News & Events

In an exciting effort to enhance student well-being and academic performance, Irving Middle School (IMS) recently introduced a novel program known as Ride for Focus (R4F), a program that uses cycling as a tool in the classroom to get kids moving, help increase learner motivation and focus, and improve their well-being. The innovative initiative promotes the physical and mental health of learners through the integration of cycling into their daily routines. 

The program launch included the delivery of a fleet of Specialized bikes and helmets thanks to a program grant submitted by myself and Natasha Lattin, a health teacher at IMS. Irving is only the second Idaho school to receive the grant, which is awarded nationwide. 

Lattin will incorporate the program into her flex health class during the fall and spring trimesters.

By combining exercise, outdoor activities, and mindfulness practices, R4F seeks to provide learners with a holistic approach to education. The program extends beyond intellectual development to enhance learners’ overall well-being while enabling them to achieve more.

Ride for Focus is designed to address the growing concern of sedentary lifestyles among learners, which can lead to various health issues and impact their ability to concentrate and learn effectively. The program centers around the idea that physical activity has a profound impact on cognitive functions and emotional well-being. By incorporating cycling and mindfulness into the school day, Irving Middle School aims to provide learners with an opportunity to rejuvenate their minds and bodies, leading to improved focus, reduced stress, and increased academic engagement.

The implementation of R4F at Irving Middle School involves several key components, such as cycling decisions and mindfulness practices. A growing body of research has shown the program can yield numerous benefits for both learners and the school community, like improved enhanced focus and concentration, stress reduction, physical health, a sense of community, and lifelong skills.

Riding For Focus was developed by Outride, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of youth through cycling. Outride’s Riding For Focus program, Research, and community grants harness the benefits of cycling for the cognitive, socio-emotional, and physical well-being of youth and their communities. A R4F grant provides schools with everything needed to get 7th-8th grade learners riding, including bikes, helmets, teacher training, and curriculum. Irving Middle School joins over 225 middle schools across the US and Canada that have implemented the program, impacting over 50,000 students annually.

The implementation of Ride for Focus at Irving Middle School signifies a groundbreaking step toward prioritizing learner well-being alongside academic achievement. By integrating cycling and mindfulness practices into the school day, Irving Middle School is not only addressing the challenges posed by sedentary lifestyles but also fostering a culture of holistic development. As the program continues to unfold, it has the potential to serve as a model for other schools seeking to create well-rounded educational experiences that empower learners to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Heart rate tracking indicates students can reach half of their daily activity levels in a 50–60 minute R4F class. Outride’s applied research has found that 87% of students report having fun in Riding for Focus, even those who typically don’t like school or PE class. The program also gets new kids on bikes. On average, 10-20% of students at a school don’t know how to ride a bike before the program. By the end of R4F, students who didn’t know how to ride feel confident riding bikes!

The program also aligns with the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District’s year-long focus on how Every Day Matters when it comes to being in school and teaching learners skills to be more successful in their day to day lives.

Irving’s staff would like to give Barrie’s Ski and Sports a HUGE shout-out for being incredibly generous with their time and bike expertise! Businesses or community members interested in supporting this program may contact Irving Middle School.

Congratulations to the robotics team at Irving Middle School. These students won the regional competition and are headed to state to compete against other teams across the state. These students have worked hard to accomplish their goals. This is a great example of the dedicated learners that we have at IMS and the wonderful opportunities that learners have here at IMS. Way to represent IMS! Congratulations to all those robotics team members and their coach Dustan Brown. Idaho State Journal highlighted this in the most recent edition.   

In an exciting effort to enhance student well-being and academic performance, Irving Middle School recently introduced a novel program known as Ride for Focus (R4F), The innovative initiative promotes the physical and mental health of learners through the integration of cycling into their daily routines. 

Read More Opinion: Ride for Focus

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.

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.