It was a day filled with fun and lively learning as students in the Bluffdale Elementary School Portuguese DLI program celebrated Carnaval 2026. Carnaval in Brazil is a week-long national festival known for its vibrant celebration featuring samba dancing, elaborate parades, and ending on Ash Wednesday.

Bluffdale students celebrated by making and wearing creative, colorful face masks, enjoying music, dancing, and they brought their classrooms to life with fun activities and the friendship of fellow DLI students.

Dual Language Immersion DLI is offered in four different languages at 10 elementary schools:

• Chinese – (Eastlake, Foothills, Monte Vista, Southland)
• French – (Fox Hollow)
• Portuguese – (Bluffdale)
• Spanish – (Herriman, Mountain Point, Riverside, Welby)

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.

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.

They set out to showcase the best of the best of Bingham High School and they did it in a big way. Last week’s “Bingham Highlights” event was a huge success with more than 200 students participating along with teachers, staff, families, and members of the community. This was an opportunity to showcase a wide variety of departments at the school and allow parents to explore course offerings and connect with faculty. They also used a “passport” system as a way to get students to engage with every department represented.

This proves, once again, it is always a great day to be a Miner!