West Ada School District Podcast

Over four thousand West Ada graduates crossed the stage last month, ready to begin their next adventure. In this episode of the West Ada Podcast , we spotlight two exceptional graduates who also took the microphone as student speakers at their commencement ceremonies: Madison Kelly of Renaissance High School and James Campbell of Owyhee High School . Madison and James share what it was like to rep...

In this edition of the West Ada Podcast, we’re diving into summer school and exploring how summer learning can make a lasting impact for students. We’re joined by longtime summer school teacher Holly Clayton, and Katie’s son Blake shares the student perspective on staying engaged during the summer months. With registration closing May 21, now is the perfect time to learn more about the benefits, o...

If you’re a parent considering Renaissance High School , or an educator exploring ways to improve student achievement, academic success, and peer tutoring programs , this is an episode you won’t want to miss! 🏫 Renaissance is the top ranked high school in Idaho , and one key to that success is its powerful peer tutoring model . Over spring break, a team of students and staff attended the Secondar...

Statewide school rankings are in—and West Ada is excelling! 🎉📊 Learn more: https://www.idahoednews.org/top-news/west-ada-lakeland-and-charters-stand-out-in-new-statewide-school-rankings/ What’s driving this success? Outstanding teachers and a deep commitment to professional learning . 🍎📚 In this episode, we’re joined by Rhonda McDonough, Chief Academic Officer of Teaching and Learning, and Dr....

In this special Pop-Up Pulse edition of the West Ada Podcast, we’re joined by Activities & Athletics Director Jason Warr and Mountain View High School baseball coach Justin Schneidt to talk all things West Ada Activities & Athletics Fundraiser 🏀⚾🎟️ With the spring raffle closing Friday, April 3 , now is the time to get involved and support student programs, athletics, and activities acro...

In the latest episode of the West Ada Podcast , we explore the powerful impact our special education teams and Unified Champion Schools programs are having across the district. We’re joined by two outstanding leaders in West Ada special education. Jennifer Crowl has been instrumental in building the Unified Champion Schools program at Mountain View High School since its inception. The Mavericks ha...

With the opening of Independence Elementary School in the 2026–2027 school year, West Ada School District is proactively adjusting attendance boundaries to balance enrollment and support continued student growth. In this episode, we break down what the approved boundary changes mean for families and how the process unfolded. We’re joined by Miranda Carson, Director of Transportation and Planning ,...

In this episode of the West Ada Podcast , Kylee Bendorf, West Ada’s Administrator of Counseling and Student Services, and Sara Jo Buffington, school counselor at Frontier and McMillan Elementary Schools, share insight into how schools support students during moments of crisis—and, just as importantly, how they work to prevent those moments from happening. This episode includes a frank discussion o...

😴📱 Sleep and screen time play a powerful—and often underestimated—role in how children learn, behave, and feel each day. In this episode of The West Ada Podcast , we sit down with Dr. Eric Roy of St. Luke’s Children’s Treasure Valley Pediatrics and Tracey Garner, the district’s Health Services Supervisor , to unpack the real questions families and educators are asking about student sleep , scree...

What does meaningful physical education look like in elementary school—and how can families support healthy habits at home? 🏃‍♂️🧠 In this episode of the West Ada Podcast 🎧, we’re joined by Tim Fulwood , Physical Education Teacher at Galileo STEM Academy , and John Feggo from Seven Oaks Elementary School for a conversation about movement, wellness, and lifelong health. Together, they share insig...

In this special holiday episode of the West Ada School District podcast, we head to Rocky Mountain High School 🎓 to spotlight the choir program—and the people who make it truly special. We’re joined by choir director Brandi Cook and student Patrick D. 🎤 for a thoughtful conversation about music education, arts education, student leadership, and mentorship . This is one episode you’ll definitely...

In this episode of the West Ada School District Podcast , we go behind the scenes of the West Ada Education Foundation (WAEF) — the nonprofit driving classroom innovation and student support across Idaho’s largest school district . Our guests, Jamie Burton , Executive Director, and Lila Lake , Grant Coordinator, share how the Foundation connects community generosity with real classroom needs. Toge...

If you’re a parent, student, or teacher, you might not know the people who make our schools such great places to learn. In this episode of the West Ada Podcast , we’re spotlighting the dedicated teams who keep our schools safe, clean, and running every day — the Facilities and Custodial Services departments of the West Ada School District . Spencer Mclean, Director of Facilities , and Tawnya Hulbe...

In this episode of 🎧 The West Ada Podcast student leaders Ray Gauthier , ASB Co-President at Eagle High School 🦅 , and Maddi Waggoner , ASB Secretary at Centennial High School 🎓 , share what it’s really like to be a high school student and leader in 2025 . Maddi and Ray talk about their journeys through West Ada schools , what inspired them to join student council , and how their experiences ha...

Last week’s Ag Expo was buzzing—now get the inside story on this West Ada Pulse Podcast . Experience Idaho agriculture 🌾🚜 through two lenses: early learners and emerging leaders. Sara Peltier (First Grade Teacher, Christine Donnell School of the Arts) shares what first graders discover up close—curiosity, confidence, and can’t-wait-to-tell-you stories 📚✨. Aubrey S. (Centennial HS senior, FFA p...

In this edition of the West Ada Podcast, we dive into the benefits of Career and Technical Education (CTE) , FFA leadership , AP courses , and concurrent enrollment in West Ada. If college readiness , career exploration , or getting a head start on higher education is in your future, this episode is for you! 🎓✨ Our guest, Claire Shelton , a Centennial High School graduate , shares how her experi...

In this episode of the West Ada Podcast, we’re diving into how the district uses data to support student learning and achievement. From classroom instruction to district-wide assessments, our leaders unpack what the numbers really mean — and how they guide decisions that put students first. Joining us for this conversation are: Rhonda McDonough, Chief Academic Officer, Teaching and Learning Aimee...

Paraprofessionals are the unsung heroes of our schools 👩‍🏫👨‍🏫 — supporting classrooms, building connections, and making a difference in students’ lives every single day. In West Ada, there are 486 special education paraprofessionals working directly with students — and that doesn’t even include the many library assistants, Title I paras, or student support assistants who support learning in ot...

In this special episode honoring West Ada School District’s 75th anniversary 🎉, we sit down with retired educator and former superintendent Christine Donnell — a visionary leader whose career shaped the district over 34 years. From her first day as a teacher 🍎 to navigating complex challenges as superintendent 🏫, Donnell shares the milestones, decisions, and people who influenced her leadership...

📚🎧 Transportation tips • Campus walkthroughs • Parent prep guide • Student safety • First-day success In this episode, we’re joined by Lisa Hahle , West Ada’s Director of Elementary Instruction, and Miranda Carson , Director of Transportation and Planning, for an insider’s guide to getting ready for a new school year in Idaho’s largest district. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or student...

The Summer Meals Pulse Podcast is here—bringing you an inside look at how West Ada School District is keeping kids fed, healthy, and ready to thrive all summer long! ☀️🍽️ 🎙️ Special guests:  👩‍💼 Anne Brock, West Ada’s Director of School Nutrition  👨‍🍳 Kristen Homer, Assistant Supervisor of School Nutrition Together, they share:  ✅ The purpose & impact of free meals for all kids 1–18  ✅ H...

📌 Description: Join us for a powerful conversation with West Ada School District Superintendent Dr. Derek Bub as we wrap up the 2024–2025 school year. In this year-end podcast , we reflect on major milestones, academic growth, and the innovative strategies that brought the district's vision — Empowering Minds, Ensuring Excellence — to life. 🎓 From topping the state in ISAT scores to expandi...

Ahead of the third annual We Are West Ada Staff Awards , we sat down with three remarkable leaders who embody the spirit of educational excellence across the district. In this special Pulse edition of the West Ada Podcast , you’ll hear from: Superintendent Dr. Derek Bub on district-wide vision and leadership, Cara Hinkson , Principal of Lake Hazel Middle School , on building strong school culture,...

In this episode of the West Ada Podcast , we sit down with: 👩‍💼 Renée Senander , Chief Human Resources Officer 🗂️ Carolyn Olson , Substitute Placement Supervisor They cover all the essentials for anyone interested in joining the West Ada team:  ✅ Recruitment strategies & how to apply  ✅ Pay structure, bonuses, and long-term career growth 💼  ✅ Benefits, training, and support for substitut...

In this Pulse Edition of the West Ada Podcast , we take you inside the West Ada Career Fair , where student teachers, out-of-state educators, and passionate professionals explored the exciting opportunities within our district! 🏫✨ Joining us are two incredible guests: Rachel Edwards, Principal at Owyhee High School , and Kim Cole, a student teacher at Star Elementary School . They share their un...