January Newsletter
2026
A Message from Principal Cherry and West Junior High
Happy 2026! I hope you and your families had a restful and joyful winter break. There is something uniquely energizing about the month of January; it offers us a fresh "double start" with the beginning of a new calendar year as well as a new semester. Let's make 2026 a year of resilience, kindness and high achievement.
Athletics
Boys basketball begins January 6. All paperwork MUST be completed and submitted before a student is allowed to try out and practice. Please contact our Athletic Director, Mark Miller, mark.miller@boiseschools.org with any questions.
West Parent Teacher Booster Club (PTBC)
Thank you to everyone who helped with Candy Cane Grams (either buying, supplying or selling them). The Candy Cane Grams brought in over $900. Also, we made $104.15 from the Panera Dine Around Night. Our next meeting is Thursday, January 8th at 7:00pm in the library. The next Dine Around Night is January 21st at Chipotle.
IMPORTANT DATES
January
Jan. 6- School resumes for students-Boys Basketball starts (right after school)
Jan. 7- AVID College Day-Wear your college gear
Jan. 8- PTBC Meeting at 7:00pm in library
Jan. 9- Spirit Day-Wear West or Borah attire
Jan. 19-No School-Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan. 21-PTBC Dine Around Night-Chipotle (4:00pm-8:00pm)
From the Social Worker
From the Desk of Mrs. Campbell
Hello West Families, I am starting second semester groups this month. The group called Healthy Relationships is beneficial for students this age as they navigate dating relationships. In the group students learn how to set boundaries and gain a better understanding of what healthy versus unhealthy relationships look like so they can better advocate for themselves when they are put in peer pressure situations. Other groups available include Friendship or Resiliency. Please reach out to me if you have any questions about group content or would like me to add your child to a group. My email is barbie.campbell@boiseschools.org or 208-854-6849.
Housing Displaced
If your family has lost permanent housing and is now doubled up with relatives or friends, living in a hotel, shelter, RV, campground, or vehicle, and you are worried about your student remaining at West Jr. High, please reach out to me. Your child may qualify for a program called McKinney Vento which provides extra support for students with the focus being on school stability. The information you share is confidential and the goal is to reduce barriers so your child can attend school.
Winter Moratorium
Idaho's winter moratorium protects vulnerable residents (kids, elderly, infirm) from utility shutoffs (electric, gas) during cold months. Contact your utility provider to learn more information and set up a payment plan. If you need financial assistance, call El-Ada’s Energy Assistance line to see if you qualify for funds to cover your utilities. The number is 208-322-1242 option 1. For eligibility requirements, go to liheap@eladacap.org.
School Based Therapist
We have a few openings left for West students to receive counseling through an agency called Clear Skies Therapy. If you are interested in your child receiving extra mental health support within the school day, please contact me or your child’s grade level counselor to request paperwork or with questions.
Vintage West Sweatshirts
Needs of West
Flexible Seating Options
If you would like to help contribute to our flexible seating, please scan the QR Code or click on the link to donate.
Thank you
Save the Date-Sophomore Open House at Borah
Boise School District
Annual Notification Regarding Public Release of Student Directory Information
The Boise School District complies with federal law (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) as it relates to the release of student directory information to the public. To learn more, log on to www.boiseschools.org and navigate to Parents & Patrons > Parent Information > FERPA Form. Or, please call the Clerk of the Board at 208-854-4123 to obtain a copy of the FERPA form.
West Junior High
Jon Zwainz - Assistant Principal
Website: https://west.boiseschools.org/
Location: 8371 W. Salt Creek Ct., Boise, ID 83709
Phone: 208-854-6450