October Eagle Academy Newsletter

Dear Eagle Academy Families,

Thank you to all of the parents and guardians who attended our recent Parent-Teacher Conferences. We value the opportunity to partner with you in supporting your student's success. Your involvement plays an important role in helping students stay engaged and make meaningful progress toward their goals.

Academic Progress Updates

Please continue to review the weekly Progress Reports that are emailed each Friday. The emails are from wa-progressreports@b-21.org. These reports provide important information about your student's academic performance and progress. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to your student's mentor.

Picture Day

Mark your calendars! Picture Day is scheduled for October 28th.

Attendance Reminder

We would like to remind families to call the school whenever your student is absent. While Eagle Academy offers flexibility in attendance, regular participation remains essential for academic growth, completion of coursework, and earning credits toward graduation. West Ada School District has a new SDL program that allows students to turn a planned absence into a continued learning opportunity while maintaining good attendance standing through advance planning, communication, and completion of assigned learning activities.

How the Self-Directed Learner (SDL) Process Works

Step 1: Notify the school the day of or in advance

Step 2: Work on classroom assignment(s)

Step 3: Students complete the SDL form (see Mrs. Roberts)

Step 4: Attendance code review

If your student will be absent, please help us by communicating with the school as soon as possible. Your partnership helps us ensure students stay on track and receive the support they need.

Joseph Palaia, Principal

How an Absence Is Coded

An absence code depends on two things: whether you notify the school in advance and whether documentation was provided.

A – Absence: No notice and no documentation → Not excused

PRC – Parent/Guardian Contact: Advance notice given, but no documentation → Not excused

WAI – Waived Absence: Documentation for a doctor, dentist, court, or bereavement absence is submitted → Excused

THIS IS NEW: SDL – Self-Directed Learner: Advance notice + approved form + completed assigned work → Excused

Important: A phone call alone does not excuse an absence. Only WAI and SDL codes are considered excused.

What is a Truancy?

Truancy Absences occur when a student misses class without parental permission or school knowledge. Truancies are considered unexcused absences and may also result in disciplinary actions. Students under age 16 who accumulate 10 truancies may be referred to the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney in accordance with Idaho Code 33-206.

Wednesday, Oct. 28: Picture Day

Wednesday, November 3: NO SCHOOL, Teacher Professional Learning/Collaboration

November 23-27: Thanksgiving Holiday Break

December 18: End of 1st Semester

December 21-January 5: Winter Holiday Break

(January 4: NO SCHOOL, January 5: Back to school, first day of 2nd Semester)

It’s more than just berries, mangoes, and peaches! There’s actually no fruit in these products. The photo represents not even a fraction of e-cigarettes (vapes) confiscated by Meridian Police Department School Resource Officers. Modern-day vapes contain other substances aside from nicotine, such as THC, which is the active mind-altering chemical found in marijuana. Some vapes even contain as much nicotine as 20 packs of cigarettes! E-cigarettes, or vapes, may seem like the “coolest” trend out there, but not at the cost of your physical and mental health. Those fruity scents are not as cool as you think! Now that school is back in session, know the risks, recognize the signs, and talk to your child about the dangers of vaping. Check out the Idaho Youth Ranch to learn more: Understanding Teen Vaping: What Parents Need to Know

Open to students grades 6-12 and all staff.

Link to details:

https://www.westada.org/o/ea/page/library-resources

• Class of 2027's formal pictures will be taken by Gem State Photography on Wednesday, December 9th. There will be more information as we get closer, but mark you calendars now, SENIORS! These pictures are for our senior pages in the yearbook as well as the graduation ceremony.
• ALSO FOR SENIORS: Mrs. Elkington needs at least three baby/toddler/growing up pictures for all graduates. You can email digital photos to her or send in prints for her to scan and return. elkington.angie@westada.org