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Boise School District News
Friday, September 13, 2024
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Chalk the Walk: Boise High Schools and Boise State Athletes Raise Suicide Prevention Awareness
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In a heartwarming and impactful event, students from Boise, Borah, Capital, and Timberline High Schools joined forces this week with Boise State University student-athletes to raise awareness for suicide prevention. The event, titled Chalk the Walk, took place at Boise City Hall on Monday, September 9th as part of National Suicide Prevention Month. Participants filled the walkways with colorful chalk messages of hope, inspiration, and support to remind the community that no one has to face their struggles alone.
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Chalk the Walk extended its reach beyond the high schools. Elementary school students across the Boise School District also participated by writing their own messages of kindness and hope at their respective schools. Some of these elementary schools were even joined by members of the Boise State football team, including Boise State star running back and Heisman Trophy contender Ashton Jeanty, who offered support and encouragement to the young students (watch video below to learn more). Their presence further emphasized the importance of kindness, mental health awareness, and looking out for one another.
The combination of high school, elementary school, and college participants created a unified effort to spread positivity throughout the Boise community. By coming together, they not only raised awareness about suicide prevention but also fostered a culture of compassion and support at all levels of education. Events like Chalk the Walk highlight the power of community and remind us that help and hope are always available, no matter your age or stage in life. Watch the following videos for more information.
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Chalk the Walk Suicide Prevention Month Activity at Boise City Hall. Watch the above video to see how our community is coming together to support student well being and save lives.
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During National Suicide Prevention Week, in partnership with BroncoBOLD, Boise State University athletes visited Boise Schools, where they engaged with students and discussed the importance of mental health. Boise State star running back (and Heisman Trophy contender!) 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙩𝙤𝙣 𝙅𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙮 is a passionate mental health advocate and spoke to students in Mrs. Duggan's 3rd-grade class at Monroe Elementary School about how to cope with disappointment. Watch the above video to learn more.
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Elementary students throughout the Boise School District participated in Chalk the Walk, spreading messages of kindness at their respective schools. Highlight videos include the one above, and a video featuring inspirational messages of kindness from some of our kindergarten students.
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Video: Boise School District Launches Hope Squads to Boost Student Mental Health and Well-Being
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New in the Boise School District this year, Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program offered as an elective at every junior high school and all four of our traditional high schools and Boise Online School. Students attend class during the day with time allocated to recognize their own strengths, manage themselves, and become a mental health student leader in the school.
This week, Abby Davis from KTVB highlighted the Hope Squad at Capital High School and how this unique and valuable initiative is having a positive impact on students and is part of the district's overall commitment to student mental health and well-being. Watch or read her story here.
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Boise School District Promotes Mental Health Resources and Support as National Suicide Prevention Month Begins
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Boise School District’s efforts to recognize National Suicide Prevention Month are now fully 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.
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Signs of Suicide® curriculum overview video
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School Well-Being Program
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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...
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Discover the Eye-Opening Insights from Our District-Wide Survey on Student Mental Health and Well-Being
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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!
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BOISE SCHOOL BOARD CORNER
2024 Trustee Election Results
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Results from the Boise School Board election on September 3, 2024, show Krista Hasler winning the contested Trustee seat with a two-year term. Hasler received 1,755 votes, defeating Matthew Shapiro, who garnered 1,490 votes. The Board certified the election results during its regular meeting on September 9, 2024, where Hasler was sworn in alongside incumbents Dr. Paul Bennion, Debbie Donovan, Maria Greeley, and Elizabeth Langley, who ran unopposed.
For more details, visit the Boise School District's 2024 Trustee Election website. website.
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Left to right: Elizabeth Langley, Maria Greeley, Dr. Paul Bennion, Debbie Donovan, and Krista Hasler take the Oath of Office for the Boise School Board during the September 9, 2024 meeting.
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USS Boise Crew Inspires Boise Students with Lessons on Service and Teamwork During Special School Visits
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On September 5th & 6th, 2024, USS Boise crew members made a special visit to schools in the Boise School District, including Amity Elementary and Maple Grove Elementary. Watch as sailors engage with students, sharing stories about life aboard a submarine and inspiring the next generation with lessons on teamwork, discipline, and service. This heartwarming interaction gives students a chance to learn firsthand from the heroes who serve our nation! Watch the following video to learn more.
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USS Boise Crew Visits Boise Schools
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Boise Schools Coaches Recognized with Game Changer Coaching Awards
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Three of our outstanding coaches were honored tonight by the Idaho Youth Sports Commission with the “GameChanger Award.” This prestigious award “recognizes coaches and players who stand apart in their efforts to better the sports experience for all involved.”
The Boise Schools coaches honored as “GameChangers” are:
🏆 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻
Willie currently teaches in the Boise School District and has worked as a Boise Schools coach for 15 years. He has been a football coach at West Junior High School for 14 years. Go Mustangs!
🏆 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹 𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗿
Paul worked as a teacher for Boise School District and retired in 2023. He took a year off from coaching, but Coach Altorfer has returned to coach football at Fairmont Junior High School. (Go Falcons!) Paul has coached youth sports for 35 years, including football, boys and girls basketball, track, and volleyball for Boise Schools.
🏆 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵
Cole has coached football at North Junior High School for 5 years. He has also coached wrestling, track, golf, and Basketball at North. Go Vikings!
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Timberline's Wind Symphony Selected for Prestigious 2025 Music For All National Concert Band Festival—Only School Chosen West of Texas!
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Timberline High School’s Wind Symphony has earned national recognition by being selected for the 2025 Music For All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana, scheduled for March 2025. Following a rigorous audition process judged by renowned adjudicators, Timberline was named one of just 23 bands chosen from across the country.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Timberline is the only school selected from west of Texas, setting a significant milestone for the school and its music program. This prestigious festival, which celebrates the finest high school music programs in the nation, will provide the Timberline Wind Symphony with the opportunity to perform on a national stage, demonstrating their skill, dedication, and passion for music.
The selection is a tremendous honor for the students, directors, and the entire Timberline community, showcasing their commitment to excellence in music education. José Rodríguez, II is the Band Director at Timberline High School.
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Wendy Johnson Honored with 2024 District Leadership Award by Idaho Association of School Administrators
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Wendy Johnson, the Area Director for the Boise Quadrant in the Boise School District and former Superintendent of the Kuna School District, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 District Leadership Award by the Idaho Association of School Administrators (IASA). This accolade recognizes Johnson’s outstanding contributions to educational leadership and her tireless dedication to improving student outcomes throughout her career.
Known for her innovative approaches and strategic thinking, Johnson has been instrumental in shaping the educational landscape in Idaho. During her time as superintendent in Kuna, she led numerous initiatives aimed at improving instructional practices and enhancing the overall school environment. In her current role with the Boise School District, Johnson continues to influence the success of schools and students at a district-wide level.
The IASA praised Johnson for her ability to foster collaboration among educators, promote professional development, and inspire excellence in teaching and learning. Her commitment to education and leadership has left a lasting impact on the communities she has served.
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Boise School District Hiring Testing Proctors
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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 [email protected] for more information.
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- September 21: Kinship Family Day (More info below)
- 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
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Idaho Kinship Family Day September 21st
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Boise National College Fair October 17th
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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
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Capital HS Holiday Bazaar November 2nd (Vendors Wanted!)
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If you are interested in being a vendor, please contact Heather Asbury or Pam Arriola.
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Community Education Fall Session Registration Open Now! (Classes run September 9 - October 17)
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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 [email protected].
- 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!
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Mini Olympics | October 10th
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Free Developmental Screener (Ages 3-5)
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Serve with AmeriCorps as a Youth Instructor!
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Technology Tips: Keeping Kids Safe
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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:
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.
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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.
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School Resource Officer Newsletter | Boise Police Department
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Keep In Contact: Emergency Text Notifications
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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.
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Stay Informed: Follow Boise Schools on Social Media!
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