Utahns by nature are innovative and resourceful, traits long evidenced by a robust STEM industry in our state. The Weber School District is committed to encouraging and promoting STEM-based opportunities to align educational goals with workforce needs to ensure economic growth and prosperity. Recently, WSD kicked off its annual STEM Expo along with the Davis and Morgan School Districts. Nearly 800 students convened on the Davis Conference Center in Layton to learn and explore the endless possibilities of a career in science and technology.

The convention hall was filled with 50 employer, military, and academic booths, there for the sole purpose of allowing teachers and students to explore the many opportunities that education in science, technology, engineering, and math can afford them. Unlike a job fair, the STEM Expo is a chance for students to become acquainted with career paths and the educational requirements associated with their field of interest.

Mr. Alan Hall, Chairman of Prosperity 2020, spoke to students about the thousands of STEM-related jobs that will be available to them upon graduation. He stated that in order to fulfill the demands of the workforce of the future, high school graduation rates in Utah need to jump from the current 80 percent rate to at least 90 percent. He noted that technical programs are often over looked by scientifically-minded students because of the misconceived notion that these are "blue collar" and therefore, low-paying jobs. Mr. Hall used the analogy of a pyramid to defray this notion. He emphasized the fact that employees who are technically certified are the ones who actually "put on the nuts and bolts and do the welding and build the technology." He explained that there were high-paying jobs and wonderful opportunities up and down the pyramid.

Science Curriculum Specialist Matthew Patterson's goal for the Expo was that students leave with an understanding of the many meaningful and important jobs that exist; jobs that enable students to make a difference in the world while also providing satisfying and lucrative career choices. Many students were able to make these connections and came away with a better understanding of how to align their educational resources with their career interests.

{featured featured-stem-robot.jpg}

A well-run school is the result of hard work and dedication from a variety of professionals. Much of this hard work goes on "behind the scenes" by unsung heroes. Each month, the Weber School District recognizes employees who have been nominated by their peers and supervisors for their extraordinary professionalism. During the December School Board meeting, we had the chance to highlight Mr. Fred Smith, Teacher at Fremont High School, and Ms. Carrie Pilot, Head Secretary at Weber Innovation High School.

It is no secret that Head Secretaries often wear many hats. Carrie Pilot of Weber Innovation High School epitomizes this notion. Ms. Pilot is not only Head Secretary at WIC, she is also Head Secretary for Weber Online and Weber Online-Home School. Mr. Reid Newey nominated Carrie for the Extra Mile Award after witnessing her amazing ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and challenges with "grace, patience and complete professional competence." Weber Innovation Center is in its first year of operation. During the past year, Carrie has quite literally built a school from the ground up. Mr. Newey stated that as an administrator, he has come to depend on Carrie knowing that she will handle everything without problem or issue. Students at WIC love Ms. Pilot. Her warm and accepting attitude makes everyone feel immediately at ease, knowing that she is willing to help them with whatever issues they may have. As Mr. Newey wrote, "She is an amazing person, a great friend to all, and a very deserving nominee for the Extra Mile Award!"

Mr. Fred Smith has been teaching in the district for ten years. He serves as the digital media teacher as well as the head and assistant coach in soccer at Fremont High School. Fred has a passion for what he teaches and that passion shines through to his students, which is why his classes are filled every year. Many of his former students have pursued careers in digital media as a direct result of their experience at Fremont High School in Mr. Smith’s classes. Dr. Rod Belnap nominated Mr. Smith for the I Love Teaching Award, stating that he is what they call a "warm demander", that is "someone who is genuine, a cheerleader, and support of young people ... but also someone who has clear, fair expectations." Mr. Smith has made a substantial contribution to Fremont High through his professional publicity and quality media projects. His most recent project has been the "Fremont Spirit Video". This was a huge undertaking, requiring 2000 students to be in a designated place at the same time, demonstrating school pride and enthusiasm. The resulting video was nothing short of impressive. It plays on the TV system schoolwide and is a source of great pride to students and staff alike. Dr. Belnap wrote, "Fred sees students for whom they can become, not for who they are at the immediate present and helps them envision careers in things they may not have thought possible before."

Congratulations to these two individuals on their well-deserved awards. We are honored to recognize their spirit and hard work. Thank you for all you do every day to create a successful school experience for our students.

{featured featured-fremont-and-weber-innovation-recognized.jpg}

The weather outside might be frightful, but students at Weber School District schools are doing their best to make sure that the most vulnerable in our midst are warm and well-fed this holiday season. Each junior high and high school in the district has embarked on fundraising drives to raise money and to collect food, toys, and clothing for needy families. The methods employed may differ, but the goal is one and the same. To bring joy to children and their families.

Fremont High School's student government is busy raising money for the Kash-4-Kids charity drive. Funds raised will go help disadvantaged students with everything from clothing purchases to medical bills. At Bonneville High, students look forward to the annual Shop with a Hero trip. This program raises money for police officers to take children Christmas shopping. The Weber High School student body is embarking on a fundraiser called "Live Hannah's Hope" for suicide awareness. Funds raised will be used to purchase food and goods for needy families. At Roy High, the annual Sub for Santa campaign is in full swing. They are also holding a coat drive to make sure that little ones stay warm during the cold winter months.

Junior high and elementary students have also caught the spirit of giving. Combined, the nine junior high schools in our district have managed to donate over 15,000 cans of food along with other goods for the Utah Food Bank and other local charitable donations to make sure that families will have enough to eat during the holidays.

We proudly commend the students, faculty, and staff of our secondary schools for their generosity and charitable spirit. It is no doubt that many children and families will be blessed by their contributions. It is our wish for all to have a peaceful holiday season and memorial New Year.

{featured featured-school-holiday-projects.jpg}

Lisa Gilstrap, Principal at Green Acres Elementary nominated Mrs. Karen Vause for the "I Love Teaching" Award for the month of January. Specifically, Mrs. Gilstrap stated that Karen is a "truly gifted teacher and loves doing it." Karen diligently works to make sure that all of her students are successful, and has wonderful way of nurturing and teaching her special needs students. Karen is knowledgeable about collaborative team processes, best teaching practices, academic standards, and assessment. Her knowledge in these areas have proven to be very beneficial to the school improvement process at Green Acres. Mrs. Gilstrap says that Karen has "shown incredible grace under difficult circumstances, keeping the students interests always at the forefront." We are pleased to recognize this gifted teacher, and thank her for her contributions to our students.

In the summer of 2012, Mrs. Kara Liston became the chair for the Christmas Tree Jubilee Committee. This month, Kara was recognized for the "Volunteer Award" to recognize her invaluable contributions towards the success of the Jubilee. When joining the committee, Kara brought with her "organizational and management skills from private business, a knowledge of the community, a desire to serve our children, but mostly the heart needed to ensure success." Mr. Zimmerman explains that it is essential that a chairperson not only provide time and skill, but more importantly, that they possess heart. He stated, "Kara was probably too busy to take on the Jubilee...however, she had the heart." Since 2012, the Jubilee has raised over 1 million dollars to benefit our students, a wonderful milestone that is no doubt due in part to Kara’s leadership and service. The Weber School District was honored to recognize Kara this month with the "Volunteer Award."

The Christmas Tree Jubilee has become a cherished holiday tradition for many Ogden-area families and residents. Each year this event raises funds needed to support Weber School District students in many special programs: Science, art, athletic, and music programs, "All Ability" playgrounds, and field trips for elementary school children to name a few. The organization of the Jubilee is a massive undertaking requiring hundreds of willing hands and hearts.

{featured featured-green-acres-teacher.jpg}