Caldwell School District Update

en español

Dear Caldwell Families,

This week I had the opportunity to meet with Caldwell High School students who have an interest in becoming a teacher. The questions they asked were thought-provoking, and the conversation left me feeling hopeful. At the recent Board meeting, we had the privilege of listening to honors orchestra students and meet emerging writers also from Jefferson Middle School. We also celebrated our District cheer champions and our State wrestling contenders. We received reports from our high school liaisons and had the opportunity to thank them for their service. We then heard from our graduation specialists and several of our students who attended Close Up in Washington DC.

Reflecting upon this school year and upon the events of this past week, I am grateful for the children and youth of Caldwell. It is a joy to celebrate their accomplishments and stand in awe of their potential. I'm also grateful for our teachers and support staff who nudge and encourage each student to be their best self. Thank you for the privilege of serving your children.

Caldwell High School would like to recognize the 'Top 10' Senior honor students. These ten students have earned a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.04:

Stephanie Amezcua-Hernandez

Ireland Camara

Abbey Foster

Ayden Fox

Kendall Green

Justin Laurenson

Alexandra Payton

Yasmin Peralta

Kylie Potts

Ryan Stills

During the ceremony, Caldwell High School also recognizes students who have earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This year, 46 students will be recognized for this achievement. In addition, 43 seniors will receive Advanced Diploma recognition. These diplomas are awarded to students who make a commitment to their academics and excel in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, and Career Technical Education studies.

The Class of 2024 has shown great resilience, dealing with a lot in their first years of high school. "They were able to overcome the uncertainty and still dedicate themselves to their studies," said Principal Wilson.

Congratulations to all! The future is bright here in Caldwell.

Board Strategic Pillar: Inspiring and preparing scholars to achieve their post-secondary goals. We prepare our scholars to make choices for their future through a shared commitment to high levels of learning. We recognize that literacy is foundational.

Congratulations to the Canyon Springs High School Graduating Class of 2024! This year 58 CSHS students will be receiving their diplomas on Tuesday, May 21. This includes the 43 CSHS students who completed their studies and graduated early.

We are so proud of our CSHS students for earning over 1,850 credits (with the number of credits earned continuing to increase).

"Watching these students overcome challenges with determination and dedication shows how much they are committed to their education," said Principal Rambo.

Please join us for our Canyon Springs Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday, May 21.

Eighth grade students at both Jefferson and Syringa Middle School, had the opportunity to hear Natalie Marti, founder and executive director of the non-profit Be Safe & Sober. Mrs. Marti shared her story about the night her car was struck head-on by a drunk driver at 98 mph going the wrong way on the freeway. The combined impact of their car with the driver's truck instantly killed her husband and daughter and left Natalie clinging to life. After three weeks lying in a coma, unable to breathe on her own, Natalie slowly regained consciousness. She worked hard with her therapists and over time was able to regain her physical and mental strength. Caldwell City Police were also in attendance and shared what driving under the influence looks like using impairment goggles.

Thank you to the City of Caldwell, Caldwell Police Department, and Mrs. Marti for educating our students on this important topic.

Board Strategic Pillar: Safe & Supportive Schools

Wilson Elementary School held their Annual Living History Wax Museum. Each year, fifth grade students conduct research about different historical figures, which they then portray during the Living History Wax Museum. Students dress as the historical figure, prepare props related to the individual, and some students even memorize monologues. This event allows students to showcase their research skills, creativity, and personality.

"The [students] are supposed to be 'frozen in time' until someone comes to their station and activates the historical figure with a push of a button. The historical figure 'comes to life' to share their story and then returns to being 'frozen in time'," said Missy Langan, 5th Grade Teacher, at Wilson Elementary School.

Board Strategic Pillar: Creating a caring, supportive learning environment where all students can grow academically, emotionally, and socially. We strive to meet the individual needs of every student and provide a positive learning environment which nurtures each student's desire to be successful physically, intellectually, and socially.

Starting next school year, the Caldwell School District will be partnering with the College of Idaho to create a Newcomer Mentorship Program. This new program will allow international students at the College of Idaho to mentor the Caldwell students who are new to the United States. Many newcomer students face unique challenges and barriers that impact a smooth transition when moving to a new country.

"We believe this new program will have a positive impact on our newcomer students, enhance a sense of belonging, and improve communication and connection with others," said Shani Cummins, English Language (EL) Program Coordinator.

Last week, EL students from Caldwell High School had the opportunity to meet some of the international students at a field day event hosted by the College of Idaho.

Board Strategic Pillar: Valuing the diversity within our district. We build upon the strength of our diversity and individuality by creating inclusive and supportive learning environments where students will feel cared for, safe, valued, embraced, and accepted.

On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, Caldwell School District voters will be asked to vote on the renewal of the existing Supplemental Levy of $4.1 million per year for two years.

The levy is used to preserve class sizes and continue the high-quality educational programs that make our schools a great choice for students in Caldwell. This includes daily operations like transportation costs, instructional technology, curricular resources, and building maintenance. The Supplemental Levy also supports school safety including School Resource Officers, safe school aides, and school health aides. It is also used to fund student athletics and co-curricular activities which includes athletic transportation costs, coaching and advisor stipends, equipment, and student organizations.

The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed levy is a tax of $41.11 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions. The proposed levy replaces an existing levy that expires on June 30, 2024; that levy currently costs $41.11 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value. Therefore, if the proposed levy is approved, the tax per $100,000 of taxable assessed value is not expected to change.

You can register to vote, request an absentee ballot, view your ballot, and find your local polling station by clicking here. Polling locations will be open from 8 am to 8 pm on Election Day. You can register to vote on Election Day.

Advanced Opportunity Summer School is completely different from a traditional summer school program. Advanced Opportunity is personalized learning with the flexibility to work independently.

Middle school and high school students participate in a hybrid instructional model. They attend class in-person two days a week and work online to complete assignments through Google Classroom. Teachers are available to assist and facilitate instruction.

Students can earn one to two credits in the summer - accelerating them rapidly through high school material. Two Summer School sessions will be offered at Caldwell High School: one session in June and the second session in July.

College and Career experiences will also be offered during the Advanced Opportunities Summer School. These experiences include college visits, guest speakers, and personalized counseling for post-high school planning. Students can pay for classes using the Fast Forward funds available from the State.

Board Strategic Pillar: Inspiring and preparing scholars to achieve their post-secondary goals. We prepare our scholars to make choices for their future through a shared commitment to high levels of learning. We recognize that literacy is foundational.

Playgrounds are safe places for exploration and play. These five steps can keep children safe:

1. Always supervise children when they play.

• Adult supervision is essential to playground safety and requires more than just being present. Positive supervision involves paying attention to hazardous situations, supporting and guiding play, responding to emergencies, and managing a healthy play environment.

2. Remove Potential Entanglement Hazards.

• Most playground-related deaths are the result of strangulation, remove bike helmets and strings from children’s clothing. Also, ensure equipment is secured at both ends to prevent entanglement.

3. Children should go down slides on their own.

• Many playground injuries, especially fractures, are caused when an adult holds a child on their lap. We recommend adults never hold children on the lap when going down the slide.

4. Children should only play on equipment that has proper surfacing material installed under and around the equipment.

• Nearly 70 percent of all playground injuries are related to children falling. Acceptable surfaces are either loose-fill or unitary. Loose fill surfacing materials include certified wood products, shredded rubber, sand, and pea gravel. Unitary surfaces include poured-in-place rubber, rubber mats or rubber tiles. Playground equipment should never be installed over concrete, asphalt, grass, blacktop, or packed dirt, as they do not provide cushion to protect a child.

5. Ensure the equipment is safe.

• Make sure playground equipment is in good working order — anchored safely in the ground, closed S-hooks, flush bolts, hidden footings, and free of rust, splinters, and missing parts.

Learn more at https://www.playgroundsafety.org/take-action

Board Strategic Pillar: Safe & Supportive Schools

Did you know 80% of a child's brain is developed by age 3 and 90% of a child's brain is developed by age 5? Your role as your child's first teacher is one of the most important things you can do for your child. All you need to do is participate in simple activities like reading, singing, and talking with your child at an early age and often.

Visit www.BuildingBabiesBrains.com to learn more about brain development and how you can help build your baby's brain by being their first and best teacher.

Idaho parents looking for inexpensive ways to keep kids active and learning during the summer months are encouraged to check out this summer's two free Idaho State Parks programs designed with kids in mind. From dense forests to sand dunes, Idaho has a variety of landscapes that are perfect for continuing education while school is out. This year's free programs are:

• The Junior Ranger Program - 23 Idaho parks participate in the statewide Idaho Junior Ranger Program. The program is designed for children from ages 6-12. It utilizes an activity guide that can be picked up during a visit to a participating park.
• Experience Idaho Loaner Backpacks - Inspired by a program originally implemented at Farragut State Park, the Experience Idaho Loaner Backpacks work as an additional education tool in Idaho State Parks. The backpacks are completely free to the public during your park visit. Simply stop by the visitor center at more than a dozen state parks and check out a backpack. Each backpack has a variety of items, including binoculars, aquatic nets, bug viewing containers, and various field guides—all to enhance your adventures in the park.

Head over to the Visit Idaho website to learn more about these free summer learning opportunities:

Below are a few dates for upcoming community events happening in the Caldwell School District.

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.

Destination Education is a weekly video series highlighting students and staff from around the District. Each week this segment will bring you fun and exciting news stories. You will not only hear from administrators and educators during this weekly series, but from students as well. The videos will be posted to the Caldwell School District Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages every Sunday during the school year.

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.

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