It started out small, with a handful of virtual school administrators meeting, virtually of course, to discuss what is working and what can be enhanced in the virtual learning experience for students in Utah. The conversations were so productive, the meetings began to take place on a monthly basis. As a result, the Utah Virtual Learning Collaborative was formed.

After many virtual meetings, the group decided to meet in person and include virtual school teachers as well as administrators. That resulted in the Utah Virtual Learning Collaborative Inaugural Summer Institute on July 11 at Hidden Valley Middle School in Jordan School District. About 80 attendees from districts across the state participated.

This was a unique gathering because all of the participants work in the virtual learning environment and it is the only such gathering in the state.

The theme this year was “Building Connections in a Virtual World,” and the Summer Institute addressed successes and concerns in virtual learning.

Thanks to everyone who attended hoping to making virtual learning the very best it can be for students in Utah.

Mountain Shadows Elementary School Principal Tina Susuico turned into a human ice cream sundae along with several teachers during a fun-filled end of the year event. It was all part of activities to celebrate the success of the school’s PTA fundraiser. Several teachers were wrapped in toilet paper to look like cotton swabs, others were covered in silly string, got pies in the face, were doused with buckets of water, and two teachers were duct taped to the wall.

It was an exciting way to end the school year with students cheering Principal Susuico and their teachers on as they all celebrated the hard work of students raising money for PTA.

It was a fun and somewhat emotional walk down memory lane for West Jordan High School seniors the day before graduation. The students participated in a “Graduation Walk,” where they walked up and down the halls of their former elementary and middle schools greeting students and connecting with former teachers.

The graduates also use the walk to inspire and encourage younger students to take advantage of their educational opportunities and dream big for a bright future.

Thanks for the inspiration West Jordan High seniors!

It was a day to cherish precious memories of the past year and look forward to what lies ahead. South Valley School students spent a morning full of fun at their End of the Year Social. Students enjoyed yearbook signing, snow cones, popcorn, bubble games, four square, sidewalk chalk and had a lunch of burgers and fries.

Congratulations on a successful school year South Valley Flyers! Enjoy your summer break.

Join us in congratulating Hidden Valley Middle School Principal Shawn McLeod for being selected as the 2023 ResilientYOU Education Tribute Award for Outstanding Administrator in Utah!

The Education Tribute Awards are part of the annual governor-declared Resilient Utah Month in May. The award is presented as part of the statewide ResilientYOU program and recognizes individuals based on their exemplary efforts in building student resilience in their schools, homes, and communities.

Mr. McLeod was honored with other award recipients at a Salt Lake Bees game at the Smith’s Ballpark in front of more than 10,000 teachers, students and patrons.

Congratulations Mr. McCleod!