School starting Wednesday for many area students. Here's what's new, what to know

Originally published Aug. 6 on IdahoEdNews.org .

Back-to-school time is upon us. Many area students will be returning to classrooms as early as Wednesday. This fall, schools across Idaho will see nearly 320,000 students back in the classroom.

There are some changes both locally and statewide that will affect students and parents. Here are some helpful dates and links providing information to students and parents of area public school districts.

WEST ADA SCHOOL DISTRICT

School year: Aug. 14-May 23. Idaho’s largest school district will see 40,000 students back in the classroom. The first day in West Ada is a late start , as announced on the district website.

What’s new: A new policy in the district restricts cellphone use in the classroom. Students should be prepared to turn their devices off and set them aside (in a locker or designated classroom space) until class is over. Teachers may allow students to use their phones on occasion, for educational or emergency use.

More information about school supply lists and transportation is available at westada.org .

Kudos: According to the State Department of Education’s school ranking list , West Ada’s Pioneer School of the Arts ranked No. 2 among all Idaho schools with a 98 out of 100 rating.

Contact the superintendent: Visit tinyurl.com/west-ada-supt to send comments, questions or concerns to Superintendent Derek Bub.

BOISE SCHOOL DISTRICT

School year: Aug. 14-May 22. Boise’s K-12 students will return to the classroom on Aug. 14. The first day of school will be early release. You can find times at westada.org/page/bell-schedules .

What’s new: Boise trustees approved an initiative that will offer free breakfasts to all students, starting this school year. The board hopes the free meal will support learning, health and wellness, and inclusivity in the classroom.

For a printable school calendar, click here . Information about the first day of school can be found at this link.

Kudos: According to the State Department of Education’s school ranking list, Collister Elementary achieved a score of 98 of 100, making it one of the highest-rated schools in the state.

Contact the superintendent: Lisa Roberts became the superintendent of the Boise School District on July 1. Roberts previously served as the district’s deputy superintendent for five years. She can be contacted at 208-854-4123 or by email at Lisa.Roberts@boiseschools.org.

NAMPA SCHOOL DISTRICT

School year: Aug. 19-June 5. Nampa students will return to the classroom on Aug. 19. For Nampa kindergartners, orientation will take place Aug. 19, with the first day of kindergarten on Aug. 20.

What’s new: Nampa schools will follow a four-day school week this year, after trustees approved a new calendar in April. Most weeks, Nampa students will attend school Monday-Thursday, with Friday off. On weeks when a holiday falls on a Monday — like Labor Day — students will attend school on the Friday of that week. For more information, see Nampa’s district calendar . Information on needed supplies and transportation can be found at nsd131.org . Additionally, the district’s three high schools are each having turf installed at their stadiums, replacing the grass fields. The combined cost of $1.5 million will be funded by the district’s 2023 levy.

Kudos: Three Nampa schools — Union High, Sherman Elementary and Endeavor Elementary — improved their Idaho Department of Education rankings from 2018 to 2022.

Contact the superintendent: You can contact the superintendent of the Nampa School District, Gregg Russell, by calling 208-468-4600. His office is located at 619 S. Canyon St.

VALLIVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT

School year: Aug. 14-May 22

What’s new: A food pantry at Summitvue Middle School is now open to Vallivue families. The pantry is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 pm. Families can pick up a food box once a week. To receive a food box, families should call the office before 10 a.m. on the day before they plan to pick it up.

For more information, head to the district website . A printable school calendar is available here .

Kudos: The following schools improved their Idaho Department of Education rankings from 2018-2022: West Canyon Elementary, Desert Springs Elementary, Ridgevue High and East Canyon Elementary.

Contact the superintendent: You can contact Superintendent Lisa Boyd at 208-454-0445.

CALDWELL SCHOOL DISTRICT

School year: Aug. 14-May 22

What’s new: Caldwell School District announced its participation in the Community Eligibility Provision for the 2024-2025 school year. All children will receive free meals, both breakfast and lunch, under this provision for the 2024-2025 school year at the following schools:

Caldwell High SchoolCanyon Springs High SchoolSyringa Middle SchoolJefferson Middle SchoolLewis & Clark ElementarySacajawea ElementaryWashington ElementaryWilson ElementaryVan Buren ElementaryPreschool Collaborative

Kudos: Washington Elementary and Wilson Elementary improved their Idaho Department of Education scores from 2018-2022.

Contact the superintendent: The office of Shalene French can be reached at 208-455-3300. You can send a message via the website by clicking here .