Boise School District

During an emergency, schools may use specific safety procedures. Understanding these terms can help families better understand what actions are being taken to keep students safe.

Shelter-in-Place
Used to secure the building from a potential threat outside, such as neighborhood criminal activity or environmental hazards. Exterior doors are locked, but activities inside the building continue.

Hall Check
Students return quickly to classrooms. Interior doors are locked while classroom instruction continues.

Lockdown
Used when there is a perceived danger inside the building. Doors and windows are locked, blinds are closed, and students and staff move away from doors and windows.

Evacuation
Students and staff are moved outside the building to a designated safe location.

Reverse Evacuation
Students and staff who are outside are brought back inside the building due to a potential external threat.

Reunification Site
A designated location where students are released to parents/guardians following an emergency. Identification is required, and students will only be released to authorized adults.

District Parents/Guardians: Stay Informed with Emergency Text Messages

The Boise School District uses ParentSquare to deliver emergency text messages directly to parents/guardians and staff. These alerts may include school closures, safety notifications, and other urgent updates.

To ensure you receive these alerts, please make sure your school has your current mobile phone number in our student information system. If your number is up to date, you will automatically receive emergency text messages through ParentSquare.

If a mobile phone number is not listed, you will receive notifications through email or the ParentSquare mobile app, depending on your notification settings.

For the best experience, download the ParentSquare App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Community Members: Guest Emergency Text Alerts

Community members who are not parents or guardians — such as extended family members, community partners, or interested residents — can receive emergency alerts by joining the District’s Guest Emergency Text Alert Group.

Learn more and sign up here: Guest Emergency Text Alert Group

Important Information

• You may opt out of text messages at any time by following the instructions included in each message.

• Message frequency varies. Standard message and data rates may apply.

• ParentSquare complies with federal student privacy requirements. Your information will not be sold or shared.

Environmental conditions such as extreme heat, severe cold, or poor air quality can impact outdoor activities and student safety. The Boise School District monitors these conditions closely and follows established procedures when adjustments are necessary. Click below to learn more about our Extreme Heat, Cold, and Air Quality Procedures.

Extreme Heat, Cold, and Air Quality Procedures

School closure decisions are made through collaboration with local agencies and public safety officials.

Representatives from:

• Transportation agencies

• The weather bureau

• Highway districts

• City and county law enforcement

• Boise School District administrators, including the Superintendent monitor conditions overnight and early in the morning. These partners confer early in the morning before making a decision.

During an emergency, the Boise School District will provide accurate and timely updates as information becomes available.

You can find updates through:

• The District website: www.boiseschools.org

• District social media (Facebook, X/Twitter)

• Emergency text and email alerts via ParentSquare

• Local television and radio news media

Because emergency situations can change rapidly and often involve multiple responding agencies, information may be coordinated through the lead emergency response agency, which may occasionally cause brief delays in public updates.

Please rely on official Boise School District communication channels for the most accurate information.

If school is cancelled, families and the community will be notified through multiple channels:

• ParentSquare text and email messages

• Boise School District mobile app alerts

• District website: www.boiseschools.org

• Individual school websites

• District social media: X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram

• Local television and radio stations

ParentSquare is the District’s primary direct communication tool for notifying parents/guardians and staff.

Education is important, and every missed day of school represents lost learning opportunities. However, the Boise School District’s primary concern is the safety of our students and staff, including those who ride buses or walk or bike to school.

If travel conditions are unsafe or schools cannot operate safely due to citywide weather conditions, school may be cancelled.

Normal Winter Conditions

School will not typically be cancelled for normal winter conditions such as light snow, cold mornings, or isolated icy spots. With appropriate clothing, road treatment, and careful travel, students can usually attend school safely.

Districtwide Decisions

The Boise School District covers more than 450 square miles of Ada County, and conditions can vary significantly. If schools are closed, they are closed for the entire district, including Boise Online School.

Parents always have the option to keep their child home if local conditions near their home are unsafe.

• Annual Threat Assessment Parent/Guardian Notification

• Safety & Security Update Presentation to the Board (September 23, 2024)

  • Video Livestream of Safety & Security Update to the Board (begins at 13:03)

All Boise School District staff members, students, parents, and community members are encouraged to report anything that may impact the safety of a school or school program.

If you see something, say something.

If you observe suspicious or concerning activity:

• Call 911, or

• Contact the Boise Police Department at 208-343-COPS

We encourage families to discuss school safety procedures at home. Planning ahead can help reduce anxiety and ensure everyone understands what to do during an emergency.

Snow

Snowfall in Boise is typically light to moderate. Most snow events slow traffic but do not require school closures. However, heavy snowfall could make travel dangerous and may lead to closure.

Cold

Extremely cold temperatures can be more dangerous than snow. Bitterly cold conditions affect students walking to school and may also delay bus routes, increasing risk for students waiting outside.

Ice

Ice is the most dangerous winter condition. Freezing rain or refreezing snow can make roads, sidewalks, and parking lots extremely hazardous for vehicles and pedestrians. Ice is the most common reason for school closures.

Each school in the Boise School District has a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan developed in coordination with Ada County Emergency Management to address a wide range of emergency situations.

If an emergency occurs at your child’s school, your cooperation is essential to help emergency responders and school staff manage the situation effectively.

Please Help by Following These Steps

Do not call or go to the school.
During an emergency, staff are focused on ensuring the safety of students and staff. Arriving at the school can create traffic congestion that may delay emergency responders and could place you or others in danger.

Help your student remain calm.
If you receive a call or text from your child, reassure them that school staff are trained to handle emergency situations and are working to keep everyone safe.

Wait for reunification instructions.
If necessary, the District will provide information about how and where parents/guardians can reunite with their child. Reunification may occur at a location other than the school campus.