for upcoming student assessments. Proctors play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the testing process by overseeing exam sessions, ensuring students follow guidelines, and providing support during the testing period.

This position is ideal for individuals who are detail-oriented, dependable, and interested in contributing to student success. Proctors will be needed on a temporary, part-time basis, with flexible hours available depending on testing schedules.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the Boise School District's employment portal. This opportunity is perfect for those looking to make a positive impact in the educational community. Email vikki.green@boiseschools.org for more information.

• October 2 & 3: Free Parenting Class (More info below)
• October 9: National Walk, Bike + Roll to School Day (More info below)
• October 11: End of First Quarter - (Pre K-6 only) No School
• October 16: (Pre K only) No School
• October 16-17: Parent Conferences
• Elementary evening conferences will be held Wednesday, October 16 and Thursday, October 17 until 7:30 pm
• Junior High evening conferences will be held Wednesday, October 16 and Thursday, October 17, 4-7 pm
• High School evening conferences will be held Tuesday, October 15 and Wednesday, October 16, 4-7 pm
• October 17: (Pre K-6 only) No Classes (Parent Conferences)
• October 17: Boise National College Fair (More info below)
• October 18: No School - all grades - Pre K-12

Boise National College Fair October 17th

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) invites students, parents, and counselors to explore the college search process at the NACAC National College Fair in Garden City, Idaho held on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Expo Idaho.



• Meet with admission representatives from all types of colleges and universities (2-year, 4-year, public, private, in-state, out-of-state, international)
• Talk to a college counselor and visit our sponsor tables in the college advising center
• New user-friendly attendee app

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

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

Community Education Fall Session Registration Open Now! (Classes run September 9 - October 17)

Serve with AmeriCorps as a Youth Instructor!

Free Parenting Courses

Boise School District has teamed up with Family Advocates to provide free 10-week parenting courses aimed at supporting local families. These courses offer valuable resources, along with dinner and childcare services, at no cost to participants.

Koelsch Elementary will host the English-language course starting on October 2, while Whitney Elementary will offer the course in Spanish beginning on October 3. Space for childcare is limited and spots are filling up quickly.

If you're interested, please complete the registration form, and the district will contact you to guide you through the registration process. For any questions, contact Sara Nord at 208-559-3107 or via email at sara.nord@boiseschools.org.

• Registration for the course in English starting October 2nd.
• Registration for the course in Spanish starting October 3rd.

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your parenting skills and connect with community resources!

Mini Olympics | October 9th

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...