Westland Elementary celebrated Veterans Day with its sixth annual parade and assembly honoring veterans in the community. Students with military guests accompanied them on a parade through the school halls while being applauded by the rest of the student body. The assembly featured a color guard from the University of Utah ROTC, patriotic speeches, poems written by students, and a medley of military songs. Veterans in attendance were each recognized for their service, including 100-year-old World War II veteran Frank Brown, who was recently honored at the Utah State Capitol along with 24 other centenarian veterans.

Westland is a Purple Star school, a designation awarded by the Military Child Education Coalition for the school’s program to support military-connected children who relocate to a new school due to a parent’s change in duty station.

Butterfield Canyon Elementary staff transported students into the world of Harry Potter during a fun and creative STEM and Literacy Night. Students participated in a Sorting Hat event, which assigned them to one of the four houses. Staff put on Quidditch matches, taught potions classes, and helped students make their own owl masks.

STEM challenges brought even more excitement. Students designed and tested marble runs, engineered Hogwarts-inspired structures, and created wands. Every student at the event went home with their own book to add to their personal library, keeping the magic of reading alive long after the night’s events had ended.

It was a marvelous and unforgettable night at Butterfield Canyon Elementary School, where students celebrated creativity and the joys of learning. Great job to everyone who helped make this night a huge success.

The Monte Vista Elementary School community joined the national “Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.” The November 14th annual event honors the legacy of Ruby Bridges, who, at just six years old, became the first African-American student to attend a previously segregated school in Louisiana. Each year, students participate in this walk to raise awareness about the impacts of racism and bullying in all forms. To mark the occasion, school staff distributed purple flags, bags, and candy at various stations along the walking route. Families were also encouraged to wear purple to symbolize courage, resilience, and unity.

Great job, Monte Vista Elementary School students, families, staff, and community members who joined in this year’s Walk to School.