Foothills Elementary School Principal Abe Yospe set some pretty aggressive reading goals for his school this year. For every 20 minutes of reading, students were given a star to place on the walls in the hallway. The students also received milestone rewards like extra recess time and other fun activities for filling up sections of the hallway.

Several thousand stars later, Principal Yospe and school psychologist Rex Prescott  saw the stars stretch down the hallways and reach a goal they thought impossible. The reward for reaching their reading goal was to allow students to pie the principals in the face during a school-wide assembly. Even worse, according to the two huge University of Utah fans, they would have to take pies in the face while dressed entirely in BYU apparel.

Lucky students were selected to pie the principals if it was their birthday or they had BYU apparel on, just to make the rivalry reward a little sweeter.

Congratulations to the Mustangs of Foothills Elementary for accomplishing amazing reading goals during the school year!

A vibrant showcase of creativity is on display as Jordan School District middle school students exhibit their artistic talents. This remarkable collection is truly outstanding, featuring a mixture of media, including canvas, clay, and photography. The public can view the artwork hanging at the Viridian Center in West Jordan until May 15, located at 8030 S. 1825 West.

Don’t miss the chance to appreciate these incredible works created by talented young artists! Congratulations to all the students who contributed to this inspiring show.

A growing number of Hidden Valley Middle School students are demonstrating that strength comes in many forms. Six girls have earned a place in the school’s “Girls 500lb Club,” an achievement that requires a combined total of 500 pounds lifted across the bench press, deadlift, and squat. These young athletes are part of a larger group of 150 girls enrolled in weight training at the school this year.

The club represents more than physical strength—it marks a shift in how female weightlifters view fitness and themselves. Entering the club helps these students feel more confident, capable, and connected. With each rep, they are setting new personal records and challenging stereotypes about weightlifting.

The students’ success in the weight room has sparked competition with weightlifting classes as more students aim for the 500lb goal. In fact, even the boys’ classes are feeling the momentum.

Mr. Jason Rojas, the school’s physical education teacher, has challenged his other classes to hit the 500lb Club. If all the students in one of the classes hit that goal, he promised to dye his hair platinum blonde—a fun challenge that kept everyone pushing toward their goals.

Way to go, Hidden Valley Middle School students. Keep up the excellent work and motivating others to rise to meet challenges.