Caldwell School District Update
From Superintendent Dr. N. Shalene French
September 13, 2024
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Dear Caldwell Families,
Welcome back!
As the new school year begins, let me reiterate to our commitment to you and your children:
The Caldwell School District will provide high-quality educational opportunities for all students that foster academic growth and the development of learner competencies that lead to success in post-secondary education and the workplace.
As a District, we will be working on five Ambitious Goals that correlate with our Strategic Plan. These goals will provide a pathway for fulfilling our commitment:
1) Mastery of Reading by 3rd Grade
2) Success in Math I (Algebra)
3) On Track for Graduation
4) Holistic Supports and Hope for the Future
5) Pathways for Global Engagement
Each month, I will provide more information about the Ambitious Goals. In addition, I will provide updates on our progress. Ultimately, we want all of our children and youth to grow and excel in their academic knowledge, in their ability to develop positive, healthy relationships with their peers and others, in their ability to overcome setbacks and develop perseverance, and in their ability to collaborate and strengthen our community.
We are looking forward to this school year --
Go Cougars!
"Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think." (Albert Einstein)
Board Strategic Pillars: Community Engagement
HOMECOMING WEEK 2024
September 16-21, 2024
Caldwell High School has been the heart of the Caldwell community since 1893! Homecoming is all about celebrating the school community, traditions, and fostering connections between students and alumni. Celebrations and class competitions will begin on Monday (9/16), and end with the Homecoming Dance on Saturday evening.
The Annual Homecoming Parade will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 1:30 pm with the route beginning at Jefferson Middle School and ending at Caldwell High School.
This year's Homecoming football game will be held at Simplot Stadium on Friday, September 20. The Cougars will take on crosstown rival the Vallivue High School Falcons. We appreciate the City of Caldwell and The College of Idaho for hosting this athletic competition. It is a great way to celebrate and honor the students and athletes from both Caldwell schools.
We are fortunate to be a part of a community that values our youth, their education, and believes in preserving traditions that create cherished memories of friendships and learning.
Board Strategic Pillars: Community Engagement
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Telescopes for Teachers
Syringa Middle School's Earth Science Teachers attended the Telescopes for Teachers Program, an event hosted by Boise State University Physics Teachers from Caldwell High School were also in attendance.
This innovative program is funded through NASA. Syringa Middle School and Caldwell High School science teachers will have a long-term loan of a Unistellar eQuinox2 robotic telescope. The teachers received training from Dr. Rachel Huchmala. They learned about exoplanets, telescope operation, and data collection methods.
Our teachers hope to put this telescope to good use this year by hosting some star parties, viewing sun spots during the school day, and taking pictures of galaxies and star clusters to share with scientists all around the world.
Board Strategic Pillars: Ensuring Quality Instruction
ELEMENTARY SPOTLIGHT
Community Schools
The Caldwell School District has been implementing the Community Schools Strategy for over six years.
Community Schools serves as a vehicle for hyper-local decision-making that responds to the unique needs of each community. Our Community School strategy helps us identify opportunities for students and families. It's a way of supporting students, families, school staff, and the community both inside and outside of the classroom.
"We really depend on our community partners who are serving families already, building relationships with them, and connecting families with community resources as needs arise," said Paul Webster, Community Schools Coordinator.
By bringing together the assets of a neighborhood, Community Schools can efficiently and effectively utilize resources to advance the well-being of children and their families. The Community Schools Strategy transforms a school into a place where educators, local community members, families, and students can work together to strengthen conditions for student learning and healthy development.
Lewis & Clark, Sacajawea, Washington, and Wilson Elementary Schools each have a Community Schools Coordinator to help assist families for their specific needs. Click the link below to find out how to connect with your Community School Liaison.
CHILD NUTRITION
What's for Lunch?
Our Child Nutrition Team has launched a new way for you to view your student's breakfast and lunch menus through MealViewer.
MealViewer is an interactive menu viewing platform designed to enhance the school meal experience and provide access to school menus in advance. This interactive tool also provides students, parents, and staff with real-time access to school menus, nutritional information, and allergen alerts. By utilizing MealViewer, students can make informed food choices while parents and caregivers can stay informed about their students' dietary intake.
To easily access MealViewer, simply download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store and find your school below.
Create a FREE account for quick access! How to:
Go to schools.mealviewer.com or download the mobile app using the QR Code below:
- Create profiles for you and your child(ren) and add their school(s) to view daily menus.
- Add allergens to your child's profile to receive custom alerts. Rate different meal items so your child knows when their favorite meal is being served.
If you have any questions, please visit www.mealviewer.com and click Contact or call MealViewer Customer Support at 866-351-2248.
Visit the link below to view your schools Child Nutrition menu.
Board Strategic Pillar: Ensuring Quality Instruction
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
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
September marks National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated from September 15 to October 15. It honors all Latino and Hispanic Americans and their contributions to American culture. September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the commemoration because it is the anniversary of the Cry of Dolores (early morning, 16 September 1810), which marked the start of the Mexican War of Independence and thus resulted (1821) in independence for the New Spain Colony (now Mexico and the Central American nations of Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua) which became the Federal Republic of Central America.
Board Strategic Pillars: Valuing the diversity within our district
SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness of this urgently important crisis.
Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. This is a time to shift public perception, spread hope, and share vital information to people affected by suicide.
Need help? Know someone who does?
Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
- Call or text 988
- Chat at 988lifeline.org
- Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.
- Call or text 988
- Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org
Learn more at the Center for Disease Control or the National Alliance on Mental Illness
Board Strategic Pillars: Safe & Supportive Schools
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
Parent Information
2024 SIC Admission Prices
There are changes to the entrance fees for ALL sports for the 2024-2025 athletic season.
- $8 Adults & Students without Activity Card
- $5 Visiting Students with Activity Card
- $3 Senior Citizens & Elementary Students
- FREE Home Games for Students with ASB Card, Preschool, and Under
No School
There will be no school on Friday, October 11, 2024, to allow for a teacher work day. Regular class schedules will resume on Monday, October 14, 2024.
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.
Board Strategic Pillar: Community Engagement
How to Prepare Children for Unexpected Events
PBS Kids Talk About
With all of the devastating fires that have forced evacuations and destroyed homes in Idaho this summer, we thought we'd share some free resources for parents to help little ones deal with fears and emergencies.
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.
James Garner's Tribute to Johnny Cash Live in Concert
James Garner's Tribute to Johnny Cash is back in Caldwell. On Friday, October 11, 2024, the Caldwell Community will hear the amazing voice of James Garner. The event will be held at Jewett Auditorium on The College of Idaho Campus, benefiting Caldwell Students in partnership with Kiwanis. Click HERE to purchase your tickets now!
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
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