This reform is prompted by the Common Core State Standards Initiative, a new set of college-ready requirements for school curriculum in the State of Idaho and the Boise School District.  The goal is to provide students with a deeper understanding of content, to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, and to better prepare them for 21st century global demands.

Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, Boise students will transition to the District's new curriculum, which includes more rigorous coursework that meets Common Core requirements. In addition to new curriculum and coursework, we will be offering support seminars in order to reinforce skills and bridge gaps in prior learning.

For the past two years, the District has been planning for and providing professional development for our teaching staff.  Teachers have also been heavily involved in rewriting curricula to reflect the new standards. There is still much work to be done as we make this critical reform; however, we are confident that the changes we are making will benefit your student(s) and their future opportunities.

During the months of April and May, your principal will be scheduling parent meetings to discuss the changes in the math curriculum. Please watch for notice of these meetings in newsletters and communications from your school, or you may contact the school directly for specific information.

More on the State Common Core State Standards Initiative can be found by clicking the following logo or clicking here.   

Recently, the District began holding a series of meetings with Boise Police and Fire Department officials to review facility safety needs, examine lockdown procedures, and create a series of videos and "safety tips of the week" for use with school personnel . These training opportunities will emphasize critical thinking skills and incident response strategies.  

"As a district, we view student and staff safety as crucial to our success in educating students to compete in a global economy," said Superintendent Don Coberly. "One of the things that makes Boise such a great place to raise kids is the collaborative relationships we have built with community partners."

The Boise School District has historically been committed to ensuring a safe learning environment for our students. For example, Boise was one of the first districts in the nation to develop a School Resource Officer program. The SRO program was established in 1970, and has helped the District sustain a strong relationship with the Boise Police Department and the Boise Fire Department.

"Having a School Resource Officer in each junior high and high school is a significant commitment by the City of Boise to making school safety a priority. Still, making sure our children are safe in schools requires a community commitment from parents, teachers, neighborhood, business and civic leaders," said Boise Police Chief Mike Masterson.  "Our officers are working closely with our school community, including administrators and teachers to do all we can to ensure the classroom is safe and secure."  

 

Boise School District has been named a recipient of the 2013 Read Right Award of Excellence for embracing three practices essential for the delivery of a successful Read Right program:(1) Fidelity to the instructional methodology, (2) regular summative evaluation, and (3) strong administrative support.  

Read Right has provided an avenue for Boise students from diverse backgrounds to become successful readers when other methods have failed.

"The Boise School District has remained committed to quality implementation since it first began using our methods nearly 15 years ago," said Read Right Founder Dee Tadlock, Ph.D., in announcing the award. "That consistency is an important achievement for any school system, especially one as large as Boise."

Boise's Read Right program was originally funded through a grant from the J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation. Written by Boise School District staff member Dr. Don Coberly, now Superintendent of the Boise School District, the Supplemental Reading Project grant brought the program to a single school: Hillside Junior High.   

Read more here. 

Grange was chosen on the first ballot from among ten candidates who applied for the vacant position. Each candidate filled out a written application, responding to several questions and providing background information. The entire Board then interviewed each candidate individually prior to Monday's Board meeting, then heard summary statements from the candidates as part of the Board agenda.

Grange is a Boise native, and graduated from Capital High School. She brings a wealth of experience in politics and government to the Board, having worked for the City of Boise as Chief Administrative Officer, in the Idaho legislature, and as part of the successful 2011 Redistricting Commission.

"We were pleased that so many quality candidates applied for the open seat," said Superintendent Don Coberly. "It was a difficult decision for our Board, but we are excited to have Shauneen join us as we continue to prepare our students for college and career opportunities." 

Picture above:  Newly selected Trustee Shauneen Grange accepts the Oath of Office as presented by Boise School District Clerk of the Board Karen Fox.  

Whitney Elementary School recently  received a number of much-needed musical instruments, thanks to The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation. Students were thrilled to receive the instruments on Fri., Jan. 11, 2013. With many music programs across the country losing vital funding, the Foundation helps under-served schools that don't have adequate funds to purchase or repair their instruments.

"We are fortunate to live in a community that values the arts," said Boise School District Superintendent Dr. Don Coberly. "Our leaders and our citizens are well aware of the role the arts play in providing a well-rounded education to each and every student. We are thankful to The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation for this generous and important donation that benefits our students."    

An application for support was submitted by Whitney Elementary School staff members and The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation found Whitney's program to be a worthwhile investment, allowing more students to be able to play and experience the benefits of music education. The total retail value of the musical instruments being donated is $12,000.