News & Events

December is here already and we have many exciting things happening here at Ellis this month. We will be having our Title I Family Night on December 7th from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm. During this time, we will have ornament making in the cafeteria, pictures with Santa, story time with the Portneuf Library, and time for learners to share their data folders with parents/guardians. Then on December 14th & 15th, we will have our school holiday program. We have tried to divide the program into three different time slots in order for there to be enough room in the cafeteria for parents and guests.

The cold weather is upon us, so please make sure your child is dressed appropriately. Ellis has a cold weather policy for learners to be outside unless temperatures drop to below 10 degrees.

If you ever have any comments, questions or concerns, please feel free to call or email me at any time. I hope you all have a restful winter break and a wonderful holiday season.

Sincerely,
Denise Lane

POCATELLO – As a child, Tracy Collum saw herself in the protagonists she read about – like Ramona in Beverly Cleary’s classic children’s books. 

As an adult, she realized she was lucky to have that experience. A lack of diverse books means some young readers don’t see book characters who look like them or have similar backgrounds. 

So Collum, the associate dean for Idaho State University’s Graduate School, decided to do something about it. 

In 2020, she got the idea to host a book drive. People from the community and even around the country could participate by purchasing diverse, inclusive books to be donated to Pocatello’s K-4 students. The initiative was a hit and is now in its third year. To date, donors have gifted more than 1,800 books to Pocatello area students at 18 schools, including traditional, charter, and private schools. 

“We want to expose students to other cultures and worlds they might not be exposed to on a daily basis,” Collum said. “It’s just really important for students to be able to find a love of reading.”

This week, Collum and other Idaho State staff members delivered this year’s bounty – 764 new books headed to the library shelves.

The media clerks were thrilled – perhaps especially Irena Naumu. 

“I never saw me in books growing up,” she said. 

Naumu said she is white and Polynesian, but never saw Polynesian characters. So now, as the media clerk for Ellis Elementary, she’s made sure to change that. The library now has a copy of a book called “Punky Aloha” by Shar Tuiasoa, about a “shy little Polynesian girl on a quest for butter for her Grandmother’s famous banana bread.”

It’s one of a number of diverse books she features on a wall in the library so all students see themselves somewhere. 

And Wednesday, Naumu received a stack of about 40 more inclusive books to add to library shelves. She was thrilled to see one of the books was in Spanish, and already had in mind some Spanish-speaking students who would be interested in it. 

At Tyhee Elementary, some fourth and fifth graders were in the library checking out books when ISU made its delivery. The students’ eyes opened wide and their jaws dropped when they saw the stacks of books wrapped in ribbons. 

“Having opportunities to read and being able to choose books that are fun, and that interest and excite them is important,” AJ Watson, the director of elementary education for the Pocatello-Chubbuck School District, said. “We want everyone to feel welcome, empowered, and successful in school. We want them to see themselves in books and have that overall feeling of being included.”

Watson said the district’s media center specialists always review and approve titles before they’re added to libraries, and these books will go through that same process. 

The books were donated by more than 60 individuals and organizations, including Idaho State’s English Department, College of Business, Idaho Central Credit Union, United Way of Southeast Idaho, and the Pocatello chapter of the National Association for Advancement of Colored People.

Tyler Cooper is March “Teacher of the Month" for Ellis Elementary. Tyler is being presented the award by Pennie Hugues, of Pinehurst. Each month Pinehurst is pleased to honor outstanding teachers in our area elementary school with a floral bouquet and certificate. Congratulation Tyler, and thank you for all that you do.

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?

• Online Application Instructions

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?

• Elementary Transfer Form

• High School/Middle School Transfer Application

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?

• 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 2023-2024 school calendar located?

• 2023-2024 School District 25 Calendar

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.

#MoreTogether

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

Important changes are coming to Idaho Medicaid eligibility.

Find out how this will impact your benefits and what you need to do by visiting the DHW Medicaid Protection FAQ page.

 

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