Let’s hear it for our young writers! ✏️📚 Sharing a Classroom Grants story from Mrs. Stettler at Shadow Valley Elementary today, where students are building confidence as readers and writers and love to express themselves through both writing and art. As part of their new Language Arts program, Mrs. Stettler wanted to capture her students’ enthusiasm and help strengthen their writing skills by turning their stories into actual books, giving them the chance to see themselves as real authors. With support from the Classroom Grants Program, the book-making materials soon made its way into the classroom. Now, students are watching their ideas come to life as they proudly build writing portfolios of their own work. And who knows? Some of these books may just be future bestsellers in the making!
"Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful donations to our classroom," said Mrs. Stettler. "When the students saw all of the brand new materials they would be able to use, they were beyond excited and immediately wanted to start on their writing projects. Their writing has improved so much because they are motivated to see their final published product come to life. Having access to these materials has made writing more meaningful and engaging for every student."
Want to help inspire more stories like this? Your support makes these grants possible! Visit ogdenschoolfoundation.org/grants to learn more.
"Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful donations to our classroom," said Mrs. Stettler. "When the students saw all of the brand new materials they would be able to use, they were beyond excited and immediately wanted to start on their writing projects. Their writing has improved so much because they are motivated to see their final published product come to life. Having access to these materials has made writing more meaningful and engaging for every student."
Want to help inspire more stories like this? Your support makes these grants possible! Visit ogdenschoolfoundation.org/grants to learn more.
Have you stopped by the Eccles Community Art Center to see the incredible work from our secondary students in the Festival of Arts show yet? If not, the time is NOW! It’s the final week! We’re proud to sponsor this annual event and support the arts in our schools. We can’t wait to celebrate the creativity and hard work of our student artists. See you there!
Step right up and check out this fun way to support our students! This Rotary Club of Ogden event helps provide scholarships for our high school seniors and puts a book into the hands of every third grader in the district. We're so grateful for community partners who help make this kind of magic possible!
DRUMROLL, PLEASE… 🥁 We’re so excited to announce the 2026 Telitha Lindquist Greiner Excellence in Teaching Award recipients! Our board members and staff popped into classrooms all across the Ogden School District this week to surprise these amazing educators—and let’s just say, there were plenty of smiles, a few happy tears, and lots of well-deserved cheers!
Each recipient was selected by fellow educators and community members, recognizing one outstanding teacher from every school for the impact they make both in and out of the classroom. Thanks to the generous donors of the Telitha Lindquist Greiner Endowment Fund, each winner will receive a $500 award and an invitation to the district’s Evening of Appreciation Dinner. These educators represent the very best of Ogden School District, and we are so proud to celebrate them.
Congratulations to our 2026 winners!
Ben Lomond High School: Mark Saal
Bridges Program: Baylee Beckman
East Ridge Elementary: Karlene Dolbear
George Washington High Eagles: Sarah Espinoza
Heritage Elementary: Elizabeth Hooley
High School Transition/SPED: Katie Sorton
Highland Junior High: Esther Pena
Hillcrest Elementary School: Tiffany Moss
Liberty Elementary School: Amber Slouf
Lincoln Elementary: Portia Lewis
Malan’s Peak: Jennette Madsen
Mound Fort Junior High School: Connor Pack
Mount Ogden Junior High School: Claire Moore
New Bridge School for STEM Education: Jennifer Osborne
Odyssey Elementary School: Melissa Rodrigues
Ogden High School: Nisi Whisler-Sorge
OTECH High School : Thomas Gal
Polk School: Tyler Jensen
Shadow Valley Elementary: Shaelee Phillips
Wasatch Elementary: Brent Johnson
Each recipient was selected by fellow educators and community members, recognizing one outstanding teacher from every school for the impact they make both in and out of the classroom. Thanks to the generous donors of the Telitha Lindquist Greiner Endowment Fund, each winner will receive a $500 award and an invitation to the district’s Evening of Appreciation Dinner. These educators represent the very best of Ogden School District, and we are so proud to celebrate them.
Congratulations to our 2026 winners!
Ben Lomond High School: Mark Saal
Bridges Program: Baylee Beckman
East Ridge Elementary: Karlene Dolbear
George Washington High Eagles: Sarah Espinoza
Heritage Elementary: Elizabeth Hooley
High School Transition/SPED: Katie Sorton
Highland Junior High: Esther Pena
Hillcrest Elementary School: Tiffany Moss
Liberty Elementary School: Amber Slouf
Lincoln Elementary: Portia Lewis
Malan’s Peak: Jennette Madsen
Mound Fort Junior High School: Connor Pack
Mount Ogden Junior High School: Claire Moore
New Bridge School for STEM Education: Jennifer Osborne
Odyssey Elementary School: Melissa Rodrigues
Ogden High School: Nisi Whisler-Sorge
OTECH High School : Thomas Gal
Polk School: Tyler Jensen
Shadow Valley Elementary: Shaelee Phillips
Wasatch Elementary: Brent Johnson
Oh my stars! We're back from Spring Break and ready to launch into the final two months of the school year! Sharing a stellar Classroom Grants Program story from Ogden High today, where Ms. Whisler-Sorge’s astronomy students at Ogden High are getting the chance to see the stars the way scientists do. With new spectrum analysis tubes, a power supply, and diffraction grating glasses, students can observe the colors different elements emit when energized, bringing spectroscopy to life right in the classroom. As the gases light up into glowing plasma, students witness firsthand how scientists use light to identify the elements found in stars and even trace gases on distant planets. The impact on student understanding has been out of this world as students aren’t just learning about the stars—they’re experiencing them in all their glory.
“One thing I learned was that with Neon you have more dominant colors like red, orange and yellow," said one of Ms. Whisler-Sorge's students. "But we see all sorts of colors in neon signs because they use different gases to get those colors. Overall I thought it looked super cool and I enjoyed the whole thing!”
Another student shared, “One thing I learned today was that scientists use light to see trace gases on other planets. I always wondered HOW they knew that if they never visited the planet.”
"Thank you for such a generous donation to make the spectroscopy project a reality for my Astronomy students," said Ms. Whisler-Sorge. "They love getting to 'see' the stars in all their glory like the scientists do. This is an incredible opportunity and I thank you for making it possible. Your generous gift has made a stellar impact on my students."
“One thing I learned was that with Neon you have more dominant colors like red, orange and yellow," said one of Ms. Whisler-Sorge's students. "But we see all sorts of colors in neon signs because they use different gases to get those colors. Overall I thought it looked super cool and I enjoyed the whole thing!”
Another student shared, “One thing I learned today was that scientists use light to see trace gases on other planets. I always wondered HOW they knew that if they never visited the planet.”
"Thank you for such a generous donation to make the spectroscopy project a reality for my Astronomy students," said Ms. Whisler-Sorge. "They love getting to 'see' the stars in all their glory like the scientists do. This is an incredible opportunity and I thank you for making it possible. Your generous gift has made a stellar impact on my students."
Before we announce our 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award winners (stay tuned!), we have one more incredible 2025 honoree to celebrate: Megan Weinberger from Wasatch Elementary! Here are a few of her nominations:
-Her classroom is a welcoming environment where every student feels valued and empowered to express themselves. Through her engaging lessons and supportive demeanor, she not only inspires her students to excel academically but also emotionally.
-Megan is the Newcomer teacher here at Wasatch and is ALWAYS going the extra mile to bridge academic, social, emotional, and behavioral learning with students who arrive at school speaking zero English. She is consistently successful in her efforts!
-Not only does she teach English to the Newcomer students, but also civics and ethics. She gives them tools to deal with emotions & feelings. Her teaching methods are innovative, fun, and effective.
-Megan is constantly reflecting and applying best practices to help her students grow and learn. She willingly shares her expertise with her colleagues. Good is never good enough because Megan always goes above and beyond to help students succeed.
-Her classroom is a welcoming environment where every student feels valued and empowered to express themselves. Through her engaging lessons and supportive demeanor, she not only inspires her students to excel academically but also emotionally.
-Megan is the Newcomer teacher here at Wasatch and is ALWAYS going the extra mile to bridge academic, social, emotional, and behavioral learning with students who arrive at school speaking zero English. She is consistently successful in her efforts!
-Not only does she teach English to the Newcomer students, but also civics and ethics. She gives them tools to deal with emotions & feelings. Her teaching methods are innovative, fun, and effective.
-Megan is constantly reflecting and applying best practices to help her students grow and learn. She willingly shares her expertise with her colleagues. Good is never good enough because Megan always goes above and beyond to help students succeed.
Congratulations to Wasatch Peaks Credit Union for receiving the Sue Westenskow Award at last night’s Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce Gala. The award was presented by Ogden School Foundation Executive Director Brynn Murdock and Weber School Foundation Executive Director Emily Oyler. Named in memory of Sue Westenskow—a Weber County civic leader and educator who passed away in 1998—the award recognizes an individual or organization that has made a lasting impact on education in Weber County. Recipients are selected jointly by both local school districts and are honored for supporting students across district lines.
Wasatch Peaks has been a dedicated, long-time supporter of our schools, and this past year stepped up in a big way by providing funding for the food pantries located in our Student Support Centers. This support helps sustain ongoing pantry needs, ensuring we can continue meeting some of the most essential needs of our students and families while removing barriers to success in the classroom
As a powerful example of their commitment, members of the Wasatch Peaks team visited each of our Support Centers this morning, delivering Snack Packs to help ensure our pantries are well-stocked ahead of Spring Break, when access will be limited. This donation is so appreciated and will make a real difference for our students. We are so grateful to Wasatch Peaks for their continued commitment to education and to the children in our community.
Wasatch Peaks has been a dedicated, long-time supporter of our schools, and this past year stepped up in a big way by providing funding for the food pantries located in our Student Support Centers. This support helps sustain ongoing pantry needs, ensuring we can continue meeting some of the most essential needs of our students and families while removing barriers to success in the classroom
As a powerful example of their commitment, members of the Wasatch Peaks team visited each of our Support Centers this morning, delivering Snack Packs to help ensure our pantries are well-stocked ahead of Spring Break, when access will be limited. This donation is so appreciated and will make a real difference for our students. We are so grateful to Wasatch Peaks for their continued commitment to education and to the children in our community.
Did you know our Classroom Grants program gives every Ogden School District teacher access to up to $1,200 for their classroom? Now that’s a story worth reading 📚 Learn more here: www.ogdenschoolfoundation.org/grants
And speaking of great stories, we’ve got a Classroom Grants highlight for you today from Lincoln Elementary! “My budding detectives need a good mystery!” After seeing how excited her students were while reading Sherlock Holmes stories, Ms. B knew she had found a way to spark an interest in reading. Wanting to give her young sleuths a new case to solve, she used Classroom Grants Program funding to purchase the Skeleton Creek mystery series. These unique and engaging books not only strengthen reading comprehension and research skills, but also include an interactive online component where students follow digital clues that connect directly to the story. Soon, these aspiring investigators were filling notebooks with their theories as they searched for evidence both in the pages and the accompanying online videos. The verdict? Reading is fun. Case closed!
And speaking of great stories, we’ve got a Classroom Grants highlight for you today from Lincoln Elementary! “My budding detectives need a good mystery!” After seeing how excited her students were while reading Sherlock Holmes stories, Ms. B knew she had found a way to spark an interest in reading. Wanting to give her young sleuths a new case to solve, she used Classroom Grants Program funding to purchase the Skeleton Creek mystery series. These unique and engaging books not only strengthen reading comprehension and research skills, but also include an interactive online component where students follow digital clues that connect directly to the story. Soon, these aspiring investigators were filling notebooks with their theories as they searched for evidence both in the pages and the accompanying online videos. The verdict? Reading is fun. Case closed!
Once upon a time… Earlier this month, 849 Ogden School District students from 1st through 9th grades attended the Weber State University Storytelling Festival, thanks to funding from the Ogden School Foundation! Now in its 30th year, the festival brings together nationally recognized storytellers, local voices, and student performers to celebrate literacy, culture, the arts—and, of course, the power of a good story! We’re proud of the Ogden School District students who participated and grateful to our district librarians for making this experience possible. And they all lived happily ever after!
Let’s hear it for our teachers! 👏 Drop a ❤️ or shout out a teacher who made a difference for you!
We’ve got just a few more 2025 winners of the Telitha Lindquist Greiner Excellence in Teaching Awards to spotlight before we announce our 2026 winners (we can’t wait!). Up today: Kristina Wilcox from East Ridge Elementary, one of our 2025 award winners. Here are a few highlights from her nominations:
-Kristina has a positive and friendly attitude that makes her classroom an inviting space to be! She is always prepared for her lessons and her students are engaged in the activities. Kristina participates in a student-focused mindset during CTMs.
-Kristina is a model of patience and exemplary best practices. Even as a seasoned teacher, I have learned from her example in engagement strategies and discourse.
-Kristina works endless hours to make sure her students are successful. She is a master of building relationships with her students, families, and coworkers. Kristina is a valuable asset to our team, school, and community.
-The most kindhearted teacher and person. My daughter loves her.
She really wants to help her kids learn.
-My daughter loves going to school with Mrs. Wilcox. She says school is fun.
We’ve got just a few more 2025 winners of the Telitha Lindquist Greiner Excellence in Teaching Awards to spotlight before we announce our 2026 winners (we can’t wait!). Up today: Kristina Wilcox from East Ridge Elementary, one of our 2025 award winners. Here are a few highlights from her nominations:
-Kristina has a positive and friendly attitude that makes her classroom an inviting space to be! She is always prepared for her lessons and her students are engaged in the activities. Kristina participates in a student-focused mindset during CTMs.
-Kristina is a model of patience and exemplary best practices. Even as a seasoned teacher, I have learned from her example in engagement strategies and discourse.
-Kristina works endless hours to make sure her students are successful. She is a master of building relationships with her students, families, and coworkers. Kristina is a valuable asset to our team, school, and community.
-The most kindhearted teacher and person. My daughter loves her.
She really wants to help her kids learn.
-My daughter loves going to school with Mrs. Wilcox. She says school is fun.
Support our teachers by helping fund their classroom projects! Visit ogdenschoolfoundation.org/grants to learn how you can get involved. Amazing things are happening in our classrooms—like today’s highlight story from Ms. Gates in the Bridges Program. ✨
Ms. Gates is always looking for meaningful ways to help her special education students build social skills and learn self-regulation strategies. Thanks to funding from the Foundation’s Classroom Grants Program, she now has new tools to support that work! With the addition of specialized picture books, students are learning abstract concepts—such as reading facial expressions and body language to identify emotions—through engaging stories and illustrations that reinforce learning. Because many students in the program have autism and struggle with social and emotional cues, these books provide important language to help them identify, express, and manage their emotions. Having relatable storybooks to reference during social skills lessons has helped make these abstract ideas more concrete and accessible for all students.
"These books and planning materials have been so AWESOME for my students!! They love when we read the books out loud and use silly voices," said Ms. Gates. "These materials have opened so many new opportunities for teaching and discussing regulation skills. The books teach real life ways to work on being calm, respectful, confident, and so much more. The visuals for different breathing techniques are so great to use to teach these skills, and we hang them up as reminders of what to do when we have big feelings. The lessons that we're able to teach go beyond what's on the pages and we couldn't have done it without the support from our gracious donors!!"
Ms. Gates is always looking for meaningful ways to help her special education students build social skills and learn self-regulation strategies. Thanks to funding from the Foundation’s Classroom Grants Program, she now has new tools to support that work! With the addition of specialized picture books, students are learning abstract concepts—such as reading facial expressions and body language to identify emotions—through engaging stories and illustrations that reinforce learning. Because many students in the program have autism and struggle with social and emotional cues, these books provide important language to help them identify, express, and manage their emotions. Having relatable storybooks to reference during social skills lessons has helped make these abstract ideas more concrete and accessible for all students.
"These books and planning materials have been so AWESOME for my students!! They love when we read the books out loud and use silly voices," said Ms. Gates. "These materials have opened so many new opportunities for teaching and discussing regulation skills. The books teach real life ways to work on being calm, respectful, confident, and so much more. The visuals for different breathing techniques are so great to use to teach these skills, and we hang them up as reminders of what to do when we have big feelings. The lessons that we're able to teach go beyond what's on the pages and we couldn't have done it without the support from our gracious donors!!"
Don’t forget to nominate an Ogden teacher for the 2026 Telitha Lindquist Greiner Excellence in Teaching Award! 🍎
Submit your nomination here ➡️ www.ogdenschoolfoundation.org/nominate
We still have a few incredible 2025 recipients left to highlight, including today’s teacher spotlight: Tina Olter from Heritage Elementary! Here are a few words from Ms. Olter’s nominations:
-Tina is amazing with the little scholars in our school. She not only brings high achievement in their academics but also is great at teaching social skills. She makes connections not only with the students but also their families. Glad we have her!
-She is a dedicated member of SLT, actively participates in everything, and helps everyone in need. Her students cling to her, feeling safe and loved—even years after being in her class. She builds strong, lasting bonds with all of them.
-I love the relationship she has with her kids! They love her and I can tell that she shows them this love every day!
-Tina is the happiest teacher at the school. She is always in a great mood and that is reflected in her students. She shows them so much love and they love to learn because of her.
-Tina Olter not only is an amazing teacher to her tiny humans but also to students that need help from other grades. Tina helps her students and other students in the building to grow academically by offering them help in areas that they are lacking.
-She helped my daughter (who has a learning disorder) graduate and go to first grade after having to repeat kindergarten. She was super patient and understanding with her and NEVER gave up on her. I wish she could teach her forever!
It’s always fun to learn something new, and over the past few weeks, students at several Ogden School District elementary schools got the chance to try their hand at a new sport: CURLING! 🥌
With Ogden hosting the World Curling Championship later this month, the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation and the Ogden Curling Club brought the ice to our 5th and 6th grade students, giving them a fun introduction to the sport before letting them jump in and play a few short games of their own. The experience was a sweeping success! 🧹🥌 Who knew we had so many future curlers in our classrooms?
Thanks to our community partners for helping students slide into something new and for bringing some world-class excitement right into our schools!
With Ogden hosting the World Curling Championship later this month, the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation and the Ogden Curling Club brought the ice to our 5th and 6th grade students, giving them a fun introduction to the sport before letting them jump in and play a few short games of their own. The experience was a sweeping success! 🧹🥌 Who knew we had so many future curlers in our classrooms?
Thanks to our community partners for helping students slide into something new and for bringing some world-class excitement right into our schools!
Did you know the Ogden School Foundation provides up to $1,200 in classroom funding for every Ogden School District teacher? Through our Classroom Grants Program, teachers can bring new ideas, resources, and experiences directly to their students. Learn more at www.ogdensd.org/grants
Amazing things are happening in our classrooms because of this program—like this recently funded grant at Liberty Elementary! ✨
MOTION, MAGNETS, AND MOLECULES (OH, MY!) 🧲 Providing her sixth-grade students with interactive, hands-on science experiences is a priority for Ms. Lunt. Thanks to funding from the Classroom Grants Program, her students are now thinking, designing, and discovering like real scientists! With the addition of reusable learning tools such as LEGO Gear Bots, Dowling Science Magnets, and Molymod Molecular Model Sets, students are able to explore energy, motion, forces, and molecular structures in creative and collaborative ways that spark curiosity, discussion, and deeper learning. These materials will remain a permanent part of the sixth-grade science classroom, ensuring students will benefit from engaging STEM experiences for years to come.
“Thank you so much for your donations for the supplies for my classroom. It may not seem like a big deal, but it truly is,” said Ms. Lunt. “My students are very much engaged with the activities because they are hands-on, and they often do not want to stop working because they want to try something else. This is so exciting as a teacher because I know they are learning new things at a deeper level. If you ever wonder, did my donations make a difference, the answer is YES!”
Amazing things are happening in our classrooms because of this program—like this recently funded grant at Liberty Elementary! ✨
MOTION, MAGNETS, AND MOLECULES (OH, MY!) 🧲 Providing her sixth-grade students with interactive, hands-on science experiences is a priority for Ms. Lunt. Thanks to funding from the Classroom Grants Program, her students are now thinking, designing, and discovering like real scientists! With the addition of reusable learning tools such as LEGO Gear Bots, Dowling Science Magnets, and Molymod Molecular Model Sets, students are able to explore energy, motion, forces, and molecular structures in creative and collaborative ways that spark curiosity, discussion, and deeper learning. These materials will remain a permanent part of the sixth-grade science classroom, ensuring students will benefit from engaging STEM experiences for years to come.
“Thank you so much for your donations for the supplies for my classroom. It may not seem like a big deal, but it truly is,” said Ms. Lunt. “My students are very much engaged with the activities because they are hands-on, and they often do not want to stop working because they want to try something else. This is so exciting as a teacher because I know they are learning new things at a deeper level. If you ever wonder, did my donations make a difference, the answer is YES!”
Nominate an outstanding Ogden teacher today for the 2026 Telitha Lindquist Excellence in Teaching Award! 🍎 Submit your nomination now and help us celebrate the educators who make a difference every single day.
Submit nominations here ➡️ www.ogdenschoolfoundation.org/nominate
And speaking of excellence, we’re excited to highlight another 2025 award winner: Nicole Doolan from Lincoln Elementary! A few of her nominations include:
-Nikki is an incredible coworker who consistently leaves a positive impact on both her students and colleagues. Her students absolutely adore her, often sharing the memorable and inspiring experiences they’ve had in her class.
-She gives students positive compliments about their performance and I have seen this reinforcement affect their self-esteem greatly. They have a sense of pride in their reading abilities and are excited to pursue more reading.
-Nikki Doolan creates a supportive space where students thrive. With enthusiasm and innovation, she makes learning engaging, integrates best practices, and goes beyond expectations to ensure success in and out of the classroom.
-Nikki is a kind and generous teacher. She welcomes her students to class everyday and they feel her love. She is always asking questions about how to improve her teaching. Nikki is data driven in her teaching.
-She is such a hard worker and keeps her positive attitude towards kids and teachers.
-She has fostered not only personal growth, but resilience, strong academic skills, and confidence in her students.
Submit nominations here ➡️ www.ogdenschoolfoundation.org/nominate
And speaking of excellence, we’re excited to highlight another 2025 award winner: Nicole Doolan from Lincoln Elementary! A few of her nominations include:
-Nikki is an incredible coworker who consistently leaves a positive impact on both her students and colleagues. Her students absolutely adore her, often sharing the memorable and inspiring experiences they’ve had in her class.
-She gives students positive compliments about their performance and I have seen this reinforcement affect their self-esteem greatly. They have a sense of pride in their reading abilities and are excited to pursue more reading.
-Nikki Doolan creates a supportive space where students thrive. With enthusiasm and innovation, she makes learning engaging, integrates best practices, and goes beyond expectations to ensure success in and out of the classroom.
-Nikki is a kind and generous teacher. She welcomes her students to class everyday and they feel her love. She is always asking questions about how to improve her teaching. Nikki is data driven in her teaching.
-She is such a hard worker and keeps her positive attitude towards kids and teachers.
-She has fostered not only personal growth, but resilience, strong academic skills, and confidence in her students.
Share some love for the incredible educators in Ogden! Drop a comment with your congratulations or share this post to show your support for our amazing teachers!
Today's teacher highlight: Chris Davidson from Ogden High School, winner of the Telitha Lindquist Greiner Excellence in Teaching Award for the 24-25 school year! A few of Mr. Davidson's nomination include:
-Chris is one of the best teachers I know. I can walk into his class at any time and see kids actively working on something. He knows what each kid is working on and what step they are on because he is constantly walking around and supporting them.
-Chris inspires so many students to look at careers in architecture and design. He is always striving to be better and expose students to more. We are grateful he chooses to be a Tiger.
-Chris is passionate about his subject and helping students succeed. His classes use a project based approach. He teaches all his courses to standards required of the WSU courses, and a majority of his students receive CE credit.
-Chris is deeply passionate about the content he teaches and strives to instill that same enthusiasm in his students. He recognizes that learning should be more than just memorization—it should be an experience that sparks curiosity and excitement.
-Chris is an incredibly dedicated teacher who prioritizes his students. He’s built an amazing program, fosters positive relationships, organizes internships, and gives back to his students without seeking recognition.
Another successful College Bound Event in the books! Last week, we descended on the beautiful Weber State University campus with hundreds of fifth graders from across the Ogden School District to get a firsthand look at college life. Visiting campus facilities, learning about different college majors, engaging in hands-on learning experiences, participating in a Q & A session with WSU students, interacting with student-athletes and WSU Student Ambassadors, attending a pep rally with the national champion Weber State University Spirit Squad, hanging out with Waldo the Wildcat, and cheering on the Weber State Men's Basketball team at a home game (with T-shirts, personalized lanyards, and a foam Wildcat claw for each student!)--it was quite a day! This event is always fun, but more importantly, helps our students realize that higher education is accessible and achievable. Even though our students live in Ogden, many have never visited Weber State or imagined themselves attending college. Experiences like this help expand those possibilities. We are grateful for our partnership with Weber State University, Weber State Athletics, and the Get Into Weber Office of Admissions which allows us to provide this opportunity each year. Thanks to our sponsors America First Credit Union, Lifetouch, Interform, and the Watkins Charitable Foundation for helping to make it possible. It is safe to say these fifth graders are already bleeding purple!
It’s College Bound Event week, and the excitement is real! We kicked things off today as members of the Weber State Men's Basketball team visited classrooms across the Ogden School District. The players spoke with students about the importance of working hard in school and the opportunities available through higher education (and even signed a few autographs!). Tomorrow, 5th graders from across the district will take over Weber State University for a firsthand taste of college life and to cheer on their favorite players at the game. We can’t wait!
Creating a Classroom Community at New Bridge! Fourth-grade teacher Ms. McLaughlin had one clear goal when setting up her classroom for the year: to create a space that would make students excited to come to school every day. Thanks to funding from our Classroom Grants Program, she's been able to do just that! With the addition of soft cushions, bean bag chairs, and new organizational tools, the classroom now has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, while new PBIS rewards—such as puzzles, enamel pins, seed packs, and mini plush animals—serve as incentives to motivate students and celebrate their hard work and positive choices. Expanded art supplies and recess equipment has further developed this thriving classroom community, but perhaps the biggest hit is the Fujifilm Instax camera! Students use it to capture special moments throughout the day, and then proudly display the printed photos on the walls: big smiles, small triumphs, and candid moments of friendship. The result has been a classroom community where students feel valued, supported, and eager to participate in learning.
"When my students first walked into our newly refreshed classroom, they could hardly contain their excitement," shared Ms. McLaughlin. "The soft cushions and cozy bean bag chairs immediately set a welcoming tone, and students quickly found their favorite reading spots. The Fujifilm Instax camera has become a highlight of our days — we capture moments of teamwork, perseverance, and friendship, then proudly display the photos on our classroom wall. Each new photo reminds us that we're building something special together: a community that values kindness, effort, and belonging. These new materials have helped transform our daily routines into opportunities for connection and joy. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom now feels like a true home for learning. Your support made this transformation possible, and we're so grateful for the joy and pride you've helped bring to our classroom."
"When my students first walked into our newly refreshed classroom, they could hardly contain their excitement," shared Ms. McLaughlin. "The soft cushions and cozy bean bag chairs immediately set a welcoming tone, and students quickly found their favorite reading spots. The Fujifilm Instax camera has become a highlight of our days — we capture moments of teamwork, perseverance, and friendship, then proudly display the photos on our classroom wall. Each new photo reminds us that we're building something special together: a community that values kindness, effort, and belonging. These new materials have helped transform our daily routines into opportunities for connection and joy. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom now feels like a true home for learning. Your support made this transformation possible, and we're so grateful for the joy and pride you've helped bring to our classroom."
It’s time! Tickets for our 30th Annual Fall Author Event on October 1 featuring Ann Patchett are officially on sale. This event sells out every year, so grab your tickets early. Trust us, you will not want to miss this one!
Learn more and get your tickets: ogdenschoolfoundation.org/fallauthor
Learn more and get your tickets: ogdenschoolfoundation.org/fallauthor
