West Ada School District

ATTENDANCE – Easier Reporting and a New Way to Excuse Planned Absences 

West Ada School District has introduced a new, simplified way for families to report student absences and an easier system to request participation in the Self-Directed Learner (SDL) program to excuse planned absences. 

Parents and guardians can now simply click the Attendance Button on either their school's website or the West Ada School District homepage to be redirected to a page dedicated to attendance and the SDL program. From the same page, you may access the form to submit an absence online and consideration for the SDL program.

What is the Self-Directed Learner (SDL) Program? 

The SDL program gives eligible students the opportunity to continue learning during a planned absence while avoiding an unexcused absence. When reporting an absence through the online attendance form, parents and guardians can also request the SDL option. 

Students who participate receive meaningful, standards-based learning activities from a certified SDL teacher via email. These assignments are designed to supplement classroom instruction and must be completed in addition to any regular classwork missed during the absence. 

To qualify, families must notify the school (which can be done online) before the planned absence, and students must complete and submit all assigned SDL work within 10 school days of returning to school. Once the work has been reviewed and approved by the SDL teacher, the student's attendance code is updated from PRC (Parent Communication) to SDL. 

SDL is not intended to replace classroom instruction, and students remain responsible for completing all missed coursework, assessments, and instructional expectations. The SDL program replaces the former Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) program. 

A Reminder About Attendance 

West Ada recognizes that circumstances sometimes require students to miss school, and these attendance options are designed to provide families with flexibility when needed. However, regular classroom attendance remains the best way for students to engage with instruction, build relationships, and achieve academic success. 

Attendance texts will continue to be sent from the district's one-way alert system. If you have previously opted out of texts, please send START to 98900.

For more information click here 🔗Attendance - SDL Request | West Ada School District 

You can read the West Ada Attendance Policy and Administrative Regulation here: 

COMMUNICATION – Connecting Families to Schools 

Based on your valuable feedback from our Parent Experience Survey, Superintendent Dr. Bub established a new districtwide goal focused on strengthening communication between schools and families. 

Our Goal: 

Implement a districtwide, positive communication system to ensure families regularly receive proactive, strengths-based communication from school staff regarding student performance and growth. 

To support this goal, we're excited to introduce two new communication platforms. 

TALKINGPOINTS – Direct Text Messaging with Teachers  

West Ada is using a new two-way communication platform called TalkingPoints, making it easy to send and receive text messages with your child's teacher—right from your phone. 

Getting Started Is Easy! 

You are automatically enrolled to receive text messages from your child's teachers and school administrators. There's no need to sign up or take any action. When your child's teacher sends their first message, simply reply by text to start the conversation. We also recommend saving the phone number in your contacts so you can easily text your child's teacher anytime. 

TalkingPoints automatically translates messages into your preferred home language, making it easy for every family to communicate.  

At West Ada, we know that when families and teachers work together, students thrive. TalkingPoints helps build strong school-home partnerships by making communication simple, accessible, and welcoming for every family. 

KUDOS – Positive Student Acknowledgments  

Throughout the school year, staff at every school will recognize students for demonstrating positive behaviors, making good choices, showing kindness, working hard, and living out school values. Whenever your child earns a KUDOS, parents and guardians will receive an email at 5:00 p.m. that day describing the specific recognition and who gave it. You will also have an opportunity to respond to the person who gave the KUDOS in the email if you choose. 

We hope these positive messages help you feel more connected to your child's school experience and provide opportunities to celebrate their successes together. 

At our schools, we believe every student deserves to be noticed for the great things they do. We can't wait to share those moments with you through KUDOS! 

MOMENT OF SILENCE – New Idaho Law 

New this school year, all West Ada schools will begin each day with the Pledge of Allegiance, immediately followed by a 60-second Moment of Silence, as required by Idaho Code: 33-1639 Section 33-1639 – Idaho State Legislature.  

Idaho law provides that, during the Moment of Silence, "a student may, without interfering with or distracting another student, reflect, meditate, pray, or engage in another silent activity. During the period of silence, no other activities shall take place." 

During this time, students may observe the moment in a manner of their choosing, provided they do not disrupt the experience for other students. Teachers will maintain a neutral presence and will not direct, influence, or comment on how a student chooses to observe the moment. 

We encourage families to discuss with their child how they would like them to use this time.  

RANK ONE – Activities and Athletics Platform 

West Ada School District is excited to announce a new, all-in-one platform for activities and athletics for the 2026-27 school year. Rank One is a streamlined system that will give families and students one convenient place to access everything they need, including registration, schedules, and required forms.  

 
This transition is designed to simplify the experience. Instead of searching multiple platforms, Rank One will serve as your single source for all activity and athletic information. Rank One replaces Aktivate.