West Ada School District

✨📚Happy School Librarian Day!! 📚✨

Your knowledge and passion for books shapes minds and inspires futures. We are so grateful for our librarians and everything you do! 💙💛


#WeAreWestAda

🌟 March Employees of the Month 🌟

A huge thank you to these dedicated individuals who positively impact our students, staff, and community every day. 💙💛

🏫Discovery Elementary School
Shamarie Hart - 2nd Grade Teacher
Eryn Bedford - Safe School Assistant

🏫Sawtooth Middle School
Caitlin Kerbs - 8th Grade Math Teacher
Ron Dufur - Security Officer

🏫Meridian High School
Chad Bloxham - Social Studies, StuCo, Dept. Chair, AVID
Cora Anderson - Assistant Secretary

🏢District Service Center | School Nutrition Services
Dean Newkirk - School Nutrition Maintenance
Meghan Weathers - Procurement Clerk

Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for making a difference every day!

#WeAreWestAda #EmployeeOfTheMonth

🌟Happy Paraprofessional Appreciation Day!🌟

We are incredibly grateful to the paraprofessionals across our district who provide invaluable support to our teachers and are dedicated to the success of every student.📚

Thank you for all that you do! Be sure to thank a paraprofessional at your school.💙💛

#WeAreWestAda

Yesterday, Dr. Bub met with the amazing Student Council at Owyhee High School to hear about the incredible work students are doing to enhancing student life, embrace school spirit, and show appreciation for the many individuals who contribute to their campus community❤️ Student leaders shared updates on fundraising efforts, upcoming senior events, and their collaboration with Centennial for their first schoolwide lip sync video.They also highlighted the work of their PR, Spirit, Prom, and Outreach committees, detailing creative communications projects, decor solutions and campus appreciation efforts. StuCo also presented their new voting system for ASB/StuCo elections to ensure a transparent and fair election process. 🗳️ Owyhee’s student leaders continue to impress with their teamwork, creativity, and commitment to making their school a welcoming and spirited place for all.✨ #WeAreWestAda

Congratulations, Brady Lacy, on being selected as a member of the 2026 Honor Band of America! 🎶

Brady will perform in Indianapolis as a member of the 2026 Honor Band of America, part of the Music for All National Festival (March 26–28).

Selected through a highly competitive audition process as one of the nation’s top flute players, he is the first Centennial student ever chosen for this prestigious ensemble. 🪈

The Honor Band of America, founded in 1992, is recognized as one of the country’s premier student concert bands, offering participants the opportunity to work with distinguished conductors and guest artists. This year’s ensemble is led by Dr. Cynthia Johnston Turner, Dean of the Faculty of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University and Artistic Director of the Wellington Wind Symphony, with composer-in-residence Michael Barry.

Brady will perform at Clowes Memorial Hall on Saturday, March 28 at 8 p.m.

Watch Here ▶️: festival.musicforall.org

hashtag#WeAreWestAda

ONLY 2 WEEKS LEFT TO BUY TICKETS‼️🎟️

Act now to support our students and claim your chance to with from over $55,000 in prizes! ✨
Score big with a ATV, golf car or a 2026 Kia Hybrid Sportage.🚙

Every ticket helps fund programs and support our students! ⚽️🏀🏈⚾️🏐🎾🥎🏉🤼‍♀️🥍🏃🎳

Get your tickets today!

🎟️ Link in Bio
🎟️ Westada.org/fundraiser

#WeAreWestAda #WestAdaRaffle #WestAdaProud

🏆 The Golden Spoon goes to Victory Middle School!

What a game! After a incredible overtime finish, Victory lived up to its name🥇.

Thank you for the incredible spirit, sportsmanship, and for helping raise funds for Hoops of Hunger to end school lunch debt. 👏

Thank you to our sponsor CBH Homes!
#WeAreWestAda #Hoops4Hunger #SchoolChallenge
#EndSchoolLunchDebt #WestAdaEducationFoundation
#EveryPennyCounts

Owyhee High School takes home the Golden Fork!🏆🥇

Thank you to Owyhee for bringing energy to the game and for their hard work raising funds for Hoops for Hunger. Your efforts help make a real difference. 💛

Thank you to our sponsor CBH Homes!
#WeAreWestAda #Hoops4Hunger #SchoolChallenge
#EndSchoolLunchDebt #WestAdaEducationFoundation
#EveryPennyCounts

🚨Tonight is the Golden Final Fourk Showdown🚨

Our top-raising Middle School and High School teams take the court to battle it out for the championship.

Join us for an action-packed night filled with school pride, friendly competition, and a shared goal of making a difference. Let’s finish Hoops 4 Hunger strong—see you tonight!

High School | 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐤 🏆
Owyhee High School 🆚 Centennial High School - Boise, ID
Middle School | 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐧 🏆
Sawtooth Middle School 🆚 Victory Middle School
Elementary | 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐲 🏆
Chief Joseph School of the Arts

📅 March 12th
📍 Rocky Mountain High School Gym
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
👥 Teams: 6v6 (half staff / half student players)
🎟️ Admission: Any monetary donation — even a nickel
gets you in!

Sponsored by CBH Homes

#WeAreWestAda #Hoops4Hunger #SchoolChallenge
#EndSchoolLunchDebt #WestAdaEducationFoundation
#EveryPennyCounts

Congratulations to our 2026 West Ada Rookies of the Year! 👏

This year, West Ada welcomed more than 100 first-year teachers into our schools. Principals nominated outstanding first-year teachers based on their instructional effectiveness, positive classroom climate, strong work habits and professionalism, and commitment to professional growth.

✨ Elementary Rookies of the Year
▪️Reily Baron- Hunter Elementary
▪️Olivia Lake- Ustick Elementary
✨ Middle School Rookie of the Year
▪️Abigial Barbey- Eagle Middle School
✨ High School Rookie of the Year
▪️Cole Witter- Eagle High School

These educators have shown incredible dedication to their students, their schools, and their profession in just their first year in the classroom. We are honored to celebrate their hard work, passion, and the bright future they bring to education.💙💛

#WeAreWestAda

Yesterday, Dr. Bub met with the professional and passionate Student Council at Meridian High School 💛💙

MHS StuCo focuses on serving others, both at MHS and in the community. Students volunteer at the Idaho State Veterans Home and have other volunteer opportunities prepared for the spring. Alec and Taya, StuCo Co-Presidents, visited Meridian Middle School 8th graders to talk about StuCo and welcome the future Warriors to MHS. During the meeting, StuCo also discussed with Dr. Bub Hoops 4 Hunger fundraising initiatives, spring Student Council events and initiatives that encourage student body involvement.

#WeAreWestAda

‼ Tomorrow is The Final Fourk Showdown ‼

Check out our top fundraising Hoops 4 Hunger teams as they compete for the Title! 🥇

High School | 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐤🏆
Owyhee High School 🆚 Centennial High School
Middle School | 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐧 🏆
Sawtooth Middle School 🆚 Victory Middle School
Elementary | 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐲 🏆
Chief Joseph School of the Arts

📅 March 12th
📍 Rocky Mountain High School Gym
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
👥 Teams: 6v6 (half staff / half student players)
🎟️ Admission: Any monetary donation — even a nickel
gets you in!

Sponsored by @cbhhomes

#WeAreWestAda #Hoops4Hunger #SchoolChallenge
#EndSchoolLunchDebt #WestAdaEducationFoundation
#EveryPennyCounts

⭐March 9, 2026 Board Meeting Highlights ⭐

Thank you, Pepper Ridge Elementary School , for leading the Pledge of Allegiance!

🎓Also, Pepper Ridge Elementary celebrated their student involvement and academic achievements.

✅ Rocky Mountain High School presented their Board Report.

💡The Director of the Career Technical Education (CTE) Program, William Schumaker, spotlighted the program's opportunities and its dedication in preparing West Ada students for tomorrow's workforce.

✨Justine Burgess was approved as Principal of Hillsdale Elementary beginning in Fall 2026.

✨Jeff Christopherson was approved as Principal of Independence Elementary beginning in Fall 2026.

📺Full Meeting Available on Youtube
▶️Youtube.com/WestAdaSchoolDistrict

#WeAreWestAda | #WASDSchoolBoard

We are thrilled to announce Justine Burgess will become the new Principal of Hillsdale Elementary School this fall!💙💛 With 14 years of dedicated experience in education and the current Principal of Joplin Elementary, Mrs. Burgess brings a wealth of passion, direction, and commitment to our students and families. We are excited to see the positive impact she’ll make on the Hillsdale community.✨

Congratulations, Mrs. Burgess!

#WeAreWestAda

We are thrilled to announce Jeff Christopherson as the Principal of Independence Elementary opening this fall! Mr. Christopherson currently serves as Principal of Hunter Elementary. We are excited for the vision and passion Mr. Christopherson will bring to the students, families and community in Star as he helps launch our 60th West Ada School.
Congratulations, Mr. C!
#WeAreWestAda

🌟 February Employees of the Month 🌟
We are grateful for these dedicated individuals who positively impact our students, staff, and community every day. 💙💛

🏫Willow Creek Elementary School
Rachel Stirland - Nurse
Kim Parker - Secretary

🏫Galileo Middle School
Elisabeth Sonersen - Science & S.S. Teacher
Michael Thompson- Head Custodian

🏫Owyhee High School
Rae Peppley - College & Career Counselor
Lynn Stinson - Registrar

🏢District Service Center
Sara Oliveira - Building Program Academic Consultant
Lisa Jensen - Medicaid Supervisor

✨Superintendents Spotlight: Eagle Academy✨
Principal Joe Palaia, Counselor Deborah Hansen, and Teacher Kim Kyne were recognized by a parent for their outstanding support and care with which they serve Eagle Academy students.

Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for making a difference every day!

#WeAreWestAda #EmployeeOfTheMonth #WASDProud

🏀 🚨Last day of Hoops 4 Hunger! 🚨🏀
We’re down to the final hours of this school challenge to end school lunch debt, and every bit of support can help your school close in on the gold.🏆
Bring in spare change, make a donation, and help ensure students have access to the meals they need—while cheering your school to the finish.

👉 Donate today before time runs out: www.westadafoundation.org/h4h
Let’s finish strong for our students!

#WestAda #Hoops4Hunger #EndSchoolLunchDebt #WestAdaEducationFoundation #EveryPennyCounts

The West Ada Spring Raffle is Here‼️🎟️

Support our students and claim your chance to with from over $55,000 in prizes! ✨
Score big with a ATV, golf car or a 2026 Kia Hybrid Sportage.🚙

Every ticket helps fund programs and support our students! ⚽️🏀🏈⚾️🏐🎾🥎🏉🤼‍♀️🥍🏃🎳

Get your ticket today!
🎟️https://shorturl.at/w48AA

#WeAreWestAda #WestAdaRaffle #WestAdaProudvis Here‼️🎟️

Support our students and claim your chance to with from over $55,000 in prizes! ✨
Score big with a ATV, golf car or a 2026 Kia Hybrid Sportage.🚙

Every ticket helps fund programs and support our students! ⚽️🏀🏈⚾️🏐🎾🥎🏉🤼‍♀️🥍🏃🎳

Get your ticket today!
🎟️https://shorturl.at/w48AA

#WeAreWestAda #WestAdaRaffle #WestAdaProud