In this episode, we are excited to have Weston A. and Kaden K. join us to spotlight what’s happening at Eagle High School.
💙 We’re also joined by Kylee Bendorf, West Ada’s Administrator of Counseling and Student Services, and Sara Jo Buffington, school counselor at Frontier and McMillan Elementary Schools, for an important conversation about student mental health.
📅 Monday
⏰ 9 a.m.
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch and subscribe on
YouTube: ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@WestAdaSchoolDistrict
#WeAreWestAda #StudentMentalHealth

From February 9–27, schools across West Ada will compete in a friendly challenge to end school lunch debt—every penny counts.
This is more than a game. It’s a school-wide effort to make sure no student goes hungry because of unpaid lunch balances.
👉 Donate today and support your school: www.westadafoundation.org/h4h
#WeAreWestAda #Hoops4Hunger

They were the only high school band selected to perform from the entire state. This is an extremely prestigious honor, and they performed an exceptional concert.🎶
#WeAreWestAda

🎓 Thank you Spalding STEM Academy for leading the Pledge of Allegiance! Spalding STEM Academy was also celebrated for their innovative teaching, strong student leadership, and outstanding academic achievement.
🎭 Idaho Fine Arts Academy, Student Council Advisor Kyle Giovannini, presented a board report showcasing fine arts programming and student leadership.
🗳️Trustees voted 5–0 to adopt Policy 723.10: Campus Sentinels.
🎟️Jason Warr, Activities & Athletics Director, conducted the Activities & Athletics Fundraiser Winter Finalists Drawing. 60,000 worth of prizes will be given away, Friday, Feb 6th at the Mountain View’s varsity basketball game.
🚨Dr. David Reinhart, Chief Operations Officer, a planning committee boundary update.
🤖Rhonda McDonough presented a first reading of Policy 604.10: Artificial Intelligence.
✅The Board also reviewed and acted on a series of updates to Policy Section 500, presented by Marcus Myers, Chief Academic Officer for Student Success.
📺Full Meeting Available on Youtube
▶️Youtube.com/WestAdaSchoolDistrict
#WeAreWestAda | #WASDSchoolBoard



Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to meet with a range of postsecondary institutions and organizations in person. All High School students are encouraged to attend!
📍 Mountain View High School
📆 March 4, 2026
⏰ 9AM-1PM
🚎ℹ️ Transportation & more information available at: https://www.westada.org/article/2681604

Dr. Bub was thoroughly impressed by RMHS StuCo’s proactive approach to creating a detailed agenda that led this thoughtful and impactful conversation!
#WeAreWestAda

Today we celebrate and thank our incredible counselors for their dedication to our students. From supporting academic achievement strategies, managing emotions, applying interpersonal skills and planning for postsecondary options, the impact our counselors have on our students' lives does not go unnoticed. 💙
Please take a moment to thank your counselor!
(All WA counselors not photographed).
#WeAreWestAda | #NSCW26




🥇1st Place: The Golden Sage Investors | Silver Sage Elementary
🥈2nd Place: The Money Bees | Hillsdale Elementary
This investing simulation engages teams of students in an exciting competition using where participants invest a virtual $100,000 and make real-time investment decisions, gaining a clearer understanding of capital markets, asset allocation and wealth creation.
What an outstanding showcase of financial literacy, teamwork, and strategic thinking from our West Ada learners!
#WeAreWestAda


In total the tournament gave back more than $3 million for 40 local charities in 2025 is a powerful testament to this community’s generosity and commitment to giving back.
On behalf of the West Ada Education Foundation and the West Ada School District, thank you for investing in our students and our community’s future. Your support truly makes a difference.
#WeAreWestAda #AlbertsonsBoiseOpen #CommunityImpact #WestAdaEducationFoundation #SupportLocal


We are proud to recognize our January Employees of the Month for their dedication, professionalism, and the positive impact they make every day. Thank you for all you do to support our students, staff, and community! 💙
🏫 Christine Donnell School of the Arts
• Dana Kroenke – PE Teacher
• Cindy Hall – Librarian
🏫 Victory Middle School
• Malia Hollowell – Special Education Teacher
• Munevera Mustedanagic – Head Custodian
🏫 Renaissance High School
• Joe Peters – Math Teacher
• Jessica Riggle – Career Counselor Assistant Secretary
🏢 District Service Center
• Carolyn Olson – Substitute Placement Supervisor
• Kristin Richter – Substitute Placement Coordinator
👏 Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for making a difference every day!
#WeAreWestAda #EmployeeOfTheMonth #JanuaryRecognition #ThankYouStaff #WASDProud








Boise State Athletics welcomes all West Ada School District families to join them for Broncos Back to School games this January and February!🏀🤸♀️
Enjoy discounted tickets up to 𝟓𝟎% 𝐎𝐅𝐅‼️
A portion of every ticket purchased will be donated to the West Ada Education Foundation, providing supplemental funding and support for educational programs and projects in classroom innovation for the benefit of students in the West Ada School District📚✏️
Buy Tickets Here
#WeAreWestAda

Today, Superintendent Dr. Bub had the honor of escorting some Eagle Hills Elementary school 4th graders, along with one of their teachers Mrs. Jill Trumble, to the State Capitol for the State of the State Address!🏛️
We are incredibly proud of our students and excited for the opportunity to be involved in such a meaningful experience!
#WeAreWestAda










Please join us in celebrating our outstanding West Ada December Employees of the Month! These dedicated individuals go above and beyond each day to support our students, staff, and schools. We are grateful for the impact they make across our district! 💙
🏫 Hillsdale Elementary
• Tysie Cournoyer – 3rd Grade Teacher
• Susan Kelly – Extended Reading Interventionist
🏫 Heritage Middle School
• Tobi Lewis – Special Education Teacher
• Mary Joyce – Front Office Secretary
🏫 IFAA
• Jenny Valenzuela – Visual Arts Teacher & Department Chair
• Cynthia Anderson – Head Secretary
🏟️ District Service Center Athletics
• Amy Murphy – Facilities Supervisor
• Shayla Foster – Coordinator of Athletic Trainers
👏 Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence. You make a difference every day!
#WeAreWestAda #EmployeeOfTheMonth #DecemberRecognition #ThankYouStaff #WASDProud







We are proud to recognize Justin Fritzley, Owyhee High School teacher, as a 2025 Pesky Award for Inspirational Teaching recipient! 🌟
This prestigious honor recognizes excellence in teaching, service to Boise State University and future educators, and meaningful impact within the community. Justin’s dedication to his 9–12 students, mentorship of student teachers, and leadership among fellow educators exemplifies excellence in all three areas.
🏆 Pesky Award Highlights:
💙 $2,000 award for Justin
🏫 $500 stipend for Owyhee High School
🎓 Awarded at Boise State Winter Commencement on December 20 at 10:00 a.m.
Justin teaches Advanced Acting, Acting I & II, and Freshman Cornerstone, and holds an MA ED-CIFS and MEd in Educational Leadership—a true inspiration in and beyond the classroom.
🔗 Read the full Boise State announcement:
https://www.boisestate.edu/.../boise-state-honors-2025.../
Congratulations, Justin! Owyhee, West Ada, and Boise State are proud of you! 👏💙
#WeAreWestAda #OwyheePride #PeskyAward #InspirationalTeaching #BoiseStateUniversity

We are proud to celebrate these outstanding West Ada team members who go above and beyond each day to support our students, schools, and community. Thank you for your dedication, heart, and hard work!
🍎 Seven Oaks Elementary
• Kerilyn Gibbs – 3rd Grade Teacher
• Elvira Frode – ERR Paraprofessional
📘 Star Middle School
• Emily McCaslin-Hahn – Math Teacher
• Shanna Cook – Head Secretary
🦅 Eagle High School
• Heidi Albertson – Math Department Chair
• Nelda Denton – Bookkeeper
🏢 District Service Center
• Peter Whitaker – School Nurse, Lake Hazel Elementary & Silver Sage Elementary
• Rebecca Powell – School Nurse, Ustick Elementary
Thank you for making a difference every single day! 👏
#WeAreWestAda #EmployeeOfTheMonth #WestAdaProud #ThankYouStaff #MakingADifference #EducationExcellence
🖤🏴☠️ Raider Nation showed up BIG at Star Middle School today! 🏴☠️🖤
7th grader Karter Ross—a life-long fan and proud Ashton Jeanty superfan—received the surprise of a lifetime thanks to the incredible generosity of the Las Vegas Raiders. After Karter experienced a challenging year due to his parents' health and the loss of his favorite Raiders hat, the Raiders stepped in without hesitation to brighten his day in the most unforgettable way.
Karter was presented with an amazing swag box that included a new Jeanty jersey, Raiders hat, a signed mini-helmet, and even a personal video message from Ashton Jeanty himself! 🏈✨
A huge thank you to the Eagle High School Varsity Football players for helping deliver this special moment, and to Mrs. Mackenzie Casagrande for making the connection that turned into something truly magical.
Pictured with Karter are his parents, Kris and Kateri Ross, and his grandmother Lynn Ross-Griffin—who also proudly serves our students in nutrition at Star Middle School.
Moments like this remind us how powerful kindness, community, and West Ada school spirit can be.
@Raiders @Deuce @Star.MiddleSchool @Eagle_Mustang_Football @OfficialEHSMustangs
#WeAreWestAda #RaiderNation #STMS #EHSFootball #deuce









We’re thrilled to celebrate these incredible staff members who go above and beyond each day to make a difference for our students, schools, and community! 🌟
🏫 Eagle Elementary School
🍎 Laura Hands – 1st Grade Teacher
💻 Natalie Jensen – Computer Lab Paraprofessional
🏫Eagle Middle School
➗ Blaire Smith – Math Teacher
🥗 Tracey Ruiz – Kitchen Manager
🏫 Mountain View High School
📏 Cindy Dziurzynski – Math Teacher
🤝 David Martinez – Paraprofessional
🏢 District Service Center
🗂️ Nicki Thompson – Registrar/Head Secretary
📅 Alta Graham – District Scheduling Operations & Analyst Lead
Your dedication, positivity, and hard work inspire us all — thank you for everything you do to support our students and schools! 💙💛
#WeAreWestAda #EmployeeOfTheMonth #ThankYou
A huge congratulations to Taylor Clark – Idaho State Coaches Association Athletic Trainer of the Year! Taylor is the first West Ada Athletic Trainer to earn this honor since 2008! She leads the sports medicine program at Owyhee High School, also recognized as the 2025 Idaho CTE Exemplary Program. Taylor has been a dedicated West Ada team member since 2015, starting her career at Mountain View High School, and continues to make a lasting impact on our student-athletes every day. 👏
We are also proud to honor other outstanding West Ada coaches:
Julian Laca Lifetime Member Induction: Kimber Chrz – Eagle High School
Varsity Awards:
Jessica Stevenson – Owyhee Girls Tennis
Wally Eastwood – Mountain View Boys Tennis
Alan Perry – Owyhee Boys Track
Brian Champion – Centennial Baseball
JV Awards:
Bruce Walters – Mountain View Girls Track
Brad Abbott – Rocky Mountain Boys Track
Morgan Parks – Mountain View Softball
Chris Needham – Rocky Mountain Baseball
West Ada continues to shine thanks to the dedication, skill, and heart of our coaches and staff. We are so proud of all of you! 🌟
#WestAdaProud #AthleticTrainerOfTheYear #CoachesRecognition


Other winners included:
2025 Polaris 450 ATV – Kelly Jensen
2025 Denago Golf Cart – Cassie Beraldo
4 Tickets to Arizona Cardinals + $1,500 Travel Voucher – Ronald Bottomley
Scheels Gift Card: $2,000 – Greg White
Scheels Gift Card: $500 – Kevin Leishman
Scheels Gift Card: $500 – Dan Vawser
Rec Teq Backyard Beast BBQ – Natasha Flook
Coeur d’Alene Getaway with Golf – Shannon Halpin
Visa Gift Card: $500 – Brian Gray
🙌 Congratulations to all our winners! If you didn’t win this time, don’t worry — our Winter Raffle kicks off in November with another lineup of amazing prizes. This is your chance to win something and support your favorite team or school!
#We AreWestAda #FallRaffle #GrandPrize #FordRanger #WASDprizes #CommunitySupport #StudentActivities #RaffleFun #WinBig #WinterRaffleComing










We kicked off the celebrations yesterday at Summerwind STEM Academy , recognizing Kelsy Porter with a surprise $1,000 in DonorsChoose funds to support her classroom. ✨📚
We are so proud of Kelsy and all of our award-winning educators who go the extra yard for their students every day! 💙💛
For more information on Extra Yard for Teachers, please visit: https://cfp-foundation.org/extra-yard
#ExtraYardWeek #ExtraYardForTeachers #WestAdaProud

