November 2025

What a fantastic month it’s been at Christine Donnell! From our exciting Jogathon and all the fun events that followed, to the unforgettable Kiss the Pig Farmstead Night and our Kindergarten music performance — thank you for always showing up and supporting us! We truly love our CDSA community and are so grateful for each of you.

Thank you to everyone who completed their Intent to Continue forms. Just a reminder: West Ada’s 2026-27 Lottery Application for Schools of Choice opens tomorrow, November 1st. Please encourage any prospective families to apply throughout November. If you have an incoming kindergartner, remember that you will need to apply as well!

The lottery will take place on December 9, 2025, and families will be notified by email shortly after. For more details and to submit an application, please visit the West Ada Schools of Choice website: Schools of Choice | West Ada School District.

As we enter the Thanksgiving season, we hope your family experiences joy and gratitude. We also recognize that this time of year can be challenging - perhaps this year more than ever. If your family needs support during November or the holiday season, please refer to the resource list below. Remember, our school community is here for you - please don't hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do to help.

For those celebrating Halloween tonight, we wish you a safe and fun-filled evening full of treats and smiles!

Jennifer Maxwell, Principal

Students go outside before school and at recess unless it is raining or the "feels like" temperature is less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Please send your child dressed to school for the weather!

Lost and Found Items will be donated after school on Thursday, November 20th. If your child is missing something, please check the Lost and Found prior to end of day on November 20th.

Did you know that we check ALL items for labels prior to donating? If you LOVE it, LABEL it!

I personally use these labels on my son's clothes, and they work really well: Amazon.com : Avery No-Iron Fabric Labels, 1/2" x 1-3/4", Washer and Dryer-Safe Waterproof Labels, Non-Printable, 54 Total (40720) : Office Products

Here's how it works: Current SNAP recipients simply need to show their SNAP/EBT card

at the Winter Market information booth. The SNAP/EBT card will not be charged. They

will then receive $20 to spend on any SNAP eligible items available at the Boise Farmers

Market (i.e. meat, cheese, bread, veggies, etc.). They also receive an additional $20 to

spend exclusively on other local fruits and vegetables. SNAP recipients may also still use

their card if they have available funds remaining.

The Boise Farmers Market already accepts SNAP/EBT and offers their “Double Up Food

Buck” program every Saturday April through December. While Saturday’s addition is a

pivot in light of the federal funding cuts, it is also just about providing community

support. “Feeding families farm fresh, local goods isn’t controversial, it’s essential.”

Donations to continue support of this program can be made through the Treasure

Valley Food Coalition here. You can also text “BFMSnapGap” to 44-321 to donate.

Food Assistance Locator - The Idaho Foodbank

Every Friday - Sunday 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

1717 N Cresmont Drive, Meridian, Idaho 83646

*No ID or Qualification Needed*

"Our food pantries are stocked and ready to serve," says Executive Director Ralph May. "If the need grows, we'll be ready to respond."

Food Pantries — St. Vincent de Paul

Community Resource Guide | West Ada School District

• November 4 - No School - Professional Learning Day
• November 6 - 2nd Grade Boise Watershed Field Trip
• November 18 - PTA Meeting at 4:15 in the Auditorium
• November 20 - Orchestra Concert for Parents at 9:45 AM
• November 21 - Kindergarten Balloons Over Broadway Parade at 11:00 AM
• November 24 - 28 - No School - Thanksgiving Break

Looking ahead...

• December 6 - Donuts and the Arts with Santa
• December 11 - Band Concert for Parents at 9:45 AM
• December 16 - PTA Meeting at 4:15 in the Auditorium
• December 18 - Choir Concert for Parents at 9:45 AM
• December 22 - January 5 - No School - Winter Break
• January 6 - School Resumes - 2nd Semester Begins

As we head into cold and flu season, please review the West Ada Illness Guidelines on when to keep your student home and when they can safely return to school:

• Fever over 100.0°F: A fever signals the body is fighting an infection and the individual is contagious. Students should remain home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning.
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea: Students should stay home until 24 hours have passed without vomiting or diarrhea to ensure they can keep food and liquids down.
• Persistent new cough: If a cough is severe enough to disrupt class or prevent participation, students should stay home. They may return once the cough is no longer disruptive or when cleared by a healthcare provider.

There may be exceptions - please contact Nurse Lisa with any questions.

For more details, visit the West Ada Health Services page: Health Services | West Ada School District.

Please remember to be courteous to fellow drivers and staff members during student drop-off and pick-up. If you need to exit your vehicle, please utilize the parking spots in our parking lot. We ask that you do not leave your vehicle if in the parent line.

If you haven't had a chance to view our drop-off/pick-up process video, please click on the video below to view. Thank you for helping this process run as smoothly as possible!