In this episode of the West Ada Podcast, Kylee Bendorf, West Ada’s Administrator of Counseling and Student Services, and Sara Jo Buffington, school counselor at Frontier and McMillan Elementary Schools, share insight into how schools support students during moments of crisis—and, just as importantly, how they work to prevent those moments from happening.

This episode includes a frank discussion of suicide and self-harm. Parents and caregivers may wish to review the content before listening with younger children.

🧠 Listeners will learn how school counselors recognize early warning signs of self-harm, assess student mental health risk while treating every concern with care, and provide real-time crisis support when students are experiencing acute distress. The conversation also explores how counselors collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families, and how proactive supports and a positive school climate can help prevent students from reaching a crisis point.

🤝 The episode highlights the work of the Self-Harm Committee, the impact of early intervention, and the role of peer-to-peer support programs like Sources of Strength. Kylee and Sara Jo discuss why it’s critical to talk openly about self-harm and suicide prevention, why adults must be willing to have uncomfortable conversations with kids, and what gives them hope when they spend time with today’s students.

🎓 Student Pulse Segment: Two outstanding Eagle High School students join the podcast to share what’s happening around Eagle High School and offer insight into how students learn best. ⏱️ This segment begins at 32:35.

🔗 Helpful resources mentioned in the episode:

· 💙 West Ada Crisis Supports and Resources: https://www.westada.org/page/parent-student-crisis-information
· 🎥 Student Mental Health Matters: West Ada’s Approach to Support & Safety: https://youtu.be/JuxV53mhtsI
· 💻 West Ada Tech Help: https://westada.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/19

✨ Above all, this episode reinforces a simple but powerful message for students and families: you are not alone, and reaching out for support can change everything.

#WeAreWestAda #StudentMentalHealth #SchoolCounselors #SuicidePrevention #SelfHarmAwareness #StudentSupport #PublicEducation #SourcesOfStrength

😴📱 Sleep and screen time play a powerful—and often underestimated—role in how children learn, behave, and feel each day. In this episode of The West Ada Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Eric Roy of St. Luke’s Children’s Treasure Valley Pediatrics and Tracey Garner, the district’s Health Services Supervisor, to unpack the real questions families and educators are asking about student sleep, screen use, and mental health.

🧠 The conversation explores the connection between sleep and learning, anxiety and depression in kids and teens, attention and behavior in the classroom, and the risks of excessive screen time, including early exposure to digital devices. Our guests share evidence-based guidance, practical strategies for families, and simple changes that can lead to better sleep and healthier habits.

🔗 Helpful resources mentioned in the episode:

• ABCD Study (child brain development): https://abcdstudy.org/
• American Academy of Pediatrics – Healthy Children: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx
• The Anxious Generation: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/
• West Ada Tech Help: https://westada.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/19

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 This is a must-listen for parents, educators, school staff, and caregivers looking for clarity, compassion, and actionable steps to support student wellness, mental health, and academic success—day and night.

🎓 Plus, Centennial High School’s co-student body presidents join us for The Student Pulse to share their perspective on student leadership, school culture, and what matters most to teens today. And if you don’t know the story of Pat Cash, stick around.
⏱️ The student conversation begins at 27:08.

#WeAreWestAda #StudentWellness #ScreenTime #HealthySleep #MentalHealthMatters #ParentingSupport #EducationPodcast

What does meaningful physical education look like in elementary school—and how can families support healthy habits at home? 🏃‍♂️🧠

In this episode of the West Ada Podcast 🎧, we’re joined by Tim Fulwood, Physical Education Teacher at Galileo STEM Academy, and John Feggo from Seven Oaks Elementary School for a conversation about movement, wellness, and lifelong health. Together, they share insights from their classrooms and experiences working with young learners across West Ada.

We’re also introducing something new in the new year. Beginning in 2026, we want listeners to hear directly from our students, which is why we’re launching our recurring Student Pulse segment 💬. In this first installment, we’re joined by Alixandria B. and Mike F., student leaders at Renaissance High School, who share what’s happening on their campus and offer perspective on what it’s like to be a high school student in 2026.

You’ll also hear about “Cosmic Bowling” with Tim Fulwood during the episode. To watch that story, click here:
👉 https://youtu.be/2Qao8St6E6Y

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode offers valuable perspective and practical takeaways to help students stay active, confident, and healthy—at school and beyond.

#WeAreWestAda #StudentWellness #ElementaryPE #StudentVoice #HealthyHabits #EducationMatters

In this special holiday episode of the West Ada School District podcast, we head to Rocky Mountain High School🎓 to spotlight the choir program—and the people who make it truly special. We’re joined by choir director Brandi Cook and student Patrick D. 🎤 for a thoughtful conversation about music education, arts education, student leadership, and mentorship.

This is one episode you’ll definitely want to watch on YouTube▶️. After the conversation, the Rocky Mountain Jazz Choir performs a festive holiday choir performance 🎄✨ you won’t want to miss. If you’d like to jump straight to the performance, head to 21:16 ⏱️.

Whether you’re a student, educator, parent, or arts advocate, this episode offers an inside look at high school choir, West Ada schools, and how the arts help students build confidence, collaboration, and community—on stage and beyond.

🎧 Listen (and watch) now to discover what makes Rocky’s choir program sing.

#WeAreWestAda #RockyMountainHighSchool #ChoirLife #MusicEducation #ArtsEducation #JazzChoir #StudentVoices

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 🎧