SOAR Celebration: Tuesday, January 23
A lot of learning and a lot of fun at Spalding STEM this week!
Dear West Ada School District Students, Families, and Staff,
Due to recent emergency closures/snow days, we want to inform you about updates in the academic calendar. Specifically, Wednesday, January 24, will no longer be a professional learning day without students. Instead, it has been rescheduled as a regular school day for all students, from pre-K to 12th grade.
We recognize the importance of clear communication and appreciate your patience and understanding during these unforeseen circumstances. These adjustments are made with the well-being of our students in mind as we strive to ensure the best possible learning environment.
To stay informed about these changes, please visit our district website. The district calendar has been promptly updated to reflect the alterations. In addition, you can find a PDF of the updated calendar linked here - https://www.westada.org/page/all-district-calendar
Furthermore, please note that Wednesday, January 24, will be a B day for secondary students (grades 6-12).
If your family has pre-existing plans on January 24, please reach out directly to your school site to report your student's absence. Student handbooks provide details on reporting attendance using attendance codes. For more information on attendance, refer to Policy 500.2 - Elementary Attendance (https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Policy/ViewPolicy.aspx?S=36031062&revid=8FKVjYhyGRJvCB5WwcE3uw%3d%3d&ptid=muNUlKiR2jsXcslsh28JpBkiw%3d%3d&secid=aCeT1sqzHuyqyxEA3fBM2g%3d%3d&PG=6&IRP=0&isPndg=false) or Policy 500.1 - Secondary Attendance (https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Policy/ViewPolicy.aspx?S=36031062&revid=1bX3T3dInsDxbHjDT1epyw==&ptid=muNUlKiR2jsXcslsh28JpBkiw==&secid=aCeT1sqzHuyqyxEA3fBM2g==&isPndg=&PG=6).
We understand that these unexpected changes can have an impact and sincerely appreciate your flexibility and patience. If you have questions regarding Wednesday, please reach out to your building's administrative team.
As we continue to monitor winter weather conditions, our priority is the safety of our students and their families. We will keep you informed and communicate any further updates as needed.
Your cooperation and understanding are crucial as we navigate these changes together. Your partnership and support are invaluable, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition during these adjustments. Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bub, Superintendent
West Ada School District Students, Families and Staff,
As the winter weather persists, we maintain a vigilant and flexible approach, placing the safety and learning of our students at the forefront. Today, we experienced another snowy day, with ongoing challenging road conditions and inclement weather forecasted until tomorrow. Consequently, we have decided to cancel classes and close schools in West Ada School District on Thursday, January 18th.
While the enchantment of snow days is undeniable, even Olaf understands the importance of focusing on studies. Rest assured, we are committed to ensuring that our students not only enjoy the magic of snowy days but also continue to thrive academically, even when faced with unexpected weather-related interruptions.
For families interested in engaging with learning opportunities tomorrow, we have prepared a set of resources that can be accessed from the comfort and safety of your home. These materials are designed to complement the regular curriculum and provide an enriching experience for students on snow days. Feel free to explore these resources at your convenience: https://www.westada.org/page/remote-learning-opportunities. Please note that these resources are optional and not mandatory.
We understand that there may be inquiries regarding the calendar and potential ongoing school closures. Please be assured that our team is dedicated to minimizing the impact on families when making updates and changes to the academic calendar. We commit to notifying you as soon as possible regarding any alterations or updates. Our primary focus is on avoiding holding classes on holidays and preventing the extension of the school year into the summer. If winter weather or adverse conditions persist, our instructional team, in collaboration with administrators and teachers, will provide dedicated resources to supplement instruction.
We understand that unexpected changes can be challenging, and we appreciate your continued flexibility and understanding during these times as well as your patience and compassion. Your cooperation allows us to maintain a continuity of education and ensure the well-being of our school community. Our priority is to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for all our students, and we appreciate your partnership in achieving this goal.
Stay safe, stay warm and enjoy the snow!
Best,
Dr. Bub, Superintendent
Snow day! ☃️
Dr Bub has messaged indicating concern for safety of students and staff given the inclement weather. Therefore today will be a snow day.
Good luck to our Lego Robotics Team tomorrow at state competition. They will be competing against 49 different teams from around Idaho. We’re proud of all the hard work they’ve put in this season! Go Spalding Building Monkeys!
5th grade students shared their acting talents about math skills and reading with expression in their reader’s theater performance of The Chance of a Lifetime. #SpaldingSTEMAcademy #ForOurKids
Third grade students taught families about traits and adaptations of Idaho animals to showcase their learning with their fall project-based learning unit. #Spalding
STEMAcademy #ForOurKids
The Spalding STEM Lost and Found is getting full. If your child is missing anything, consider if it might be here. #SpaldingSTEMAcademy #ForOurKids
Mrs. Johnson's class completed a STEM challenge to build catapults to project pumpkins and other things!
Spalding STEM 3rd grade students have been learning about animal traits and adaptations. They got to meet with Scott Jensen from the University of Idaho who talked to them about animals in Idaho and how they adapt and use their traits in their environment. They got to see a cow stomach, learn about sage grouse, and even touch a real cow pie! #SpaldingSTEMAcademy
Mrs. Johnson's class completed a STEM challenge to build a container to hold 253 pieces of popcorn out of paper, tape, and staples.
Mathematicians use intuition! Second grade students in Mrs. Magnuson's class were invited to make predictions about pumpkins.
They had a hands-on and engaging learning experience. Making predictions and then verifying them using proper tools was an excellent way to reinforce critical thinking, measurement skills, and the scientific method.
This kind of activity can foster a deeper understanding of concepts related to mathematics, biology, and observation.
It's also a great opportunity for students to appreciate the importance of precision in scientific inquiry. This exercise likely encouraged active participation and curiosity among the students. This activity helped students learn about estimation, measurement, and the importance of accuracy in scientific inquiry.
#SpaldingSTEMAcademy
Have you asked your Spalding S.T.E.M. student how they are doing in their keyboarding skills? We are starting to have more stars indicating students who have met some goals.
The Spalding S.T.E.M. PTO has started the next Box Tops competition. Money earned goes directly to supporting classrooms. Be sure to designate which teacher your child has in order for the teacher to receive that credit.
Spalding STEM has two Christmas Trees near the office which both have a special purpose. We are currently in the midst of our annual pajama drive benefiting children in need. Additionally, we have a giving tree which has ornaments listing current wishes of a child- the ornaments can be taken off the tree and returned on a wrapped gift. These projects benefit both Spalding STEM students and other children in the Treasure Valley.
The Spalding Robotics Team had a great time on Saturday at their second FLL scrimmage. They’re doing an amazing job learning coding and programming the robot they built to complete missions on the LEGO table.
Today is the Deadline: School of Choice lottery applications open for the 2024-25 school year from November 7th-30th. If you know of students who will be 5 years old by September 1st, 2024 or other students who would like to attend Spalding STEM Academy, please be sure to fill out the lottery application on the www.westada.org website to be considered.
Happy Thanksgiving from Spalding STEM Academy!
This week's Spalding Staff Spotlight is on our 4th grade team. Our 4 fourth grade teachers have a combined teaching experience of 50 years! This is team that knows how to move. Between them they have lived in 5 countries (including the United States), and 9 states (including Idaho). Here is all of the places that have been called home by at least one of these teachers: the United States and Idaho, 1-Italy, 1-Thailand, 1- China, 1- The Philippine Islands, 3-Missouri, 2-California, 1-Texas, 1-New Jersey, 1-Oregon, 1-Illinois, 1-Nebraska, 1-Utah. All four have taught in at least two different states and two have taught in at least one other country.
