What are some common challenges students face when transitioning from middle school to high school, and what strategies can be used to help ease that transition? That’s what we’re discussing with Alison Terrill and Brigitte O’Brien.

Alison is a counselor at Lowell Scott Middle School; she has been helping kids navigate big changes for over two decades! Brigitte has been doing the same at Mountain View High School for the last 13 years. Our West Ada counselors fill countless roles, and they are here to help you figure out the best way for you and your children to make that next step with confidence and grace.

To learn more about our Thank-A-Teacher opportunities, click here.

For more on Purposity, click here.

To subscribe to West Ada’s YouTube channel, click here.

To learn more about the podcast, or for past episodes, click here.

#WeAreWestAda

Did you know our students have access to an ambulance simulator!? Well, they do, and today’s conversation with a pair of our Career & Technical Education (CTE) advocates takes place right in front of it! Join us in the health lab. That’s just one of the hands-on opportunities available to our CTE students.

William Schumaker is the director of Career & Technical Education, and Wendy Small is the CTE College & Career Counselor. If you’re wondering if one of West Ada’s CTE pathways is right for your child, you’re in the right place for answers.

For a comprehensive look at Career & Technical Education in West Ada, start here.

For course selection planning night dates, click here.

To learn more about our Thank-A-Teacher opportunities, click here.

To subscribe to West Ada’s YouTube channel, click here.

To learn more about the podcast, or for past episodes, click here.

There is an invisible problem in West Ada, and our social workers are on the front lines of addressing it. Some facts: over 845 students are experiencing homelessness throughout the district, and 24% of our students experience financial hardship.

Today, we're joined by Shannon Shayne, our Community Schools Lead, and Anne Edwards, a district social worker, who shed light on these crucial aspects of our district.

It's inspiring to learn how our social work team works tirelessly to support our students' social-emotional needs and creates a bridge between families, schools, and community resources – holistic support is key.

To learn more about the role of school social workers, click here.

To discover the impact of community schools in West Ada, click here.

For more on community resources, click here…

www.Findhelpidaho.org

https://211.idaho.gov/.

https://idahofoodbank.org/getfood/

To hear how the West Ada Education Foundation helped one of our homeless students, click here.

Or for more on Ruby’s story click here.

To learn about Avenues for Hope, click here.

For more on Purposity, click here.

To subscribe to West Ada’s YouTube channel, click here.

To learn more about the podcast, or for past episodes click here.

Remember, our social workers and community schools are here to support you. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.

#WeAreWestAda #CommunityStrong

As parents, you may wonder, why does West Ada have late start Wednesdays? Or what about those four professional learning days, and why do they happen in the middle of the week?! We’re joined by Patricia Vandenberg, West Ada’s Math Curriculum Coordinator, she answer’s all that and more.

Specifically, it’s fascinating to learn how our curriculum team works tirelessly to empower our teachers and administrators with continuous learning and improvement – innovative thinking is key.

To learn more about instructional rounds, click here.

To learn more about the math symposium, click here.

Here’s a link to the lifelong learner mindset article published by Idaho Education News.

For more on Purposity, click here.

To subscribe to West Ada’s YouTube channel, click here.

To learn more about the podcast, or for past episodes click here.

#WeAreWestAda

It’s been a while since we’ve checked in with a pulse episode of the West Ada Podcast, but we’ve got some great things to report this week! The district recently secured a grant to cover the salary and benefits of another School Resource Officer (SRO) for the district.

We’re joined by Geoff Stands, the Director of Safety and Behavior for West Ada. He and Sgt. Morgan Carter, the South Team Supervisor of the Meridian Police Department discuss everything from what an SRO does, to how they conduct threat assessments, and work through plans to keep our students safe.

If you’d like to see Mr. Stands’ presentation at this week’s board meeting, click here.

To learn more about school safety in Idaho, click here.

To meet one of our Meridian Police Department officers, click here.

To meet one of our Ada County Sherriff officers, click here.

To subscribe to West Ada’s YouTube channel, click here.

To learn more about the podcast, or for past episodes click here.

#WeAreWestAda

West Ada’s goal of remaining on the cutting edge of education is as strong as ever. One of the most recent examples of that is on display with the opening of the Flyers Center.

Flyers is a unique facility designed to empower our youngest K-5 learners. The emphasis is on teaching these students how to correctly address the behavioral problems that are hindering their education and development.

We’re joined by Kelli Knowles, the Principal of Flyers Center, and Jamie Giebler, a behavior consultant in the district. These two educators are spearheading West Ada’s innovative approach to behavior and student development.

To learn more about Flyers, click here.

To learn more about Varsity Tutors, click here.

To subscribe to West Ada’s YouTube channel, click here.

To learn more about the podcast, or for past episodes click here.

#WeAreWestAda

Let’s be honest, “those kids” don’t have the greatest reputation – and that’s not fair. Students choose to attend West Ada’s alternative high schools for various reasons; they’ve had to repeat a grade, attendance issues, essentially any at risk category. If you have a student you’re concerned about, this episode is for you.

Kristen Haener and Mike Hanneman join us to talk about how West Ada’s academies meet those students where they are and formulate a plan for success. Haener is the district’s Administrator of Alternative Education and Hanneman is the principal of Rebound School of Opportunity and Virtual School House.

If you’d like to reach out to Haener directly, her email is Haener.Kristen@WestAda.org.

To see Rebound’s graduation from last year, click here.

To view the 2023, We Are West Ada Staff Recognition Awards, click here.

To learn more about Purposity, click here.

To subscribe to West Ada’s YouTube channel, click here.

To learn more about the podcast, or for past episodes click here.

#WeAreWestAda

Mental health and teacher retention have been topics of conversation across the country the past few years. We’re joined by a father and son teaching duo to discuss what they see in the profession and why they do what they do.

Alan Heikkila is in his 37th year of teaching. He’s a West Ada Ag instructor focusing mainly on small engines. His son, Daniel, also teaches welding at Meridian High. You’ll be encouraged and perhaps surprised by some of what they reveal about teaching in Idaho.

If your daughter or son would like to learn more about Career and Technical Education (CTE) and any of the pathways West Ada offers, click here.

For more on this year’s Ag Expo click here. Or on this story from KTVB.

To learn more about welding in West Ada click here. Or here’s a look at the collision pathway.

To learn more about Varsity Tutor, click here.

To subscribe to West Ada’s YouTube channel, click here.

To learn more about the podcast, or for past episodes click here.

#WeAreWestAda