Caldwell School District Update
From Superintendent Dr. N. Shalene French
February 17, 2022
STARBASE Program
The five week STEM program provides hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math education activities at STARBASE. Students explore nanotechnology, navigation, mapping, and they are introduced to the ever expanding world of STEM careers.
This exciting and exemplary STEM experience is available for all of our fifth grade students from each of our elementary schools.
*We want to express our gratitude for the Caldwell Transportation Company for helping make this field trip possible.
Spanish Students Excel
A total of 244 college credits were earned by the 19 students.
"It definitely helps those students who may not be in AP classes, and who may not be taking dual credit classes. By giving them the confidence to say 'hey, you already know so much, you have all of this prior knowledge let's have you take this exam,'" said Claudia Vega, World Languages Department Chair and Spanish Teacher at Caldwell High School.
These students now have college credits should they pursue a post-secondary education.
Supplemental Levy Renewal
On Tuesday, March 8, 2022, the Caldwell School District will be asking voters to renew its Supplemental Levy. The levy helps provide funds for District operations that are not fully covered by state funding. Supplemental levies are common in Idaho school districts. Currently 92 out of 115 school districts rely on supplemental levy funding.
The levy will be used to preserve class sizes and continue the high quality programs that make our schools a great choice for students in Caldwell. This includes: fine arts, elementary orchestra, elementary specials (i.e music, PE, library), STEM, athletics, extracurricular and co-curricular activities, School Resource Officers, Safe School Aids, health aids, supply budgets, building maintenance, instructional technology, and other operational expenses.
In order for the District to attract and retain highly-qualified classified employees, the District must be able to offer competitive wages as well. Classified staff are crucial for implementing our educational programs.
The District's estimated total levy rate will be $2.77 per $1,000 of taxable property value.
Running a supplemental levy in March allows the Caldwell School District to accurately create a budget. Our current supplemental levy will expire on June 30, 2022. If the supplemental levy does not pass, the Caldwell School Board will be forced to consider how to cut $4.1 million from the budget. This could mean the reduction or elimination of some programs in which students benefit from and/or participate in.
Polling locations will be open from 8 am to 8 pm on Election Day, Tuesday, March 8, 2022. You can register to vote on Election Day. You can register to vote, request an absentee ballot, view your ballot, and find your local polling station by clicking here.
Joselyn Gutierrez awarded $1,000 scholarship
Joselyn was awarded the Idaho Education Technology Association's (IETA) College-Bound Scholarship! This scholarship is given to students with a high level of involvement in STEM-related activities who are entering into a college program in science, technology, engineering, or math.
Spotlight on our Career Technical Educational Programs
Caldwell High School is now an Authorized Training Provider for both First Aid/CPR and FAST (First Aid for Severe Trauma). Students can become certified in both of these areas. Mr. Brian Sullivan, CHS Health Professions Teacher, has already had many students certify this school year.
"I feel like this opportunity opens more doors during the job hiring process. Already having a certification in pharmacy tech, CPR, or CNA[Certified Nursing Assistant], it just kind of opens more doors for you," said Natalie Araiza, senior at Caldwell High School. In fact, individuals with these valuable skills are a great benefit to our community.
Freshman Registration
In addition, middle school counselors will be guiding students through four days of college and career education and exploration to prepare students for the transition to high school.
Students will complete the following activities:
--Learn about the importance of future college and career planning
--Complete college and career interest surveys
--Learn about the Career Pathways at Caldwell High School
--Develop a four year plan
--Learn about the TRIO Talent Search Program
What is the Big I.D.E.A?
The Idaho Digital E-Book Alliance (IDEA) is now available through the Sora App. This means students and staff can access the e-book collection without having to have a public library card. IDEA provides high-quality e-book and e-audio titles to Idaho’s public and school libraries at no cost.
IDEA is designed for K-12 students, with approximately 95% of the fiction and nonfiction content consisting of children’s, juvenile, and teen titles. There are currently more than 20,000 titles in the collection. The IDEA collection is available 24/7, allowing learning to occur any time, any place.
There are no start-up or ongoing costs for IDEA. The IDEA collection increases students’ access to, and interest in, out-of-school reading. To find out more about IDEA click here or contact your school librarian.
Nominate a Caldwell School District Teacher for Idaho Teacher of the Year
Nominations will be accepted through Monday, March 14, 2022. Last year, Idahoans nominated nearly 150 teachers.
Mask Information Update
After reviewing and discussing recent COVID-19 data and information, the Board of Trustees voted to extend the mask requirement for all students and staff through Friday, February 18, 2022.
Beginning Monday, February 21, 2022, masks will be recommended.
The Board will continue to review COVID-19 data and absentee reports for both students and staff. If necessary, Trustees will revisit the mask expectation in the coming weeks.
Trustees also voted to lift the mask requirement for visitors beginning Monday, February 21, 2022. Masks will be recommended for individuals who are visiting a school or District facility.
We are still providing free COVID-19 testing at all school locations. Please contact your school to schedule an appointment.
WE ARE HIRING!
The Caldwell School District is looking for kitchen staff/cooks, custodians, special education paraprofessionals, safe school aids, community schools liaisons, substitute teachers, and behavior interventionists for all levels.
If you know someone who would be a good fit for any of these positions, please encourage them to apply online at www.caldwellschools.org.
We provide substitute teacher training through STEDI.org.
IMPORTANT DATES
No School
There will be no school on Friday, February 18, 2022, to allow for Professional Learning Communities. There will also be no school on Monday, February 21, 2022, in observance of Presidents' Day. Regular class schedules will resume on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.
Election Day
Election Day Voting will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. You may vote anytime between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm. Click here to register to vote.
Board Meeting
The Caldwell School District Board of Trustees will hold their next Regular Board Meeting on Monday, March 14, 2022, at 7:00 pm. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed. To see the School Boards 2022 Regular Board Meeting Calendar click here.
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/
Twitter: @CSD132Sup