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KSD Connections: Early reading assessments; Lunch time speed zone at KHS; & more

Posted Date: 09/08/26 (05:30 PM)
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Kuna Connections

Twice monthly district update for KSD families

In this Sept. 8, 2026 Update

  • 📖 K-3 students begin reading assessments
  • 🤝 Expanding student opportunities through business partnerships
  • 🚗 New lunch time speed zone limits at KHS
  • 🔦 Help ensure our student walkers & riders are seen as mornings get darker
  • 📢 See, Tell, Now System Is Live
 

Dear Kuna Families,

It's wonderful to see students actively engaged in learning across all of our schools.

Our youngest learners are currently taking state assessments, which provide valuable benchmarks regarding their progress on their learning journey.  

Student safety remains our top priority. We are pleased to share that our new tip line, See Tell Now, is fully operational. 

We are also grateful to our local highway district partners for collaborating with us to make the busy roads around Kuna High School safer for everyone.

You can read more details about these further down in today’s newsletter.

Connecting with students continues to be a highlight of my work. I recently had the pleasure of meeting a group of our students—Hayden Larsen (drums), Gage Larsen (guitar/vocals), Jace Tinker (bass), and Kelly Solmon (lead vocalist)—whose band, Black Wolfsbane, won the Battle of the Bands in Boise this summer. I am constantly impressed by our students' incredible talents, and I invite you to check out our social media channels to celebrate more of their accomplishments.

Finally, the Superintendent Advisory Council will hold its first meeting at the end of the month. If you are interested in participating and sharing your perspective, please complete thes interest form. 

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support of Kuna’s students and schools!

-- Marcus Myers, Superintendent, Kuna School District
A man in a vest and a person in a mascot costume holding a club pose together at an outdoor sports field.
Four smiling men stand close together outdoors in front of a banner that reads "Meridian Lanes".
 

K-3 students begin reading assessments

Sept. 1 marked the start of annual K-3 reading skills assessment using the Idaho Reading Indicator - also known as Amira. Here's some quick information about these tests and when parents will get more information.

  • Evaluates Early Literacy: The Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI) is a statewide assessment that measures foundational reading skills for students in kindergarten through third grade.
  • Identifies Learning Needs: It helps teachers detect early signs of dyslexia or identify students who require extra reading support.
  • Guides Targeted Support: The results are used to create personalized interventions that help improve student reading outcomes.
  • LIteracy Plans:  Students who are not yet at grade level will receive a literacy plan to address the areas of need.
  • Parent Teacher Conferences: Results and literacy plans for those who need them will be shared with parents during your parent teacher conferences at the end of the month.
  • Delivery: The assessment is delivered using Amira Learning software, where students respond verbally to prompts on a computer.
 

Expanding student opportunities through business partnerships

Last week, district leadership attended the official opening of the Meta Kuna Data Center. Since 2022, Meta has provided community grants and technology support across our K-12 schools, supporting initiatives from elementary Lego Clubs to high school STEM programming.

At the event, Meta highlighted several current investments benefiting our district:

  • Robotics & Engineering: Funding for a new high school lab equipped for hands-on technical instruction.
  • Early Childhood Access: Preschool scholarships for approximately 20 local families.
  • Elementary STEM: Continued support for our afterschool Lego Club.
  • Workforce Readiness: Professional development for educators and tutors to support postsecondary preparation.
  • Virtual Learning: Expanded online course access for high school students through our new KAVE program.

We value these practical investments in our classrooms and remain committed to ensuring all corporate partnerships bring clear, direct value to our students and community.
 

New lunch time speed zone limits at KHS

We appreciate our ongoing partnership with the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) to enhance safety around Kuna High School -- and all our schools.

Following recent pedestrian accidents near campus, ACHD is activating the school zone flashing signals near KHS during lunch—reducing speeds to 20 MPH during the midday break.

Other improvements that have been in the works  include:

ACHD has co-planned with us on Deer Flat Road Improvements to to secure safe turn and entry points for KHS. Ground breaking on this project is expected once seasonal irrigation water is shut off.

This summer, ACHD added a street light at Porter & Kay.  Another is in the works for Porter and Cambrick.
 
School administrators also are sharing safety information with students and ask parents reinforce safety messages to ensure everyone is safe.
A cartoon illustration of a person walking on a sidewalk at night, holding a flashlight.

Help ensure our student walkers & riders are seen as mornings get darker

As daylight hours shorten and mornings get darker, staying visible during school travel is essential for student safety. Whether your child walks, rides a bike or scooter, takes the bus, or gets dropped off, keep these quick safety practices in mind:

For Walkers, Bikers & Scooter Riders
  • Brighten Up: Wear light-colored outer layers and attach reflective tape or LED clip-on lights to backpacks and jackets.
  • Ditch Distractions: Keep phones in backpacks and leave earbuds off so kids can hear approaching vehicles.
  • Know Which Way to Go: Walkers should use sidewalks or walk on the far-left edge of the road facing traffic. Bicycles and scooters must ride on the right side of the road with traffic.
  • Equip Your Ride: Bikes and scooters riding in dark or low-light conditions require a white front light and a red rear reflector. Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
  • Cross Safely: Stick to marked, well-lit crosswalks. Always make eye contact with drivers to ensure they have completely stopped before stepping into the street.
For Drivers & School Drop-Offs
  • Slow Down: Lower your speed in neighborhoods and school zones, where pedestrians and riders are harder to spot in early morning light.
  • Stop for Buses: Flashing red lights and an extended stop arm mean stop completely in both directions on undivided roads—passing a stopped bus is dangerous and illegal.
  • Use Drop-Off Zones: Always unload students in designated school drop-off areas. Avoid double-parking or letting kids cross mid-block through traffic.
Tips adapted from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
 

See, Tell, Now System Is Live

We shared at the start of the school year, that Kuna would be using the See, Tell, Now reporting system and it is now live. 

Provided at no cost by the Idaho Office of School Safety and Security, See, Tell, Now is a confidential, statewide tool designed to strengthen school safety and early intervention. Students, parents, staff, and community members can use the platform to report safety concerns—such as bullying, threats, violence, or self-harm—at any time.

Key Features & Reporting Options:
  • 24/7 Monitoring: Trained safety professionals review submissions around the clock and coordinate responses with school administrators and local first responders when necessary.
  • Multiple Ways to Report: Tips can be submitted by phone at 1-800-593-2835, online at www.seetellnow.org, or via the See, Tell, Now mobile app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
  • Confidential & Support-Focused: Submissions remain confidential, prioritizing early intervention and student safety over discipline.
  • Emergency Calls: Please note that See, Tell, Now is a tip reporting system and does not replace 911. For immediate, active emergencies or life-threatening situations, always call 911 directly.

Please talk with your child about the importance of speaking up if they see or hear something concerning at school, online, or in the community. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our schools safe.
 

Contact Us

Please reach out with questions and follow us on Facebook and Instagram:

  • (208) 922-1000
  • ksdcommunications@kunaschools.org
  • www.kunaschools.org