Wilder School District News 👋
September 2023
Welcome
Let's get this school year started! 🥳
Connect with us on ParentSquare
Wilder School District (on-campus only) is using ParentSquare to connect with families! This platform makes it easy for parents and teachers to communicate on one platform. You can use a computer, iPad, or smartphone to connect.
Some of you may already be familiar with ParentSquare. Personal invitations will be going out this week for those that haven't connected yet. Please contact your school if you have questions or concerns. We are here to help!
Click on this photo to sign-in to ParentSquare. You can also download the app by finding ParentSquare in the app store. We also have helpful flyers on our website, wilderschools.org.
Upcoming Dates
- September 15...... Wilder Elementary School Picture Day
- September 17-23......Community School Coordinator Appreciation Week
- September 20-21......Wilder Elementary & Mid/High School Parent Teacher Conferences
- September 22......No School
- September 26......Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Meeting 6 pm
- September 29......Wilder Mid/High School Picture Day
Stay Tuned for Parent University Dates.
Meet Our New Athletic Director
Mr. Travis Deardorff began his professional career by earning his bachelor's degree from Boise State University in K-12 physical education and health in 2008. He began his teaching career teaching science under an emergency contract at Idaho City High School. From there he taught at Ridgeline Alternative High School. He taught many different subjects from life skills to physical education. After four years at Ridgeline Alternative High School, he moved to Rocky Mountain High School where he taught science for 10 years. All while he was teaching in the classroom, he always felt like he wanted to be an educational leader and in his 14th year as a teacher, he enrolled in educational leadership at Boise State University. In 2023 he graduated with his master's degree in educational leadership with a building principal certification. He looks forward to being the Wilder athletic director/work-based coordinator and will use his lifetime in athletics and connections within the community to move the programs forward.
Community School
Next week is Community School Coordinator Appreciation Week. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Anna Cruz, our dedicated coordinator who goes above and beyond for our school community. Anna has been the guiding light, ensuring that our students and their families have access to essential resources like food and clothing. Her tireless efforts have made a profound impact on our community's well-being, offering a helping hand when it's needed most. Anna's unwavering commitment and compassionate approach make her an invaluable asset to our school, and we are immensely thankful for all that she does. Please remember that if you or your family ever require assistance or support, don't hesitate to reach out to Anna Cruz – she's here to make sure no one in our community is left behind. Learn more and find Anna's contact information HERE.
Updates from the District
Great News For Our FFA Program!
We're thrilled to announce some fantastic news for our school community. This past week, we were informed that we have been awarded the Idaho Career Ready Students grant, totaling $302,000. This grant will fund the construction of our agriculture building, for the mid/high school ag and FFA programs. We've been working towards this ambition for several years and now, with these funds, we can finally bring our vision to life.
Furthermore, during this capital building project, we've been privileged to receive a significant donation from R&M Steel for the steel structure and exterior siding. Many contractors have also shown their commitment to our district's building objectives by offering in-kind donations in the form of reduced bid prices. Moreover, Gross Farms, a local agricultural partner, has also generously donated their time and resources to assist in the building's construction. We extend our heartfelt thanks to R&M Steel, our local contractors, and Gross Farms for their invaluable contributions.
Across America, the educational landscape is evolving. A prominent shift has been an increased emphasis on district transparency and a renewed desire among parents to collaborate with school districts. To further enhance transparency and value the parent/guardian partnership, I'm looking to collaborate with stakeholders to outline the 10 most essential rights of a K-12 public school parent/guardian, which are aligned to the districts vision/mission and state educational laws. If you're interested in joining this vital initiative, please reach out to the district office to express your interest. While we aim to encompass a diverse range of voices on the committee, please note that not everyone who applies will be selected.
Additionally, I'm eager to share a critical research topic we are focusing on as a district. This research delves into the profound effects of both verbal and non-verbal communication on students' self-perception regarding their learning abilities, especially in reading and math. Have you ever found a subject challenging and thought, "I'm just not good at this?" How often have we heard our students echo this sentiment, especially with reading or math? Our aim is to uncover the origins of such beliefs and reframe these narratives into ones of unwavering self-belief. Expect to see highlights of this insightful research in our monthly newsletters.
Should you wish to join any of our various committees, please get in touch with the district office. Some committees seeking participation include: Artificial Intelligence in K-12 Education, Parent Transparency Rights, and Curriculum Adoption.
-Dr. Jeff Dillon
Wilder Mid/High School Update
As we embark on the exciting journey into a new school year, I reflect on the significance of new beginnings. Each year, we welcome fresh faces and unique experiences to our school district, and it is my privilege to share this adventure with you all.
This year, we are fortunate to welcome both new staff and students into our Wilder family. To our newcomers, I extend a warm and heartfelt greeting. The beginning of something new can be both thrilling and unsettling. Newcomers may wonder whether they will fit in, while our existing community members may question how they can contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. In these moments of uncertainty, the potential for growth and discovery truly shines.
In my years as an educator and now as the principal of Wilder Middle/High School, I have witnessed countless instances of the magic that new beginnings can bring. Students, seemingly strangers just yesterday, quickly form bonds and friendships that make them feel like they've always belonged here. This sense of belonging is a testament to our school and district's warmth.
Consider, for instance, our new teachers this year, that have embraced change. They have shown incredible dedication by considering a new teaching model, collaborating with peers, infusing creativity into their classrooms, and adapting to serve our students better. This enthusiasm, dedication, and mentality make Wilder School District a special place.
Yes, new beginnings can be challenging, but they offer endless opportunities for growth, learning, and success.
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year, everyone!
Let's work together to make it a great one!
-Principal Lindsey
Find the Mid/High 2023-2024 School Calendar HERE.
Wilder Elementary School Update
Welcome to a new school year! I am so excited for the new and renewed opportunities to grow and learn as a team dedicated to your student's academic successes. As we move through this school year, I invite you to join us in our journey of embodying the 16 Habits of Mind. This includes the idea of Persisting, or sticking through things even if it is tough. To that end, one of our key measures for this will be attendance. Being at school is so important for our students to persist through their current learning needs. We all wake up extra sleepy some days. It is when it is tough, that persisting is extra important. Join us in supporting your student's persistence in attendance school day - everyday matters!
Be on the look out for attendance recognition program being developed by Mrs. Dyer, our Elementary Vice Principal and Instructional Coach.
Also, we invite all parents to join us for our first Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at 6 pm on Tuesday, September 26 in the Elementary Library.
-Dr. Zamora
Find the Elementary 2023-2024 School Calendar HERE.
Idaho Future-Ready Academy Update
Welcome to Idaho Future-Ready Academy's (IFRA) 2nd full school year. We are lucky to have each family with us on this journey of learning. In a conversation this summer, administration was dialoging on what IFRA represents. We threw around a lot of ideas, but we settled on the following concept: We are not only student-centered; IFRA is family-centered. This month, we are focused on a Journey of Beginnings that supports the student and family. To that end, as we begin this year, we also begin with a new Nampa IFRA campus. This place will allow for a more central location in the Treasure Valley for students to meet and learn with their peers and students. More info on how to sign up to use the Nampa IFRA campus will be provided by your advisor.
As always, if you have any questions, please let me or Mr. Jones, IFRA Vice-Principal, know!
-Dr. Zamora
Find the IFRA 2023-2024 School Calendar HERE.
Athletics Updates
🏈 High School Football 🏈
The football season has been a challenge so far for our Wilder Wildcats. There is a lot of enthusiasm and spirit on the team as we look to get better every game and build a strong team for the future. Our first game was away at Horseshoe Bend, where we lost 52-8. After a week off, the Wildcats had their home opener against Valley and played tough but lost 42-6. The team took a long bus ride to play Timberline High School in Weippe, Idaho. Unfortunately, the game had to be forfeited at halftime with injuries piling up for Wilder. The guys are still working hard and looking forward to a good second half of the season. Go Wildcats!
-Coach Bailey
🏈 Middle School Football 🏈
Middle School Football took on the Greenleaf Grizzlies on Thursday, September 7th. It was a tight back-and-forth battle and our Wildcats played really hard, but fell short of the win by the score of 8-6! Austin Carlock scored the lone touchdown for the Wildcats. Austin and Jesus Andrade led the way on defense. The Wildcats are back in action at home on September 14th against Garden Valley and September 21st against Idaho City. 5th & 6th graders will take on Adrian on the 21st as well, immediately following the game against Idaho City.
-Coach Shoemaker
🏐 High School Volleyball 🏐
Girls volleyball has had a good start to the season. After an opening loss to Tri-Valley in 4 close sets. The girls rebounded with 4 straight wins over Glenn's Ferry (3-0), Cascade (3-1), North Star (3-0), and Vision Charter (3-0). The girls then fought a powerful Greenleaf team in a 4 game loss. The girls have high expectations this season and look to build on their recent successes. On September 9th. Wilder hosted a 16 team middle school tournament where our middle school girls won the bronze bracket championship. Congratulations to all. Come and support the girl's teams.
-Coach Smith
🏐 Middle School Volleyball 🏐
Middle school volleyball participated in the annual middle school tournament held by varsity coach Glenn Smith. During pool play the lady cats play Adrian, Horseshoe Bend and Riverstone. They were unable to win these teams but took 3rd place in the overall tournament beating Vision and Rimrock.
-Coach Rivera
You can find our athletics schedule on wilderschools.org.