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Indian Hills Connection - December Message from Mrs. Johnson

Welcome to Winter! The snow and upcoming holidays make December one of the most exciting months at an elementary school! There is magic in the air here at Indian Hills! Even though we only have two more weeks of school before Winter Break, we will continue to provide intentional instruction and support for your learners. Please read with your children on cold, dark evenings. Reviewing spelling words or playing math games is also a great way to spend long evenings.

Please send your child to school with coats, hats, and gloves (and extra pants and socks if they are prone to getting wet). We have recess twice a day and know that fresh air and physical play is important even when it is chilly. If the temperature drops to 10 degrees or lower, we provide indoor recess activities. Remind your children to be responsible for their coats, etc.

We have had issues with disrespect and loudness in our school cafeteria. It can be crowded and congested, but it is essential that students use an inside voice to visit at their lunch table in order for our food service workers to hear oven timers, student requests, etc. We have tried different behavior incentives with students and will continue to, but we ask that we talk to your child about being respectful in the cafeteria. If you have any ideas to help in this area, feel free to share with us. We really appreciate your help with this.

We have had great attendance this fall! Thank you for sending your children to school each day and sharing them with us. We love working with your kids!

Sincerely, 

Jill Johnson

 

Indian Hills Learners and Staff holding hands outside around the perimeter of the school singing our new Cougar School Song .

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.

 

Pocatello Police Officers standing next to their police cars and their K-9 Dogs on a snowy day south of town.
Pocatello Police Officers standing next to their police cars and their K-9 Dogs on a snowy day south of town.

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.

Meet "Topper" The Elk on a Shelf Idaho Fish & Game

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.

Five students standing near the Valley Mission box truck

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.

 

Three students and an adult loading food boxes into the back of the Valley Mission box truck
Five students standing near the Valley Mission box truck
Firefighter Dads bring fire truck and equipment to Indian Hills

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 - BLM Fire Department with daughter Lucy 1st Grade & wife Special Ed. Teacher at Indian Hills.

Brian O'Donnell, his daughter, Lucy and his wife, Ann, who is a Special Education Teacher at Indian Hills Elementary.

Ben Myers - INL Fire Department Engineer with his son Carver in 1st Grade

Ben Myers and his son, Carver.

Dustin Williams - BIA Fire Department with son Jasper in 5th Grade at Indian Hills Elementary on September 28, 2022.

Dustin Williams and his son, Jasper.

Paul Davis - BLM Fire Department with children Bridger 5th Grade and Mila 1st Grade at Indian Hills Elementary

Paul Davis and his children Bridger and Mila.

District News

Back to School

When is the first day of school for the 2023/2024 school year?

  • Wednesday, August 23, 2023

When is the last day of school for the 2023/2024 school year?

  • Thursday, May 30, 2024

Will meals be provided free of charge to all learners during the 2023-2024 school year?

No. The USDA has suspended the waiver that provided free meals to all learners during the pandemic. Free and reduced meals will continue to be provided for those learners who qualify during the 2023-2024 school year. To qualify for free and reduced meals, parents and guardians are encouraged to fill out the free and reduced meal application after July 1, 2023. Refer to our Food Services website for more information.

How do I apply for my child to receive free and reduced meals?

When is graduation for the Class of 2024?

  • New Horizon High School: Thursday, May 30, 2024
  • Highland High School: Friday, May 31, 2024
  • Century High School: Friday, May 31, 2024
  • Pocatello High School: Friday, May 31, 2024

When do I find out about transfers?

  • The elementary transfer meeting is Thursday, August 10, 2023.
  • Secondary schools transfers are notified within 60 days of submission of the application.

How do I transfer my learner?

When is Registration?

  • Students who are new to PCSD 25: Register online by completing the Online Registration. After completing the registration online, call your neighborhood school after August 1 to confirm.

When is schedule pick-up for middle school and high school learners?

  • August 9 and 10, 2023
    • 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
    • 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where is my Bus Stop?

What time does my child’s school start? What time does my child’s school dismiss?

What school supplies will my child need this year?

Where is the 2023-2024 school calendar located?

What are the upcoming school closure dates? (No School)

  • ALL Grades: Monday, September 4, 2023 - Labor Day
  • Grades K-5: Thursday & Friday, October 5 & 6, 2023 - Parent Teachers Conferences
  • Grades 6-12: School will be in session Thursday, October 5. Closed Friday, October 6, 2023 - Parent Teacher Conferences
  • ALL Grades: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 - Election Day
  • ALL Grades: Friday, November 17, 2023 - End of Trimester/Record Day
  • ALL Grades: Monday - Friday, November 20 - 24, 2023 - Thanksgiving Break
  • ALL Grades: Monday - Monday, December 18 - January 1, 2024 - Winter Break. School resumes Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
  • ALL Grades: Monday, January 15, 2024 - Idaho Human Rights Day
  • ALL Grades: Friday, February 2, 2024 - Parent Teacher Conference Grades K-8
  • ALL Grades: Monday, February 19, 2024 - President's Day
  • ALL Grades: Friday, March 1, 2024 - End of Trimester/Record Day
  • ALL Grades: Monday - Friday, March 18-22, 2024 - Spring Break
  • ALL Grades: Monday, May 27, 2024 - Memorial Day
  • ALL Grades: Wednesday, May 30, 2024 - Last Day of School

What is the best way to monitor my child’s progress during the school year?

  • Parent engagement has a direct correlation to student success. PCSD 25 parents can log into the Campus Parent Portal and stay engaged with information at-your-fingertips throughout the school year. Parent favorites include:
    • Access to student grades 
    • Review attendance and absences 
    • Monitor assignments due or upcoming exams 
    • Notifications for School/District Announcements 
    • Lunchroom information 
  • To download the Campus Parent Portal app on your mobile phone. Visit the App or Play Store on your mobile device and search for “campus parent portal.” If you need login information, please contact the Help Desk: (208) 235-3219.
Take Flight You Put the MORE in MORE Together

As the school year winds down, I have reflected a lot on the many accomplishments of our district. We have indeed taken flight this year!

Instructionally, we have learned to adapt in an ever-changing world of technology and yet remain committed to personal learning and interactive experiences. Academically, we strive to meet our learners' needs in our classrooms with engaging, problem solving, critical thinking and collaborative opportunities. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities continue to flourish with numerous district, state, national and academic championships. 

As with any success, these results do not come without the preparation, drive, hard work, passion and dedication of each team member. These values are the foundation of our culture and I am fortunate to be on a team that exhibits these characteristics on a daily basis. 

In the past couple of weeks, it has been affirmed to me that our district truly embraces our motto of "More Together." In our efforts to adjust to a devastating fire, I watched, listened and facilitated multiple meetings in which representatives of administration, the Board of Trustees, Maintenance & Operations, Food Service, Transportation, Technology and a BLT came together to brainstorm ideas for solutions that capitalized on each team member's valuable input to maintain the continuity of learning and activities while making efforts to minimize disruptions. It was obvious through this experience that this type of problem solving happens continually throughout our district. Please know how much each of you are appreciated as you take part in daily discussions that have the same goals in mind. 

It is with admiration and respect that the Board and your district leadership flight team recognize all of your contributions not only this week, but the entire year. And please, enjoy a fun experience with your gift card.

Superintendent Dr. Douglas Howell

#PCSD25 #MoreTogether

Announcing Mayor's Million Minute Marathon Winners

Each year in February, Lookout Credit Union partners up with city of Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad, Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 and the Marshall Public Library to bring the Mayor’s Million Minute Marathon Reading Challenge. This reading program challenges all K-5 learners to read a combined total of a million minutes in the month of February.

#PCSD25 #MoreTogether

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