Bingham High School Student Selected as National Youth Storyteller

Posted on

Picture of Claire Burnham and Donald DavisClaire Burnham has a pretty amazing story to tell, one Claire and her family won’t soon forget. The Bingham High School sophomore was one of only 10 students in the nation selected to be a National Youth Storyteller at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival this past weekend. To make her story even more incredible, Claire was the opening act for professional storytellers, including the King of storytelling, Master Storyteller Donald Davis. Mr. Davis was the headliner at this year’s festival.

Claire first met Donald Davis seven years ago when he spoke to her third-grade class at Jordan Ridge Elementary School as part of a storytelling project the students were working on. That’s when Claire became fascinated with storytelling and the opportunities to perform what she was writing on stage. According to her mother, Claire was hooked and she has been writing and performing ever since. She has been a storyteller at a number of local events, including the Story Crossroads Festival in Murray and the Renaissance Festival at Thanksgiving Point.

Congratulations, Claire on your storytelling success. We can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings!

Westvale Elementary Teacher is Finalist in The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Posted on

Picture of Mrs. SearleIt is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government, specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teaching. We’re talking about The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Education and Westvale Elementary School STEM teacher Lanette Searle is a finalist competing against educators around the nation.

The award recognizes teachers who have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. Since the program’s inception, more than 5,200 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.

Join us in congratulating Mrs. Searle for this prestigious honor! Best of luck, we are cheering you on.

Supercast Episode 156: The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Using Canvas

Posted on

Superintendent with Digital Learning Specialist Ross RogersIt is a course management system that supports students and teachers in and out of the classroom allowing educators to post grades, information, and assignments online. And, it helps parents be a part of the process.

On this episode of the Supercast, we explore the most frequently asked questions when it comes to using Canvas. We share some tips for students and parents on how to avoid problems and find success with course content using Canvas.

National Suicide Prevention Week

Posted on

Out of Darkness Walk posterThe American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is holding an “Out of the Darkness” community walk at Veterans Memorial Park in West Jordan this Saturday, September 10, starting at 10 a.m.  You can register at afsp.org/slc.

This walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. The goal is to unite communities and provide an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions impact lives.

There will be a resource fair before and after the walk.

Please know the ‘988’ Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for anyone who needs help or knows someone who may be experiencing a crisis.

Also, Jordan School District has resources available at wellness.jordandistrict.org.

Don’t Forget to Laugh – From Our Health & Wellness Team

Posted on

Wellness Wednesday LogoThe new school year is upon us and having a sense of humor is often key to making it through any challenging times you may encounter. In fact, a good sense of humor can be one of the most useful tools in our tool box. Every chuckle brings with it health benefits.

Some of the health benefits include:

  • Physical benefits of laughter result in a boost to your immunity; laughter lowers stress hormones, decreases pain, relaxes the muscles, and prevents heart disease
  • Mental health benefits include adding joy and zest for life; laughter eases anxiety
  • and tension, relieves stress, improves mood, and strengthens resilience
  • Social benefits include strengthening relationships; laughter attracts us to others, enhances teamwork, helps diffuse conflict, and promotes group bonding.

Of course, we all have different things we find funny and we all have different styles of humor. Maybe you’re not a stand-up comedian, but anyone can learn a couple of jokes to share as a way of connecting or lightening the mood.

Spend time watching or reading something that tickles your funny bone, or share a crazy or embarrassing story with your friends or co-workers (this is a fast track to bonding because we all have a silly story or two).

Just like any skill, we need to be intentional in our practice. So, your challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to find the funny. It’s there waiting to make you laugh!