News & Events
Indian Hills News
Indian Hills Library received new book bins this year that allow the learners to see the books in a whole new way! These book bins were built and finished by John Tuttle and we are so very grateful for him sharing his talents and dedicating so many hours to improving our library. The bins were inspired by the public library and allow learners to be able to flip through and see the covers of each book. We love how engaged our learners are in finding their books this way.
Welcome Back!
It was wonderful to have a winter break to relax, rest and read. We are glad to be back to school with your terrific kids!
Please send them to school with coats, gloves and hats. We know kids need fresh air and opportunities to run and play. However, if the temperature is 10 degrees or colder, we bring the students inside for recess.
Sincerely,
Jill Johnson
Eighty-six third-grade students from Indian Hills visited the Idaho State Veterans Home to perform 10 winter songs. They brought along their music, enthusiasm, and a spirit of joy, uplifting the veterans. Local service dogs also joined the visit, spreading smiles to both the children and the adults.
Please help Indian Hills' learners fill our PCSD 25 community food pantries! We are collecting non-perishable foods November 18-22, 2024. Things we are looking for include: Mac & Cheese (box and microwavable cups), Rice A Roni (microwavable cups), Ramen Noodles, Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper, Protein Bars/Snacks, Oatmeal Cups, Pop Tarts, Jam, Honey, Mayo/Miracle Whip, Canned Soup, Winco Family Friendly Gift Cards, etc!
This year classrooms will compete within their hallways; Kindergarten and First Grade, Second and Third Grades, and Fourth and Fifth Grades! The classroom with the highest donations within that hallway will receive 1 hour movie and the chance to bring a stuffed animal to join them! We appreciate so much your support - Indian Hills Families are the Best!
Happy Fall,
Parents and Students!!
Thank you for attending Parent Teacher Conferences last month! We appreciated meeting with you to support our 500 wonderful students.
Our recent fundraiser at Wendy’s was a big success! Thank you for having dinner with us. We were able to make $800 that evening. The money we make from our fundraisers goes to the student activity fund. We use that money for pizza or donut parties, incentives, prizes, and playground equipment.
Thank you for sharing your children with us! Let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Jill Johnson
INDIAN HILLS COMMUNITY NIGHT
SEPTEMBER 25 WEDNESDAY 5-8PM
Where eating dinner earner money for your school
Having Fun Raising Funds!
WANT TO ORDER BEFORE COMING? SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT ONLINE
Perfect attendance has its rewards at Indian Hills this year! All students who had perfect attendance in March and April had the opportunity to go to the Reel Theater on May 6th and see the movie Migration. Two buses took the 132 students to the Reel Theater where each student received a small drink and popcorn along with an Airhead candy to enjoy during the movie. We filled one of the theaters and then returned to school to picnic in the library because of the inclement weather. The kids enjoyed getting to leave school and go see a great movie. Thank you Reel Theater for making this reward possible.
The 2024 District Idaho Battle of the Books (IBOB) Competition was held at Century High School on Tuesday, April 30th. Congratulations to our Indian Hills Team, The Watermelons, who took second place. They competed against 7 other elementary teams. The questions for the competition came from the 16 books chosen for 2024. At the District Competition teams must answer content questions as well as questions where they must identify the title and author of each book. We are so proud of our all of our Indian Hills IBOB participants.
If you are curious what IBOB is or you want to begin your reading for the 2024-2025 competition this summer, you can learn more at Idaho Battle of the Books.
Please join us in congratulating Simplot
This year, the Simplot Education Council received 2,377
“I believe Ms. Johnson should be recognized not only for trying new methods of teaching, but for how much she cares about each and every student. She has gone out of her way for my son personally. She is always learning new things because she understands that not all children learn the same way. For example, we learned that my son has dyslexia, and that can come with many obstacles. There was a dyslexia class being taught at ISU, and not only did she invite me but she attended this class as well. It absolutely warmed my heart to see her there and knowing she just wants to be the best teacher she can by using all of her resources. I know just how hard it is to be away from your kids and she does it to help others. She is such an inspiration to not only the students in her class but me as well. You can really understand how great she is when you talk to her students and see how much they absolutely adore her. It is because she not only teaches the importance of reading, math, etc. but she teaches them that it's okay to make mistakes and that it's okay to feel upset or frustrated but through all of it that they are loved. I think that is what makes them want to try and do and be their best. My son was homeschooled for kindergarten because of my fear of what happened to my husband. He too is dyslexic and he was just passed along year after year never getting the help he needed. Well, Mrs. Johnson calmed those fears after seeing how much she cared and did everything she could to help him every single day.
She has even asked me for some ideas on things that might help him, since I did teach him his first year. So, I gave her some ideas of things that helped me teach him and that made it easier for him to understand and she tried them with all of her students. She has said it helped not only him but others as well. I can honestly say that my son would not be where he's at academically without her. She is truly exceptional! If I could have it my way I would have her teach my son throughout his 12 years of schooling.
I have never had such a positive experience with a teacher. Mrs. Johnson has overcome one of life's hardest challenges and she has never let it stand in her way of being incredibly remarkable. She has given my son the confidence he needed to accomplish whatever life throws at him. I can't tell you how much it means to look into his eyes and see the look of triumph. Finally accomplishing the thing that seemed so impossible at the time. I owe a lot of that to Mrs. Johnson.” Talisa S. - Parent
Five fabulous fifth grade teams came ready to compete to be the team that represents our school at the city IBOB Competition at Century on April 30th at 5pm. There were sixteen books chosen for this years competition among them are The Hero Two Doors Down, The Lemonade War, Becoming Muhammad Ali, Fablehaven, The Untouchables, and Stanley will Probably be Fine. Our teams: The Gorgeous Googles, Just Pigs, Watermelons, Flower Power and DOATS then had to decide which book the question or statement was from. The teams had to correctly spell the title of the book and the author to get the full 5 points for each question. It was a great competition as all teams were quick to answer. They only had 30 minutes to score the most points and at the end we had a tie! Congratulations to the Watermelons who were able to answer correctly the tie breaking question of the day.
Dear Cougar Families,
Reading was a focus during the month of March as we celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday and dressed as our favorite book characters. First graders performed the “Seussical” play to celebrate a favorite author. As a school, we “read across America” as each class read 35 minutes every day for a week. The PTA provided popcorn for our reading adventure!
April and May are our testing months. Our state assessments provide us with valuable data on each of our learners. ISAT testing protocols do not allow electronic devices of any sort (including watches) in the testing environment. Learners will be asked to leave electronic devices in their backpacks during this time. We appreciate your help reminding them of this. Please also support your learner by making sure they have adequate sleep and breakfast the days of their tests.
Unfortunately, we have experienced vandalism (extremely vulgar notes and drawings) in our bathrooms recently. Our policy is one student in the restroom at a time. Please talk to your learner about their responsibility in taking care of our school. We want all students to have pride in being an Indian Hills Cougar!
We enjoy working with our learners each day! Feel free to contact us if you have any concerns or questions.
Sincerely, Jill Johnson
It's our favorite night of the year when our learners bring their families to school to play games and learn new ways to have fun with learning at home. In each hallway, four or five classrooms host games that test skills of agility, balance, and often luck. This year families competed against each other in Mini Golf, Cookie Face, Rolling for Points, Bean Bag Toss, Dice Stacking, Egg Bouncing, Ring Toss, Cheerios, and Bolts and Nuts. We also had fun learning and beating our parents in math games, sight word games, OREO writing, balance point, comprehension strategies and juggling. Each win earned a ticket for a chance to win a prize of your choice. The cafeteria had three tables of prizes including legos, art supplies, games, science kits, book series, puzzles, and balls. Learners could also win an estimation prize if they guessed the right number of licorice, eraser pets, legos, or Twix minis. The PTA also had a drawing for a basket of amazing things. This night would not be possible without a lot of help. We would like to extend a BIG THANK YOU to Mrs. Balmer, all of our amazing staff, Indian Hills Elementary Schoolwide Title 1: Family Engagement, United Way, Idaho PTA, Kevin Robbins, Idaho State University Ambassadors, Golf Team and Benny the Tiger, and National Honor Society Students from Pocatello and Century High Schools. It was an amazing night because of all our helpers and our families who came to have fun!
Our first grade learners celebrated Dr. Seuss' Birthday by performing Seussical the Musical Jr. for their families and friends. Oh the thinks one can think when we sing songs about Dr. Seuss' stories. Our learners sang and read written parts from Horton Hears a Who, McElligot's Pool and Green Eggs and Ham. We celebrated that "Anything's Possible" and "A Person's a Person No Matter How Small" and poor "Sam I Am" couldn't convince our first graders to try his "Green Eggs and Ham" here or there or anywhere!! After the performance our visitors were invited to read Dr. Seuss books in the classroom with their learner. Thank you to everyone who came to support our adorable "Thing 1 - 100 Learners".
A BIG Thank You to Belnap & Summers Orthodontics and Oak Mountain Dental for bringing the Idaho Shakespeare Theater to Indian Hills! We loved seeing The Legend of Finn McCoy come to life. Finn McCoy was able to outsmart the Evil Wizard with a little help from the Salmon of Knowledge and saved the world from destruction. We learned that even though we are small we can make a big difference in our world by making good choices and being kind.
The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25’s Employee-of-the-Month P.I.E.S. award recognizes employees who Positively Influence Educational Success. The award is for employees who go above and beyond in that effort.
This month we recognized Ms. Charonne Gunter as January’s PIES Award recipient. Ms. Gunter teaches Kindergarten at Indian Hills Elementary School.
Mrs. Gunter was nominated for the PIES Employee of the Month award by three individuals: Indian Hills Principal Jill Johnson, colleague Jenny Higgins, and Beth Pope, who has worked alongside Mrs. Gunter as her paraprofessional for the past ten years.
In her nomination, Mrs. Johnson wrote, “Charonne is super positive! No matter the challenge she chooses to focus on the good. She is a team leader both at Indian Hills and throughout the district, having served as a unit developer for years. She has also mentored new teachers in and out of the district. She wants others to succeed so she shares her tips for success with other aspiring kindergarten teachers. Charonne works so well with all of her kindergarten students. She communicates with them in a way that motivates them to work hard and want to be at school. Those who work with Charonne feel her enthusiasm and love for teaching and learning!"
Mrs. Higgins wrote, “Charonne Gunter is the most amazing Kindergarten teacher I know! She consistently finds creative and fun ways to apply the curriculum concepts for each learner, with particular attention to individual learning ability. Her classroom is bright, happy, and engaging where every learner feels valued, loved, and appreciated. Charonne cultivates joy in her classroom and our school and is an inspiration to all!"
Mrs. Pope wrote, “Charonne Gunter exemplifies the district's PIES criteria. She is always willing to share what works and what doesn't. She is also willing to use what she learns from other teachers around the district in our classroom. I have witnessed her gentle and calm way with children. She has a way of speaking with the learners that makes them feel loved and important, getting to know each learner individually. She is always looking for ways to engage the shy learner in a positive manner that boosts their confidence."
Ms. Gunter was recognized at the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, and received a $50 gift card from the educational partner for this award, Lookout Credit Union.
Learners at Indian Hills brought donations of personal hygiene and household cleaning items to be given to families in need in our district. Our Fifth grade student leadership helped by making posters, doing announcements, collecting the items from each classroom and counting items. We totaled 1173 donated items! That was enough to fill our closet and give the remainders to the High School!
The third grade "Winter Program" was held on December 12th. Ten songs were performed as well as 16 small speaking parts. Everyone worked so hard to learn all the words and present beautiful music to their families. Also, Mrs. Johnson played the piano for every song (she's amazing)!
On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, Indian Hills learners and staff celebrated strengthening our Caring Cougar Community by holding hands and singing our new school song outside the perimeter of the school. One of our 5th Grade teachers, Whitney Curzon, composed the music and lyrics with sign language and led the school over the intercom.
Pictured from left to right are Officer Namohala with K-9 Lobo, Officer Anderson with K-9 Flip, Officer Torres with K-9 Thor, and Corporal Seamons with K-9 Bruce.
Third Grade learners recently read a story in their ELA books about police partners, so on January 5, 2023, Pocatello police officers and their K-9 dogs were invited to visit Indian Hills Elementary 3rd Grade classrooms.
Pocatello K-9 dogs are Belgian Malinois, a Dutch Shepherd. They look like German Shepherds but are not as stocky and don't weigh as much. They are also trained as working dogs rather than pets.
Officer Namohala with K-9 Lobo and Officer Anderson with K-9 Flip went into the classrooms to introduce their K-9 dogs and to educate learners and teachers about this special program.
According to the ELA story K-9 dogs are with their officers all day and all night. Their most important job is to protect their partners. K-9 dogs go through a rigorous training program running through obstacle courses, jumping as high as 8 feet in the air, and walking up very steep and open stairways. They have very sensitive noses so they can sniff out drugs and catch criminals from scents on their clothing. K-9 police cars don't have a backseat so that the K-9 dogs have a comfortable place to rest while in the car. They have carpet, a built-in water bowl, and fans to keep them cool in warmer weather. When they get home from work, K-9's have play time and rest time with their partners.
Thank you to the Idaho Fish and Game Southeast Region for this amazing experience today for 2nd grade learners at Indian Hills Elementary School with Topper the "Elk" on the Shelf.
Our food drive for November was organized by our Community Resource Worker and a group of fifth grade student leaders. Non-perishable foods were donated from every grade and classroom. Food was distributed to our local school pantries and to Valley Mission.
Valley Mission serves between 650 to 850 families in the Portneuf Valley each month through their food pantry with the support of the Idaho Foodbank and local business partners, including Walmart, Smith's, Albertsons, Jacksons, Fred Meyer, Ridley's, COSTCO, and Big Lots!
Valley Mission offers hope and new beginnings by providing, coordinating, and delivering an efficient system of care (including food assistance, warming shelter, nutritional and financial counseling and job seeking skills) for people experiencing poverty and homelessness in Bannock County.
On September 28, 2022, four dads of children who attend Indian Hills Elementary visited our school with their fire trucks and equipment to educate students about their careers and fire safety.
Brian O'Donnell is a wildlife operations technician for the Bureau of Land Management. His daughter Lucy is a 1st grader and his wife Ann is a Special Education Teacher at Indian Hills Elementary.
Ben Myers is an engineer for the Idaho National Laboratory's fire department. His son Carver is in 1st grade.
Dustin Williams is an assistant fire management officer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. His son Jasper is in 5th Grade.
Paul Davis is a Bureau of Land Management engine captain. His children are Bridger in 5th Grade and Mila in 2nd Grade.
We also had a firefighter from the City of Pocatello Fire Department who came to this event.
"Kids are engaged, they get hands-on experience and it promotes safety. Plus, the kids love seeing their parents in action." Principal Jill Johnson
Brian O'Donnell, his daughter, Lucy and his wife, Ann, who is a Special Education Teacher at Indian Hills Elementary. |
Ben Myers and his son, Carver. |
Dustin Williams and his son, Jasper. |
Paul Davis and his children Bridger and Mila. |
District News
The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 January C.A.K.E. Award, which stands for Character, Attitude, Kindness, and Encouragement, has been awarded to two outstanding learners. Congratulations to Devin Blakeslee and Madden Kunz. Devin is a 5th-grade learner attending Indian Hills Elementary, and Madden is a 6th-grade learner attending Alameda Middle School.
Devin was nominated by his teachers, Ms. Whitney Curzon. In her nomination letter Ms. Curzon wrote, “I am pleased to nominate Devin Blakeslee from my 5th Grade class for the C.A.K.E Award and would like to recognize him for being an outstanding student and role model in our school. Devin exemplifies qualities that make him a respected, compassionate, and influential presence both in the classroom and on the playground. He is a great example of a KIND Cougar!
Devin is a kind and thoughtful young man who consistently demonstrates a willingness to lend a helping hand. He possesses a unique ability to lead quietly and humbly, making him a figure that others naturally gravitate towards. Devin is patient, understanding, and inclusive, always making sure that every student feels welcome and valued, particularly during recess and group activities. His flexibility and versatility allow him to adapt to different situations, and he seamlessly works with students of all personalities and backgrounds.
One of Devin's standout qualities is his leadership on the playground. We recently got a GaGa Ball pit, and although Devin is competitive, he encourages others to do their best. He not only includes everyone in games and activities but also helps solve conflicts that arise, always ensuring a fair and respectful resolution. His peers look to him for guidance, and he sets a positive example by leading with empathy and integrity. He has a unique gift for fostering an environment where every child feels they belong.
Devin Blakeslee is a student who consistently embodies the values we strive to instill in our Indian Hills Cougar Community. His quiet yet impactful leadership and inclusive spirit make him an ideal candidate for this recognition. Devin has positively impacted his peers and teachers alike, and I am honored to nominate him for this award.”
Madden was nominated by his teacher, Ms. Jodi Diaz. In her nomination letter, Ms. Diaz wrote, “I knew I wanted to nominate Madden for this award the very first time I met him. I first noticed him during the assembly on the first day of school. Every boy seemed to want to sit by him. There was a boy with special needs that Madden knew from elementary school. Madden sat right beside him and all the other boys followed. Madden includes everyone, and because he is a natural leader, when Madden does it, so does everyone else. I have watched Madden, and his friends, include this boy every day since the first day of school in everything they do. Madden is caring, inclusive, empathetic, and compassionate. As an adult I strive to be these things, but it takes effort. For Madden it comes naturally, it is a part of his character. Madden has no idea the lasting positive impact he has on the people around him, specifically his friend from elementary school, but it warms my heart and I look forward to seeing the amazing things he will do throughout middle school and after.”
Devin and Madden were recognized at the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Our Partner for this award, Johnson Family McDonald's, provides each learner and their nominators with a gift card, along with $50 to purchase books for the school’s media center in the recipients’ names.
PCSD 25 believes a safe, supportive, caring and respectful environment is critical to student learning. The District Education Foundation, in partnership with McDonald’s, supports the Learner-of-the-Month C.A.K.E. Award to recognize students who show great character. The district recognizes one elementary learner and one secondary learner from October through May. Nominations for the C.A.K.E. Award are submitted by a teacher who has observed the nominee’s behavior, and are approved by the school’s principal.