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
📚✨ 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
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
🎙️ 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
🏆 Celebrating Excellence in Education! 🏆
We are incredibly proud to announce that several of our schools have been recognized as top performers on the 2024 ISAT statewide! 🎉 This achievement highlights the dedication and hard work of our students, educators, and staff.
These results reflect our commitment to academic excellence and the strong support from our community. Congratulations to all involved in making this possible! Let's keep striving for even greater success together. 💪📚
#WestAdaProud #EducationExcellence #ISAT2024 #BrightSpots Idaho Education News
For the complete article, please visit: https://www.idahoednews.org/top-news/bright-spots-lists-of-2024-isat-top-performers-statewide/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFITq5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSjs9RaOI-r0pcweYQa0PUED7P6kn80PMixFr0aPctK_XBo7bdxrvkaUJA_aem_z4zYGseJjPFcGk8xYC_RjQ
📸 A proud moment for West Ada educators! Brittany Dutton from Eagle High School-Mustangs and Heather Bachman from Prospect Elementary Schoolwere both honored at this year's SHAPE (Society of Health and Physical Education) Idaho State PE and Health Conference. Brittany received the Health Education Award, while Heather was recognized with the Elementary PE Teacher of the Year Award. 🎉
Their dedication to promoting healthy minds and bodies in schools is truly inspiring. Congratulations to both! 💪 #SHAPEIdaho #PEandHealth #TeacherOfTheYear #ProudEducators #WestAda
🚍🍦 The “Cool Bus” rolled through West Ada today! Led by district administration in partnership with @durham_school_services, the Cool Bus visited all 59 school sites across the district, delivering ice cream treats to all our amazing faculty and staff before the first day of school.
We can’t thank our West Ada Family enough for the countless hours and effort they’ve put into planning for a successful start to the school year. 🍦 You all make us proud! 🙌 #WeAreWestAda #ProudToBeWASD #BackToSchool #CoolBusFun
Congratulations to the Class of 2024! 🎓✨ We love you and can’t wait to see what the future holds for each and every one of you. ♥️
Congrats to our Lowell Scott Middle School 8th-grade students who were honored today as part of the 8th Grade Celebration Assembly.
Linda Ventura Memorial Award: Maxwell Campbell & Avery Manwaring
Tressa Sharp Award- Hannah Jensen & Avery Simpson
Duane Hardy Memorial Award- Abigal Standing & Maximus Hungtington-Richardson
Amelia Linkert Memorial Award- Holly Huckstep & Cailyn Pierson
Jeff Grove Memorial Award- Annabelle Eldredge & Edrick Irakoze
Joan Parks Memorial Award- Carson Lindemood & Lily Matthews
Librarian Patron Award- Katherine Holderness & Simon Poulsen
Mayor’s Award- Scarlett Manwaring & Holly Huckstep
Congratulations to all of our former Pepper Ridge Bears on graduating this year and to all of the members of the Class of 2024! We are so proud of all of you. Once a Bear, always a Bear! #wearepepperridge #wearewestada
During the school year, and with parental permission, students in grades K, 1, 3 and 5th grade are pulled out of class, during valuable instruction time, for vision and hearing screenings and dental services.
To lessen the impact on instruction, West Ada is proud to provide these services, in conjunction with summer meals and additional valuable services, throughout the treasure valley this summer. Please consider attending one of these Health Fairs, especially if you will have a child in K, 1, 3 or 5 grade. Parent permission is required.
🌟 West Ada School Health Fair: Your Passport to Total Wellness! 🌟
📅 Date: June 13th ⏰ Time: 10:00AM – 2:00PM 📍 Location: Meridian High School, 1900 W. Pine Ave., Meridian
📅 Date: June 25th ⏰ Time: 10:00AM – 2:00PM 📍 Location: Desert Sage Elementary, 9325 W. Mossywood Dr., Boise
We're excited to offer a comprehensive range of health services at our upcoming School Health Fair. It's a one-stop destination for:
💉 Immunizations/Vaccines: Protect your health with essential vaccinations for children for the upcoming school year. Vaccines provided by Central District Health.
Schedule an immunization appointment here: https://cdh.idaho.gov/.../imm.../cio/school-vaccine-clinics/
👀 Vision Screenings: Clear vision is crucial for learning. Take advantage of our free vision checks to ensure your eyes are at their best.
👂 Hearing Screenings: Hearing loss can affect educational success. Get your hearing tested with our quick and easy screenings.
🦷 Dental Services: Strengthen your smile with fluoride varnish applications. A quick treatment for lasting dental health. Services provided by Central District Health.
Don't miss out on these vital health services. Let's take a step towards a healthier community together.
Celebrate the end of the school year with West Ada Jazz Bands at Kleiner Park staring at 5:15 PM. You'll hear from the jazz bands and students of Centennial, Meridian, Lake Hazel Middle School, Eagle High School, Mountain View and Owyhee High School. Don't miss this great event.
🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🌟
Join us for an insightful conversation on "How do you handle social media in your house?" in the latest episode of the West Ada School District podcast, dropping this Monday, May 13!
🔊 Special guests include John Condie, MD, from St. Luke's Children's Neurology Boise, and Officer Gomez, School Resource Officer from Boise County Sheriff's Department.
Tune in to hear expert advice and real-world insights on navigating the challenges of social media in our homes.
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and wherever you stream podcasts. 📺 Also watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist...
Don't miss out – your family's digital well-being could depend on it!
More information about the West Ada Podcast: https://www.westada.org/page/podcast
🌟 Celebrating Anne Marie Antilla from @cjschoolofthearts ! 🎨
We are delighted to announce that Anne Marie Antilla has been honored with a $5000 Fine Arts Grant from Alpha Delta Kappa, an international organization dedicated to supporting women educators. This prestigious grant recognizes Anne Marie’s dedication to the arts and her ongoing efforts to integrate creativity into education.
Thank you to Alpha Delta Kappa for their generous support and commitment to enhancing educational opportunities through the arts. We are excited to see how Anne Marie will use this grant to inspire and impact our community with her upcoming projects.
#ArtEducation #WomenInEducation #AlphaDeltaKappa #FineArtsGrant #wearewestada #proudtobewasd
🍎✨📚 Teacher Appreciation Week is just around the corner, and it’s time to show our incredible educators some well-deserved love! From May 6th to May 10th, we’ll be celebrating the amazing teachers and staff who make our educational journey extraordinary.
To all our dedicated teachers: Your passion, commitment, and tireless efforts do not go unnoticed. Thank you for shaping the minds and hearts of our students every single day. 🌟
And let’s not forget our classified staff members! Your hard work behind the scenes keeps our schools running smoothly, and we are deeply grateful for all that you do. 💼
Join us as we honor our educators with a week filled with appreciation and gratitude:
📝 Monday, May 6th: Express Gratitude - Encourage your child to write heartfelt notes to their teachers and spread positivity with high fives in the hallway.
🎉 Tuesday, May 7th: School Spirit Day - Show off your school pride by wearing our vibrant colors and celebrating our dedicated teaching staff.
💌 Wednesday, May 8th: Thanks from Parents - Take a moment to send a personal note or email expressing your gratitude to your child’s teacher.
📷 Thursday, May 9th: Community Support - Share stories, photos, and videos on social media to showcase the impactful work of our teachers.
🎁 Friday, May 10th: Token of Appreciation - Shower our teachers with tokens of gratitude, whether it’s handmade cards, thoughtful notes, or school supplies.
Let’s make this Teacher Appreciation Week one to remember! Together, let’s celebrate the extraordinary contributions of our teachers and staff. 🎉🍎 #WeAreWestAda #proudtobewasd #TeacherAppreciationWeek #ThankATeacher #WestAdaCommunity 🏫
