News & Events

From loss to legacy — together, we’re rebuilding Highland stronger than ever. 
This time-lapse video captures the incredible progress of Highland High School’s rebuild — a powerful reminder that when we come together, we rise together. 

 Watch the journey  HHS Time Lapse Update 2025-09-03 

Every beam, every brick, and every step forward reflects the heart of our community — where You Belong Here and we are always More Together.  We are just 14 months out from the completion of phase 1 of the project. See Rebuilding Highland website for more progress images and videos.

#RebuildingHighland #MoreTogether #YouBelongHere

On March 19, PCSD 25, alongside the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of a historic rebuilding project. This moment signifies not just construction, but a testament to resilience, community strength, and the bright future ahead for Highland students.

Board Chair Deanna Judy led the ceremony, emphasizing the district's commitment to both current and future students:

“I am proud to serve with a school board that has a vision for the future and a unified dedication to doing our very best for all of our children. Since the Highland fire on April 21, 2023, our top priority has been rebuilding the school and creating a space that meets modern standards.”

The rebuilding project goes beyond replacing what was lost—it will elevate Highland High School to a modernized facility with:

 New & Improved Spaces – Rebuilt gym, locker rooms, music rooms, and wrestling rooms
 A State-of-the-Art Auditorium – An 850-seat auditorium and drama space, designed to support both students and community events
 Expanded Learning Areas – Six additional classrooms and fully modernized science labs

This project ensures Highland High School, along with Century High School and Pocatello High School, will be equipped for the future of education in our community.

Together, we’re making history—let’s dig in!

March 13, 2025

Dear Highland High School Families and Staff:

Exciting things are happening at Highland High School! We are thrilled to share that on March 17, the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District will take a major step toward rebuilding Highland High School with the start of construction. The district plans to mark this milestone with a ground breaking ceremony on Wednesday March 19 at noon. This event marks more than just the start of construction—it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and the bright future ahead for Highland High School.

As construction moves forward, we want to keep you informed and set clear expectations regarding the construction process. The rebuild will take place in two phases:

• Phase 1 (Expected Completion: January 2027)
  • Gym, kitchen, cafeteria, commons area, and new classrooms ready for occupancy.
• Phase 2 (Expected Completion: July 2027)
  • Performing arts center, music and drama classrooms, and outdoor courtyard.

What to Expect During Construction:
While this is an exciting time, we recognize that construction will bring some temporary inconveniences. We ask for your continued patience and support as we navigate this process together.

• “Progress noise"—the sound of rebuilding: The process of digging and setting footings and compacting soil will generate construction noise, but that noise is a sign of progress! We will accommodate testing schedules and make adjustments as needed to ensure learners continue to excel in their studies.
• Parking limitations: Parking will be especially limited during spring athletic competitions (baseball, track) and fall home games (football, soccer). Please plan for longer walking distances from parking areas.
• Student safety: Construction zones will be clearly marked, and students should avoid interacting with crews to maintain safety and focus. Please remind your child to stay clear of work areas.
• Traffic and pedestrian safety: With construction vehicles and heavy equipment moving in and out, it is crucial for students and families to use crosswalks cautiously. Large construction vehicles cannot stop quickly, so please remain vigilant.

We promise to keep you updated on the rebuilding progress, including scheduling changes that impact staff and learners. Regular updates will be shared through email, the school website, and social media.

This is a historic period for Highland High School, and we are grateful for your continued support. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Let’s dig in and make history—together! Follow the progress at the Rebuilding Highland website.

Sincerely,

Dr. Douglas Howell
Superintendent

Ryanne, an optimistic and upbeat senior who loves to dance and cheer, plans to graduate with a 4.0 and try out for a nationally ranked college dance team. Due to a serious brain tumor, her senior year has been turned upside down as she now has to balance her plans for graduating on time with the difficulty of undergoing regular treatment. Ryanne’ s wish is to go to Hawaii with her sister for some relaxing time in the sun. In order to help Ryanne fulfill her dream, our current fundraising efforts include selling raffle tickets for AMAZING baskets, t-shirts, bracelets, and of course we are taking donations. Please see the attached flyer and click on the links to view the shirts, bracelets, and raffle baskets. Thank you for your support. Highland Student Government. 

Raffle Baskets

T-shirts

Pura Vida Bracelets

Silicone Bracelets

Donation via Venmo

 

This week, the incredible staff at Highland is getting a little extra love. Today, they were celebrated with a sweet treat in their very own CANDYLAND—right in the staff lounge! 🍬🍫

Staff was invited to indulge in all the candy and goodies they could handle because it’s officially a guilt-free cheat day! (Everything is calorie-free, fat-free, sugar-free… and, of course, guilt-free!)

A special shout-out goes to the Highland families who came together to make this sweet surprise possible. It was their way of showing how much they appreciate the staff for their hard work in shaping the hearts and minds of their kids every single day. The purple wall poster is a list of contributors who helped bring this candy-coated celebration to life! 💜

And that's not all! Staff members can also enter a raffle for a chance to win fun prizes like sucker bouquets and gumball machine jars!

Mrs. Ashlee Scherer, a Math teacher at Highland, was selected for the nation's highest honor for teachers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, The Presidential Award for Excellence. She is a gifted teacher and leader. We are so proud of her being recognized with the nation's highest honor. Great job Mrs. Scherer! Click on the links highlighted above to learn more.

Congratulations to Highland student Trevor Lintvedt who was selected as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist! We are so proud of Trevor and this amazing recognition and accomplishment. Great job Trevor!

Congratulations to Highland Senior Caleb Bringhurst who was selected to represent Highland as Mayor for the Day! He was able to shadow Pocatello Mayor Blad one day this week and had an amazing experience. We appreciate the Mayor and the Mayor's Office in supporting our students in Pocatello/Chubbuck School District #25 and giving them real-life experiences that impact their learning and ambitions for their life. Congratulations Caleb on being selected, an amazing student and leader at Highland who represents all we stand for in our RAM Attitudes, representing himself, his family, our school, and our community with excellence. 

We were able to put new bleachers in the Highland Gym that can provide additional seating so we can host our own games for winter sports and activities coming up. This will require us to stack basketball games instead of having the Freshman and JV at the same time in separate gyms. We are excited to be able to host our events here at Highland. We greatly appreciate the support from District Administration to make this possible. We also want to thank Century and Pocatello High Schools for letting us use their facilities up until now.

Brad Wallace, Principal
Highland High School

 

Highland High School faculty and staff returned from the winter break to one more holiday surprise: an updated faculty lounge, all courtesy of school families and community businesses. 

Spearheaded by local realtor and Highland mom, Michelle Mitchell, the goal of the glow-up was to create a dedicated space for faculty and staff to relax, reinvigorate, and reconnect with one another. 

“After the fire and the bond not passing, I felt like Highland, and specifically the teachers, needed a win,” explained Mitchell. “The staff needs to know they are loved and appreciated, not just by parents like me, but by the community businesses that we partnered with to complete this project.” 

Inspired by the idea for a major makeover, Mitchell worked first to get approval from Highland’s administration with a commitment to clear out the room. She then reached out to her go-to contact list of doers and solidified a plan. Mitchell described how within one day, she had fulfilled the entire list of wants and needs to complete the makeover. 

“I know just the right people to ask,” Mitchell said. “They are the ones who will never say no to supporting teachers and education.”

Mitchell utilized the winter break to coordinate donations for all materials, supplies, furniture, and labor for the project, which was completed covertly just in time for school to resume on January 2. 

The big reveal came with a bow on top, with the room decorated from top to bottom in festive décor and gift cards labeling all of the individuals and businesses who contributed to the project.

“We got back from break to such an amazing surprise,” said Dr. Brad Wallace, Highland High School Principal. “It was packed in here all day. We haven’t really ever had anyone use this space so it was awesome to see teachers in here mingling and see how much the effort was appreciated.” 

After earning the trust of Highland’s administration, Mitchell said she felt a little bit of pressure to avoid letting anyone down. 

“I didn’t want to overpromise and under deliver, but I think it turned out to be a great space that staff can call their own,” she said. 

The element of surprise evoked some emotional responses from staff members.

Highland’s Bursar, Shelley Huelsman, who has worked at the school for twenty-eight years, said, “We had this amazing parent and her magic elves come in over Christmas break and surprise us all. I walked in and was just in awe.” 

Huelsman described how special it was to come in after break to see everyone from teachers and paraprofessionals to substitutes and sign language  interpreters congregating in the revamped lounge.

“We had such a gathering in here all throughout the day,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who made our faculty lounge such a warm and cozy space.” 

Mitchell explained that her hope with sharing this story is that it might spark an effort within the community for people to recognize their children’s teachers for the hard work and dedication that they put in everyday to help with their educational success. 

“As a community, we need to come together to prioritize public education,” she said. 

Watch the video tour of the improved faculty lounge. 

The email note that accompanied the gift included a list of contributors. The note read:

“From your loving community of local businesses and Highland families, we hope the entire staff at Highland High School will enjoy this room as a space to relax, a space to enjoy each other’s company and to also know that we see and appreciate you for all of the time, effort and energy you put into educating our children. You deserve to be recognized and to know that you are valued and hopefully you feel loved and spoiled in this new space.”

Signed, “With grateful hearts, 

Isaac and Michelle Mitchell / Patriot Real Estate 
Nick Hottmann Art / Wall Murals 
Maple Street Sit-N-Sleep
State Farm Insurance / Aaron & Amy Moore / HHS parents 
Evans Dental & Stellar Outcome/ Evans family / HHS parents 
Denise Lane / Ellis Elementary School Principal / school parent 
Chad and Marlow Harding / Patriot Real Estate / HHS parents 
Daren Almond / First Colony Mortgage / HHS parent
Jeff & Amber Tingey / HHS parents 
Justin & Heather Jones / Sage Builders / HHS parents 
Johnathon & Tiffany Hunt / Barrie’s Ski & Sports / HHS parents 
Dustin & Megan Reno / Pocatello Wellness Clinic / HHS parents 
Nick and Lauren Hale / HHS parents 
Wheatley Funeral Home 
Lish Sprinklers / Scott and Missy Lish / HHS parents 
Highland Corporate Sponsors”

Demolition of the fire-impacted facilities at Highland High School began earlier than expected this morning due to an emergency approval granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EFP). The demolition was originally scheduled to begin on Wednesday, August 2. The area has been secured and the demolition is being led by Paul Davis Restoration. To ensure that this process can be conducted expeditiously and safely, PCSD 25 officials ask that community members avoid the area. 

Dr. Douglas Howell said, "Beginning the demolition ahead of schedule is a great start to getting Highland prepared to welcome learners and staff back to school. We are grateful to all who played a role in initiating the process earlier than we anticipated."

Qai Gerber (Century High School) and Payton Carter (Highland High School) won the two Idaho nominations for the Jimmy Awards in New York City. Sponsored and fully funded by The Broadway League, both students were flown to NYC for 9 days where they worked closely with Broadway professionals on the Juilliard campus in all three areas of acting, singing, and choreography. Out of 140,000 students across the country who auditioned for this program, Qai and Payton were among the 96 students who were chosen to participate. The 9-day program culminated with the actual Jimmy Awards ceremony hosted by Corbin Bleu this past Monday evening. Qai and Payton and the other 94 students performed musical numbers at the ceremony to a sold-out audience, which included several Broadway producers, at the Minskoff Theatre, home of Broadway's The Lion King. It's an incredible honor to be chosen for this program, and we couldn't be prouder of these two Pocatello theatre students!

Payton Carter, a Junior at Highland High School, and Qai Gerber, a Senior at Century High School, made it to the final round, top 8 in the state, of auditions for the Idaho High School Theatre Awards. The top two students will be announced on June 9th and will get a paid trip to the Juilliard Campus in New York. There they will get to work with industry professionals for a week, with the top two students from every other regional program in the country. At the end of that week they will get to perform at the national theatre awards ceremony, the Jimmy Awards. Congratulations Payton and Qai.

Highland Esports is headed to the Idaho High School Esports Association (IHSEA) state championship tournament hosted by Boise State at the BSU Esports Arena this Friday and Saturday (May 12-13th). Highland's Rocket League, Valorant, and Smash Bros. teams worked hard and qualified for the state championship tournament. We would like to send a special thanks to our Technology department who has helped provide us with equipment to compete as well as helping get our equipment moved over the PV-TEC building after the fire at Highland that allowed us to still compete in our district tournament and qualify for state. We would also like to send a special thanks to Bryan Venegas and the Idaho National Guard for helping provide our team members with official jerseys.  

We host our regular season matches and will be hosting tournament matches on our Twitch and Youtube channels.

Boise State will be hosting the state championship tournament on their Twitch channel.

Highland High Schools AP Bio class previously had a field trip planned for the four-year-old class at Mother Goose Preschool. Despite the losses suffered at Highland they were able to retrieve their giant whale and have the four-year-olds join them at PV-TEC. They learned all about marine wildlife, the ecosystem, and the inner workings of a giant whale. "To watch our BIG kids interact with the little kids was precious!" Jena Wilcox, Assistant Principal, HHS.

VIsit the Rampage for more student news and information.

Congratulations to Highland Graduates Yiping Xu, Corinne Anderson, Briley Anderson, Cosette Wood(not pictured), Jordan Mayo, and Josiah Parrish(not pictured)! These students have been accepted into the honors program at Idaho State University. We are proud of the hard work of these students and we celebrate with them in their academic success. We are also grateful to Idaho State University for giving our Highland students the opportunity to continue to grow academically and pursue their post-graduation goals. 

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

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.
 

Congratulations to Anela Jake, a 5th grade learner attending Indian Hills Elementary, and Lilly Russell, an 11th grade learner attending Highland High School, who were chosen as the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 March C.A.K.E. award recipients. C.A.K.E. stands for Character, Attitude, Kindness and Encouragement.

Anela was nominated by Ms. Kerry McNulty and Ms. Ann O’Donnell who described Anela as a learner who consistently leads with empathy, perseverance, and kindness. They shared that Anela demonstrates patience and respect toward all of her classmates and often chooses to support peers who may need extra encouragement or understanding.

Her teachers noted that Anela approaches challenges with determination and a positive mindset, always putting forth her best effort. Even when learning becomes difficult, she remains focused and committed to improving.

They also highlighted that Anela is a natural encourager in the classroom. Whether helping a classmate work through a challenging task or offering kind words when someone feels discouraged, Anela helps create a supportive learning environment for everyone around her.

Ms. McNulty and Ms. O’Donnell wrote that Anela is not only a dedicated learner, but also a compassionate friend whose actions reflect the true spirit of the C.A.K.E. Award.

As the Yearbook Design Editor, Lilly Russell is described by her advisor and nominator, Ms. Pauline Smith, as an exemplary leader any team would be lucky to include.

According to Ms. Smith, Lilly works incredibly hard and consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of her. She is quick to help anyone who needs support- whether that means answering questions, solving problems, or stepping in when a teammate feels overwhelmed. Ms. Smith noted that Lilly holds people to high standards, but she does so with kindness and respect, creating an environment where others feel encouraged to do their best.

One moment that stood out occurred when the yearbook staff was facing major software issues that caused frustration and stress across the team. During that challenging time, Lilly remained calm and positive. Instead of complaining or becoming discouraged, she focused on solutions, finding workarounds and helping keep her teammates grounded when emotions were running high.

Ms. Smith shared that Lilly’s steady leadership and positive attitude helped the team navigate a difficult situation and continue moving forward together. Her willingness to support others and lead by example makes a lasting impact on the yearbook staff and the Highland High School community.

Anela and Lilly were recognized at the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Our Partner for this award, Johnson Family McDonald's provides each learner and their nominators with a gift card, along with $50 to purchase books for the school’s media center in the recipients’ names.

PCSD 25 believes a safe, supportive, caring and respectful environment is critical to student learning. The District Education Foundation, in partnership with McDonald’s, supports the Learner-of-the-Month C.A.K.E. Award to recognize students who show great character.  The district recognizes one elementary learner and one secondary learner from October through May. Nominations for the C.A.K.E. Award are submitted by a teacher who has observed the nominee’s behavior, and are approved by the school’s principal.

C.A.K.E. Nomination Form

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