Some Hayden Peak Elementary School students got a big kick out of having police officers at their school recently. That’s because in an effort to engage with students and get to know them, West Jordan police came to the school for a friendly game of kickball. It gave officers a break from their regular routine and allowed them to serve in a way that builds a bond and trust with students.

The game with West Jordan’s finest was so much fun, students are already looking forward to kickball with the officers again next year.

Thanks to West Jordan Police for spending some valuable time at Hayden Peak, letting kids know how much they care over a good game of kickball.

Congratulations to some very talented Herriman High School students who used their knowledge of the Chinese language and their creativity to take top honors competing in the 2023 Chinese Language Fair at the University of Utah.

Payton Richins, Grace Nufer and Carly Pace won the “Best Original Screenplay” in the Chinese Drama Competition for their short film “Emperor Qin.”

Eli Morgan, Bridger Nielson, Aaron Osmond and Caleb Weaver won “Best Production Design” in the Chinese Drama Competition for their short film “The Silk Road.”

We are proud of these amazing students! Keep up the great work.

The School Community Council of Eastlake recently organized a Fun Run Obstacle Course as their annual fundraiser.The goal was to generate funds for math assistants to support the ongoing math growth at Eastlake, paralleling the success of their reading support programs. However, this event had a unique twist. Every student who donated had the extraordinary opportunity to participate in taping their principal, Kristie Howe, to the wall, with approximately 900 pieces of tape holding her securely in place.

Great job, Eastlake students, staff, and community, supporting student achievements. Keep up the great work.

It was a celebration which Foothills Elementary School students earned after doing something they love. Principal Cherie Wilson challenged all grades to read a total of one million minutes in two-and-a-half months. If they conquered the challenge, students would be treated to an assembly where Principal Wilson and Assistant Principal Gandara would be duct taped to the wall and teachers would get pies in the face. When all the time spent reading was tallied, the students achieved the goal of reading one million minutes in less than two months and the assembly was on.

Congratulations, Foothills Elementary students! Keep up your love for reading all summer long and beyond.

She is a teacher who has a special impact on many, many lives and that is one reason why Melanie Stoker was selected as Siegfried and Jensen’s “Teacher of the Month.” Ms. Stoker is a Language Arts Special Education teacher at West Hills Middle School.

Principal Cynthia Vandermeiden said Melanie Stoker is the kind of teacher who has great connections with students, is always positive, and is great at working with parents. She is described as compassionate and always thinks about the needs of others first.

Siegfried and Jensen surprised Ms. Stoker with her “Teacher of the Month” award during a school assembly. She received a variety of gifts, money for her classroom, and will be featured on a billboard along I-15 in the Salt Lake Valley.

Congratulations to this amazing teacher! Keep up the wonderful work.