As we approach the holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve students, families, and the community of Caldwell. In the Caldwell School District, we value our relationships with our students and their families, our patrons, the City of Caldwell, Mayor Wagoner, the Caldwell Police Department, the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, Caldwell Service Clubs and Organizations, the YMCA, the Boys & Girls Club of Canyon County, the College of Idaho, and the many businesses and philanthropic organizations who support the youth of Caldwell through their generous donations and grants to our programs and activities.
This year has been filled with challenges, growth, and triumphs. Thank you for your continuing support. Whether you are a parent, a guardian, or a patron of the District, you all play a vital role in making the Caldwell School District a place where learning thrives and students feel supported.
The holidays are a time to reflect on the things that truly matter—our relationships, our community, and the shared purpose that brings us together.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace, happiness, and warmth.
Recently, Lewis and Clark Elementary School hosted school leaders from Old Mill Elementary School in Heber City, Utah. This elementary school is the highest performing elementary school in the State of Utah. They requested to visit Lewis and Clark to learn how they pursue and practice high-impact strategies to support diverse learners.
They were able to visit classrooms, interact with students, and engage with teachers during their Professional Learning Community time.
"The environment Lewis & Clark has fostered is remarkable. In addition to the exemplary professional practices, we were also impressed with the genuine kindness of the LC staff and how well they seemed to love each other," (LaNay King, Principal of Old Mill Elementary).
Caldwell School District is proud of our educators and their positive impact on our community and beyond.
Board Strategic Pillars: Inspiring Student Growth & Achievement
Hour of Code
Earlier this week, students at Syringa Middle School had the opportunity to participate in Hour of Code. This global event is designed to introduce learners to the basics of computer science and spark their interest in coding.
Students had the chance to explore how technology works. They built upon their problem-solving, creativity, and critical-thinking skills--all while learning the fundamentals of coding.
Board Strategic Pillars: Ensuring Quality Instruction
Students at Caldwell High School are taking a virtual tour of college campuses around the state of Idaho. December Garza, Amadeo Roldan, Aidan Hall, and Jahdon Otero wanted to provide CHS students the opportunity to get an exclusive look at college life around the Gem State. Through their student-produced video, "Behind the Senior," a weekly information segment, these students will explore the beautiful campuses of Idaho's colleges and universities, talk with students about their experiences, and gain valuable insights from staff members.
Future "Behind the Senior" episodes will include virtual tours of Treasure Valley Community College, College of Southern Idaho, Boise State University, University of Idaho, Idaho State University, College of Western Idaho, and Northwest Nazarene University. They are also working on virtual tours of Lewis & Clark State College, BYU-Idaho, Northwest Lineman, Boise Barber College, and Paul Mitchell, etc.
Watch their premier episode of their tour of The College of Idaho.
Board Strategic Pillar: Empowering College & Career Readiness
Recently, two Caldwell High School educators, Andi Arnold and Piper Gearheart, had the opportunity to present at the National Council of English Teachers (NCET) Annual Conference in Boston, MA. More than 7,000 educators attend this premier annual event for English Language Arts and Literacy every year.
Ms. Arnold and Ms. Gearheart presented: Unlock dynamic learning with tabletop and role-playing games! They shared how using games can elevate literary analysis, character development, and storytelling.
Thank you Ms. Arnold and Ms. Gearheart!
Board Strategic Pillar: Stewarding Valued Resources
On November 20, Sensory Building Night took place at Lincoln Elementary School. Kari Palmer, Caldwell School District Early Learning Project Manager, set a goal to provide multisensory experiences for toddlers attending local day care facilities, after-school play groups, and preschools. A sensory wall is a space on a wall that provides a tactile experience for children's fingers and hands. Sensory walls invite kids to explore their senses and discover the world around them through play.
We want to thank the young men and their leaders from Middleton and Meridian who answered the posting on JustServe and made the sensory wall an amazing reality!
Visit the link below to read more about the success story.
Board Strategic Pillar: Community Engagement
Why do we experience seasons? Review the science behind the shortest day of the year—coming December 21—with this resource from NOAA.
Why do we have seasons?
Astronomical vs. Meteorological Seasons
Don’t miss the K-12 Lesson Plans & Activity Links!
Board Strategic Pillar: Inspiring Student Growth & Achievement
Online Safety During Winter Break
Children may spend more time online while at home during winter break. To promote digital safety and help protect students against forms of online exploitation, we want to share with you information about online risks and how to avoid them. We encourage you to have open and ongoing communication on safe digital habits with your children.
The link below follows the story of a 15-year-old boy's exploitation online. It is intended to raise awareness of how quickly and easily children can fall victim to online exploitation. This interactive video will challenge parents to try to navigate the situation themselves. The video also includes resources on sextortion.
Board Strategic Pillar: Safe & Supportive Schools
New Youth Substance-Use Prevention Campaign: "Welcome to the Unaltered State"
With funding from Idaho’s Millennium Fund and in collaboration with Idaho’s public health districts, the Department of Education, the Department of Juvenile Corrections, law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations, drug prevention experts and others, Idaho Public Television has launched a statewide youth substance-use prevention and awareness campaign, "Welcome to the Unaltered State."
The new campaign is focused on upstream prevention by building better connections for kids and changing Idaho’s attitudes and beliefs about youth substance use.
Learn more about the substance-use prevention campaign at the link below:
Board Strategic Pillar: Safe & Supportive Schools
TRIO Mariachi Christmas Benefit
TRIO Upward Bound will be holding a fundraising event on Monday, December 16, 2024. This event will feature many different Mariachi Bands including performances from Caldwell High School's very own Mariachi Band.
Space Exploration Winter Camp
Put on your astronaut helmet and join the Discovery Center of Idaho on Monday December 30, 2024, 9 am - 3 pm, as they explore the secrets of outer space! The Space Exploration camp is for space explorers 7-11 years old. Click HERE to reserve your spot.
Ocean Depths Winter Camp
For covering more than 70% of the world, there is so much we don’t know about the oceans. The Discovery Center of Idaho Ocean Depths camp on Friday, January 3, 2025, 9 am - 3 pm is for 7-11 years old. Click HERE to reserve your spot.
Parents and students can now apply for federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. The 2025 - 2026 application features more instructive language to help students and families avoid mistakes and takes significantly less time to complete compared to previous versions of the form.
Applicants can start a new form, edit an existing form, or access last year's application on the official FAFSA website. The updated 2025 - 2026 form takes about 20 minutes to complete, though the website recommends blocking out an hour of time to go through the process.
Applicants will need:
- Verified account username and password (FSA ID)
- Parent or spouse contributor name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address
- Income and asset information (if required)
Find out more and access the 2025 - 2026 form at the button below:
Board Strategic Pillar: Empowering College & Career Readiness
Caldwell Season of Giving
Mayor Wagoner would like to invite citizens to participate in the season of giving by considering how you can make a difference by volunteering, offering a helping hand, or simply lending an ear. If you’re able to capture a photo of your giving, please post them to social media so our community can see them by using the hashtag #CaldwellSeasonofGiving
Caldwell Community Blood Drive
Schedule your blood donation appointment today! Located in the gym at 3015 S. Kimball Ave. from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm on Friday, December 20, 2024. Go to RedCrossBlood.org and sign up for this day and location. Thank you for your gift of much-needed blood.
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/