Caldwell School District Update

en español

Dear Caldwell Families,

This past board meeting, our Trustees received preliminary May graduation expectations (which is less than four months away). As we closely monitor student progress towards academic achievement, it is an ideal time to reflect upon our Values and our Commitment to our scholars (students) and their families:

● Making student centered decisions.

• We ensure students are at the center of every decision we make as evidenced by allowing students to share in decisions, believing in their capacity to lead, and remembering how it feels to learn.

● Acting with Integrity.

• We model transparency and honesty to build trust, relationships, and community.

● 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.

● Building family and community partnerships.

• We work in partnership with children, families, and our community to support the whole child.

● 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.

● 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.

We believe that as we keep our focus centered on the children we serve, uphold our shared values and commitments, and meaningfully partner with you, our parents, we will build a strong community of confident, life-long learners.

Both Caldwell and Canyon Springs High Schools offer a wide variety of Career Technical Education (CTE) courses for students in grades 9-12. These programs provide students with learning opportunities aligned with in-demand jobs found right here in Caldwell.

CTE programs focus on applied learning and career readiness, because CTE programs are aligned with regional and statewide labor needs.

Agriculture - The Agricultural Education program focuses on the agri-sciences such as Plant Science, Animal Science, and Agricultural Mechanics. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the FFA organization and expand their learning and leadership skills in the Agricultural Industry.

Auto - ASE certifications are available for students, allowing them to gain employment experience working as a general mechanic.

Business and Marketing - A business education is beneficial to any career. Students can earn dual credit opportunities through TVCC and Industry Certifications in Microsoft and Adobe.

Computer Science - This new program will give students the opportunity to look at Computer Science from a wide lens, covering topics such as programming, physical computing, web development, computer support, and cybersecurity. Once students take the introductory course, they have the opportunity to take more advanced courses and even earn certifications.

Engineering - Students can earn dual credit through NNU and compete in Engineering and Robotics events through the Skills USA and Vex Robotics organizations.

Family and Consumer Science - Opportunities are available for students to explore careers in the tourism and hospitality industries. Students will also learn life skills such as sewing, cooking, and taking care of babies.

Health Occupations - Students have the opportunity to earn their Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, AHA CPR, ARC FAST, and Pharmacy Technician Certifications.

Welding - Students can become AWS certified and gain access to employment opportunities in the welding industry while getting the chance to compete in various welding events.

*Canyon Springs High School offers graphic design and family and consumer science courses for students.

Board Strategic Pillar: College & Career Readiness - We are committed to providing an academic foundation to allow students access to a variety of post-secondary options.

"I feel like this is a gateway to getting parents more involved in our schools, and enjoying the music that they've listened to all their lives," said Madam Chair Marisela Pesina.

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.

Starting in the fall, The College of Idaho Men's Basketball team, (who are also the reigning NAIA Men's Basketball National Champions), visited each elementary school to cheer on students and invite them to be a part of their Legacy Program. When students participate in the Legacy Program, they commit to serving their families and volunteer in our community.

Students from all six of our elementary schools have been active contributors in giving back in the form of volunteer hours. Our elementary students had over 700 volunteer hours. The College of Idaho Men's Basketball team recognized their volunteer efforts with a free t-shirt and tickets to the Yotes Legacy Program Game.

We are grateful for this wonderful partnership with The College of Idaho to become Legacy Driven.

Through the Yotes example of servant leadership, we can all make a positive impact in our families and in our community.

Building family and community partnerships. We work in partnership with children, families, and our community to support the whole child.

Riding the school bus, in general, is fairly safe for children. A school bus's size and heavy weight may protect them from an external force that could come their way, in the event of an accident. Although school bus accidents are rare, the National High Traffic Safety Administration reports that a lot of bus accidents involving children occur when children approach or exit the school bus due to an inattentive or reckless driver.

In order to prevent this type of accident from happening, before approaching or stepping out of the school bus, children and youth need to follow the bus driver's direction and always look both ways to make sure there are no oncoming cars.

Board Strategic Pillar: Safe & Supportive Schools

• Since 2011, there has been a 59% increase in teens reporting depressive symptoms
• Scientific data shows that 2+ hours a day on social media correlates with a higher chance of having unhappy feelings
• Teens say their main way of coping with stress is to turn to a screen—this is concerning for many reasons, and we need to ensure they have other coping skills

We invite you and your family to view Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER. This film follows personal stories of families from an array of backgrounds with a spectrum of emotional challenges. It also highlights approaches in schools that provide strategies relevant beyond the classroom setting.

PLEASE JOIN US ON MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2024

FROM 6:00-8:30 PM AT

THE CALDWELL PUBLIC LIBRARY

Please join us for a discussion about why children use challenging behaviors and how to help them learn to use more positive ways to get what they want.

We will share helpful information and provide time for you to ask questions. Parents, caregivers, teachers, and child care providers are all invited to attend.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRAURAY 28, 2024

CALDWELL SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICE BOARD ROOM

6:00 - 8:00 pm

Caldwell School District is joining with the Learning First Alliance and partners nationwide to celebrate educators, students, and school communities during Public Schools Week 2024.

During the week of February 26-March 1, we’re highlighting the amazing things happening in our local public schools while expressing our support and advocacy for public education and all the benefits it provides children and families alike.

Public Schools Week 2024 is part of the #HerefortheKids campaign, an effort to bring together families, educators, and community members to shine a light on local public schools and tell the stories of the amazingly positive things happening in classrooms and school buildings nationwide.

Our public schools serve all kids and embody the principle that every child has the right to an education, no matter their background, their socio-economic status, or their abilities. We’re proud to join the Learning First Alliance and so many others across the country in celebrating what makes public education so incredible. This week provides an opportunity for us to step up for our schools and ensure they receive the resources they need to prepare the next generation for the future.

Idaho students have one month remaining to apply for the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship. Applications are open now and will close on March 1. This need-based award requires a 2.7 unweighted cumulative GPA and scholarship funds are available per academic year. Recipients must renew each year and are eligible to receive the scholarship for a maximum of four years. Students must also attend one of these eligible Idaho colleges or universities:

• Boise State University
• Brigham Young University – Idaho
• College of Idaho
• Idaho State University
• Lewis-Clark State College
• Northwest Nazarene University
• University of Idaho
• Western Governors University

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

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