Wilder School District News
May 2024
During Teacher Appreciation Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible educators and staff of the Wilder School District. Your dedication and hard work empower our students and strengthen our community. We recognize and respect the vital role each of you plays in shaping young minds and fostering growth. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to education.
Important Dates
May 6 -10 Happy Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week!
May 15 Last day for Wilder High School Seniors
May 20 Wilder Elementary Kindergarten Graduation
May 21 Election Day *Vote on the Levy*
May 22 Wilder High School Graduation
May 23 Last Day for On-Campus Students - Early Dismissal at 12:30
May 29 Idaho Future Ready Academy Graduation
May 30 Last Day for IFRA Students
Wilder Mid/High School
As we find ourselves at the tail end of another school year, it's remarkable how swiftly the time has passed. It's been a journey of growth and achievement for our students and staff alike.
Some of our middle/high school students, Mrs. Carrier and Mr. Swaggart spent two days working with the Warm Springs Sustainability Consulting firm to conduct an energy treasure hunt. They evaluated our current resources in the district to discover areas where energy is being wasted, and then they could recommend measures to reduce costs. Our students came up with some great ideas and did an excellent job!
Teacher Appreciation Week is this week! This is a time to take the opportunity to thank our awesome teachers for their dedication to our students!
Seniors have a Signing day on May 14th. This day celebrates our Seniors who are committing to post-secondary education via university, trade schools, and the armed forces.
The Idaho Department of Education will spotlight two graduating seniors, Kaylee Walker and Maria Vega, who are doing remarkable things with their education as co-valedictorians. The department's series will prominently celebrate these students and our school. Watch for the Spotlight as early as the first week in May. The Spotlights will be published on the department's Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.
I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all parents for your unwavering support. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if there's any way I can assist. Serving our school community has been a privilege, and I look forward to our continued partnership.
Other Upcoming dates:
- ISAT 8th grade and 11th grade Science 5/7/24
- Last day for seniors is May 15th
- Graduation-May 22nd.
- May 23rd is the last day for students-early dismissal at 12:30
~Principal Lindsey
Wilder Elementary School
Wow, Wildcats! Can you believe we are in the final few weeks of the 2023-2024 school year! I am amazed by how fast time goes, especially when we are having fun learning and growing. I cannot tell you how hard I have seen each student work this year, in addition to exhibiting essential Habits of Mind during our recent state testing period.
As we finish off the last few weeks of school, I want to share a few important dates.
- Monday, May 20 will be our kindergarten graduation in Mercer Gym at 6 pm.
- Wednesday, May 22 will be our field day from about 9 am - 11 am. If you are a parent or family member who would like to volunteer, please reach out to Ms. Golden at agolden@wilderschools.com or by calling the school. She will collect names and Mr. Ahlborn, who is leading the field day activities, will connect with you.
- Thursday, May 23 is the last day of school! Wow! We will have a 9 am assembly, plus this is an extra early dismissal day: school ends at 12:30 pm.
There will be an opportunity for our elementary students to attend summer school. More info to come through your student's teacher.
Also, I want to thank everyone who supported the Fun Run. It was a great time, plus we raised money we can use next year for family activities!
As always, if you need anything from me, please don't hesitate to reach out.
~Dr. Zamora
Idaho Future Ready Academy / Wilder Academy of Virtual Education
Hello IFRA Coyotes (soon to be WAVE Coyotes)!
Here we are in the last few weeks of IFRA's only second school year, and we have so much to celebrate!
Let's start with a few important dates:
- Friday, May 10 is our preferred deadline for current students to let us know their plans for next year. If you have not completed the quick re-registration survey, please click here: https://forms.gle/nPsRxAvFDRD8nvmo6.
- Monday, May 20 from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm is the Elementary End of Year Celebration. All kinder-5th grade IFRA students are welcome to join us in celebrating a great school year at our Nampa IFRA campus. Please let Mrs. Dorrian know if you can make it.
- Wednesday, May 29 at 7 pm in the NNU Brandt Auditorium IFRA will be hosting the Class of 2024 graduation! We get to celebrate so many students' successes on this day! If are not attending in person, but would like to watch a live stream, tune into idahofra.org on that date and time to watch the live stream directly from our website.
- Thursday, May 30 is the last day of school for IFRA students (this is different from the brick and mortar Wilder campus schools). Be sure to work with your advisors and teachers to complete all of your work by this day.
Coyotes, if you know students/families interested in enrolling in our school next year, have them check out idahofra.org or call Mrs. Jones at 208-337-7400 ext. 1.
As we finish this school year strong, be sure to reach out to me if you have any questions or comments. I am here to help you!
~Dr. Zamora
Athletics
Softball
After our Idaho City non-conference game, we had a couple of "prom-proposals" on the infield. We cooked hotdogs with Idaho City players, coaches, and whoever else wanted to stick around. The girls talked, laughed, and had a good time. Thank you to all who supported the event. We also participated in a tournament in Wendell, where the girls won two of the three games played. After the games, we went into Twin Falls for dinner at 2nd South Market and then to Shoshone Falls before busing home. The girls' growth on and off the field has been fun to watch this season. We have had our share of ups and downs, but the fans, parents, and girls have really made this a special season. Districts are happening on Thursday at Gals Park in Caldwell.
~Coach Robert Fogg
Baseball
This baseball team has shown a lot of improvement and will to compete this year. They overcame a two-year winless drought, beating Gem State 21-18. Our seniors Isaac Rodriguez, Isaac Contreras, Presciliano Monter, and Erick Villalba have shown their leadership skills. Every game, the boys get better. They have scored a combined 79 runs this year. Football standout Julian Neri is in his first year of baseball. He has become the batting leader with a .576 average and learned every position on the field. Sophomore Jesse Morales has been the most productive pitcher and has the second-highest batting average of .409 this season. Isaac Contreras, the first-year player, has become a great leadoff hitter and learned the game quickly. Coming off an injury, team leader Isaac Rodriguez has been standing out as a pitcher and back in the lineup as the designated hitter. The team also has some exciting underclassmen. Junior Brandon Perez and freshman Darius Zamora on the mound have done great! Our all-time catcher freshman, Galacio Martinez, has been outstanding behind the plate.
~ Coach Pedro Rodriguez
High School Track
The High School Track & Field team has had a successful season so far...
New School records include:
Bryan Jove - Boys Javelin 88’ 3"
Caroline Jove - Girls Javelin 57’ 8”
Emely Ramirez - Girls Long Jump 14’ 1"
Destany Riley - Girls Discus 81’ 7”
The following athletes currently rank in the top 8 in the District with a chance to qualify for the state meet at the IA District III meet next week in New Plymouth:
Caroline Jove (Girls Discus, Girls Shot Put)
Emely Ramirez (Girls 400m, Girls Long Jump)
Destany Riley (Girls Discus)
Freshmen and Sophomore athletes are developing well, and the future is exceptionally bright for our Wildcats Track & Field program. Our 9th-grade boys finished 1st or 2nd place in their respective heats in the Boys 400m at the Amy Kristofferson Invitational in Homedale last week.
The District III meet will be in New Plymouth on May 10th and 11th.
~Coach Greg Shoemaker
Middle School Track
The Middle School Track and Field team has concluded an exciting season, a testament to their collective personal growth, community spirit, and fearless attitude toward new challenges. Every team member improved their skills and exceeded their personal bests, which genuinely reflects their determination and hard work. This is a moment of pride for all of us as we stand united in our achievements.
The student-athletes have embraced the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones. Many students ventured into new events, pushing themselves to acquire new skills. It is truly inspiring how they have come together to support and encourage each other, building a solid team culture of unity and camaraderie. It was a pleasure for both of us to serve as their coaches this season!
~ Coach Manzo & Coach Loera
Many students reached new personal bests, with some highlights being:
● Horacio Ramirez 13th place in the boy's 200 Meters
● Lance Bryce 11th Place in boy’s 400 Meters
● Lance Bryce 5th Place in boy’s 800 Meters
● Victor Andrade 13th Place in 1600 Meters
● Jesus Andrade, Guadalupe Rodriquez, Horacio Ramirez, Lance Bryce 3rd Place in 800 Meters Sprint Medley Relay
● Jesus Andrade 13th Place in Shot Put
● Jesus Andrade 10th Place in Discus
● Leslie Anguiano 11th Place 200 Meters
● Glendy Flores 19 Place 200 Meters
● Harlee Jeffries 14th Place 400 Meters
● Yuritza Borja 16th Place 400 Meters
● Glendy Flores, Harlee Jeffries, Leslie Anguiano, Dalia Luna 6th Place 4x100 Relay
● Yuritza Borja, Jordyn Dennis, Leslie Gutierrez, Harlee Jeffries 3rd Place 4x400 Relay
● Leslie Anguiano, Dalia Luna, Glendy Flores, Harlee Jeffries 4th Place 800 Meters Sprint Medley Relay
● Nykkee Makaya 2nd Place Shot Put
● Nykkee Makaya 2nd Place Discus
● Jordan Dennis 19th Place Long Jump
E-Sports
Reflecting on this season, our E-Sports teams, both in Valorant and Super Smash Brothers, have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. Throughout the season, victories were hard-earned, yet each win served as a testament to our team's skill and dedication.
Despite facing formidable opponents, both teams secured a crucial victory in the District Play-Ins, showcasing our ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. While our journey to State fell just short, we stand proud of our achievements.
Looking ahead, we remain unwavering in our pursuit of excellence. Every challenge encountered this season has fueled our determination to strive for greater success. We emerge stronger, more united, and ready to conquer whatever lies ahead.
~Coach Sam Felder
FFA
The Idaho State FFA Leadership Convention was an incredible experience for our members. Attendees were able to participate in sessions, attend workshops, help in a service project, learn more about FFA, and grow their leadership potential. A huge thank you goes out to the Wilder School District and Wilder School Board for allowing this opportunity to be possible.
The Wilder FFA Annual Awards Banquet was a huge success! We had around 70 people in attendance and were able to celebrate with our students and supporters.
Wilder FFA was represented at the Treasure Valley District Livestock invitational on April 29th. It was a great learning experience and will help prepare for the state event.
We are beginning to prepare to attend the Idaho FFA State Career Development Events. These will be held in Moscow, Idaho June 4th to the 7th. Any members interested in attending please contact Mrs. Hernandez ASAP to show interest or with any questions.
Important COSSA Levy Information
Dear parents and community,
I am updating you on a recent decision made by the school board. In June 2024, the current COSSA (Canyon Owyhee Student Service Agency) Levy, which voters approved, will expire. The board has agreed to propose a renewal levy to the community to prepare for this.
Our responsibility is to inform you about the levy without trying to influence your vote. The COSSA Levy funds our partnership with neighboring school districts like Marsing, Homedale, Wilder, Parma, & Notus. This funding is specifically designated to pay for services provided by COSSA. Including ten top-notch Career Technical Programs and Special Education services for students who qualify for Individual Education Plans per the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/).
How does this affect you as a local taxpayer?
The levy follows Idaho Code 33-317(2) and caps the impact at 1/10th of 1%, which is $100 per $100,000 of taxable property value per year. For our district, this amounts to around $400,000 annually, about 6.5% of our total budget in 2024.
Here's some good news:
In three years, we'll finish paying off the elementary school bond.
Over the years, we've worked with various stakeholders to lessen the financial burden on our community. In 2010, taxpayers paid $642 per $100,000 of property value. Now, in 2024, it's down to $160 per $100,000, including both the COSSA Levy and the elementary bond payment.
Our partnership with COSSA gives us a chance to offer high-quality services at a fraction of the cost.
The Wilder School District has the lowest tax impact on our patrons compared to the other districts in the COSSA Consortium. https://www.sde.idaho.gov/finance/
Contact the district office if you want more details about the COSSA Levy.
Sincerely,
Dr. Dillon
Superintendent
Introducing the Wilder School District Parent Satisfaction and Engagement Survey! Your valuable input helps us understand your needs and hopes for our educational community. This survey provides an anonymous platform for sharing your thoughts, suggestions, and experiences. We encourage all parents and guardians to participate before the survey closes on Wednesday, May 15th. Your perspectives are instrumental in shaping the future of our district.
Thank you for your continued support and collaboration.
Summer School
Child Labor Laws
As summer approaches, many students seek employment opportunities to gain experience and earn extra income. It's crucial to prioritize their safety and ensure that their rights are protected in the workplace. Familiarizing oneself with child labor laws and statistics can help guarantee that young workers are not subject to exploitation or violation of their rights. Visit https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/youthrules for valuable information on navigating these regulations and safeguarding the well-being of your children.