Majority of Idaho's U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists from Boise District High Schools

Boise School District is proud to announce the following Boise School District high school seniors have qualified as semifinalists in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, which honors some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

Four of the six Idaho students selected as U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists are from the Boise School District. Congratulations to the following high school seniors, who are Boise School District's 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists (listed alphabetically by last name).

AVID Senior Night

One of the most special evenings each year is our AVID Senior Night. Students from Boise, Borah, Capital, Frank Church, and Timberline high schools, along with each student’s selected educators are recognized for their accomplishments and participation in our highly successful AVID program. 

As Deputy Superintendent, Lisa Roberts said that evening about how much she would have appreciated AVID as a student, “I would have mostly enjoyed the camaraderie, the sense of belonging and purpose that AVID encourages. Yes, AVID offers a lot of strategies for organization and studying, as well as skills for success in schoolwork. Those are all tools that will serve you well, as an individual, in whatever you choose to do after high school. However, the choice each of you made to participate opened a door to a space where you would be challenged, but supported; held individually accountable, but learn the benefits and power of collective collaboration.”

About AVID

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a proven college readiness system, established over 35 years ago, that uses research-based strategies and curriculum to help close the achievement and opportunity gaps by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. AVID is a school-wide approach to curriculum and rigor. The Boise School District first implemented AVID at Fairmont Junior High in 2006. Since then, the AVID system has been implemented in every junior high and high school in the Boise School District. Elements of AVID are also found in select elementary school classrooms.

Boise School District's 2024 AVID Graduates who attended the AVID Senior Celebration Program.

Congratulations to all of our Class of 2024 AVID honorees!

Great Student Award - Timberline High's Tabarek Farttoos is Graduating Early

Tabarek Farttoos is a senior at Timberline High School who has volunteered her time to help out several organizations. 

Farttoos has been selected for BoiseDev’s Great Student Award — where one student each week is selected for a $200 scholarship based on their good deeds in the community — from helping others, volunteering, and more.

Farttoos has helped out at Sources of Strength and Rake Up Boise. She has also supported CNAs at several medical offices, and helped raise funding for children experiencing homelessness — something Farttoos said really resonated with her. 

“It just made me think of myself when I was not in the best situations. And so I wanted to help them,” she said.



She has also excelled in the classroom — Farttoos will graduate with the seniors this year but is technically a junior. She said she was able to make this happen by taking online classes and taking a dual credit course.

High School Students Earn Top Honors in My Life Outdoors Essay Contest

Two Boise High School seniors have won top prizes in the First Annual My Life Outdoors Essay Contest. Boise High senior Henry Baldiga won for his winning video and Boise High senior Zosha Kocemba (pictured left) also won for her essay entitled Feeling Free in the Boise Foothills.

Idaho Public Television joined forces with LifeOutdoors, Idaho State Parks and Recreation, and Idaho Press to launch "My Life Outdoors: Teen Multimedia Contest" for Idaho teens.

Idaho Public Television sponsored the contest in partnership with LifeOutdoors, an environmental education, research, and advocacy nonprofit, along with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and Idaho Press to introduce an exciting opportunity for Idaho teens ages 13-18. The "My Life Outdoors: Teen Multimedia Contest" invited young explorers to share their outdoor adventures through written essays and video submissions. This initiative aims to celebrate the profound connection between Idaho's youth and the environment while encouraging others to embark on their own outdoor journeys.

Boise High School Senior Henry Baldiga (fourth from right) won a $500 check for winning the grand prize in Idaho's first My Life Outdoors Contest, which invited teens 13-18 to submit written or video essays about their experiences in Idaho's outdoors.

Boise High Junior Named a Winner of the 2024 Princeton Prize in Race Relations

Boise High School junior Yvonne Shen has been named an award recipient in the 2024 Princeton Prize in Race Relations. The awards program honors exceptional high school students who have demonstrated leadership and challenged their communities to advance racial equity and promote respect and understanding among all.

Each of the Princeton Prize in Race Relations recipients receives an award of $1,000 and is invited to participate in a Symposium on Race. During the symposium, recipients will have the opportunity to meet and learn from other Princeton Prize recipients from across the country and to speak with others engaged in racial justice work and scholarship. Prize recipients and Certificate of Accomplishment recipients are also recognized at ceremonies in their home regions by local Princeton alumni.

Youth In Government

Youth in Government, a national YMCA program, empowers students from every corner of the U.S. by giving them the opportunity to learn about and experience government policies and methodologies firsthand. This unique program is made up of thousands of teens nation-wide in state organized, model government programs. This year’s session served as Idaho’s 88th year participating in the program, the second longest program in the country. Participants from Borah and Capital High School immersed themselves in experiential civic engagement, debate issues that affect citizens in their state and even propose legislation. From April 24th to the 25th, the state conference was held at the Idaho Statehouse.  

Students took on the many roles found in government such as Governor, Lt. Governor, Senators and Representatives, lobbyists and members of the press. Other students participated on the judicial side arguing cases before a mock Idaho Supreme Court. The program culminated with teens from all over Idaho serving as delegates at the state conference held at the Capitol Building. Borah and Capital High School have long been participating in the event, but any junior high or high school are welcome to join. If you are interested in learning more about this program please reach out to Korrin Rue (korrin.rue@boiseschools.org) or Teegan Carter (teegan.carter@boiseschools.org), advisors at Borah and Capital. We look forward to sharing more about this fantastic program.  

The Youth in Government conference was held April 24-25, 2024 at the Idaho Statehouse and culminated with teens, including students from Borah and Capital high schools, serving as delegates at their state conference, debating bills on the floor of the Legislature.

Les Bois E-Sports

Thanks to a generous donation from the Boise Public Schools Foundation, Les Bois Junior High was able to expand and upgrade their existing e-sports program to accommodate more students. Led by Les Bois teachers Kallie Taylor and Logan Shipley, students compete against junior high and high school students across Idaho in games like Smash Bros and Mario Kart. 

Esports have grown in popularity exponentially in the last few years with major universities offering scholarships for student athletes, as well as an ever-expanding pool of Idaho high schools now participating. In addition to the Les Bois program, all six Boise School District high schools began offering esports earlier this year. For more information, check out the Idaho Esports Association website, or their Twitch and YouTube channels.

Les Bois Junior High Schools E-Sports Program.

High School Students Promote Reusable Bags Initiative

Owyhee Elementary to Transition to Early Childhood Learning Center Beginning 2025-2026 School Year

After careful consideration and planning, beginning with the 2025 - 2026 school year, Owyhee Elementary School will be converted from a traditional K - 6 elementary school to an Early Childhood Learning Center. 

To help current Owyhee families prepare for the change, the Boise School District will host two Parent Engagement meetings on Thursday, May 2nd or Tuesday, May 7th, 2024. Both meetings will be held at 6:00 pm in Owyhee’s gymnasium, 3434 W. Pasadena Dr., Boise. Owyhee staff, district administrators, as well as representatives from our transportation and special education services will be on hand to provide further information and answer questions.

In addition to staff and parent notification, the district will redraw the enrollment boundaries for nearby elementary schools to include families currently enrolled at Owyhee. That process will include parent input. Details of the boundary change process will be shared with the Boise School Board of Trustees at their May 13th meeting, and the proposal for new boundaries will be presented to the Board of Trustees when the process is complete next year.

Owyhee’s planned conversion is the next step in the District’s plan to more fully support the specific needs of early learners. Earlier this year, the District announced that our existing Madison Early Childhood Center, including Head Start, will move to our Fort Boise facility for the beginning of the 2024 - 2025 school year. The District has already begun transforming Fort Boise from a temporary elementary school to a purpose-driven early childhood learning center. 

Graduation Dates for Class of 2024!

It's almost time for graduation! Boise School District is pleased to announce the following 2024 high school graduation dates.

Spring 2024 Graduation Dates

ExtraMile Arena, 7:00 p.m.

(unless otherwise noted)

• Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - Boise Online School, 2:00 p.m.; Frank Church High School, 6:00 p.m. (both graduation ceremonies to be held at the Morrison Center)
• Monday, May 20, 2024 - Boise High School
• Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - Borah High School
• Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - Capital High School
• Thursday, May 23, 2024 – Timberline High School

Watch following video to learn more:

Annual Plant Sales

Spruce Up Your Garden & Show Your Support for our Students!

We are thrilled to invite you to our High School Annual Plant Sales, where you can support our horticulture programs for students. By attending these events, you not only get the chance to bring home beautiful plants for your garden but also contribute to the growth and development of our students. Our horticulture programs provide valuable hands-on learning experiences that help students develop important skills and knowledge in plant care, landscaping, and sustainability.

Join us and explore a wide variety of plants carefully nurtured by our students. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, our plant sales have something for everyone. Your support will directly benefit our horticulture programs, allowing us to invest in resources, tools, and educational opportunities for our students.

Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students while adding some greenery to your life. Mark your calendars and spread the word - we look forward to seeing you at the 2024 High School Annual Plant Sales!

• Friday, May 3, 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 4, 2024, 12 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Borah High School Plant Sale, 6001 W. Cassia St., Boise, ID 83709 (Borah Greenhouse, behind the main school building).
• Friday, May 10, 2024, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 11, 2024, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Capital High School Plant Sale, 8055 W. Goddard Rd., Boise, ID 83704 (Capital Greenhouse, located just outside the Julius Jeker Planetarium).
• Thursday, May 9, 2024, 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, May 10, 2024, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, May 11, 2024, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Frank Church High School, 3608 S. Milwaukee Ln., Boise, ID 83709

Borah High School Annual Plant Sale

Capital High School Annual Plant Sale

Frank Church High School Annual Plant Sale

Happy School Bus Driver Appreciation Day!

Earlier this week we celebrated National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day (April 23)! A Big Shout Out to our amazing bus drivers who ensure our students get to school safely and on time every day. Thank you for your dedication, patience, and caring hearts. We appreciate you!m National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day comes on the heels of Love the Bus Month in February, which honored Boise School Bus Drivers. Watch video below to learn more.

A school bus driver and special needs student aid from Durham School Services were recognized by the Idaho Department of Education during Love the Bus month.

Summer Driver Education Program - Enroll Today!

Are you a parent concerned about your teenager's safety on the road? Look no further! Our summer driver education program is designed to equip young drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the roads safely. With a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on driving practice, we aim to instill confidence and responsible driving habits in teenagers. Enrolling your teenager in our program not only enhances their driving skills but also reduces the risk of accidents and promotes overall road safety. Give your teenager the gift of a comprehensive driver education this summer!

Summer 2024 Driver Education Program

• 1st Session: May 29 - June 26
• 2nd Session: July 2, July 8 - August 2
• Location: Fairmont Junior High School, 2121 N. Cole Rd., Boise, ID 83704
• Open to students age 14 1/2 to 21. Driving permit must be purchased from DMV in order to register for Driver Education Program.

Free Summer Meals

Boise School District will once again participate in the federally-funded Summer Food Service Program. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to children ages 1 through 18 at a number of school and park sites without charge. Depending upon the site, meals will be available beginning May 24th through August 9th. Further information will be available in early May on our Food & Nutrition Services website.

Our Schools Care

How to Talk to Your Child About Suicide

Parents, have you wondered how to talk to your child about suicide? Find ways to start this important conversation with your child of any age at our Mental Health Resources webpage, where you will also find helpful information about support and resources for all Boise Schools families.

You're Invited To: What I Wish You Knew (WIWYK) - Straight Talk on Youth Mental Health

Join us for the third installment of What I Wish You Knew (WIWYK), a Straight Talk on Youth Mental Health, hosted by the Idaho Resilience Project in partnership with Optum Idaho. Following successful events in Nampa and Twin Falls, we're bringing this crucial conversation to Boise.

• Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Location: Boise State University, Special Events Center (SPEC), 1800 W University Drive, Boise, ID
• Parking: Paid parking is available in parking garages near or on campus.
• Who Should Attend: Adults and high school-aged students only.

Join us for a facilitated panel featuring a discussion with local Boise teens about the pressures teenagers face, the impact it has on their mental health, and what they wish adults understood. Together, we'll identify actionable ways to better support our youth. This event is being offered in partnership with Optum Idaho, Communities for Youth, NAMI Idaho, Boys & Girls Club, St. Luke's, BPA Health, Boise School District, the City of Boise, and other community partners.

Spring Community Education - Enroll Today!

Online registration for our Spring Community Education session is in full swing. At Boise School District, we believe in the power of education and its ability to transform lives. That's why we are dedicated to providing high-quality educational opportunities to individuals in our community.

Our newly expanded Community Education program offers a wide range of personal enrichment courses and workshops (more than 250 classes!) designed to cater to the diverse interests and needs of our community members. Enroll online today! Click on the following image to review our course catalog.

Math Series Available for Kids

Turning Pages is a math series for kids available on YouTube! It features local members of the Boise community. In each episode, a local community leader explains how they use math in their career and reads a favorite story. There are even math activities you can do at home! Check it out in the following video:

Announcing New Bus Locator App

We've got a NEW school bus locator app with our transportation partner, Durham School Services.

On this awesome new app, you can:

• Create an alert to receive notification when the bus passes through an area.
• Enable school notifications to receive notification when the bus arrives or departs the school.

• Download it from the Google Play Store: https://bit.ly/googlebuszone
• Download it from the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/buszone/id1637157853

• 𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲 for Boise School District: 𝟮𝟬𝟰𝟴𝗜𝗦𝗗𝗕𝗖
• Find your student's bus numbers and student ID number in Infinite Campus: https://boiseschools.infinitecampus.org/

Find more information in the parent user guide: https://support.zonarsystems.net/hc/en-us/articles/8673470779021-BusZone-Parent-User-Guide

Gifts. Passions. Dreams. Possibilities.

WE SEE IT, TOO.

Boise School District's Everything's Possible movement shares the dreams, aspirations and experiences of our students and teachers. As a parent, you see your child’s potential. And we see it, too. Everything’s possible.



5000+ students are charting their paths to success through Boise School District's dynamic career-technical programs! These hands-on experiences not only prepare students for rewarding careers but also instill invaluable skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation.

Student Device Monitoring 

A reminder to parents that Boise School District provides parents/guardians with the ability to monitor your student’s activity on their District-assigned digital device via the GoGuardian Parent App: 

• GoGuardian Parent App - Welcome letter
• GoGuardian Parent App Instructions  

Keep In Contact

Parents - Sign-Up for Emergency Text Messaging: The Boise School District offers emergency text messaging for parents/guardians. Learn more and sign-up.

Non-Parents - Mobile App Available: Boise School District has a mobile app to improve communication to you. The app offers emergency alerts and is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

• April 30: Dedication/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Public Tours of Dallas Harris Elementary School. Learn more...
• May 9: Last Day of Community Education Spring Session.
• May 13: Regular monthly meeting of the Boise School Board, 6 p.m., District Services Center, 8169 W. Victory Rd., Boise. When available, agenda will be posted online.
• May 16: Last Day of School for Seniors, Early Childhood Special Education Programs and Pre K
• May 17: Early Release K-6
• May 21, 22, 23: Secondary End of Semester Testing - Early Release 7-12
• May 23: Last Day of School - Early Release K-6
• June 4-28: Secondary Summer School - Semester 1 (19 days)
• July 1-26: Secondary Summer School - Semester 2 (18 days)
• July 4th & 5th: No Summer School

Boise School District | 208-854-4000 | 8169 W. Victory Rd., Boise, Idaho www.boiseschools.org

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...