Caldwell School District Update
From Superintendent Dr. N. Shalene French
April 12, 2024
Message from the Superintendent
Dear Caldwell Families,
Fun Fact: Did you know that a child's brain is 80% developed by the child's third birthday and is 90% developed when the child turns five?
A child's first three years of life is extremely important because this is the foundational period for brain development. A babies' brain grows at a rate of one million neurons per second, which means that 90% of a babies' brain will be developed before they enter Kindergarten (Building Babies' Brains).
As we prepare for Kindergarten Registration on April 17, we want to make you aware of some resources available for parents of young children:
- Idaho Ready to Learn: Countdown to Kindergarten. This new Idaho Public Television program, provides parents with weekly activity calendars with a focus on Kindergarten readiness.
- Bright by Text. Families can receive relevant text messages with easy, practical tips and activities for children from before birth to age eight. The content is provided by trusted partners like PBS and Sesame Street, and customized for your child.
High School Spotlight
Caldwell High School Celebrating 105 Years of Accreditation
Caldwell High School is excited to announce the renewal of its accreditation, marking more than a century since its initial achievement. Caldwell High School's accreditation is granted by Cognia® , a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for schools, school districts, and education service providers.
“Being able to maintain this distinction for more than one hundred years demonstrates to our community our longstanding commitment to excellence, our openness to review feedback, and our desire to be the best we can be on behalf of the students we serve," said Principal Anita Wilson.
We’re so excited to have reached this milestone symbolizing a century of excellence and a commitment to improvement for every student we have served.
Board Strategic Pillar: 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.
Middle School Spotlight
Caldwell Middle School Science Field Trip
Last week, 35, 8th-grade science students from Jefferson and Syringa Middle School embarked on an unforgettable journey exploring the wonders of Oregon's coast! Students were able to immerse themselves in hands-on learning experiences that will last a lifetime.
Students experienced tide-pooling biodiversity, squid dissection, coastal erosion activities, and a Tillamook Creamery Tour.
"We're immensely proud of our students' curiosity, enthusiasm, and teamwork throughout the trip," said Dr. Melyssa Ferro. "Everywhere we went, we were complimented on our students' awesome behavior and excitement to learn and experience new things."
A special thanks to our dedicated chaperones for guiding and inspiring our young scientists and to our awesome community sponsors like TRIO Rising Scholars!
Board Strategic Pillar: Inspiring Student Growth & Achievement
Elementary Spotlight
Wagons Ho
The Wagons Ho is back in Caldwell! Every year, 4th grade students in the Caldwell School District have the opportunity to experience Idaho History in real life. The wagon has supplies to teach children how pioneers performed tasks like washing clothes, making butter, lassoing, branding 'cattle,' and using rustic tools. Students in 4th grade can see and feel what life on the Oregon Trail was like during this fun, hands-on experience.
Board Strategic Pillar: 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.
Spotlight on Cradle for the Cure
The Annual Cradle for The Cure Wrestling Tournament was held at Caldwell High School last month. This year, the tournament helped raise $35,000 for St. Luke's Cancer Institute's 'Patient Assistance Program.' This program helps take care of day-to-day living expenses for people who are going through radiation and chemo treatments.
"The wrestling program is incredibly grateful for all the support our community has given this event," said Adam Freeman, CHS Wrestling Coach. "$35,000 is a lot of Uber rides, dinners, utility bills, and more for people fighting for their lives. This gives them the ability to focus on treatment, making their odds of winning their fight much better."
There were over 1,200 wrestlers in attendance from 11 different states competing for two days at Caldwell High School. We would like to thank our Caldwell Cougar Wrestling program for organizing this annual event and for their generous donations to our community every year.
Board Strategic Pillar: Building family and community partnerships. We work in partnership with children, families, and our community to support the whole child.
Supplemental Levy Renewal
May 21, 2024
On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the Caldwell School District Supplemental Levy will be on the ballot. The levy helps provide funds for district operations that are not fully covered by state funding. Supplemental Levies are common in Idaho school districts (at least 92 out of 115 school districts rely on Supplemental Levy funding).
The levy is used to preserve class sizes and continue the high-quality educational programs that make our schools a great choice for students in Caldwell. This includes daily operations like transportation costs, instructional technology, curricular resources, and building maintenance. The Supplemental Levy also supports school safety; School Resource Officers, safe school aides, and school health aides. As well as, student athletics/co-curricular activities; athletic transportation costs, coaches, advisors, equipment, and student organizations.
Classified staff are crucial for implementing our educational programs. For the District to attract and retain highly qualified classified employees, the District must also be able to offer competitive wages as well.
The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed levy is a tax of $41.11 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions. The proposed levy replaces an existing levy that expires on June 30, 2024; that levy currently costs $41.11 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value. Therefore, if the proposed levy is approved, the tax per $100,00 of taxable assessed value is not expected to change.
You can register to vote, request an absentee ballot, view your ballot, and find your local polling station by clicking here. Polling locations will be open from 8 am to 8 pm on Election Day. You can register to vote on Election Day.
Safety Update
Head Injury's
A few bumps and bruises can be expected when your child plays sports, but head injuries should never be ignored. Being struck by another person or object is a leading cause of unintentional injury for teens and young adults ages 15 to 24, according to Injury Facts, and sports-related concussions are a significant contributor.
If your child gets hit on the head, do not assume he just had his "bell rung", or she was just "dinged". Concussions are very serious and always require medical attention. Signs and symptoms of concussion include:
● Confusion
● Forgetfulness
● Glassy eyes
● Disorientation
● Clumsiness or poor balance
● Slowed speech
● Changes in mood, behavior or personality
Research indicates most children and teens who have a concussion feel better within a couple of weeks. However, for some, symptoms may last for months or longer and can lead to short- and long-term problems affecting how they think, act, learn and feel.
Board Strategic Pillar: Safe & Supportive Schools
Parent Information
Unified Field Day with the Yotes
The College of Idaho Athletic Department has partnered up with Special Olympics Idaho to promote inclusion through sport. The Unified Field Day will allow students to participate in multiple sports skills with the Yotes. The Field Day will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Simplot Stadium from 10:45 am to 12:15 pm.
Kindergarten Registration
We are signing up our youngest learners for Kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 2:30-6:00 pm. Registration will be held at your child's elementary school. Make sure to bring your Kindergarten student with you to registration to receive a gift.
CLICK HERE for more information.
Farmworker Appreciation Dinner
Caldwell High School will be holding its Annual Farmworker Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, April 18, 2024, in the Caldwell High School Cafeteria. Dinner will be served at 7 pm. There will be music, face painting, games, and a guest speaking.
April is School Library Month
Make sure to stop by your school library for school library month!
2024 College Starter Kit for College-Bound Students Experiencing Homelessness
The Idaho Department of Education’s Homeless Education for Children & Youth Program is offering an opportunity for graduating high school students in Idaho who are experiencing homelessness to receive a College Starter Kit. The kit will include items such as a laptop, luggage, school supplies and other essential items to prepare a student for success in the first year of college for the 2024-25 academic year. Parents are encouraged to share this opportunity with their college-bound students. Requirements for application are:
- Student must have experienced homelessness during the 2023-24 school year
- Student must have been identified as experiencing homelessness (McKinney-Vento eligible) by the LEA or charter in ISEE data reporting
- Student must provide proof of acceptance and/or enrollment into a college or university for the 2024 summer/fall semester or term
Application packets must include the following:
- A completed application
- A personal essay (1,000-1,500 words) about the impact of experiencing homelessness and the desire to attend college
- A minimum of one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor or adult who can speak to the applicant’s educational qualifications and life experiences
- Proof of acceptance into a college or university (e.g. college acceptance letter, class schedule or housing confirmation letter)
Idaho Public Television for Students, Parents and Families: Watch With Your Kids
Idaho Public Television has created a dedicated webpage for viewing made for parents, students and families. Parents have the option to curate educational programs for students with learning in mind.
The webpage provides a variety of free content and tools made to guide students through their learning based on their goals and interests. Parents can review program descriptions, watch with the whole family and unpack their learning with discussion questions, games and more to make learning fun.
Parents can explore a variety of available resources:
- Tips for engaging
- Choose family screen time
- Understanding themes
- Interact while you watch
- Learning ecosystem for families
Increase in Global and Domestic Measles Cases
According to Southwest District Health, there is an increase in measles cases and outbreaks in the US and globally as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All U.S. residents traveling internationally, regardless of destination, should be current on their MMR vaccinations. Idaho clinicians should ensure children are current on routine immunizations, including MMR.
Measles (rubeola) is highly contagious; one person infected with measles can infect 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals with whom they come in close contact. From January 1 to March 14, 2024, the CDC has been notified of 58 confirmed U.S. cases of measles across 17 jurisdictions, compared to 58 total cases reported the entire year in 2023.
Updated CDC Guidelines
CDC recently released updated recommendations for how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. The new guidance brings a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV, which can cause significant health impacts and strain on hospitals and health care workers. CDC is making updates to the recommendations now because the U.S. is seeing far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV.
As part of the guidance, CDC provides active recommendations on core prevention steps and strategies:
- Staying up to date with vaccination to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. This includes flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible.
- Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
- Taking steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.
Visit the link below to read the updated CDC Guidelines.
Community Events
Below are a few dates for upcoming community events happening in the Caldwell School District.
Caldwell Health & Resource Fair
On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the Caldwell Event Center, from 9 am to 2 pm, there will be a Caldwell Health and Resource Fair. There will be information about housing, healthcare, jobs, education resources, and so much more.
Global Youth Service Day
April 26-28 JustServe is hosting Global Youth Service Day. To register, visit JustServe.org to sign up for projects and to see other community needs.
10th Annual Family Fun Day
On Saturday, June 8, 2024, the City of Caldwell will host the 10th Annual Family Fun Day at Serenity Park from 10 am - 2 pm. There will be a kid's fishing skills challenge, a color run, vendor booths, chalk art, bounce houses, and so much more.
Health Services Notification
Destination Education
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.
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