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
Today's teacher spotlight is Amanda Mutz from Odyssey Elementary, winner of the Telitha Lindquist Greiner Excellence in Teaching Award for the 24-25 school year! Here are a few of her nominations:
-Amanda consistently embodies what it is like to be an outstanding teacher and colleague every day. She brings a positive attitude and puts her best foot forward when it comes to helping her students succeed academically and emotionally.
-She recently got a new-comer who speaks a language that is not common. She goes above and beyond for this student to make them feel safe and welcomed.
-She is an enthusiastic, well-prepared teacher who goes above and beyond with her students both in lessons and behavior management. She has high expectations for her students, but they achieve these expectations due to her own example and love.
-Ms. Mutz goes above and beyond making sure that her students are well inside and outside the classroom. Ms. Mutz constantly checks on her students' families.
-Amanda goes above and beyond in making her classroom a place of learning. All of her students know that she cares about them and wants them to be successful.
-Ms. Mutz always went out of her way to help my daughter in everything she needed. Her ability to teach to and comprehend each student's individual learning style while being patient with them is amazing.
-Amanda consistently embodies what it is like to be an outstanding teacher and colleague every day. She brings a positive attitude and puts her best foot forward when it comes to helping her students succeed academically and emotionally.
-She recently got a new-comer who speaks a language that is not common. She goes above and beyond for this student to make them feel safe and welcomed.
-She is an enthusiastic, well-prepared teacher who goes above and beyond with her students both in lessons and behavior management. She has high expectations for her students, but they achieve these expectations due to her own example and love.
-Ms. Mutz goes above and beyond making sure that her students are well inside and outside the classroom. Ms. Mutz constantly checks on her students' families.
-Amanda goes above and beyond in making her classroom a place of learning. All of her students know that she cares about them and wants them to be successful.
-Ms. Mutz always went out of her way to help my daughter in everything she needed. Her ability to teach to and comprehend each student's individual learning style while being patient with them is amazing.
Go, Ogden Raptors! Earlier this week, team owner Dave Baggott and mascot Oggie visited students at Shadow Valley Elementary with some exciting news: they’re inviting students to help design a brand-new Ogden Raptors baseball hat! Students in grades 1–3 are encouraged to submit their artwork during the month of February, and the winning designs will be added to baseball hats worn by Raptors players at select games and sold as official fan merchandise. Best of all, a portion of the proceeds from these special caps will be donated to the Ogden School Foundation to support all Ogden School District students and educators. Talk about a home run! Check with art teacher Ms. Holmes for instructions and start designing!
Another great teacher highlight today! Congratulations to David "Pops" Buettner from Malan's Peak High, winner of the Telitha Lindquist Greiner Excellence in Teaching Award for the 24-25 school year! Highlights from his nominations include:
-Pops is our foundation for Malan’s Peak (Weber Valley). He is our organizer. In the classroom, he is getting our students to apply math daily. He teaches them through different activities and gets them to think about it rather than guess.
-Outstanding teacher! He can work with all types of students and is a team player. Always willing to help where needed.
-Dedication, expertise and teamwork. Dave not only teaches with great ability but with a great deal of humanity. He cares about his students and that comes across in all he does. He goes above and beyond to keep things running smoothly.
-He is a hard worker, and is dedicated to his job. He keeps things organized and is a good example to his peers and his students.
-He goes above and beyond his role as a teacher and is the first to extend a helping hand without asking. He loves teaching the kids and they enjoy learning math from him. He makes learning fun.
-Pops is our foundation for Malan’s Peak (Weber Valley). He is our organizer. In the classroom, he is getting our students to apply math daily. He teaches them through different activities and gets them to think about it rather than guess.
-Outstanding teacher! He can work with all types of students and is a team player. Always willing to help where needed.
-Dedication, expertise and teamwork. Dave not only teaches with great ability but with a great deal of humanity. He cares about his students and that comes across in all he does. He goes above and beyond to keep things running smoothly.
-He is a hard worker, and is dedicated to his job. He keeps things organized and is a good example to his peers and his students.
-He goes above and beyond his role as a teacher and is the first to extend a helping hand without asking. He loves teaching the kids and they enjoy learning math from him. He makes learning fun.
BIODIVERSITY IN THE CLASSROOM AT MOUNT OGDEN! Students in Ms. Harris’s AP Environmental Science class at Mount Ogden Junior High are learning about biodiversity and its role in ecosystems through hands-on experiences made possible by our Classroom Grants Program! With new lab supplies purchased through grant funding, students are engaging in real-world data collection and conducting experiments that explore how plants provide energy within an ecosystem, as well as how human activity can impact ecosystem health and biodiversity. These interactive experiences have had a powerful impact on students’ understanding of complex environmental concepts.
"Thank you for your support of my classroom," said Ms. Harris. "These labs really helped students see the impact. When we added fertilizers to our terrariums we saw a decline in the health of the ecosystem. Watching this occur in real life was far more effective at helping students understand the negative impacts of human impact than just reading about it. Thank you for your generous donation that provided this valuable experience for my students."
"Thank you for your support of my classroom," said Ms. Harris. "These labs really helped students see the impact. When we added fertilizers to our terrariums we saw a decline in the health of the ecosystem. Watching this occur in real life was far more effective at helping students understand the negative impacts of human impact than just reading about it. Thank you for your generous donation that provided this valuable experience for my students."
The Cast a Spell on Hunger event on Saturday was pure magic, thanks to our friends at Young Mazda and the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation! From magic shows and wizarding games to delicious treats and fun crafts, this annual event is always a highlight for students and families! But it's not just about having fun—attendees are also encouraged to bring donations to support the food pantry at Catholic Community Services. We are so grateful for the team at Young Automotive for always being such strong supporters of our Ogden students and families. Our community is better because of you.
Another great teacher highlight today! Congratulations to Sara Jakoubek from New Bridge Elementary, winner of the Telitha Lindquist Greiner Excellence in Teaching Award for the 24-25 school year! A few of her nominations include:
-Sara is always willing to try new approaches in order to ensure the best instruction for students. She uses her data constantly to make decisions in planning and instruction. She is magical with students in the classroom and with their families.
-Not only is she a supportive coworker, but each student and their growth is also present in her mind. She finds unique ways to push each child to their best and meet them where they are to bring them to success. She creates a strong positive classroom.
-Sara is a motivated and supportive educator who goes beyond academics to help students grow socially and emotionally. With dedication and care, she creates a positive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed!
-Everything Sara does begins with the relationships she forms with her students. From the relationships, she is able to motivate them, build their self-efficacy, and help them make consistent progress academically, emotionally, and behaviorally.
Get ready for the Cast a Spell on Hunger event at Young Mazda! Join us on Saturday, January 31, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Young Mazda in Riverdale for a magical day filled with wizarding games, face painting, crafts, and more! Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the local food bank or complete a coloring page for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch Lite! A big thank you to Young Mazda and Young Caring For Our Young for always being such outstanding community partners. This event is always so magical—you won’t want to miss it!
CLASSROOM GRANTS STORY! “My students are incredibly curious. They also love to create. Put the two together and you get an exciting school year!” That’s how Odyssey Elementary’s STEAM teacher Mrs. Vest kicked off her Classroom Grants Project request, hoping to channel that creative energy into something her students had never experienced before: an art show. But not just any art show, a glow-in-the-dark art show! “We’re gonna need paint. We’re gonna need tape. We’re gonna need black lights,” she said. And thanks to foundation funding, those supplies (and more!) soon landed in the hands of her young artists. The result? Some serious WOW factor! And as a bonus, nearly 90% of the artwork was created using upcycled materials donated by the community. What a perfect blend of creativity and sustainability!
At a Día de los Muertos themed art show held during Parent-Teacher Conferences, students proudly shared their radiant creations with family, friends, and classmates. As predicted, the event earned glowing reviews from everyone in attendance. Pure magic! We’re thrilled to have helped bring this brilliant and bright idea to life!
At a Día de los Muertos themed art show held during Parent-Teacher Conferences, students proudly shared their radiant creations with family, friends, and classmates. As predicted, the event earned glowing reviews from everyone in attendance. Pure magic! We’re thrilled to have helped bring this brilliant and bright idea to life!
It’s going to be an awesome week! We’re so excited for our Unified Sports Basketball tournament this Thursday! It's definitely one of our favorite events and such a great way to celebrate our students. See you there!
Another teacher highlight today: Jared Nisogi, 2025 Telitha Lindquist Greiner Excellence in Teaching Award winner from George Washington High! Here are a few excerpts from his nominations:
We’re so grateful to New York Life Ogden for their generous $5,000 donation in support of our students! This gift was presented yesterday to our Executive Board and reflects a shared commitment to education, strong schools, and a community that shows up for our students. We’re proud to partner with the New York Life Utah Team in helping make Ogden such a great place to be.
We’re excited to highlight another new board member today! Please welcome Mark Spence from Hughes General Contractors to the Ogden School Foundation Board. Here’s what Mark shared about his involvement with the Foundation:
"I love the Ogden School District and have been able to spend a number of years during my career building schools within the district. It has been a great experience and the people have been great to work with. I am excited and happy to help anywhere I can be utilized. It is amazing to see what everyone does on behalf of children and I am anxious to be part of it."
"I love the Ogden School District and have been able to spend a number of years during my career building schools within the district. It has been a great experience and the people have been great to work with. I am excited and happy to help anywhere I can be utilized. It is amazing to see what everyone does on behalf of children and I am anxious to be part of it."
CLASSROOM GRANTS STORY! Mr. Mojica, a science teacher at Highland Junior High, is always looking for creative ways to make science fun, engaging, and easy for his students to understand, helping them see science beyond the pages of a textbook. This can be especially difficult with topics that are hard to visualize. So when it came time to learn about human metabolism, Mr. Mojica used Classroom Grants Program funding to add a human torso model to his classroom. Now, instead of only looking at diagrams, students can explore in a hands-on, 3D way by removing organs, examining their shapes and structures, and seeing how they fit and function together. With stopwatches and notebooks (also funded by the grant), students are tracking heart rate changes and recording their findings, deepening their understanding of how the body creates and uses energy.
"Thank you so much for supporting our project," said Mr. Mojica. "My students were so excited when the models of the human torso arrived. The moment I pulled them out of the boxes, the class buzzed with curiosity and amazement. Many of them immediately wanted to point out the organs they recognized and ask questions about how they all worked together. This has sparked deeper conversations and helped my students grasp concepts that were hard to visualize before. These resources will continue to make science engaging, interactive, and meaningful for my students. You've brought the human body to life in our classroom!"
Huge thanks to the Northern Wasatch Association of Realtors Community Outreach Committee for donating Christmas stockings filled with essential items to the Ben Lomond High School Teen Center in December! We’re so grateful for partners who show up for our students, both during the holiday season and beyond. This kind of generosity makes a real difference!
Starting the week with a teacher highlight! Congratulations to Chelsea Hroch from Polk Elementary, winner of the Telitha Lindquist Greiner Excellence in Teaching Award for the 2024–25 school year. Here are a few of her nominations:
-Chelsea is a rock star in first grade, leading her team to greatness and helping her students become not just better scholars but better people.
-Miss Hroch's defining dedication creates a supportive, inclusive classroom where students thrive. Her innovative, engaging lessons make learning memorable. Beyond her classroom, she inspires colleagues with her unwavering commitment and care.
-My daughter is so happy to go to school again. She loves her teacher.
-Ms. Hroch is very positive and happy. You can tell she loves her students
-Chelsea is a rock star in first grade, leading her team to greatness and helping her students become not just better scholars but better people.
-Miss Hroch's defining dedication creates a supportive, inclusive classroom where students thrive. Her innovative, engaging lessons make learning memorable. Beyond her classroom, she inspires colleagues with her unwavering commitment and care.
-My daughter is so happy to go to school again. She loves her teacher.
-Ms. Hroch is very positive and happy. You can tell she loves her students
It’s the final day of 2025, so of course we had to take a look back at our top five social media posts of the year! From Raptors Night and the Weber State College Bound Event, to surprising our Telitha Lindquist Greiner Excellence in Teaching Award winners and celebrating a generous act of community support from one of our business partners, every moment meant so much to us.
Happy New Year from the Ogden School Foundation! We can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store.
Happy New Year from the Ogden School Foundation! We can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store.
Oh, what fun! We had so much fun at Christmas Village in December, volunteering at the Breakfast Exchange Club of Ogden’s hot chocolate booth to help raise funds for the Shoes for Tots program, which provides shoes for students in need. We’re grateful for the many organizations that support students and families in our community. We love this time of year!
