Please join us in celebrating an outstanding educator!

We’re proud to announce that Kamber Hanohano, a Math teacher at Irving Middle School, has been named as a finalist for the Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year!

Thank you for being an amazing teacher. You are very kind and inspirational. You always cheer me up when I am having a bad day.

Jason L.

Ms. Hanohano has been the nicest teacher to me and my peers. I have always struggled in math but Ms. Hanohano has helped me be more confident and inspired me to continue to learn math.

Charlotte M.

The Simplot Education Council received 2,204 nominations honoring 407 standout teachers across District 25. We’ll be showcasing our finalists daily through Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, three educators—one from each level: elementary, middle, and high school—will be named this year’s Simplot Inspirational Teacher Award winners. All finalists receive a $100 award, and the top teacher in each category will take home a $500 prize from the Council.

Please join us in celebrating an outstanding educator!

We’re proud to announce that Michelle Lowry, an English teacher at Irving Middle School, has been named as a finalist for the Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year!

Ms. Lowry is such an amazing teacher, she has taught me so much. She goes out of her way to build relationships with her students. She is so easy to get along with and made me actually want to go to school. Ms. Lowry is the best teacher I have ever had and has made the biggest impact on my education. She deserves to be recognized for her hard work and dedication to her students.

Danika C.

The Simplot Education Council received 2,204 nominations honoring 407 standout teachers across District 25. We’ll be showcasing our finalists daily through Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, three educators—one from each level: elementary, middle, and high school—will be named this year’s Simplot Inspirational Teacher Award winners. All finalists receive a $100 award, and the top teacher in each category will take home a $500 prize from the Council.

Please join us in celebrating an outstanding educator!

We’re proud to announce that Oliver Gunter, History and Health teacher at Irving Middle School, has been named as a finalist for the Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year!

Mr. Oliver is a great person. Not just as a teacher but an overall person. He is a great mentor and he has taught me a lot.  Mr. Oliver makes you feel welcome in his class and I always feel at ease when I walk through his door.  He is the best teacher because he is fair and respects everyone.
Porter W.

The Simplot Education Council received 2,204 nominations honoring 407 standout teachers across District 25. We’ll be showcasing our finalists daily through Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, three educators—one from each level: elementary, middle, and high school—will be named this year’s Simplot Inspirational Teacher Award winners. All finalists receive a $100 award, and the top teacher in each category will take home a $500 prize from the Council.

#MoreTogether
#YouBelongHere
#PCSD25

Join us in celebrating an outstanding educator!

We’re proud to announce that William Hawk, Science teacher at Irving Middle School, has been named a finalist for the Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year!

This year, the Simplot Education Council received an incredible 2,617 nominations recognizing 402 exceptional teachers across Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25. Finalists will be spotlighted daily through Thursday, May 15, 2025.

On Friday, May 16, 2025, three Simplot Inspirational Teacher Awards will be announced—honoring one exceptional teacher each from the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Each category features five finalists, all of whom will receive a $100 award, with the top recipient in each group earning a $500 prize from the Council.

Congratulations to Mr. Hawk on this well-deserved recognition! 

“I believe that Mr. Hawk deserves this award because of his ability to make learning fun. He can turn a bunch of sleepy kids into working machines.  The hands-on labs he would do each week made me feel like a real scientist.” Birch M. 

Mr. Hawk is always kind. He explains things so I can understand them without giving away the answers. He is very supporting in class and always makes us laugh, he is the best teacher. Houston K. 

“I am nominating Mr. Hawk because not only does he have a fun class, he also is one of those teachers that helps you through your rough day and always cares. He is fun, caring and most of all big hearted. Even when I didn’t have him as a teacher, I would stop by his classroom to hear a joke to cheer me up.” Ruby A. 
 

Please join us in celebrating an outstanding educator! 

We’re proud to announce that David Beckstead, Band teacher at Irving Middle School, has been named a finalist for the Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year!

This year, the Simplot Education Council received an incredible 2,617 nominations recognizing 402 exceptional teachers across Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25. Finalists will be spotlighted daily through Thursday, May 15, 2025.

On Friday, May 16, 2025, three Simplot Inspirational Teacher Awards will be announced—honoring one exceptional teacher each from the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Each category features five finalists, all of whom will receive a $100 award, with the top recipient in each group earning a $500 prize from the Council.

Congratulations to Mr. Beckstead on this well-deserved recognition!

Mr. Beckstead is no ordinary band teacher; he inspires us and also helps us learn valuable life skills while having the time of our lives. Mr. Beckstead has truly been the best teacher I’ve ever had and I think every band student would agree. Shaylee F.

“Mr. Beckstead is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He creates a comfortable and fun environment; he makes playing fun and exciting. He has always been one of the most insightful and helpful teachers. In band we are a team and Mr. Beckstead does not falter from that.”  Emmalee J.

“Not only did Mr. Beckstead teach me how to play an instrument, he made me feel important as a person.  When I felt like quitting band due to genuinely feeling like I was bad at it, he would sit in front of me and tell me how proud of me he was and how well I was doing. I will always remember his personality and the life lessons he taught me. I am so glad I had him as a teacher for the last 3 years.“ Sierra Y.

Please join us to celebrate 

100 YEARS OF IRVING

1925 - 2025

100 Years of Courage

Irving Bears Open House 

Wednesday, April 23 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM

911 N. Grant

Please join us in congratulating Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year finalist, David Beckstead. Mr. Beckstead teaches band at Irving Middle School.

This year, the Simplot Education Council received 2,377 nominations for 398 teachers in Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25. Finalists will be featured daily through Thursday, May 9, 2024. Three Simplot Inspirational Teacher Awards will be announced on Friday, May 10, 2024 – one for a teacher at the elementary, middle and high school levels. In addition, 5 finalists have been selected for each category and each will be awarded a $100 check. The Simplot Inspirational Teacher Award Recipients of 2024 will each be presented a $500 check on behalf of the Council.

“Mr. Beckstead is not just a teacher, he is so much more than that. He is a friend, an amazing band instructor and more.  He is by far my favorite teacher at Irving Middle School.  He has made me and our band really good and not just with hard practice. He has made me want to go to school every day. He doesn’t just stand in front of the class and teach, he will play right along with us.  He also jokes with us and befriends us.  He has been such an inspiration to me.“ Luke M.

“Not many teachers can both be funny and t4each real life lessons while making our band sound amazing.  He pushes us to reach for the stars.  He ensures we practice with periodic tests, but they are very achievable but really push us to work hard.  He allows us to try new pieces of music and values our opinions when selecting new pieces. The best thing about him is his goofy personality, he can get the whole class laughing intensely.  I deeply believe that Mr. Beckstead is the best candidate for this award. Gordon M.

Please join us in congratulating Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year finalist, Philip Gardner. Mr. Gardner teaches 8^th grade Science at Irving Middle School.

This year, the Simplot Education Council received 2,377 nominations for 398 teachers in Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25. Finalists will be featured daily through Thursday, May 9, 2024. Three Simplot Inspirational Teacher Awards will be announced on Friday, May 10, 2024 – one for a teacher at the elementary, middle and high school levels. In addition, 5 finalists have been selected for each category and each will be awarded a $100 check. The Simplot Inspirational Teacher Award Recipients of 2024 will each be presented a $500 check on behalf of the Council.

“Mr. Gardner is a funny teacher who is very kind and a good listener. He will tell jokes with us but always teaches us in a way that is eat to understand.” Madison O.

“Mr. Gardner was the most kind and relatable teacher I’ve ever met. He taught everything in a fun way and he had great taste in music. He knew how to make learning fun.” Ricky H.

“I think Mr. Garner deserves this award because he is a great teacher and makes all of his lessons interactive and fun.” Nathan H.

“I remember my first day in his class. He was so funny and cheerful. He made his class fun. I used to get so excited to show up to his class, he never had a mean bone in his body. I looked up to him, he was a safe place for me whenever I was down. I am glad he was my teacher.” Scotlynn C.

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.   

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25’s Employee-of-the-Month P.I.E.S. award recognizes employees who Positively Influence Educational Success. The award is for employees who go above and beyond in that effort.

This month, we recognize Kym Matkin as our PIES Award Recipient. Ms. Matkin serves as the heart of the PASS Room at Irving Middle School – supporting learners in grades 6 through 8 through detention, credit recovery, in-school suspension, and academic support. As her nominator, Assistant Principal Ellen Laggis, shared that what truly sets Kym apart is the way she connects with learners, especially those who need it most.

Students often come to the PASS Room on difficult days, and Kym meets each one with calm, respect, and genuine care. She listens first, helps learners reset, and guides them to reflect and make better choices without shame or judgement. Because of this, students feel safe – and when students feel safe, they are more willing to grow.

Kym builds strong, meaningful relationships by noticing what others might miss. She recognizes when learners are struggling – academically, emotionally, or personally – and follows up with intention. She celebrates small successes, checks in regularly, and ensures students know they matter. For many of Irving’s most at risk learners, she is a key reason they remain engaged in school.

Her kindness is evident in both big and small ways. Whether quietly making sure a student has something to eat or offering support while preserving their dignity, Kym creates an environment where learners feel welcomed, valued, and capable of starting fresh.

At the same time, she holds students accountable – supporting them in completing work, recovering credits, and learning from mistakes, while reinforcing that one decision does not define them. Her positive solution-focused approach models patience, respect, and encouragement every day.

Ms. Laggis shared that Kym does far more than manage a space – she changes the way students see themselves. Through her compassion, consistency, and belief in learners, Kym Matkin has made a lasting impact on the Irving school community.

Ms. Matkin was recognized at the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, April, 21, 2026 and received a $50 gift card from the educational partner for this award, Lookout Credit Union. 

P.I.E.S. Nomination Form

First Friday Art Walk | MAY 1, 2026 | 5-8:00 p.m. | Gate City Coffee

Artwork | Poetry | Photography & Photo Stories
Pottery & Sculpture | Musical Composition and More

Artwork awards sponsored by the SD25 Education Foundation

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 invites the community to experience America Through the Eyes of Our Learners, a special Fine Arts Exhibition celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

The exhibition will take place during the Historic Downtown Pocatello First Friday Art Walk on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Gate City Coffee (320 W. Center Street). The event will feature more than 200 pieces of original artwork and creative expression from learners across School District 25.

Live student musical performances will also be featured during the event at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

The exhibition features submissions from learners in grades K–12, with works developed through classroom and individual creative efforts across a variety of mediums, including visual art, photography, multi-media creations, and poetry.

The event is part of a broader effort by the PCSD 25 Board of Trustees to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary by creating opportunities for learners to explore, reflect on, and share what the nation’s history and ideals mean to them today.

Awards will be presented across multiple categories and grade levels, including Best in Show and People’s Choice Awards, with more than $2,000 in prizes recognizing learner achievement and creativity.

Awards for the competition are proudly sponsored by the School District 25 Education Foundation, whose support helps make opportunities like this possible for learners across the district.

This event is about more than art—it’s about giving our learners a voice, said Courtney Fisher, Director of Communications, Community Relations and the Education Foundation. “Through their work, our learners are sharing their perspectives, their creativity, and what America means to them during this once-in-a-generation milestone. We’re proud to showcase that with our community.”

Visitors are encouraged to participate in the People’s Choice voting during the event and help select winning entries. Community members can also support future opportunities for learners by connecting with the Education Foundation during the event.

The exhibition is free and open to the public.

By Courtney Fisher

Neighborhood schools shape more than education — they shape childhood, community, and the friendships that last a lifetime.

When I was a student at Indian Hills Elementary in the 1980s, the upper stretch of Country Club Drive wasn’t paved and lined with homes the way it is today. It was a craggy dirt road — the kind best suited for off-roading — bordered by open fields. I lived in the upper Johnny Creek neighborhood, and most mornings my friends and I climbed onto the bus together, sharing stories from the day before, laughing about playground adventures, planning whose house we’d hang out at after school, and hoping it would be a good lunch day with chocolate peanut butter bars. 

Getting to school took a little longer in those days. Without today’s straight shot down the hill, our bus hugged the tight curves of Johnny Creek Road before heading south on Bannock Highway—a route that added miles and minutes to the trip compared to the bus routes children ride today.

On warm spring days, my brother and I rode our bikes instead, gripping our handlebars as we bounced along the rutted road until it gave way to smoother pavement, where we’d coast the rest of the hill toward a building that felt as familiar as home.

Indian Hills looked different then. The school was organized in a mix of open pods and closed classrooms — a different approach to learning spaces than we see today. But what hasn’t changed in nearly 40 years is how that school made me feel.

I felt welcomed. I felt known. I belonged.

Those neighborhood friendships extended beyond the classroom. We played on the same teams, attended the same birthday parties, and sang and danced — and yes, even clogged — in the same community groups. We grew up together.

Many of those friendships still exist today. In fact, one of those neighborhood friends, Mrs. Baird, now teaches kindergarten at Indian Hills — welcoming a new generation of learners into the same community that shaped us.

Years later, my own children walked through the doors of Indian Hills.

They formed tight-knit friendships with classmates who lived just down the street. They played on the same teams. They found teachers who knew their strengths and encouraged their growth. They experienced the same sense of belonging that shaped my childhood.

Neighborhood schools are more than buildings. They are anchors of community — where children form their first friendships, build confidence, and begin to understand that they are part of something bigger than themselves.

Today, the dirt road is gone. The fields are neighborhoods. Classrooms have evolved. Technology is integrated. Instruction is more research-based than ever before. But when I walk into Indian Hills — through the same hallways I once walked — I still see what matters most: relationships.

At Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25, we believe strong foundations start with belonging.
Kindergarten is often a child’s first experience in structured learning outside the home — a milestone for children and parents alike. That first day brings excitement, but also uncertainty.

Neighborhood schools ease that transition.

When children attend school close to home, they see familiar faces at the park, at community events, and on their own street. Classmates become teammates, neighbors, and often lifelong friends. Parents build relationships with families who share the same sidewalks and routines.

Inside those classrooms, our educators focus on the whole child.

PCSD 25’s kindergarten classrooms are built on safe, welcoming environments where every learner is known and supported. Teachers use proven instructional practices to help students understand not only what they are learning, but how they learn best. Structured routines, play-based exploration, and strong early foundations in literacy and math nurture curiosity and confidence.

The results speak for themselves.

PCSD 25 ranks among the districts with the highest graduation rates among large school districts in Idaho while maintaining one of the highest teacher retention rates. Those outcomes do not begin in high school. They begin in kindergarten classrooms — where children first discover they are safe, valued, and capable.

Public neighborhood schools also reflect something essential: accountability and access. There is no tuition. No barriers. Our schools are rooted in the communities they serve and committed to supporting every learner.

As someone who once rode the bus down a dirt road to Indian Hills — and later watched my own children grow in those same hallways — I see the continuity clearly. School has changed. Our community has grown. Our tools have advanced. But the heart of our neighborhood schools remains the same.
They are places where children belong.

Online kindergarten registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open, with in-person visits to complete the process scheduled on April 2. If you are considering where your child will begin their educational journey, I encourage you to look close to home.

Strong communities build strong schools. Strong schools build confident learners.

And in PCSD 25, your neighborhood school is ready to welcome your family — just as Indian Hills once welcomed me.

You belong here.
                                      
Courtney Fisher is the Director of Communications & Community Relations for the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25, where she also serves as the Director of the SD25 Education Foundation. A native of Pocatello and graduate of PCSD 25, she is passionate about strengthening local public education. Courtney and her husband, Ethan, are the proud parents of two daughters, both now in college.
 

On Time, In School, Every Day! 

Keep the Joy Hold the Routine

Every Day Matters

December brings joy and holiday excitement - but don't let routines slide! Keeping consistent school attendance help learners stay connected and focused. Mark holiday events on the calendar and build in reminders for school days.

Let's finish the calendar year strong with the message that learning, laughter, and belonging happen across PCSD 25 every single day.

#YouBelongHere
#PCSD25
#EveryDayMatters

Across PCSD 25, our schools took time to recognize and thank the brave men and women who have served our nation. Here’s a look at some of the special Veterans Day assemblies and activities that took place.

#MoreTogether