Frontier Elementary Families Gather at Northwest Pointe

In early February, the community room at — one of NeighborWorks® Boise’s multifamily affordable housing communities — became a place of connection, conversation, and shared purpose. Frontier Elementary families gathered on site for a Parent Night designed to strengthen communication, address student transportation concerns, and support student success.

Fifteen of the sixteen Frontier families who live at Northwest Pointe attended, underscoring the importance of meeting families where they are.

The primary focus of the evening was student transportation and safety. Although Northwest Pointe is within what the district may normally consider walking distance to Frontier Elementary, the route includes walking along a canal bank and other safety concerns. At the same time, some students had experienced challenges while riding the bus, prompting district conversations about transportation moving forward. Frontier school leaders chose to gather families together to listen, clarify expectations, and work collaboratively toward solutions that prioritize both safety and student success.

Beyond transportation, the meeting offered families valuable opportunities to connect with school staff and access additional resources. Frontier Principal Katie Rutan and district team members shared important updates and introduced the district’s new multilingual app, designed to translate school communications and help families better understand the information their children bring home. Staff also assisted with registering incoming kindergarten students, ensuring the youngest learners are ready for the year ahead.

Hosting the meeting within the housing community made participation more accessible and welcoming. Dinner was provided, and on-site childcare was available. Translators, along with translated materials, supported conversations in Swahili, Dari/Farsi, and English. By reducing barriers and creating space for meaningful engagement, the evening reinforced a culture of respect and shared responsibility.

While adults participated in the discussion, volunteers created a warm and engaging environment for children. Younger students enjoyed coloring and building activities indoors, while older students played soccer and created sidewalk chalk art outside.

Pastor Kevin, a regular NeighborWorks® Boise volunteer and leader at Covenant Presbyterian Church, was among those supporting the evening. Reflecting on the gathering, he shared:

“It was powerful to see school staff and parents in the same room, building trust and understanding. When a community comes together like this to support kids, it strengthens the entire neighborhood.”

The collaboration between NeighborWorks Boise, Frontier Elementary, district staff, and community volunteers demonstrated how partnership strengthens both schools and neighborhoods.

As NeighborWorks Boise® COO Inga Hadder shares:

“Home is where belonging begins. When families feel safe, supported, and connected in their housing community, they are better able to engage in their children’s education and in the life of the neighborhood.”

When families feel heard, supported, and connected, children are better positioned to thrive — in school and beyond.

At NeighborWorks Boise®, we believe A Home Changes Everything. Creating spaces where families can build relationships, access resources, and experience a true sense of belonging is central to building strong, thriving communities.

*Images kindly provided by Covenant Presbyterian Church