Oct. 1st - 30th
Dear Cougar Community,
My name is Chantel Kelly, and I am honored to be the new Principal of Caldwell High School. I am excited for the upcoming 2025-26 school year and look forward to fostering a community where every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. To help foster this in our school we will continue to help students find success by implementing both a response to intervention and positive behavioral intervention support in our school.
Response to Intervention (RTI) is a structured framework that we have implemented at CHS, it is designed to identify and address students' instructional, emotional, and behavioral needs. It consists of three tiers of support, each increasing in individualization and intensity to ensure students receive the appropriate level of intervention support.
Our Response To Intervention (RTI) framework enables our school to offer each learner the level of support they need, using data-driven decision-making, and our teams tailor support based on academic performance, behavior, attendance, and student/guardian feedback. Using the data we continuously monitor progress, we assess the effectiveness of interventions and make necessary adjustments to ensure student success.
This year, CHS is implementing the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, a proven approach to fostering a safe and positive learning environment. Staff and students have worked together to develop tools and resources for our school that promote positive behavior and a rewards system that will celebrate and recognize students who meet school-wide expectations.
At CHS, we are committed to building a community where every student feels valued, connected, and supported. Through our Positive Behavioral Intervention Support (PBIS), we will establish clear behavioral expectations, such as respect and kindness, while equipping students with the skills to create a positive school culture and climate.
Beyond the classroom, we encourage students to explore their interests through sports, clubs, CTE programs, and advanced learning opportunities, we will be celebrating learners achievements and success along the way. Communication with families is a priority for me—we will share updates through the Cougar Connection Newsletter and timely announcements via Blackboard messaging.
We value our partnership with families and the community as we guide students toward their postsecondary goals, collaborating with higher education institutions and workforce partners to provide multiple pathways to college and career readiness. Our continued investment in students' futures ensures that every learner has access to postsecondary experiences that prepare them for the opportunities of tomorrow.
I look forward to an incredible year ahead and am excited to work together to support our students' success!
Sincerely,
Chantel Kelly
2025-26 Principal, Caldwell High School
3401 S. Indiana Caldwell, ID 83605 (208) 455-3304
EMAIL: chs@caldwellschools.org
School District Dates to Remember
Link to 2025-26 District Calendar
Sept. 8th - Driver's Ed Parent Meeting
Sept. 12th - College of Idaho Staff Appreciation Night
Sept. 15th - CHS Fire Drill
Sept. 22nd - CHS Picture Retake Day
Sept. 25th - Student Immunization Clinic
Oct. 2nd - FFA Chili Feed
Oct. 4th - Band Showcase 8:00 AM
Oct. 6th - Homecoming Assembly 9:00 AM
Oct. 8th - CHS Homecoming Powder Puff & Bon Fire (dependent on weather) 6:00 PM
Oct. 9th - CHS Choir Concert 7:00 PM
Oct. 10th - CHS Homecoming Parade & Football game vs. Mountain Home 7:00 PM
Oct. 11th - CHS Homecoming Dance 8:00-11:00 PM
Oct. 13th - Columbus Day
Oct. 17th - No School
Oct. 20th - 24th - College Application Week
Oct. 22nd - PSAT
Oct. 23rd - Oct. 25th, 30th & Nov. 1st - Fall Play
Oct. 23rd - Doctor for a Day 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Oct. 27th. - 30th - Parent Teacher conference week
Oct. 31st - No School
Department Lead - Brennan Wurtz
I teach AP US History, Advanced US History, and Teaching Cadets. This is my eleventh year of teaching. I have taught every subject in the Social Studies department. I grew up in the area and matriculated at our rival school down the road. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. My mom was a school secretary and I spent a lot of time at school when I was a kid. I earned my Bachelor’s and my Master’s from Boise State University. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, listening to podcasts, riding my bike, mowing the lawn, and browsing cars on Facebook Marketplace. I am close with my family and enjoy the company of my colleagues.
James Langan - Economics & Social Studies
I teach Political Philosophy (Dual Credit), AP World History (Dual Credit), and Economics at Caldwell High School. I started teaching at CHS fall 2015 and I have taught just about every subject that CHS offers in Social Studies. I also coach girls soccer for CHS as the varsity assistant coach.
I grew up in Vancouver, WA and joined the U.S. Army after graduating high school. I was an 11B Infantryman in the Army and achieved the rank of Sergeant before leaving the Army in 2011. While in the Army, I operated as rifleman, grenadier, stryker driver, vehicle commander, fireteam leader, and training room NCO. My awards include, the Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Rifle Marksmanship Badge, Army Accommodation Medal (2nd award), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism (service), Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO ISAF Medal (Afghanistan). After leaving the military service, I enrolled in college in pursuit of a degree in history. I graduated from the College of Western Idaho in 2013 with an Associate’s Degree in History making the Dean’s List. I then transferred to the College of Idaho and graduated cum laude in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in History with a minor in secondary education. I am currently working on my master’s degree in educational leadership to obtain my administrator certification at the College of Idaho.
I have a wonderful family, my wife is also an educator teaching middle school math at Idaho Art’s Charter, I also have four children (Kaylee, James, Sadie, and Jack). I enjoy woodworking, Lego, and shooting in my spare time.
Eric Price - Social Studies
I teach US History I at Caldwell High School, and this is my first year teaching. I grew up in Twin Falls, Idaho, where I had some amazing teachers that ultimately inspired me to aim for the career that I’m working in now. Throughout high school I played golf as well as coaching for junior programs in the Magic Valley. After graduating high school, I earned my bachelor’s degree in History - Social Studies Secondary Education at Boise State University in the spring of this year. In the future I look forward to pursuing my master’s degree, as well as taking an active role in the golf program here at CHS. If you’ve been to my classroom you won’t be surprised, but one of my favorite hobbies outside of school is building Lego’s. I’m a fan of all things professional Seattle sports, as well as Formula 1 racing. When not enjoying any of the things listed above, you can find me reading, watching movies, or spending time with family and friends.
Olivia Whitsel - Government
IBeginning my eleventh year at Caldwell High, I currently teach American Government, though I am also certified in English and American History. I’m a proud Idaho native, growing up in Emmett, becoming a first-generation high school graduate in 2010. That fall I began at The College of Idaho, where I graduated with a bachelor’s in History in 2014. I am currently enrolled in Ashland University’s Masters in American History and Government program. I’ve truly made CHS my home. I absolutely love being a Cougar and serving as a mentor to our students. I’m heavily involved in the school community whether it’s cheering our students on from the stands, acting as the Senior Class Advisor, and coordinating various opportunities for our Senior Project. I’m grateful for my team and the entire Cougar family. When not on campus, I enjoy spending time with my family, attending my daughter’s little league games, reading, catching a good movie, and enjoying the Idaho outdoors.
Madison Smith - Social Studies
Hello! I teach US History I and US History II, and this is my fourth year teaching. After graduating from CHS, I earned my bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University and, more recently, my master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology. I chose to teach social studies because of the many fantastic teachers I had growing up, but also because I grew to love the subject and teaching it. I am a Caldwell native and am excited to be back. When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy thrifting, reading, and watching movies. I like creating lessons that make history engaging and relevant for students and helping them connect the past to the world they live in today. Before moving to the high school, I taught middle school for several years. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, thrifting, reading, and watching movies of all kinds, though I’m especially a fan of Marvel and Harry Potter.
Madison Boynton - Government & Social Studies
I teach American Government and US History II, which allows me to spend my time working with Juniors and Seniors. This is my third year of teaching, and I have been at Caldwell High School for all three years. I originally grew up near downtown Boise and then moved away for college, where I attended Brigham Young University–Idaho and earned my Bachelor’s in History Education and a minor in Government Education. Towards the end of my college career, I had the opportunity to be placed at Caldwell High School for my student teaching. I grew to love the school, students, and community, and the following year, I was hired to take the place of one of our beloved coworkers who retired. I love everything history and government, and I am glad I have the opportunity to share that with the students I interact with every day. When I’m not at school, I am often hanging out with my family and friends, playing board games, doing escape rooms, paddleboarding, and watching movies.
Katelyn Benavidez-Schulte - Social Studies
I teach US History II & AP Human Geography. I grew up in Los Angeles, CA. I came to Caldwell to attend the College of Idaho where I played four years of collegiate soccer. I got my Bachelor’s in History with minors in Secondary Education, Natural Science and Environmental Humanities. I briefly moved with my now husband, who I met in college, to Montana. I returned to Caldwell in 2021 shortly after getting married to take the position of Head Varsity Soccer Coach for Girls Soccer here at Caldwell. I spent my first two years back in the district teaching 7th & 8th Grade World History at Jefferson Middle School. Shortly after I gave birth to my son in 2023, I made the move to the high school where I have taught ever since. While living in Montana I started pursuing my Master’s Degree and ultimately completed it in December of 2023 earning a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Nebraska Kearney. In my free time I love hanging out with my son, Graham, watching or playing sports, going to country concerts, paddle boarding, reading, playing board games and watching TV.
— All middle and high school students must wear or carry ID badges beginning Sept. 8th
— An employee monitors the north entrance at Caldwell High School
— Office Staff received updated guidance on student identification protocols
— High school students cannot access vehicles during school day without permission
Picture Day Information & Student Badges
Picture day was Monday the 18th during school, students have had a chance to get their picture taken by professionals and the parents received information on how to order pictures. Student badges were handed out during lunch all last week and we are continuing to hand out student badges during morning, lunch, and after school time.
Picture Retake day will be September 22nd!
Badges are to be worn daily, it is an important part of school safety and procedures.
📱 CHS Cell Phone & Personal Electronic Device Expectations 2025-26
To support a focused and respectful learning environment, CHS has established the following steps when students do not follow expectations regarding personal electronic devices during the school day other than during lunch time in the cafeteria:
1st Offense:
• Student is reminded of the cell phone/personal device policy.
• Teacher submits a discipline referral.
• The device is confiscated and taken to the main office.
• Administrator or administrator designee will contact the parent/guardian before the device is returned.
• The student may retrieve the device only after parent contact has been made.
• The behavior and incident is documented by administrator or administrator designee.
2nd Offense:
• The device is confiscated and turned in to the main office as soon as possible (no later than 2:56 PM).
• Teacher submits a discipline referral.
• Parent/guardian must come to the main office to pick up the device after school between 2:56 PM and 4:00 PM.
• The behavior and incident is documented by administrator or administrator designee.
3rd Offense:
• The device is confiscated and taken to the main office as soon as possible (no later than 2:56 PM).
• Teacher submits a discipline referral.
• A conference with the parent, student, teacher, and administrator will be scheduled.
• Parent must pick up the device from the main office once a meeting has been conducted.
• Behavior and incident is documented by administration or administrator designee.
Repeat Offender:
• Teacher submits a discipline referral.
• The device is confiscated and brought to the main office (no later than 2:56 PM).
• Administration or administrator designee will contact the parent, and a parent must retrieve the device in person, administration can request that the device not be brought back onto school grounds and a contract will be signed.
• A conference will be held to develop an individualized plan to address the repeated behavior.
Bus Safety
CTC Bus company addressing disciplinary actions (for 2025-2026)
First write up - CTC will contact parents
Second write up for the same behavior - three days suspension off the bus
CTC will contact the parents
Third write up for the same behavior - five days suspension off the bus
CTC will contact the parents
Fourth write up for the same behavior - student contract and/or loss bus privileges for the year
CTC will contact the parents
CTC will scan and email the write-ups to the school for documentation purposes
Welding
Automotive Repair
Certified Nursing Assistant
Medical Assistant
Pre-Engineering
Hospitality & Tourism
Business Administration
Graphic Design
Rehabilitative Medicine (Sports Med)
Independent Occupational Training
Agriculture: Plant Science, Small Engines, Animal Science, Leadership & Communication, Food Science
Programming & Software Development
Cybersecurity
Fall Sports
Freshman
9/11/25 Fresh Football @ Gooding 7:00 PM
9/18/25 Fresh Football @ Vallivue 6:00 PM
9/25/25 Fresh Football vs. Ridgevue 6:00 PM
10/03/25 Fresh Football vs. Wood River HS 4:00 PM
10/09/25 Fresh Football @ Mountain Home 6:00 PM
10/16/25 Fresh Football vs. Jerome HS 6:00 PM
10/23/25 Fresh Football @ Parma 6:00 PM
Varsity
09/12/25 Football vs. Gooding 7:00 PM
09/19/25 Football @ Vallivue (Simplot Stadium) 7:00 PM
09/26/25 Football vs. Ridgevue 7:00 PM
10/03/25 Football vs. Wood River 7:00 PM
10/10/25 Football vs. Mountain Home 7:00 PM
10/17/25 Football @ Jerome 7:00 PM
10/24/25 Football vs. Parma 7:00 PM
Volleyball: Varsity, JV, and Sophomore(Main Gym):
9/11/25 Soph. Volleyball @ Columbia HS 4:30 PM
9/15/25 Soph. Volleyball @ Ontario HS 4:30 PM
9/16/25 Soph. Volleyball @ Middleton HS 4:30 PM
9/18/25 Soph. Volleyball vs. Bishop Kelly HS 4:30 PM
9/25/25 Soph. Volleyball @ Nampa HS 4:30 PM
9/30/25 Soph. Volleyball vs Columbia HS 4:30 PM
10/02/25 Soph. Volleyball vs Middleton HS 4:30 PM
10/07/25 Soph. Volleyball @ Bishop Kelly HS 4:30 PM
10/09/25 Soph. Volleyball @ Vallivue HS 4:30 PM
10/14/25 Soph. Volleyball vs Nampa HS 4:30 PM
10/18/25 Soph. Volleyball Districts @ Caldwell HS TBA
Junior Varsity
9/11/25 JV Volleyball @ Columbia HS 5:00 PM
9/15/25 JV Volleyball @ Ontario HS 5:00 PM
9/16/25 JV Volleyball @ Middleton HS 5:00 PM
9/18/25 JV Volleyball vs. Bishop Kelly HS 5:00 PM
9/25/25 JV Volleyball @ Nampa HS 5:00 PM
9/30/25 JV Volleyball vs Columbia HS 5:00 PM
10/02/25 JV Volleyball vs Middleton HS 5:00 PM
10/07/25 JV Volleyball @ Bishop Kelly HS 5:00 PM
10/09/25 JV Volleyball @ Vallivue HS 5:00 PM
10/14/25 JV Volleyball vs Nampa HS 5:00 PM
0/18/25 JV Volleyball Districts @ Caldwell HS TBA
Varsity
9/11/25 Varsity Volleyball @ Columbia HS 6:30 PM
9/15/25 Varsity Volleyball @ Ontario HS 6:30 PM
9/16/25 Varsity Volleyball @ Middleton HS 6:30 PM
9/18/25 Varsity Volleyball vs. Bishop Kelly HS 6:30 PM
9/25/25 Varsity Volleyball @ Nampa HS 6:30 PM
9/30/25 Varsity Volleyball vs Columbia HS 6:30 PM
10/02/25 VarsityVolleyball vs Middleton HS 6:30 PM
10/07/25 Varsity Volleyball @ Bishop Kelly HS 6:30 PM
10/09/25 Varsity Volleyball @ Vallivue HS 6:30 PM
10/14/25 Varsity Volleyball vs Nampa HS 6:30 PM (Senior Night)
10/18/25 Varsity Volleyball District @ Middleton TBA
10/20/25 Varsity Volleyball District @ Middleton TBA
10/22/25 Varsity Volleyball District @ Middleton TBA
10/23/25 Varsity Volleyball District @ Middleton TBA
10/25/25 Varsity Volleyball District @ Middleton TBA
10/30/25 Varsity Volleyball State IHSSA @ Timberline TBA
10/31/25 Varsity Volleyball State IHSSA @ Timberline TBA
11/01/25 10/30/25 Varsity Volleyball State IHSSA @ Timberline TBA
Girls Soccer:
Junior Varsity
9/09/25 Girls JV Soc @ Middleton HS 4:30 PM
9/11/25 Girls JV Soc vs. Skyview 4:30 PM
9/16/25 Girls JV Soc vs. Vallivue HS 4:30 PM
9/17/25 Girls JV Soc @ Nampa HS 4:30 PM
9/23/25 Girls JV Soc @ Columbia HS 4:30 PM
9/25/25 Girls JV Soc vs. Middleton HS 4:30 PM
9/30/25 Girls JV Soc @ Skyview HS 5:30 PM
10/02/25 Girls JV Soc @ Vallivue HS 4:30 PM
10/07/25 Girls JV Soc vs. Nampa HS 5:00 PM
10/11/25 Girls JV Soc District TBA
Varsity
9/09/25 Girls Varsity @ Middleton HS 6:30 PM
9/11/25 Girls Varsity vs. Skyview HS 6:00 PM
9/16/25 Girls Varsity vs. Vallivue HS 6:00 PM
9/17/25 Girls Varsity @ Nampa HS 6:30 PM
9/23/25 Girls Varsity @ Columbia HS 6:00 PM
9/25/25 Girls Varsity vs. Middleton HS 6:00 PM
9/30/25 Girls Varsity @ Skyview HS 7:00 PM
10/02/25 Girls Varsity @ Vallivue HS 6:00 PM
10/09/25 Girls Varsity Districts TBA @ Vallivue
10/11/25 Girl Varsity Districts TBA @ Vallivue
10/14/25 Girls Varsity Districts TBA @ Vallivue
10/16/25 Girls Varsity Districts TBA @ Vallivue
10/18/25 Girls Varsity Districts TBA @ Vallivue
Boys Soccer:
Junior Varsity
9/10/25 Boys JV Soc vs Bishop Kelly HS 4:30 PM
9/15/25 Boys JV Soc @ Ridgevue HS 4:30 PM
9/17/25 Boys JV Soc vs Centennial HS 4:30 PM
9/20/25 Boys JV Soc @ Columbia HS 10:30 PM
9/22/25 Boys JV Soc @ Owyhee HS 4:30 PM
9/24/25 Boys JV Soc vs Rocky Mountain HS 4:30 PM
9/29/25 Boys JV Soc @ Kuna HS 4:00 PM
10/01/25 Boys JV Soc @ Boise HS 4:30 PM
10/06/25 Boys JV Soc @ Capital HS 4:30 PM
Varsity
9/08/25 Boys Varsity Soc vs Meridian HS 6:00 PM
9/10/25 Boys Varsity Soc vs Bishop Kelly HS 6:30 PM
9/15/25 Boys Varsity Soc @ Ridgevue HS 6:00 PM
9/17/25 Boys Varsity Soc vs Centennial HS 6:00 PM
9/20/25 Boys Varsity Soc @ Columbia HS 12:00 PM
9/22/25 Boys Varsity Soc @ Owyhee HS 6:00 PM
9/24/25 Boys Varsity Soc vs Rocky Mountain HS 6:00 PM
9/29/25 Boys Varsity Soc @ Kuna HS 5:30 PM
10/01/25 Boys Varsity Soc @ Boise HS 6:00 PM
10/06/25 Boys Varsity Soc @ Capital HS 6:00 PM
10/09/25 Boys Varsity Soc District @ Mountain View/Owyhee TBA
10/10/25 Boys Varsity Soc District @ Mountain View/Owyhee TBA
10/11/25 Boys Varsity Soc District @ Mountain View/Owyhee TBA
10/13/25 Boys Varsity Soc District @ Mountain View/Owyhee TBA
10/14/25 Boys Varsity Soc District @ Mountain View/Owyhee TBA
10/15/25 Boys Varsity Soc District @ Mountain View/Owyhee TBA
Cross Country:
8/23/25 Jimmy Driscoll Invite TBA
8/29/25 Doug Root Invite TBA
9/04/25 Caldwell Twilight Invite (Home)
9/13/25 Nampa City Meet @ West Park TBA
9/19/25 Dani Bates Invite TBA
9/27/25 Nike Portland XC Invite TBA
9/27/25 Bob Firman (Eagle Island) TBA
10/03/25 Gary Ward Invite @ Nampa TBA
10/04/25 Gib Floyd @ Kuna TBA
10/10/25 Melba Invite TBA
10/17/25 Bugtown @ Middleton TBA
10/24/25 Districts TBA
Swim:
Cheer:
September we will readjust to Mondays-Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 pm.
Golf:
