West Ada School District

We had some special visitors today! Former Stallions walked into their former school as they get set to graduate! Former teachers shared memories and congratulations as they head off for their next adventure, and they got to see a slideshow of pictures from their days at Silver Sage. Each student got a chance to tell us what they were going to do next. Afterwards they got to walk the halls, visit classes, and chat with their former teachers. We shared some laughs and got to chat, it was a lot of fun. Our current students were attentive and excited to hear about everyone’s plans. We can’t wait to invite them back in a few years! #silversageelementary

EHS Tennis Qualified 17 out of 18 players to state!!! Won both the girls and boys 6A SIC district titles with many champions and finalists!! Let’s go Eagle Mustangs!

Tonight’s board meeting was full of joy, pride, and celebration! 🎉✨ We were thrilled to welcome the @summerwindstemacademy_wasd Skippers and their amazing coach Kelsy Porter from Summerwind STEM Academy! 🌀💪 They reminded us what the Skippers are all about — joy, athleticism, and community spirit. Their energy lit up the room! 💫🪢 @idahofineartsacad took the stage next, with Rachel Swenson, Contemporary Dance Teacher & Creative Director, and Madison Hartwell, ELA Teacher, sharing the incredible things happening at IFAA. From inspiring performances to meaningful learning, their students are thriving! 🎭📚 We also heard from the outstanding @centennialhighpatriots Student Council, who highlighted the achievements and celebrations of the 2024–25 school year. 💙💛 Huge thanks to their supportive advisors Suzie Fore and Charlie Ruff — what a team! 👏 We celebrated a bittersweet milestone as Mr. Jason Robarge retires from Centennial High School. 🎓🌟 His years of dedication and leadership have left a lasting legacy, and he will be deeply missed. And we are thrilled to congratulate Rhonda McDonough, who was recommended and approved by the board as our new Chief Academic Officer of Teaching and Learning! 🎓📈 Rhonda, we are so excited to see the incredible things you’ll do — you will make us better. 🙌 A night full of heart, inspiration, and West Ada pride! 🥳 #WestAdaProud #CelebratingExcellence #JumpRopeJoy #ThankYouMrRobarge #WelcomeRhonda

PowerSchool has posted its Notice of Data Breach For Individuals in the United States to share some important information regarding the recent cybersecurity incident involving personal information belonging to current or former students and teachers of schools and districts like West Ada School District that use or used software called PowerSchool Student Information System (SIS). https://www.powerschool.com/security/sis-incident/notice-of-united-states-data-breach/. The PowerSchool Notice contains important instructions regarding enrolling in two year of complimentary identity protection services through Experian. This message was posted on February 4, 2025, and will be removed on May 5, 2025 (90 days from the posting date). For more information and details, please visit: https://www.westada.org/o/wasd/page/power-school-breach-information

📚🍎 Fuel Up for Success During Testing Season! 🍳📊 From December 2 through December 20, students in grades K-11 will be taking their i-Ready Math and Reading tests. Plus, our 12th graders will be completing their Civics Test during this time. 🌟 Did you know? Research shows that kids who eat a healthy breakfast are more focused, have better memory, and perform up to 17% better on tests compared to those who skip breakfast! 🥞 Why not start your day with a healthy breakfast with West Ada School Nutrition Services? Fuel your brain and give yourself the best chance to shine during testing. Join us in the cafeteria for breakfast and start your day the right way! Together, we can make this testing season a success. #WestAdaStrong #FuelForSuccess #HealthyHabits #TestingSeason

🎉🏅 Honoring Excellence in Leadership 🏅🎉 At tonight’s board meeting, the West Ada Board of Trustees proudly celebrated Dave Roberts, Chief Finance Officer, for his incredible dedication and outstanding work. Not only did Dave excel in his role as CFO, but he also continued to serve as Chief Human Resources Officer during this time. 👏💼💙 In recognition of his exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to the success of West Ada, the board presented Dave with the first-ever Award of Excellence from the West Ada Board of Trustees. 🌟 Thank you, Dave, for your leadership, perseverance, and for going above and beyond to ensure excellence across our district. We are #WestAdaStrong because of leaders like you! 🙌 #LeadershipExcellence #AwardOfExcellence #WestAdaProud #ThankYouDave

🎉 Thank You, West Ada Community! 🎉 Thanks to your incredible generosity and the amazing support of our corporate matching sponsor, Teens 2 Trades, we are thrilled to announce that we raised an incredible $35,710 this Giving Tuesday! 😮 🤩 🤯 These vital funds 💰 will directly support students facing financial hardships, providing critical resources and opportunities to help them thrive. 🙏 Together, we’re making a difference—thank you for showing up for our students and ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed! 💙 #WestAdaStrong #Teens2Trades #MakingADifference

Farah, an 8th grader at LHMS, has been selected as the winner of the 1st Annual Holiday Card Contest held by the Ada Country Sheriff’s Office. Farah’s artwork was selected from entries submitted by students from across Ada County, and the holiday card will be shared with people around the state of Idaho. Congratulations to Farah!

We are proud to announce the opening of our new Flyers Center, a dedicated space designed to help K-5 students overcome behavioral roadblocks and thrive academically and socially. This innovative program is a testament to our commitment to every student’s success. 🌟 Our team is focused on providing individualized support and resources that empower students to reach their full potential, both in and out of the classroom. With this new initiative, we’re strengthening our community and ensuring that every student has the tools they need to succeed. 💪📚 Thank you to everyone who has made this vision a reality!

Now serving delicious, freshly-baked whole wheat mini donuts 🍩 and yummy smoothies 🥤😋! Adorable picture courtesy of Crossroads Middle School. #wasdnutrition

🚀 Explore Your Future in CTE! 🎓 West Ada’s Career Technical Education Open House is happening TONIGHT, Tuesday, November 12th, from 5:00–7:00 PM! ✨ Join us at two locations: Meridian Center and Renaissance Center. Open to grades 5-10 — don’t miss this chance to tour our CTE centers and discover the exciting pathways available in fields like healthcare, technology, construction, culinary arts, and more! 📅 One Night Only to see what opportunities await in CTE! Ready to start planning your future? We’ll see you there! #WestAdaCTE #FutureReady #CTEOpenHouse

Today, we honor and celebrate Veterans Day, a time to express our deepest gratitude to all those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. We are also reminded of the strength and resilience of veterans' families, who provide unwavering support and share in their loved ones' commitment to our country. Thank you to our veterans and their families for your courage, dedication, and service. Your contributions inspire us every day, and we are forever grateful. #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #HonorOurHeroes

📢 Exciting News for Idaho Schools! Today, Governor Little signed an executive order for phone-free classrooms, reinforcing the importance of focused learning environments. West Ada families and students proudly joined Superintendent Dr. Derek Bub and Board Chair Lori Frasure at the signing to show their support! 📚✨ West Ada School District has led the way this school year by implementing a cell phone policy that prohibits phone use during instructional time, prioritizing student engagement and academic success. We’re excited to see this movement grow across Idaho! #IdahoEducation #PhoneFreeClassrooms #WestAdaProud

📢 Attention West Ada Families! 📢 Just a quick reminder that there will be NO SCHOOL for students on Tuesday, November 5th as we host 39 of our schools as polling locations for Election Day and our staff participate in important professional learning activities on campus. As students return on Wednesday, November 6th, let’s work together to promote an atmosphere of respect, compassion, and understanding. In light of the presidential election, we know different perspectives may arise, and we want to remind everyone—students, staff, and families alike—that kindness and civility help create a safe and welcoming environment for all. We encourage families to have conversations about the value of empathy, listening, and respecting others' viewpoints—whether in school, on the playground, or online. Together, let’s build a caring school community where every student can thrive! 💙 Thank you for your ongoing partnership in making West Ada a positive space for all. For voter and election day information, please visit Ada County Elections or https://adacounty.id.gov/elections/election-day-information/

4th grade student artist Levi Nielson created "Toucan in the Jungle" for the 2024 West Ada School District's annual art exhibit and it was selected by the Meridian Arts Commission for installation as a vinyl wrap on a traffic box at Fairview and Locust Grove this year. Levi says in his artist statement, "“I love blending colors. I especially liked painting the feathers!” Congratulations on your public art piece, Levi! Many of Meridian’s public art pieces like this are commissioned with Meridian Art in Public Spaces (MAPS) funds, which allocates a budget fund equivalent to 50 cents per Meridian resident to our public art program. To see more public art in Meridian, please visit the interactive map at meridiancity.org/publicart

Our incredible Idaho Fine Arts Academy Interact Club students spent their Saturday giving back to the community! 🍎 They kicked off the day by apple picking for the local food bank and wrapped it up by volunteering at the Rotary Club’s Lobsterfest Gala. We are so proud to see these students making a positive impact and serving others! 💙 #CommunityService #StudentLeaders #MakingADifference

Teacher Spotlight: A Father-Son Duo Shaping Idaho's Future Mental health and teacher retention have been hot topics nationwide, and here in Idaho, we're getting unique insights from a dynamic duo. Alan Heikkila, in his 37th year of teaching, is a beloved West Ada Ag instructor specializing in small engines. His son, Daniel, carries on the legacy, teaching welding at Meridian High. Join us as they share their perspectives on teaching, what keeps them passionate, and their thoughts on the future of education. You might be encouraged—and even surprised—by what they reveal about the profession! Stay tuned for the full conversation! 👏 #WestAdaProud #TeacherSpotlight #MentalHealthMatters #IdahoEducation #TeacherRetention WASD CTE - Career and Technical Education of West Ada School District For more information and past podcast episodes, please visit: https://www.westada.org/page/podcast

📚✨ We are thrilled to share that Don Brigham Jr., author and proud West Ada School District alumni (MHS Class of '75), has generously presented copies of his delightful children's book Wendy Worm and Grandpa’s Magic to each of our elementary school librarians! 🪱✨ This thoughtful gift was made possible thanks to the kindness of a fellow MHS classmate, who graciously funded the donation but wishes to remain anonymous. We are incredibly grateful for their support in bringing this magical story to our young readers! 💙📖 #WestAdaProud #WendyWorm #CommunitySupport #AlumniGiving #MagicInReading

🔥 Idaho Wildfires Update: Show Support for Our Firefighters! 🔥 As of mid-September 2024, Idaho's wildfires continue to intensify, with the Lava and Boulder Fires merging and covering over 95,700 acres. The Wapiti Fire has now expanded to more than 125,000 acres and is 72% contained. Firefighting teams are working under extreme conditions, and evacuation orders remain in place for several areas. With over $39 million spent on firefighting efforts this year and several areas under evacuation, our firefighters need more than just resources—they need our emotional support. ❤️ We reached out to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and they shared something powerful: "While donations are appreciated, thank you notes and posters mean the most." These small acts of kindness have a huge impact on the morale of the fire crews working tirelessly to protect our communities. 📝✨ A huge thank you to the schools and students who have already turned in posters, notes, and cards. We appreciate you and your efforts to brighten the days of our hardworking firefighters! 💛 Let’s continue coming together as a community to express our gratitude. 💪 #IdahoStrong #SupportOurFirefighters #ThankYouFirefighters #CommunityEffort #WestAdaCares #GratitudeInAction

🎙️ New Podcast Episode Dropping Monday, September 9! Ever wonder how the school district’s budget impacts your child’s education? 💰📚 Join your hosts Ken Hyde and Katie Rhodenbaugh as they dive deep into this important topic with two special guests: 🗣️ Jonathan Gillen, West Ada Chief Financial Officer 🗣️ David Binetti, West Ada School District Trustee, Zone 4 Get the inside scoop on how financial decisions shape the learning experience in West Ada. Don’t miss it! 🎧✨ #WestAdaPodcast #EducationMatters #SchoolBudget #ParentEngagement #wearewestada For more information on the West Ada Podcast, please visit: https://www.westada.org/page/podcast