Imagine a world where every child feels safe and supported in their school, regardless of the challenges they face. That's the mission of our guests today – Jay Ballard and Kelly Taylor, two school resource officers (SROs) from Canyon School District, and Charisse Hilton, an administrator who brings a fresh perspective to the table. They're here to share their inspiring stories, motivations, and how they interact with students from all walks of life. 

As SROs, Jay and Kelly are more than your typical law enforcement officers. They serve as mentors, counselors, law educators, and most importantly, advocates for students. They are the cornerstone of the peer court system, fostering a sense of safety and trust within the school premises. Charisse, as an administrator, sheds light on the invaluable role the SROs play in school safety. Engaging with students, building relationships with parents, and practicing understanding and civility in every situation are the keys to their success. 

But the world beyond the school walls isn't always as nurturing. The rise of technology use and vaping among children presents a new set of challenges. That's where open communication between parents and children comes in. Our guests stress the importance of parents being proactive in monitoring their child's digital activities and guiding them away from harmful habits like vaping. Tune in, as we embark on this enlightening discussion filled with insights about school safety, the pivotal role of SROs, and practical advice for parents. Together, let's create an environment where every student thrives.

Dust-sized particles have caused boulder-sized problems for Eastmont Middle School. When asbestos was found in dust kicked up by crews replacing flooring at Eastmont during Winter Recess, it triggered a response with major implications. Since that time, the building has been shuttered to the public, a mitigation plan was sent to state environmental regulators, workers began the painstaking clean-up process, and classes were moved to a once-empty middle school building. In this episode of Connect Canyons, hear directly from Stephen Galley, the environmental services director of R&R Environmental, the industrial hygiene company hired to work with Canyons on the mitigation project at Eastmont.

Are you ready to arm your students with the tools to distinguish fact from fiction in this digital age where misinformation is rampant? Leslie Morris, the high school ELA specialist at Canyon School District and the state of Utah ambassador for the News Literacy Project, joins us to share her expertise on the crucial topic of news literacy. Listen in as Leslie shines a light on the mission of the News Literacy Project and exposes the significance of teaching students how to sift through the overwhelming information landscape. We delve deep into the role of echo chambers, how they enforce confirmation bias, and discuss the strategies to combat them.

In the second part of our riveting conversation, Leslie breaks down the step-by-step process of teaching news literacy and the essential skills students need to evaluate sources. We touch on lateral reading, contextualizing claims, and how to utilize tools like Rumor Guard to analyze social media posts. Leslie also shares a handy list of five questions students should ask when determining the credibility of a claim and emphasises the importance of teaching reasoning skills and reverse image search techniques. Interested in exploring the role of news literacy in distinguishing between fact and opinion, sponsored content and news, and identifying the agendas of news sources? Stick around as Leslie provides an insider's look into her team’s approach to news and information literacy and encourages us all to be not just consumers of information but thoughtful investigators.

Are you ready to master the ins and outs of your child's transition to kindergarten? Brace yourself for a tour-de-force of insights and guidance on kindergarten readiness, filled with tried-and-true advice from Instructional Supports Administrator Kena Sorensen and teacher specialist Leanne Fisher. We tackle the labyrinth of choosing the right school, registering for classes, and understanding the Kindergarten Supplemental Hours of Instruction program. All your burning questions about this significant phase in your child's educational journey will be answered.

Have you ever wondered if the transition to kindergarten is more challenging for you than your child? Well, you’re not alone! Our esteemed guest, Leanne Fisher, shares her wisdom from six years in the kindergarten classroom. She reminds us of the resilience of children and the importance of positive messaging about school at home. We also delve into the innovative and unique Supplemental Kindergarten program in Canyons District, which provides more in-depth exploration of academic standards. So, let’s navigate this journey together and ensure your child’s successful transition to kindergarten.

History was made at the Jan. 3, 2023 Oath of Office Ceremony for the newly elected members of the Canyons Board of Education. Andrew Edtl, the new representative for District No. 4, is the first African American to win election to the Canyons Board of Education, and Karen Pedersen, elected to represent District No. 5, is the first retired Canyons District teacher to join Canyons’ seven-member governing body On the night they were sworn-in, they were joined by Amber Shill and Amanda Oaks, who won re-election and are gearing up to serve for another four years. The oaths, administered by 3rd District Court Judge Matthew Bates, were witnessed by friends and family members who came to applaud the officials for their achievement and willingness to serve the Canyons community. Listen to this week’s Connect Canyons for the highlights of the first addresses given by Edtl, Pedersen, Shill, and Oaks after they took their Oaths of Office.

Ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep our school systems running smoothly? Join me as I chat with Everett Perry, the Human Resources Administrator for the Canyon School District, who shines the spotlight on the vital role of Education Support Professionals (ESPs). With over 4,400 ESPs in the district, these unsung heroes, ranging from sweepers to instructional technicians, ensure the smooth functioning of classrooms and significantly enhance educational experiences. We also dive into the ingenious Brain Booster program, a game-changer for elementary school educators, providing them an extra 45 minutes of break time, leading to a significant boost in the quality of education.

Switching gears, we delve into the world of bus drivers - an important piece in the ESP puzzle. Everett shares fascinating insights into the recruitment processes and the unique perks that come along with being a bus driver in the district. From the journey of obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License to irresistible referral incentives, the district leaves no stone unturned to fill this critical need. Hear about the district's endeavor to increase wages for ESPs over the past three years, and additional benefits such as access to fitness centers and tracks for employees. Make sure to stick around for details on ESP Appreciation Day and the delightful treats that await. Don't miss this episode to truly appreciate the tireless efforts of the unsung heroes of our education system!

Ready to navigate the scholarship jungle with confidence? Join us as we sit down with Lisa Peterson, a scholarship maestro from Jordan High. Lisa's rich experience as a first-generation college student has empowered her to guide countless others through the often intimidating process of finding and obtaining scholarships. She breaks down how to craft a compelling portfolio, complete with transcripts, essays, and evidence of service and extracurricular activities. Transforming this process from a daunting task into manageable homework, Lisa's approach is a game-changer.

Our conversation doesn't stop there. Lisa shares invaluable insights on how to make your scholarship application truly stand out. She stresses the importance of authenticity and drawing on unique life experiences. From need-based to merit-based scholarships, we discuss the various opportunities available and the critical role of the FAFSA form in securing funds for college. Lisa also shares practical advice on locating scholarships on school and national websites and how to steer clear of paid scholarship lists. Whether you're planning to jump straight into college or take a gap year, Lisa's expertise will equip you with the tools to make the most of the scholarship journey.

Are you ready to uncover the extraordinary world of dual language immersion programs? Get set to embark on a fascinating journey with us as we explore Canyons School District's acclaimed 18 dual immersion programs, delivering education in Spanish, French, and Chinese. We sit down with Tracey Stacey, the Principal at Lone Peak Elementary, Kena Sorensen, an administrator in the Instructional Support Department, and Katuska Christensen, a dual immersion parent and student, to navigate the unique 50-50 model of instruction and the potential for students to earn college credits. We also delve into the cognitive and academic benefits of these programs and discuss how Canyons District's open enrollment policy is attracting families from outside the district and beyond.

Step into the shoes of an 11th-grade participant in our second segment as we hear from Kenna about the transformative impact of the dual immersion program on her life. Learn about the challenges and rewards, the development of core skills like perseverance, and the heightened demand for language skills in Utah. We wrap up the discussion exploring the long-term value of these programs, the myriad opportunities they unlock for students, and how they enrich academic experiences and shape their futures. Join us for an engaging, informative episode that promises to take you to the heart of dual language immersion programs in Utah's Canyons School District.

Ever wondered who the unsung heroes of our educational system are? They're the custodial and grounds staff, the people who keep our schools clean, functional, and in tip-top shape, ensuring that students and teachers have an optimal learning environment. Join me, Jody Guennessy, as I engage in a heart-to-heart conversation with Kevin Kelsen, the custodial grounds coordinator at the Canyons District Facilities, in a new episode of Connect Canyons. We dive into the intricacies of his role, the challenges his team faces, and how they rise to meet them head-on.

From cleaning classrooms to managing IT solutions and juggling an array of sporting events and rentals, the tasks of a custodial team are diverse and never-ending. Kevin gives us an inside scoop into his team's world, shedding light on the effort, dedication, and pride that go into maintaining our schools. We also discuss the quirkiest parts of the job, like figuring out which spots are the most challenging to clean. Do you think it's the cafeteria or restrooms? Listen in to find out and give your appreciation to these behind-the-scenes heroes who keep our schools running smoothly. Be ready to be enlightened and entertained in this riveting discussion!