CANYON COUNTY — The end of the summer has arrived and many children across the valley will begin a new school year this week.

Nampa, Caldwell and Vallivue school officials outlined some of the changes students can find upon their return to school.

Nampa

School for all students begins Tuesday, although some start earlier.

Allison Westfall, public information officer for the district, provided these highlights of the upcoming year:

What's new program-wise in Nampa?

Nampa adopted a new math curriculum. The purchase was possible through a voter approved supplemental levy and state textbook funds. Nearly 500 teachers came to school early to learn about the program for their grade level.

The curriculum includes:

• Kindergarten-5: EnVision Math, Pearson Publishing

• 6-8: Holt Mathematics, Course 1, 2, and 3

• Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II: McDougal Littell Mathematics

2. All schools will receive federal Title I funding for schools with students from low-income families from the federal stimulus package. In the past, many Nampa schools served high percentages of economically disadvantaged students but did not receive federal funds to serve them.

3. Shortly after the start of the school year, the district will publish for parents of students in kindergarten through fifth grade detailed lists of what skills children will learn in each subject area. These are based on the district's "essential content" that was identified by teachers last year using the state's revised achievement standards.

What are teachers excited about this year?

Response from Misty Koeppen of the Nampa Education Association:

Teachers are excited about the opportunity to use the new math curriculum. They appreciate the state $300 supply cards. They are looking forward to returning to the classroom to begin working with students and are excited to see improvements in student achievement.

Are there new policies in place?

Westfall said lunch prices increased 5 cents. Elementary went from $1.65 to $1.70 and secondary went from $1.90 to $1.95 for lunch. Breakfast remains free for students. This year's ninth-graders will face new graduation standards because of new state requirements.

Caldwell

The first day of school for all students is Thursday.

Jennifer Swindell, public information officer for the district, provided these highlights of the upcoming year:

What's new program-wise in Caldwell?

Caldwell will include classroom teachers in the Caldwell Academy of Leadership this year. This program for administrators in the last two years built strong relationships and was a venue for sharing ideas and inspiration. This year, the academy will include 25 teachers.

What are teachers excited about this year?

The Caldwell School District has made great improvement over the last three years in student achievement and teacher retention. Graduation rates have increased and more schools are meeting federal academic standards every year. Three years ago, the district hired nearly 90 new teachers in a staff of about 400. This year, the district hired only 14 new teachers. We are all excited to continue gaining in academic achievement and hiring and retaining the very best people.

Are there new policies in place?

The Caldwell Board of Trustees voted to require a stricter dress code for elementary students beginning in the fall of 2010. The school district will talk with secondary parents to see where they stand on the issue.

Vallivue

The first day of school was last Wednesday.

Assistant Superintendent Pat Charlton provided these highlights of the upcoming year:

What's new program-wise in Vallivue?

The main new program is at the Vallivue Academy, the district's alternative high school, which included a $1.5 million remodel/addition to the old Cable One building off of Nampa-Caldwell Boulevard. Students will find a state-of-the-art facility with a commons area, two computer labs, a science lab and modern classrooms. Enrollment will increase from 60 to 90 students, and the curriculum has been expanded to include classes in parenting and child development, family and consumer science, Spanish, health, physical education, Idaho Standards Achievement Test preparation, and a GED program.

What are teachers excited about this year?

"I think that the most excitement in the school district comes from the incredible academic growth that every school enjoyed last year," Charlton said. For the second year, the Vallivue School District made adequate yearly progress under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, and 9 out of 10 schools also met achievement goals. Vallivue was the only large school district in the Treasure Valley to make districtwide adequate yearly progress. In addition, Vallivue High School met its goals for the first time in the history of the school, saw Advanced Placement exams go from 25 the previous year to 193 last year and dual-enrollment classes where students get college credit go from 5 the previous year to 31 last year.

Are there new policies in place?

A uniform requirement at Sage Valley Middle School is the most significant new policy.