Indian Hills Elementary School in Pocatello closed unexpectedly today, December 12, 2025, following a significant water line break on Cheyenne Avenue. All students and staff were safely evacuated and accounted for, necessitating an early dismissal and a coordinated reunification effort for families.
Key Takeaways
- Indian Hills Elementary closed due to a water line break.
- Students and staff were safely moved to a reunification site.
- Parents must pick up children at the Church of Latter Day Saints on South Bannock Highway.
- Photo ID is required for child checkout.
- Families are advised not to go to the school building.
Emergency Closure Details and Reunification Plan
School District 25 issued an emergency notification regarding the closure. The water line break at Indian Hills Elementary School made it impossible to continue classes safely. This decision prioritizes the safety and well-being of everyone on campus.
All learners and staff members were safely accounted for during the evacuation. They were then transported to a designated reunification site. This site is the Church of Latter Day Saints located at 5425 S. Bannock Highway.
Important Fact
The incident occurred on December 12, 2025, leading to an immediate closure of the elementary school.
Parents and guardians received specific instructions for picking up their children. They are asked to proceed directly to the reunification site. It is critical that families do not go to Indian Hills Elementary itself, as this could interfere with emergency operations and create congestion.
Parental Instructions for Student Pickup
The reunification process is designed to be as smooth and orderly as possible. Upon arrival at the Church of Latter Day Saints, parents will be directed by school personnel and law enforcement officers. These directions are essential for maintaining safety and efficiency.
Students will be released to their parents or guardians directly from their classroom teachers. A valid photo ID is a strict requirement for checking out a learner. This measure ensures that children are released only to authorized individuals.
"All learners and staff are safe and accounted for and are currently being transported to the reunification site," stated the official notification from School District 25.
To keep phone lines open for critical emergency coordination, families are asked to refrain from calling the reunification site. For any questions or concerns, the District Office is available at 208-232-3563.
Community Impact and Similar Incidents
This water line break has caused significant disruption for families in the north Pocatello area. While the immediate focus is on student safety and reunification, the incident highlights the challenges infrastructure issues can present to public services like education.
Pocatello has experienced other water-related incidents recently. A separate water main break in north Pocatello also prompted the closure of Hawthorne Middle School and a temporary shelter-in-place order for nearby residents. These events underscore the importance of robust infrastructure and emergency preparedness within the community.
Background Information
Pocatello, Idaho, is a city in Bannock County. Its school district, School District 25, serves a significant number of students across various elementary, middle, and high schools. Infrastructure issues, such as water main breaks, can impact daily operations and require rapid response protocols.
Ensuring Future Preparedness
School District 25 has demonstrated a clear protocol for handling such emergencies, prioritizing student and staff safety. The quick establishment of a reunification site and clear communication channels are vital components of effective crisis management.
Local authorities and school administrators will likely review this incident to identify any areas for improvement in their emergency response plans. Maintaining up-to-date infrastructure is also a key factor in preventing similar disruptions in the future. The community relies on these systems for daily life and critical services.
- Emergency Communication: Timely updates were crucial for parents.
- Safety Protocols: All students and staff were safely evacuated.
- Community Cooperation: Following instructions at the reunification site helps everyone.
The incident serves as a reminder of how unexpected events can impact daily routines. The collaborative effort between school staff, first responders, and families ensures the safety of the community's children.
