Preparing Boise’s Future: Whitney Elementary Students Explore AI During Community-Supported Hour of AI
On Monday, December 8, 2025, students at Whitney Elementary took part in a hands-on Hour of AI experience during Computer Science Education Week, exploring how artificial intelligence works and how it can be used for good.
In the photo,Boise School District Superintendent Lisa Roberts is pictured with Cristina Joseph, a 5th/6th grade teacher at Whitney Elementary, and a Whitney student. Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield and Micron Director of Social Impact and Community Engagement Kami Faylor were also in attendance, joining Whitney teachers and students to support classroom learning and emphasize the importance of AI literacy. The event also included the reading of a proclamation signed by the Governor recognizing Computer Science Education Week and the Hour of AI.
Experiences like the Hour of AI demonstrate how strong public schools and strong community partnerships benefit Boise. By connecting students with real-world learning and community leaders, Boise School District is helping prepare students for a future full of opportunity.
The Boise School District was proud to recognize two outstanding student artists at the December 8 Board Meeting as part of our annual Winter Card Art Contest, held in partnership with the Festival of Trees, the St. Alphonsus Foundation, Quality Art, and The Art Cottage. More than 1,800 elementary students participated this year, showcasing the creativity and talent found across our schools.
District Grand Prize Winner: Elieen Song, White Pine Elementary (4th Grade) - pictured.
Boise School District selected Elieen Song’s artwork as the District’s Grand Prize winner. Her design will appear on the District’s official holiday card. Elieen received a $25 Quality Art gift certificate, 50 printed holiday cards, and a prize from The Art Cottage.
St. Alphonsus Foundation Winner: Alice Skalska, Liberty Elementary (1st Grade) - pictured.
The St. Alphonsus Foundation selected Alice Skalska’s artwork as their Festival of Trees holiday card winner. Alice also received a $25 Quality Art gift certificate, 50 printed cards, and a prize from The Art Cottage.
These recognitions highlight the strength of our community partnerships and the meaningful opportunities they create for students to share their talents.
All entries are on display in the District Services Center lobby through January 7, 2026. We invite our community to stop by and enjoy the creativity of our young artists.
Congratulations to Elieen, Alice, and all participating students!
🌟 Celebrating Our 2025–2026 Yes, I Can! Award Recipients! 🌟
Please join us in congratulating three incredible Boise School District students honored through Idaho’s Yes, I Can! Awards Program:
🏅 Kayden Rood, 3rd Grade – Hillcrest Elementary
🏅 Gian Oronia Garay, 3rd Grade – Whittier Elementary
🏅 Trae Schwend, 5th Grade – Cynthia Mann Elementary
The Yes, I Can! Awards were established in Idaho to celebrate the achievements of children and youth with disabilities, encourage them to reach their highest potential, and increase public awareness of their remarkable abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities. Students may be recognized across nine categories, including Academics, Arts, Athletics, Community Service, Independent Living Skills, Technology, and more.
These students inspire all of us with their determination, leadership, and heart. 💙🧡
In addition to being recognized locally, Trae has earned national attention as one of only twelve students across the country chosen to be spotlighted at the Council for Exceptional Children’s annual convention. This recognition honors students who demonstrate exceptional achievement and a deep commitment to learning.
We are incredibly proud of Kayden, Gian, and Trae. Their perseverance, talent, and love of learning inspire our entire community.
Meet Our 2025–26 Yes, I Can! Honorees
Borah High School Senior Earns Prestigious QuestBridge National College Match
Borah High School is celebrating an extraordinary achievement by senior Harmony Trude, who has been selected as a QuestBridge National College Match Scholar—an honor earned by only 2,550 students nationwide. Through this prestigious program, Harmony has matched with Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, where she will attend on a full four-year scholarship.
QuestBridge describes the award as providing students with “early admission and a full four-year scholarship to a QuestBridge college partner, ensuring an education at a top college is affordable.”
Harmony exemplifies the very best of Borah High School. A dedicated student and compassionate leader, she is an AVID scholar, president of HOSA, vice president of National Honor Society, and a committed member of the Sierra Student Coalition. Her academic excellence, service, and leadership have left a lasting imprint on her school community.
Please join us in celebrating Harmony’s remarkable accomplishment and bright future ahead at Colgate University.
Timberline Jazz Ensemble Earns Top Honors at District 3 Jazz Festival
The Timberline High School Jazz Ensemble delivered an outstanding performance at the District 3 Jazz Festival on Thursday, December 4th, earning the festival’s top score among all 31 participating bands. This marks the third consecutive year Timberline has achieved the highest overall score—a remarkable achievement that reflects both exceptional musicianship and a strong culture of excellence.
In addition to this year’s top honor, the Jazz Ensemble earned its 15th consecutive Superior (Division I) rating, the longest active streak in District 3. Their consistency at the highest level showcases the dedication, talent, and hard work of Timberline’s student musicians.
Timberline bands are led by Director Jose Rodriguez, II, whose vision, instruction, and passion for music continue to elevate the program and inspire students.
Congratulations to the Timberline Jazz Ensemble for representing their school and the Boise School District with pride, professionalism, and powerful music.
Timberline High School’s Jazz Ensemble celebrates another standout performance after earning the top score at the District 3 Jazz Festival—its third straight year leading the field and its 15th consecutive Superior rating.
Riverside Falcon Intermediate Band Shines at Idaho Statehouse
Riverside Elementary’s 6th grade band students shared a proud moment recently as they performed at the Idaho Statehouse, showcasing their talent, hard work, and teamwork. 🎺✨
Under the direction of Phillip Hoesing, Itinerant Band Director, the students played beautifully and represented Riverside with poise and professionalism, earning smiles from everyone who stopped to listen.
In a perfectly timed surprise, Idaho’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield stepped out of the elevator just as the performance concluded, offering the students warm greetings and words of encouragement.
Moments like these remind us how music connects our schools to the broader community and gives students meaningful opportunities to grow and shine.
Boise School Board Engages Student Voice Through Student Advisory Committee
The Boise School District’s Student Advisory Committee met on December 9 at Frank Church High School, bringing together students, trustees, and district staff to elevate student voice and provide input on district priorities.
The meeting opened with team-building activities and a school spotlight led by Frank Church High students, highlighting the school’s programs and culture. Committee members then shared feedback on the District’s Strategic Plan, discussing what is working well, where improvements are needed, and potential gaps in priorities.
Students also reviewed Student Engagement Survey results in small groups, building on feedback from the previous meeting and identifying trends related to student experience and engagement.
The Student Advisory Committee meets regularly throughout the school year, providing ongoing opportunities for students to share perspectives directly with district leadership and the Boise School Board to help inform decisions that impact schools and students across our school district.
Celebrating December’s Red & Golden Apple Award Recipients
Each month, the Boise School Board honors outstanding staff members whose work exemplifies our mission of Educating Today for a Better Tomorrow. This December, we are proud to recognize two exceptional individuals:
🍎 Red Apple Award: Erin Luthy, 4th Grade Teacher, Maple Grove Elementary
Erin Luthy is known for creating a classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to grow. His clear, intentional approach to teaching empowers students to understand their goals and take ownership of their learning. Erin’s impact extends well beyond his classroom—former students frequently reach out to thank him for the confidence and connection he helped them build. His leadership strengthens the entire Maple Grove community.
🌟 Golden Apple Award: Tarry Shuell, Head Custodian, Washington Elementary
Tarry Shuell brings craftsmanship, care, and positivity to every corner of Washington Elementary. Whether building a safety patrol coatrack or offering a kind word to a student, Tarry helps create a school environment where everyone feels welcome and supported. His steady leadership and pride in his work elevate the culture of the entire school.
Trustee Nancy Gregory Named ISBA’s Bulldog of the Year
Boise School District Trustee Nancy Gregory (pictured) has been honored with the Idaho School Boards Association’s Bulldog of the Year Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership and unwavering defense of Idaho’s public schools.
For more than two decades, Trustee Gregory has been a steadfast advocate for students, educators, and strong public policy. First elected to the Boise School Board in 2002, she served as Board Chair from 2014–2020 and has held multiple leadership roles within ISBA, including Region 3 Chair and ISBA President. Her deep experience, steady governance, and strategic insight have helped guide the District through growth, fiscal challenges, and statewide education shifts.
Gregory has also become a respected voice at the state level, urging lawmakers to protect public school funding, strengthen the K–12 funding formula, and approach open enrollment responsibly. Her clear, fact-driven communication and persistent advocacy have made her a trusted partner for legislators, educators, and community members alike.
This award reflects what many across Idaho already know: Trustee Gregory leads with integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to Idaho’s students. The Boise School District congratulates her on this well-earned recognition.
Jefferson Elementary’s Elisa Pharris Honored with Prestigious Pesky Award for Inspirational Teaching
The Boise School District is proud to announce that Elisa Pharris has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Pesky Award for Inspirational Teaching, one of Boise State University’s highest honors for outstanding educators.
Created in 2011 by Alan and Wendy Pesky, founders of the Lee Pesky Learning Center, the award recognizes extraordinary teachers who spark a passion for learning—educators who inspire their own students and future teachers to make a lasting impact in the classroom.
Elisa exemplifies this mission through her exceptional work with P–6 students, her mentorship of Boise State teacher candidates, and her ongoing service to colleagues and the wider community.
As part of the award, Elisa will receive $2,000, and her school will receive a $500 stipend. She will be honored during Boise State University’s Winter Commencement.
Congratulations to Elisa Pharris on this well-deserved recognition!
Treasure Valley Math & Science Center Info Night and Intent-to-Test Now Open for the 2026–27 School Year
Treasure Valley Math and Science Center is an award winning, nationally recognized, free, public school magnet program of the Boise School District that prepares students for success in college, career and life. TVMSC students are focused on advanced studies in the areas of Math, Science, Research, and Computer Science.
All interested students & families are invited to attend the TVMSC Information Night on Monday, January 26th, 2026 at Riverglen Junior High School, 6801 N. Gary Lane, Boise, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Further information about the screening and the application process can be found on the TVMSC application website.
All Honors 6/7 and Compacted 7/8 students will have the option to test within their classrooms during the first 2 weeks of February. Please fill out the Intent to Test Form by 1/26/26 if you would like your student to test. Also, please see the TVMSC Informational Video.
Learn to Prevent, Recognize and React Responsibly to Child Sexual Abuse
Join us for: Stewards of Children by Darkness to Light. The evidence-informed, adult-focused prevention training solution for parents, communities, and youth-serving organizations. Sponsored by Ada County Victim Services Center and the Boise School District. See the following for more information and register online.
2025–2026 Boise School District Sports Start Dates
Boise School District is excited to offer another great year of high school athletics! Below you’ll find the official start dates for the 2025–2026 school year’s sports seasons, including tryouts and the first day of practices.
We encourage all interested student-athletes to contact their school’s athletic office for details on specific tryout dates, times, and locations. Requirements such as physicals, eligibility paperwork, and registration deadlines may vary by sport and school.
This is another example of how the Boise School District offers a comprehensive public school education — one where all students can thrive, grow, and succeed both in the classroom and on the field. Whether you’re competing at the varsity level, joining a junior varsity squad, or supporting your team from the stands, athletics help build teamwork, resilience, and school pride.
We look forward to a safe, spirited, and successful season for all our student-athletes!
Want to know more about how our schools work behind the scenes? Beyond the Bell is a new publication from the Boise School District that offers an inside look at the financial, operational, and policy decisions shaping public education in our community.
Each issue dives into key topics like budgeting, strategic planning, student safety, and our instructional approach—providing timely insights for parents, employees, business leaders, elected officials, and anyone invested in the future of our schools.'
ParentSquare Update: Smarter Notifications, Same Great Connection
Boise School District uses ParentSquare to keep families connected—with district, school, and classroom updates all in one place. And now, ParentSquare is introducing an improvement that makes it even easier to stay informed — Smart Notification Delivery.
This new feature helps streamline communication by sending post notifications through the ParentSquare app first, and by text only as a backup. The goal is to reduce duplicate messages while keeping families fully informed.
What’s Changing:
📲 App-first delivery, text as fallback: Posts, post digests, and updates to posts will now send through the app first, with a backup text only if needed.
⏱️ No change for time-sensitive messages: Direct Messages and alerts will still go to all your preferred methods (text, email, and app).
📩 Email notifications: These will continue for all communications.
Why the Change:
This update helps simplify and streamline how you receive school notifications, making it easier to track important updates all in one place.
What You Need to Do:
✅ No action required — if you already use the app and have both app and text notifications turned on, you’ll automatically benefit from this update.
📱 If you haven’t downloaded the ParentSquare app yet, now’s the perfect time! It’s the best way to access, customize, and manage your school communications.
Download the free ParentSquare app from the App Store
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...
