Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About Owyhee-Harbor Elementary School --Updated 9-1-2005

1. What is a Harbor School?

Harbor schools focus on kindness, have zero tolerance for bullying, set high academic and behavioral expectations, and use a dynamic interactive teaching style. They are so named because they provide a "safe harbor"for students so they can focus on learning. Only schools that follow the "Values and Operating Principles of Harbor Schools" and the "Essential Elements of a Harbor School" can use the name. These two documents can be found in the front entrance area of our school or on our website.

2. Why did Owyhee become a Harbor School?

Due to declining enrollment, Owyhee's future as a neighborhood school was in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Harbor Schools have been gaining popularity in the Treasure Valley and many have long waiting lists. The Boise District adopted a win-win solution to maintain a neighborhood school for the Owyhee attendance area and provide a sought-after option for parents and students from outside the area beginning with the 2004-05 school year.

3. Is Owyhee a charter school?

No, Owyhee is part of the Boise School District. The District's Board of Trustees, not a charter school board, oversees it and all staff members are employees of the District. Owyhee offers the same services and programs as other District'schools including Gifted at Talented Education (GATE), special education and speech/language therapy services, school counseling and nursing services, band and orchestra, boys and girls basketball, and track.

4. How do I know that Owyhee is a true Harbor School?

The district worked closely with the Harbor Institute to ensure that administrative, instructional and support staff are trained in the Harbor Method. Owyhee is periodically evaluated by the Institute to ensure that the Harbor Method is being employed. Owyhee is using the same curricular materials that are common to all Harbor Schools including:

• The Harbor School Method Character Education Plan;
• The Harbor School Method Mathematics Program;
• The Harbor School Method Vocabulary Program;
• Spalding Reading;
• Saxon Mathematics (for homework); and
• Shurley English.

In addition, Owyhee and other Harbor Schools all offer additional classes that enhance student learning and provide additional preparation time for classroom teachers. The specific elective classes offered vary from one Harbor School to another.

5. What additional classes are offered at Owyhee?

• Kindergarten: general music; library; and physical education
• First through Fourth Grades: general music, library, physical education, computers/technology, and hands-on science
• Fifth and Sixth Grades: general music; instrumental music (band or orchestra) or exploratory, library, physical education, computers/technology, and hands-on science

6. How do I enroll my child in Owyhee?

If you live in the Owyhee attendance area you can stop by the school weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to complete an enrollment form. You will need a copy of your child's birth certificate and immunization record. If a grade is full, your child's name will be placed on a waiting list and you will be directed to an overflow school, the same as any other school in the district.

If you live outside of the Owyhee attendance area you must apply for Open Enrollment. An application can be downloaded from the District's web site and mailed or faxed to the school. You will be notified of whether your child has been accepted and if not, the reason. If accepted, you need to complete an enrollment form and furnish a copy of your child's birth certificate and immunization record. If a grade level is full, your child's name will be placed on a waiting list.

7. Will I have to go through the open enrollment application process every year?

Once accepted, your child can continue at Owyhee from year to year as long as he or she maintains satisfactory grades, behavior, and attendance. Each spring we will ask you to inform us of your intentions for the following year so we can plan appropriately.

8. If my child is on the waiting list, when and how will I know if my child is accepted?

If an opening occurs and your child's name is next on the waiting list, we will contact you by phone or mail to determine if you are still interested.

9. Will seventh and eighth grade be offered at Owyhee in the future?

At this time there are no specific plans to add a 7^th or 8^th grade. The District will obtain input in the fall of 2005 to determine the interest of Owyhee neighborhood parents and open enrollment parents, and to determine whether it is feasible to go beyond 6^th grade.

10. What school calendar does Owyhee follow?

Owyhee follows the traditional calendar for the Boise School District. A copy of that calendar is available here.

11. What time does school start and end?

School for 1^st through 6^th graders is generally in session from 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. On early release days, 1^st through 6^th graders are dismissed at 1:15 p.m.

Kindergarten is generally scheduled from 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or from 12:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. On early release days, kindergarten sessions run from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

12. What times can I pick up and drop off my children?

Students should be dropped off after 8:15 in the morning, when student supervision begins. Student should be picked when school ends.

13. Is transportation available?

Bus transportation is available for students who live in Owyhee's transportation safety area, which includes the Sunrise Rim area and the Falcon Valley Apartments. On a space available basis, open enrollment students can ride an Owyhee bus from an established stop. We are sorry but the district does not transport students to or from other locations.

Parent volunteers are helping coordinate carpools for students who live outside of the transportation area. You may obtain a carpool registration form from the Owyhee office.

14. Does Owyhee have a hot lunch or breakfast program?

Yes, Owyhee has a cafeteria with a school lunch and breakfast program. Free and reduced meals are available for students who qualify. Breakfast is served from 8:15 to 8:35 a.m. School meal prices.

15. Is before or after school childcare available?

Childcare is not offered at Owyhee but many private childcare facilities provide transportation to and from Owyhee. The office can provide more information.

16. What school supplies will my children need?

School supply lists for Owyhee are slightly different than other District'schools. Lists for each grade level are available at the office or on our website.