West Ada School District Podcast

From Graduation Stage to the Next Chapter 🎓

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 [https://youtube.com/live/ckOpq6ZZsgI] at 45:15 🎓 Watch James' graduation speech: https://youtube.com/live/SrJcgkUEK80 [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.

Summer School Myths, Benefits & Student Voices 🎙️

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 [https://youtu.be/hCw4YqmSRF8] Interested in VIP Prom? Check it out here: https://youtu.be/DwToRObMPyc [https://youtu.be/DwToRObMPyc] Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or subscribe on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

🎧 Peer Tutoring Power: How Renaissance Students Drive Academic Success

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 [https://www.idahoednews.org/top-news/west-ada-lakeland-and-charters-stand-out-in-new-statewide-school-rankings/], 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 [https://www.westada.org/o/rhs/page/academic-support-programs/]. 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: [https://youtu.be/rlR03MWhWt8] 🔗 Learn more about the Secondary School Writing Centers Association (SSWCA) here: [https://sswca.org/] #WeAreWestAda #RenaissanceHighSchool #PeerTutoring #StudentSuccess #EducationPodcast #AcademicExcellence #IdahoSchools #SSWCA #StudentLeadership #CollegeReadiness

👉 Driving Excellence: How West Ada is Leading the Way

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/ [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

$60,000 in Prizes?! Inside West Ada’s Athletics Fundraiser 🎁🏀

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 [https://www.westada.org/page/activities-athletics-fundraiser] 👉 See real winners from across the district 🎉:  https://youtu.be/Im8nl7jRQ4o [https://youtu.be/Im8nl7jRQ4o] #WeAreWestAda #SchoolFundraiser #StudentAthletes #WestAdaAthletics #SupportOurSchools