West Ada School District (WASD)
2021-22 School Year Theme: Reflect on the past, embrace the present and build on the future.
Email: communicate@westada.org
Website: https://www.westada.org/
Location: 1303 East Central Drive, Meridian, ID 83642, USA
Phone: 208-855-4500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JointSchoolDistrictNo2/
Twitter: @westadaschools
Important Dates:
- October 23-31 - Red Ribbon Week: "Drug Free Looks Like Me"
- October 25 - Regular School Board Meeting
- October 31 - Happy Halloween!
- November 1-2 - Dia de los Muertos
- November 8 - STEM / STEAM Day
- November 8-12 - National School Psychology Week
- November 11 - Veteran's Day
- November 13 - World Kindness Day
- November 15 - Regular Board Meeting, 6:00pm
- November 16 - National Parental Involvement Day
- November 22-26 - NO SCHOOL: Thanksgiving Holiday Break
- November 25 - Thanksgiving
PLEASE NOTE: To meet our goal of all students achieving at high levels, the West Ada School District Service Center is closed from 8:00-9:00 AM every Wednesday for collaborative team meetings and the work of Professional Learning Communities (PLC). In these meetings, teams review data, establish goals, and monitor school/district improvement strategies.
What's BUB-ling?
School bus transportation plays a critical role in the education of West Ada students, and is the direct link between a neighborhood and the classroom. This week was National Bus Safety Week and I had the pleasure of riding two school buses after-school with some of our West Ada students. Thank you to R.D. Huntley, Transportation Liaison for West Ada, for helping to set up these fun rides and thank you Tina Kellers (driver of route N29) and Michelle Officer (driver of route S03) for letting me tag along! Cascade Student Transportation is still looking for drivers. If you or someone you know is interested please visit CST to apply.
Here are some School Bus Safety Tips for Children and Parents provided by the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT).
Getting Ready for School
- Have your children put everything they carry in a backpack or school bag so that they won’t drop things along the way.
- Encourage them to wear bright, contrasting colors so they will be more easily seen by drivers.
- Make sure children leave home on time so they can arrive at the bus stop before it is due, ideally at least five minutes early. Running after or in front of a bus is dangerous.
Walking to the Bus Stop
- Walk young children to the bus stop or encourage children to walk in groups. There is safety in numbers; groups are easier for drivers to see.
- Practice good pedestrian behavior: walk on the sidewalk, and if there is no sidewalk stay out of the street. If you must walk in the street, walk single file, face traffic and stay as close to the edge of the road as you can.
- Stop and look left, right and then left again if you must cross the street. Do the same thing at drive -ways and alleys. Exaggerate your head turns and narrate your actions so your child knows you are looking left, right and left.
At the Bus Stop
- Have children wait in a location where the driver can see them while driving down the street. Try to avoid waiting in a house or car.
- Do not let children play in the street. Playing with balls or other toys that could roll into the street is also dangerous.
Getting On and Off the Bus
- Warn children that if they drop something getting on and off the bus, they should never pick it up. Instead, they should tell the driver and follow the driver’s instructions.
- Remind children to look to the right before they step off the bus.
- If you meet your child at the bus stop after school, wait on the side where the child will be dropped off, not across the street. Children can be so excited to see you after school that they dash across the street and forget the safety rules.
Mobile Devices
Cell phones and other electronic devices are often permitted on the school bus as long as:
- They are in backpacks or other holders, keeping hands free to use handrails while boarding and departing the bus.
- Sound is muted or headphones, ear buds or similar devices are used.
- Content does not violate the law or school district policy and procedures.
- Use does not create a distraction for the driver.
Last week I had the opportunity to visit with Mr. Clupfh and Eagle High School Student Council. The Mustangs shared how proud they are of their school spirit and how far their teachers go to ensure that all students feel supported, important and cared for. This past Tuesday I was at Centennial High School with Ms. Herman and Centennial High School Student Council. The Patriots shared how the appreciate the school's culture and diversity; going above and beyond to include every student as part of the Patriot Family.
Principal Pride: Will Schumaker, Victory Middle School
This week our PRINCIPAL PRIDE spotlight is on Will Schumaker, Victory Middle School:
Number of Years in West Ada: 12
Number of Years at Victory Middle School: 4
- What I like about West Ada: The people and the community.
- The best thing about being a Principal is...The VMS students and staff! I enjoy creating a positive learning environment for us ALL to be life long learners.
- Family: I have been married for 15 years. My wife and I currently have 2 daughters: Paisley (7) and Haddi (5) and have another baby on the way!
- Favorite Food: Anything Asian!
- Favorite Movie: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
- Hobbies: Car restoration, camping, hiking, gardening
- Fun Fact: I am the youngest of 7 children!
We are so lucky to have such exceptional leaders in West Ada. Thank you for your continued leadership, dedication, service and compassion to those you serve!
Optional Device Protection Plan
West Ada School District offers optional device protection to families to cover the accidental breakage or damage that might occur to a child’s iPad or laptop. This voluntary protection plan is available for $25 per device and covers repairs or replacement due to accidental damage from drops, spills, vandalism, loss, theft, and incidental damage to another student’s device. Device protection does not cover intentional damage to a device, or damaged or lost accessories such as district provided cases, chargers, pens, or hotspots. Please see the Parent Student Device Handbook or Optional Device Protection Plan in the Student Handbooks for detailed information on the District’s Optional Device Protection Plan.
The optional device protection plan enrollment period is August 16-October 31. Families may sign up and pay for optional device protection through the Payment Portal located in PowerSchool. Please refer to the image below for instructions on accessing the optional device protection form in PowerSchool.
Families are responsible for the repair or replacement of devices which are damaged, lost, or stolen outside acceptable use guidelines published in student handbooks. Device protection is a voluntary, non-refundable, yearly cost for each device. Families may be able to add devices to their homeowner’s or renters’ insurance plan and may consider these alternatives prior to purchasing optional device protection.
Assistance League of Boise
Assistance League of Boise is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that is transforming lives and strengthening our community through philanthropic programs in Ada County. Member volunteers are dedicated to ongoing support and a long-term presence in the community through hands-on involvement and innovative philanthropic programs such as Operation School Bell.
Since 1990, Assistance League of Boise has worked closely with the West Ada School District to provide brand new clothing to K-6 students with the greatest needs. Students are transported to Operation School Bell to “shop” and are outfitted from head to toe with the help of volunteers. Each year, volunteers work approximately 7,100 hours in preparation time ordering clothes, tagging, assembling kits, scheduling schools, communicating with schools and dressing students. Each time a student leaves Operation School Bell they leave with $300 worth of brand-new clothing that includes:
- two pairs of jeans or sweat pants
- a winter coat
- a sweatshirt
- two tee shirts
- six pairs of underwear
- six pairs of socks
- a personal care kit containing toiletries
- a pair of shoes
- a book of their choice
- gloves and hats are also provided when available
Students not only leave with brand new clothing that they have gotten to hand select with the help of amazing and kind volunteers, they also leave with a HUGE smile. We are so lucky to have this program available to West Ada and thank them for continually supporting our students in need year after year.
Support the Assistance League of Boise by shopping at their Thrift Shop. The thrift shop is the main source of funding for the philanthropic programs of the Assistance League of Boise. It is staffed and managed entirely by member volunteers. Visit the Thrift Shop at 5825 N Glenwood St in Garden City, ID 83714 (across from Boise Hawks Stadium). The Thrift Shop offers quality merchandise, including a selection of antiques and collectibles; men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel and shoes; books for every age; baby clothes and accessories; sporting goods; toys;, housewares; linens; home decor; seasonal items; and jewelry, all at affordable prices. Their “YouNique Boutique” racks contain better clothing lines, some never even worn. Click here for more information: https://www.assistanceleague.org/boise/thrift-shop/
Donate to the Assistance League of Boise here: https://www.assistanceleague.org/boise/donate/osb/
Purposity
At West Ada School District we are dedicated to meeting all the needs of our students and making sure they are prepared to learn each day. Because of this, we’re excited to invite you to join Purposity. West Ada officially launched with Purposity in 2018. Since then, 888 needs have been met for students and families throughout our district.
Purposity allows you to quickly and easily lend a hand to someone right here in our community. By downloading their app, you’re sent notifications linked to a specific need once a week. It might be a winter jacket for a student in one of our schools or household essentials for a family that lost their home in a fire. The average item costs about $30 and directly impacts someone specific. You’ll be able to read their story and decide if you want to help, meeting the need in just a few clicks, right from your phone in under a minute. You’ll know exactly who you’re helping and why. It’s the simplest way to make an impact locally. All information is secure and confidential.
Purposity makes meeting needs for our students even faster and easier. Plus, the new app has several others features to help you track your generosity, find inspirational content, and see your impact. Your donation is also tax deductible. Just head to the App Store or Google Play to download the Purposity app and follow West Ada in rallying around our students!
Life Changer Spotlight - Nominate a School Nurse
Christine Donnell School of the Arts
Congratulations MHS Zoey Peterson!
Meridian High School Band’s Zoey Peterson has made the 2021 & the 2022 Western International Band Conference Honor Band!
We are so proud of Zoey being accepted two years in a row to this extremely prestigious group which will perform in Seattle this Spring.
Zoey is principal Bassoonist in MHS Symphonic Band & Concert Band. Clarinet Section leader in MHS Marching Band & Pep Band, band council member, Boise Youth Philharmonic Member, and takes private bassoon lessons. Last Spring, she achieved State Small Ensemble champion with her Woodwind Quintet. A truly incredible Warrior! Keep up the great work!
Idaho Statesman Athletes of the Week
- VOLLEYBALL: Mikale Roy, Owyhee: Racked up 23 kills, 30 digs and five blocks in sweeps of Capital and Kuna.
Way to represent West Ada! For more information and to read the full article by Michael Lycklama, CLICK HERE.
Chaparral Elementary Poster Winners!
Congratulations to the Chaparral Elementary Meridian Fire Poster contest winners! Chaparral is very proud of all students who submitted posters and congratulates all the winners.
We appreciate the Meridian Fire Department and the opportunity to learn about fire safety and raise awareness through this fun and creative activity.
Centennial Wrestling Patriot Reserves
Galileo STEM gives back!
Galileo STEM Academy held their annual "Give Week" fundraiser. It is their annual fundraiser where they ask the school community to support school programs and ask students to bring items to give to local charities.
Various items were collected for:
- The Idaho Humane Society @idahohumanesociety
- The Women's and Children's Alliance
- Book it Forward @book_it_forward_idaho
- The Idaho Food Bank @idahofoodbank
Galileo students brought in over 3,900 items to donate to charities!!!! Items will be delivered to these charities at the end of the week.
Upward Basketball
Upward Basketball is a developmental basketball league that incorporates positive character traits into practice times while teaching the players key fundamentals of the game. We are excited for this upcoming year of basketball! Registration ends on October 31. We are offering both boys and girls teams, 1st-7th grade.
- Here is the link to sign up: https://registration.upward.org/UPW80506
- Here is the link to volunteer: https://registration.upward.org/UPW80506/volunteer
Please invite anyone you know that might enjoy learning about basketball in a positive, fun environment.
MVHS students attend Hispanic Youth Leadership Summit
2022 Student Learn to Ski Program at Bogus Basin
- School program offered for 3rd-12th grade (7-18 years). This program is not designed for young children or adults.
- The Life Sports program is offered at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. (Tuesday-Friday).
- The School Night program is offered at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. (Tuesday-Saturday).
- Lessons are mandatory for both the Life Sports and School Night program
- Mandatory group minimum of 15 students Transportation is not provided for these programs
- The rate for the packages that we offer is for a five hour duration period for Life Sports and a 3.5 hour duration for School Nights.
- ** New this year – Aren't able to offer these programs this year as a school itself? Bogus Basin is still looking forward to providing a discounted ski/snowboard experience for youth wanting to participate. Inquire if you are looking to bring a group of 15 or more youth to the mountain.
- For more information contact Collette Wright, Group Sales & Event Coordinator - 208-332-5137, colette@bogusbasin.org
Pricing per-student per-visit rate (no difference in pricing if student has a season pass):
College Application Month!
College Application Week is a nationwide program to encourage every high school student apply for postsecondary training. Through Next Steps Idaho / Apply Idaho, Idaho high school students are able to apply for FREE to a common college application to 10 in-state colleges and universities. No SSN is required (though it is recommended).
Apply Idaho is an initiative of the State Board of Education in partnership with Idaho’s employers. Next Steps Idaho is designed to help students understand and pursue the many education and career opportunities available to them.
NEW THIS YEAR, students will be able to see their GPA and SAT/ACT scores prior to application submission. Only Idaho high school seniors can use Apply Idaho. Learn more at nextsteps.idaho.gov
Idaho Opportunity Scholarship
Idaho high school seniors and graduates of an Idaho high school, apply now for the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship! This is a need-based award for Idaho residents who have graduated or will graduate from an Idaho high school and will attend an eligible Idaho college or university. The Opportunity Scholarship awards eligible applicants up to $3,500 per academic year and is renewable for up to four years. Find more details on eligibility and apply on the Idaho State Board of Education's website: https://boardofed.idaho.gov/.../idaho-opportunity.../
Eligibility:
To qualify for the scholarship, a student must meet all of the following criteria:
- Have an unweighted, cumulative GPA of 2.7 or above
- Be an Idaho resident
- Graduated or will graduate from an Idaho high school or its equivalent or Idaho home school (GED/HSE from Idaho)
- Complete the State Board of Education scholarship application by March 1
- FAFSA Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by March
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress for financial aid purposes. (See program rules for more details.)
Details and application tutorial at https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/scholarship-idaho
West Ada Supplemental Levy
West Ada School District is proposing to renew its existing supplemental levy at the current amount, $14 million per year over the next two years. The funding from the supplemental levy is used for the school district's general operations. The district has maintained the 14 million dollar levy over the course of the past ten years with voters first approving the $14 million supplemental levy in 2012. At that time, the levy rate for the supplemental levy was $91.60 per $100,000 of taxable property value. At the end of fiscal year 2020, the supplemental levy rate is $52 per $100,000 of taxable property. The current estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed levy is $46.92 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions. This is not a new tax, it is a renewal of an existing levy that is expiring.
Election Day is November 2. You can register to vote, request an absentee ballot, view your ballot and find your local polling station here: https://adacounty.id.gov/elections/
Candy Buyback
IMPORTANT CHILD NUTRITION UPDATE
Food shortages are nationwide, and our district is also experiencing unavailable items or last-minute replacements. Menus are subject to change. Online menus are available and we will do our best to update with any changes. We appreciate your patience and understanding. We look forward to serving students free breakfast and lunch in our school buildings during the 2021-22 school year.
Mitigating Measures in the Classroom
- Teachers and students must sanitize their hands upon entering the classroom. Building custodians will check wall mounted hand sanitizer dispensers daily to check levels and replace cartridges. Teachers are responsible for requesting individual bottles of hand sanitizer from administration.
- Student desks should be distanced as much as possible, at least three (3) to six (6) feet apart is ideal.
- Remind students of the need to maintain distancing and that students should only get up to move around the classroom with teacher permission and supervision that ensures adequate physical distancing as much as possible, three (3) to six (6) feet is preferable.
- Remind students NOT TO SHARE laptops or computer keyboards, drinks, food, snacks, gum, writing utensils, tissues, face masks, make-up, chap stick, eating utensils, musical instruments, or personal items.
- Student desks, chairs, keyboards, or other items frequently touched at the student’s desk should be cleaned between use by different students.
- In those school buildings in which the building maintenance staff indicates that it is not possible to perform at least four air exchanges per hour, consider opening your classroom door and the classroom windows if weather allows and the open door and windows do not create excessive noise in the classroom. You can learn more on this page Modifying Facilities.
