OCTOBER 2021

SUPERINTENDENT'S VOICE
Newsletter
Two students smile for the camera as they are stocking sodas in a glass fronted refrigerated case.
PREP students stock and prepare concessions stands for district high schools. The PREP (Prepared Readiness for Employment Program) Transition Program is for students who have reached the age of 18 and have successfully completed four years of high school. PREP provides many opportunities to prepare students with developmental disabilities for the transition from school into adult life. The program explores and expands opportunities for young adults within an integrated age-appropriate setting.
A Season of Change
As we head into fall, I am looking forward to spending time in the outdoors. My family and friends who are avid hikers and nature lovers remind me that when the fall conditions are right, the trees do amazing things. The mountains glow with dramatic reds, oranges, and yellows.
 
With the right conditions, great things happen. This is also very true at Nampa School District. Our community members, teachers and staff members come together to create the conditions that allow our students to shine!
 
A great example of this is found in this month’s newsletter and the story of Foster Grandparent and volunteer Jackie Mildenberger, or Nan, to her students. Nan’s work with our students is both heartwarming and reflective of the commitment found in our community to help every child succeed. If you want to feel good today, read about how Nan Mildenberger and Misty Joyner, the teacher that Nan supports, come together to create an environment that encourages each child to succeed.
 
The conditions that they are creating for student success, reflect work that is occurring across the Nampa School District. What are the conditions that make NSD a great place? 
 
  1. We are committed to excellence—We have an outstanding curriculum aligned with state standards, taught by committed teachers with outstanding community volunteers, who care about the students and their work. We want every child to succeed and that means we are student-centered, and data-driven.
 
  1. We are committed to high expectations and strong relationships—In today’s world, social media can create anxiety and fear for our students. NSD creates a safe and nurturing environment so that students can succeed. When students build trust with volunteers, staff members and peers, they learn and grow in ways that allow them to shine! People like Nan Mildenberger help students realize there are adults who care and who provide socio-emotional support on a daily basis.
 
  1. We are committed to fiscal responsibility and a strong partnership with our community—We have a community committed to strong schools. People in Nampa recognize that when the schools are strong, the community is strong. Together, we grow student leaders that give back to our community and go on to become civic leaders. Indeed, we are Nampa strong!
 
The fall is a season of change. Let’s continue to celebrate the changes that are occurring in our students as they transform into both learners and leaders making a difference locally and globally.
 
Thanks to each of you for helping to create the conditions that allow this positive change to occur. As we partner together across Nampa neighborhoods and schools, there is a bright and shining future for our community and region!
 
Respectfully, 

Dr. Paula Kellerer 
NSD Superintendent 
Forging Success at West

Middle school offers an opportunity to make new friends, change classrooms during the day and try out electives like art, music, computer science and video editing. For a group of about 40 seventh and eighth graders at West Middle School, electives extend even further to welding/construction, and food science/culinary arts – classes traditionally offered only to high school students.
 
“Traditionally, the first thing that gets cut when budgets are tight is innovative electives,” said West Principal Chance Whitmore. “We felt like it was important to offer more things that kids are interested in. I’m a firm believer in hooking kids with something interesting so they will be more engaged throughout the entire day.”
 
Whitmore has been working with the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) administrators for a few years to determine which courses would offer the best fit. The goal is to eventually expand this into a seamless ninth-grade transition, thus encouraging kids, especially those who are at risk, to continue on through graduation.
 
“The biggest reason we did this at West is to keep middle school students in school and to allow them to have a cool elective to take,” said CTE Director Cindy Arnzen. “We want students to find success as well as explore different career opportunities. If students don’t find an interest early on, they may drop out of school.”
 
Students enrolled in the food science/culinary arts programs are bused to Skyview High, which has facilities and equipment specific to these courses. Arnzen believes that exposing them now to a high school environment and the opportunities awaiting them will help them aspire to continue on and find success.
 
“We hope they can see what they are good at and will continue on with these classes during high school.”
Election Day is Nov. 2
Three Nampa School District trustees seats will be up for election on Nov. 2, 2021 – seats 3, 4 and 5. All polling locations will be open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Here’s what you need to know about how to vote.
 
PRE-ELECTION REGISTRATION CUTOFF
Voter pre-registration closes October 8, 2021. Registration cards may be mailed or delivered to the Canyon County Elections Office at 1102 E Chicago, Caldwell, Idaho 83605. You may also register online at voteidaho.gov
 
ABSENTEE BALLOTS
Registered voters may request an Absentee Ballot for the upcoming election by completing and signing a request and submitting it to the Elections Office before 5 p.m. on October 22, 2021. You can request an absentee ballot at https://www.canyonco.org/elected-officials/clerk/elections/2021-absentee_ballot_request_form or at the Canyon County Elections Office at 1102 E Chicago, Caldwell, Idaho 83605.
 
Once voted, Absentee Ballots must be returned to the Elections Office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
 
WHO’S ON THE BALLOT?
 
Visit https://www.canyonco.org/elected-officials/clerk/elections/ to see what’s on your ballot. To find your Trustee School Zone, enter your address at https://app.guidek12.com/nampaid/school_search/current
Volunteer Spotlight – Foster Grandparent Jackie Mildenberger
Her name is Jackie Mildenberger, but her kids at NOVA simply call her Nan, short for grandma. Nan is a Foster Grandparent, one of six program participants volunteering with NSD’s online school this year.
 
Foster Grandparents is a federally funded program that pairs seniors with tutoring and mentoring opportunities where they can make a difference in a child’s life. Eligible participants can receive a modest stipend and mileage reimbursement.
 
Mildenberger assists with kindergarten teacher Misty Joyner’s class in a virtual breakout room. She addresses specific skills a child needs help with, including identifying letter names and sounds, counting, sight words or number recognition.
 
“The kids really enjoy working with Nan,” Joyner said. “And popping into breakout rooms and moving between people increases their capacity to stay online longer.”
 
Mildenberger started working with Joyner four years ago when she was teaching at Iowa Elementary, where her great-grandson was starting kindergarten. A retired special educator who worked in the Vallivue School District, Nan had a gift for connecting with kids and understanding how to provide the special support they needed.
 
Her efforts were recognized early on. Joyner recalls a mother sharing a story one day about her daughters playing school. “One said, ‘I get to be Nan, because Nan likes to be strict.’ She holds kids accountable.”
 
When Joyner moved to NOVA, Mildenberger asked if she could come with her. Working online during COVID has been a blessing for many program volunteers, although figuring out virtual tools has been a challenge for some, including Mildenberger.
 
Now that she has the computers mastered, a typical day for Nan includes about four hours working with kids online, and then time spent checking their work and helping to put packets together. One afternoon a week she also volunteers at Iowa Elementary, where her grandsons still attend
 
“I love it,” she said. “It keeps me young.”
 
To learn more about the Foster Grandparent Program, visit https://www.jannus.org/program/foster-grandparent-program-of-the-treasure-valley.
Mallory Essman Named Counselor of the Year
Skyview High School counselor Mallory Essman has been named Region 3 Counselor of the Year by ACRAO (Idaho Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers) in recognition of her service and support to students. 

“When people ask me about my job, I always say I have the best job in education,” she said. “I get to help students realize their potential.”
 
Essman believes that every student deserves a champion, and she’s so grateful that sometimes she gets to be that person. “That is what gets me up in the morning, that’s what makes the discouraging aspects of the job worth it.” 
 
She recalls attending IACRO’s Counselor Days when she was new to the job and watching one of her role models win this award. She decided then and there that someday, that would be her.
 
“When my name was announced at this year’s Counselor Days, I was full of emotion. I had done it,” she recalls. “I was recently given a bracelet from a former student that reads, ‘Be their difference.’ That is what being a counselor is for me.”
 
October Nampa School District Events
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Includes select events, high school varsity home games and local tournaments only. Check calendars on individual school websites for more events.
 
Oct. 4: Donuts with Mom/Special Person. 7:45-8:15 a.m. at Greenhurst Elementary
Oct. 5: Nampa Girls Soccer vs. Ridgevue. 5:30 p.m. at Nampa High
Oct. 5: Math Night. 5 p.m. at Iowa Elementary
Oct. 5: Columbia Girls Soccer vs. Bishop Kelly. 5:30 p.m. at Columbia High
Oct. 5: Nampa Girls Soccer vs. Ridgevue. 5:30 p.m. at Nampa High
Oct. 5: Skyview Girls Soccer vs. Borah. 6 p.m. at Skyview High
Oct. 5: Columbia Volleyball vs. Emmett. 6:30 p.m. at Columbia High
Oct. 5: Skyview Volleyball vs. Boise. 6:30 p.m. at Nampa High
Oct. 6: National Instructional Coaches Day
Oct. 7: Columbia Boys Soccer vs. Caldwell. 5:30 p.m. at Columbia High
Oct. 7: Nampa Boys Soccer vs. Middleton. 5:30 p.m. at Nampa High
Oct. 7: Columbia Volleyball vs Caldwell. 6:30 p.m. at Columbia High
Oct. 7: Skyview Volleyball vs. Owyhee. 6:30 p.m. at Nampa High
Oct. 8: Last day to pre-register to vote. Register online at voteidaho.gov or the Elections Office.
Oct. 8: Columbia Swimming vs. Capital. 5:45 p.m. at Nampa Rec Center
Oct. 8: Columbia Football vs. Nampa. 7 p.m. at Columbia High
Oct. 8: Skyview Football vs. Eagle. 7 p.m. at Skyview High
Oct. 9: Project Grad Pumpkin Sale. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Nampa High
Oct. 11: Nampa Volleyball vs. Emmett. 6:30 p.m. at Nampa High
Oct. 11: Skyview Fall Choir Concert. TBA
Oct. 12: Skyview Orchestra Concert. TBA
Oct. 12: CTSO (Career and Technical Student Organization) Night. 6-8 p.m. at Columbia High
Oct. 13: PSAT Day
Oct. 13: Nampa Volleyball vs. Caldwell. 6:30 p.m. at Nampa High
Oct. 13: Columbia Volleyball vs. Middleton. 6:30 p.m. at Columbia High
Oct. 12: Community Information Session. 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Union
Oct. 13-14: Open House. 5-7 p.m. at Union
Oct. 15: PD/Teacher Work Day, No School
Oct. 15: Columbia Swimming vs. Timberline. 3:15 p.m. at Nampa Rec Center
Oct. 15: Nampa Football vs. Middleton. 7 p.m. at Nampa High
Oct. 16: Treasure Valley Festival of Bands at Ridgevue High.
Oct. 16: District Volleyball Play-In Game at Skyview High
Oct. 16: Project Grad Pumpkin Sale. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Nampa High
Oct. 18: School Board Meeting. 6:30 p.m. at the District Office
Oct. 18-21: District Volleyball Tournament at Skyview High
Oct. 19-20: High School Parent-Teacher Conferences. 5-8 p.m.
Oct. 20-21: Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences. 5-8 p.m.
Oct. 20: Blood Drive at Columbia High Aux Gym
Oct. 22: Last day to request an absentee ballot. Sign up at voteidaho.gov or the Elections Office.
Oct. 22: Nampa Football vs. Caldwell. 7 p.m. at Nampa High
Oct. 22: Football District Playoff Game. TBA at Skyview High
Oct. 23: Project Grad Pumpkin Sale. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Nampa High
Oct. 25: Community Information Session. 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Union
Oct. 26: Fall Orchestra Concert. 6 p.m. at Lone Star Middle School
Oct. 27: Trunk or Treat. 6-7:30 p.m. at West Middle School
Oct. 27-29: Skyview Haunted House. 5 p.m. at Skyview High
Oct. 27-30: National FFA Conference in Indiana
Oct. 28: SEL Night/Chili Harvest Feed. 5-7 p.m. at Greenhurst Elementary
Oct. 28: Monthly Summit Support Night. 7 p.m. at Columbia High Library
Oct. 29: PD/Teacher Work Day, No School
Oct. 30: DIII Marching Band Competition at Boise State University
Oct. 31: Halloween
NAMPA SCHOOL DISTRICT
619 S Canyon St, Nampa, ID 83686
Phone: 208-468-4600