Throughout Women's History Month, we're honoring the incredible women in our district who inspire us every day. Today, we are excited to highlight Vanessa Garcia, an office assistant, interpreter and translator at Layton Elementary, whose journey exemplified resilience and determination.
“All the women in my family have had a big impact on me,” Garcia said. “My mother, especially, showed me the strength and courage it takes to start over in a new country. We left everything behind when we came to the U.S. from Venezuela, and my mother worked multiple jobs to provide for us.”
Garcia’s journey to the United States was filled with challenges, but her unwavering determination drove her to succeed.
“Coming to the U.S. was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” Garcia shared. “I had to go to college to learn English while working full-time to pay rent. Life was very hard for several years, but I pushed through, and within a year, I was speaking English. I even decided to go back to school to pursue a degree in Education.”
Her experiences have fueled her passion to help others, especially women, realize their dreams.
“I believe power is knowledge,” Garcia said. “By working in education, I have the opportunity to shape lives and make a real impact. That’s why I’m pursuing my degree—so I can help my community and other women who share the same dream of becoming a teacher.”
Her advice to young women following their dreams is simple but empowering.
“Never give up on your dream,” she said. “It’s possible to achieve it! With desire, willpower, and the right steps, you can conquer every challenge that comes your way.”
What an amazing day we had last week as Davis School District rocked their socks and celebrated World Down Syndrome Day!
From students to teachers, everyone was all in with their mismatched socks, spreading joy, raising awareness and showing support for our friends with Down syndrome.
It was so much fun seeing all of the creative sock combos! Check out just a few of the incredible photos and videos that came in throughout the day!
Today’s the day! Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day! 🧦💙 Show your support by wearing colorful, mismatched socks and help spread awareness! Don’t forget to share your photos with us on our socials!
Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the incredible women in our district who inspire us daily. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Patricia Madden, a Spanish and ELD teacher at Bountiful Junior High.
"My mother had the biggest impact on my life," Madden said. "She didn’t have the chance to get an education, but she did her best to teach me. Even though it was hard for her, she always encouraged me to learn. Her sacrifices showed me the value of education and shaped who I am today."
Madden's journey has not been without its challenges. Growing up in Brazil in the 1980s, public schools were often closed due to strikes, sometimes for months at a time. With limited resources, Madden spent hours studying on her own with old encyclopedias, determined not to fall behind.
"When I moved to the U.S. 27 years ago to pursue my dream of higher education, college was a challenge, especially learning a new language. I struggled to understand lectures and keep up with assignments, but I didn’t let that stop me," she recalled. "I kept pushing forward and worked hard to overcome the obstacles."
Now, Madden is facing another challenge—balancing her pursuit of a Ph.D. while raising three children, including her five-year-old son with autism.
"Being a woman in education means showing that anything is possible with hard work and determination," Madden said. "I know how important it is to have someone believe in you, so I try to be that person for my students."
Her advice to young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps is simple:
"Believe in yourself and don’t let fear stop you."
#WomensHistoryMonth #DavisSchoolDistrict #WomenInEducation #Empowerment #InspiringWomen #Every1DSD
Each month, a select group of students are invited to an event called Soup with the Supe. These students, nominated by their principals, are recognized for their outstanding contributions and positive impact on their respective schools.
Congratulations to the March honorees! Your dedication and commitment to excellence make you true representatives of our district. We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments.
Did you know?
Tomorrow is World Down Syndrome Day, and this date is significant because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. In honor of this, we celebrate by Rocking Our Socks!
Don't forget to wear bright, mismatched socks to show your support!
Don’t forget to send us your photos of students rocking their socks so we can share them on our stories!
#RockYourSocks #WorldDownSyndromeDay #DavisSchoolDistrict
Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the incredible women in our district who inspire us every day. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Tracie Garritson, a school counselor at Vae View Elementary.
Garritson's greatest influences were her grandmother, Shirley, and her great-grandmother, Clara.
“They taught me to be honest, kind, and to never take shortcuts,” she shared. “They showed me how to overcome obstacles and care for others, no matter what.”
Raised in poverty in rural Maine, Tracie knew education was her path to a better life. After being widowed at 28 with four young daughters, she worked three jobs and earned her Master’s in School Counseling. Despite facing ongoing challenges, including raising children with chronic illness and overcoming her own surgeries, Tracie remains an inspiration.
“Being a woman in education means leading by example,” Garritson said. “You can overcome anything and create the life you want. Everyone is deserving of love, happiness and the opportunity to learn.”
Tracie’s advice to young women pursuing education or leadership is simple.
“Believe you deserve good things in life. Decide what you stand for, and when challenges come, fall back on those decisions.”
#WomensHistoryMonth #DavisSchoolDistrict #WomenInEducation #Empowerment #InspiringWomen #Every1DSD
Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day is in just 2 days! Get ready to wear your brightest, most mismatched socks this Friday, March 21. Let’s spread awareness and celebrate.
Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re honoring the incredible women in our district who inspire us every day. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Nikki van Dijk, a first-grade teacher at Odyssey Elementary.
“I have been fortunate to work alongside incredible women who lift each other up and support one another." Van Dijk said. "I see this same resilience in my students every day,”
Van Dijk's journey to teaching in the United States wasn’t easy.
“As an immigrant, it took me two years before I was legally allowed to move to the U.S.,” she recalled. “When I finally arrived, it took 10 months for my teaching license to transfer. But after all the challenges, I’m grateful to be part of the teaching community in Utah. Teaching truly is the best job out there!”
Her experience teaching abroad, including in refugee camps in Greece and in the slums of India, has profoundly shaped her approach to education.
“The women I worked with in Greece showed me incredible resilience, kindness and hope,” Van Dijk said. “I hope I show my students some of those same qualities through my daily teaching.”
To young women aspiring to become educators or leaders, van Dijk's advice is clear.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help, learn from others and be open to teaching experiences that take you outside your comfort zone. It builds character and broadens your perspective.”
Students from South Davis Junior High's DEEP 7th grade program recently had the opportunity to visit the Utah State Capitol for an enriching experience during the Utah Women Making History Day Event.
The event celebrated the remarkable contributions of women throughout Utah’s history, with interactive displays honoring trailblazers like Alice Merrill Horne, Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon and Seraph Young. These hands-on exhibits deepened students' understanding of how women shaped the state’s past.
In addition to exploring the displays, the students had a front-row seat to the legislative process, witnessing live sessions in action and gaining valuable insights into civic engagement. The day concluded with a special tour of the Capitol and an inspiring meeting with House Representative Melissa Ballard, a proud former Spartan! Rep. Ballard shared her work in public service, encouraging students to stay involved and make a difference.
#SouthDavisJrHigh #DEEPProgram #CivicEngagement #WomenMakingHistory #UtahStateCapitol #FutureLeaders #Every1DSD
Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re honoring the incredible women in our district who inspire us every day. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Jennifer Robinson, a 7th-grade Honors Science and 8th-grade U.S. History teacher at Shoreline Junior High.
“I became an educator because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of students,” Robinson said. “Being a woman in education allows me to create a supportive, engaging classroom where students feel valued and capable of success.”
In her 20 years of teaching, Robinson has faced numerous challenges but has always been committed to helping students succeed. One of her most meaningful moments came when she reached a student who had been struggling with all of his teachers.
“I made a promise to myself that I would break through to him with kindness, no matter how difficult it was,” Robinson recalled. “At Christmas, he gave me a hand-drawn card thanking me for being his teacher. That moment reminded me of why I teach—to make every student feel seen and valued.”
Robinson's passion for teaching and dedication to her students extends beyond the classroom. She understands the importance of balancing work and life, and she believes that being a woman in education has taught her valuable lessons about self-acceptance and growth.
“I care deeply about my students and my colleagues,” Robinson said. “While it can be challenging, I know that I am enough. I teach because I love my students with my whole heart, and I want them to know they are capable and worthy.”
Robinson empowers other women in her community by simply being present, offering support and sharing both her struggles and successes. She believes in the strength of collaboration and the power of creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
“I want to remind young women in education that it’s not easy, but you are the teacher, and you know what is best for your students,” Robinson advised. “Stay positive, surround yourself with support and remember that you are smart, blessed, loved and capable of anything.”
#WomensHistoryMonth #DavisSchoolDistrict #WomenInEducation #InspiringWomen #Every1DSD #SupportAndEmpowerment
Today, we’re celebrating the luck of the Irish. Whether you're wearing green, enjoying the festivities or simply soaking in the spirit of the day, we hope you have a wonderful day!
Throughout Women’s History Month, we are celebrating the inspiring women in our district. Today, we’re proud to highlight Emily Hollis, a paraprofessional at Wasatch Elementary.
Hollis has been a paraprofessional since 2017, and this year, she found herself working in an elementary setting, where she has discovered a new passion for working with young children.
“I’ve fallen in love with working with young children,” Hollis said. “Their curiosity and enthusiasm inspire me every day, and it’s made me even more excited to pursue my teaching degree.”
Most of her experience has been working with students who face behavioral challenges.
“I’ve cherished every moment spent helping them reshape their behaviors and develop their independent and social skills,” Hollis said. “It’s a privilege to support these children, and I’ve always been willing to tackle tough situations head-on, believing that every child has the potential to succeed.”
Hollis credits one of her closest friends, who is currently serving in the military, as one of her greatest influences.
“Her strength and courage have inspired me to grow, empowering me to become a better advocate not just for myself, but for others as well,” Hollis said.
Hollis is passionate about supporting women in the workplace and strives to inspire others with her actions.
“I believe that by demonstrating my willingness to jump in and help, I can encourage those around me to be the best they can be,” she said. “Together, we can uplift one another, tackle challenges and create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.”
#WomensHistoryMonth #DavisSchoolDistrict #WomenInEducation #Empowerment #InspiringWomen #Every1DSD
Happy Classified Employees Appreciation Week! We are grateful for our incredible classified staff. From paraprofessionals and custodians to secretaries, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and everyone in between — your hard work, dedication and commitment to our students and schools never go unnoticed.
You are the heart and backbone of our district, helping things run smoothly every single day. Your support makes a difference.
This week, and every week, we celebrate YOU! Thank you for all that you do to make Davis School District a better place for everyone.
We hope our students are having a blast celebrating Pi Day today with some fun math activities (and maybe even some pie)! Let’s keep the love for learning going strong!
West Clinton Elementary recently held its Literacy Night in conjunction with the One Book, One School initiative. This year, the entire school read "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library," and every family received a copy of the book from the PTA.
Throughout the month, students followed a reading schedule and answered weekly questions based on the chapters. Every Tuesday, a drawing was held for students who participated, with winners receiving prizes. By the time Literacy Night arrived, families were expected to have completed the reading.
The event featured various activities related to the book and the importance of reading. One of the highlights was the book walk, where students who participated received a new book.
#LiteracyNight #OneBookOneSchool #WestClintonElementary #ReadingTogether #Every1DSD
Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re honoring the incredible women in our district who inspire us every day. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Carolina Rabelo, a special education teacher at Farmington Junior High.
“My maternal grandmother, who learned to read at 70, and my paternal grandmother, an immigrant who worked tirelessly to advocate for her family, taught me resilience and determination,” Rabelo shared. “Their journeys showed me that there are no limits to what we can achieve.”
Rabelo’s path to becoming an educator was shaped by personal experiences. As a mother of four, she put her education on hold to raise her children, but when her youngest was diagnosed with autism, she was inspired to pursue a career that would help students with disabilities.
“I stayed up late studying, took my children with me to class, and made sacrifices to reach my goal,” she recalled. “I knew that every challenge I faced would bring me closer to my dream.”
Being a woman in education means embracing her unique perspective as a Latina.
“I advocate for the diverse needs of students, especially those who are marginalized,” Rabelo said. “I teach my students, especially girls, to believe in their abilities and empower them to understand that our differences make us strong.”
Rabelo also empowers her colleagues in the workplace.
“Teaching is challenging, and I make it a priority to check in on my colleagues, offering support when they need it,” she said. “Creating a supportive and collaborative environment is essential.”
Her advice to young women pursuing careers in education or leadership is simple but powerful.
“Educate yourself, never stop learning and celebrate your progress. You have everything it takes to succeed.”
#WomensHistoryMonth #DavisSchoolDistrict #WomenInEducation #Empowerment #InspiringWomen #Every1DSD
Congratulations to the talented teams from Davis School District who brought home top honors at the 2025 VEX Robotics Championship! These students’ hard work and innovation earned them spots at the VEX World Championship in Dallas, TX where they will be competing this May!
🏆 Design Award – Wargames – Legacy Junior High
🏆 Excellence Award – Shark Tank – Shoreline Junior High
🏆 Innovate Award – Hammerhead Sharks – Shoreline Junior High
🏆 Teamwork Champion – Kengineers – West Point Junior High
#VEXRobotics #DavisSchoolDistrict #STEM #VEXWorldChampionship #Innovation
Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re honoring the incredible women in our district who inspire us every day. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Paula Márquez-Lavine, a Spanish and ELD teacher at West Point Junior High.
“I had many women who impacted my life and career, but the most influential was my mom,” Márquez-Lavine said. “She was highly intelligent and dedicated, always improving and learning. Her example taught me that women bring something irreplaceable to both the home and the professional world.”
Márquez-Lavine’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. Resuming her college education as a newlywed and young mother in the U.S. was no easy feat.
“It was a struggle to figure myself out in this new environment,” she said. “But I decided to finish the degree I had started in Argentina and make myself and my parents proud.”
The next hurdle was preparing and defending her doctoral thesis proposal while juggling the responsibilities of being a full-time teacher and raising four children.
“It was the most difficult yet significant achievement of my career,” she shared. “I’m still working toward completing my dissertation, but that step was monumental.”
Being a woman in education is empowering, not just for Márquez-Lavine but for her female students as well.
“I hope that one day my students will look back and say that I was influential in their professional lives the way my teachers were for me,” she said. “As an immigrant teaching both my native language and English to other immigrant students, I feel privileged to open minds to new cultures and perspectives.”
Her advice to young women considering a career in teaching is simple but powerful.
“Take all the opportunities you can. It’s a highly rewarding career, and if you do it with love, you can change lives, including your own.”
#WomensHistoryMonth #DavisSchoolDistrict #WomenInEducation #Empowerment #InspiringWomen #Every1DSD
Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re honoring the incredible women in our district who inspire us every day. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Irene Asturias, a special education teacher at Whitesides Elementary.
“I love my role as a woman and as an educator,” Asturias said. “Through education, we can change lives. I make sure my students, especially the girls, know they are capable of anything.”
Asturias’ journey has been filled with challenges, including racial and religious persecution while teaching in Texas.
“I faced adversity, but I never gave up,” Asturias said. “I kept applying for jobs and found my place here at Davis School District in the middle of the pandemic. The support I received here has been incredible.”
As an educator and mother, Asturias is passionate about empowering others.
“I want my students, especially girls, to believe in themselves and their potential,” she said. “Watching my daughters grow into strong leaders motivates me every day.”
Her advice to young women aspiring to enter education or leadership is simple.
“Don’t be afraid, work hard, and do it! There will be challenges, but with perseverance, you can achieve anything.”
