The Friday Letter

Dear Vandals,

Students in Jodi Pavkov’s middle school English class can count on seeing a heavy dose of Vandal gold in her Shoshone School District classroom, whether it’s her alumni flag or her daily coffee mug. Jessica Marboe’s sixth graders in Idaho Falls like to hide her Joe Vandal doll around the classroom — their version of Elf on a Shelf.

Pavkov and Marboe are two among thousands of teachers with Vandalized classrooms. In 2024 alone, the U of I Alumni Association sent out 867 Vandalize the Classroom swag kits to teachers, including 627 across Idaho.

Pavkov helped come up with the idea for the program several years ago as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

“We were talking about ways we could get kids to know more about the University of Idaho,” Pavkov said. “We were missing a big opportunity with teachers. It’s a win-win. It offers teachers some Vandal swag and makes them feel appreciated, and kids also see U of I in their classroom and it can start conversations about college.”

Marboe graduated in 2017 and then earned her master’s in educational leadership from the U of I online in 2021. As a loyal fifth-generation Vandal and a dedicated math and social studies teacher at Elevate Academy, she was eager to participate in Vandalize the Classroom.

“Many of our students are at-risk and a lot of them haven’t heard about the University of Idaho, or any other college or university,” Marboe said. “It’s fun to talk with them about college and my fond memories. It’s great for them to hear.”

After 28 years as a teacher, Pavkov relishes returning to Moscow for homecoming each fall. Her daughter graduates from the U of I this spring, giving her yet another reason to fly the Vandal flag proudly in Twin Falls.

U of I’s College of Education, Health and Human Sciences (EHHS) supports Vandalize the Classroom, helping to honor alumni and inspire future generations of Vandals.

“Teachers shape the future of our world,” said Brooke Blevins, dean of EHHS. “We’re proud to celebrate their impact and show our gratitude for their ongoing dedication to their students and communities. Vandalize the Classroom is one way of saying ‘thank you’ and ensuring teachers have the recognition they deserve.”

The U of I plays a central role in preparing quality teachers and leaders for Idaho schools. We’re grateful for their work with Idaho’s youth as they provide opportunities for students to elevate themselves through education.

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