West Ada School District (WASD)
2024-25 School Year Theme: Empowering Minds, Ensuring Excellence
Website: https://www.westada.org/
Location: 1303 East Central Drive, Meridian, ID 83642, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JointSchoolDistrictNo2/
We're excited for the upcoming school year and wanted to share an important update about our cell phone and electronic device policy (Policy 502.80).
To keep classrooms focused and free from distractions, students won't be allowed to use cell phones and personal electronic devices during class unless the teacher gives permission. Here are the key points:
- No Devices in Class: Students must place their devices in a designated area (like lockers or baskets) before class starts.
- Devices Off: All devices should be powered off while in the designated classroom storage area.
- Smartwatches: These can stay with students but must be turned off during class.
- Exceptions: Teachers may allow device use for specific educational purposes or in emergencies.
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices - Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Starting with the 2024-25 school year, in line with Policy 503.20, all middle schools in the district will be implementing a consistent cell phone policy across all West Ada middle schools to enhance the learning environment. During the academic day, students will not be permitted to use cell phones. These devices must be stored in student lockers throughout the school day. This procedure aims to minimize distractions and support a focused and productive educational experience for all students.
This policy starts with the 2024-2025 school year and applies to all students. We’re committed to making our schools a great place to learn, and your support helps us achieve that.
- Administrative Regulation (AR) for Policy 503.20 - https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Policy/ViewPolicy.aspx?S=36031062&revid=yy5uZHCjPndbICBXzOBtiQ==&ptid=muNUlKiR2jsXcslsh28JpBkiw==&secid=aCeT1sqzHuyqyxEA3fBM2g==&isPndg=&PG=6
To ensure the safety and security of all students and staff, West Ada School District regularly monitors air quality using the St. Luke's Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) site. When the AQI exceeds 151 (RED level), we follow the Idaho DEQ and Health and Welfare Guidelines. This proactive approach helps us maintain a healthy environment for everyone in our schools.
For detailed information, please visit our website: https://www.westada.org/page/air-quality-procedures
If you or any member of your family needs any help filling out an application, you are welcome to reach out to the Nutrition Team at 208-855-4575.
For detailed information on student school supply lists for the 2024-25 school year, please visit: https://www.westada.org/page/school-supply-lists
Please consult your school website or your building principal for any supply list items that may not be needed. Items may need to be replenished if lost, used up, or damaged. throughout the course of the school year.
Bus Request Deadline: July 31st.
Eligible students needing a bus during the 2024-2025 school year must fill out the Request for Transportation form when registering for school. Bus stop assignments will be available in early-August in the My Ride K-12 app. New stops will not be added during the first 2 weeks of school, however eligible students will be allowed to use existing stops during that initial window.
Who can ride the bus?
Transportation is provided for students who live in the bus zone (i.e. over 1.5 miles to their appropriate school). Non-bus zones are based on a 1.5 mile distance utilizing pathways, neighborhood streets, and arterial streets with sidewalks and crosswalks. Consideration is given to hazards. For more information regarding busing eligibility, please visit the following link: West Ada School District - Attendance Areas.
RFID Badges
We're excited to introduce a new initiative designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of our school bus transportation services. Students at all levels will begin carrying a Bus Badge when boarding the bus. Parents will have access to information through the My Ride K-12 app when students scan on and off the bus.
My Ride K-12
My Ride K-12 is our primary communication for bussing needs. Push notifications about late buses or any vital information that is pertaining to your child's bus information will be sent via the My Ride K-12 message center. Bus stop assignments will be available in early-August in the My Ride K-12 app.
Regional Stops for Elementary Schools of Choice
Regional Stops will be situated within 1.5 miles of bus riders' residences and licensed daycares within the bus zones. Students outside the bus zone will be allowed to utilize the closest available stop. Bus stop assignments will be available in early-August in the My Ride K-12 app.
Parents and Guardians, can begin updating their 24-25 School Forms through their PowerSchool Parent accounts starting on Monday, June 3rd. This process ensures that essential information is accurate and up-to-date for the upcoming school year. If you need assistance with your account, contact the West Ada Technology Support Team by clicking this link Technology | West Ada School District.
Steps to update School Forms for the 2024-25 school year:
- Logging In: Parents/Guardians of current students can log into their PowerSchool parent account by clicking on the PowerSchool link on the District website Home | West Ada School District (top right hand corner of the screen).
- Updating Information: Once logged in, click on the School Forms ICON on the left side. Toward the middle of the page, you’ll find links to update your information.
Note: Elementary class assignments and middle/high school student schedules will be available to view on August 1st if School Forms have been updated since June 3rd.
As all our wonderful students prepare to return to school, we've prepared some tips that can be used on school-issued devices to help them perform their absolute best on the first day of school.
Turn devices on and/or restart and log in
Connect to your home Wi-Fi to ensure internet connectivity
Complete a Company Portal Sync
- Click the Windows button
- Type “Company Portal”
- Open Company Portal and Navigate to “Settings”
- Click "Sync”
Check for Windows updates using system settings
- Click the Windows button
- Click settings
- Click update and security
- Click "check for updates"
- If prompted, restart the device to complete update installation
- Short on time or not seeing any updates available? Simply keeping the device powered on, logged in, and with the lid open will allow updates to install in the background.
We hope you're enjoying your summer vacation. As the 2024-25 school year rapidly approaches, we wanted to remind all of our families about the Optional Device Protection plans. These plans offer a smart and practical safeguard to your family from the expense of repairing any accidental damage to your school-provided devices. Without an Optional Device Protection plan, loss or damage to school-issued devices or accessories can result in a charge of either $30 or $150 per incident. Purchasing a $25 plan covers the first incident for free, and then $20 for subsequent incidents. Furthermore, families who enroll before August 1st can enjoy the Early Enrollment price of $20.
Important Dates:
July 31st: Last day to sign up for Device Protection at the discounted Early Enrollment rate of $20.
September 30th: Last day to sign up for Device Protection at the regular rate of $25, without a device inspection.
Families may still sign up for Device Protection after this date but will be required to have their school-issued device inspected by a District technician to ensure it has not already been damaged. Students can accomplish this by bringing their device into their school's library or designated technical support location.
New students to West Ada will have 30 days from the student's first day at their new school to sign up for Optional Device Protection.
Changes to Device Protection Tracking & Balance Notifications for 2024-25:
This year, we are adjusting how we track and accept payments for Technology fines for middle and high school students. Starting in August, fines will remain in our existing Payment Portal until the first Thursday of every month and will then be transferred into MySchoolFees. This change will provide improved visibility for outstanding Technology fine balances, and a single point of contact at each secondary school for students and parents to work with.
For any questions about Optional Device Protection or outstanding Technology balances, families can still send an email to onlinepayments@westada.org.
How to Purchase Optional Device Protection:
- Login to PowerSchool (https://ps.westada.org/public/)
- Click on the Payment Portal in the left sidebar
- Click on the name of the child you would like to purchase protection for
- Click on either Early Enrollment Optional Device Protection or Optional Device Protection
- Click Add to Cart
- Click the cart icon in the upper, right-hand corner.
- Enter payment information and click Submit to complete your purchase.
For more detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit our website:
Any child in Idaho may attend preschool through 12th grade, provided that upon admission the parent or guardian provides proof of immunization status. Proof of immunization status may include a medical record outlining the necessary and completed immunization requirements or an Exemption Form or a Conditional Admission Form (if applicable) verifying that the child has received or is in the process of receiving (Conditional Admission) immunizations as specified by the state board of Health & Welfare. Any student enrolling, transferring or returning after withdrawing must show verifiable documentation of immunization status at entry or re-entry. Proof of immunization status is also required at 7th grade and 12th grade when additional boosters are required.
West Ada follows Section 39-4801, Idaho Code: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Rules, IDAPA 16, Title 02, Chapter 15 and Idaho State Law (39-401).
Please refer to this link or to your primary care physician for more information: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Health/IdahoImmunizationProgram/SchoolandChildcare/SchoolRequirements/tabid/3785/Default.aspx
Need Immunizations?
Contact your primary care provider or refer to the West Ada Web site for
some of the many community resources. For more information, visit the hyperlinked page, and scroll down until you see the "Need Immunizations?" dropdown.
Lost or Missing Immunization Records
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website also provides information regarding lost or missing immunization records. For more information and recommendations regarding immunization records, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/immuniz-records.html
In light of schools needing to be more security and safety minded, please understand that each school in the West Ada School District has an Emergency Response Plan that has been carefully developed and addresses a multitude of emergency situations. In addition, all West Ads School District Schools conduct lock down drills in conjunction with local law enforcement two times each school year. If there is an emergency at your child’s school, your cooperation is necessary to help us respond effectively to such situations.
In the event of an emergency, please help us by doing the following:
Please do not call and do not go to the school.
- In an emergency, onsite staff are focused solely on getting everyone to a safe location. Showing up to the site can create unnecessary traffic, preventing emergency vehicles from responding quickly. You could also put yourself or others in danger.
- If you get a call or text from your student, help him or her remain calm. Remind your student that school staff know what to do in an emergency situation, and will work to keep everyone safe.
- Please know we will communicate with parents/guardians about reunifying you with your child and that this reunification site may not be at the school.
Check the West Ada School District homepage at www.westada.org
- We will provide credible, accurate and useful information to the public as soon as possible. Please be aware that Information received from sources other than the school administrator or West Ada School District may be inaccurate.
- Expect to see our posts updated as necessary. We will also provide updates to local news media, but emergency situations can change rapidly. Typically, multiple agencies are involved, so communication is coordinated through the “lead agency,” which may cause a delay in notification.
Sign-Up for Emergency Text Messaging:
- We will use our emergency text notification system to contact parents and guardians. Please make sure your emergency contact information in PowerSchool is always up to date.
Familiarize yourself with the terms that can be used during any emergency situation:
- Hall Check: Used to secure the building from a potential threat outside the building, such as when an unauthorized person is loitering on school grounds or when there is criminal activity in the neighborhood. Exterior doors are locked, but normal activities
