Today marked a truly historic moment for Horizon’s Duck’E-Sports program—and one that deserves to be recognized for just how significant it was.
After a long and demanding season, one of our teams earned the opportunity to compete in the Middle School Grand Championship, held at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Competing on a stage of that level is an achievement very few programs reach—especially in such a short amount of time.
Following an intense and hard-fought competition, our Ducks finished 2nd overall. While some may view second place as falling short, for us, this represents something far greater. In less 8 months, Horizon’s E-Sports program went from having nothing to competing on the main stage at the University of Utah. That kind of growth is not normal—it is the result of dedication, resilience, and a relentless commitment from our students.
As a coach, teacher, and mentor, I could not be more proud of these athletes. They have built something real. They have proven that this program is more than just a club—it is a place where students grow, compete, and succeed at a high level.
Beyond the competition, our students had the opportunity to learn from other top programs, connect with vendors, colleges, organizations, and sponsors, and see firsthand the real-world opportunities that exist within gaming and technology. A standout moment was meeting Doug Bowser, (“Doug Bowser served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Nintendo of America for seven years. As of 2026, he has joined the board of directors at Hasbro.Bowser. He attended the University of Utah, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Communications. During his time in college, he developed a passion for video games, spending countless hours playing Donkey Kong in arcades.”)
Congratulations to our Duck’E-Sports athletes for an incredible season and for building something that will leave a lasting legacy at Horizon. I am excited to see where this program goes—and even more excited to see where these students go next.
After a long and demanding season, one of our teams earned the opportunity to compete in the Middle School Grand Championship, held at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Competing on a stage of that level is an achievement very few programs reach—especially in such a short amount of time.
Following an intense and hard-fought competition, our Ducks finished 2nd overall. While some may view second place as falling short, for us, this represents something far greater. In less 8 months, Horizon’s E-Sports program went from having nothing to competing on the main stage at the University of Utah. That kind of growth is not normal—it is the result of dedication, resilience, and a relentless commitment from our students.
As a coach, teacher, and mentor, I could not be more proud of these athletes. They have built something real. They have proven that this program is more than just a club—it is a place where students grow, compete, and succeed at a high level.
Beyond the competition, our students had the opportunity to learn from other top programs, connect with vendors, colleges, organizations, and sponsors, and see firsthand the real-world opportunities that exist within gaming and technology. A standout moment was meeting Doug Bowser, (“Doug Bowser served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Nintendo of America for seven years. As of 2026, he has joined the board of directors at Hasbro.Bowser. He attended the University of Utah, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Communications. During his time in college, he developed a passion for video games, spending countless hours playing Donkey Kong in arcades.”)
Congratulations to our Duck’E-Sports athletes for an incredible season and for building something that will leave a lasting legacy at Horizon. I am excited to see where this program goes—and even more excited to see where these students go next.
We are so grateful for our staff and students we get to be around everyday. This week we had our April Student of the Month. We are so proud of our students that demonstrate the ability to Empower, Rise, Explore, and Succeed. Thanks to our sponsors: HJH PTA, Coleman Orthodontist, Pizza Hut, Zeppes, Arby's, and Chic-fil-A.
📣 2026–27 HORIZON CHEER TEAM 📣
Congratulations — YOU MADE THE TEAM! 🎉
We are so excited to officially welcome our new team and can’t wait for an amazing season ahead! 🧡💙
Parent Meeting:
🗓 Monday
⏰ 4:00 PM
📍 Horizon Jr. High
Let’s do this, girls! ✨
#HorizonCheer #FearTheFlock
Congratulations to the 2026-2027 Horizon Student Body Officers!
We appreciate the efforts of ALL the candidates. Putting yourself out there takes an immense amount of courage, grit, and passion. Each of you brought unique ideas and a genuine desire to make Horizon Junior High better, and those contributions don't disappear just because the process is over. We're excited to see what our new student government and the dedicated student body can do to make next year the best school year ever! Go Ducks!
We appreciate the efforts of ALL the candidates. Putting yourself out there takes an immense amount of courage, grit, and passion. Each of you brought unique ideas and a genuine desire to make Horizon Junior High better, and those contributions don't disappear just because the process is over. We're excited to see what our new student government and the dedicated student body can do to make next year the best school year ever! Go Ducks!
Every Wednesday staff and students are ecnouraged to wear purple to show support for our military students. Purple up!
Wear blue this Friday, April 10, to support children!
Everyone plays a role in helping children have healthy and positive childhoods.
Positive Childhood Experiences occur when children experience safe, stable nurturing relationships and environments.
Everyone plays a role in helping children have healthy and positive childhoods.
Positive Childhood Experiences occur when children experience safe, stable nurturing relationships and environments.
HJH proudly took part in a historic moment as students from across the district came together for the inaugural Junior High Unified Basketball Tournament. With 12 schools and 24 teams competing, the event—hosted at Central Davis Junior High—showcased the power of inclusion, teamwork, and school pride.
Horizon was well represented by three outstanding teams: the Court Commanders, the Quack Pack, and the Unified Flock. Each team brought energy, determination, and heart to the court, competing across multiple divisions while demonstrating what it truly means to be unified. Whether it was through strong communication, supportive teamwork, or celebrating each other’s successes, Horizon athletes and partners stood out as they cheered one another on throughout the day.
This milestone event marks an exciting step forward for Unified Sports at the junior high level. By introducing these opportunities earlier, students at Horizon are gaining meaningful experiences that promote acceptance, leadership, and collaboration—skills that extend far beyond the court.
The overwhelming support from families, staff, and the Horizon community helped make this event unforgettable. The success of the Court Commanders, Quack Pack, and Unified Flock reflects the strong culture of inclusion being built at Horizon Junior High—one that continues to grow stronger with every practice, every game, and every shared victory.
A huge shout out to all the amazing student partners who competed alongside our athletes. These students magnified the qualities of leadership, friendship, community building, and most of all supporting one another as they helped their teammates play on to victory.
Another enormous shout out to the outstanding coaching staff at Horizon, Specifically Coach Kylie Johson (assistant coach) and Coach Jacob Black (Head Coach).
HJH proudly took part in a historic moment as students from across the district came together for the inaugural Junior High Unified Basketball Tournament. With 12 schools and 24 teams competing, the event—hosted at Central Davis Junior High—showcased the power of inclusion, teamwork, and school pride.
Horizon was well represented by three outstanding teams: the Court Commanders, the Quack Pack, and the Unified Flock. Each team brought energy, determination, and heart to the court, competing across multiple divisions while demonstrating what it truly means to be unified. Whether it was through strong communication, supportive teamwork, or celebrating each other’s successes, Horizon athletes and partners stood out as they cheered one another on throughout the day.
This milestone event marks an exciting step forward for Unified Sports at the junior high level. By introducing these opportunities earlier, students at Horizon are gaining meaningful experiences that promote acceptance, leadership, and collaboration—skills that extend far beyond the court.
The overwhelming support from families, staff, and the Horizon community helped make this event unforgettable. The success of the Court Commanders, Quack Pack, and Unified Flock reflects the strong culture of inclusion being built at Horizon Junior High—one that continues to grow stronger with every practice, every game, and every shared victory.
A huge shout out to all the amazing student partners who competed alongside our athletes. These students magnified the qualities of leadership, friendship, community building, and most of all supporting one another as they helped their teammates play on to victory.
Another enormous shout out to the outstanding coaching staff at Horizon, Specifically Coach Kylie Johson (assistant coach) and Coach Jacob Black (Head Coach).
Reminder 9th graders- don't forget to fill out an application for the Night of Excellence! You must complete an application and earn at least 9 points to be invited to attend.
Horizon Cheerleading '26-'27 Mandatory Parent Meeting
March 25th 6:00 PM @ HJH Auditorium
Cheer Clinic
April 21-22 6:00-7:40 AM @ HJH Gym
Cheer Tryouts
April 24th 8:00 AM @ HJH Gym
Please email jburt@dsdmail.net with any questions
#FEARTHEFLOCK!
March 25th 6:00 PM @ HJH Auditorium
Cheer Clinic
April 21-22 6:00-7:40 AM @ HJH Gym
Cheer Tryouts
April 24th 8:00 AM @ HJH Gym
Please email jburt@dsdmail.net with any questions
#FEARTHEFLOCK!
9th grade students may apply to be recognized at Horizon Jr. High’s 9th Grade Night of Excellence Now
Applications available March 10th to April 10th in the Counseling Center
Late applications will not be accepted
Event will be held Monday, May 10th 6-7:30PM
Invitations will be handed out after applications are reviewed-
9 or more points are required to be invited
Questions? See your school counselor
Applications available March 10th to April 10th in the Counseling Center
Late applications will not be accepted
Event will be held Monday, May 10th 6-7:30PM
Invitations will be handed out after applications are reviewed-
9 or more points are required to be invited
Questions? See your school counselor
We want to Congratulate Mr. Kelley for being awarded the Excellence in Education Award from the You Are the Heart Murdock Family Foundation. We are privileged to have him at Horizon Jr. High. #GoDUCKS!
America is turning 250 — and our students have something to say.
Davis School District is hosting Voices of a Nation: Student Perspectives on 250 Years of America, a districtwide speaking event aligned with America 250 Utah.
Students from every school and grade level are invited to apply to deliver an original speech about America’s past, present or future.
Selected students will receive mentorship and take the stage on May 4, 2026, at the Davis Instructional Services Center in Layton. The event will be professionally produced and live streamed for the community.
You don’t have to be famous to have something worth saying.
Take the mic. Share your idea. Be part of the story.
Applications due March 18.
Apply at Davis School District America 250 Student Speaking Event
For all students interested in running for Student Body Officers next year, reminder the mandatory candidates/parent meeting is TONIGHT @ 5:00pm in the 2nd Floor Learning Suite. If you want to run you must be there. Any questions contact Mrs. Anderson at kaylaanderson@dsdmail.net
We are proud of Mr. Littlefield!
Our staff and CTE department are excited to recognize Payden Littlefield for his outstanding dedication to students and excellence in education.
He has been awarded the 2025 Air and Space Force Association Secondary Teacher of the Year for the Ute Rocky Mountain Chapter 237.
This honor reflects his commitment to hands‑on learning, innovation in the classroom, and the positive impact he makes every day. Congratulations, Mr. Littlefield, your hard work inspires all of us.
#GoDUCKS!
We are so grateful for our staff and students we get to be around everyday. On Wednesday we had our February Student of the Month. We are so proud of our students that demonstrate the ability to Empower, Rise, Explore, and Succeed. Thanks to our sponsors: HJH PTA, Coleman Orthodontist, Pizza Hut, Zeppes, Arby's, and Chic-fil-A.
Join Next Year's LIA Leadership Class for All Interested 8th & 9th Graders
https://latinosinaction.org/about-lia/
See Mr. Bradshaw in the library/Media Center for an application and more info.
About the class:
· Year long 8th and 9th grade class for anyone
· Don’t have to be Latino or speak Spanish, but will learn/practice some Spanish
· Learn LEADERSHIP, about Latino and other cultures, and participate in COLLEGE and CAREER preparation.
· Focus on PROFESSIONALISM, SERVICE, and SOCIAL skills
· Weekly field trip to Island View Elementary to help younger grades in reading and math
· Support, plan, and carry out school wide activities
· LEARN HOW TO GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
· Enter art and talent contests like Davis school district Martin Luther King Jr. Speech Contest
Taught by UT LIA 2024 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Bradshaw in the library/media center
https://latinosinaction.org/about-lia/
See Mr. Bradshaw in the library/Media Center for an application and more info.
About the class:
· Year long 8th and 9th grade class for anyone
· Don’t have to be Latino or speak Spanish, but will learn/practice some Spanish
· Learn LEADERSHIP, about Latino and other cultures, and participate in COLLEGE and CAREER preparation.
· Focus on PROFESSIONALISM, SERVICE, and SOCIAL skills
· Weekly field trip to Island View Elementary to help younger grades in reading and math
· Support, plan, and carry out school wide activities
· LEARN HOW TO GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
· Enter art and talent contests like Davis school district Martin Luther King Jr. Speech Contest
Taught by UT LIA 2024 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Bradshaw in the library/media center
Horizon Junior High School is proud to sponsor Unified Basketball for the 2026 season!!!!!!
Anyone who wishes to participate please reach out to Coach Black for more information
(385)-519-6703
Or
Jacblack@dsdmail.net
In partnership with Special Olympics Utah and the Davis School District, Horizon Junior High School is proud to offer official Unified Sports programming for the 2025–2026 school year.
Horizon Junior High School will participate in:
• Unified Basketball
• Unified Track
• Unified E-Sports
Unified Sports promotes inclusion, collaboration, leadership, and school pride by bringing students together through shared athletic and extracurricular experiences. As the program continues to grow, our goal is to expand Unified opportunities to include as many junior high sports and activities as possible.
About Unified Sports
Special Olympics Unified Sports® is dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition. The program brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Unified Sports is built on a simple and powerful principle:
Training together and playing together fosters friendship, understanding, and respect. Unified Sports teams are formed with students of similar age and ability, ensuring:
• Meaningful participation for all students
• Enjoyable practices
• Engaging and competitive games
Through shared participation in sport, barriers are reduced, misconceptions are challenged, and students develop lasting connections that strengthen school communities.
For More Information:
https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/sports/unified-sports)
Unified Basketball Program Overview
Horizon Junior High School will offer Unified Basketball as part of its official Unified Sports programming. This program is designed to bring together athletes and Unified partners in an inclusive, team-based environment that promotes participation, skill development, and sportsmanship.
Unified Basketball teams will be under the direction of Coach Black and Coach Holmes.
Program Structure
• Teams will participate in scheduled practices focused on:
o Fundamental basketball skills and drills
o Rules and gameplay understanding
o Teamwork and conditioning
• Student participation is completely voluntary.
• Students may withdraw from participation at any time without penalty.
All teams will be registered to participate in the Davis School District–sponsored Junior High Unified Basketball Tournament, scheduled to be held at Central Davis Junior High School on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 (location and date subject to change).
Participant Roles
Athletes
Athletes are students who have been identified with:
• Intellectual disabilities and/or
• Physical disabilities
Unified Partners
Unified Partners are students who:
• Choose to play with and alongside athletes
• Understand and support the mission and purpose of Unified Sports
• Promote inclusion, teamwork, and positive peer interaction
Team Composition
• Each team will consist of up to 10 players
• Teams may include any combination of athletes and Unified partners
• Playing preference is given to athletes; partners will rotate as needed
• Teams may be organized based on skill level to ensure meaningful participation
Skill Level Descriptions
• High Skill Level
Athletes who demonstrate skills comparable to same-age peers in traditional basketball settings, with minimal or no observable need for adaptations.
• Mid Skill Level
Athletes who can perform most basketball skills but may benefit from direct coaching, reminders, or partner support during gameplay.
• Low Skill Level
Athletes who require one-to-one support, hand-over-hand assistance, or modified equipment or facilities to safely and successfully participate.
Fees and Eligibility
• Families will be notified in advance if any participation fees are required.
• No student will be excluded from participation due to an inability to pay.
• Payment or non-payment will not impact on student eligibility to participate.
Parent/ Athlete Meeting
• February 25th at 6pm in the Main commons Area
o Come with questions
o Practice schedule will be given out
o Final details should be given to coaches from district and available to share to parents
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Talk to Coach Black
(385) 519-6703
OR
Jacblack@dsdmail.net
Horizon Junior High School will participate in:
• Unified Basketball
• Unified Track
• Unified E-Sports
Unified Sports promotes inclusion, collaboration, leadership, and school pride by bringing students together through shared athletic and extracurricular experiences. As the program continues to grow, our goal is to expand Unified opportunities to include as many junior high sports and activities as possible.
About Unified Sports
Special Olympics Unified Sports® is dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition. The program brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Unified Sports is built on a simple and powerful principle:
Training together and playing together fosters friendship, understanding, and respect. Unified Sports teams are formed with students of similar age and ability, ensuring:
• Meaningful participation for all students
• Enjoyable practices
• Engaging and competitive games
Through shared participation in sport, barriers are reduced, misconceptions are challenged, and students develop lasting connections that strengthen school communities.
For More Information:
https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/sports/unified-sports)
Unified Basketball Program Overview
Horizon Junior High School will offer Unified Basketball as part of its official Unified Sports programming. This program is designed to bring together athletes and Unified partners in an inclusive, team-based environment that promotes participation, skill development, and sportsmanship.
Unified Basketball teams will be under the direction of Coach Black and Coach Holmes.
Program Structure
• Teams will participate in scheduled practices focused on:
o Fundamental basketball skills and drills
o Rules and gameplay understanding
o Teamwork and conditioning
• Student participation is completely voluntary.
• Students may withdraw from participation at any time without penalty.
All teams will be registered to participate in the Davis School District–sponsored Junior High Unified Basketball Tournament, scheduled to be held at Central Davis Junior High School on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 (location and date subject to change).
Participant Roles
Athletes
Athletes are students who have been identified with:
• Intellectual disabilities and/or
• Physical disabilities
Unified Partners
Unified Partners are students who:
• Choose to play with and alongside athletes
• Understand and support the mission and purpose of Unified Sports
• Promote inclusion, teamwork, and positive peer interaction
Team Composition
• Each team will consist of up to 10 players
• Teams may include any combination of athletes and Unified partners
• Playing preference is given to athletes; partners will rotate as needed
• Teams may be organized based on skill level to ensure meaningful participation
Skill Level Descriptions
• High Skill Level
Athletes who demonstrate skills comparable to same-age peers in traditional basketball settings, with minimal or no observable need for adaptations.
• Mid Skill Level
Athletes who can perform most basketball skills but may benefit from direct coaching, reminders, or partner support during gameplay.
• Low Skill Level
Athletes who require one-to-one support, hand-over-hand assistance, or modified equipment or facilities to safely and successfully participate.
Fees and Eligibility
• Families will be notified in advance if any participation fees are required.
• No student will be excluded from participation due to an inability to pay.
• Payment or non-payment will not impact on student eligibility to participate.
Parent/ Athlete Meeting
• February 25th at 6pm in the Main commons Area
o Come with questions
o Practice schedule will be given out
o Final details should be given to coaches from district and available to share to parents
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Talk to Coach Black
(385) 519-6703
OR
Jacblack@dsdmail.net
We are so grateful for our staff and students we get to be around everyday. Today we had our December Student of the Month. We are so proud of our students that demonstrate the ability to Empower, Rise, Explore, and Succeed. Thanks to our sponsors: HJH PTA, Coleman Orthodontist, Pizza Hut, Zeppes, Arby's, and Chic-fil-A.
