We loved spending time at OTECH High with our friends from the Samuel C. and Myra G. Powell Foundation and seeing firsthand the incredible work happening there. OTECH High students have the opportunity to access hands-on programs through Ogden-Weber Technical College that build job skills and lead to industry certifications, all while staying on track to meet their high school graduation requirements. These students are thriving as they prepare for their futures in college, careers, and beyond!
We are grateful to the Powell Foundation for being longtime champions of students in the Ogden School District, and their support has been instrumental in expanding STEM opportunities across our schools. They recently established an endowment to support the Makerspace lab at OTECH High and continue to fund student scholarships that help cover the materials students need to complete their programs. We're thankful for their vision and leadership in backing technical education in our community.
We are grateful to the Powell Foundation for being longtime champions of students in the Ogden School District, and their support has been instrumental in expanding STEM opportunities across our schools. They recently established an endowment to support the Makerspace lab at OTECH High and continue to fund student scholarships that help cover the materials students need to complete their programs. We're thankful for their vision and leadership in backing technical education in our community.
We are so grateful to Beehive Meals for generously donating freezer meals to teachers at several elementary schools across Ogden School District! After a very busy school year, these meals help make dinnertime easier for our educators and serve as a thoughtful way to show appreciation for all they do for students every day. Thank you, Beehive Meals, for supporting our schools and taking care of those who take such great care of our kids!
Talk about a grand slam of creativity! ⚾🧢 A big congratulations to the three talented student winners from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade at Shadow Valley Elementary! Last week, Ogden Raptors players visited the school to surprise students and announce the winning designs from the Ogden Raptors hat design contest. Students in grades 1–3 stepped up to the plate with so many awesome and creative submissions, and one winning design was selected from each grade level to be featured on special edition Raptors hats worn at select games and sold as official fan merchandise. Even better, a portion of the proceeds from every hat sold will be donated back to the Ogden School Foundation to support students and educators across our schools. Home run!
Be sure to catch a Raptors game this season and keep your eye out for these one-of-a-kind hats. Not only are they major league cool, but every purchase helps knock it out of the park for Ogden School District students!
Be sure to catch a Raptors game this season and keep your eye out for these one-of-a-kind hats. Not only are they major league cool, but every purchase helps knock it out of the park for Ogden School District students!
As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, we want to give one more round of applause to our Telitha Lindquist Greiner Excellence in Teaching Award winners and celebrate all of the incredible educators across Ogden School District. Thank you for the care, creativity, encouragement, and countless hours you pour into supporting students each and every day. Our schools and community are better because of you!
The beat is making its way across the Ogden School District!
With the Drum and Dance School Program making its way through several of our elementary schools, students aren’t just learning about music, they’re experiencing it. From exploring rhythm and tempo to getting hands-on in drum circles, students are learning about different types of percussion instruments, trying new techniques, and discovering the power of making music together. This opportunity is made possible through support from the Ogden School Foundation, Weber County RAMP, and the Weber State University Arts Learning Collaborative. We love to bring experiences like this into our schools!
With the Drum and Dance School Program making its way through several of our elementary schools, students aren’t just learning about music, they’re experiencing it. From exploring rhythm and tempo to getting hands-on in drum circles, students are learning about different types of percussion instruments, trying new techniques, and discovering the power of making music together. This opportunity is made possible through support from the Ogden School Foundation, Weber County RAMP, and the Weber State University Arts Learning Collaborative. We love to bring experiences like this into our schools!
Earlier this week, we held our final board meeting of the 2025–26 school year, and we could not be more grateful for this dedicated group of leaders. Throughout the year, they’ve volunteered their time, built meaningful community connections, shared their expertise, helped raise funds, and ensured our work stays true to our mission.
Time and again, they show up for Ogden School District students.
We’re honored to work alongside such a committed and caring board (including those not pictured because they joined virtually or were unable to attend). A special thank you to 2025–26 Board President Jake Goodell for his leadership, and to every board member for the important work they do on behalf of our students and educators.
Time and again, they show up for Ogden School District students.
We’re honored to work alongside such a committed and caring board (including those not pictured because they joined virtually or were unable to attend). A special thank you to 2025–26 Board President Jake Goodell for his leadership, and to every board member for the important work they do on behalf of our students and educators.
Big thanks to HB Boys, LC – a franchisee management company - Burger King, for stepping up in a big way for Ogden students! 🍔💛
Because of their generosity, every student at select elementary schools will receive a summer meal punch card for 10 free meals at Burger King. Summer can be a tough time for students facing food insecurity, and this support makes a real difference for families in our community. We’re so grateful for partners like HB Boys who show up, give back, and put kids first. Thank you for making sure our students are cared for all summer long!
It’s no Jedi mind trick, we’re just ONE WEEK away from an out-of-this-world Family Literacy Night! 🚀
Join us Monday, May 4 at Hillcrest Elementary for an evening of intergalactic fun with author Adam Rex, one of the funniest voices in the galaxy!
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the program blasts off at 6:00 p.m. ✨
Open to all elementary students and their families in the Ogden School District. We’d love to see you there!
May the books be with you… always. 📚
Join us Monday, May 4 at Hillcrest Elementary for an evening of intergalactic fun with author Adam Rex, one of the funniest voices in the galaxy!
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the program blasts off at 6:00 p.m. ✨
Open to all elementary students and their families in the Ogden School District. We’d love to see you there!
May the books be with you… always. 📚
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!
