News & Events

Advantage Plus Federal Credit Union has once again demonstrated its commitment to the community by sponsoring the purchase of new scoreboards for all four middle schools in Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25. This generous contribution strengthens the long-standing partnership between Advantage Plus and District 25, underscoring a shared mission to support local learners, schools, and the greater Pocatello and Chubbuck communities.

The upgraded scoreboards have been installed in the gyms at Franklin, Hawthorne, Irving, and Alameda Middle Schools, enhancing the experience for student-athletes, coaches, families, and community members who use the facilities year-round. These gyms also serve as key venues for City of Pocatello Parks & Recreation programs, making the impact of this donation even more far-reaching.

We’re proud to support our public schools and the vital role they play in bringing people togethersaid Jarod Brown, Chief Lending Officer of Advantage Plus Federal Credit Union. “These gyms aren’t just for PE class or sports teams—they're community hubs. Whether it’s a Saturday morning youth basketball league or a middle school volleyball game, these spaces foster connection, pride, and opportunity.”

Tonya Wilkes, Director of Athletics and Student Support Services for PCSD 25, expressed her appreciation for the continued partnership: “Advantage Plus has consistently gone above and beyond to support our schools. These new scoreboards represent more than just equipment—they reflect an investment in our learners and in the heart of our community. We are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership.”

Advantage Plus Federal Credit Union’s continued investment in District 25 reflects a deep belief in empowering the next generation and ensuring students and families feel supported both in and out of the classroom.

For more information about Advantage Plus Federal Credit Union and their community partnerships, visit www.advantageplusfcu.com.

#MoreTogether

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District (PCSD 25) is proud to announce that it has achieved the highest graduation rate among the state’s 10 largest school districts. Last spring, an impressive 92.1% of PCSD 25 learners graduated on time, surpassing the statewide average of 82.3%.

This achievement is a testament to the district’s dedication to educational excellence and the success of its learners. PCSD 25 stands out among its large district peers for its continued commitment to providing learners with the tools, resources, and support they need to graduate.

PCSD 25’s continued success serves as a model for other districts in the state, proving that when schools, communities, and families work together, learners can achieve great things.

Cassie Atwood, PCSD 25’s curriculum coordinator, said, “The district's high graduation rate is a direct reflection of the unwavering dedication of our educators, staff, and support systems, who are committed to meeting each learner where they are.”

Atwood added, “The increase in our graduation rate highlights our holistic, hands-on approach to track and monitor each learner’s progress, while providing personalized support necessary for every child to not only thrive but also confidently take the next step toward a successful future.”

In addition to this achievement, PCSD 25 also leads Idaho's largest school districts in teacher retention, reaching a remarkable 91% retention rate for the past two years. This consistent retention rate reflects the district's ability to foster a supportive and collaborative environment for educators, ensuring that learners receive a high-quality education from a dedicated and experienced teaching staff.

"We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our learners, staff, and community," said Dr. Douglas Howell, Superintendent of PCSD 25. "These achievements are the result of a collective effort to create an environment where students can thrive, and we will continue to focus on both academic excellence and teacher retention as essential components of our district's success."

Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 is the leading choice for local education, consistently demonstrating excellence in both learner success and educator satisfaction. In addition to leading the state in graduation and teacher retention rates,  PCSD 25 also offers innovative learning opportunities, including 25 Career-Technical Education pathways to prepare students for thriving careers, and above-average ISAT scores in English, math, and science. With a focus on comprehensive support for all learners, the district provides a well-rounded education that fosters both academic and personal growth.

For nearly 140 years, PCSD 25 has been committed to providing the highest quality education in a safe, supportive, and caring environment. Guided by our motto—Think MORE, Learn MORE, Be MORE Together—PCSD 25 is more than a school district; it is a community of schools, including parents, teachers, staff, educational partners, and community members, all dedicated to the power of learning, fostering strong relationships, and achieving greatness together to best serve the educational needs of local children.

Members of the media were invited to attend the annual carnival at Franklin Middle School, which aims to raise funds for the construction of a well in Africa. Organized by FMS teachers Phillip and Jeanie Whitworth, the event not only brought together the school community for a day of fun and fundraising but also exceeded its fundraising goal. The success of the carnival highlights the dedication of the Whitworths and the generous support from learners and staff in making a meaningful impact globally.

Franklin Middle School Recognized as a Leader in Math Education,
Shares Strategies with Idaho Education Excellence Commission

Franklin Middle School recently earned the distinguished honor of presenting to the Idaho Education Excellence Commission, a group formed by the Idaho Legislature to identify best practices in education across the state. This recognition highlights the exceptional work being done at Franklin, as the school was invited to share its innovative math strategies after being celebrated for its outstanding growth in middle grades math achievement.

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District is a Visible Learning district, applying John Hattie’s research on high-impact practices for student growth. During the presentation, Franklin demonstrated how these evidence-based strategies drive success in math proficiency and foster meaningful growth for students.

During the presentation, Principal Patrick Vereecken and Stephanie Iverson, math chair, emphasized Franklin’s commitment to creating a positive math culture by adopting a growth mindset where mistakes are embraced as learning opportunities, and progress is celebrated. This reflects Franklin’s core values: being responsible, respectful, safe, and kind.

Among the strategies shared were:

• Classroom Environment: Building inclusive, supportive learning spaces through Franklin Family Foundations.
• Practice Opportunities: Providing non-graded assignments to check understanding and guide
• next steps.
• Data-Informed Instruction: Using formative assessments to adapt teaching strategies to meet individual needs.
• Differentiated Instruction: Tailoring lessons to students through small group work and active learning approaches.
• Targeted Interventions: Implementing in-school support to address specific student needs and close learning gaps.
• Extended Learning Opportunities: Offering additional academic support before and after school.
• Rigorous, Real-World Curriculum: Engaging learners with challenging lessons that use manipulatives and connect to real-world scenarios.

Franklin also highlighted the importance of parental involvement and regular two-way communication, along with their commitment to lifelong learning through ongoing professional development for both educators and learners.

The school’s efforts in fostering a positive math culture, combined with their average class size of 25 students, ensure personalized attention and support for every learner.

The opportunity to share these successes with the Education Excellence Commission underscores Franklin Middle School’s leadership in education, serving as a model for other schools statewide. The presentation was a proud moment for the entire PCSD 25 community, reaffirming the district’s commitment to excellence in education and solidifying its place as a leader in the field of math instruction.