Students at Mountain Ridge High School were inspired to find their voices when author Darren Parry visited campus for a writers workshop. The author of “The Bear River Massacre: A Shoshone History” and “Tending the Sacred: How Indigenous Wisdom Will Save the World,” Dr. Parry shared his journey as a writer and explained that storytelling wasn’t a choice he made, but a responsibility he felt. 

Through his work and life experiences, he encouraged students to see writing as more than perfect grammar or polished sentences. Instead, he emphasized curiosity, listening, and the courage to tell stories that matter, especially those often overlooked or untold.

Dr. Parry reminded students that no one needs permission to begin writing. Each person carries unique experiences and perspectives that the world needs to hear. By capturing memories, asking questions, and listening to others, students can help ensure important stories are never lost.

Thank you to Dr. Parry for sharing your expertise and encouraging Mountain Ridge students to find and tell the story from within.

Sixth-grade students from Majestic Elementary Arts Academy took a field trip to the Silicon Slopes to visit SchoolAI’s headquarters. Students received a behind-the-scenes tour of the SchoolAI offices and met with CEO Caleb Hicks and other executives. While there, students participated in breakout sessions to learn about career fields in tech, including marketing, customer service, engineering, and coding.

Thank you to SchoolAI for hosting Majestic students and opening their eyes to possible career fields in tech they can pursue after graduation!

Students grabbed their passports and visited Australia, Ecuador, the Netherlands, and more at Welby Elementary’s Family Culture & Literacy Night. The event featured a book fair, food trucks, literacy games, student performances, and cultural activities for the whole family.

Students could stamp their passports by visiting tables and learning about cultures from around the world, including several Spanish-speaking countries, as part of the school’s Spanish Dual Language Immersion program. On stage, students performed songs and dances from places across the globe, including the Navajo Nation, Mexico, and Samoa. Congrats on an amazing event Welby Wildcats!

Majestic Elementary Arts Academy celebrated its golden 50th anniversary with a student art showcase. The halls and gym at Majestic were full of photography, paintings, sculptures, drawings, and more that students at every grade level had completed this school year. 

The art showcase also gave the school a chance to look back on its history, displaying class photos, yearbooks, and awards from its 50-year history. Majestic was also visited by many former faculty and administrators, including Sally Barfuss, the wife of Majestic’s first principal, Joseph Barfuss. She stopped by with her daughter, Julie, to see the art and reminisce about being at the school when it opened in 1975.  

Happy 50th Birthday, Majestic! Stay golden!

Last week, the 23rd Army Band of the Utah National Guard visited several schools across the Jordan School District, bringing a unique blend of musical tradition and modern flair. From a captivating lunchtime performance at West Jordan High to engaging sets at South Hills Middle and Bingham High. The ensemble showcased a versatile repertoire that bridged contemporary hits with the disciplined, stirring sound of classical military marches. A highlight of the tour took place at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy, where students had the opportunity to see their own music teacher, Lisa Blodgett, a member of the 23rd Army Band and a service member of the Utah National Guard, perform beside those she serves with.

The 23rd Army Band provided an unforgettable educational experience for students of all ages. We extend our sincere gratitude to the band for sharing their time and talent with students and staff.