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Picture this: a young girl, exceptional yet relatable, navigating anxiety, trauma, and a new school. That’s the protagonist of 'Girl from Nowhere', the captivating creation of our guest for this episode, Tiffany Rosenhan. Not only do we dissect the origins of this resonant storyline, but Tiffany also reveals some exhilarating news about the book venturing onto the silver screen! Prepare to immerse yourself in a world where fiction mirrors the complexities of reality, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of the contemporary teenage experience.

As the microphone warms up, Tiffany unveils her craft of breathing life into her narrative universe. We trace the intricate lattice of parental figures in young adult fiction, appreciating their essential role, and touch upon the therapeutic power harbored in the act of reading. The writing journey isn't always smooth sailing, and Tiffany candidly shares the significance of stepping back from the manuscript, allowing for fresh perspectives and unexpected insights. She encourages aspiring authors to persist, highlighting the crucial role of practice and experience in honing one's writing skills.

Our conversation culminates with a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. Tiffany reminisces about her visits to schools, offering insights into the impressions they have left on the students and herself. As literacy advocates ourselves, we express our gratitude for the dedicated librarians who build bridges between young readers and the world of literature. The episode wraps up with a fun challenge for listeners to envision the perfect cast for 'Girl from Nowhere's upcoming adaptation. Join us for a compelling conversation with Tiffany Rosenhan, as we traverse the craft of writing, the influence of storytelling, and the captivating journey of 'Girl from Nowhere'.

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Ready for a warm literary hug this winter? We've got you covered with enchanting winter reads recommended by our special guests, librarian specialist Gretchen Sightsef and teacher librarian Katherine Bates. Get whisked away into the magical world of Mark Barnett's "Extra Yarn", a delightful picture book that resonates with the values of generosity, as recommended by Gretchen. Or join Lila's heartwarming journey in "The Holiday Switch" by Tiff Marcello, a suggestion from Katherine, that brings a Christmas-filled town to life. Either way, these books promise to unfurl a tapestry of family dynamics ever so gently for you.

But the fun doesn't stop at book recommendations. We also unravel the art of encouraging reading among young minds. Discover how to identify what truly matters to young readers and how to connect them to narratives that echo their dreams. We delve into the pivotal role of family reading time and reveal how audiobooks and graphic novels can be game-changers in instilling a love for reading. This episode is brimming with insights and invaluable tips for anyone looking to foster a reading habit – parents, educators, and book lovers alike. So, ready for this literary expedition? We promise, it's going to be a page-turner!

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Have you ever looked at a saxophone and wondered what it would be like to coax beautiful sounds from its gleaming body? Follow me on a magical exploration with our special guest, Randall Clark, the Director of Instrumental Music at Corner Canyon High School, who has been mesmerizing audiences with his saxophone since the tender age of nine. His musical journey is nothing short of inspirational, underpinned by unwavering dedication and a love for jazz improvisation that began in his high school years with the Allstate Jazz Band and continues to this day.

How does a young musician go from recording music in his basement to earning a Grammy consideration? Randall opens up about his fascinating journey, filled with collaborations with prominent names in the jazz world and fueled by a relentless drive to seize opportunities. He takes us through his unique connection with renowned bassist Jimmy Haslip, the exhilarating experience of hearing his own music on the radio, and the ways in which his family's musical prowess shaped his path. Randall's narrative is one of true perseverance with a dash of serendipity, revealing the sheer joy of creating music that resonates.

But the conversation doesn't end there. Randall dives into the significant role of music education, sharing insights from his experience as a music educator and his ongoing efforts to promote jazz music in high schools. From discussing the Cannonball Band to recounting his time performing at the Catalina Island Jazz Festival, his passion for nurturing young talent is palpable. Join us as we unravel the challenges and rewards of learning an instrument and the profound influence a passionate teacher can have in shaping their students' musical journey.

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Ever wonder about the complex and challenging journey of a book before it lands in your child's school library? Prepare for some enlightening knowledge, as we tackle the intriguing issue of book selection in school libraries, a topic that unearths the delicate balance of First Amendment rights and content appropriateness. We're joined by Canyon Superintendent Dr. Rick Robbins, General Counsel Dan Harper, and District Library Specialist, Gretchen Zaitzeff. They guide us through the labyrinth of the Canyon School District's ongoing review of their library management policy – a response to parental concerns over content suitability.

Unraveling the weave of this issue, we dig into the draft policy for book reviews in the Canyon School District. Discover how a parent's school-level review request can spark a process leading to a formal challenge and learn about the intricacies of 'weeding' – a process that ensures the relevance and appropriateness of library materials. We also touch upon the formation of a school review committee and the thrice readings of the policy before its final adoption. Our discussion is a fascinating look behind the scenes of your school's library, revealing the policies and processes that govern it. So, tune in for a compelling dialogue that illuminates the complexities of book selection in school libraries.

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When you enroll in a college or university, you expect that your tuition dollars are being put to good use, and one important measure of quality is whether the institution is accredited. Accreditation is an assurance that the school you’ve chosen meets certain standards — and it applies, not only to colleges, but to high schools. Each of Canyons District’s high schools are fully accredited, which means that employers and colleges accept with confidence the diplomas they award. But accreditations have to be renewed periodically, and Canyons has decided to take its accreditation a step further by seeking districtwide certification. Here’s why, and what that entails.

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Busy parents can’t do it all: check the backpack, help with homework, attend school events, and volunteer in the classroom. So, when it comes to getting involved in their child’s education, where should they start? What questions should they be asking? How can they make the most of parent-teacher conferences? What barriers, fears, or misunderstandings get in the way of parents and teachers working together to help kids thrive? Last year, Connect Canyons interviewed some PTA representatives to discuss the many ways families can connect with their neighborhood school. This year, we decided to get the perspective of a school principal: Sunrise Elementary Principal Dr. Angela Wilkinson.

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The teenage years are a time of great physical, social, and intellectual growth. But when do the normal ups and downs of teenage life become something to worry about — and seek help for?  We recently posed these questions, and more, to one of Canyons District’s school psychologists, Brandon Segura, Ph.D. As a parent and a professional, he had some great advice and timely insights to share.

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With daily headlines focusing so much on what tears us apart, here at Connect Canyons, we’re kicking off the school year with an episode on what brings us together. We recently interviewed a bunch of students and first-year teachers. We asked how they were feeling about the school year, and about their fears, hopes and aspirations. And guess what? We discovered that there is far more that unites than divides us.

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For the Class of 2021, the recently held graduation ceremonies were more than a rite of passage marking the end of 12 or more years of schooling. They were moments of triumph for so many reasons. CSD graduates endured more than a year of loss. They adapted to quarantines and distance learning, and braved the uncertainty of not knowing if the hard work they were putting into artistic or athletic endeavors would pay off in performances, competitions, and state and regional championships. But it was also a year of renewed bonds, compassion, and strength as communities pulled together to comfort and support one another. In the end, Utah’s prevention measures took root to help slow the spread of COVID-19, enabling high school seniors to salvage such cherished traditions as dances, awards ceremonies and hard-earned commencement exercises. These celebratory events provided some of our students time to pause and reflect on all they’ve experienced and learned. In this episode of Connect Canyons, hear what some of our newly minted graduates have to say about life —and learning — during the era of COVID-19.