It was an out of this world celebration for about 70 kindergarten students at Riverton Elementary School. The students found some pretty steller success in literacy, mastering their letters and sounds by November 1, so they were treated to a space-themed party called “Planet Kindergarten.” All of the students wore astronaut looking helmets, hand-made out of brown grocery bags. They paraded through the halls of Riverton Elementary as classmates cheered them on, applauding their reading success. After the parade, the students headed to the gym for a dance party. “Planet Kindergarten” is a Districtwide initiative to inspire students to reach literacy goals.

Thanks to the kindergarten team and literacy coaches for recognizing student success in such a fun and engaging way. Congratulations, kindergarten students! Keep up the great work learning to read and loving literacy.

The Blackridge Elementary School gymnasium was packed for two performances of the school’s annual Veterans Day celebration, “Freedom Is Not Free.” All six branches of the military were saluted with patriotic songs and speeches by students. Herriman Mayor Lorin Palmer spoke to the assembled crowd about the value of military service to the country and also our local community. The grand finale was a rousing standing ovation from the students to the Veterans in attendance as a thank you for their service to our country.

Rosamond Elementary is saluting the Armed Forces with Veterans Day-inspired art and performances. The hallway at Rosamond features the Wall of Honor, featuring the names, photos, and stories of family members and friends of Rosamond students and faculty who have served in the military. Patriotic art projects, including poppies and flags, also line the walls. 

The gymnasium was filled with military flags and patriotic songs as third graders performed a Veterans Day program entitled “Freedom is Not Free,” complete with performances of the “Star Spangled Banner” and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Copper Canyon Elementary celebrated Veterans’ Day with songs, speeches, and recognitions. Students shared letters they had written to veterans and sang the Star-Spangled Banner and God Bless America. Veterans spoke to the students about what the day means to them, including Copper Canyon’s own school psychologist Mr. Craig Brown.

The Diamondbacks at Fort Herriman Middle School celebrated Veterans Day by inviting friends and family members to “Bring a Veteran to Lunch.” Veterans joined students for a delicious school lunch or some of their favorite fast food. As a thank you for their service, Fort Herriman gifted every veteran in attendance with a Vietnam War POW memoir about overcoming adversity. 

Thank you, veterans, for your service and for joining us at Fort Herriman for lunch.