Students at Hawthorne Elementary School recently turned compassion into action through a meaningful Walk for Water service project led by the school’s 6th graders. The student organizers invited classmates and staff in grades K–6 to participate in a two-day event focused on raising awareness and support for people around the world who do not have reliable access to clean drinking water.
During lunch recess over two days, participants walked and ran laps around the school track while carrying containers of water—symbolizing the daily journeys many children across the globe make just to meet basic needs. Together, Hawthorne students and staff carried an impressive 1,451 gallons of water. Students from Borah High School’s AVID program also joined the effort, helping encourage younger participants and strengthen connections across grade levels.
Thanks to the generosity of Hawthorne families and friends, the Walk for Water raised $5,603 to support clean water access and educational facility improvements in Guatemala. The school partnered with Vivid Roots, a local nonprofit founded by former Boise School District students, to ensure the funds directly benefit communities in need.
This project reflects the heart of the Boise School District’s Strategic Plan by helping students grow as compassionate, globally minded citizens while applying leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a real-world context. Experiences like these empower students to see how their actions can make a meaningful difference—both locally and around the world.
Way to go, Hawthorne students and staff, for demonstrating what it means to care for others and take action for a better tomorrow. 🌎💙
Kindness, Connection, and Community in Action at Whittier Elementary 💙
Students in Kimberly Chambers’ kindergarten class at Whittier Elementary School are discovering the power of connection through a special partnership with residents at the Riverview rehabilitation facility. During regular intergenerational visits, students and residents spend time together sharing stories, laughter, and hands-on activities that create meaningful relationships across generations.
These experiences go far beyond the classroom. Through their visits, students are building empathy, strengthening communication skills, and developing a deeper understanding of what it means to care for others in their community. At the same time, residents benefit from the energy, curiosity, and joy the students bring with them—making each visit memorable for everyone involved.
This partnership reflects the heart of the Boise School District’s Strategic Plan by helping students grow not only academically, but also as compassionate and connected members of their community. Opportunities like these support a strong sense of belonging and show students how learning can make a positive difference in the world around them.
Thank you to Ms. Chambers and our partners at Riverview for creating experiences that truly bring learning to life and demonstrate what it means to live out our mission of Educating Today for a Better Tomorrow. ✨
Three Whittier Elementary kindergarten students share smiles and conversation with a Riverview resident during a recent intergenerational visit—building friendships that strengthen empathy, connection, and community. 💙
Three Whittier kindergartners enjoy a special moment with a Riverview resident during a classroom visit that brings generations together through stories, laughter, and shared learning. ✨
A Riverview resident shares a joyful game with three Whittier Elementary kindergarten students during a recent intergenerational visit—creating moments of connection, laughter, and learning that bring generations together. 💙
Celebrating Student Achievement at Borah High School’s Senators Choice Assembly 🎉
On Friday, April 17, 2026, Borah High School hosted its annual Senators Choice Assembly, a culminating celebration recognizing student accomplishments from throughout the 2025–2026 school year.
During the assembly, students were honored for their achievements across academics, activities, leadership, service, and their many contributions to the Borah community. The Senators Choice Assembly is a meaningful Borah tradition that highlights the dedication, growth, and positive impact students make every day in their school.
Events like this reflect the Boise School District’s commitment to student-centered learning and celebrating the many ways students are supported and recognized as they grow and succeed—both inside and outside the classroom. Recognitions like these help reinforce a culture where effort, character, and achievement are valued and encouraged across the school community.
👏 Congratulations to all the Borah Senators recognized during this special celebration—we’re proud of you!
Timberline and Boise High Students Earn Top Honors at 2026 Patty Duke Awards
Students from Boise School District high school theater programs are being recognized statewide following the announcement of the 2026 Patty Duke Awards, Idaho’s premier celebration of musical theater excellence, presented annually at the Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts. 🎭
Timberline High School received major recognition for its production of Shrek the Musical, which was selected as one of only six productions statewide to earn Outstanding Musical Theater Production—the fourth consecutive year Timberline has received this honor. Students will perform at the awards ceremony on May 15.
Timberline students earning individual honors include:
Eliza Fors (Princess Fiona) – Outstanding Performance in a Lead Role and Jimmy Awards National Finalist
Cade Tucker (Lord Farquaad) – Outstanding Performance in a Lead Role and Jimmy Awards National Finalist
Ruby Roecker (Pinocchio) – Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role
Caye Espasandin (Gingy) – Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role
Outstanding Student Lighting Design – Shrek the Musical production team
Boise High School also earned statewide recognition for its production of Monty Python’s Spamalot, receiving the award for Outstanding Student Costume/Hair/Make-up Design.
These honors highlight the creativity, collaboration, and dedication of student performers and technical theater teams across the district. Please join us in congratulating these talented students—and the many directors, musicians, designers, and crews who helped bring their productions to life! 👏
Boise School District Students Featured on KTVB Student News
Boise School District students are making their voices heard beyond the classroom—and onto television screens across the Treasure Valley. 📺
This school year, student journalists from Boise High School and East Junior High School had a number of student-produced segments featured on KTVB’s News at 4 p.m. Student News series. Boise High had 8 projects air on KTVB's News at 4 p.m., doubling the number of projects aired last year and highlighting the strength of student storytelling across our schools.
Through the KTVB Student News partnership, students explore the world of multimedia journalism while reporting on issues that matter to their peers and community. The program gives students the opportunity to research, produce, and present original news stories for broadcast audiences—an authentic, real-world learning experience guided by professional newsroom expectations.
This year’s student-produced segments covered a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence in the classroom, Advanced Placement participation, climate policy engagement, teen reading trends, student perspectives on cell phone use in schools, youth civic involvement, and Boise’s local music scene.
Most recently, Boise High senior Cooper Goulder produced a segment examining the national teacher shortage that included an interview with Superintendent Lisa Roberts, connecting student journalism directly with district leadership on an important education issue.
These broadcast features showcase how Boise School District students are developing strong communication, research, and storytelling skills while contributing meaningful reporting that informs and connects our community—another example of preparing students for success in college, career, and life.
What’s behind the national teacher shortage—and how is it impacting schools here in Boise? In this KTVB Student News segment produced by Boise High senior Cooper Goulder, local educators, including Superintendent Lisa Roberts, share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the profession. Click the play button to hear directly from those closest to the issue.
At Les Bois Junior High, a mountain of marshmallows became something much bigger than a fun challenge—it became a powerful symbol of connection, kindness, and community support.
Through the Hope Squad Marshmallow Battle, students, staff, and community partners came together to collect more than 2,000 pounds of marshmallows, demonstrating how small contributions can add up to make a meaningful difference. The effort included an incredible 750-pound donation from Albertsons, along with generous support from Hill City Church, Fred Meyer, WinCo Foods, the Les Bois PTO, teachers, and families.
While the growing pile of marshmallows was impressive, the real impact of the event was felt in the relationships it strengthened across the school community. Activities like this reflect the heart of the Hope Squad, a student-centered program that encourages peer connection, supports mental wellness, and reminds students they are never alone.
Experiences like the Marshmallow Battle bring the Boise School District’s Strategic Plan to life by helping students build belonging, strengthen positive relationships, and learn the value of supporting one another. 💙
Sometimes, something as simple as a marshmallow can help create a stronger, more connected school community—and a little extra hope along the way. ✨
Watch: Students at Les Bois Junior High came together in a big way during the Hope Squad Marshmallow Battle, collecting more than 2,000 pounds of marshmallows with support from local businesses, community partners, and families. This fun and meaningful event highlights how small acts of kindness can build connection, strengthen school community, and remind students they are never alone. 💙✨
Timberline High Student Selected as Idaho Delegate to National Youth Science Camp 🔬👏
Timberline High School student Mahika Radhakrishnan has been selected as one of only two Idaho delegates to attend the National Youth Science Camp this summer in the Monongahela National Forest—a prestigious opportunity that brings together some of the nation’s most promising young scientists.
The National Youth Science Camp, now in its 62nd year, provides students with the chance to collaborate with peers from across the country, engage with leading scientists, and explore advanced topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“Science has shown me the power of connecting laboratory research with real-world patient care,” Mahika shared after learning of her selection. “I am extremely excited to collaborate with a diverse group of peers interested in science and bring back new perspectives to my community.”
Mahika’s achievement reflects the strong culture of curiosity, innovation, and student-centered learning across the Boise School District. We wish her an inspiring and memorable experience this summer—good luck and happy discovering! 👏🔬✨
Les Bois Junior High Teacher Shares Innovative Science Strategies at National Conference 🧪🎮
Les Bois Junior High School Life Science teacher Robert Bowman (pictured) recently represented the Boise School District at the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) National Conference in Anaheim, California, April 15–18, 2026, where he presented a session on using classroom gamification to support deeper science learning.
During his April 17 presentation, “Using the Gamification of the Classroom to Promote 3D Learning in Science,” Mr. Bowman engaged educators from across the country in hands-on experiences with activities such as The Cell Game and The Natural Selection Game. These interactive strategies model standards-based instruction aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards Three-Dimensional Learning Framework, helping students strengthen critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Participants also explored how structured gameplay can make complex science concepts more meaningful and engaging for students while supporting strong instructional alignment with standards.
We’re proud to see Boise School District educators sharing innovative, student-centered practices on a national stage—helping bring learning to life and supporting our commitment to preparing students for success in college, career, and life. 🌟
📊 Standards-Based Reporting Family Engagement Nights Begin Next Week — Join Us!
Beginning next week, Boise School District families are invited to attend one of our upcoming Standards-Based Reporting (SBR) Family Engagement Nights to learn more about how elementary report cards will change starting in Fall 2026.
Standards-Based Reporting is designed to provide clearer, more meaningful information about what students know and are able to do, helping families better understand progress toward grade-level learning goals. As we prepare for implementation in our elementary schools next year, these sessions are a great opportunity to see what’s changing, ask questions, and hear directly from district and school staff about what this transition means for students and families.
To support families, we’ve also created a dedicated webpage with helpful resources, including:
A short overview of Standards-Based Reporting
A parent presentation from our information sessions
🗓 Join Us at a Family Engagement Night (6:00–7:00 p.m.)
April 28 – Boise Quad @ Hillside Junior High
April 30 – Capital Quad @ Fairmont Junior High
May 5 – Borah Quad @ South Junior High
May 7 – Timberline Quad @ East Junior High
These sessions are designed especially for elementary families, but all interested families and staff are welcome to attend the location most convenient for them. We hope you’ll join us next week as we begin these important conversations about a clearer way to communicate student learning.
Learn how Standards-Based Reporting supports clearer communication about student learning.
In this short video, Wendy Johnson, Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for the Boise School District, explains how this approach helps families better understand what students know, what they’re working toward, and how we support their growth every step of the way. 📚🍎✨
Action Needed: Secondary Families Asked to Download Athletics Physical Forms Ahead of New Registration System Launch
Boise School District is transitioning to a new athletics registration platform for the 2026–2027 school year. Beginning in May, Rank One will replace Aktivate as the District’s system for managing student athletic registration and required Physical Education physical forms.
As part of this transition, families of current secondary student-athletes who already have a physical on file for next school year (including students entering 8th, 10th, and 12th grades) are asked to log in to Aktivate now and download a copy of their student’s physical so it will be ready to upload when Rank One launches.
Students entering 7th, 9th, or 11th grade athletics will need a new physical dated after May 1 to participate next year, in accordance with Idaho High School Activities Association and Boise School District requirements.
Once Rank One launches, families will upload forms directly into the new system and will also be able to access participation documents, team schedules, and athletic updates in one convenient place. 🏃♂️📋
Additional instructions and support resources will be shared soon.
READY! for Kindergarten at Lincoln Early Learning Center
Families with children ages 2–5 are invited to attend the annual READY! for Kindergarten workshops at the Lincoln Early Learning Center.
READY! for Kindergarten is a free series of parent education workshops that shows how play-based activities help build the academic and social-emotional skills children need for kindergarten success. Parents learn simple, hands-on strategies they can easily use at home.
The three-part series includes:
Language & Literacy – March 11, 2026
Math & Reasoning – April 8, 2026
Social & Emotional Development – May 6, 2026
Workshops are held at Lincoln Early Learning Center, 300 W. Fort St. Meals and child care are provided. Register online.
Early May Is a Time to Celebrate the People Who Support Our Students Every Day 🍎🩺📚
The first week of May brings several opportunities to recognize the dedicated staff members who help students succeed across the Boise School District.
On School Lunch Hero Day (May 1), we celebrate our kitchen teams who create welcoming environments and support students each day. That same day, we also recognize School Principals' Day and the leadership principals provide to school communities.
Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8), including National Teachers' Day on May 5, honors the educators who inspire student learning every day.
On May 6, National School Nurses Day recognizes the nurses who help keep students healthy and ready to learn. Throughout May, Better Hearing and Speech Month also highlights the important work of speech-language staff who support student communication and success.
We invite families, students, and community members to join us in sharing a quick thank-you with these outstanding team members during this special time of appreciation. 💙
🌸 Spring Into Learning: Community Education Registration Now Open
Boise School District’s Spring 2026 Community Education session is now open for registration at www.boiselearns.org.
Classes run April 13–May 7 and are offered at Riverglen Junior High, Timberline High, West Junior High, multiple community locations, and online.
Choose from hundreds of affordable classes in arts, cooking, fitness, gardening, technology, career skills, languages, and more - perfect for trying something new or building your skills.
St. Luke’s Healthcare Career Festival for High School Students 🩺
High school students are invited to explore careers in healthcare at the St. Luke’s Career Festival on Thursday, April 30, from 4–7 p.m. at JUMP in downtown Boise. Students can connect with healthcare professionals, learn about training pathways, receive résumé support, and discover opportunities in fields such as nursing, imaging, emergency services, nutrition, pharmacy, behavioral health, and more.
Scan the QR code on the flyer below or visit Careers at St. Luke’s to learn more. AirPods giveaways and snacks will be available!
Get Ready for Kindergarten Summer Camp
The Boise School District is offering a Get Ready for Kindergarten Summer Camp for students entering kindergarten this fall who may benefit from extra support with early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills.
The program runs June 3 through July 2, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Breakfast, lunch, and transportation from neighborhood elementary schools are provided. Families are asked to commit to regular attendance throughout the program.
View the following flyer for location details and registration information:
Boise School District Announces High School Graduation Dates
Boise School District is pleased to announce graduation dates and locations for the Class of 2026. Families and community members are invited to join us in celebrating this important milestone as students from across the district prepare to walk the stage.
Frank Church High School
May 14 at 6:00 p.m.
Capital High School Auditorium
Boise Online School
May 15 at 5:00 p.m.
Borah High School Auditorium
Capital High School
May 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Extra Mile Arena
Timberline High School
May 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Extra Mile Arena
Boise High School
May 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Extra Mile Arena
Borah High School
May 21 at 7:00 p.m.
Extra Mile Arena
We look forward to celebrating our graduates and wish the Class of 2026 continued success as they take their next steps.
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.
Beyond the Bell – Latest Edition 🔔
Stay informed on key issues impacting Boise School District, including legislative updates, research on our Free Breakfast for All initiative, progress toward Standards-Based Reporting, and the timeline for developing the 2026–2027 district budget.
June 2-26: Secondary Summer School - Semester 1 (18 days)
June 19: Juneteenth - No Summer School
June 30-July 23: Secondary Summer School - Semester 2 (18 days)
July 4: Independence Day - No Summer School
August 12: First Day of School - Early Release K-12
August 17: First Day of School - Pre K and Early Childhood Special Education Programs
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...
