Category Archives: School Stories

Monte Vista Teacher Achieves National Board Certification

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Congratulations to Monte Vista Elementary fourth-grade teacher Dionne Tarpenning, who has achieved National Board Certification. Becoming a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) is a rigorous process that reinforces high standards, a commitment to excellence in teaching, and elevates the teaching profession. This is the most respected professional certification in K-12 education and represents a dedication to her craft.

Ms. Tarpenning, along with her 2026 cohort educators from across Utah who earned certification, were honored at the Utah State Capitol by the House and Senate for their amazing accomplishment.

Great work Dionne! Thank you for your commitment to our students and the teaching profession.

Copper Canyon Elementary Lip Sync Assembly Shows that Coyotes Rock

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There was a sold-out crowd, popular songs, flashing lights, and costume changes, all without any Ticketmaster fees at the second annual Copper Canyon lip sync assembly. Students performed choreographed dances and songs to fan-favorite sing-alongs like Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” and the Baha Men’s “Who Let the Dogs Out?” Even the faculty got into the action as the office staff performed with the kindergarteners and the nutrition staff brought the house down with “It’s Raining Tacos.” The show was so popular that it even included a special guest appearance from Ed Sheeran (or was it custodian Skyler Campbell?).

Rock on, Copper Canyon!

Students Sing Their Way into Hearts of Senior Citizens and Many Others in Amazing Performances

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They are talented and have big hearts as well. Recently a select group of West Hills Middle School students attended the Jordan School District Solo & Ensemble Festival, performing small group songs and solos with other exceptional middle school singers in the District.

After the festival, the students and Choir Director Michael Draut, stopped to sing for and visit with their resident friends at Summit Senior Living in West Jordan. It was an act of kindness and beautiful singing that brought smiles to the faces of seniors.

In addition, congratulations to students representing West Hills at the Utah Music Educators Association’s, (UMEA) Jr. High All-State Choir. They rehearsed with the best middle school singers in the state under the baton of Dr. Erin Bailey, BYU, and then performing at the singular Abravanel Hall.

Keep up the great work West Hills, singing your way into the hearts of everyone you cross paths with in your performances.

South Valley Students Throw Dance Party to Celebrate Creation of Hope Squad

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It was a week of smiles and fun at South Valley School as students celebrated the creation of their first Hope Squad. Activities throughout the week included a soda bar, friendship bracelet making, and an epic lunchtime dance party.

Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer program that fosters connection, community, and hope inside schools to promote mental health and suicide prevention. School psychologist Sarah Robbins and counselor Melisa Swapp worked as sponsors of the club and helped organize the week of activities.

Congratulations, South Valley students! Keep smiling and lifting each other up!

Morning Yoga Starts Heartland Elementary Off on the Right Foot

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Students at Heartland Elementary learn yoga before school
Young students at Heartland Elementary have found that there is no better way to start their school day than with a before-school yoga session. On Wednesdays, students meet in the gym before school starts to stretch and center themselves through yoga in a soothing environment.
School counselor Jenilee Sorenson realized that some students felt more dysregulated in the middle of the school week and needed extra support for their emotional well-being. With the support of Heatland Principal Buddy Alger, she began bringing students together before school to learn yoga in a soothing environment as a way to regulate the kids and give them space to focus their bodies and minds.

Namaste Hearland!