Caldwell School District Update
From Superintendent Dr. N. Shalene French
Why Do State Assessments Matter?
Dear Caldwell Families,
Each spring, students in Idaho participate in the Idaho Standards Achievement Test (ISAT). We know families receive a lot of information about assessments, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Our goal is to partner with parents by sharing clear information about why these assessments matter and how they help us support student learning. The ISAT is just one of several tools we use to understand how students are progressing and how we can continue improving instruction for every child.
Understanding the ISAT: Parent FAQ
- Why do state assessments matter?
State assessments help schools ensure that all students are learning the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the next grade, in college, and in future careers.
- What is the ISAT?
The Idaho Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) is the statewide assessment used to measure how well students are learning the Idaho Content Standards in subjects like English Language Arts, Math, and Science.
- Why do students take the ISAT?
The test helps schools and teachers understand how well students are mastering grade-level skills. It also helps identify areas where students may need additional support.
- Does the ISAT affect my child’s grades?
No. ISAT scores do not affect report card grades. The test is used to measure learning and guide instruction.
- How are the results used?
ISAT results help teachers and schools:
• Identify strengths and areas for improvement
• Adjust instruction to better support students
• Evaluate curriculum and programs
• Ensure students are on track for future success
- Do parents receive results?
Yes. Families receive their child’s ISAT score report, which shows how their student performed compared to grade-level expectations.
- Is the ISAT the only way student learning is measured?
No. Teachers use many measures throughout the year, such as classroom assignments, projects, quizzes, and other assessments. The ISAT is just one additional measure.
- What happens if my child does not do well on the ISAT?
The results simply help teachers understand where a student may need additional support. Schools use the information to improve instruction and provide extra help if needed. One test does not define a student’s abilities or potential.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s learning and success. Your encouragement makes a difference. You can help your child feel confident and ready for the ISATs by encouraging them to:
• Get a good night’s sleep
• Eat a healthy breakfast
• Come to school on time
• Do their best
Learn more at Starting Smarter - to explore free educational resources for Idaho parents.
Together, we can help every student feel prepared, confident, and supported as they demonstrate what they have learned this year.
Scholarship Madness
March isn’t just about basketball brackets—it’s also Scholarship Madness for our Caldwell High School Seniors.
We are thrilled to share that Jaylene and Jamie were recently notified that they are recipients of the Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) First-Generation Excellence Scholarship. This highly competitive award is a four-year, full-tuition scholarship valued at approximately $170,000.
NNU awards only four of these scholarships each year, with applicants coming from students across Ada, Boise, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington counties. Receiving this award is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to Jaylene and Jamie’s hard work and dedication.
Congratulations, Jaylene and Jamie, on this outstanding achievement!
8th Grade Science in Action at Celebration Park
Syringa Middle School 8th-grade scientists recently spent two exciting days exploring fire ecology in the sagebrush steppe ecosystem at Celebration Park.
During this hands-on experience, students learned from experts about how wildfires impact our local landscape. They tried on wildland firefighting gear, practiced putting out simulated hot spots with water packs, and went on a fire ecology hike to learn how invasive cheatgrass increases wildfire risk. Students also visited the 2015 Celebration Fire burn scar, where they compared plant regrowth in the burn area with the surrounding landscape and conducted fire labs to observe how wind and terrain influence the spread of fires.
This experience helps launch our 8th-grade science fair projects, where students will investigate natural hazards and explore ways to predict and reduce wildfire risks.
A huge thank you to the NASA Earth to Sky Consortium for sharing their knowledge and hosting our students. Experiences like this help students connect science, our local environment, and real-world problem-solving.
A Seuss-tastic Week of Reading
What a week it was—Seuss Week, hooray!
With stories and smiles in classrooms each day.
Students dressed up with great joy and delight,
As Seuss-inspired characters filled halls with bright sights.
They read about cats who cause mischief and fun,
And green eggs and ham that were sampled by one…
then another, then more—“I like them!” they say,
As stories and laughter filled up the day.
In classrooms around us, the rhyming took flight,
With stories and poems both silly and bright.
Students wrote verses, created new tales,
With rhythms and rhymes and Seussian trails.
Teachers brought learning to life with great cheer,
With games, crafts, and reading that sparked smiles ear to ear.
Hands-on activities helped students see
How joyful and magical reading can be.
And oh, what a week—it was truly a treat!
With books, laughs, and learning that simply can’t be beat.
It reminded us all (as good stories will do)
That books spark imagination in me and in you.
For when children read, dream, wonder, and explore,
A lifelong love of reading begins to roar!
The Caldwell School District needs your feedback!
As a school district, it is important for us to receive student and parent feedback about the job we are doing in providing a quality education for all our children.
Please take a moment to provide your feedback through the CEE Family Survey.
We value your input as we strive to continue to improve.
To access the FAMILY SURVEY, please CLICK HERE.
- Choose your language preference on the opening page of the survey.
- Select your child’s school.
- If you have children in multiple schools, we would ask that you complete a survey for each of the schools your children attend.
- Complete the survey and click submit
If you would like to see the questions being asked of your student, please contact their respective school(s).
For Families from the Discovery Center of Idaho: Sensory-Friendly Learning Hours
The Discovery Center of Idaho is now providing Sensory-Friendly Learning Hours each month for visitors who may be overstimulated by the busy atmosphere of the everyday visitor experience. Families with children who would prefer this experience can review the sensory guide map ahead of time to prepare for their trip. There are also sensory kits available on request.
Sensory-friendly hours will take place on select Tuesdays each month from 5 - 7 pm.
- April 14
- May 12
- June 9
Sensory kits are also available on request on a first-come, first-served basis. These kits include noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, and various fidget toys to support visitors during their time at Discovery Center Idaho.
Interested families can learn more about Sensory-Friendly Learning Hours on the Center's website at the button below:
Spring Break
There will be no school from March 13 to March 20, 2026, for Spring Break. District Offices will be open. Regular Class schedules will resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
TAKE3: Where Rock Meets Bach
On Friday, March 20, 2026, at 7:00 pm, TAKE3: Where Rock Meets Bach, will be performing in the Jewett Auditorium on The College of Idaho campus. This high-energy trio blends classical, rock, and pop into a thrilling live show that proves instruments like violin, cello, and piano can truly rock.
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten Registration will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 2:30 - 6:00 pm, at your child's elementary school. Click HERE to view the school district elementary boundaries.
In partnership with Idaho Workforce Development Council, the Idaho Department of Education and Next Steps Idaho, Idaho Public Television is launching an innovative new project to help teenagers and young adults explore in-demand careers across Idaho. Through a monthly video series, educational resources and social media content, Idaho Jobs Explained highlights various industries, featuring real employees and career pathways.
Host Matthew Baltzell takes viewers inside companies and organizations, working alongside employees and interviewing professionals at different stages of their careers. Between episodes, shorter social media videos offer career advice, soft-skills tips and practical tools to support every step of the journey.
The program's first episode, Forestry, is available now. Future episodes include:
- Mining
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Aviation
Visit the program's dedicated webpage on the PBS website at the button below:
Partnering for Safer School Zones
Student and staff safety remains our district’s highest priority. Our district is actively working with the Caldwell Police Department, the City of Caldwell, and other community partners to evaluate areas around our schools and identify ways to increase safety for students who walk or bike to school.
These efforts include reviewing crosswalk visibility, improving signage, and exploring additional lighting in key areas where students frequently cross. By working collaboratively with our community partners, we are taking proactive steps to strengthen pedestrian safety around our school campuses.
We also encourage families to talk with students about safe walking habits, including using designated crosswalks and remaining alert near roadways. In addition, we remind drivers to use extra caution in school zones and during arrival and dismissal times when pedestrian traffic is highest.
Student safety is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate the continued support of our families, staff, and community partners as we work together to keep our students safe.
Just Serve Opportunities
Would you like to serve your community? You can connect to JustServe Caldwell to check out the many community service needs in our community.
Two Affordable Homeownership Opportunities in Caldwell
All applicants are required to complete the Home Buyer Education course through NeighborWorks Boise. To get started, contact Housing Counselor Ela Mosgopoulos at 208-258-6217 or amosgopoulos@nwboise.org. Once complete, Ela will assist with the next steps in the application process.
School Safety Summit
The City of Caldwell will be hosting a School Safety Summit on March 25 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at Vallivue Crossing, 1404 E Homedale Rd, Caldwell, ID 83607.
2025-2026 District Health Services
Caldwell School District cares about the health and safety of students and families in our communities. Each school has a full-time nurse or health aide and counselor on staff. We also offer a wide variety of health screenings and services throughout each school year. Click the button below to view the list of services.
Board Strategic Pillars: Safe & Supportive Schools
Strategic Plan
The Caldwell School District strategic planning framework is comprised of six areas of focus: Safe & Supportive Schools, Community Engagement, Inspiring Student Growth & Achievement, Stewarding Valued Resources, Empowering College & Career Readiness, and Ensuring Quality Instruction.
Vision:
Destination Education
Mission Statement:
Nurturing growth, eliminating obstacles, strengthening the community.
Superintendent Dr. N. Shalene French
Committed to Caldwell School District's mission, vision, and values to ensure equity and access for all students.
Email: nfrench@caldwellschools.org
Website: www.caldwellschools.org
Location: 1200 Grant St, Caldwell, ID, USA
Phone: (208) 455-3300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caldwellschools.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caldwellschooldistrict/