News & Events

Please join us in congratulating Scott Eldredge on his selection as the Principal of Ellis Elementary School. Eldredge is replacing current Principal, Denise Lane.

Scott Eldredge, born in Pocatello, graduated from Century High School in 2005. He pursued higher education at Idaho State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in 2011, followed by a Master's in Athletic Administration in 2014 and principal’s endorsement in 2023.

Scott started teaching science at Century High School in 2011. Apart from teaching, he is also a football coach, a member of the Building Leadership Team (BLT), chairs the Response to Intervention committee, and contributes to the biology unit development team.

Beyond his professional commitments, Eldredge coaches youth basketball, football, and soccer teams, instilling valuable life lessons of teamwork and discipline in young athletes.

Family time is a top priority for Scott. He spends much of his time skiing, camping, and playing basketball in the driveway with his wife and two young boys.

“With deep roots in our community and school district, we welcome Scott’s dedication to educational excellence and look forward to a future of growth and innovation under his guidance to Think More, Learn More, and Be MORE Together,” said PCSD 25 Superintendent, Dr. Douglas Howell. “We express our heartfelt gratitude to Denise Lane for her outstanding service.”

The administrative change will go into effect on July 1, 2024.

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.

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 has initiated a review of its enrollment and attendance areas to address recent shifts in district-wide enrollment. The district is committed to ensuring that school facilities are used efficiently and that student enrollment aligns with the capacity of each building to maintain a high-quality educational environment.

To tackle these evolving challenges, the district has formed two sub-committees. The purpose of the committees is to review the district’s elementary and middle school attendance and enrollment areas, provide input, analyze data, and advise the Board to inform any decision-making impacting PCSD 25’s enrollment and attendance areas.

Committee Goals:

• Address decline in district-wide enrollment.
• Maximize use of district resources.
• Develop recommendations/options to provide to PCSD 25 Board of Trustees.

Guiding Principles:

• Optimizing Capacity – Balance populations and make best use of available space.
• Equitable Access – Provide fair access to educational programs and facilities.
• Minimize Disruptions – Prioritize continuity of educational services for learners and families.
• Maintain Efficiency – Consider travel time and middle school feeders.
• Future Needs and Considerations – Planning for future changes and needs.

Elementary Sub-Committee: Comprised of 13 members, including the Director of Elementary Education, two teachers, one parent from each of five geographical areas within the district, two randomly selected parents, and three elementary school administrators.

Middle School Sub-Committee: Comprised of 15 members, including the Director of Secondary Education, two teachers, and two parents and one administrator representing each middle school.

The enrollment and attendance committees will meet on the following dates:

• Oct 14, 21 and 28; Nov 4 and 11
• Additional meetings scheduled as needed

Staff, parents and community members who are not serving on the committees may have an opportunity to contribute through focus groups later in the process.

The sub-committees will meet to review relevant data and information before combining efforts to share insights and develop recommendations for the Board of Trustees. Following this, the Board will review the suggestions and host focus groups for additional community input. The district will also schedule a public hearing to provide another opportunity for community members to voice their perspectives before any final action is taken.

High School Enrollment and Attendance Areas: Due to the complexity and sensitive timing needs of academic planning and master scheduling, the review of high school enrollment and attendance areas will begin in the spring of 2025 with committee work continuing into the fall. The timeline for decision-making will be communicated to the public prior to the formation of the high school enrollment and attendance area subcommittee.

PCSD 25 looks forward to working closely with the community to develop well-informed recommendations that will support the district’s long-term goals and ensure continued educational excellence. Updates will be provided throughout the process on Enrollment & Attendance Areas website.

Please join us in congratulating Scott Eldredge on his selection as the Principal of Ellis Elementary School. Eldredge is replacing current Principal, Denise Lane.

Scott Eldredge, born in Pocatello, graduated from Century High School in 2005. He pursued higher education at Idaho State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in 2011, followed by a Master's in Athletic Administration in 2014 and principal’s endorsement in 2023.

Scott started teaching science at Century High School in 2011. Apart from teaching, he is also a football coach, a member of the Building Leadership Team (BLT), chairs the Response to Intervention committee, and contributes to the biology unit development team.

Beyond his professional commitments, Eldredge coaches youth basketball, football, and soccer teams, instilling valuable life lessons of teamwork and discipline in young athletes.

Family time is a top priority for Scott. He spends much of his time skiing, camping, and playing basketball in the driveway with his wife and two young boys.

“With deep roots in our community and school district, we welcome Scott’s dedication to educational excellence and look forward to a future of growth and innovation under his guidance to Think More, Learn More, and Be MORE Together,” said PCSD 25 Superintendent, Dr. Douglas Howell. “We express our heartfelt gratitude to Denise Lane for her outstanding service.”

The administrative change will go into effect on July 1, 2024.

The PCSD 25 Transportation Department is hiring bus drivers.

Apply on our Careers website.

When is the first day of school for the 2024/2025 school year?

• Wednesday, August 21, 2024

When is the last day of school for the 2024/2025 school year?

• Thursday, May 29, 2025

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 2024-2025 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, 2024. For more information refer to our Food Services website

When is graduation for the Class of 2025?

• New Horizon High School: Thursday, May 29, 2025 6:00 p.m.
• Highland High School: Friday, May 30, 2025 10:00 a.m.
• Century High School: Friday, May 30, 2025 1:00 p.m.
• Pocatello High School: Friday, May 30, 2025 4:00 p.m.

When do I find out about transfers?

• The elementary transfer meeting is Thursday, August 8, 2024.
• Secondary schools transfers are notified within 60 days of submission of the application.

How do I transfer my learner?

New Elementary Transfer Form

Returning Elementary Transfer Form

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 1 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 2024-2025 school year in-person on Monday, August 5 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?

• August 7 and 8, 2024
  • 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

When is Back to School Night?

• Middle School Back to School Night is August 19, 2024 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

School	Date	Time
Chubbuck Elementary	August 19th	5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Edahow Elementary	August 20th	4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Ellis Elementary	August 19th	4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Gate City Elementary	August 19th	5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Greenacres Elementary	August 19th	4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Indian Hills Elementary	August 19th	5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Jefferson Elementary	August 19th	5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Lewis & Clark Elementary	August 19th	9:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Syringa Elementary	August 19th	5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Tendoy Elementary	August 19th	4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Tyhee Elementary	August 19th	5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Washington Elementary	August 19th	4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Wilcox Elementary	August 19th	4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Lincoln Early Childhood Center	August 26th	4:30 - 5:30 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 2024-2025 school calendar located?

2024-2025 School District 25 Calendar

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

• ALL Grades: Monday, September 2, 2024 - Labor Day
• Grades K-5: Thursday & Friday, October 3 & 4, 2024 - Parent Teachers Conferences
• Grades 6-12: School will be in session Thursday, October 3. Closed Friday, October 4, 2024 - Parent Teacher Conferences
• ALL Grades: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 - Election Day
• ALL Grades: Thursday, November 14, 2024 - End of Trimester/Record Day
• ALL Grades: Friday, November 15, 2024 - Teacher Professional Development Day
• ALL Grades: Monday - Friday, November 25 - 29, 2024 - Thanksgiving Break
• ALL Grades: Monday - Monday, December 23 - January 3, 2025 - Winter Break. School resumes Monday, January 6, 2025.
• ALL Grades: Monday, January 20, 2025 - Idaho Human Rights Day
• ALL Grades: Friday, February 7, 2025 - Parent Teacher Conference Grades K-8
• ALL Grades: Monday, February 17, 2025 - President's Day
• ALL Grades: Friday, February 28, 2025 - End of Trimester/Record Day
• ALL Grades: Monday - Friday, March 24 - 28, 2025 - Spring Break
• ALL Grades: Monday, May 26, 2025 - Memorial Day
• ALL Grades: Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 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.