Dear West Ada Families,
I'd like to remind you of an important update regarding our upcoming Professional Learning Day for staff. Originally scheduled for Wednesday, November 6, 2024, this day was moved to Tuesday, November 5, 2024. This change was approved by the Board in the spring of 2024 to accommodate the use of 39 of our school campuses as polling locations for the presidential election.
With a large voter turnout anticipated, we believe this adjustment best supports the safety of our students and the needs of our community. On November 5, while our buildings serve as polling sites, our dedicated staff will be engaged in professional learning activities. There will be no school for students in grades Pre-K through 12 on this day, and regular schedules will resume on Wednesday, November 6.
As students return on November 6, let’s work together to foster an atmosphere of respect, compassion, and understanding. Conversations about the election may bring about diverse perspectives, and it’s essential to remind ourselves—and our students—that kindness and civility help everyone feel valued and safe.
Thank you for your understanding, and for your ongoing partnership in building a positive, welcoming space for all.
Warm regards,
Dr. Derek Bub
Superintendent, West Ada School District
Join us for an important virtual presentation on youth vaping, open to all parents and guardians. Learn about current trends, the health impacts of vaping, and effective strategies for starting conversations with your child. You’ll also gain access to free resources to support both you and your child. Plus, by attending, you’ll be entered to win a $100 gift card! Scan the QR code on the flyer to register and secure your spot. Let’s work together to keep our youth informed and healthy.
🗓️ Ticket Sales Open: November 6 - December 31
💵 Cost: $50 per ticket – Buy 4, Get 1 FREE
🏆 Grand Prize: A 2024 Ford Escape valued at $30,000! 🚗
⛳ Bonus Prize: If we sell 5,000 tickets, a $9,000 golf cart will be added!
This is your chance to score big while giving back to our students! Huge thanks to our generous sponsors – Kendall Ford of Meridian, Coca-Cola, College of Western Idaho, Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Project Filter - Idaho Fights Tobacco, Scheels, and ECO Motors – for making this possible! 💙
#WestAdaSchools #SupportOurStudents #WinterRaffle #BigPrizes #CommunityStrong #FordEscape
Good luck! 🍀
For raffle information, visit: West Ada Activities & Athletics Fundraiser
To purchase tickets (starting November 6th): Winter Raffle Tickets
Boise State University is hosting two informational sessions on their Sophomore Start and Associate Degree Program for 9th and 10th grade students and families. Students and families who attend one of the following high schools are invited to learn more about the two programs at BSU.
Centennial High School
Eagle High School
Meridian High School
Mountain View High School
Owyhee High School
Rocky Mountain High School
Who should I attend?
Freshmen and Sophomore students who are interested in Sophomore Start and the Associate Degree Program that are offered at their high school. Students and families will learn important information about the two programs, as well as the requirements, through BSU.
When are the events?
BSU will host the informational sessions on the following two nights. Students and families can attend either event that works best for them. The same information will be presented at each session.
Thursday, November 14th (6:00-7:00 PM) - hosted at Eagle High School
Tuesday, November 19th (6:00-7:00 PM) - hosted at Mountain View High School
BSU and West Ada School District are providing two different locations for the informational sessions. Families and students can pick which session and location works best for them.
For more information about BSU's Sophomore Start and Associate Degree Program, please visit Concurrent Enrollment Program Options - Boise State Concurrent Enrollment or contact your school's College Career Counselor.
We are seeking West Ada School District parents/guardians to serve on a Resource Review Committee. If you are parent or guardian of a current West Ada student and you are interested in reviewing a library resource, please complete this form by October 31, 2024: https://forms.office.com/r/4tsaZEfmkT.
October
- 25-26 Intent to continue forms are sent to currently attending students and are due by October 31st.
November
- On-time lottery application period Friday, November 1st at 9:00 am through November 30th, 2024, at 11:59 pm.
December
- Lottery Draws for the 2025-26 school year will be Friday, December 6th at 10:30 am in the Sawtooth Board Room at the West Ada School District Office.
- Park on the west side of the building.
- The District will make every effort to live-stream and/or record the lottery draw. (Link TBD)
- Parents/guardians are emailed lottery result letters the week of December 9th, 2024
January to October
- Tuesday, January 7th the Late Application will be available through October 31st, 2025.
School of Choice Open House Schedule:
Barbara Morgan STEM Academy School Tours:
- Monday, November 4. 2024, from 4:30 - 5:00 pm
- Monday, November 18, 2024, from 4:30 - 5:00pm
- Monday, December 9, 2024, from 4:30 - 5:00 pm by appointment only
Chief Joseph School of the Arts Tours:
- Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 4:30 - 5:00 pm
- Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 4:30 - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 4:30 - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Christine Donnell School of the Arts Tours:
- Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 10:00 am
- Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 4:30 pm
- Monday, December 16, 2024, at 10:00 am
Eliza Hart Spalding STEM Academy School Tours:
- Open House Thursday, November 14 from 4:30-5:30 pm
Galileo Stem Academy School Tours:
- Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 5:00 pm
Pioneer School of the Arts Tours:
- Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 4:30 pm. Tours will last 45-60 minutes, no reservation. Tour includes a question-and-answer session as well as a full building tour.
- Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 4:30 pm. Tours will last 45-60 minutes, no reservation. Tour includes a question-and-answer session as well as a full building tour.
Summerwind STEM Academy School Tours:
- Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 11:00 am
- Monday, November 11, 2024, at 4:30 pm
Idaho Fine Arts Academy (IFAA) Tour:
- Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Tours begin at 5:30 to 6:30 pm
- Presentation begins promptly at 6:30 to 7:30 pm
- Thursday, November 7. 2024. Tours begin at 5:30 to 6:30 pm
- Presentation begins promptly at 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Renaissance High School Tour:
- Thursday, November 7, 2024, 4:00 to 8:00 pm
The Idaho Fine Arts Academy (IFAA) is a public, tuition free, performing arts school of choice in the West Ada School District and builds lives through artistic, academic, and civic excellence. The application and audition information are now available online for the 2025-2026 school year. We will hold two "Open House" sessions for potential students on October 14 and November 7 (see below). The online application will be available to complete beginning November 1, 2024. Students are selected through an audition process and there are opportunities for students to attend in grades 6-12. Our school currently serves about 270 students and provides pre-professional training in the arts and a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. Our facility in Meridian is near Renaissance High School and the West Ada School District Campus. Transportation is also provided. The Idaho Fine Arts Academy is an audition-based school, serving students within the West Ada School District and beyond. Students study within seven art forms: Dance, classical instrumental music, contemporary instrumental music, vocal music, theatre, film studies, and visual art. Students also complete all academic coursework and meet graduation requirements at IFAA. If you have a passion and talent for the arts, this may be the school for you! The online application and audition sign-up is available here: Idaho Fine Arts Academy | Home (westada.org) . The application and audition sign-up will close on Saturday, November 30, 2024, so do not delay if you are interested! Take a moment to watch our audition video and learn about our school here: Arts & Audition Information | Idaho Fine Arts Academy (westada.org)
Here are the Important Dates for Prospective IFAA Students:
Audition and Application Information
Oct. 14 - Oct. 31, 2024: Current Students Intent to Re-Enroll. Returning students have a guaranteed seat next year if they are in good standing and give notice of their intent to return.
Nov. 1 - Nov. 30, 2024: Applications Open for the 2025-2026 School Year
Jan. 11, 2025: Auditions 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Jan. 25, 2025: Acceptance Letters Sent. Letters will be emailed out on or before this date.
Audition Workshop Information, Prepare for your Audition!
Students can visit the building, meet instructors, and practice with current students to ease any nerves. Due to space limitations, this is a student-only event.
Nov. 2, 2024: All Majors (Except Visual Art)
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Nov. 9, 2024: Visual Art Majors Only
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Potential/New Student Information Night and Tours. Bring your family to explore IFAA!
Join our student leadership team for a tour of the campus and enjoy a presentation from Principal Christian Housel on academics, audition acceptance rates, school culture, and more.
Oct. 16, 2024: Tour at 5:30 PM | Presentation 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Nov. 7, 2024: Tour at 5:30 PM | Presentation 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location and Contact Information
Idaho Fine Arts Academy
915 E. Central Drive, Meridian, ID 83642
📞 (208) 350-4420
For information on audition requirements, audition grading rubrics, audition videos, and more please visit our website:
🌐 Visit us at: www.westada.org/ifaa
Arts & Audition Information | Idaho Fine Arts Academy (westada.org)
We're thrilled to announce new job opportunities with Durham School Services for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year! Durham School Services, our new transportation contractor, is hiring CDL drivers, non-CDL drivers, and bus aides to help get our students to and from school safely.
These positions offer you summers off, competitive pay, bonus programs, and opportunities for CDL training. Plus, you'll be working with the best tiny customers you could ask for—our students!
If you’re interested in a rewarding job with a flexible schedule, visit National Express LLC to view current Meridian openings and apply today. Start your journey with us and make a difference in our students' daily lives. We can't wait to welcome you to the Meridian team!
