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 represent their classmates, the challenges and rewards of delivering a graduation speech, and the teachers who helped shape their journeys. Their stories reflect the resilience, growth, and promise of the Class of 2026—and offer an inspiring look at what comes next.

🎓 Watch Madison's graduation speech: https://youtube.com/live/ckOpq6ZZsgI at 45:15
🎓 Watch James' graduation speech: https://youtube.com/live/SrJcgkUEK80 at 53:00

Join us for a conversation about leadership, gratitude, perseverance, and the educators who make a lasting impact on students' lives.

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, opportunities, and value of summer learning.

Plus, in our Student Pulse segment, we’re spotlighting Mountain View High School and the incredible things happening with the Mavericks. Horns up! 🤘

Want to learn more about Stinky Sneaker? Watch here: https://youtu.be/hCw4YqmSRF8

Interested in VIP Prom? Check it out here: https://youtu.be/DwToRObMPyc

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or subscribe on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

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 Secondary School Writing Centers Association (SSWCA) Conference, gaining new strategies to support student learning and writing skills.

🎙️ In this episode, we hear from Dany and Brannia—student leaders and peer tutors at the Lighthouse Tutoring Center. They share their experiences from the conference and talk about the impact of peer-to-peer learning, academic support, and asking for help in a rigorous school environment.

✨ Their insights highlight how student leadership, collaboration, and tutoring programs can drive real results.

👉 Tune in to learn how Renaissance is supporting college readiness, student growth, and academic excellence.

🔗 Learn more about peer tutoring at Renaissance here:
🔗 Learn more about the Secondary School Writing Centers Association (SSWCA) here:

#WeAreWestAda #RenaissanceHighSchool #PeerTutoring #StudentSuccess #EducationPodcast #AcademicExcellence #IdahoSchools #SSWCA #StudentLeadership #CollegeReadiness

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. Michael McDowell—an international author and coach 🌍—as they discuss West Ada’s relentless pursuit of excellence, instructional practices, and how educators and leaders are improving student achievement across the district.

In our Student Pulse segment (that begins at 26:41), meet Taya and Alec, Co-ASB Presidents at Meridian High School. 🎓💬 Amid a year of change, they share how students and staff are working together to strengthen school culture, student leadership, and community engagement.

#WeAreWestAda #EducationExcellence #StudentAchievement #TeacherImpact #ProfessionalLearning #K12Education #SchoolLeadership

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 across West Ada School District 📣

Jason shares how this school fundraiser has grown since its inception—creating opportunities for programs to raise funds while keeping more of what they earn 💰 With over $60,000 in prizes awarded each raffle, the impact is real—and the prizes are incredible 🎁

Coach Schneidt brings a coach’s perspective, sharing how Mountain View baseball has found success through the fundraiser and what it means for student-athletes, teams, and school communities ⚾

👉 Learn more about the West Ada spring raffle, prizes, and how to support:
https://www.westada.org/page/activities-athletics-fundraiser

👉 See real winners from across the district 🎉:
https://youtu.be/Im8nl7jRQ4o

#WeAreWestAda #SchoolFundraiser #StudentAthletes #WestAdaAthletics #SupportOurSchools

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 have led the way in Unified programming for years and have been recognized by Special Olympics as one of the top Unified Champion Schools programs in the nation since 2018.

We also hear from Scott Deck, a special education teacher at Eagle High School. Eagle was recently honored by Special Olympics in Washington, D.C. as one of the nation’s recognized Unified Champion Schools—an incredible achievement for the program and our district.

This episode also features two Mountain View students involved in the Unified program. Calvin, a Special Olympics athlete, and Mitchel, his classmate and Unified partner, share their experiences and perspective on how the program brings students with and without intellectual disabilities together. What’s happening in these schools is building friendships, strengthening community, and creating a culture of belonging that is truly inspiring.

🎧 Learn more about Mountain View’s Unified Champion Schools program here:
https://youtu.be/_Am0N2YYo_E

🇺🇸 Watch the story of Eagle High School’s recent trip to Washington, D.C. here:
https://youtu.be/8xQcrvN-iIg

If you’re a middle school teacher interested in starting a Unified Champion Schools program, we’d love to connect with you. Please reach out to us at communicate@westada.org
.

#WeAreWestAda #UnifiedChampionSchools #SpecialEducation #UnifiedSports #SpecialOlympics #StudentLeadership #WestAdaPodcast

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, and Dr. David Reinhart, Chief Operating Officer, who share insight into the data, guiding principles, and community feedback that shaped the final plan. Beginning in September, a parent-and-patron-led planning committee worked alongside district leaders to develop and refine a thoughtful proposal designed to minimize disruption while planning for the future. 🏫📊

🔎 View the new boundary maps and additional information here:
https://www.westada.org/article/2546186

🎨 Plus, don’t miss our Student Pulse segment! Idaho Fine Arts Academy (IFAA) student leaders Alexa B. and Rosalia M. share their perspective on one of West Ada’s dynamic schools of choice.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts
▶️ Subscribe and watch on YouTube

#WeAreWestAda #WestAdaPodcast #IndependenceElementary #AttendanceBoundaries #SchoolGrowth #CommunityEngagement #IdahoSchools #IFAA

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 of suicide and self-harm. Parents and caregivers may wish to review the content before listening with younger children.

🧠 Listeners will learn how school counselors recognize early warning signs of self-harm, assess student mental health risk while treating every concern with care, and provide real-time crisis support when students are experiencing acute distress. The conversation also explores how counselors collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families, and how proactive supports and a positive school climate can help prevent students from reaching a crisis point.

🤝 The episode highlights the work of the Self-Harm Committee, the impact of early intervention, and the role of peer-to-peer support programs like Sources of Strength. Kylee and Sara Jo discuss why it’s critical to talk openly about self-harm and suicide prevention, why adults must be willing to have uncomfortable conversations with kids, and what gives them hope when they spend time with today’s students.

🎓 Student Pulse Segment: Two outstanding Eagle High School students join the podcast to share what’s happening around Eagle High School and offer insight into how students learn best. ⏱️ This segment begins at 32:35.

🔗 Helpful resources mentioned in the episode:

· 💙 West Ada Crisis Supports and Resources: https://www.westada.org/page/parent-student-crisis-information
· 🎥 Student Mental Health Matters: West Ada’s Approach to Support & Safety: https://youtu.be/JuxV53mhtsI
· 💻 West Ada Tech Help: https://westada.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/19

✨ Above all, this episode reinforces a simple but powerful message for students and families: you are not alone, and reaching out for support can change everything.

#WeAreWestAda #StudentMentalHealth #SchoolCounselors #SuicidePrevention #SelfHarmAwareness #StudentSupport #PublicEducation #SourcesOfStrength