Wilder School District News

We have been honored to host several guests over the past few weeks and in the weeks to come. The most enjoyable aspect of hosting guests from across the state and country are the opportunities for these guests to interact with our amazing students and staff. Most recently, we have hosted visits from Idaho Representatives Julie Yamamoto and Judy Boyle. After their visit both representatives indicated they will be returning with their colleague for an opportunity to see authentic learning taking place, and where students' voice is valued. In addition to our amazing Idaho legislators, we had the honor of hosting a visit from Rod Grammer, the executive director of Idaho Businesses for Education. Our focused conversation was around developing “durable” skills or executive functioning skills. Rob was amazed at our dogmatic approach to ensuring these skills are embedded into the learning outcomes for all students.

Coming up we anticipate hosting additional Idaho Representatives, Chris Mathias and Steve Berch, as well as the Bliss School District, and the Grant County School District. As parents and community members we want you to be aware the value outside organizations, school districts, and businesses place on the type of learning eco-system is present here in the Wilder School District. If you would like more information about the guests and/or what draws them to visit, please contact the district office and schedule an informational meeting about our unique and empowering education model.

Finally, I want to wish the Wilder School District and Community a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeff Dillon

Superintendent

December 15 - Wilder Elementary Winter Family Dinner

December 18 - IFRA Elementary Craft Party

December 18 - Indian Creek Plaza Event with Casey Family Services

December 20 - Early Release @ 12:30

December 21-January 2 Winter Break

January 3 - School Resumes

🏀 See Athletics at wilderschools.org for upcoming basketball games. 🏀

The holiday season is a time for giving, and the Wilder School District community is shining brightly with acts of kindness and generosity. Britney Josoff, a dedicated Wilder School District Board member, has spearheaded a heartfelt initiative by coordinating clothing donations through the Just Serve app. The Just Serve app is a platform that connects volunteers with local service opportunities, making it easier for communities to come together. To learn more about the app and its mission, visit Just Serve.

Anna Cruz, our Community Schools coordinator has been amazed by the outpouring of support from generous donors. Families can reach out to Anna to visit our abundant food and clothing pantry.

Teaming up with the Salvation Army in Caldwell, Wilder School District is providing Christmas Boxes for families. These boxes will be delivered on the 22nd to families who have signed up. If you're interested in receiving a Christmas Box, there's still time! Contact Anna Cruz by the 13th to ensure you don't miss out on this great resource. Email acruz@wilderschools.org or call 208-900-2730.

Casey Family Services plays a crucial role in supporting families throughout the year and for the holidays they are taking families nominated by community schools to enjoy a performance of the Nutcracker. They are also sponsoring a special event at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell on December 18th from 5:30 - 8:30. Transportation from the Wilder School District will be provided, making it accessible to all. To attend this festive gathering, be sure to RSVP and check the provided flyer for additional details.

Thank you to our community, teachers, and staff for all of their dedication and care they devote to our students and families throughout the year, especially during the holiday season.

As we approach the winter season and possible adverse weather conditions, it's crucial to ensure you're ready for important updates from the school district. Reach out to us if you require assistance in connecting to our messaging platform, ParentSquare—a valuable tool for staying connected and involved with our schools.

For help or inquiries, feel free to email Laura Shoemaker at lshoemaker@wilderschools.org or contact the district office at 208-337-7400. We're here to assist you.

Mrs. Dyer has been a huge asset to Wilder Elementary this year as the Vice-Principal and Instructional Coach. She has 32 years teaching experience, 10 of which have been in Wilder teaching Kindergarten and First Grade. She plays the guitar as well as ukulele and periodically writes her own songs. Nancy also enjoys spending time with her family and traveling, especially to the Oregon Coast.

Thank you Mrs. Dyer for being a part of the Wilder team!

The middle school girl's basketball season has wrapped up. This year we had fourteen

girls that came out to participate. Even though the majority of them were playing organized basketball for the first time, they did an amazing job playing together as a team. We had an A-team and a B-team. A-team came out with two big wins, one over Victory Charter and the other against Heritage Charter. Our B-team also came out with a big win over Greenleaf Friends Academy. Our girls are already looking forward to next season since the majority of them will return next year.

-Coach Flo

The wilder girls basketball team has had a rough start this year with a record of 0-4. Playing some top teams to start the year off but being competitive in all of them. We are a young team still trying to figure out our identity.
This week we play at Horseshoe Bend on Tuesday. Thursday, Friday and Saturday we play the Rolly Lincoln tournament, which is a 6 team tournament hosted in wilder.
-Coach Johnny

The season is underway and it's been a rough start but our spirits are not down. We have been improving every day and are looking forward to getting our first win. We are a young team with only one senior. Our Rolly Lincoln Tournament will be held on December 14th, 15th, and 16th. Please come support our Wilder basketball teams.

-Coach Lopez

Take Steps to Stay Healthy During the Holidays

Gathering with loved ones to celebrate the holidays is an important tradition for many, but it is also a time when many viruses are more likely to spread. You and your loved ones can take action to help prevent respiratory virus illnesses during the holidays and at other times:

• Get recommended vaccines against respiratory viruses.
• Get tested if you have signs or symptoms of a respiratory illness.
• Talk to your doctor about whether you should get treated with antiviral medication if you have a higher risk for serious illness.
• Use everyday healthy behaviors, including staying home when sick.

Use this link to learn more from the CDC.

Thank you Nurse Erica for sharing this information and taking care of our students!

• Wilder FFA Holiday Produce Sales

• We have oranges, grapefruit, fuji apples, and baker potatoes for sale, Please contact a member or Mrs. Hernandez to order.

• Orders are due by December 13th and will be ready for pick up or delivery on December 19th

• Treasure Valley District Greenhand Rendezvous

• On December 6th a group of freshmen FFA members will attend the event being held at Notus Elementary.

• The Greenhand Rendezvous is a district wide event that is designed for just freshmen members to attend so they can see what opportunities FFA has to offer and get to know other members from our district.

• Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive Success

• 30 Families received Thanksgiving food boxes

• Great partnerships were created and we look forward to making this an annual event.

• We had great support from local businesses and are very thankful!

I am excited to share the following exciting Wilder Middle/High School updates with you.

State Representative Judy Boyle visited with about 20 of our sophomores, juniors, and seniors on Tuesday, December 5th. She spoke about the state government's role and the Legislative Page Program.

Idaho LAUNCH: Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke visited our Wilder High School students on Thursday, November 16th. He spoke to our students about the Idaho Launch program opportunities available to Idaho students. According to NEXT STEPS IDAHO, "Idaho LAUNCH is a grant program that provides students a one-time opportunity to have 80% of the tuition and fees at an eligible institution covered, up to a maximum amount of $8,000. With approximately 75 million dollars available for Idaho LAUNCH funding, it is possible for this program to offer between 9,000 and 10,000 awards per year!"

Basketball Tip-Off Celebration: The staff won the staff versus student body game with a layup by Coach Baliey with 10 seconds left in overtime.

Rolly Lincoln Girls Basketball Tournament: December 7, 8, 9

Games scheduled on Thursday and Friday begin at 4:30

Saturday starts at 9:00 a.m., with the championship game tipping off at 1:30.

Rolly Lincoln Boy's Basketball Tournament: December 14, 15, 16

games scheduled on Thursday and Friday begin at 4:30.

The championship game begins at noon.

Please stay tuned for more news and updates from Wilder Middle/High School. Our dedication remains steadfast in delivering enriching experiences for our students.

Sincerely,

Principal Lindsey

With the winter holiday seasons in full swing, our Parent-Teacher Organization wants to welcome our Wilder Elementary families to a Winter Family Dinner on Friday, December 15 from 5:30-7:00 pm in Mercer. This is a free nacho dinner, with a couple family activities, like bookmark making, and a chance to take a picture with Santa Paws.

Also, when we return in January, we will be hosting a 3-part parent course to help families work with their 3-5 year old students. More info to come.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Dr. Zamora

IFRA will soon have a school mascot! A survey went to IFRA students to collect initial ideas on what our school's mascot should be. After a few weeks, staff reviewed the list and the mascot finalists are: Ram, Owl, and Coyote. Voting is now open among our IFRA students to pick their top choice. When voting closes, the top choice(s) will be presented with the Wilder School District Board of Trustees for final selection. Our goal is to have a mascot, and in the near future, a logo to help build school identity! Stay tuned in the coming weeks to find out what the IFRA mascot will be!

If you have any questions or comments, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Dr. Zamora

We want to take a final moment to thank families for their many contributions, including making sure their children arrive at school on time & ready to learn. 🎄