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From zombies and vampires to Wonder Women, Barbies, and Kens, Canyons District students are looking forward to Halloween. With that excitement comes a word of caution: In the past three years, there have been 3,200 Halloween-related injuries across the country. We want to make sure this year’s spooky festivities are fun but also safe. On this week’s episode of Connect Canyons, we sit down with Sandy Police Officer Max Zackrison to talk about all things safety on All Hallows Eve.

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Ever wondered how AI could revolutionize the way we learn, teach, and operate in educational institutions? We promise you an enlightening expedition into the world of AI in the classroom with the insightful Jonathan Stewart and Emma Moss, both stalwarts from the Instructional Supports Department at Canyons School District. They not only demystify different types of AI - generative, reactive, and predictive, but also show how AI has been subtly influencing our lives without us noticing.

In our discussion, we shed light on the successful implementation of AI in Canyons School District with their innovative guidebook, the 'View'. The duo passionately talks about understanding the value of AI for enhancing student learning, while also addressing the vital need for a safe implementation and regular impact assessment in education. The conversation also focuses on the delicate balance between data privacy, security, and educational innovation. Furthermore, they provide useful insights for parents keen on providing their children with access to suitable AI tools without compromising their safety.

As we peer into the future of AI in education together, resources available for students, educators, and families come under the lens. The conversation takes a deep dive into the importance of professional development for educators wanting to incorporate AI into their teaching methods. The focus is on fostering critical thinking, creativity, collaboration among students, and encouraging families to have open, informed discussions about the role of AI in their lives. Get set to engage, learn, and rethink AI with us.

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The nation’s public schools are remarkably safe, and rates of bullying are on the decline. 

 But maintaining safe, bully-free learning environments remains a priority in Canyons District — and families can help by understanding the signs of bullying and what to do if they suspect or spot it. With October being National Bullying Prevention Month, the Connect Canyons podcast crew sat down with Alta High counselor Christine Astle to discuss steps CSD is taking to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school.  

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Recently, the Canyons School District Board of Education awarded roughly $1.6 million dollars to upgrade our libraries. New books and new reading techniques are being utilized in elementary schools across the District. In this week’s episode, we sit down with Canyons Superintendent Dr. Rick Robins, Vice President of the Board of Education Amanda Oaks, and our Library Media Specialist Gretchen Zaitzeff. They share the books and topics that first grabbed their attention and how reading impacts them on a daily basis. We also hear how the latest investment into our libraries is helping Canyons students gain a love of reading.

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During the 2021 school year – More than 10 million students nationwide were chronically absent – That means they missed 10 percent or more of school days. Students missing class or being late to school has become a bigger problem nationwide since the pandemic. In this episode of Connect Canyons, we sit down with one of our principals and program administrators to discuss the growing problem and the resources the District has in place to help families.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.