October 2026 Panther Pause Newsletter

Volunteering at School: You must fill out the volunteer paperwork and follow the instructions on the district's volunteer page in order to volunteer at school.

Volunteer Website

Our Schools. Our Future. Your Voice Matters.

The future of Boise Schools matters to all of us – and our community has an important opportunity to help shape it.

Boise School District is experiencing declining student enrollment, a challenge shared by communities locally and nationwide. With fewer students and more school space than we need, the District is considering options through its long range facility master planning process, including the real possibility of consolidating and repurposing some schools. These choices will affect where and how we educate our students for years to come.

No decisions have been made. The scenarios and concepts included in the presentation and survey were developed by the community task force based on data gathered throughout the long-range facilities master planning process. The district has not taken a position on any of the scenarios or concepts presented. The task force is working to gather thoughtful and honest feedback from across our community to help inform future conversations and potential recommendations. Your feedback will help guide decisions about our schools, learning environments and how we use resources to support students.

The survey is open through October 18, 2026, closing at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time.

Review the options and take the survey.

Additional information is available at boiseschools.org/masterplanning.

Please encourage friends, family and neighbors to participate, too. Whether you have a student in Boise Schools or simply care about public education, your voice matters.

Your Child’s Elementary Report Card Is Changing

With Parent-Teacher Conferences right around the corner, Elementary parents will soon have their first look at the new Standards-Based Reporting report card.

To help families understand the changes, Boise School District is hosting Understanding Your Child’s New Elementary Report Card: A Parent’s Guide to Standards-Based Reporting on Tuesday, October 6, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. at the Boise School District Training Center.

District educators will explain why we are making this transition, what Standards-Based Reporting looks like in the classroom and what it means for your child. We’ll also walk through the new elementary report card so you know what the information means and how you can use it to talk with your child’s teacher about their progress.

Standards-Based Reporting provides more specific information about what students know, what they can do and what they are still working to learn. Our goal is to make the report card a more useful tool for conversations among families, students and teachers.

Join us October 6th and come with your questions.

Go Panthers!

Standards Based Reporting

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.

Art to Remember Fundraiser

Pierce Park Families! Our school is partnering with Art to Remember for a creative fundraiser featuring keepsake products customized with your child's art. With 60+ items (many under $20), these make great gifts and a portion of every purchase supports our school. Click the link below, enter your online order code (ordering guides coming soon) or search for your child's artwork, and start shopping! You can order anytime, ship directly to your home, upload and save artwork, and support Pierce Park with every purchase.

Art to Remember Order Link

Brick Fundraiser!

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 Family Fun Fridays! Families are invited to come spend lunch 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:

October 2nd

November 6th

December 4th

January 8th

February 5th

March 5th

April 2nd

Grade Level Lunch Recess Times:

Kindergarten: 11:45-12:15

1st Grade (Orem): 11:50-12:20

1st Grade (Mauck): 11:55-12:25

2nd Grade: 12:00-12:30

3rd Grade: 12:05-12:35

GATE: 12:10-12:40

4th Grade: 12:15-12:45

5th Grade: 12:20-12:50

6th Grade: 1225-12:55

Special note: Have you already had your ID scanned at Pierce Park and want to check in early? You can RSVP using the link below before 10:00AM on the day of the event. Let us know you’re coming and visitor badge will be ready for you.

Family Fun Friday RSVP

OCTOBER

Thursday, October 1st: 5th/6th Girls Basketball Game @ Pierce Park (after school)

Friday, October 2nd:

Family Fun Friday during lunch recess

Capital HS Elementary Cross Country Race (Check in at 4:00)

Tuesday, October 6th: 5th/6th Girls Basketball Game @ Koelsch Elementary (after school)

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

Thursday, October 8th:

5th/6th Girls Basketball Game @ Valley View Elementary (after school)

Pierce Park Night @ The Farmstead! (see flyer in the Community Events section below)

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

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

Thursday, October 15th:

NO SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY

Parent/Teacher Conferences 8:10 am - 7:30 pm)

Friday, October 16th: NO SCHOOL ALL

Monday, October 19th:

Student Flu Shot Clinic

5th/6th Girls Basketball Game @ Morley Nelson Elementary (after school)

Tuesday, October 20th: 6th Grade EFE Field Trip (Lydle Gulch Trailhead)

Wednesday, October 21st: 6th Grade EFE Field Trip (Bogus Basin)

Thursday, October 22nd:

6th grade EFE Field Trip (Barber Park)

5th/6th Girls Basketball Game @ Pierce Park (after school)

Thursday, October 29th: Fall Festival @ Pierce Park (see flyer in Community Events section below)

Saturday, October 31st: Halloween

NOVEMBER

Sunday, November 1st: Daylight Savings Ends (turn clocks back 1 hour)

Tuesday, November 3rd: Election Day (NO SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY)

Wednesday, November 4th:

Picture Retake Day

PTO Meeting (3:30 in the Library)

Friday, November 6th: Family Fun Friday during lunch recess

Wednesday, November 11th: Veteran's Day

Monday, November 23rd-Friday, November 27th: Thanksgiving Break (NO SCHOOL)

Thursday, November 26th: Thanksgiving Day

DECEMBER

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

Friday, December 4th: Family Fun Friday during lunch recess

Thursday, December 10th:

Band/Orchestra/Choir Concert @ 9:00

Friday, December 18th:

End of 1st Semester

Early Release @ 1:15

Monday, December 21st-Monday, January 4th: Winter Break (NO SCHOOL ALL-Teachers/Staff return January 4th)

26/27 School Year Calendar

Spotlight on 4th Grade: Building Thinking Classrooms!

Once a week, our 4th graders take on exciting math challenges using the Building Thinking Classrooms approach! Working in small teams at vertical whiteboards around the room, students stand up, collaborate, and tackle complex problem-solving together. Through co-planning and co-teaching, Miss Labellarte and I partner closely to make these sessions deeply engaging and supportive for every learner. Standing and working together gets minds moving faster, encourages risk-taking, and helps students build key skills like communication, perseverance, and critical thinking. Since teachers across multiple grade levels use this strategy, be sure to ask your child what problem their team solved at the boards this week!

Attendance Matters

We’re still in the first quarter of this school year, but it’s never too early to work on the habit of good attendance! In our counseling lessons this past month, we’ve talked about the importance of “showing up” in different areas of our lives and the many ways that coming to school every day can help students succeed. If your student is struggling or seems anxious about coming to school consistently, don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff–we are here to help!

Pierce Park Mindfulness Toolbox

Common Sense Media-Resources

Cold and flu season is on its way!

Please help keep our school community healthy by keeping students home when they have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or are too sick to comfortably participate in the school day.

Fall weather can change quickly! Please make sure students come to school dressed for the weather, with a jacket or other warm layer for chilly mornings and outdoor recess.

Health Office Donations

The Health Office is always grateful for donations of new or gently used shoes in ALL sizes. We are also currently in need of pants and shorts in smaller sizes (6–8).

We are well stocked on larger size pants at this time.

Accidents, puddles, spills, broken shoes, and unexpected wet clothes happen more often than you might think!

If you have outgrown shoes or smaller-size clothing at home that still has plenty of life left in it, we would

be happy to put it to good use.

Flu Shot Clinic — October 19

Our Flu Shot Clinic will be held October 19. Families who would like their student to participate should complete the required form prior to the clinic. English Spanish

As always, please contact us with any questions or health updates for your student. Have a healthy October!

Nurse Jenn & Ms. Lina

Walking Club Coming Soon!

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, October 7th

- 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 2026/2027 Pierce Park PTO Board:

Jayde Blaser, President
Kellie Leaman, Vice President
Heidi John, Treasurer
Alison Kelsey, Secretary
Susannah Warr, Volunteer Sign-Up Coordinator
Kaysi Mooney, Fundraising Specialist
Jill Brown, Social Media
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!

**Winter Wear 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.

September 2nd - October 21st

Pierce Park Night @ The Farmstead!

Fall Harvest Festival!

Young Rembrandts (1st-4th Grade)