As you may know, the effort to implement a voucher system or tax credit for private school expenses has been a top legislative priority for some Idaho legislators.
This year, House Bill 93 has been passed by the House of Representatives and is now heading for a full hearing in the Senate. The Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy prepared a report on the proposed Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit Program, (The Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy is a private, not-for-profit, and non-partisan organization).
One of the biggest misnomers regarding this legislation is marketing it as "Parental Choice".
This is not true. Private schools are under no obligation or mandate to accept all children who would like to enroll in the school. Private schools can turn students away.
Another misnomer - This tax credit does not expand "school choice" in rural communities. There are only so many private schools in Idaho and the majority of those schools are located in the Treasure Valley.
In his State of the State address, Governor Little assured Idahoans that he would only consider a voucher/tax credit/ESA private school legislation if it met the following criteria:
Fair, Accountable, Responsible, Transparent.
House Bill 93 does not meet this criteria.
I invite you to share your concerns or questions with Governor Little at https://gov.idaho.gov/contact/contact-us/
Consider reaching out to your legislators and share your concerns or ask questions about the program and the long-term consequences this legislation will have on all of Idaho's children.
Senator Blaylock: CBlaylock@senate.idaho.gov
Representative Cayler: LCayler@house.idaho.gov
Representative Marmon: KMarmon@house.idaho.gov
District Champions
The Caldwell High School Cheer Team is adding some more hardware to the Cougar trophy case. The team reclaimed their title and are now "Back to Back" 5A District III CoEd District Champions!
The Cougars took 1st place in the Pom and Show categories and 2nd place in Sideline. This win has qualified them to compete at State.
The Cougars will represent Caldwell during the State Championship February 28 - March 1 at the Ford Idaho Center.
Board Strategic Pillars: Inspiring Student Growth & Achievement
Professional Development
Earlier this week, Kindergarten and Preschool teachers participated in a full day of Professional Development. This training predominantly focused on enhancing teaching strategies to support students with challenging behaviors.
Self-regulation plays a critical role in children's overall development and is linked to positive outcomes in school and life. Many children have not yet developed the self-regulation they need to:
- Manage their emotions and behaviors
- Think before they act
- Engage in positive interactions and shared learning with peers
- Learn how to learn
- Develop school readiness and academic skills
Board Strategic Pillar: Ensuring Quality Instruction
Idaho Middle Level Conference
Earlier this month, some of our middle school educators had the opportunity to attend the Idaho Middle Level Conference. This annual event brings together passionate educators to share insights and strategies tailored for middle-level education.
This association is dedicated to enhancing the educational experiences of young adolescents by providing vision, knowledge, and resources to educators.
"Returning from the Middle Level Conference with new strategies to support our students during these critical years. These events help us grow as a school community and continue providing the best education possible for our students," said Heather Ehlschide, Principal at Syringa Middle School.
Board Strategic Pillars: Stewarding Valued Resources
Two Caldwell High School students have been working on a community health equity project. For the last two years, their project has been focusing on food and nutrition insecurity in high school athletics.
In partnership with the University of Idaho Extension Program, and the help of a $1,500 grant, Maylee McConnell-Soong and Keira Ferro, were able to provide the track team at Caldwell High School with new water bottles and over 200 nutritious snack bags for student-athletes to use at practices and during meets.
Find out more about their project in the video below.
Board Strategic Pillar: Community Engagement
If you’re a fan of high school sports, we need to talk.
When you’re at the game, do you lose control? If so, everyone sees it—the teachers, the officials, the other fans, the parents, and most importantly, the student-athletes. They see you at your worst. And it leaves an impression—not just of you and the school but all Idaho high school athletics.
Research consistently underscores that kids look to adults as inspiration for who they want to be and how they want to live. That’s because adults set the tone. Adults show what behaviors are acceptable and what aren’t. Adults mold perceptions of what it is to be good and bad, and adults pass down the tools to help tell the difference.
So, ask yourself, what difference are you creating? And what molds are you setting?
When you’re around kids, do you act like a role model? Are you on your best behavior, knowing that your actions have an impact? Or do you see watchful eyes fixed on you and think this is my moment?
The effect you have on young minds is beyond measure. It’s deep and lasting, and it’s up to you to make it positive.
Idaho high school athletics are a place for positivity. They’re a place for encouragement and growth where young people should feel safe to find themselves, learn from their mistakes and excel.
Negativity and bad behavior, on the other hand, stop growth in its tracks. They erode confidence, shrink identity and eat away at esteem until nothing is left. Our student-athletes deserve better. Our student-athletes deserve your support, understanding and a pledge to lead by example.
We must show them what it means to keep your cool, especially when facing adversity. It’s an essential life skill and one that often takes a lifetime to learn. So, let’s start now. At the next game, when the stakes get high and tensions rise, what impression will you leave?
Simmer down or sit down. Let’s show them how it’s done.
Visit BenchBadBehavior.com to join the #BenchBadBehavior movement.
Written by Karissa Niehoff, Chief Executive Officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Chad Williams, Executive Director of the Idaho High School Activities Association
Board Strategic Pillar: Community Engagement
We value your input as we work to improve our school policies and practices. Your feedback is essential in ensuring we create a supportive and effective learning environment for all of our students.
If you would like to provide input on current or upcoming policies, please visit the link below. In addition, the Board of Trustees also takes patron input during their Regular Board Meetings. These meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at 7 pm. Click HERE to find the Board Meeting Calendar.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping us build a strong school community.
Board Strategic Pillar: Community Engagement
Winter Driving Tips
The Caldwell Police Department is urging Caldwell residents to drive carefully this winter. Below are a few ways to stay safe on the roads during the cold snowy days.
- Check Your Tires: Ensure your tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread for better traction on icy or snowy roads. Consider switching to winter tires for added safety.
- Clear Off All Snow and Ice: Don’t just scrape the windshield—clear your headlights, taillights, roof, and windows to maximize visibility and reduce the chance of snow flying off and blinding other drivers.
- Drive Slowly and Maintain Distance: Slick roads increase stopping distance. Slow down and leave extra space between you and the car ahead of you.
- Use Your Lights Wisely: Turn on your headlights in low visibility conditions like snow, sleet, or fog, even during the day.
- Avoid Cruise Control: In slippery conditions, you’ll need more control over your speed, so keep your foot on the pedal and avoid using cruise control.
- Know How to Handle Skidding: If your car starts to skid, remain calm. Steer gently into the skid, not against it, and avoid slamming on the brakes.
- Never Use Your Phone: Distractions can be deadly in winter weather. If you need to call, pull over to a safe location first.
Board Strategic Pillar: Safe & Supportive Schools
No School Monday, February 17, 2025
There will be no school on Monday, February 17, 2025, in observance of the Presidents Day holiday. Regular class schedules will resume on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
Princess Project
The Princess Project is coming back to Caldwell! This event will offer formal wear for sale to all Canyon County High School students at $10.00 each. There will be several hundred dresses to offer; both new and gently used. There will also be shoes and tuxedos this year! This will be on a first come first serve basis until they are gone.
Warming Stations
It's cold Caldwell! The City of Caldwell has several warming stations available to assist those in need.
Caldwell Public Library-1010 Dearborn Street
Hours of Service:
Mon - Thu: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.,
Fri: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.,
Sat: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.,
Sun: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Caldwell Senior Center-1009 Everett
Hours of Service:
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
PBS Kids
The American Academy of Pediatrics published updated guidelines regarding kids and screen time. Check out the 5 Cs of Media Use, which offer easy-to-remember, age-based tips for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, school-age children, young teens, and older teens.
Board Strategic Pillar: Community Engagement
Caldwell Season of Caring
During February, the Caldwell community is encouraged to come together to support neighbors in need through food drives, charity events, and volunteer opportunities. Special attention will be given to assisting vulnerable populations, including the elderly, families in need, and local nonprofits. The Season of Caring encourages residents to make a positive impact through simple acts of kindness and to create a culture of care and inclusivity. If you participate, please post your pictures and tag #caldwellseasonofcaring
Blood Drive Sponsored by Caldwell Kiwanis Club
On Friday, February 28, 2025, the Caldwell Kiwanis Club will be sponsoring a blood drive. This blood drive will be held at the Church of Christ on the Corner of Ustick and 10th from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. All types of blood are needed. Please contact Andrea for more information: 503-260-3065 or apcook1935@gmail.com
MYAC Gala Event
The Caldwell Mayor's Youth Advisory Council is hosting their biggest fundraiser of the year on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 6-10 pm at the College of Idaho's newly renovated Simplot Dining Hall banquet room. If you would like to merely give a donation you can do so by dropping it off at City Hall or using this link below: https://myacgala.maxgiving.bid/about-us
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/