As hundreds of thousands of people in the Kingdom of Morocco pick up the pieces following a devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake earlier this month, we’re learning about the resilience of the Moroccan people and the partnership they have with one of our own. Andrew Edtl is a member of the Canyons School District Board of Education. He’s also a member of the Utah Air National Guard and has been to Morocco a number of times in the last few years. In this episode of Connect Canyons, Edtl shares how he and his team have helped the Moroccans be prepared for a disaster like this, as well as their unyielding spirit in the face of adversity.

Mental health is having its moment. It seems, everywhere you look there are testimonials and statements about prioritizing our mental health and invitations to better ourselves. This wave of affirmation is helping to normalize conversations about mental health, creating a safe space for those who are struggling to seek out therapeutic resources and tools. 

So, we sat down with Kelly Redican, prevention specialist with the Canyons School District, for a Connect Canyons interview about some of the tools and resources available right here at the District, including more mental health screening nights.

Recently we observed National Overdose Awareness Day. It’s a topic we’d all like to avoid but an important discussion to have. How do we talk to our children about drugs? When do we start those conversations? What should we do in the event of an overdose and what are the signs to watch for? This week on Connect Canyons, we sit down with Jen Gerrard, school nurse specialist for Canyons School District. She walks us through what to know about the new danger of mixing medications and a number of other helpful topics we should all know.

Paraeducators play a pivotal role within our district. These dedicated individuals provide unwavering support to teachers, nurture young minds, and contribute to the overall growth of our district. However, we're currently facing – a shortage of paraeducators. Canyons, urgently needs individuals to step in and fill these crucial roles.

Paraeducators preform diverse roles that impact students' lives. From resource room assistance to one-on-one support, paraeducators cover a wide spectrum of responsibilities, ensuring that students with varying needs receive the attention they deserve.

Ever wonder what a $10,000 Innovation Grant would mean for your classroom? Join us as we chat with Fred Lowry, president of the Canyons Education Foundation Board, along with two-time grant recipients, Emma Moss and Clief Castleton, who are transforming their classrooms with these grants. Fred reveals the staggering amount the Foundation has distributed in grants over the years – more than a million dollars!

Moss and Castleton share how these grants have amplified their teaching. From virtual reality explorations to underwater sea creature studies, the grants are sparking curiosity and creativity in the most joyous ways. We also get a glimpse of how inclusivity is promoted with grants catering to the unique needs of students — larger bikes for mobility, wheelchair-friendly tables, and Spanish books for bilingual classes. Join us as we celebrate the love and commitment teachers pour into their classrooms, made possible by generous donations to the Education Foundation, and teachers’ big ideas.

Stepping into the hallway of a middle school can be a scary moment for many Canyons students as well as their parents. Our guest, Alison Keddington wants to alleviate that stress for everyone and help students fully enjoy the sixth grade. Keddington has been with Canyons District for more than a decade, first as a sixth-grade teacher and now as an instructional coach. “Sixth grade is my jam,” she says proudly.

In this episode, Keddington shares tips for making the most of the middle school years. The transition from the fifth to the sixth grade can “be a tough one, but it doesn’t have to be super tough,” she said. Middle schools are designed to support students in making that sometimes awkward transition from childhood to early adolescence. There are steps that parents can take to ease the transition, too. 

Do you dream of shaping the future by stepping into the classroom as a teacher? Our guests, Everett Perry from Human Resources and Denise Haycock from the Canyon Education Foundation, are here to illuminate the path forward with the ACE (Aspiring Canyon Educators) Scholarship. This initiative by the Canyon School District is redrawing the landscape for students and staff yearning to transition into the teaching profession. Tune in to get the lowdown on the eligibility criteria, application process, and the pivotal role this scholarship promises to play in mitigating Utah’s teacher shortage.

The impact of the ACE Scholarship extends beyond the classroom walls. This program is a chance for teachers and administrators to pass the torch to the next generation of educators. Curious about how small contributions can make a big difference? Join us to learn about the avenues through which you can contribute, and discover the transformative power of this collective effort in shaping the future of education. 

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Imagine a world of floating islands, sky serpents, and thrilling duels - sounds like something out of a fantasy novel, right? Well, our guest, Mark Gregson has turned this fantasy into reality in his trilogy 'Above the Black'. As a seventh-grade ELA teacher by day and an author by night, Mark exemplifies how to turn passion into purpose. With tenacity and perseverance, he's inked a three-book deal and is teaching his students invaluable lessons of grit and determination. 

This episode takes you behind the scenes of Mark's inspiring journey. From the reveal of his first book's cover art to his students, to his unique perspective on teaching, writing, and revising, Mark's story is a testament to the power of pursuing dreams. His real-life example of patience and improvement is a lesson not just for his students, but for all of us. Even as he stands on the precipice of potential literary stardom, his love for teaching and inspiring young minds remains unwavering. Join us on Connect Canyons and let Mark's story inspire you to chase your own dreams with grit and determination.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of books, as we celebrate the victorious teams of the Canyon's District's Book Blitz Junior Contest. Promising a world filled with enchanting characters and riveting plots, this episode brings you face-to-face with Gretchen Zeitzef, the passionate library specialist at CST, who eloquently breaks down why reading is the cornerstone of academic success. You'll be captivated by the exuberance of Katie Rowley, PTA parent volunteer, and awed by Mary Grant from Indian Hills, who claimed the individual championship by devouring an astounding 20 books! Let's explore together how Book Blitz not only ignites a love for reading but also introduces students to a broad spectrum of books, fostering a sense of community among the young bibliophiles.

The second part of our journey takes you to the victory lap of the Word Ninjas, the triumphant team from Sunrise and Canyon View. Stand in awe of the district's efforts in making books more accessible, with extra copies of the titles made available through the Salt Lake County Library System, including e-book and audiobook versions. This truly is a testament to the commitment to nurturing dreams, one page at a time. So, join us as we celebrate the joy of reading, inspiring our young listeners to dream big and read more, because the world is but a book, and those who do not read, read only a page.

Ready to uncover the fascinating world of student filmmaking and project-based learning? We promise you'll be captivated by our discussion with Justin Andersen, the chief organizer of the Canyon's District Film Festival, and Jeff Haney, the District's Director of Communications. Together, we embark on a journey that reveals how this annual event provides a platform for budding filmmakers to showcase their talents, while also gaining invaluable real-world experience. From the intricate skills necessary to craft a short documentary to the diversity of submission categories, this episode is a treasure trove of insights.

As we continue, the spotlight turns to the exciting Poster Contest that accompanies the Film Festival. Dive into the vibrant world of animations, short films, and the electrifying awards ceremony night. Our conversation touches on the cutting-edge technology behind these films and the fierce competition that sees hundreds of entries each year. And if that's not enough, wait until we reveal the potential breakout hit of this year's festival and the astounding talent of Academy Award nominee Jamie Lee Curtis. So, plug in your headphones and prepare to be inspired. And remember, you can always join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram @CanyonsDistrict or visit us at canyonsdistrict.org.