Dear students, staff, and families, 

Welcome back to the much-anticipated back-to-school season! As we prepare to embark on another exciting journey together, I can't help but feel a sense of joy and enthusiasm. It's truly heartwarming to see everyone return, and I hope you all had an amazing and fulfilling summer, filled with adventure, fun, and relaxation that has recharged you for the start of the 2023-24 school year on Wednesday, August 16. 

As we look forward to the upcoming school year, I want to encourage parental involvement in your child’s education.  West Ada School District depends on parent volunteers in the classroom and in a variety of vibrant school-based organizations such as PTA, PTO or booster clubs.  The passion, commitment, and willingness to invest your time and energy to enrich the lives of students and contribute to the success of various school initiatives is a critical foundation of a healthy school community. Whether it's organizing events, volunteering in classrooms, or fundraising for essential resources, parents' collective efforts create a seamless partnership between home and school, ensuring the comprehensive development of our young learners.  

Over the summer, our teachers spent time improving their craft through a variety of different professional development opportunities and reenergizing their batteries, as they prepare for an exciting school year.  The West Ada School District staff has been working diligently to ensure that our facilities and technology projects are completed, and we have also finalized our hiring process. As you can tell, although schools are closed to students, the tremendous work of our staff does not stop during the summer. Our schools are now ready to warmly welcome each and every one of you.     

I am thrilled to introduce this year's theme: "Attitude Over Adversity." Life presents us with various challenges and hardships, but it is our resilience that empowers us to overcome them. We all respond differently during difficult times, and that's perfectly okay.  In fact, research has shown that adversity improves our self-efficacy, resilience, and empathy for one another.   

In times of adversity, our natural inclination is to strive for change to improve our situation. However, there may be instances where change is not immediately possible. But fear not, for we have a powerful alternative: changing our attitude. A positive attitude empowers individuals to embrace adversity with resilience, maintain a sense of gratitude during difficult times, and find opportunities for growth and learning in every circumstance. It fosters a sense of compassion, empathy, and understanding, promoting collaborative relationships and teamwork. As Maya Angelou beautifully put it, "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." Our attitudes play a pivotal role in shaping our past, present, and future. With the right attitude, we can conquer any obstacles and achieve our goals. 

As we step into the 2023-24 school year, I have the utmost confidence that it holds great promise and potential. Thank you for being an essential part of the West Ada School District community. Together, we help our students realize the power they possess in shaping their responses to adversity. Your unwavering support and partnership in your child's education make all the difference. 

Let's embrace the new school year with positivity, determination, and a belief that the best is yet to come. I look forward to a wonderful and fulfilling academic year ahead! 

In partnership,  

Dr. Derek Bub 

Superintendent of Schools