News & Events

Please join us in celebrating an outstanding educator!

We’re proud to announce that Kelly Heil, a Social Studies teacher at Hawthorne Middle School, has been named as a finalist for the Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year!

The impact Ms. Heil has had on my life is so huge, I will always remember her as my teacher. I feel like she connects with all the kids to help them succeed. I always feel better just by walking through her classroom door and knowing that I am welcome to be there.

Anna R.

Ms. Heil is so uplifting and fun to be around. She is very kind and helpful to her students and her co-workers. My favorite thing she has taught me is photography for yearbook, it has made me want to learn more about photography.

Adelaide E.

The Simplot Education Council received 2,204 nominations honoring 407 standout teachers across District 25. We’ll be showcasing our finalists daily through Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, three educators—one from each level: elementary, middle, and high school—will be named this year’s Simplot Inspirational Teacher Award winners. All finalists receive a $100 award, and the top teacher in each category will take home a $500 prize from the Council.

Please join us in celebrating an outstanding educator!

We’re proud to announce that Heather Petrella, Band grade teacher at Hawthorne Middle School, has been named as a finalist for the Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year!

Have you ever had a teacher that is super funny or has the wildest stories to tell? Well, that teacher is Ms. Petrella. She is a band teacher, but not just any band teacher, she is really, really fun. Ms. Petrella’s stories make my day brighter!

Brux H.

Ms. Petrella is probably one of the best teachers I have ever had. She is such a good teacher and just a great human in general. She is inspirational, motivational and so kind. We can’t forget about all her fun stories and her humor.

Hannah S.

The Simplot Education Council received 2,204 nominations honoring 407 standout teachers across District 25. We’ll be showcasing our finalists daily through Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, three educators—one from each level: elementary, middle, and high school—will be named this year’s Simplot Inspirational Teacher Award winners. All finalists receive a $100 award, and the top teacher in each category will take home a $500 prize from the Council.

Idaho's September winners of the Spirit of 'US' Classroom Contest are Landon (grade 8) and Emerie (grade 4) from the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 and Middleton Schools, respectively.

The Albion Center for Professional Development will gift each class with a $100 cash prize to celebrate.

"One of the many rights we use every day is the right for public education. Whether you love it or hate it, you probably go to school. It's different for everyone, it can be a public or private school or even homeschooling. However, some people don't have the right to go to school.

Some ways that we can be responsible and take advantage of our public education is by trying our best to keep our grades up, and keeping school a kind and positive environment. Since many kids do not have the right to a public education around the world, we shouldn't abuse the right, but we should try our best in school."

- Landon, 8th grade
Hawthorne Middle School
Pocatello/Chubbuck School District

September 7–12 Winner for the Spirit of US Classroom Contest, 2025-2026.

— with Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 and Hawthorne Middle School.

Source: Idaho Department of Education Facebook page

Please join us in celebrating an outstanding educator! 

We’re proud to announce that Heather Petrella, Band teacher at Hawthorne Middle School, has been named a finalist for the Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year!

This year, the Simplot Education Council received an incredible 2,617 nominations recognizing 402 exceptional teachers across Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25. Finalists will be spotlighted daily through Thursday, May 15, 2025.

On Friday, May 16, 2025, three Simplot Inspirational Teacher Awards will be announced—honoring one exceptional teacher each from the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Each category features five finalists, all of whom will receive a $100 award, with the top recipient in each group earning a $500 prize from the Council.

Congratulations to Ms. Petrella on this well-deserved recognition!

“Ms. Petrella should be nominated for this award because she has made a big impact on how I learn and think. She often engages us in fun activities to help support our learning, she even makes her own board games for us to play and she has published two books." Ms. Petrella made me love the art of music and makes me want to continue to play and learn as much as I can about music. Savannah J.

Mrs. Petrella is a great teacher. Teachers show you where to look but don't tell you what to see. And the influence of a good teacher can never be erased from the person who looks up to that teacher. Mrs. Petrella is my band teacher right now. She teaches me how to play the clarinet. She is great at teaching us and getting our attention. Sometimes as a student you may think that teachers have favorites and that they may not like you. I know that Mrs. Petrella loves us all because she has a big heart and she believes in us! ‘My teacher gave me the best gift of all ... Believing in me!’ -Unknown. “ Jenna H. 

Join us in celebrating an outstanding educator!

We’re proud to announce that Kelly Heil, Social Studies teacher at Hawthorne Middle School, has been named a finalist for the Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year!

This year, the Simplot Education Council received an incredible 2,617 nominations recognizing 402 exceptional teachers across Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25. Finalists will be spotlighted daily through Thursday, May 15, 2025.

On Friday, May 16, 2025, three Simplot Inspirational Teacher Awards will be announced—honoring one exceptional teacher each from the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Each category features five finalists, all of whom will receive a $100 award, with the top recipient in each group earning a $500 prize from the Council.

Congratulations to Ms. Heil on this well-deserved recognition! 

Ms. Heil has taught me things I would have never thought I could accomplish. She has inspired me in so many different ways and taught me countless life-long skills. "Ms. Heil is an inspiration to me because she pushes our limits, but in a good way. If she hadn’t pushed me I would not be where I am today. She always teaches with kindness, she is very understanding and she teaches us how to be our best selves.” Brielle W.

“Ms. Heil deserves this award because she works so hard and is so kind to everyone. My reason for nominating Ms. Heil is that when I first came to Hawthorne, I was really nervous because it was my first year in middle school. She is my T.A. I had a great first impression of my new school because of her. Another reason is that she is so hard working, she teaches the yearbook class too, and she just can't say no to doing a favor for ANYBODY. The final reason is that she is kind to all of her students, even if they are rude to her, she still keeps a good attitude. I think Mrs. Heil deserves this honor because she helped me personally, she works so hard, and she is kind.” Brekka R.
 

At the end of each semester, the College of Education acknowledges an outstanding cooperating teacher. For Fall 2024, Heather Petrella from Hawthorne Middle School in Pocatello was chosen as the recipient of the ISU Cooperating Teacher Award.

Petrella was nominated by music student teaching candidate, Natalie West, who graduated from the College of Education in December of 2024. Described as an exceptional individual, Petrella has been praised for her empathy and care regarding students, and her dedication to giving them the best education possible.

Congratulations, Heather Petrella!

Article Courtesy of Idaho State University College of Education

Please join us in congratulating Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year finalist, Natalie VanLeuven. Ms. VanLeuven teaches 8th grade Computer Science at Hawthorne Middle School.

This year, the Simplot Education Council received 2,377 nominations for 398 teachers in Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25. Finalists will be featured daily through Thursday, May 9, 2024. Three Simplot Inspirational Teacher Awards will be announced on Friday, May 10, 2024 – one for a teacher at the elementary, middle and high school levels. In addition, 5 finalists have been selected for each category and each will be awarded a $100 check. The Simplot Inspirational Teacher Award Recipients of 2024 will each be presented a $500 check on behalf of the Council.

“I have chosen to nominate Ms. VanLeuven because she inspires me and others around me to be a better people. She taught us how to fix our mistakes and also taught us it’s ok to make them. Some lifelong skills I will take with me from her are to always be kind to people, even when it’s not easy, and to always work hard in life.” Erika R.

“Ms. V. has inspired me with her determination.  She is kind and clever at making assignments fun.  She makes me want to work hard and achieve my goals. She has shown me that when there is a problem, I can fit it.” Sean R.

“I am nominating Ms. V. for this award because of the impact she had on me while I was in her class and even now that I am not. I always felt like Mrs. V. was there for me. She created a safe space for all students, was kind and fair. Every year since 7th grade I have chosen Ms. V. to nominate because I truly believe she deserves it.” Madison E.  

Please join us in congratulating Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year finalist, Andrew Banks. Mr. Banks teaches Geography at Hawthorne Middle School.

This year, the Simplot Education Council received 2,377 nominations for 398 teachers in Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25. Finalists will be featured daily through Thursday, May 9, 2024. Three Simplot Inspirational Teacher Awards will be announced on Friday, May 10, 2024 – one for a teacher at the elementary, middle and high school levels. In addition, 5 finalists have been selected for each category and each will be awarded a $100 check. The Simplot Inspirational Teacher Award Recipients of 2024 will each be presented a $500 check on behalf of the Council.

“Mr. Banks is the best teacher ever. He is one of those very special teachers who just know how to connect with their students. Mr. Banks has inspired me (and many other students) in so many ways. He is one of the most positive people I have known. He is always so dedicated to his class that he always felt confident in himself to do all the fun things he could with us. Mr. Banks is also one of the most hardworking teachers at my school. He always makes sure to help his students when he can.” Marley F.

“I think Mr. Banks should win this award because he inspires me to work hard even if I am not having a good day. He works hard every day even if he’s not having a good day and he still tries to make everyone else’s day good as well. So he has inspired me to work hard and try to make other people happy even if I am not having a good day.” Laken A.

“As a student, Mr. Banks has helped me love geography and learn many different things. Some days when I was feeling confused, stressed, or just down, his class always lifted me up and taught me to be happy even if I wasn’t feeling great.” Gretyl C.

The Hawthorne Middle School Garden club went on a trip to Bowman Farms to see how the process that organic produce is grown, harvested and cared for. Students had an amazing time learning what goes into the process of making food for the local populace. This is what the students had to say about their experience.

“We went to Bowman farms, a farm that grows food for our community. They had a wide variety of plants, and we got to taste them. We learned a lot about the process of growing plants and why they are important. The farm owners, Matthew and Charelle say that they enjoy farming because they like to know where their food that they eat comes from.” -Emilee Carr

“I learned that it takes time to get work done, and you can’t just accomplish everything in one day.” - Soliscity Daves

“We learned how to tell between a male and a female plant on a squash vine.” - Jackson Lyon

“It was fun. We learned a lot about farm life.”-Kylie Knudsen

“Raw onions from the ground are not very tasty. I tried one myself, and it was not very pleasant.” Dezara Stoddart

 

PCSD 25 Families: With recent bus route closures and the upcoming snow season, now is a great time to make sure that you are signed up for Infinite Campus notifications. In addition to emergency notifications, Infinite Campus is the best way to monitor your child’s progress throughout the school year.

PCSD 25 parents/guardians can log into the Campus Parent Portal and stay engaged with information at your fingertips throughout the school year. Other family favorites include:

Access to student grades

Review attendance and absences

Monitor assignments due or upcoming exams

Notifications for school/district announcements/emergency closures

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.

If you already have an Infinite Campus account and are not receiving notifications, please contact your school(s) to verify your contact information and notification settings. Notification options include Infinite Campus Inbox, text, voicemail, and email.

School	Date	Time
Chubbuck	8/24/2026	5:00 - 6:30 P.M.
Edahow	8/25/2026	4:00 - 5:30 P.M.
Ellis	8/24/2026	4:00 - 6:00 P.M.
Gate City	8/24/2026	5:30 - 7:00 P.M.
Greenacres	8/24/2026	5:00 - 6:30 P.M.
Indian Hills	8/24/2026	5:30 - 7:00 P.M.
Jefferson	8/24/2026	5:30 - 6:30 P.M.
Lewis and Clark	8/24/2026	11:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Lincoln Early Intervention	9/1-4/2026	Individual Family Visits
Syringa	8/24/2026	4:30 - 6:00 P.M.
Tendoy	8/24/2026	4:30 - 6:00 P.M.
Tyhee	8/24/2026	5:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Wilcox	8/24/2026	5:00 - 6:00 P.M.

All Middle Schools August 24th from 6:00-7:30 P.M.

All High Schools August 25th from 6:00-7:30 P.M.

When is the first day of school for the 2026/2027 school year?

• Wednesday, August 26, 2026 for Grades 1-12
• Thursday, August 27, 2026 Kindergarten First Day (Group A)
• Friday, August 28, 2026 Kindergarten First Day (Group B)
• Back to School FAQ will be updated for the 2027/2028 school year after July 1, 2027.

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

Online Application Instructions

• Free and reduced meals will continue to be provided for those learners who qualify during the 2025-2026 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, 2025. For more information refer to our Food Services website

When is the last day of school for the 2026/2027 school year?

• Thursday, June 3, 2027

When is graduation for the Class of 2027?

• New Horizon High School: Thursday, June 3, 2027 6:00 p.m.
• Century High School: Friday, June 4, 2027 
• Pocatello High School: Friday, June 4, 2027 
• Highland High School: Friday, June 4, 2027 

When do I find out about transfers?

• The elementary transfer meeting is Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
• Secondary schools transfers are notified within 60 days of submission of the application.

How do I transfer my learner?

New Elementary Transfer Form coming soon.

High School/Middle School Transfer Application

When is registration?

• Learners who are new to PCSD 25: Register online by completing the Online Registration. After completing the registration online, call your neighborhood school after August 3 to confirm.

• In-Person new elementary school registration:

  Learners entering grades K-5 who are brand new to the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 may enroll for the 2026-2027 school year in-person on Thursday, August 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

  Families are required to provide their learner’s birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residence. Please note: moving into or living within a school boundary does not ensure placement at a specific school. All school placements are based on available space in that grade level at that school. Visit Find My Enrollment to find your home school. 

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

• High School Schedule Pick-up
  • August 12 and 13, 2026
    • 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    • 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Middle School Schedule Pick-up
  • August 12, 2026
    • 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    • 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • August 13, 2026
    • 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

When is Back to School Night?

• Middle School Back to School Night is August 24, 2026 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• High School Back to School Night is the week of August 25, 2026 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

School	Date	Time
Chubbuck Elementary	August 24	5-6:30 p.m.
Edahow Elementary	August 25	4-5:30 p.m.
Ellis Elementary	August 24	4-6 p.m.
Gate City Elementary	August 24	5:30-7 p.m.
Greenacres Elementary	August 24	5-6:30 p.m.
Indian Hills Elementary	August 24	5:30-7 p.m.
Jefferson Elementary	August 24	5:30-6:30 p.m.
Lewis & Clark Elementary	August 24	11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Syringa Elementary	August 24	4:30-6 p.m.
Tendoy Elementary	August 24	4:30-6 p.m.
Tyhee Elementary	August 24	5-7 p.m.
Wilcox Elementary	August 24	5-6 p.m.
Lincoln Early Childhood Center	September 1-4	Individual Family Visits

Where is my bus stop?

• Elementary Boundaries
• Middle School Boundaries
• High School Boundaries

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

Start and Dismissal Times for Schools

What school supplies will my child need this year?

Elementary School Supplies

Middle School Supplies

High School Supplies are listed on the course syllabus

Where is the 2026-2027 school calendar located?

2025-2026 School District 25 Calendar

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

• ALL Grades: Monday, September 7, 2026 - Labor Day
• Grades K-5: Thursday & Friday, October 1 & 2, 2026 - Parent Teachers Conferences
• Grades 6-12: School will be in session Thursday, October 1. Closed Friday, October 2, 2026 - Middle School Parent Teacher Conferences and High School Professional Development 
• ALL Grades: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 - Election Day
• ALL Grades: Thursday, November 19, 2026 - End of Trimester/Record Day
• ALL Grades: Friday, November 20, 2026 - Teacher Professional Development Day
• ALL Grades: Monday - Friday, November 23 - 27, 2026 - Thanksgiving Break
• ALL Grades: Monday - Friday, December 21 - January 1, 2027 - Winter Break. School resumes Monday, January 4, 2027.
• ALL Grades: Monday, January 18, 2027 - Idaho Human Rights Day / Martin Luther King Jr., Day
• ALL Grades: Friday, February 5, 2027 - Middle School Parent Teacher Conferences and High School Professional Development/Registration
• ALL Grades: Monday, February 15, 2027 - President's Day
• ALL Grades: Friday, March 5, 2027 - End of Trimester/Record Day
• ALL Grades: Monday - Friday, March 22 - 26, 2027 - Spring Break
• ALL Grades: Monday, May 31, 2027 - Memorial Day
• ALL Grades: Thursday, June 3, 2027 - 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.

Congratulations to Eli Haney, a 5th grade learner attending Syringa Elementary, and Frankie Lawrence, an 7th grade learner attending Hawthorne Middle School, who were chosen as the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 May C.A.K.E. award recipients. C.A.K.E. stands for Character, Attitude, Kindness and Encouragement.

Eli was nominated by his teacher, Ms. Andrea Gulden, for consistently modeling the kind of character, attitude, kindness, and encouragement that positively influences everyone around him. Ms. Gulden shared that Eli is someone others naturally look up to - not because he seeks attention, but because he quietly leads by example each day.

Eli approaches school with responsibility, honesty, and a strong work ethic. He takes pride in both his learning and his actions, and his warm smile and friendly nature help others feel welcomed, valued, and included. His trustworthiness and positive attitude have earned the respect of both classmates and adults.

What especially stands out is the encouragement Eli gives to others. Ms. Gulden described him as “a friend to everyone” who genuinely enjoys seeing others succeed. During recess, he promotes positive sportsmanship by offering high fives, celebrating effort, and encouraging classmates with kind words like “good Job” and “nice try.” In the classroom, he is patient, supportive, and always willing to help others when they need it most.

Eli’s academic success is matched by his compassion and kindness, proving that achievement and encouragement go hand in hand. His positivity helps others feel confident and connected, and his character makes a meaningful difference throughout the school community.

Frankie Lawrence has been nominated for the C.A.K.E. Award by Ms. Jean Martin for consistently demonstrating the character, kindness, and leadership that make a positive impact on those around her. Ms. Martin shared that Frankie’s compassion and strong work ethic truly set her apart.

Frankie is known for treating others with kindness and empathy, always willing to offer encouragement or lend a helping hand to classmates. Ms. Martin noted that Frankie pays special attention to one learner who needs additional support, often making sure he is prepared and ready for class each day. Her thoughtful actions reflect genuine care and a strong sense of responsibility toward others.

In addition to her kindness, Frankie is a dedicated and focused learner who approaches her work with determination and perseverance. Ms. Martin shared that Frankie consistently exemplifies the Hawk House Habits that Hawthorne Middle School strives to instill in its learners.

Through her leadership, service, and positive example, Frankie makes a meaningful difference in her classroom and school community.

Eli and Frankie were recognized at the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. 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.

Any learners who were nominated but not chosen this year will receive a certificate, a copy of their nomination. Nominations will re-open for the 2026-2027 school in September.  

First Friday Art Walk | MAY 1, 2026 | 5-8:00 p.m. | Gate City Coffee

Artwork | Poetry | Photography & Photo Stories
Pottery & Sculpture | Musical Composition and More

Artwork awards sponsored by the SD25 Education Foundation

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 invites the community to experience America Through the Eyes of Our Learners, a special Fine Arts Exhibition celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

The exhibition will take place during the Historic Downtown Pocatello First Friday Art Walk on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Gate City Coffee (320 W. Center Street). The event will feature more than 200 pieces of original artwork and creative expression from learners across School District 25.

Live student musical performances will also be featured during the event at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

The exhibition features submissions from learners in grades K–12, with works developed through classroom and individual creative efforts across a variety of mediums, including visual art, photography, multi-media creations, and poetry.

The event is part of a broader effort by the PCSD 25 Board of Trustees to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary by creating opportunities for learners to explore, reflect on, and share what the nation’s history and ideals mean to them today.

Awards will be presented across multiple categories and grade levels, including Best in Show and People’s Choice Awards, with more than $2,000 in prizes recognizing learner achievement and creativity.

Awards for the competition are proudly sponsored by the School District 25 Education Foundation, whose support helps make opportunities like this possible for learners across the district.

This event is about more than art—it’s about giving our learners a voice, said Courtney Fisher, Director of Communications, Community Relations and the Education Foundation. “Through their work, our learners are sharing their perspectives, their creativity, and what America means to them during this once-in-a-generation milestone. We’re proud to showcase that with our community.”

Visitors are encouraged to participate in the People’s Choice voting during the event and help select winning entries. Community members can also support future opportunities for learners by connecting with the Education Foundation during the event.

The exhibition is free and open to the public.

By Courtney Fisher

Neighborhood schools shape more than education — they shape childhood, community, and the friendships that last a lifetime.

When I was a student at Indian Hills Elementary in the 1980s, the upper stretch of Country Club Drive wasn’t paved and lined with homes the way it is today. It was a craggy dirt road — the kind best suited for off-roading — bordered by open fields. I lived in the upper Johnny Creek neighborhood, and most mornings my friends and I climbed onto the bus together, sharing stories from the day before, laughing about playground adventures, planning whose house we’d hang out at after school, and hoping it would be a good lunch day with chocolate peanut butter bars. 

Getting to school took a little longer in those days. Without today’s straight shot down the hill, our bus hugged the tight curves of Johnny Creek Road before heading south on Bannock Highway—a route that added miles and minutes to the trip compared to the bus routes children ride today.

On warm spring days, my brother and I rode our bikes instead, gripping our handlebars as we bounced along the rutted road until it gave way to smoother pavement, where we’d coast the rest of the hill toward a building that felt as familiar as home.

Indian Hills looked different then. The school was organized in a mix of open pods and closed classrooms — a different approach to learning spaces than we see today. But what hasn’t changed in nearly 40 years is how that school made me feel.

I felt welcomed. I felt known. I belonged.

Those neighborhood friendships extended beyond the classroom. We played on the same teams, attended the same birthday parties, and sang and danced — and yes, even clogged — in the same community groups. We grew up together.

Many of those friendships still exist today. In fact, one of those neighborhood friends, Mrs. Baird, now teaches kindergarten at Indian Hills — welcoming a new generation of learners into the same community that shaped us.

Years later, my own children walked through the doors of Indian Hills.

They formed tight-knit friendships with classmates who lived just down the street. They played on the same teams. They found teachers who knew their strengths and encouraged their growth. They experienced the same sense of belonging that shaped my childhood.

Neighborhood schools are more than buildings. They are anchors of community — where children form their first friendships, build confidence, and begin to understand that they are part of something bigger than themselves.

Today, the dirt road is gone. The fields are neighborhoods. Classrooms have evolved. Technology is integrated. Instruction is more research-based than ever before. But when I walk into Indian Hills — through the same hallways I once walked — I still see what matters most: relationships.

At Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25, we believe strong foundations start with belonging.
Kindergarten is often a child’s first experience in structured learning outside the home — a milestone for children and parents alike. That first day brings excitement, but also uncertainty.

Neighborhood schools ease that transition.

When children attend school close to home, they see familiar faces at the park, at community events, and on their own street. Classmates become teammates, neighbors, and often lifelong friends. Parents build relationships with families who share the same sidewalks and routines.

Inside those classrooms, our educators focus on the whole child.

PCSD 25’s kindergarten classrooms are built on safe, welcoming environments where every learner is known and supported. Teachers use proven instructional practices to help students understand not only what they are learning, but how they learn best. Structured routines, play-based exploration, and strong early foundations in literacy and math nurture curiosity and confidence.

The results speak for themselves.

PCSD 25 ranks among the districts with the highest graduation rates among large school districts in Idaho while maintaining one of the highest teacher retention rates. Those outcomes do not begin in high school. They begin in kindergarten classrooms — where children first discover they are safe, valued, and capable.

Public neighborhood schools also reflect something essential: accountability and access. There is no tuition. No barriers. Our schools are rooted in the communities they serve and committed to supporting every learner.

As someone who once rode the bus down a dirt road to Indian Hills — and later watched my own children grow in those same hallways — I see the continuity clearly. School has changed. Our community has grown. Our tools have advanced. But the heart of our neighborhood schools remains the same.
They are places where children belong.

Online kindergarten registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open, with in-person visits to complete the process scheduled on April 2. If you are considering where your child will begin their educational journey, I encourage you to look close to home.

Strong communities build strong schools. Strong schools build confident learners.

And in PCSD 25, your neighborhood school is ready to welcome your family — just as Indian Hills once welcomed me.

You belong here.
                                      
Courtney Fisher is the Director of Communications & Community Relations for the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25, where she also serves as the Director of the SD25 Education Foundation. A native of Pocatello and graduate of PCSD 25, she is passionate about strengthening local public education. Courtney and her husband, Ethan, are the proud parents of two daughters, both now in college.