August 2026 Panther Pause Newsletter

Posted Date: 08/07/26 (03:11 PM)

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Panther Pause Newsletter

August 7, 2026

5015 N. Pierce Park Lane

Boise, Idaho 83714

Phone: (208)854-5880

Fax: (208)854-5881

Visit Pierce Park's website at: https://piercepark.boiseschools.org/

Follow on Instagram: pierceparkelementary

John Bale, Principal john.bale@boiseschools.org

Amanda Hawkes, Counselor a manda.hawkes@boiseschools.org

Kyra Black, Administrative Assistant kyra.black@boiseschools.org

Pierce Park PTO Email: pierceparkpto@gmail.com

Pierce Park PTO Facebook: Pierce Park Elementary PTO

Pierce Park PTO Instagram: pierceparkpto

Pierce Park's Student Handbook

Pierce Park's Emergency Response Procedures

Boise School District's Art's Webpage

Welcome to the 26/27 School Year!

We cannot wait to welcome our students and families back!

Important Dates:

Tuesday, August 11th - Sneak Peek (2:30-3:15) The PTO will have popsicles on the playground too!

Wednesday, August 12th - 1st Day of School (Early Release at 1:15)

Thursday, August 20th - Back to School Night (6:00-7:00)

Back to School Night!

Back to School Night is a time for parents/guardians to come to the school and hear from our Principal as well as meet with the teachers in their classrooms.

Date: Thursday, August 20th

Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Place: Pierce Park Elementary Gym

***This is a parents/guardians ONLY event. We will have playground supervision if you need to bring your children. Please fill out the form below ONLY if you will need childcare.

Back to School Night Childcare

Welcome Back to School 2026–2027!

Dear Pierce Park Panther Families,

Welcome to an exciting new school year! We hope your summer was filled with fun, relaxation, and time with family and friends. As we prepare to open our doors, we are thrilled to welcome back our returning Panthers and extend a special greeting to the newest members of our Pierce Park family.

At Pierce Park Elementary, we believe every child deserves a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Our dedicated teachers and staff have been working hard to prepare classrooms, plan meaningful learning experiences, and create opportunities for every student to find success.

Our Focus This Year

Together, we will continue to build a school culture where students:

Show kindness, respect, and responsibility.
Grow as curious and confident readers, writers, mathematicians, and problem-solvers.
Take pride and ownership in their learning and celebrate each others successes
Demonstrate what it means to be a Panther every day.

Stay Connected

Strong partnerships between home and school help students succeed. Throughout the year, we'll share important updates, classroom news, upcoming events, and celebrations through our school communication channels. We will provide opportunities for families to participate in their students' journey throughout the year and look forward to working alongside you in this new year to continue to grow Pierce Park tradition!

Here's to a Great Year!

Thank you for trusting us with your children. We are honored to partner with you in helping every Panther learn, grow, and succeed. Together, we'll make the 2026–2027 school year one filled with learning, friendship, and memorable experiences.

We look forward to seeing our Pierce Park Panthers soon!

Go Panthers!

With appreciation,

Mr. Bale

Parent/Student Handbook

New State Law: Daily Moment of Silence

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, all Idaho public schools are required by state law (Idaho Code 33-1639) to observe a brief moment of silence at or near the beginning of each school day.

The purpose of the law is to provide every student with an opportunity for silent, individual reflection. The moment of silence must last at least sixty (60) seconds. During this time, students are expected to remain silent and may choose to use the time for reflection, meditation, prayer, or another silent, non-disruptive activity of their choice.

Boise School District schools will implement this requirement in a neutral manner that respects each student's individual choice, consistent with state law. As provided in the legislation, parents and guardians are encouraged to provide guidance to their children on how they may choose to use this time each day.

The daily moment of silence will begin in all Boise School District schools on the first day of the 2026–2027 school year.

Brick Fundraiser!

Celebrate our amazing 6th graders as they get ready to spread their wings! Families can purchase a personalized brick for the Pierce Park entryway—a lasting way for students to leave their mark and be part of the Panther story for years to come. Join in the celebration and add your brick to the legacy: https://www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/pierceparkpanthers

ParentSquare

📱 Communication Platform

We use ParentSquare, a communication platform that brings together all your school and district messages in one place. Boise School District families and select student grade levels will be able to:

Receive updates from teachers, schools, and the district
Complete forms/permission slips, RSVP/Sign ups and more
Message teachers and staff (with real-time translation)
Customize how and when you receive notifications

Watch for an invitation to activate your ParentSquare account if you are new to the district!

Learn more: www.parentsquare.com, or watch the following 3-minute ParentSquare Video overview: https://vimeo.com/370906560?p=0s

Family Fun Friday!

We are excited to bring back an event here at Pierce Park: Fun Friday with Families! Families are invited to come spend recess with their student(s) and enjoy a variety of fun recess games! This time will only be on the playground. Families should NOT plan to eat lunch with their students.

Please check in at the front office if you have never had your driver’s license scanned into our system (you will only have to do this on your first visit for Family Fun Friday) to get a visitor badge.
If you’ve already had your ID scanned as a Pierce Park visitor please go to the double doors near the gym to get a visitor badge before joining your child on the playground.
If you notice any concerning student behavior while you are on the playground, please let a recess supervisor know.

We look forward to seeing you!

Family Fun Friday Dates:

Coming Soon!

Grade Level Recess Times:

Coming Soon!

Special note: Have you already had your ID scanned at Pierce Park and want to check in early? You can RSVP on the ParentSquare message that will go out the Friday before or Email tennyson.berty@boiseschools.org/ jamie.nielsen@boiseschools.org before 10:00AM on the day of the event. Let them know you’re coming. A visitor badge will be ready for you.

AUGUST

Tuesday, August 11th: Sneak Peek (2:30-3:15)

Wednesday, August 12th: 1st Day of School (Early Release at 1:15)

Thursday, August 20th: Back to School Night (6:00-7:00)

SEPTEMBER

Wednesday, September 2nd: PTO Meeting (3:30 in the Library)

Monday, September 7th: Labor Day (NO SCHOOL ALL)

Tuesday, September 22nd: School Picture Day!

OCTOBER

Wednesday, October 7th: PTO Meeting (3:30 in the Library)

Friday, October 9th: End of 1st Quarter (NO SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY)

Wednesday, October 14th: Parent/Teacher Conferences (3:30-7:30)

Thursday, October 15th:

NO SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY

Parent/Teacher Conferences 8:30-7:30)

Friday, October 16th: NO SCHOOL ALL

Monday, October 19th: Student Flu Shot Clinic

26/27 School Year Calendar

Hello from Mrs. Bommarito!

My name is Abby Bommarito, and I am excited to join the Pierce Park team! This will be my fifth year as a Learning Coach in the Boise School District. In my role, I partner with teachers to support student growth through intentional goal setting, co-planning, and co-teaching alongside the true experts, the classroom teachers. Before becoming a Learning Coach, I taught third grade for eight years and fifth grade for eight years.

When I’m not at school, you can usually find me in the mountains, at a live concert, traveling, or, most importantly, spending time with family and friends. My husband and I have one son who will be starting third grade this year. I was born and raised in Boise and am a proud graduate of the Boise School District, so it’s especially meaningful to serve the community that helped shape me.

Mindfulness Practice

Throughout this school year, we’ve continued our weekly mindful moments on Friday mornings in an effort to help students and staff connect with the present, focus on their breathing, and track what’s happening in their bodies. Taking even just a few minutes to practice centering ourselves can be a huge help in those moments when things start to feel out of control. Many of our mindfulness scripts this year have been adapted from Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere by by Kira Willey (Author) and Anni Betts (Illustrator), but you can use the link below to access other scripts we’ve used in the past if you’re interested in practicing at home!

Pierce Park Mindfulness Toolbox

Common Sense Media-Resources

Welcome Back from the Health Office!

Welcome to a new school year! As we get everyone settled back into their routines, here are a few Health Office reminders to help us keep students healthy, safe, and ready to learn.

Medications at School

If your child will need medication during the school day:

All medications must be brought to school in their original, labeled container. Please do not send medications in baggies, pill organizers, or other containers.
A new medication authorization form is required for each school year, even if your child took the same medication at school last year.
This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Please contact the Health Office if your child has an emergency medication or an individualized health need so we can make sure everything is ready for the school year.

It’s HOT!

August in Idaho can be very hot, especially during recess and outdoor activities. Please send your child to school with a water bottle every day and encourage them to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Lightweight clothing, sunscreen applied before school, and a good breakfast can also help kids handle the heat.

Smoke & Air Quality

Unfortunately, back-to-school season can also mean wildfire smoke and poor air quality. We monitor conditions and follow district guidelines for outdoor activities when air quality is unhealthy.

If your child has asthma or another condition that may be affected by smoke, please make sure the Health Office has any needed medications and an updated health plan or medication authorization.

Back-to-School Germs

Putting hundreds of kids back together after summer means the germs come back too!

Please keep your child home if they have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or are too sick to comfortably participate in the school day. Students should be fever-free without fever-reducing medication before returning to school.

Handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, getting enough sleep, and not sharing water bottles all help keep our school healthier.

Please Keep Us Updated

Please make sure the school has current phone numbers and emergency contacts. If your child develops a new medical condition, has a significant change in their health, starts a medication that may affect them during the school day, or has other health information we should know, please let us know.

And as always, if you have questions or concerns about your child's health at school, please reach out to the Health Office.

Here’s to a healthy and happy school year!

Nurse Jenn

Health Office

Walking Club is Back!

We’re excited to bring back Walking Club this spring! Students will have the opportunity to walk (or jog!) during lunch recess over 10 sessions and track the miles they complete. As they reach new mileage levels, they’ll earn fun color tokens — and students who show up consistently can earn special attendance medals too!

Walking Club is a great way for students to:

• Build healthy habits

• Set personal goals

• Get fresh air and movement during the school day

• Encourage friends and have fun together

All abilities are welcome — whether your child prefers a steady walk with friends or wants to challenge themselves and run laps!

We also need parent volunteers to help scan laps and cheer students on during lunch recess. Even one day makes a big difference!

If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up here: Walking Club Volunteers (you will also need to fill out the districts volunteer paperwork if you haven't already)

Let’s get moving!

BSD Health & Safety Plan

BSD Respiratory Virus Guidance

BSD Illness Procedure

LOOK WHAT'S COOKING FOR SCHOOL BREAKFAST & LUNCH

To contact the Pierce Park School kitchen call 208-854-5887 or email foodservice.piercepark@boiseschools.org

FREE BREAKFAST FOR ALL STUDENTS!

ALL children attending Boise School District schools will receive FREE breakfast.

Elementary Students: Breakfast available before school
Secondary Students: Breakfast available before school or during a mid morning break.

Lunch is available at all schools. The cost depends on your child's qualification for free or reduced lunch as defined by the US Department of Agriculture.

If you think your household would qualify (eligibility guidelines) for free or reduced priced meals, you are encouraged to complete an online meal application. Applications will be available in early July 2026. Once determined, meal prices for 2026/2027 school year will be available on the District Food & Nutrition Services website.

26/27 Family Welcome Letter

School Breakfast & Lunch Fees

Menus

NEW BUS LOCATOR APP!

The Boise School District Transportation Department is using a NEW bus locator app called Stopfinder for parents to see the location of their student's bus. Please see the below for instructions.

Getting Started:

Already enrolled? Check the Infinite Campus Parent Portal first to see if transportation has been requested. If not, contact your school to request transportation (if you qualify).
Watch for your Stopfinder invitation email. After your transportation request is processed, the primary guardian will receive an email invitation to subscribe to Stopfinder. Invitations will start going out by the first of August.
View your student’s transportation schedule. Once your student is assigned to a bus route, their transportation schedule will appear in the Stopfinder app calendar - scroll to the first day of school to get started.
Check out the Stopfinder Quick Start Guide for helpful information or watch the How it Works Video.

Rule and Procedures for riding the bus

Bus App Parent User Guide

Alternate Site Application

BSD Transportation Website

Lost & Found

Remind your child to stop by our lost and found to search for any lost items.

***You can help us out by making sure your child's name is on the tags of their coats, sweatshirts, water bottles, lunch boxes, etc. This makes it easier for us to return lost items to the proper person.

Items that are not collected after 1 month will be donated to charity.

Get involved with the PTO!

Part 1 - Who We Are & What We Do

The Pierce Park Elementary PTO is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization that

partners with our school to support students, teachers and families.

There are no dues and no long-term commitment required. If you have a child at Pierce Park — you’re already a member!

What We Do

- Support Classrooms & Teachers

o Teacher grants for classroom supplies

o Monthly staff luncheons

o Teacher snacks during conference weeks

o Social dues to support end-of-year staff celebrations

o Gifts to recognize milestones

- Support Students

o A yearbook for every child – Funded by Art to Remember

o A T-shirt for every kindergartner to get them excited about being a Panther

o STEAM and Read Week activities

o Donations to the school counselor so they can provide support andresources to families in need

- Build Community

o Fall Festival

o Family Dinner Nights

o Other events and opportunities that bring families together

Questions? Reach us anytime at: pierceparkpto@gmail.com

PART 2: Want to Help? It’s Flexible.

There’s a common misconception that joining the PTO means signing up for a big-time

commitment. It doesn’t. You can participate in any way that fits your life.

Ways to Get Involved

- Attend a meeting

- Volunteer once

- Help occasionally

- Support behind the scenes

- Donate or help with items for teacher luncheons

- Support local businesses during Family Night fundraisers

Meeting Info

- Date: First Wednesday of each month at 3:30 PM (approximately 45 min to an

hour)

- Next meeting: Wednesday, September 2nd

- Location: School Library

- Kids are welcome!

No commitment required. Come listen, ask questions and learn what’s happening.

You’re already in — join us when you can.

PART 3: Looking Ahead — 2026 Goals & Events

We’re excited about what’s ahead this year!

Recent and Upcoming Events

o Read Week & Read-a-Thon – Results Update

o Celebrate Read-a-Thon results with a Family Bubble Run - Date coming soon!

o Fall festival

For 2026, our fundraising efforts will support playground improvements including yard

games and shaded picnic tables, provide books to welcome incoming kindergarteners,

ensure extra Spirit Wear items are available so every child can participate, supply

pumpkins for all students to enjoy the fall festival and fund the return of Panther Pacers

to promote healthy activity.

These efforts, along with our ongoing classroom and staff support, help ensure every

Pierce Park student feels included, supported and excited to be a Panther.

Fundraising Activities

- Spring Read-a-Thon

- Bricks R Us – The perfect year end or graduation gift. Learn more here:

https://www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/pierceparkpanthers

- Spirit Wear orders

- Popcorn sales

- Art to Remember

- Fall Festival

- Family Dinner Nights

- Pierce Park Night @ Panda Express and Guidos (date coming soon!)

When families participate — whether by volunteering, donating, attending an event or

spreading the word — it truly makes a difference. Small efforts. Big imp

BRICK FUNDRAISER WEBSITE

PTO Website

The 2025 2026 Pierce Park PTO Board:

Jayde Blaser, President
, Vice President
Beth Edwards, Treasurer
, Secretary
Susannah Warr, Volunteer Sign-Up Coordinator
Joyce Mauck & Hana Breshears, Teacher Representative

Spirit Wear Fridays!

Did you know that every Friday is school spirit day at Pierce Park? Students are encouraged to wear their school spirit wear or wear our school colors every Friday!

**ORDERS STARTING SOON! Please see the order form below!

Pierce Park's Spirit Wear!

Our amazing PTO is going to be selling Spirit Wear! You have all received an initial order form for short sleeve t-shirts. Thank you to those who have purchased! They will be coming out with more information on long sleeve t-shirts and crew neck and zip up sweatshirts. They will also be selling Spirit Wear during Parent Teacher Conferences so be on the look out for their display!

T-Shirt Order Form

Winter Wear Order Form

We're Hiring!

NOW HIRING!

Come Serve With Us

Do you want to make a positive difference in a student's life? Currently, Boise School District has a number of open positions, including Special Education Paraprofessionals, Just for Kids Childcare Providers, Food & Nutrition Services, Title I Tutors, School Nurse, Health Technician, School Support Assistants, School Custodians, Sprinkler Irrigation System Repair Technician, Warehouse Delivery Driver, and more. Review our current job postings and apply online.

Substitutes Needed

Boise School District is seeking qualified individuals to fill our classified and certified substitute pool. We currently have openings and encourage you to apply online today!

Now Hiring Crossing Guards, Bus Drivers & Monitors

Our outside contractors have job openings for crossing guards, bus drivers and bus monitors. Contact Durham School Services at 208-854-5230.