News
November 28, 2008
What Do You Think? Provo School District Wants to Know.
Provo School District would like to encourage all Provo City residents to carefully consider and fill out the survey that was sent to their homes. The survey contains a list of objectives the District administration wants the public to provide feedback on so budgets can be built accordingly.
"These schools belong to the public," said Kerry Smith, the Business Administrator for Provo School District. "We want to know what the tax payers think, and we want to put the money into what the public deems as the most important."
The Board of Education will look at the results of the survey and then allocate resources to best represent what the public has requested. If sending the card through the postal service is not convenient, please email your answers to budget@provo.edu.
Thank you for taking the time to help improve your school distict!
November 28, 2008
Westridge Donates Food
The Westridge Wildcats worked hard throughout the month of November to collect 3,764 pounds of all sorts of canned food, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, and other non-perishable items! All of the donations will go to the Community Action Food Bank to benefit the less fortunate members from our neighborhoods this holiday season.
Principal Gibbs challenged the students to fill the library pit full of food and other items the Food Bank helps distribute to the needy. Since the students did such a tremendous job of participating, they have been awarded a read-a-thon to recognize their efforts and promote reading and literacy. Patrice Parker, the facilitator at Westridge said the students were so willing to help some one else in need and loved seeing their donations pile up in the library.
"Our students were anxiously engaged in filling the pit with their generous donations and daily watching it fill up," she said.
November 28, 2008
Timpview Football Wins Third Straight State Championship
The Thunderbrds beat the Cottonwood Colts 34 - 28 last week to secure their third straight state title. Congratulations Timpview! Click on the link below to read more about the game.
November 28, 2008
CMS Play a Delight!
Centennial Middle School recently produced a wonderful murder mystery called, "All Over but the Shooting." The play was about several characters that compete for a few star roles of the next big performance. Several complications arise, however. The script for their play has yet to be finished and one of the competing actors is mysteriously murdered.
Both seventh and eighth grade students did a wonderful job as they skillfully and convincingly played the various characters from an impatient elderly woman with a great Boston accent to an extremely over-protective mother. The play was directed by BriAnn Carter, the choir and drama teacher at CMS.
It was almost amazing to see how closely the students' personalities were matched up with that of the character they were portraying," said Principal Mitch Swenson. "It was really fun to watch them. The kids did an outstanding job.”
November 28, 2008
Timpview Soccer Team Meets with Ambassador to Uganda, Raises Money for Trip to Africa
The Timpview Girls Soccer team will travel to Uganda next summer to encourage girls there to achieve their goals and accomplish great things. Working with the program, Goals 4 Girls, the Timpview team will teach Ugandan girls the rules of soccer and how to play.
“Learning to play soccer will help our Ugandan friends realize that they can accomplish something they’ve never tried before,” said Jackie Smith, the Timpview varsity soccer coach.
Jackie Smith has spent significant time in Uganda when she was an undergraduate at Brigham Young University, studying particularly the attitudes and feelings the young Ugandan girls had towards the educational system and way of life.
The team recently met with the Ugandan Ambassador and held a yard and bake sale to raise money for the girls to travel and stay in Africa for three weeks.
Keep checking for updates on their progress and information regarding this amazing trip.
November 19, 2008
Westridge Elementary Loves to Recognize Great Students and Teachers
Every month, Westridge Elementary recognizes one to two students from each classroom during a school-wide assembly. These honored students are good examples in their classrooms, work hard to get along with everyone, always use their best penmanship, and just try hard to be good students.
These students are called to stand on the stage so everyone can see whom they are and what it takes to get up on that stage as well. The selected students get to put their name in a drawing for a chance to win an iPod. Three to four lucky students win each month! After the assembly, chosen students' pictures are taken and hung in the hall for the rest of the month to continue to honor their good examples.
Westridge teachers are also recognized at this time. Teachers nominate one another who have exemplified good, organized, and insightful teaching. Teachers can win an iPod or a gift card.
"This is such a great opportunity for kids to be recognized for their awesome behavior and for others to see something to aspire and work toward," said Kim Broadbent, Director of the Integrated Learning Lab and coordinator of the monthly awards program.
November 19, 2008
Veteran’s Day Celebrated at Amelia Earhart
All branches of the military were honored and recognized at a Veteran’s Day assembly held at Amelia Earhart Elementary. Students, faculty, and staff, including Principal Cox, brought their relatives and neighbors who have, or are currently serving in the United States Military to attend a special program in their honor. Each veteran was introduced and he or she explained the job they performed/perform while on duty. From optometrists to plane mechanics to classified missions, the students and guests heard from a variety of servicemen and women.
All of the fifth-graders sang a special song, "Coming to America," and even used sign language to help convey they message. Each class at Amelia Earhart made multiple cards expressing their gratitude and thanks for all of the hard work the servicemen and women have performed to protect our freedom and way of life. Each service member left with at least two or three cards with pictures of flags and soldiers in uniform and “thank you” drawn all over.
"This is the first and only time I've been honored since I returned from WWII," a veteran said as he walked off the stage.
Amelia Earhart plans to make the Veteran’s Day assembly an annual tradition.
November 14, 2008
CMS Students Win State-wide Multi Media Competition
Students from Mr. Barker's Multi-media class at Centennial Middle School entered the First Annual contest of making public service announcements against underage drinking. The contest is sponsored by the Utah Council for Crime Prevention. Students in grades 7 - 12 could enter. The students were required to write, produce, and edit a 30 second Public Service announcement against underage drinking.
A Centennial student group received the 1st place award, beating out competition from around the state. These students in the first place group are Seth Ringger, Raini Wall, Tyler Stevenson, Christian Sorensen, Joseph Partridge, Charles Tu'ua. Another CMS team, including Emily Rich, Ben Wells, Rhett Van Leeuwen, and Taylor Simpson, also received an honorable mention.
The winning students attended the 11th annual "Power of Prevention" Conference. They also received a trophy and gift certificates to local restaurants. Centennial Middle School and Provo School District are proud of their hard work and the good examples they set for others.
Congratulations!
November 13, 2008
RFP - Consulting Architect to the Board of Education
Provo School District is seeking RFP’s for a consulting architect to work with the facilities director and administration on projects under $500,000. This person would develop preliminary plans for remodels, additions, and seismic renovations. Once plans are approved by the board and administration, bid documents would be drawn up and working drawings developed for public bid. The architect would work with the purchasing officer of the district to advertise projects, hold bid openings, and develop a contract for the successful bidders. Weekly construction meetings will be called by the architect to discuss progress on projects in place. The architect will process change orders, approve submittals, and be the agent for the district during all phases of construction.
Provo School District is asking for the following information to be presented in the R.F.P.
- Percentage of project cost the architect would charge for services provided
- An hourly rate charged for small projects such as foot print drawings, site layouts, window details, etc., and any small project done for conceptual use in planning rather than plans for bid purposes.
- List structural, mechanical and electrical engineers predominately used in their work
- List school building experience of principal and staff
- List staff and experience.
- Commitment to turn-around time for project requests.
- Proof of Licenses and insurance.
A short list will be developed and those chosen will interview with the facilities director, business official, personal officer, and superintendent. Contact Phil Lott at 374-9401 if you have questions.
November 10, 2008
Celebrate Success! - Upcoming Special Education Parent Night Announced
The Special Education Department would like to announce an evening of activities for parents of students in Special Education to "Celebrate Success". On November 19, 2008, a Make-it-take-it night is planned when parents can attend multiple short classes that will present ideas and provide take-home activities that are designed to focus on the needs of their child, at the Preschool level through 12th Grade, who is enrolled in any part of the Special Education Program in the district. There is no charge to attend this informative and fun evening. Classes will provide support, ideas and activities in the areas of: academic achievement, speech/language development, parent advocacy, use of technology to enhance student learning, motor development and strategies to assist in promoting appropriate behavior in students.
Childcare with exciting activities and a dinner for all who attend will be provided. The event will be held at Farrer Elementary, 600 East Center Street, from 5 pm until 7:30 pm. A registration form will be sent home to each family of a Special Education student and must be returned no later than November 8, 2008 to the Special Education Department at the student's school. For more information, parents should contact their school's Special Education Department. Registration forms in Spanish and in English may also be downloaded below:
November 7, 2008
PHS Art Class Displays Portraits Within the Community that Highlight Diversity
James Rees, an art teacher at Provo High School, instructed his students to find diversity within their community and capture it by portraying the background, personality and international characteristics of the subject through charcoal drawings and sketches. This collection of art portraying the community is exhibited on the covered walkway found between 100 N. and 200 N. on University Avenue until Nov. 19. Rees felt it was fitting to display the students’ art based on the community in an easily accessible place, showcasing the diversity that makes Provo such a great city.
“I had no idea just how diverse we really were,” said Jordan Griffin, a senior at Provo High School. “I went into the interview not knowing what to expect and I walked out of the interview with a whole lot of respect for a different culture.”
For more details please read the following article:
November 7, 2008
Amelia Earhart’s Fun Run Fundraiser a Success!
The Amelia Earhart High Flyers all participated in a 5K Fun Run to help raise money for their school. Parents, students, and local businesses came together to help provide funds for the school and prizes for the names of students drawn out of a raffle. Prizes included a Nintendo Wii, iPod Shuffles, a football signed by the BYU football team, and many other awesome prizes.
Mr. Shawn Brooks, a fourth grade teacher at Amelia Earhart, was an integral part of creating and executing this successful fundraiser. “My favorite part of the run was seeing parents, teachers and students laugh and run the route---united in supporting healthy lifestyles and our school,” Brooks said.
The students prepared for the run by jogging 2.5 kilometers every day during PE. The students, parents, and faculty were able to raise over $5,700 during this single event, and there are many requests by parents to make the fun run an annual tradition. Good job!
“This Fun Run was a chance to bring family, friends, and the community together through a fun and healthy activity,” Brooks said. “It will hopefully transfer into a way of life and a memory for our community in the years to come.”
November 7, 2008
Timpanogos Elementary’s Lights are On After School
Timpanogos Elementary celebrated Lights On After School, a nation-wide event that educates communities on the importance and benefits that after-school programs provide students and parents alike.
Teachers, staff, students and parents from Timpanogos and Sunset View Elementary Schools showed up in their Halloween costumes to participate in a Halloween carnival, complete with food and games, as they perused the posters that different after-school programs had made for the event. The competition dance team and choir made special performances that evening as well.
After school activities at each of the elementary schools provide opportunities for students of all ages and interests to engage in fun, enriching and education activities. From sports club, choir, and gifted and talented to orchestra and art club, there is something for every student to participate in.
“These after-school activities are providing young people with fun, learning opportunities that contribute to their emotional, social, physical and academic development,” said Estella Bradley, Director of After-school Programs at Timpanogos Elementary.
November 6, 2008
Survey Results Released for 2009-2010 School Year Calendar Options
From October 1st to October 15th, 2008, district employees were invited to complete an online survey to determine preferences regarding four calendar options that have been proposed for the 2009-2010 school year. The results of the survey may be downloaded below:
October 29, 2008
Timpanogos Grand Opening
Timpanogos Elementary opened its doors to welcome students and teachers into a brand new school. School began with a ribbon cutting, where one student from each grade cut the ribbon and ushered in a new era at Timpanogos for current and future students. Principal Diane Bridge introduced students and parents to the new building and announced the new school mascot would be the sentinel.
“A sentinel is a guard or watchman,” Bridge said. “We are all going to be sentinels for this wonderful new school and for each other.”
Timpanogos teachers worked extra hard during school and over Fall Break to ensure their new classrooms would be ready for their students when it opened. A special thanks goes out to all Timpanogos faculty, staff and administration for helping make the school a great place to be on the first day.
To read more about the new Timpanogos Elementary, click on the links below:
October 29, 2008
Rotary Dictionaries
Provo Rotary, UVU Teams, and BYU Students Prepare Dictionaries for Every Third Grader in Provo School District.
Volunteers gathered to organize and prepare dictionaries to distribute to every student in the third grade in Provo School District during Fall Break. The UVU Mens Basketball Team, the UVU Womens Volleyball Team, Provo Rotary and BYU Rotary Interact gathered at the District Office to put stickers on the dictionaries, organize them into school specific boxes and sign up to help deliver the dictionaries to schools and classrooms.
Provo School District is grateful for the wonderful volunteer efforts these organizations have put forth to help better the education for our students.
Thank you!
October 28, 2008
Sundance Ski & Snowboard Lessons Announced for 2008-09
Registration for district-sponsored ski & snowboard lessons will open Nov. 11, 2008 and run through Jan. 28, 2009. Registration location is the Provo School District Transportation Office, 280 West 940 North, in Provo. Please download the information sheet below for complete details and schedule:
October 24, 2008
Author Brandon Sanderson Visits and Chats with CMS students
Brandon Sanderson, author of the popular Mistborn series and Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians, visited Centennial Middle School and shared how he obtained his love for books and developed a talent for writing fantasy stories in a school-wide assembly. The students loved his humor and how he managed to make “boring” things sound exciting and fun. Sanderson also spent the remainder of his afternoon eating pizza with students who had read Sanderson’s books or wanted to become writers. The group discussed life as a writer, favorite authors, signing movie deals, and even a little about the coolest video games.
“This was a really great chance for students to ask questions that not many other people can answer for them,” said Karen Brown, the District Literacy Specialist and Coordinator of Author Visits. “The students loved getting to talk with him.”
October 24, 2008
Provo High PAUS a Hit with Students
Provo High School’s PAUS (Provo Academic Unified Studies) program gives students the opportunity to experience what they learn in the classroom with hands-on field trips and excursions. PHS PAUS students recently rode their bikes or jogged to the Provo Cemetery to study the geologic makeup of the headstones, the demographics of the people found there through a historical scavenger hunt, and many other projects.
“PAUS is top-notch,” said Jackson Hall, a junior. “Sometimes it’s hard to stay focused in the same classroom everyday, so this program works great for me. I get to really learn and apply that stuff that’s in the world around me.”
One of the PUAS instructors, Ty Robinson, said the students really benefit from weekly, outside activities. Some students learn and understand concepts better when they can experience learning outside of the classroom with real-life, tangible examples. PUAS students are planning to travel to Delta, Utah to study the Topaz internment camps and the volcanic rock and activity in the area.
For more information about PAUS please email Ty Robinson at tyr@provo.edu or call Provo High School at 801-373-6550.
October 22, 2008
Regents' Scholarship Announced
In 2008, the Utah State Legislature created the Regents' Scholarship. This scholarship encourages Utah high school students to prepare for college academically and financially by taking a defined core course of study and saving for college. Download the PDF below for specific application information:
October 16, 2008
TImpview Teachers and Students Design and Construct New Mascot
The new Thunderbird mascot made its first debut at the Homecoming assembly and was a huge success. Because of the Thunderbird’s Native American origin, all involved in the constructing process thought it would be great to honor that heritage.
A team of faculty members and three advanced Clothing Design students all aided in building the mascot costume from scratch. Genet Orme, the Clothing Design teacher, oversaw much of the mascot’s construction and obtained many of the materials necessary to do so. JoAnn Smith-Seals, an art teacher, made a comprehensive sketch of what the mascot should look like, and Tom Knight, Timpview’s Ceramics Teacher, painted the headpiece of the mascot. The three students Orme said were “essential” to completing the task are Margot Crandall, Chelsea Roberts, and Cimony Greenhalgh.
A special thanks goes to all of those who helped contribute to Timpview’s new mascot!
October 15, 2008
Timpview Welcomes UCCU
Utah Community Credit Union and Timpview High School are working together to encourage students to save money and make student transactions more accommodating with a UCCU branch on campus, just off of the Commons area.
This new branch will have nearly every UCCU service available except obtaining loans. Transactions made at the Timpview Branch will be logged and kept track of, just as at any other branch, making additional banking at other locations possible and easy to do. Timpview and Provo High Schools are the only schools with banking capabilities throughout all of Utah County.
“This is such a great opportunity for everyone involved,” said Georgle Bayles, Principal of Timpview. “We are so grateful for the quality services and financial education UCCU will provide for our students.”
October 14, 2008
Provo High School Plaza Ribbon Cutting
Students, faculty, the Board of Education, and District Administration gathered at Provo High School to officially open the new Plaza. A special Latin dance number from the International Club started the afternoon off, and then Principal Sam Ray recognized the former and current students an private businesses that helped make the Plaza a reality. Students representing groups that worked on the Plaza cut the ribbon and officially welcomed all to enjoy the newly refinished and landscaped area for all to enjoy.
A special thanks goes out to Clyde Companies, Burrows Marble, Milton Briggs, Cook Nursery, Neil Hinckley Excavating, PHS FCCLA, FBLA, Football and Cross Country Teams. The classes or 1965, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2008 also contributed to the Plaza.
October 14, 2008
A Kindergarten Teacher's Day Made Better
Principal Jason Cox and OfficeMax employees surprised Mrs. Dalton at Amelia Earhart Elementary with the Make A Day Better Award and a big orange box full of classroom supplies. This award is given to an outstanding teacher who exemplifies academic performance and genuine love for their students. Mr. Cox thought Mrs. Dalton was the perfect choice for this award and submitted the information OfficeMax needed.
"Teachers spend too much of their own money on classroom supplies," Cox said. "This was such a great opportunity for a great teacher to get more of what she needs without having to pay for it herself."
Mrs. Dalton and her kindergarten class were excited to pull out all of the school supplies OfficeMax had generously donated. They found scissors, pencils, markers, crayons, paper, chalk, paper cutters, pens, a label maker, folders, a digital camera, and much, much more.
October 1, 2008
Wasatch Hot Air Balloon Launch
Wasatch Elementary students were treated to a hot air balloon launch on Thursday, Sept. 25.
Students listened to pilot Bill Baker explain the history of ballooning, necessary weather conditions, and what it takes to be a pilot. Baker answered students’ questions about power lines, being scared of heights, and how long he has piloted hot air balloons.
"I am really impressed with the questions that came from all of the students," Baker said. They are a smart bunch!"
Students then followed Baker and his crew to where the Allstate Balloon was prepped and inflated. Principal Colleen Densley was able to take a small ride in the fully inflated balloon. Densley praised the Allstate Balloon Team for the exciting and fun way they presented the information and included the students in the balloon prep and blowup.
"This was such a great experience for everyone involved," Densley said. "They could hear, see, and experience this so well because we could be so close to the balloon."
October 1, 2008
Canyon Crest Celebrates 25th Birthday in Style
Canyon Crest Elementary celebrated its 25th birthday on Sept. 19 with a dance festival and a carnival featuring many different activities. Each grade level participated in different dance routines that entertained parents, current faculty and staff, along with faculty and staff from the past. Different time eras and cultures found in Utah were represented with the various dances.
After the dance program, guests were treated to a carnival complete with 25 different booths. From a reptile petting zoo to a teacher dunk tank to inflatable slides, there is something there for everyone, said Tiffany Olson, Canyon Crest’s PTA President.
Patricia Anderson, Canyon Crest’s principal, enjoyed her time at the event, including the dunk tank, and was happy to be involved in such a grand celebration. She enjoyed chatting with the students and watching them have fun with the many different activities.
"This is something the students will remember for a long time," she said. "These are the types of events that build school unity and make fun school memories."
September 23, 2008
Lakeview Elementary Celebrates Ribbon Cutting
Students, parents, the superintendent, a mascot, a high school drum line and many others celebrated the official opening of Lakeview Elementary.
A fifth grade choir treated guests to a selection of patriotic songs, and was then followed by a group of students, one from each grade level, who cut the ribbon. Guests were invited to join a family picnic after the ribbon cutting. Families could bring their own food or buy hot dogs, chips, and drinks from the Lakeview PTA. The PTA sold over 600 hot dogs! Leo the Lion, Real Salt Lake’s mascot, was found throughout the entire event giving out high fives and trading cards to children.
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