😴📱 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