The West Ada School District podcast is about informing and empowering families. Co-hosts Katie Rhodenbaugh and Ken Hyde will bring you guests and topics that will allow you to build trust with your kids and the passionate teachers that have a heart for educating them. At our core, weâre about preparing today's students for tomorrowâs challenges. Our first full episode will drop August 9, 2023. Stay tuned!
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In this episode concerning Recruitment & Retention, we dive deep into how West Ada School District supports its educators and staff! đ«âš đ Key topics include: âą The importance of recruitment & retention in shaping a successful district đ âą Insights from a first-year teacher at West Ada đ§âđ«đ©âđ« âą Work-life balance tips for teachers đ
đŒ âą The applicatioâŠ
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In our latest episode, we dive deep into the world of assessments and student achievement! đâš From understanding the purpose behind assessments to the importance of feedback loops, our experts share how data can be used to guide student growth in meaningful ways. đđšâđ«đ©âđ« We also explore the impact of standardized tests like i-Ready, ISAT, and IRI, âŠ
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Maximizing Your College & Career Fair Experience: Expert Tips for Students & Parents đđ
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West Adaâs 4th Annual College & Career Fair is happening Wednesday, March 5! đ
âš đŻ How can students & parents make the most of it? Tammy Schneider (West Ada College & Career Counselor, 25+ years) & Capt. Tanner Cook (Boise Army Recruiting Company Commander) share expert tips & strategies to help students plan their future! đđïž đœïž Watch a recap of laâŠ
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đ Inside the Stinky Sneaker: The Treasure Valleyâs Premier High School Basketball Rivalry đïžđ„
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For 20 years, Stinky Sneaker has been the must-see high school basketball showdown in the Treasure Valley, bringing together packed crowds, school spirit, and unforgettable sportsmanship and competition! But do you know how this iconic rivalry game started? Or who Randy Fout is? đ€ If not, take a moment to watch this special feature: đ„ Watch now đïž âŠ
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What are some common challenges students face when transitioning from middle school to high school, and what strategies can be used to help ease that transition? Thatâs what weâre discussing with Alison Terrill and Brigitte OâBrien. Alison is a counselor at Lowell Scott Middle School; she has been helping kids navigate big changes for over two decaâŠ
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What advice would you give to families who are unsure if CTE is the right choice for their child?
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1:00:18Did you know our students have access to an ambulance simulator!? Well, they do, and todayâs conversation with a pair of our Career & Technical Education (CTE) advocates takes place right in front of it! Join us in the health lab. Thatâs just one of the hands-on opportunities available to our CTE students. William Schumaker is the director of CareeâŠ
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What inspires your holiday giving? What charitable organizations do you support during the holiday season, and why do you feel confident in their work?
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There is an invisible problem in West Ada, and our social workers are on the front lines of addressing it. Some facts: over 845 students are experiencing homelessness throughout the district, and 24% of our students experience financial hardship. Today, we're joined by Shannon Shayne, our Community Schools Lead, and Anne Edwards, a district social âŠ
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Whatâs the biggest misconception youâve encountered regarding professional learning days?
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1:02:13As parents, you may wonder, why does West Ada have late start Wednesdays? Or what about those four professional learning days, and why do they happen in the middle of the week?! Weâre joined by Patricia Vandenberg, West Adaâs Math Curriculum Coordinator, she answerâs all that and more. Specifically, itâs fascinating to learn how our curriculum teamâŠ
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Itâs been a while since weâve checked in with a pulse episode of the West Ada Podcast, but weâve got some great things to report this week! The district recently secured a grant to cover the salary and benefits of another School Resource Officer (SRO) for the district. Weâre joined by Geoff Stands, the Director of Safety and Behavior for West Ada. âŠ
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What behaviors have you observed in your child, or their classmates, that may hinder learning?
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1:02:41West Adaâs goal of remaining on the cutting edge of education is as strong as ever. One of the most recent examples of that is on display with the opening of the Flyers Center. Flyers is a unique facility designed to empower our youngest K-5 learners. The emphasis is on teaching these students how to correctly address the behavioral problems that aâŠ
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What assumptions do you have about "those kids" and the West Ada high school academies?
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1:00:14Letâs be honest, âthose kidsâ donât have the greatest reputation â and thatâs not fair. Students choose to attend West Adaâs alternative high schools for various reasons; theyâve had to repeat a grade, attendance issues, essentially any at risk category. If you have a student youâre concerned about, this episode is for you. Kristen Haener and Mike âŠ
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What are the challenges that teachers face in the Treasure Valley?
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1:02:22Mental health and teacher retention have been topics of conversation across the country the past few years. Weâre joined by a father and son teaching duo to discuss what they see in the profession and why they do what they do. Alan Heikkila is in his 37th year of teaching. Heâs a West Ada Ag instructor focusing mainly on small engines. His son, DanâŠ
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We all pay taxes. But are you aware of how our tax bill has gone down over the past 20 years, while the quality of education has improved in West Ada? Itâs phenomenal! Weâre joined in this episode by Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Gillen and Zone 4 Trustee David Binetti. If youâve never gotten excited about spreadsheets, today is your day! đ In aâŠ
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How have you helped your child navigate high school and their senior year?
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1:00:32The task of helping your student become career or college ready can seem overwhelming. There is A LOT to know and consider. Thankfully, weâve got outstanding College and Career Counselors throughout West Ada. Weâre joined in this episode by two of them; Anna Bemis from Eagle High School and Rae Peppley from Owyhee. We discuss everything from careerâŠ
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Season two of the West Ada School District Podcast has arrived! Weâre joined by Jennifer Swindell and Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News. If youâre not familiar with their work, Ed News is a nonprofit covering public education in Idaho. These two veteran journalists chat with us about everything from what itâs like covering the legislature to thâŠ
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For the first time ever, the West Ada Podcast is on location! Thank you to our friends at Roaring Springs for hosting us. For many West Ada students, Roaring Springs serves as their first foray into employment. Parents, how did you help your kids navigate landing that first job? What advice do you have for other parents? Join the conversation, respâŠ
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Great People, Great Environment, Great Leaders - A Conversation with Dr. Bub
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1:01:15Another amazing school year recently ended. Superintendent Dr. Derek Bub joins us for a look back at the year that was and discusses whatâs next for West Ada. We talk through the sheer size of the school district â weâre the 9th largest employer in the state! We discuss the levies that passed and failed, and we dig into what cell phone use will looâŠ
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We're Asking the Wrong Question - A Social Media Conversation and Warning
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1:05:06Cell phones and social media are impacting all of us â especially our children. Two leading experts in the field join us in this episode to break down what that affect is from a neurological aspect, and how criminals are utilizing cell phones for the sexploitation and manipulation of our children. Dr. John Condie is a medical doctor practicing at SâŠ
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Ready or not, itâs time to start planning for summer break. Unfortunately, summer learning loss is real, but weâre joined by a couple of experts to help us brainstorm ways to keep our students happy, healthy, and engaged. Monique Bosse is West Adaâs Student and Family Engagement Liaison and Andrew Fletcher is the Executive Director of Child DevelopâŠ
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"The Sky is the Limit" - A Conversation Concerning the Future of Artificial Intelligence in West Ada
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Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the world around us in what feels like real time. For educators, the technology is both challenging and exciting. Gina Kwid is one of our guests. She teaches second grade at Galileo Stem and is one of the teachers leading the AI charge in West Ada. Sheâs a doctoral candidate at BSU in the Educational Technology âŠ
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Boise State head football coach Spencer Danielson joins us for a wide-ranging interview. Seriously, we talk about A LOT...everything from what itâs like to be a #GirlDad, to his faith, to the leadership principals that drive him. Promise, you donât need to know the definition of âcover 2â or a âhook and ladderâ to enjoy this one. Whether you lead aâŠ
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Weâre doing something new with the podcast, West Ada. Join us for âThe Pulse,â which is a special pop-up edition. Weâve got our finger on the pulse of the district and when something great happens, weâre going to bring that to you right away. To that end, the Owyhee basketball team won their 2nd state championship in three years over the weekend! HâŠ
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For the first time, two of our outstanding students join the West Ada Podcast! Rylee Chung is the ASB President at Centennial High School and Colby Bond is the Junior Class Vice President at Renaissance High School. These two are extremely involved in their schools and communities. Youâll be impressed by their leadership and academic accomplishmentâŠ
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Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable â A Conversation with West Ada Counselors
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1:00:11West Adaâs school counselors make a positive impact on our studentâs lives every day! Lisa Hale and Sarah Everett are two of them. They join us for a wide-ranging conversation concerning everything from navigating friendships to the mental health challenges facing our kids. Lisa is a counselor at Paramount Elementary and Sarah is a counselor at OwyâŠ
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Idaho Fine Arts Academy (IFAA) Principal Chris Housel joins Katie and Ken for an extension of our conversation concerning The Arts in West Ada. Housel is a lifelong educator, but heâs also been a working piano player and composer for decades. He addresses everything from IFAAâs audition process to some of the misconceptions concerning the free, pubâŠ
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Camilla Boylan and T.J. Eriksen join us for the first podcast of 2024! Both are massively decorated West Ada teachers in The Arts. Camilla teaches acting at Mountain View High School and was West Adaâs Teacher of the Year and the Velma V. Morrison Performing Arts Educator of the Year award winner last year. T.J. is a past Music Educator of the YearâŠ
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With the holiday season upon us, how do you juggle it all? Bri Eggers is a parent and someone who knows a thing or two about navigating obligations both at work and home. The former KTVB meteorologist joins Katie and Ken for a wide-ranging conversation. Bri left Channel 7 last spring. She talks about the joys of being a mom, and her passion for intâŠ
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Our Schools of Choice application deadline is November 30. To learn more about whatâs best for your child, youâre in the right place. Meg McGroarty is the principal at Renaissance High School and David Jakious is the principal at Pioneer School of the Arts. No one knows more about West Adaâs Schools of Choice than these two experts! This conversatiâŠ
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âHow Can I Help?â - A conversation with West Ada mom, substitute teacher and advocate Meghan Saboori
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West Ada parent, substitute teacher, and advocate Meghan Saboori jumps in for this lively edition of the West Ada School District Podcast. Meghan has three sons that all attend West Ada Schools. She is a member of the districtâs plant facilities levy advisory board and was also the chairperson for Yes for West Ada. And again, sheâs a substitute teaâŠ
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"A Shining Example" - A conversation with Superintendent of Public Instruction, Debbie Critchfield
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Weâre pleased to have Idahoâs Superintendent of Public Instruction, Debbie Critchfield, join us for this episode of the West Ada School District Podcast. Superintendent Critchfield breaks down several topics with Katie and Ken, including her biggest surprise since taking office, the ins and outs of working with the legislature, and her parent bill âŠ
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Chief Academic Officer, Marcus Meyers, sits down with Katie and Ken in this episode of the West Ada School District Podcast. Marcus touches on several topics that will help you navigate the academic framework throughout the district; including the latest calendar change, late start Wednesdays and professional development, and what itâs like to deveâŠ
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Activities & Athletics Director, Jason Warr, joins us for this episode of the podcast. He knows first-hand what itâs like to be a parent, a coach, and an administrator in West Ada. We hit on several different topics in this one including the ins and outs of this yearâs West Ada Fundraiser, why we do it, and how it specifically benefits the programsâŠ
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Carmi Scheller joins us for this episode of the podcast. Carmi is a fifth-grade teacher at Star Elementary and has been a dedicated educator for over 34 years. In this conversation, Carmi delves into what we might not know as parents concerning all the responsibilities that our kidsâ teachers are navigating. In addition, she gives us great tips on âŠ
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Shannon Garza joins us for this episode of the West Ada School District podcast. Shannon is a Detective with the Ada County Sherriffâs Department and sheâs also the School Resource Officer at Lake Hazel Middle School. This conversation really runs the gamutâŠeverything from how and when to go for a deep dive with your children, to navigating the pitâŠ
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Welcome to the first ever edition of the West Ada School District Podcast! This episode is all about âBack to School 101.â We want to help you navigate getting your children prepared for a successful first day of school. Weâre pleased to be joined by Hello Meridianâs Natalie Plummer. You can learn more about Natalie at Hello Meridian. Her three chiâŠ
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This trailer provides a brief overview of the goals of the podcast.Von West Ada School District
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