Join us for an evening of real-life stories and community connections. Learn how to support refugee neighbors and celebrate their cultures and stories.
Refugee Awareness Night, Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 7–8 p.m.
Farmington High Auditorium, 548 W Glovers Ln, Farmington
Free and open to everyone—families, individuals and youth groups welcome! Please RSVP with this link to attend.
Ellison Park Elementary students recently had the opportunity to experience the sights, colors and traditions of Diwali during a school celebration organized by special education teacher Usha Mannepalli.
Originally from India, Mannepalli shared her culture and heritage with two special education classes through stories, art and festive decorations.
“Diwali means celebrating light, hope and new beginnings with family and friends,” Mannepalli said. “It reminds me to be grateful, spread kindness and let positivity shine over darkness.”
Mannepalli celebrated Diwali over five days filled with lights, sweets, family visits and fireworks. She brought that same spirit of joy and togetherness into her classroom, teaching students about the festival’s traditions—lighting diyas, creating rangoli designs and honoring the goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.
Usha was inspired to share Diwali to help students appreciate diversity and kindness.
“By learning about Diwali, students understand that celebrating different traditions brings our classroom community closer together,” Mannepalli said.
Observed by millions around the world, Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival is recognized in several U.S. states and even celebrated annually at the White House—reflecting its growing importance as a symbol of cultural inclusion and unity.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month.
This month, we honor the strength of those living with diabetes and work together to raise awareness, encourage healthy habits and support continued research.
Mark your calendars — Nov. 14 is World Diabetes Day, the official day of recognition around the globe. Join us in wearing blue and spreading awareness all month long!
#DiabetesAwarenessMonth #WorldDiabetesDay #BlueForDiabetes #DSDCares
We’re grateful to our veterans, students and staff for helping make Veterans Day such a meaningful tradition across the district.
Nine of our educators – Jen McIlrath from Adams Elementary, Jenn Malan from Burton Elementary, Amanda Carroll and Lori Smith from Crestview Elementary, Mindy Simon from Muir Elementary, Trudi Brown, Wendy Cowan and Angie Richardson from Valley View Elementary and Neesha Killpack from Vista Education Campus – received individual awards for their excellence in literary instruction.
Seven of our elementary schools – Crestview, Kay's Creek, Kaysville, Mountain View, Stewart, Tolman and Windridge – were also honored for having more than 70% of third grade students reading on grade level.
We are proud of our educators and schools for their continued focus on literacy and for helping every student become a confident reader.
An ofrenda is a traditional altar created to honor and remember those who have died.
Students contributed handmade candles, skulls and colorful artwork, then joined their families — parents and grandparents included — to add photos of loved ones, enjoy food and share memories together.
Many students came dressed in their Halloween costumes, which made the celebration even more fun and festive.
It was a joyful and meaningful celebration of culture, remembrance and community.
Even district offices joined the festivities, hosting little trick-or-treaters who made their way through the halls in search of sweets.
It was a day filled with laughter, creativity and community spirit—proof that learning and fun make a perfect pair.
Students at Mountain High School have been hard at work for over a year building an impressive and scary student-led haunted houses around the theme “Mountain Madness.”
Under the direction of CTE teacher Travis Spackman, students have spent countless hours designing props, constructing rooms, painting sets and perfecting every scare. This hands-on project isn’t just about Halloween fun — it’s helping fund programs that give Mountain High students opportunities to create, learn and explore. Proceeds from the event directly fund manufacturing, theatre, DECA, video production and hiking programs at the school.
“I’ve been to Home Depot more times than I’d like to admit,” said Spackman. “But seeing students excited to be here — staying after school just because they want to help — that’s what it’s all about.”
The event features:
- A DJ and party in the Commons
- Face painting & balloon art
- Concessions
- A juggling clown
- And the main event — an 18-room haunted house.
When: Thursday, October 30 & Friday, October 31 (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
Cost: $10 for students / $15 for adults / free for 5 and under
Where: Mountain High School 490 South, 500 East, Kaysville,
Show up at 6 p.m. to watch the students perform Thriller. Families with young kids can also enjoy a “less scary” tour, complete with friendly guides like Disney princesses and superheroes.
Come out, get spooked and support some incredible students who’ve poured their hearts (and late nights) into creating “Mountain Madness.”
Farmington High School’s CTE Digital Illustration students recently had a unique opportunity to learn from Paul Mann, a veteran illustrator whose portfolio includes Marvel projects such as Fantastic Four and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Mann shared his original artwork and walked students through his creative process, offering rare insight into the professional illustration world. With a career spanning more than four decades, he blends traditional painting techniques with modern storytelling to create his signature cinematic style.
Students were inspired by his talent, wisdom and generosity in sharing what it takes to succeed in the industry. Thank you, Paul Mann, for inspiring the next generation of artists!
The effort, led by World Languages Department Head Karla Alpizar Veloz, couldn’t have happened without the efforts of students, many who may not have been too familiar with the worldwide contributions of the culture until they began learning about it.
“Every heritage has something to contribute,” Alpizar said, and students shouldn’t “be shy to show their heritage, because we are all part of this salad bowl.”
