West Ada School District Podcast

What happens when you turn reading into a team sport?

In this episode of the West Ada Podcast, we’re diving into Idaho Battle of the Books (IBOB) and discovering why the competition has become such a hit with students at Heritage Middle School.

Librarians Amy Armstrong and Raquel Brewer take us behind the scenes of IBOB—from choosing books and preparing teams to the friendships, confidence and love of reading students develop along the way. We’ll also look back at Heritage Middle School’s championship run last year and what made that team so successful.

Then, we hand the microphones over to current IBOB students to hear what keeps them coming back, which books have surprised them and why Battle of the Books is about a whole lot more than just reading.

And, of course, we put them through a rapid-fire round to settle some important questions—including whether their teachers could beat them in a Battle of the Books!

Grab a book and join the battle!

Back-to-school routines aren’t just about alarm clocks, backpacks and homework. What students eat can make a big difference in how they feel, focus and learn throughout the day.

In this episode of the West Ada Podcast, we’re talking school nutrition with West Ada Nutritionist Anne Thompson and Logistics Supervisor Shelley Del Rio. We cover everything from quick breakfasts and healthy after-school snacks to picky eaters and the important connection between nutrition and learning.

And this might be one episode you’ll want to watch on YouTube! In our “What’s on Your Tray?” segment, we head straight to the cafeteria to hear from the real experts — our students. Seeing and hearing kids describe what’s on their trays and which cafeteria favorites keep them coming back is pretty priceless.

We’ll also take you behind the scenes of West Ada School Nutrition to see what it takes to feed thousands of students every day. Anne and Shelley bust some common school lunch myths, explain how they balance nutrition with foods students actually enjoy and share how West Ada works to make sure every student has access to a healthy meal.

It's time to kick off the new school year with a special on-location edition of the West Ada Podcast!

We're coming to you from Independence Elementary, West Ada's newest school, as it prepares to welcome students for the very first time.

Superintendent Dr. Derek Bub joins us to discuss the exciting opening of West Ada's 60th school, along with several new initiatives designed to strengthen communication between our schools and families this year.

We also celebrate something that hasn't changed—West Ada's continued commitment to academic excellence. Once again, our students are leading the way in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. Dr. Bub shares what these results mean and how our educators continue to build on that success.  You can read more here.

Plus, for the first time ever, our Student Pulse segment features elementary students! Independence Principal Jeff Christopherson sits down with five future Ospreys to hear what they're most excited about as they prepare to open their brand-new school.

Interested in a specific topic? Jump to the chapters below:
2:20 Welcome Dr. Bub
2:35 The building of our 60th school- Independence Elementary
4:20 Addressing growth
7:50 Staying focused on fiscal responsibility
9:50 More CTE opportunities
14:00 Academic success
16:15 Celebrating dedicated teachers and staff
17:30 Academic focus for 2026-27
19:10 Beneficial new policies & procedures
22:00 Streamlining communication practices
23:45 Importance of student voice
25:00 Simplifying registration for Activities & Athletics
26:30 Sharing student praise
31:00 What excites us in West Ada
32:35 The Osprey Way!

📚 Get ready for the first day of school with our Back-to-School Guide

🎟️ Learn more about the West Ada Fall Fundraiser

This is a West Ada Podcast like you've never seen before!

Our mission is to prepare today's students for tomorrow's challenges—and this episode puts that mission on full display.

Welcome to our Intern Takeover! Two of our outstanding communications interns, Ashlyn and Ryan, step behind the microphones as co-hosts to share what it's really like to intern at West Ada.

From Information Technology and School Nutrition to Communications and beyond, you'll hear firsthand how students are gaining real-world experience, building professional skills, and exploring meaningful career paths—all while making a difference in our schools.

If you're a student interested in hands-on learning and career exploration, West Ada offers internship opportunities in a wide variety of fields.

To learn more, email us at [email protected].

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 [email protected]
.

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