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. Together, they explore how WAEF funds creativity, removes barriers to learning, and builds partnerships that empower teachers and help every student thrive.

💡 Hear inspiring stories of Classroom Innovation Grants, teacher creativity, and student success — plus how WAEF collaborates with district leaders, educators, and local businesses to ensure every learner in West Ada has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

🎥 Want to see the Foundation’s impact in action? Watch this moving testimonial video highlighting how community support transforms student's lives: https://youtu.be/QZuiMaiPbNY

📬 Contacts: For grants, partnerships, or other inquiries, reach Jamie Burton at Burton.Jamie@westada.org
and Lila Lake at grants@westada.org

🎧 Tune in to learn how you can get involved, support classroom excellence, and make a lasting impact for West Ada students.

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 Hulbert, Custodial Supervisor, share how they manage building maintenance, custodial operations, and emergency response across 382 square miles of the district — serving more than 38,000 students.

They discuss major modernization projects, energy-efficiency upgrades, and sustainability efforts that make our schools healthier, safer, and better places to learn. From HVAC and lighting improvements to innovative cleaning tools and custodial training, Spencer and Tawnya explain how their work directly supports student success.

Finally, they reflect on West Ada’s continued growth and new construction, how they prepare teams for new campuses, and their shared vision for the future of facilities in education.

🎥 Take a look behind the scenes of the Lake Hazel Middle School renovation → Watch on YouTube

📚 Learn more about our Schools of Choice programs and how to enroll → westada.org/enrollment-schools-of-choice

#WeAreWestAda #FacilitiesManagement #CustodialServices #SafeSchools #SustainableSchools #InnovationInEducation #K12Education

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 have shaped their views on leadership, school culture, and student life. They discuss the impact of technology and social media, adapting to the no-phones-in-classrooms policy, and how they strive to make every student’s voice heard.

They also reflect on highlights like the Student Leadership Summit and graduation downtown, offering real insight into how today’s students are leading, adapting, and preparing for life after high school.

💬 Join us for an authentic, student-led conversation about leadership, growth, and the future of education in the West Ada School District.

To learn more about our Schools of Choice programs and how to enroll ➡️ https://www.westada.org/page/enrollment-schools-of-choice

#WeAreWestAda #StudentLeadership #StudentVoice #WASDLeadership #EagleHighSchool #CentennialHighSchool #FutureLeaders #HighSchoolLife #EducationPodcast #VoicesThatMatter

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 presenter & Ag Expo Chair) reveals how she went from first time presenter to confident leader 🎤—and how the Expo inspires the next generation.

Watch it: the room’s energy really pops on video. Catch the YouTube episode ➡️ https://youtu.be/EHKUKOqiS_I

ICYMI: last year’s Ag Expo highlight video 🎥 https://youtu.be/PEvhRzhJM5M

In this episode you’ll hear about:
• What sticks from hands-on demos and farm-to-classroom connections 🎒➡️🎓
• How community partnerships power this tradition 🤝
• One piece of advice for every student—from first grade to high school 🌟

#WeAreWestAda #AgExpo #FFA #IdahoAgriculture #StudentLeadership #ExperientialLearning #CTE #FarmToSchool #EducationPodcast #PulsePodcast 🎧

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 experiences as a CTE student and FFA leader gave her the skills, confidence, and resilience to thrive in the Honors College at the University of Idaho. 🌟🐾

Claire also explains how concurrent enrollment and AP classes allowed her to start college as a sophomore, saving time ⏰ and money 💰 — all while confirming her passion for the medical field. 🩺

Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, you’ll gain practical advice on balancing academics, extracurriculars, and leadership opportunities while setting yourself up for success after high school. 🚀

#WestAdaPodcast #CTE #ConcurrentEnrollment #FFA #CollegeReady #StudentSuccess #FutureReady #Leadership #HonorsCollege #MedicalCareer #EducationMatters #CollegeCredits #HighSchoolSuccess#GoVandals#UniversityofIdaho#UIdaho#VandalFamily

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 Larsen, Director, Data-Driven Response

Together, they discuss:

• Why assessment matters and the vision behind West Ada’s Data-Driven Response Department.
• How teachers, principals, and district leaders turn data into action without overwhelming staff.
• The balance between classroom assessments and state benchmarks like i-Ready, ISAT, and IRI.
• What contributes to West Ada students’ continued success in math, science, and ELA.
• How families can better understand their child’s results and what’s next for assessments in 2025–26.

✨ Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community member, this conversation shines a light on the mindsets and priorities shaping student success — every student, every day.

#WeAreWestAda #StudentSuccess #DataDrivenEducation #EducationalLeadership #AssessmentMatters #EdTech #FutureReady

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 other ways.

In this episode, we sit down with Kelly Brownholtz from Sawtooth Middle School and Tricia Hendrickson from Rocky Mountain High School to explore their journey, their impact, and their advice for the future. 🌟

From sharing what led them into the role, to walking us through a “day in the life,” Kelly and Tricia open up about the challenges and joys of their work. You’ll hear stories of collaboration with teachers 🤝, one-on-one student support 🎒, and the unforgettable moments that keep them inspired 💡.

We’ll also dive into the bigger picture: how the role of paraprofessionals has evolved 📈, what they wish more people understood about their impact, and the powerful message they’d share with the broader community about why paraprofessionals are essential to education. 📚✨

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or thinking about becoming a para yourself, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for the critical role paraprofessionals play in student success, learning support, and school culture across West Ada. 💙

#WeAreWestAda #Paraprofessionals #StudentSuccess #ClassroomSupport #EducationPodcast #TeachingSupport #SchoolCommunity #SawtoothMiddleSchool #RockyMountainHighSchool #InspiringEducators #UnsungHeroes #StudentAchievement #BehindTheScenesInEducation

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 journey.

We dive into the district’s transformation over the decades 🔄, her passion for educating children and the unexpected tribute behind having the Christine Donnell School of the Arts named in her honor. Christine also offers insights into today’s educational challenges 🧠, the keys to leadership in education, and the legacy she believes West Ada continues to shape🌟.

Whether you're an educator, parent, student, or alumni, this episode is full of wisdom, history, and heart — and a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on an entire community. 💬

👉 Join the conversation and connect with others in the community on our Facebook group:
facebook.com/groups/9329778283790621

#WeAreWestAda #LearningGrowingLeading #WestAda75 #IdahoEducation #IdahoSchools
#EducationMatters #SchoolLeadership #TeacherLegacy #EducationalLeadership #WomenInEducation #SuperintendentLife
#EducationPodcast #PodcastEpisode #ListenAndLearn #VoicesInEducation #StorytellingMatters