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Boise School District News
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
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Timberline Wind Symphony to Perform on National Stage in Indianapolis This Friday!
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Timberline High School’s award-winning Wind Symphony is set to take the national stage this Friday, March 14, at 2:00 p.m. (EST) / 12:00 p.m. (MST) at the prestigious 2025 Music for All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. This incredible honor places Timberline and the Boise School District in the national spotlight, as the only school selected west of Texas for this elite festival.
Selected through a highly competitive audition process, Timberline’s Wind Symphony is one of just 23 bands nationwide invited to perform. Under the direction of Band Director José Rodríguez, II, these talented musicians will showcase their dedication, artistry, and excellence on a national stage.
This festival celebrates the best high school music programs in the country, and Timberline’s participation underscores the strength of Boise School District’s music education program.
🎵 Watch the Performance Live! Stream the Timberline Wind Symphony’s performance live online at box5tv.com.
📅 For more festival details and the full schedule, visit: Music for All Festival Schedule.
Let’s cheer on Timberline’s Wind Symphony as they represent Boise and the West with pride! 🎶👏
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Boise School District Students Shine at Idaho DECA State Conference
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Seventy-seven Boise School District students showcased their business acumen at the Idaho DECA State Career Development Conference, held February 10-12, 2025. Many students qualified to compete at the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Florida, on April 26-29.
State Officer Elections:
- Elena Chamberlain (Boise HS) – Elected Idaho DECA State President
- Adreona North (Capital HS) – Elected Vice President of Marketing
- Atharva Tripathi (Timberline HS) – Elected Vice President of Career Development
Notable Achievements:
- Boise High School: multiple 1st place winners, including Jens Knutsen (Business Growth Plan), Rayden King & Aveda Knight (Business Solutions Project), Elena Chamberlain, Mona Schwartz & Yvonee Shen (Community Awareness Project), Yvonne Shen (Entrepreneurship Series), Jonah Hagenah & Dylan Walker (Innovation Plan), Sean Norton (Principles of Finance), Toby Lund (Sport and Entertainment Marketing Series), Maliea Round (Restaurant and Food Service Management Series).
- Borah High School: Rylee Hale (3rd, Principles of Marketing), Zubayr Kaali (3rd, Principles of Finance).
- Capital High School: Addison Skaggs (1st, Sales Project), Raymond Schwartz (1st, Personal Financial Literacy).
- Timberline High School: Chapter of the Year, multiple 1st place winners, including Jaiwei Zhang (Business Finance Series), Kathy Nie & Danica Noronha (Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making, Integrated Marketing Campaign-Product), Colin Beal (Hotel and Lodging Management Series), and Isaac Levesque & Atharva Tripathi (Career Development Project).
The Boise School District congratulates all DECA students and advisors for their hard work and dedication. We look forward to seeing them compete at ICDC in Orlando!
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Boise High School DECA Team
(Boise High School DECA Results)
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Boise School District Teams Excel at State Basketball Tournament
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Boise School District had a strong showing at the 2025 Idaho State High School Basketball Tournament, with multiple teams earning top finishes and prestigious awards.
Girls State Tournament Success
Boise, Borah, and Capital High School all qualified for the girls' state basketball tournament, showcasing the depth of talent in the district. Boise High had a remarkable season, claiming the 2025 6A Girls Basketball Southern Idaho Conference District Championship with a 55-48 victory over Eagle before making a deep run at state. The Brave finished as the State Runner-Up and earned the Sportsmanship Award for their outstanding conduct on and off the court. Additionally, Borah High brought home the Consolation Trophy, highlighting their resilience and competitive spirit throughout the tournament.
Timberline Boys Earn Multiple Honors
The boys' state basketball tournament, held this past weekend, saw Borah, Boise, and Timberline High Schools representing the district. Timberline secured an impressive third-place finish, adding to their success by also winning the State Academic Championship for excellence in the classroom. Capping off their achievements, the Wolves were awarded the Sportsmanship Award, a testament to their integrity and sportsmanship during competition.
These accomplishments reflect not only the dedication and talent of our student-athletes but also the support of their coaches, families, and school communities. Congratulations to all our teams for an outstanding season!
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📸 Boise High Girls Basketball – 2025 6A SIC District Champions, Idaho State Basketball Tournament Runner-Up & Sportsmanship Award Winner
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📸 Timberline Boys Basketball – 3rd Place, State Academic Champions & Sportsmanship Award at the 2025 Idaho State Basketball Tournament
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📸 Borah Girls Basketball – Consolation Trophy Winner at the 2025 Idaho State Basketball Tournament
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Fairmont Junior High Showcases AVID Success to Educators from Ohio and the Treasure Valley
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On February 27, 2025, Fairmont Junior High School opened its doors to educators from Ohio and across the Treasure Valley for an AVID Showcase, offering a firsthand look at how the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program is preparing students for success. As Fairmont gears up for the revalidation of its prestigious national AVID Demonstration School status next year, this event served as a powerful testament to the program’s impact on student achievement.
During the showcase, visiting educators had the opportunity to step into AVID classrooms and witness students actively engaged in rigorous, inquiry-based learning. They observed students collaborating with teachers and AVID-trained tutors, applying critical thinking skills, and utilizing AVID strategies to enhance their organization, note-taking, and problem-solving abilities.
Fairmont students took center stage as they shared their personal AVID journeys. In a special video presentation, students described how the program has helped them build confidence, improve study habits, and set ambitious goals for their futures. The showcase reinforced AVID’s role in equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in high school, college, and beyond.
🎥 Watch now to see AVID in action and hear directly from students about how the program is shaping their academic success!
#AVID #CollegeReady #FairmontJuniorHigh
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🚀 See AVID in Action! Watch as Fairmont Junior High students share how AVID has transformed their learning—building confidence, sharpening study skills, and setting them up for success. 🎥 Click the link to watch! #AVID #CollegeReady #FairmontJuniorHigh
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Whittier Students Explore Fresh Flavors with USDA’s Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program
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On February 26, 2025, Desiree Karst, RDN & Charlie’s Produce Account Executive, Bart, were guests at Whittier Elementary. The visit was an opportunity to educate students about our district’s commitment to providing students with healthy and fun food choices.
The focus during the visit was the district’s participation in The Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program, an initiative by the US Department of Agriculture to offer elementary schools a wider variety of fresh produce than what is available through regular USDA Child Nutrition Programs.
The item served that day was yellow dragon fruit. Students asked many questions and were great participants. Amy Griffin, 6th grade teacher at Whittier shared with them that there’s never a bite wasted - the kids love this program. Students gain an appreciation for farmers, an inquisitive mind for growing fresh fruits and vegetables, and generally, an open mind to trying new foods that they may start to recognize in their own local farmer’s markets and grocery stores.
Under the program, a fresh fruit or vegetable snack is provided 3-4 days per week to all students at the schools awarded the grant. This year the grant was awarded to 13 schools.
The Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) department procures items through their produce vendor, Charlie’s Produce. Typically the items are domestic, but it's a treat to surprise the students with non-domestic items if the price is right.
A big thank you to the hard working food service staff that prepare the items and the teachers that encourage the children to be adventurous and excited about fruits and vegetables. FNS hopes this grant continues to be available for many years to come!
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Whittier Students Explore Fresh Flavors in District’s Commitment to Well-Being!
Desiree' Karst, MBA, RDN, LD, SNS, Food & Nutrition Services Assistant Supervisor, and Amy Griffin, 6th Grade Teacher at Whittier Elementary, introduce students to yellow dragon fruit through the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program, showcasing the Boise School District’s commitment to student well-being and nutrition.
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Boise School District Teacher Erin Stutzman Earns Best of Green Schools Award
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Erin Stutzman, a veteran educator in the Boise School District, has been named a 2025 Best of Green Schools Award recipient for the K - 12 category, presented by the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council and Green Schools National Network. The awards celebrate the hard work being done by people, schools, campuses and organizations to push the green school movement forward.
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Michele Loftis Named Idaho HOSA Advisor of the Year
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Michele Loftis, a dedicated teacher and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) advisor at Timberline High School, has been named the Idaho HOSA Advisor of the Year at the Idaho HOSA State Leadership Conference in Pocatello. Loftis received the prestigious award on Wednesday afternoon in recognition of her outstanding contributions to health science education and student leadership development.
The award’s criteria include exceptional educational talent, exemplary HOSA accomplishments, strong leadership potential, and the ability to engage and inspire students, colleagues, and the community. Loftis’ dedication to her students and the HOSA program has significantly impacted the Timberline High School community and beyond, fostering a passion for healthcare careers and leadership among Idaho’s youth.
“Receiving this award is a true honor,” said Loftis. “Helping students develop their skills, confidence, and passion for healthcare has been incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful to be part of an organization that empowers future healthcare professionals.”
As a HOSA advisor, Loftis has played a pivotal role in mentoring students, organizing competitive events, and fostering partnerships with healthcare professionals to provide real-world learning experiences. Under her guidance, Timberline’s HOSA chapter has achieved success at both state and national levels, with students excelling in competitions, leadership roles, and career development opportunities.
The Idaho HOSA State Leadership Conference, held annually, brings together students, educators, and industry professionals to promote leadership, learning, and career growth in healthcare. Loftis’ recognition as Advisor of the Year underscores her significant contributions to this mission.
Her colleagues and students celebrated the achievement, praising her passion, mentorship, and unwavering support. Congratulations to Michele Loftis on this well-earned honor and her continued dedication to shaping the future of healthcare education at Timberline High School and across Idaho.
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Boise Music Educators Present at Prestigious Regional Conference
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On Sunday, February 16, 2025, two of Boise School District’s talented music educators took center stage at the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All-Northwest Conference in Spokane, Washington. Meghan Olswanger, band director at Boise High School, and Vanessa Perala, orchestra director at West Junior High School, each presented sessions to a gathering of music educators from across the Northwest.
This highly regarded conference brings together music educators from Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming to collaborate, learn, and advance their craft. Olswanger and Perala’s presentations reflected not only their deep expertise but also their commitment to enriching music education on a broader scale.
By sharing their insights and passion for music instruction, these outstanding educators demonstrated their dedication to both their profession and their students. Their participation at NAfME All-Northwest highlights the excellence of Boise School District’s music programs, reinforcing the district’s reputation for fostering exceptional arts education.
Congratulations to Meghan Olswanger and Vanessa Perala for their impactful contributions to this prestigious event and for continuing to inspire fellow educators across the region!
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Meghan Olswanger, band director at Boise High School, stands in front of her presentation, "Lattes & Avocado Toast: Your Finances as a Music Educator," at the NAfME All-Northwest Conference in Spokane, Washington.
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Vanessa Perala, orchestra director at West Junior High School, stands in front of her presentation, "Expressive Conducting: Small Ways to Improve Connection with Your Ensemble," at the NAfME All-Northwest Conference in Spokane, Washington.
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Borah Area Director Becca Anderson Honored with 2025 TWIN Award
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Becca Anderson, Borah Area Director for the Boise School District, has been named a recipient of the 2025 Tribute to Women and Industry (TWIN) Award, a prestigious recognition presented by the Women’s and Children’s Alliance (WCA). Anderson will be honored at the 32nd annual TWIN Awards Luncheon on April 8, 2025, at 12 p.m.
The TWIN Award celebrates women who have excelled in their fields, making significant contributions in executive, managerial, and professional roles. It also recognizes organizations, like the Boise School District, that foster policies and practices promoting the advancement of women and ensuring equal opportunities for diverse professionals.
As Borah Area Director, Anderson plays a vital role in shaping educational experiences for students, supporting staff, and strengthening school-community connections. Her leadership, dedication, and commitment to student success have left a lasting impact on the district, making her a deserving honoree of this distinguished award.
“The Boise School District is proud to see Becca recognized for her leadership and dedication,” said Superintendent Lisa Roberts. “Her commitment to excellence and service embodies the values of our district, and we are thrilled that the WCA is celebrating her contributions.”
The TWIN Awards event also provides an opportunity for professional women across industries to network and celebrate achievements in leadership. Since its inception, the WCA has honored hundreds of outstanding women, continuing its mission to recognize and support those who break barriers and inspire others.
Anderson’s recognition highlights the Boise School District’s ongoing efforts to support and empower women in leadership. Congratulations to Becca Anderson on this well-earned achievement!
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BOISE SCHOOL BOARD CORNER
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Boise School Board Recognizes March 2025 Red Apple Award Recipient; Golden Apple Award to be Presented in April
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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, which 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 March 2025 recipient is Cassie Luna, Learning Coach at Dennis Technical Education Center, for her outstanding support and guidance in enhancing student learning and teacher development.
The Golden Apple Award recognizes classified staff for their invaluable behind-the-scenes support, from administrative roles to operations and maintenance, as well as other school staff members, ensuring our schools run smoothly and efficiently. The March 2025 honoree is Kristine Cathey, IT Systems Manager, whose dedication to maintaining and improving the district’s technology infrastructure plays a vital role in supporting students and staff.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Kristine was unable to attend the March meeting, and her recognition will take place during the April 14th Board meeting.
These award recipients exemplify the Boise School District's commitment to academic excellence, student success, and a strong, supportive school community. Congratulations to Cassie Luna and Kristine Cathey for their outstanding contributions!
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📸 Celebrating Excellence! Boise School Board Trustee Debbie Donovan presents the March 2025 Red Apple Award to Cassie Luna, Learning Coach at Dennis Technical Education Center, in recognition of her outstanding dedication to student success and teacher support. 🎉🍎 #BoiseSchools #RedAppleAward #ExcellenceInEducation
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Excitement & Smiles: Welcoming the Class of 2038!
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The Class of 2038 is ready to shine! ✨ Our neighborhood elementary schools recently hosted kindergarten registration & open house events, welcoming families into our warm, engaging neighborhood learning environments.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you 💖 to all the families who joined us for in-person kindergarten registration! It was truly wonderful to meet so many excited children and supportive parents as we prepare for this exciting new chapter together.
Seeing families explore the school 🏫, meet our dedicated teachers 🍎, and share in the joy of this milestone made the experience even more special. Your enthusiasm and commitment to your child’s education are what make our school community so incredible! 💙
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"Smiling faces, bright futures! ✨ Families across the Boise School District are excited to register their little learners for kindergarten. We can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2038! 🎒📚💙 #BoiseKinders #FutureReady"
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Spring Break 2025 PowerDown Challenge
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In an effort to be good stewards of our energy resources, we invite you to help your school/district site to participate in the Spring 2025 Powerdown Challenge.
During the recent winter break we were able to save 302,466 kWh of electricity by responsibly shutting down our buildings before we left for winter break. This is equivalent to saving the energy to charge over 16 million smartphones in just two weeks! (Source: EPA equivalencies calculator) Thank you to all the students and staff who participated!
We will be powering down again over this Spring Break (March 17-21, 2025). You may use the attached checklist and QR code or link to participate for sustainable prizes. Let's see if we can save more energy this year. Have a happy and safe break!
Boise School District
Sustainability Committee
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Cultural Celebration: Whittier's Connection of Global Community
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Boise School District Partners with City of Boise to Share Information About IRS Direct File
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The Boise School District is excited to partner with the City of Boise to help spread the word about a valuable resource for our families: IRS Direct File. This new program allows 32 million taxpayers in 25 states, including Idaho, to file their federal taxes for free, providing an easy, secure, and cost-effective way to meet tax obligations.
IRS Direct File is designed to simplify the tax filing process for eligible individuals and families by offering a free, online tool to file federal tax returns directly with the IRS. With tax season now underway, this resource can make a significant difference for many households, particularly for those who might otherwise face financial barriers in completing their returns.
As part of our partnership with the City of Boise, we encourage families to explore this program and see if they qualify for free filing. By removing the cost of tax preparation, IRS Direct File empowers families to maximize their returns and reduce financial stress.
For more information on how to access IRS Direct File and determine eligibility, visit IRS Direct File.
We are proud to collaborate with the City of Boise in sharing resources that support the well-being of our community. Together, we can ensure families have the tools and support they need for a successful tax season.
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Boise School District Announces Spring 2025 Graduation Dates
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Boise School District is pleased to announce the following spring 2025 high school graduation dates.
- Frank Church High School
- May 15th at 6:00 p.m., Capital High School Auditorium
- Boise Online School
- May 16th at 6:00 p.m., Borah High School Auditorium
- At Extra Mile Arena at 7:00 PM
- May 19th - Timberline High School
- May 20th - Boise High School
- May 21st - Borah High School
- May 22nd - Capital High School
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Boise School District Partners with Varsity Tutors to Offer Free 24/7 Online Tutoring for Secondary Students
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Boise School District is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Varsity Tutors, bringing 24/7 online tutoring and academic resources to secondary students, free of charge through 2030. This innovative partnership ensures students in grades 7-12 have access to a comprehensive suite of academic support tools, empowering them to learn at their own pace and succeed in any subject.
Through Varsity Tutors, students can connect with flexible, on-demand support, including live tutoring sessions, essay reviews, enrichment classes, and access to celebrity-led StarCourses. The platform offers a variety of self-study tools, recorded lessons, and group classes designed to cater to every learning style.
Key Features Available:
- 24/7 Chat Tutoring – Instant help for any subject, anytime
- Essay Review – Expert feedback on written assignments
- Enrichment Classes – Supplemental courses to enhance learning
- Self-Study Resources – Tools and recorded lessons for independent study
Access for Boise Secondary Students (Grades 7-12):
All secondary students in Boise School District already have a Varsity Tutors account, accessible via Classlink on “My Apps.” Parents and students are encouraged to explore the Varsity Tutors Academic Support Launchpad for an overview of available resources. For login support, students can follow instructions provided through Classlink (myapps.boiseschools.org).
With this partnership, Boise School District is dedicated to providing students with the academic support they need to succeed anytime, anywhere.
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Explore Boise School District’s Comprehensive Curriculum Website
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The Boise School District is committed to providing every student with a rigorous and relevant curriculum designed by highly-qualified educators and administrators. This curriculum ensures students are prepared for success in college, careers, and citizenship.
To support transparency and engagement, the District offers a comprehensive Curriculum Website where parents and families can explore detailed information about the curriculum taught in each content area. Boise School District’s curriculum aligns with Idaho Core Curriculum Standards, ensuring a high-quality, standards-based education for all students.
By visiting the website, families can gain valuable insights into what their students are learning and how the curriculum supports their academic and personal growth.
We encourage parents and families to explore the Curriculum website to learn more about the exceptional educational opportunities offered in the Boise School District.
Together, we can continue to support our students’ success and future achievements!
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Calling All Former Owyhee Elementary Students! Stay Connected with Owyhee’s Legacy
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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!
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School Resource Officer Newsletter | Boise Police Department
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- March 17-21: Spring Break - No School Pre K-12
- March 24: Online Registration Opens for Spring Community Education
- April 18: No School Pre K-12
- May 15: Last Day of School for Seniors, Early Childhood Special Education Programs and Pre K
- May 16: Early Release K-6 to work on Report Cards
- May 20, 21, 22: Secondary End of Semester Testing - Early Release 7-12
- May 22: Last Day of School - Early Release K-12
- June 3-27: Secondary Summer School - Semester 1 (19 days)
- Juy 1-25: Secondary Summer School - Semester 2 (18 days)
- July 4th: No Summer School
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READY! for Kindergarten Event
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Please join us for our annual READY! for Kindergarten event at the Lincoln Learning Center for children ages 2-5.
READY! for Kindergarten is a series of parent education workshops designed to teach parents how playing with their child is the best way to prepare them for Kindergarten. READY! has identified 26 skills most associated with academic success and social-emotional well-being in Kindergarten, known as the READY! Targets.
Parents attend a series of 90-minute workshops, each focusing on 10 of these 26 school readiness skills. In the workshops, parents engage in hands-on activities and discussions to understand and practice these targets.
Three sessions beginning March 12th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Lincoln Early Learning Center, this initiative is particularly exciting as parents who attend will receive a range of free developmental materials specifically tailored to their child's age. These resources are designed to enhance learning and development at this critical stage.
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Free Developmental Screener (Ages 3-5)
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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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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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