Caldwell School District Update
From Superintendent Dr. N. Shalene French
October 18, 2024
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Community Engagement
The Caldwell School District places the safety of our students and staff as our top priority. A conducive learning environment takes into consideration all the factors that affect feelings of safety and security for our students, our staff, and our families.
It’s important you know that when you drop your child(ren) off at school, your children are in a safe place. And, if an emergency should occur, the staff and students will be equipped with the knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to respond in a timely, professional way.
The Caldwell School District will continue to focus on building positive and supportive cultures in each of our schools, improving our physical facilities, collaborating with community partners, and practicing emergency drills and procedures.
To learn more about promoting school safety, visit Idaho School Safety & Security.
SUPPLEMENTAL LEVY ELECTION INFORMATION
November 5, 2024
On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Caldwell School District voters will be asked to vote on a property tax measure that directly affects the quality of education within the Caldwell School District.
IMPACT ON SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS
The Supplemental Levy will be used to preserve the high-quality educational programs that make our schools a great choice for students in Caldwell.
- Certified and Classified Staff: $2,000,000
- Athletics: $500,000
- School Safety and Security: $350,000
- Accelerated Learning Program: $125,000
- Facilities Maintenance: $500,000
- Transportation: $625,000
TOTAL ANNUAL LEVY AMOUNT: $4,100,000/per year for two years
IMPACT ON OUR TAXPAYER
The estimated annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed levy is a tax of $75.55 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions.
YOUR PARTICIPATION MATTERS
We encourage all community members to mark their calendars for Tuesday, November 5, 2024, to vote and make your voice heard. Every vote counts!
Board Strategic Pillars: Safe & Supportive Schools, Community Engagement, Inspiring Student Growth & Achievement, Stewarding Valued Resources, Empowering College, Career Readiness, Ensuring Quality Instruction
NATIONAL FARM TO SCHOOL MONTH
On Friday, October 4, 2024, Governor Brad Little proclaimed October as Farm to School Month in Idaho.
The Farm to School program links local food producers with schools' lunch programs to include locally grown fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and more in their menus. These relationships give students a chance to experience fresh, high-quality foods sourced directly from their communities.
During National Farm to School month, we also want to recognize our Caldwell Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization. FFA is the premier youth organization preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture. Caldwell High School FFA members recently participated in dairy cattle judging and touring the dairy facility that provides milk for our school lunch program.
"We had the opportunity to see the animals and to see more than what we could have experienced in the classroom," said Sierra Wardlaw, Junior at Caldwell High School.
"Being involved in FFA and agricultural classes has shown me that Ag is everywhere and anything can be more Ag focused," said Diana Romero-Padilla, Senior at Caldwell High School.
Board Strategic Pillars: Community Engagement, Empowering College & Career Readiness
TRIO Upward Bound bolsters students’ college aspirations
Earlier this year, the Caldwell High School TRIO Upward Program was featured in the Boise State Magazine. The TRIO Upward Program is a federally funded program seeking to increase the number of first-generation and low-income students who complete college.
The article highlights the great work this program is doing for our students at Caldwell High School. We are grateful for Mr. Josh Engler and the work he is doing to help support students with their studies, test preparation, college selection, scholarships, and college applications.
Visit the link below to read the article.
Board Strategic Pillar: Empowering College, Career Readiness
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Middle School Academic Bowl Team
Jefferson and Syringa Middle Schools have combined their Academic Bowl teams this year. At their first middle school match of the season, they came away with a 1st place victory! The team won the current events round, had a solid showing in the topics round, and dominated in a round of speed questions helping them secure the win.
"We took everything that was great about Jefferson's team and everything that was great about Syringa's team and combined them into excellence," said Dr. Melyssa Ferro, one the team's coaches.
The team's Most Valuable Brain (MVB) award went to Ellie Dobbs for her quick thinking and her rapid response time in the speed round. The team is now studying for next month's event at Emmett Middle School (Thursday, November 14, 2024).
We can't wait to see what this team accomplishes this year. Go Cougars!
Board Strategic Pillars: Inspiring Student Growth & Achievement
ELEMENTARY SPOTLIGHT
Legacy Driven
In Caldwell, our community gives back -- volunteering is just part of what we do and that makes Caldwell a "Legacy Driven" community.
Last year, our elementary students completed over 700 volunteer hours in partnership with The College of Idaho Men's Basketball team to become "Legacy Driven".
We are grateful for The College of Idaho. Through the Yotes' example of servant leadership, our students eagerly accept the invitation to serve their families and help their neighbors. Serving others helps our students learn the importance of leadership, living a positive lifestyle, and creating a lasting impact.
Board Strategic Pillars: Community Engagement
NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK
October 14-18, 2024
We were excited to celebrate National School Lunch Week, October 14-18, 2024, and promote healthy eating habits and the importance of balanced meals for our students. Throughout the week, our Child Nutrition Department highlighted nutritious and delicious menu options that fuel both learning and play.
"This is a great week to highlight the importance of nutritious meals and the crucial role it plays in a child's learning and their daily lives," said Nathaly Gibson, Child Nutrition Director. "We are committed to providing healthy, balanced options that support both the academic success and overall well-being of our students in the Caldwell School District."
We invite you to come have lunch with your children and experience a nutritious and delicious meal served by our exceptional Child Nutrition experts.
Board Strategic Pillar: Inspiring Student Growth & Achievement
SAFETY UPDATE
Know2Protect: Internet Safety
On Friday, November 8, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security will present Know2Protect: Youth Internet Safety. Information will empower parents with knowledge on how to protect youth from online sexual predators; the red flags, safety guidelines, child exploitation. The event will be held at the Idaho Hispanic Community Center.
This course will also be available for youth to attend on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Crossroads Church in Nampa. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of being safe on the internet. *Spanish interpreters will be present during both sessions.
Board Strategic Pillar: Safe & Supportive Schools
From the U.S. Department of Justice: Digital Safety for Idaho Children
United States Attorney for the District of Idaho, Joshua Hurwit, has released guidance to educators and parents regarding digital safety for Idaho students. The letter includes tip sheets designed with both parents and students in mind, giving extensive information on staying safe on the internet, while using mobile phones, texting, and more. The resources are available in both English and Spanish and are ideal for distribution in start-of-school packets for families.
Educators and parents can also find additional safety information at www.netsmartz.org. Netsmartz has age-appropriate videos, activities and information for students in elementary school, middle school and high school.
Board Strategic Pillars: Safe & Supportive Schools
Comprehensive Parent Resources Available from Idaho Stars
Parents in Idaho have immediate access to a variety of resources through the IdahoSTARS family resources webpage. From balanced nutrition to enriching entertainment, parents are offered quick access to carefully curated resources designed with parents and families in mind.
Health and well-being:
Early learning:
Additional resources:
Learn more about what IdahoSTARS offers Idaho parents and access the full suite of tailored resources at the button below:
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Trick-or-Treat! Encourage your child to be a good neighbor this Halloween as you help them prepare for the spooky night. Here are lots of simple costume ideas, DIY decorations, pumpkin carving templates, crafts, recipes, and more to do together with your child! For videos on Halloween ideas, click here!
Board Strategic Pillars: Safe & Supportive Schools
PARENT INFORMATION
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held October 21-25, 2024. Please work with your child's teacher(s) to identify the most convenient option for you. Our teachers strive to meet with each parent/guardian of their students during October.
No School
There will be no school on Friday, October 25, 2024, to allow for Parent Teacher Conferences. Regular class schedules will resume on Monday, October 28, 2024.
Thanksgiving Break
There will be no school November 25 - November 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Regular Class schedules will resume on Monday, December 2, 2024.
Board Strategic Pillar: Community Engagement
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Below are a few dates for upcoming community events happening in the City of Caldwell.
Volunteer Opportunities
Looking to get involved and positively impact the community?
There are opportunities to serve by assisting with events, service projects, office/greeting help in the city, and more.
Click HERE to find out how to get involved.
Caldwell Mayor's Youth Advisory Council
The Mayor's Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) provides the youth of Caldwell an opportunity to voice their opinions and share a role in the decision making. If your child is interested in joining please contact Bryan Kida at bkida@cityofcaldwell.org.
Election Day
Make sure your voice is heard in the November 5, 2024, Presidential Election. Visit Canyon County Elections Office website to register to vote.
Board Strategic Pillar: Community Engagement
City of Caldwell Construction Projects
Several construction projects are underway in the City of Caldwell. Work is occurring at Middleton Road, Franklin Rd, 10th Avenue, and Indiana Avenue intersections.
Traffic will be impacted during the 2024-2025 school year. The city appreciates the community’s patience as improvements are made to these intersections.
To stay up to date on these projects, sign up for the email list:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/0Zu7FsU
For more info: https://www.cityofcaldwell.org/departments/engineering/projects
Board Strategic Pillar: Community Engagement
Health Services Notification
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 link 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: 1502 Fillmore Street, Caldwell, ID, USA
Phone: (208) 455-3300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caldwellschools.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caldwellschooldistrict/
Twitter: @CSD132Sup