Pierce Park Elementary will be a LATEX FREE school for the 2024/2025 school year due to a severe latex allergy in our building.

DO NOT BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS TO PIERCE PARK:

Latex Balloons

Latex Rubber Bands

Latex Gloves

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

Kelly Anne Kuntz, Principal kellyanne.kuntz@boiseschools.org

Amanda Hawkes, Counselor amanda.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

Boise School District's Inclement Weather Procedures

Welcome to 2025!

Many students received cell phones and smart watches over break. Please help your student remember or learn the expectations for these devices at Pierce Park. This information can be found in the Pierce Park's Student Handbook and is listed below.

Cell Phones/Smart Watches

Students are expected to keep cell phones and smart watches turned off when on school property. This includes recess, lunch and on the playground. Misuse of cell phones or smart watches may result in the phone or watch being turned into the office to be picked up at the end of the day. Please call the office (208)854-5880 if you need to get a message to your student.

We have many fun activities this month to create a sense of welcoming, belonging and connectedness at Pierce Park.

• Fridays: Wear Panther Gear Competition
• January 24th: Family Fun Friday
• January 27-31: STEAM Week presented by PTO
• STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. This week long event combines the arts with STEM to encourage creativity and innovation. Art has been added this year. Information was sent home before break but will be shared with students next week.

Kelly Anne

✍🏻This week, in order to increase engagement, as well as, provide an authentic audience and purpose for writing, our first through third grade students will be randomly and secretly matched with a writing buddy. The writing buddies will meet once per month for the rest of the school year to share their writing with each other and give appreciations. Our first writing project will be based on the picture book, Snowmen At Night by Caralyn Buehner and our young authors will be using their imagination to explain what they think snowmen do at night. This week, ask your child to share their creative ideas with you. Next week, ask them to share who their writing buddy is and any connections they had with the story. ✍🏻 Happy writing!!

In moments when we find ourselves overwhelmed, activated, or feeling out of control (kids and adults alike), it’s helpful to have some quick strategies to calm our bodies and bring us back to baseline. Here are a couple of practices you can try the next time you’re needing “help now!”

Parenting Course:

The Boise School District is partnering with Family Advocates to provide FREE 10-week parenting courses. These courses will be held at Whitney Elementary and will include dinner, childcare, and additional resources. Space for childcare is limited, so be sure to sign up soon! For more information, please refer to the flyer or complete our interest form. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Sara Nord at sara.nord@boiseschools.org or 208-559-3107. Registration closes on January 10th.

Protecting your child in the digital world:

Many parents believe that their child is unlikely to be affected by online dangers, but the reality is that cyberbullying, sextortion, and sexting are threats that can impact any child. The Boise School District is hosting an important event to help parents understand these risks and how to protect their children. A guest speaker from Homeland Security’s Know2Protect program and a panel of experts will share valuable insights on these issues. Join us at South Junior High on January 29th from 5:30-7:30 pm to learn how to keep your child safe online. Free childcare is available until capacity is reached so RSVP soon! Check out the flyer for more details!

Building a Bridge to Better Behavior

Join us at Whitney Elementary on January 30th from 5:30-7:00 pm for a parent workshop provided by Dr. Michelle Alden. She will share valuable insights and practical tips for parenting children who are wired differently, including those with executive functioning challenges, ADHD, Autism, and/or Dyslexia. Childcare will be provided, but space is limited, so RSVP soon! Please see the flyer for more details.

Happy New Year! As we start the second half of the school year, I want to remind everyone of some important health tips and updates. I’m here to support the health and well-being of your child, and together, we can make this year a great one.

Cold and Flu Season

The winter months often bring cold and flu season. Here are a few ways to help prevent illness:

• Wash hands regularly: Encourage your child to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover coughs and sneezes: Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose with their elbow or a tissue to prevent the spread of germs.
• Stay home when sick: If your child has a fever, persistent cough, or is feeling unwell, please keep them home to prevent spreading illness to others. (See our Illness policy link below)
• Flu vaccines: It’s not too late to get you or your child vaccinated against the flu. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions.

Winter Weather Reminders

With the cold weather, we want to make sure students are staying safe and comfortable during recess:

• Dress in layers: Make sure your child wears appropriate clothing for the weather, including hats, gloves, and warm coats.
• Dry shoes and socks: Wet shoes and socks can lead to cold feet and potential frostbite. A spare set of dry clothes may be helpful.
• Recess: Unless there is extreme weather, we try to go outside for fresh air. Please ensure your child is prepared for outdoor play. If you need help with certain items, let us know.

Upcoming Health Screenings

I will be conducting scoliosis screenings on girls in 5th grade in the upcoming weeks. You will be notified of any positive findings. If you would like to opt out of screenings, please contact me.

Let's all stay healthy this season!

-Nurse Jenn

Not Feeling Well?

Follow Illness Procedure

Staying home when a person has symptoms of illness protects the school community by preventing the spread of illness and allows the person experiencing symptoms of illness the opportunity to rest and recover. If you're not feeling well, please follow the Boise School District Illness Procedure before entering any school or workplace.

Durham uses the BusZone app for parents to see the location of their student's bus. Please see the picture below for instructions.

Please also review the Rule and Procedures for riding the bus.

A NEW Community Pre School was started at Pierce Park Elementary. Please go to the Early Education Program Overview for more information

Morning Class:

8:45-11:30

Afternoon Class:

12:30-3:15

Requirements:

• Your child must have reached age 3 or 4 by September 1st
• Your child must attend at least 90% of the time.
• Your child must be independent in the bathroom.
• Parents must participate/help at school a minimum of 1 hour a week.
• The family must provide transportation to and from school.

Enrollment will be based on first come first serve until each class is full.

Once we have received and approved your application for Pre School you will need to fill out enrollment forms in the office.

January 7th - 1st Day of 2nd Semester (Students return to school)

January 8th -

5th/6th Grade Boy's Basketball Practice 3:15-4:00

PTO Meeting at 3:30 in the Library!

January 9th -

5th Grade Planetarium Field Trip

5th/6th Grade Boy's Basketball Practice 3:15-4:00

January 10th - Report Cards send home with students

January 13th - 5th/6th Grade Boy's Basketball Practice 3:15-4:00

January 15th - 5th/6th Grade Boy's Basketball Practice 3:15-4:00

January 16th -

PTO Staff Luncheon sponsored by 3rd Grade

5th/6th Grade Boy's Basketball Practice 3:15-4:00

January 20th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL All Students

January 22nd - 5th/6th Grade Boy's Basketball Practice 3:15-4:00

January 23rd - 5th/6th Grade Boy's Basketball Practice 3:15-4:00

January 24th - Family Fun Friday during lunch recess

January 27th-31st - STEAM Week! See PTO section for more information

January 27th -

Art on the blacktop during lunch recess

5th/6th Grade Boy's Basketball Practice 3:15-4:00

January 28th - Stop Motion Animation w/Lars Larson

January 29th - STEAM Night at Pierce Park 6:00-7:00

January 30th - 5th/6th Grade Boy's Basketball Practice 3:15-4:00

January 31st - Children's Museum at Pierce Park during lunch recess

February 5th -

School Counselor Appreciation Day

PTO Meeting at 3:30 in the Library!

February 13th - PTO Staff Luncheon sponsored by 2nd Grade

February 14th -

Valentine's Day

4th Grade Boise Philharmonic Field Trip

February 17th - President's Day - NO SCHOOL All Students

February 18th - 5th Grade Micron Math Meet

February 21st - 5th Grade Snow School Field Trip

February 28th - Family Fun Friday during lunch recess

March 5th - PTO Meeting at 3:30 in the Library!

March 6th -

6th Grade Micron Math Meet

Kindergarten Registration for the 25/26 School Year (3:30-5:30)

March 9th - Daylight Savings Time - Turn Clocks Ahead 1 Hour

March 13th - PTO Staff Luncheon sponsored by 1st Grade

March 14th -

No School PRESCHOOL ONLY

End of 3rd Quarter - Early Release at 1:15 (Kindergarten-6th Grade)

March 17th-21st - Spring Break! NO SCHOOL ALL STUDENTS

March 25th -

Dental Sealant Clinic at Pierce Park

Pierce Park Choir field trip to Capital High School 9:00-2:00

March 26th - Dental Sealant Clinic at Pierce Park

March 28th -

Family Fun Friday during lunch recess

3rd Quarter Report Cards Sent Home

Pierce Park’s PTO is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization (501c3 corporation). The PTO partners with the school to enhance our community by providing fun and educational experiences for the students and support and good will for the Pierce Park staff and families. There are no dues. If you have a child at Pierce Park, you are a member. The PTO does many things to support our students, staff and community.

PTO meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month in the Pierce Park Library from 3:30 pm to 4:15 pm. The next PTO meeting will be held on: Wednesday, January 8th! Please email the PTO at pierceparkpto@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to join the email distribution list. (Find out more about all the great things that are happening at Pierce Park by joining our email list.) The linked September meeting notes include a committee sign up. Please consider signing up for one of the committees.

BRICK FUNDRAISER WEBSITE

PTO Website

The 2024 2025 Pierce Park PTO Board:

• Rachel Wickstrom, President
• Tennyson Berty, Vice President
• Beth Edwards, Treasurer
• Kerri Treinen, Secretary
• Susannah Warr, Volunteer Sign-Up Coordinator
• Joyce Mauck, Teacher Representative

There is a new partnership between Central District Health and BPA to provide up to 5 sessions free to any student or their family member through a program they're calling Student and Family Assistance Program.

Please click the buttons below for more information.

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. Learn more....

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.

FREE BREAKFAST FOR ALL STUDENTS!

Starting the 2024/2025 school year, 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 2024. Once determined, meal prices for 2024-2025 school year will be available on the District Food & Nutrition Services website.

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!

**NEXT WINTER WEAR SPIRIT WEAR ORDER WILL BE MADE IN JANUARY! PLEASE USE THE ORDER FORM BELOW IF YOU'D LIKE TO ORDER WINTER WEAR ON OUR NEXT ORDER!

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!

• School Lunch Menu

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

August 12th, 2024

September 5th, 2024

September 24th, 2024

October 8th, 2024

October 21st, 2024

November 4th, 2024

November 18th, 2024

December 10th, 2024