Cynthia Anderson was awarded the Certified Employee of the Month for December 2025!
Cynthia Anderson exemplifies what it means to serve, support, and lead with professionalism and excellence. Her 22 years in West Ada have been essential to the success and growth of our school. Her office skillset sets the benchmark for administrative professionals districtwide, and her ability to manage countless responsibilities while keeping students and people at the center of her work is unmatched. Cynthia embodies integrity, positivity, and empathy in all she does and has elevated IFAA through her outstanding communication and community relations. She is respected and loved by staff, students, and families, and we are honored to recognize her again as Certified Employee of the Month on this final day of her remarkable career.
Cynthia Anderson exemplifies what it means to serve, support, and lead with professionalism and excellence. Her 22 years in West Ada have been essential to the success and growth of our school. Her office skillset sets the benchmark for administrative professionals districtwide, and her ability to manage countless responsibilities while keeping students and people at the center of her work is unmatched. Cynthia embodies integrity, positivity, and empathy in all she does and has elevated IFAA through her outstanding communication and community relations. She is respected and loved by staff, students, and families, and we are honored to recognize her again as Certified Employee of the Month on this final day of her remarkable career.
Jenny Valenzuela was awarded the Employee of the Month for December 2025!
Jenny Valenzuela, our Visual Arts Department Chair and a founding teacher of IFAA, has shaped the visual arts program into the remarkable, rigorous, and inspiring pathway it is today. Her exceptional skill as an artist and educator has guided countless students in developing their craft, confidence, and creative voice. Most recently, her leadership and vision earned our school the honor of creating artwork to be displayed at the Kennedy Center as part of the national Scrollathon project. While her artistic expertise is extraordinary, it is Jenny’s compassion for her students and her unwavering commitment to their growth that truly define her impact and legacy at IFAA.
Jenny Valenzuela, our Visual Arts Department Chair and a founding teacher of IFAA, has shaped the visual arts program into the remarkable, rigorous, and inspiring pathway it is today. Her exceptional skill as an artist and educator has guided countless students in developing their craft, confidence, and creative voice. Most recently, her leadership and vision earned our school the honor of creating artwork to be displayed at the Kennedy Center as part of the national Scrollathon project. While her artistic expertise is extraordinary, it is Jenny’s compassion for her students and her unwavering commitment to their growth that truly define her impact and legacy at IFAA.
After 22 years of dedicated service in the West Ada School District, we celebrate the retirement of Mrs. Cynthia Anderson. Cynthia has been a steady, compassionate, and indispensable presence at the Idaho Fine Arts Academy, supporting students, families, and staff with professionalism, warmth, and unwavering commitment. Her impact on IFAA reaches far beyond her daily work and will continue to be felt in the culture and community she helped build. We are deeply grateful for her years of service and wish her joy, fulfillment, and new adventures in this well-earned next chapter. Cynthia, you will be greatly missed, and your contributions to IFAA will always be remembered.
For all students going in 9th-11th. All experience levels welcome.
Date: December 4th, 2025.
Time: 4:30pm - 5:30pm.
Location: IFAA Room #224 (915 E Central Dr, Meridian, ID 83642.
You Will:
Learn what it means to be a Film Major at IFAA.
Learn about the audition process.
Learn about screenwriting, camera angles, and directing.
Steps to Apply:
Fill out the application at https://www.westada.org/ifaa
Select a time slot to audition at the same website.
Questions? Email mcnall.shannon@westada.org
What: Momentum & Memory – Dance, Music, and Theatre Collaboration
Who: IFAA Middle School Dance, Theatre, and Vocal Majors
When: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Where: Meridian Middle School Auditorium, 1507 8th St NW, Meridian, ID
Tickets: $5 Students | $10 General Admission.
Available online ($5 student, $10 general/adult), from IFAA dance performers, or at the theater on the day of the show
Lighting & Sound Sponsored by: Elevate Show Services
The Idaho Fine Arts Academy (IFAA) proudly presents Momentum & Memory, an evening of original dance, live music, and theatrical performance featuring IFAA’s middle school dance, theatre, and vocal majors. The concert will take place at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Meridian Middle School Auditorium, located at 1507 8th St NW, Meridian, ID.
Momentum & Memory explores the intersection of movement, sound, and story through a blend of contemporary dance and live instrumental performance. The concert weaves together vintage and cinematic music styles with 1930s-inspired radio show vignettes created and performed by IFAA’s eighth-grade theatre majors.
The program will feature original modern and contemporary ballet choreography by IFAA students, alongside a professional contemporary modern dance work titled Gasp!, choreographed by Leslie Kraus, Artistic Director of the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company.
Professional lighting and sound design for the concert are generously sponsored by Elevate Show Services, enhancing the visual and auditory experience for audiences.
This immersive, multi-disciplinary performance invites audiences to experience the artistry, collaboration, and innovation that define IFAA’s dance, music, and theatre programs.
Event Details:
What: Unravel – Dance & Music Concert
Who: IFAA High School Dance Majors with Guest Artists Monica Palmer & Riley Johnson
When: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Where: Meridian Middle School Auditorium, 1507 8th St NW, Meridian, ID
Tickets: $5 Students | $10 General Admission
Available online , from IFAA dance performers, or at the theater on the day of the show.
Lighting & Sound Sponsored by: Elevate Show Services
What: Unravel – Dance & Music Concert
Who: IFAA High School Dance Majors with Guest Artists Monica Palmer & Riley Johnson
When: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Where: Meridian Middle School Auditorium, 1507 8th St NW, Meridian, ID
Tickets: $5 Students | $10 General Admission
Available online , from IFAA dance performers, or at the theater on the day of the show.
Lighting & Sound Sponsored by: Elevate Show Services
The Toby Gad 2025 Artist in Residency was an amazing experience!
Visit the Toby Gad Artist in Residency page for photos: https://www.westada.org/o/ifaa/page/toby-gad-artist-in-residency-2025
Visit the Toby Gad Artist in Residency page for photos: https://www.westada.org/o/ifaa/page/toby-gad-artist-in-residency-2025
IFAA High School Theatre Presents: "12 Angry Jurors"! Written by Reginald Rose, directed by Garrett Schmelzenback and Maisie Wilson.
November 7th (Friday) Performance! Doors open at 6:30, performance at 7:00 pm.
November 8th (Saturday) Performance! Doors open at 6:30, performance at 7:00 pm.
November 14th (Friday) Performance! Doors open at 6:30, performance at 7:00 pm.
November 15th (Saturday) Performance! Doors open at 6:30, performance at 7:00 pm.
Location: IFAA Blackbox.
Buy your tickets online! Try a totally different perspective/seats on a different night!
TICKET LINKS: https://ifaadrama.seatyourself.biz
November 7th (Friday) Performance! Doors open at 6:30, performance at 7:00 pm.
November 8th (Saturday) Performance! Doors open at 6:30, performance at 7:00 pm.
November 14th (Friday) Performance! Doors open at 6:30, performance at 7:00 pm.
November 15th (Saturday) Performance! Doors open at 6:30, performance at 7:00 pm.
Location: IFAA Blackbox.
Buy your tickets online! Try a totally different perspective/seats on a different night!
TICKET LINKS: https://ifaadrama.seatyourself.biz
Exciting news! The return of Lit Games is here —a fun reading competition for both students and teachers! From October 1 to April 1, dive into books and earn prizes!
How it Works:
Read 10 books: Choose a stress-relieving fidget or a wristlet key fob.
Read 20 books: Pick a T-shirt (Navy or Turquoise) or a crossbody bag.
Read 30 books: Earn a crewneck sweatshirt, hoodie (Navy or Turquoise), or a blanket.
Keep a short journal of your reads (categories available in the journal and on a library poster). Janna Davis, IFAA Librarian, has paper journals available, but she also has a digital journal on Canva.
Last year, several teachers and students won prizes, and I’d love to see even more participate this time!
How it Works:
Read 10 books: Choose a stress-relieving fidget or a wristlet key fob.
Read 20 books: Pick a T-shirt (Navy or Turquoise) or a crossbody bag.
Read 30 books: Earn a crewneck sweatshirt, hoodie (Navy or Turquoise), or a blanket.
Keep a short journal of your reads (categories available in the journal and on a library poster). Janna Davis, IFAA Librarian, has paper journals available, but she also has a digital journal on Canva.
Last year, several teachers and students won prizes, and I’d love to see even more participate this time!
IFAA students are performing vocals, classical, some instrumental, and artists creating murals and involved in an art show at the Idaho Vitality Festival in Kleiner Park, Oct 25, 11:00-9:00 pm. Monica Palmer is also performing and is our DJ during the event! This is free and family friendly, over 50 vendors, food trucks, bouncy houses, face painting, Health and Wellness presentations and professionals, and much, much more.
IFAA Graduation 2025: Friday, May 23, 4:30 pm Commencement and Graduation Ceremony at the Centennial Performing Arts Center, 12400 West McMillan Road Boise, ID 83713 (Watch live: https://youtube.com/live/7UpQ7-mNX_k )
The film majors will be premiering their best work from this year at the "Overland Park Cinema" on Thursday, May 15th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm.
Doors open at 5:30, welcome / Introduction starts at 6:00, and movie starts at 6:05 with a Q&A at the end of the screening.
Tickets are $10.
Purchase tickets at the door or online: https://search.seatyourself.biz/webstore/accounts/ifaa/buy-tix
All of us at IFAA would like to congratulate Dr. Rachel Swenson! She just returned from New York where she defended her dissertation titled, "Dancemaking as Social Learning: Adolescent Decision-making Durning Autonomous, Small Group Collaborative Choreography."
She will graduate with an Educational Doctorate (Ed.D.) under the program of Dance Education in the department of Arts and Humanities at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City. The graduation ceremony will be held in New Your City at Columbia University on May 21, 2025 !
IFAA Interact Hosted Movie and Blanket Tying Event!
Wednesday, 4/16/2025, IFAA students and Meridian Rotary members came together. Thanks, to a generous donation by Meridian Rotary we tied over 150 yards of fleece blankets for our furry friends in need while watching the new fan favorite Wicked Part One. Together they made 50 blankets in a little over 2 hours!
Idaho Fine Arts Academy (IFAA) is proud to present "Earthscape: Artist as Environmentalist", a compelling fusion of visual arts, dance, music, and spoken word. This two-night event, held at Meridian Middle School on April 29 and 30, 2025, at 7 PM.
This immersive arts event is deeply rooted in earth science research and reflects students’ connection to nature and passion for environmental topics. As a registered Global Water Dance (GWD) event, Earthscape aligns with GWD’s mission to raise awareness for water conservation and sustainability on a global scale. More information about GWD can be found at https://globalwaterdances.org/.
Through this project-based learning initiative, IFAA aims to:
Encourage creative problem-solving using arts-based research and innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Build a culture of interdisciplinary learning by fostering collaboration with professional artists and community organizations.
Sustain the impact of the project by sharing outcomes with younger students and the broader community.
By uniting art and science, Earthscape seeks to inspire both reflection and action, reminding us all of our shared responsibility to protect the natural world. The Idaho Fine Arts Academy invites students, families, and community members to engage in this transformative experience and celebrate the power of creativity in shaping a sustainable future.
Event Details:
What: Earthscape: Artists as Environmentalist
When: April 29 & 30, 2025, at 7 PM
Where: Meridian Middle School, 1507 8th St NW, Meridian, ID 83642
Who: IFAA visual, theatre, and dance artists
The concert is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased:
• Online: Visit MySchool Fees
• In person: At the Idaho Fine Arts Academy’s office or the box office on the evening of the performance
Recommended Ticket Donations:
• $5 for students
• $10 for general admission
General Admission ticket
https://secure3.myschoolfees.com/guest_home.aspx?sid=5600&feegroupid=37
Student ticket: https://secure3.myschoolfees.com/guest_home.aspx?sid=5600&feegroupid=23
IFAA students...want to get competitive and embrace a long-running rivalry? Renaissance High School has challenged us to a soccer game and spirit squad competition, so let's show them what we can do. On Friday April 25th from 3:30 - 5pm, join us in the field outside for the "Roundabout Rivalry"- Renaissance vs. IFAA in a three-part competition for a trophy...and bragging rights. We will play a soccer game with 30-minute halves, and during halftime we will compete against RHS in a spirit squad dance performance, followed by a trivia competition between teachers. Only high schoolers will be allowed to play on the soccer team for safety reasons, but middle schoolers are more than welcome to attend or participate in the dance/spirit performance! If you would like to play on the soccer team, please talk to Lindsay Susten. If you would like to join the dance/spirit team, talk to Vic Moll. Tell your friends, make plans to be there, and let's see which school will be become champions.
Film Sweeps The University of Idaho's Fall48 National Competition (HS Division)
IFAA film majors represented at the University of Idaho's Fall48 Film Competition, "The Fall48 is a film challenge open to all high school students nationally, current University of Idaho students, UI alumni and local filmmakers in the Pacific Northwest. Teams are given 48 hours to produce an entire short film from start to finish; they write, pre-produce, shoot, and edit their original content within the assigned 48-hour window." (https://www.fall48.com/).
The first-place team, an Idaho Fine Arts Academy (IFAA) submission, included William Day, Alan Morrill Cardenas, Stratton Ralphs, Lauria Robertson, Julian Torres. The second-place team was an independent submission featuring Jack Scofield, Alexandra Sprague, and students from across the Valley.
Jack Scofield emphasized his commitment to high standards in filmmaking, stating, “When I make films, I prioritize professional quality in camera work, sound design, editing, color grading, and VFX.” This dedication was evident in his team's second-place finish. Stratton Ralphs reflected on the experience, describing it as “empowering” and added, “It feels good to know that our efforts paid off.”
We are incredibly proud of these students and their achievements—be sure to congratulate them if you see them!
We are thrilled to announce that Christian Housel, Principal of the Idaho Fine Arts Academy, has been honored with the 2024 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Arts Administration!
This prestigious biennial award, presented by Governor Brad Little and First Lady Teresa Little, recognizes outstanding contributions to Idaho’s cultural fabric. With an impressive 33 years of service as an educator, mentor, and arts advocate, Christian has profoundly shaped arts education in Idaho. As a pianist, musician, composer, performer, and recording artist, Christian collaborates with both local and nationally recognized talent, enriching the arts community at every turn. In 2017, Christian took on the visionary challenge of designing and overseeing the construction of a new public 6–12 performing arts school facility for the Idaho Fine Arts Academy. Thanks to his dedication and leadership, the school was completed in 2020, providing an inspiring space for young artists to learn, create, and shine.
Dante Puleio from Limon Dance Company visits the Idaho Today studio along with some of IFAA's high school dancers! Check out the Idaho Today show YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyvB4DXH2nI
This year's IFAA T-shirt and hoodie, designed and sponsored by the visual arts department, are now for sale. Merchandise order forms and merchandise information sheets are in the IFAA office. All orders must be completed and turned into the front office by Wednesday, December 4, 2024. We will have a limited number of shirts in the office this week and next for sizing purposes, but not for purchase. Orders will arrive before the holiday break begins on December 21. These can only be ordered using an order form; there is no online purchase option at this time. These are great designs this year! Get yours now!
