West Ada School District

🎉👏 Exciting News! 🎉👏 Please join us in congratulating four of our outstanding leaders, officially recommended and approved at tonight’s Board meeting for the 2024-25 school year! 🌟 Jenny Arsenault - Mary McPherson Elementary School 🌟 Tracy Newell - Victory Middle School 🌟 Joe Palaia - Central Academy High School 🌟 Rachel Edwards - Owyhee High School Your dedication and passion shine brightly! Congratulations! 🎉👏 Also, stay tuned! Tomorrow, the principal positions for Meridian Middle School and Crossroads Middle School will be posted. We encourage all aspiring leaders to consider applying for these incredible opportunities. Reach out with any questions you may have. Let’s continue to inspire excellence together!

From this week’s “What’s Bub-ling” in the School Community newsletter: As we approach the much-anticipated event of the 2024 Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8th, I am writing to share our excitement about the unique learning opportunities it presents for our students. While the Treasure Valley is not in the “path of totality,” meaning we won’t witness the moon completely covering the sun, we will still be able to observe approximately 46% coverage of the sun by the moon. This celestial spectacle will commence around 11:30 am and conclude shortly after 1:30 pm, with mid-eclipse occurring around 12:30 pm. As always, safety remains our utmost priority. We are fully committed to ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all involved. During the eclipse window, students will continue with their lunch, recess, and other scheduled activities. We kindly request your cooperation in emphasizing the importance of avoiding direct sun exposure without proper eye protection to both your staff and students. Homemade filters or regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the sun. Therefore, we urge students not to bring personal viewing devices from home. It is crucial that students refrain from attempting to observe the eclipse through unfiltered cellphone cameras, digital cameras, telescopes, binoculars, or any other optical devices, with or without glasses. For more information on safely viewing the eclipse, please visit https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/. Should you seek additional information about the eclipse, NASA has provided a comprehensive website accessible at: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/. Solar eclipses are thrilling and infrequent occurrences, and the next chance to observe one in the Treasure Valley area won’t come until 2044. These events create unforgettable moments within our classrooms. As a District, we are diligently strategizing to ensure our students can enjoy the experience securely, creating remarkable memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for your cooperation and support in making this event both educational and safe for our students. ☀️ #wearewestada

OUTSTANDING ADVISOR OF THE YEAR! Taylor Clark from Owyhee High School - advisor and head athletic trainer - was awarded the outstanding advisor of the year award by HOSA - Health Occupations Students of America. We are so proud of her and all she has done for Owyhee High and West Ada School District. We love you Mrs. Clark! Congratulations!

Congrats to Chad Cooper at Mountain View High School for his CapED grant! Thank you, CapED for your continual support of education.

It's National School Breakfast Week! Breakfast is essential for students to fuel them for a day of learning, and dairy is a major component of a healthy breakfast. ✏️ 🧠 In honor of the week-long celebration, West Ada School District served 'unicorn parfaits.' 🦄 Having this fun breakfast item increased participation and overall excitement for the day. "Starting the day with a nutritious and healthy breakfast prepares students to learn, grow and succeed," said Kristen Homer, the assistance supervisor of school nutrition at West Ada Schools. "We are so glad that we get to fuel young minds each day and prepare them for a healthy future" Great work, West Ada School Nutrition Services! 👏 #NationalSchoolBreakfastWeek #SchoolNutrition #HealthyLiving #FuelingGreatness

Student spotlight! Today we celebrate Trinity from Pleasant View Elementary who earned 1st place in the National Wrestling Tournament for Rumble in Reno for the 10U 58-pound Girls Division. We are so proud of her and the perseverance and grit she has shown. #readysetgrow #goodthingsgrowhere🌱 #studentspotlight⭐️ #wearepce #wearewasd

🥣📚 Fueling Success: It's National School Breakfast Week starting tomorrow and West Ada School Nutrition Services celebrating one meal at a time! 📚🥣 Join us in celebrating the power of a nutritious breakfast in shaping the futures of our students. 🌟 From March 1st to March 7th, we honor the National School Breakfast Program for its invaluable contribution to our children's well-being and academic performance. 🎒✨ Every morning, we're not just serving breakfast; we're serving potential, energy, and opportunity. Let's ensure every child starts their day right, ready to conquer challenges and embrace learning. 🍎📝 Together, let's make sure no child starts their day on an empty stomach. Let's fuel their success, one healthy breakfast at a time! 💪🏼 #NSBW #SchoolBreakfast #FuelForSuccess #EducationMatters

🎉 Join us at the West Ada School Nutrition Services Hiring Fair! 🍎📚 📅 Date: March 6th 🕐 Time: 1-4 PM Looking for a rewarding career opportunity? Whether you're seeking full-time or part-time positions, we've got you covered! Interviews and hiring will be conducted on the spot, so come prepared to showcase your skills and enthusiasm for making a difference in the lives of students. Plus, enjoy great benefits as part of our team! 🌟 For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.applitrack.com/meri.../onlineapp/default.aspx... Don't miss out on this chance to join our dedicated team and contribute to the health and well-being of our students! See you there! 🥳 #SchoolNutrition #HiringFair #WestAdaSchools #JoinOurTeam #WeAreWestAda #proudtobewasd 🍏

🚌 Today, we're rolling out the red carpet for our unsung heroes on the road! 🌟 It's National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! 🚌💨 Let's give a thunderous round of applause to the amazing men and women who safely transport our precious students to and from school every single day. 🎉👏 From dawn till dusk, rain or shine, they ensure our children reach their destinations with smiles on their faces and safety as their top priority. 🌟 To all the incredible bus drivers out there: Thank you for your dedication, patience, and unwavering commitment to our children's well-being. 🙌 Your kindness, reliability, and friendly greetings make each journey a memorable one. 🌈 Let's show them the love and appreciation they truly deserve! 💙 #SchoolBusDriverAppreciationDay #ThankYouBusDrivers #WeAreWestAda #proudtobewasd🚌💖

Congratulations to the following Renaissance Speech & Debate students for qualifying this past weekend to attend the National Speech & Debate Tournament! The tournament will be held in Des Moines, Iowa in June of 2024! Cooper Brody: Senate Meagan Schur & Andrew Paternoster: DUO Colby Bond: House Benson Wyke: House GO VOYAGERS 🧭

🌟 Join us for the Meridian FFA Chapter Community Appreciation Breakfast! 🌟 🗓️ Date: Friday, February 23rd 🕕 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 am 📍 Location: Meridian High School Career Technical Center at 1900 W. Pine Avenue Celebrate National FFA Week with us as our dedicated students serve up a delicious complimentary breakfast! 🥞🍳☕️ We're grateful for your ongoing support throughout the year, and this event is our way of saying THANK YOU! Your generosity fuels our program and empowers our students to thrive. Don't miss out! Join us on the west side of MHS's campus at 1900 W Pine Ave. We'll be gathering in the welding shop for a delightful morning meal. We can't wait to see you there! 🥳 #MeridianFFA #AppreciationBreakfast #WeAreWestAda #proudtobewasd

🎉✨ Happy National School Counseling Week! 📚🌈 This week, we celebrate the amazing individuals who make a positive impact on students' lives every day – our dedicated school counselors! 🙌💙 Your guidance, support, and wisdom create a foundation for success and well-being. 🌟 To all the incredible counselors throughout West Ada School District, thank you for being the guiding light that helps students navigate their educational journey. 🚀👩‍🎓👨‍🎓 Your commitment to fostering growth, resilience, and inclusivity is truly commendable. Let's take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes who inspire and uplift our school communities. 🌈💖 Share your stories, express your gratitude, and let's spread the love for our outstanding school counselors! 🥳🤗 #NationalSchoolCounselingWeek #SchoolCounselorsRock #GuidingBrightFutures 🎓🌟#WeAreWestAda #proudtobewasd

🎓 Calling all West Ada seniors! 🎉 As part of our West Ada Ready! project, we're thrilled to invite your family to join the Senior Spotlight for the Class of 2024! 🎓✨ This is a golden opportunity for us to spotlight the incredible moments of your high school journey and post-graduation dreams. 🌈 Your story is one-of-a-kind and truly valuable to our community. 🤝 We can't wait to showcase your senior and share their inspiring experiences with a wider audience. How to Participate: 📝 Fill out the Electronic Form: Spare a few moments to complete the electronic form attached to this message. This helps us gather details about your senior's achievements, growth, and future plans. https://survey.k12insight.com/survey1.aspx?k=RRsVYRRsQYSRsPsPsP&lang=0 📸 Share Your Photos: Have snapshots of special moments during your senior's journey? Share them with us! 📷 These visuals will add a personal touch to our project. Your participation is key to making this project a success, and we appreciate your enthusiasm in being part of West Ada Ready! 🚀💙

🌶️ Exciting News! Our newest menu addition at elementary schools is a big hit – introducing our delicious chili! 🍲🔥 Packed with flavor and warmth, it's the perfect comfort food for young taste buds. Let your student fuel their day with a hearty bowl of chili! 🔥👧👦 #SchoolLunch #ChiliTime #WestAdaSNS #schoolfoodrocks

💼✨ We're on the lookout for talented individuals to join the West Ada family! 🌟 If you're a current West Ada employee, refer a friend for a classified opening, and you could earn $250.00! 💵 📅 Referred applicants must apply and be hired after January 1, 2023. ⏰ Work consecutively for three months to qualify for the $250 reward. 👥 No limit to the number of referrals – refer 10 people, receive $2500! Ready to boost your earnings? Scan the QR code or use the link - https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=KyXW4JNKfkeIXDoD7rx3UxqTUZ9qJCBEjlYwohfEFPVUMVRROUI0VjJFV1hGS1U3SllaNFRUNEdNMC4u&fbclid=IwAR3gRr7FaGor_6DD1Pb2HVtQjdzalk5XCUWHX86sBx1czaI_OJz0nZypUGI

Meridian Police Department would like to recognize and congratulate Addison Gray and Nora Witt for being Januarys Student Standout’s. These two Sabercats are both members of the National Junior Honor Society and contribute to the Meridian Community in their free time. Nora has volunteered with the Meridian Library, Rake up Meridian and her most recent project was making blankets for senior citizens with dementia. Addison served as an office aide in her first semester and always took the initiative to help students, staff and parents without being asked. In her free time, she and her family contribute to the Meridian Food bank. These girls are positive role models at school and in the community. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for Addison and Nora!

Dear West Ada School District Students, Families, and Staff, Due to recent emergency closures/snow days, we want to inform you about updates in the academic calendar. Specifically, Wednesday, January 24, will no longer be a professional learning day without students. Instead, it has been rescheduled as a regular school day for all students, from pre-K to 12th grade. We recognize the importance of clear communication and appreciate your patience and understanding during these unforeseen circumstances. These adjustments are made with the well-being of our students in mind as we strive to ensure the best possible learning environment. To stay informed about these changes, please visit our district website. The district calendar has been promptly updated to reflect the alterations. In addition, you can find a PDF of the updated calendar linked here - https://www.westada.org/page/all-district-calendar Furthermore, please note that Wednesday, January 24, will be a B day for secondary students (grades 6-12). If your family has pre-existing plans on January 24, please reach out directly to your school site to report your student's absence. Student handbooks provide details on reporting attendance using attendance codes. For more information on attendance, refer to Policy 500.2 - Elementary Attendance (https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Policy/ViewPolicy.aspx?S=36031062&revid=8FKVjYhyGRJvCB5WwcE3uw%3d%3d&ptid=muNUlKiR2jsXcslsh28JpBkiw%3d%3d&secid=aCeT1sqzHuyqyxEA3fBM2g%3d%3d&PG=6&IRP=0&isPndg=false) or Policy 500.1 - Secondary Attendance (https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Policy/ViewPolicy.aspx?S=36031062&revid=1bX3T3dInsDxbHjDT1epyw==&ptid=muNUlKiR2jsXcslsh28JpBkiw==&secid=aCeT1sqzHuyqyxEA3fBM2g==&isPndg=&PG=6). We understand that these unexpected changes can have an impact and sincerely appreciate your flexibility and patience. If you have questions regarding Wednesday, please reach out to your building's administrative team. As we continue to monitor winter weather conditions, our priority is the safety of our students and their families. We will keep you informed and communicate any further updates as needed. Your cooperation and understanding are crucial as we navigate these changes together. Your partnership and support are invaluable, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition during these adjustments. Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation. Sincerely, Dr. Bub, Superintendent

As the winter weather persists, we maintain a vigilant and flexible approach, placing the safety and learning of our students at the forefront. Today, we experienced another snowy day, with ongoing challenging road conditions and inclement weather forecasted until tomorrow. Consequently, we have decided to cancel classes and close schools in West Ada School District on Thursday, January 18th. For families interested in engaging with learning opportunities tomorrow, we have prepared a set of resources that can be accessed from the comfort and safety of your home. These materials are designed to complement the regular curriculum and provide an enriching experience for students on snow days. Feel free to explore these resources at your convenience: https://www.westada.org/page/remote-learning-opportunities. Please note that these resources are optional and not mandatory.

Dear West Ada School District, I trust this message finds you warm and safe amid the challenging winter conditions outside. Due to the adverse weather conditions, including the current accumulation of snow and the forecast of ongoing snowfall and freezing rain, and with utmost concern for the safety of our students, families, and staff, we have decided to declare a snow day for Wednesday, January 17, leading to the cancellation of school and all classes in the West Ada School District. I understand that unexpected changes in the school schedule can bring about adjustments in plans, and I sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding during these times. I also want to acknowledge the diverse perspectives and varying weather conditions across the expansive area our district covers. Recognizing that opinions may differ and weather conditions can be unpredictable, we are committed to making informed decisions that prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone in our community. Your understanding and patience during these times of adjustment are invaluable as we navigate the challenges that come with managing a district spanning such a large geographical area. Thank you for your continued support in ensuring the safety of our students and the entire community and as always, please refer to our inclement weather guidance for detailed information - https://www.westada.org/article/897249. In the spirit of winter fun, let's channel our inner Olaf from Frozen. Olaf's enthusiasm for snowy adventures is truly infectious and serves as a wonderful reminder to embrace the magic of the season. In times when the world may seem cold or challenging, Olaf's positive spirit shines through, teaching us the importance of staying optimistic and finding joy in the little things. Like Olaf, we can focus on the beauty around us, share warmth with others, and let positivity be our guide through any season of life - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3X-ileTY3U Please exercise extra caution if you need to venture outside, particularly on the roads. Be mindful of slippery surfaces and changing weather conditions. Your safety is of utmost importance, and we want everyone to return to school on Thursday, January 18th. Your continued cooperation and understanding during these unpredictable weather events are sincerely appreciated. Your flexibility and support are crucial to ensuring the well-being of our entire school community. Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the winter wonderland! Warm regards, Dr. Bub, Superintendent

👮‍♀️👮‍♂️ Today, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women in law enforcement who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe. Your unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and dedication do not go unnoticed. Thank you for being the guardians of peace and justice. 💙🚓 #LawEnforcementAppreciation #ThinBlueLine #HeroesInUniform #WeAreWestAda #proudtobewasd