Riverton Journal | March 2021

March 2021 | Vol. 31 Iss. 02

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HALLWAYS OF HOPE

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By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

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he hallway that leads to the cafeteria at South Hills Middle School has been transformed into a Hallway of Hope, with special skylight covers bringing the bright blue sky inside and colorful paper covering the walls on which students have written things that give them hope.

The yearly appearance of the hallway launches Hope Week.

Members of the Tiger Squad plan the annual Hope Week. This year it is being held Mar. 1-4.

“We just want to promote suicide prevention to all the kids at the school, and to help them know that there's people here for them if they need help,” said Kenna Owens, an eighth grade Tiger Squad member.

School counselor Valerie Ashley is the adviser to Tiger Squad, a group of 29 student leaders who participate in Hope Squad training and suicide prevention.

“It's really great because they're getting these skills and then they're also sharing what they learn with everyone at the school,” Ashley said. “They're really an integrated part of our curriculum for suicide prevention. They plan everything for Hope Week.”

Ashley said this year’s group is very ambitious and motivated. The activities they’ve planned promote coping skills that prevent suicide such as healthy habits, optimism, connection with other people, and focusing on things they enjoy. Students will earn raffle tickets as they participate in a tug-o-war and a show-and-tell session, write positive messages to post around the school, and dress-up according to daily themes. Community businesses have donated prizes—gift cards, bags of chips, cans of pop, coupons for pizza and movie passes—for the raffle winners.

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Members of the Tiger Squad at South Hills Middle School focus on friendship, acceptance and suicide prevention training. (Photo courtesy of Valerie Ashley.)

The Tiger Squad had to find different ways to promote Hope Week without the traditional guest speakers and assemblies because of current public safety restrictions.

“This year is going to be different because of COVID,” said eighth grader Mirra Patterson. “I think it's going to hit a lot of kids differently because of everything that's been Continued page 5

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March 2021 | Page 3

Riverton couple breathes new life into a historic home

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@davisjournal.com

W

hen William Beckstead and his wife, Mary Jane, built their eight-room home at 13024 Redwood Road in Riverton in 1897, they had no idea that 124 years later their home would still be standing, and a local family would lovingly preserve and restore the Victorian-era building.

The Becksteads were farmers and ranchers, and the home had many beautiful

features including octagonal bays and colored glass in the upper windows. In November 1897, the Deseret News reported, “W.W. Beckstead of Riverton has moved into his new residence. It is hardly yet completed . . . [but] when finished it will no doubt be one of the finest in the vicinity.”

In 1900, the home was acquired by Beckstead’s brother George who added a

(Before and After) When the Beckstead-Butterfield home fell into disrepair, the Catrons purchased the property to restore it to its original beauty. (Photo courtesy of Snap Sale)

Journals

two-story, brick barn with stained-glass windows and round towers at the front corners.

The castle-like structure was a popular landmark before its demolition in 1968.

Riverton residents Barbara and John Catron purchased the property several years ago. It was their dream to restore the home to its former glory and use it as executive suite office space. Barbara, a distant relation to Beckstead, spent two years getting the property rezoned for commercial use and 18 months restoring the home with her husband.

“I’ve done historical work in the past in Riverton and this property really interested me,” Barbara said. “We’re trying to bring it back to its original state. There’s not a lot of old Riverton left at all. What’s left of old Riverton is either in disrepair or it’s been torn down.”

Called the Beckstead-Butterfield home, the name recognizes the original builders as well as the Butterfield family who were the longest occupants of the home, operating a farm on the property from 1906 to 1950.

Because the home is on track to be added to the National Register of Historic Places, the Catrons were limited in what could be done structurally to the building. To keep the home’s historical status, many features had to be preserved, including a steep staircase that wasn’t up to city codes. With the help of Riverton City, the Catrons worked with building officials to create a beautiful and safe space.

“We had to keep a lot of things intact but we could reinvent what the space would be,” Barbara said. “Because we wanted the rooms to become executive office suites at some point, we were able to change the flow of the home.”

The house had been in a state of disrepair for several years. It was the last remaining Victorian-era central-block-withprojecting-bays-type home in Riverton that

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had Queen Anne-style details. It was also the most elaborate Victorian eclectic-style home in the city.

The Catrons refinished the home, adding beautiful woodwork, including a bannister for the stairs, window treatments and wall paneling. New flooring, windows and landscaping brightened up the rooms and specially-ordered antique doors were sent from Maine for the parlor.

This isn’t the first time the Catrons have invested in historical property. Barbara and her husband live in the first school and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church house built in Riverton in 1880. John wrote a history of the building and on Memorial Day in 2012, the Catrons hosted a luncheon for 250 descendants of the people who attended the church and school.

“My ancestors helped build it and they also attended church and school there,” she said. “I restored the school house and then built a large colonial home next to the school house in 2011. The schoolhouse is currently being used as a guest cottage on AirBnB. I host people from all around the world in it and they love its history.”

Korral Broschinsky is an architectural historian and preservation consultant, who helped the Catrons submit paperwork to the National Register of Historic Places. As more historic homes are lost to progress, she says it’s more important than ever to save what we can. She credits the Catrons with taking an eyesore and turning it into something beautiful.

“The house is a physical link to a lot of things in the Riverton community that are gone. It’s nice to have something in the community with a touchable past,” Broschinsky said. “It’s wonderful that there are people like Barbara. She saw something in that house. She had a vision of what it could be."l

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Continued from front page going on. A lot of people are struggling more now so I think that it's going to be really good and show that, even with everything that's going on in the world, there is still hope. There are people you can talk to and we will always be there to help.”

Kenna said students are more receptive to learning about suicide prevention skills from their peers and are more likely to pay attention when the presenter is a someone they know or just someone they feel like they can relate to.

Sarah Varga, another squad member, said, “They don't believe that adults understand what they're going through, because it was different for them when they were growing up. It's nice to know that the kids that we're teaching trust us enough to listen.”

Students who are selected to be part of Tiger Squad are friendly, wanting to make a difference, not afraid to stand up, trustworthy, compassionate, empathetic, approachable and comfortable in taking on the role.

“It's really a big opportunity to be part of Hope Squad because we're looking out for our peers and everyone in this school and being trusted by them, and also promoting friendships, along with suicide prevention,” Mirra said. “It's so much fun to be able to do that but it is a lot of responsibility and leadership, too. I think it's

a great opportunity—especially for kids our age—to learn those skills.”

Sarah said being on the squad helps her to get to know other people better.

“Hope Squad, for me, is a way for me to connect with people at our school without having to know them by name and everything about them—it's just a way for me to be there,” Sarah said. “And it's nice to know that I'm trusted by other kids to just come up and talk to me.”

Eighth grader Tate Handley said the skills he’s learned in Tiger Squad have helped him know how to help a friend who was struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.

“I've been able to help her get through her feelings, and at the same time make her feel like she's important,” he said. “I know that it's been helping her and it's been making a difference in her life.”

Members of Tiger Squad often have to stretch out of their comfort zone; they are encouraged to sit with different people at lunch and to befriend new students.

“My second week here, I made a new friend that I don't think I would have been able to make friends with without any of this training,” said Dax Johnson, a seventh grade squad member. “They were really going through a rough time and they really needed my help, and I was able to help in every way that I could. We're good friends now.” l

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March 2021 | Page 5

Distinguished Principal of the Year

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

W

hen Principal Joel Pullan was transferred from Oakcrest Elementary to Riverton Elementary in February 2020, he had no idea that just a few short weeks later the staff and students would be sent home to learn long distance for the rest of the year. The qualities that earned him the Distinguished Principal of the Year Award by the Jordan Association of Elementary School Principals this year are the qualities that enabled him to successfully meet this unprecedented challenge.

“His ability to analyze the needs, wheth-

er it be academically, socially, or physically, is his greatest strength,” said Theresa Christensen, who worked as an assistant principal to Pullan for two years. “He is always thinking one step ahead and planning for the future. Even in the most difficult situations, he has the ability to calm the situation, eliminate the emotion, discern the steps needed, and move forward.”

And that’s what Pullan did, addressing, first, his faculty, who were grappling with a sudden transition to distance teaching that was frustrating and difficult. He met with them frequently as a group to support them

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in the technical aspects of teaching online.

He met them in grade level teams to get to know their strengths and challenges. He also checked in with them individually to see how they were doing emotionally.

“That surprised many of them,” Pullan said. “Many commented and expressed their gratitude to have a principal that, not just cared about the academics for kids and the educational growth, but also cared about teachers who are providing that in a very difficult situation.”

Donna Filion, who previously taught at Oakcrest and is now a fifth grade teacher at Riverton Elementary, said Pullan is the best principal she’s ever worked for. She said he is never too busy to stop and listen to someone and is genuinely interested in what they have to say.

“He is a fantastic listener and mentor,” she said. “He has made me feel like I can accomplish anything and he has validated me. I love going to work. I love the challenges that he gives us, so that we can learn and grow and become better than we were the day before.”

Pullan said the most important skill he uses as a principal is “the ability to see in others what they can be and to appreciate the talents and abilities that they have now.”

“I believe that if I'm successful in any way, shape or form, it's because of the great people who are around me,” he said. “So receiving this award is a credit to every teacher and team, every community and every student that I've worked with over the years.”

Pullan taught in the classroom for eight years before becoming principal at Herriman Elementary for five years and then at Oakcrest for seven and a half.

As a principal, he strives to build positive relationships.

“When the relationship between the principal and teachers is positive, that goes all the way to the kids,” Pullan said. “When we have that strong relationship and confidence and trust in one another, then we can work together to do amazing things.”

Pullan also values collaboration to create an environment of learning for students, staff and administration.

“He was constantly pursuing more information and knowledge to better himself and his school,” Christensen said.

Tracy Davies, a teacher at Oakcrest, said Pullan was a great principal because he provided staff with growth opportunities.

“He encouraged us to become and do better,” she said. “The opportunities for professional development were given based on our interests and classroom needs. He listened. I feel this greatly contributed to relationship-building with faculty and staff.”

Pullan also builds relationships with students, greeting them in the hallways, the classroom, or the playground with his signature thumb-wave.

“It has great meaning for us when we see each other,” Pullan said of his secret wave. “It symbolizes me being a friend and them being

a friend and that we're in this together.”

Davies said Pullen values students’ input and has always been supportive of the student council’s ideas.

Pullan also values the input of leadership teams as they work together to improve student growth as well as their overall well-being.

Three years ago, there was a disturbing upward trend of suicide risk assessment requests at Oakcrest Elementary and the leadership team identified student behavior as an impediment to emotional, social and academic success. Pullan introduced methods to improve students’ emotional health.

“Kids deal with trauma at different levels every day and they bring that trauma every day to school,” Pullan said. “By recognizing the emotional state of kids when they come in, we are better able to support them socially and emotionally in that process and to help them feel that security and safety.”

Teachers began to greet each student by name before class, to make an assessment of their emotional state, to follow-up on concerns throughout the day and to send students home with a personal comment or word of praise and an expression of excitement to see them again the next day.

“We received encouragement to really inquire about each student daily,” Davies said. “Before students step foot into our classrooms, we know how their basketball game went the night before, what they had for breakfast, or how much they are looking forward to a family vacation next weekend. We are well aware of their struggles, as well, and are able to address them effectively.”

Pullan said within months of implementing these practices, suicide risk assessment requests dropped drastically.

“Kids understood that school was a safe place, that they had a friend there,” he said.

When this school year began with many feeling anxiety about attending school during a pandemic, the primary priority for Pullan and the staff at Riverton Elementary was to create a positive, predictable and safe environment for students. Pullan asked teachers to implement the morning and afternoon personal interaction routines that had been so successful at Oakcrest.

“This is an amazing addition to the classroom because it allows me to say something to each student right at the beginning of our day and it sets the tone of the classroom,” Filion said. “Then at the end of the day, they leave me knowing that I will miss them, that I hope they have a great night and how excited I am to see them tomorrow.”

Pullan is an educator because he cares for kids. So, when the demands of his job become burdensome, he heads to the kindergarten classroom.

“Kindergartners are great, because they say the greatest things--they're uninhibited learners,” Pullan said. “I go there to get centered and refocused when I need to reaffirm my why I went into education.” l

Riverton City Journal

Incoming Tracy Aviary satellite location asks city officials for financial investment

By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

A

nature-based community center from Tracy Aviary is coming soon to Riverton along the Jordan River.

Discussions about a potential Tracy Aviary site at Roi Hardy Park have been ongoing for some time. And after a recent Riverton City Council meeting, elected officials will take another step forward when they talk boundaries and how much city officials should invest in the project.

Tim Brown, Tracy Aviary director, presented to the council on Feb. 2 the concept plans for what the site of the nature center would look like. Brown outlined an entranceway; four acres of landscape with activities and programs; boxes with snakes, toads and frogs; chicken yard; nature play amenities like a mud play zone; drought tolerant plants that would attract birds and insects; walking paths; and an observation tower.

Brown described it as a “nature-based community center” where the community could gather for presentations, lectures, celebrations, birthday parties, weddings or field trips. He anticipates having a fence to enclose the area as well just as they do at the Liberty Park Tracy Aviary.

“We want to get the public engaged with this beautiful resource that is the Jordan River,” Brown told the council, noting the proposed venue would be “a launching point to explore the Jordan River.”

The location is “fantastic,” according to Brown, noting they’ve been doing bird surveys just south of Roi Hardy Park for the last seven years.

Initial capital costs would be around $4 million, Brown said.

That includes a small endowment of $400,000 that would help with operating costs, which would be approximately $250,000 a year for staff and other supplies to maintain the facility.

“We’re enthusiastic, we’re excited to partner with Riverton,” Brown said.

“We’d love for Riverton to be a partner not just with land, but demonstrate to the rest of community that you have skin in the game.”

He emphasized they aren’t asking for a “huge amount, but a meaningful amount” that would encourage Salt Lake County or the state to commit to the project as well.

“Would be great if Riverton anted up something towards” the capital costs and ongoing operation costs, Brown said.

Due to the escalation in construc-

RivertonJournal.com

One of the very many birds at Tracy Aviary’s main location in Liberty Park. The aviary participates in many conservation and wildlife protection efforts. (City Journals File Photo/Rob Williams)

tion prices, Brown noted the $4 million number could change.

Prior to Brown’s presentation, Councilmember Tish Buroker said she is an advocate of the project, noting that through grants and initial development, the city has already invested $50,000 into the project.

“We are getting a great return on our investment,” she said. “We have a willing partner that’s willing to take a piece of property we agree we don’t have the funds to maintain and improve it and develop it for the betterment of our citizens.”

Mayor Trent Staggs noted a lease was approved by the council in April 2020 that established boundaries for the project, but the drawings in the site plan were slightly different. Staggs said they could adjust the boundary, but was wary of encroaching too much

toward the pump house already on site.

In regards to what city officials could contribute toward the funding, Staggs noted they would have a future discussion on the boundaries and the city’s financial participation.

For Brian Morris with the city’s Parks and Trails Committee, the “preservation of that area is hugely important,” he said.

Morris said for the committee, their focus was keeping that area of Roi Hardy Park next to the Jordan River natural, and this seems like the ideal scenario.

“All committee members have agreed that it’s going to be a great project,” he said. “Neighbors in that area are all excited about it. If we can make this happen, it’ll be a great asset to the community.” l

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What’s your legacy?

Phase one of The Point’s master planning process concluded in February. Phase two, focused on public input, begins in March. (Graphic courtesy The Point)

The Point’s planners seek public input

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hree different concepts have been developed for The Point, the 600 acres at the Point of the Mountain where the prison currently resides, and The Point’s planners are seeking public input to help determine the best scenario for the site.

In December, the firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill was hired to develop a master plan. They immediately went to work and phase one of the master planning process concluded in February.

That phase involved what The Point’s Executive Director Alan Matheson called “the nuts and bolts, behind the scenes work that’s critical to lay the foundation for the next planning steps,” including identifying “the opportunities and constraints at the site.” Matheson said a great deal of information was gathered such as what services already exist in the area, the master plans of the surrounding communities, gaps that need to be filled, and an analysis on what the market is for different kinds of uses.

“We now have the foundation to start on what is a critical phase, developing concepts for what can happen at the site. We’ve gathered an enormous amount of ideas from the public, but now we need to translate them into concepts,” Matheson said.

The three concepts that will be presented to the public for further review are: 1) A complete community – This concept involves a self-sufficient community with destinations in the site itself so that people don’t need to drive long distances to access jobs and housing, thus generating the least traffic off the site.

2) A regional hub –This concept offers a place where people can gather to enjoy amenities that aren’t found elsewhere in the region such as entertainment and concert venues, restaurants, big parks, and parks designated for sports.

3) Economic core – The focus of this concept is job creation and economic development including world-class careers, education and health care.

Matheson said that each of the scenarios offers opportunities to live, work and play. All of the concepts will have elements of innovation, open space, trails and places for people to live, but each scenario offers a different emphasis.

“This is an important project. We can’t leave it to gut feeling. We have to base the development on rigorous analysis. The planners are taking some of the ideas that came out of the (previous) public process and are testing those ideas. A lot of us have preferences for the site but may not understand how those preferences will

play out in the real world, so we’re going to analyze each of these concepts using sophisticated modeling and metrics,” Matheson said. They’ll look into how much it would cost to build the different scenarios, what the water usage and job creation would be for each scenario, and how air quality and traffic would be affected, among other important considerations.

“This phase two is really a critical time for public input. We want to understand which elements of the concepts really resonate with the public, which are most consistent with their values,” Matheson said.

The Point’s personnel are hosting open houses and conducting surveys beginning in March. The open houses will be available to anyone in the public and will likely be a combination of in-person and virtual. The public surveys will be conducted scientifically by a firm hired to call people randomly. “We want to make sure we’re getting a representative sample of inputs, not just the people who have reached out to The Point.

Since it’s scientifically done, we’re able to compare input from those who are participating in open houses and public forums with the general population,” he said. The pre-determined stakeholder advisory committee and The Point of the Mountain State Land authority will continue to hold regular meetings, all of which will be livestreamed on The Point’s social media accounts so that the public can listen to their meetings. All information about dates and times of meetings and opportunities for public input can be found at thepointutah.org/master-plan.

“We’re trying to figure out what elements of each concept people prefer. From there, we’ll take that mix of concepts that works best and form a preferred alternative, a single plan that takes in the best elements of those concepts from phase two. Then we’ll refine that to make changes for it to perform better such as less air pollution, less traffic and more economic gain. That process will go out to the public again for input on the final plan. Each of these stages builds on the one before,” Matheson said.

Phase three will take place in April and early May, developing a preferred alternative to include the best concepts and ideas from phase two. Phase four from May into early June will be about refining the preferred alternative to make sure it works as well as possible. Phase five will be the development of final documents, plans and supporting materials and will likely wrap up this summer.

“A lot will depend on feedback,” Matheson said, “and if more time is required to get it right.”

Riverton City Journal

Preschool offers education, energy and enrichment for both little and big kids

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

S

ilver Pups Preschool is unique because it is housed at Riverton High School where preschoolers benefit from a variety of learning environments and a staff of enthusiastic high school students who are studying early childhood development. Camille Tranter, whose husband Matt is an administrator at RHS, said the preschool is a fun and handson learning environment for their daughter.

“Each day at preschool has a variety of activities and stations that allow for different types of learning to solidify various concepts,” she said. “The preschool also allows time for creative play and interaction, which I think is really important.”

Preschool classes run two hours and 15 minutes, two days a week. Preschoolers learn the alphabet, numbers, math, science, creative arts, language arts, motor skills and dramatic play. High school students, with support from RHS faculty, plan the daily lessons and activities.

“The high school students bring an added level of fun,” Tranter said. “We love that the students are in charge of the lesson plans for the day as their school assignments. Each lesson feels unique and creative while still following structure.”

Erin Dea, director of Silver Pups, said

the high school students bring creativity and energy that community preschools don’t have.

“It's not what they do full time, all the time,” she said. “And because of the age they're at, they have a different excitement and are able to relate to those kids in a different way than an adult does.”

Silver Pups also offers a low teacher to student ratio, 1:1 or 1:2—which is unheard of in community preschools. Dea said that individual attention preschoolers receive from teachers who are able to work with them one-on-one lets them learn at their own pace.

“Some kids come in knowing how to write their names already and some kids don't know any of the letters,” Dea said. “So each teacher works with their kid, giving them what they need.”

“I love that my daughter has an assigned individual teacher,” Tranter said. “I think it helps with continuity of learning, and I feel like my daughter gets more attention and instruction than she would otherwise.”

The students teaching in the preschool are interested in working with kids, as educators or pediatricians.

“They've all gone through the curric-

ulum part of learning how to work with children and then the preschool class is like their capstone course,” Dea said. The students are dedicated to coming to class because they are excited to work with the little kids.

Shannon Hickman used to run a daycare and preschool from her home so she knew what she was looking for in finding a placement for her own daughter. Hickman likes that at the school-housed preschool, the low student to teacher ratio means the high schoolers are very attentive to her daughter’s needs, whether she is feeling anxious or that her ponytail is bothering her.

“They're just very mindful of their little person that they work with because they know them so well,” Hickman said.

Tranter said Silver Pups is a great program for both the big kids and the little ones.

“Miss Erin loves her preschool students as well as her high school students, and she cares about their success,” she said.

Because the preschool is housed in the high school building, there are endless resources for enrichment learning. The agricultural science department invites the kids to come see their animals and the theater

department invites them to watch their performances. The basketball team teaches them skill drills and the librarian reads to them. The choir, orchestra and band perform for them.

“The kids really love when we go to the band room because there's so many instruments they've never seen,” Dea said.

Hickman works as a computer technician at RHS, a position she chose because there was an opening in the childcare lab and preschool there for her daughter.

Though most kids in the daycare and preschool at RHS are children of parents who work at RHS or surrounding schools, registration is open to anyone. All six high schools in Jordan District are currently registering preschool students for 2021-22.

For more information on Silver Pups Preschool, email Erin.Dea@jordandistrict. org, call Riverton High School or clink the preschool link on the RHS website.

For more information about Mini Mustangs, visiting the link on the school website or email Kristi.Johnson@jordandistrict.org.

For more information about Mini Sentinels, visit link on the school website or email Katie.Trump@jordandistrict.org.l

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March 2021 | Page 9

Principal Cox creates a collaborative culture of innovation

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

A

dapting teaching methods for a virtual classroom has been a challenge for many teachers. But those fortunate enough to work with Midas Creek Elementary Principal Megan Cox, who was just named Innovator of the Year by the Jordan Association of Elementary School Principals, were equipped to meet the challenge.

“In the face of near panic for teachers, Megan was strong and confident; she faced the online issue straight on and had a ‘we can’ attitude that assured all of her teachers, even me,” said fourth grade teacher Ron Davidson, who claims he’s “an old goat” when it comes to change and technology. “Last spring, I was at the end of my rope with the idea of having to teach online. Megan encouraged me and showed me so many easy computer innovations, that by the end of the year I felt successful.”

The challenges of the spring shutdown pushed many teachers to innovate, to try new tools and to seek out new resources. Many who were nervous about teaching in front of a camera are now regularly recording lessons because they learned how easy and beneficial it is.

“I had a lot of teachers tell me that the silver lining of the shutdown is that it gave them time and it pushed them to do all of

Principal Megan Cox, Innovator of the Year. (Photo courtesy of JSD.)

these lessons electronically that they never would have thought their kids could handle,” Cox said. “The closure really did push people out of their comfort zones. It was hard, but we got some good out of it.”

Cox believes innovation is part of an educator’s job.

“Education is constantly changing,

technology is constantly changing, and the only way you can stay up on it is to continue learning,” she said. “If you become complacent, things are going to change and then that makes things difficult to navigate. It’s difficult to help other educators and students to continue learning if you're not with the most recent ways and methods to instruct.”

To keep the faculty in an innovative mindset, Cox keeps them informed of professional development opportunities and new technologies. She encourages forward-thinking, tweaking and keeping current with educational trends. When one of her staff members finds a new technology tool or a helpful online resource, Cox encourages them to share it with their colleagues.

Cox has created a collaborative culture of innovation at Midas Creek Elementary.

“I think the biggest skill [for a principal] is to be willing to continue to learn—whether that is from other administrators or teachers or support staff—by constantly asking questions as to why they're doing what they're doing and how they're doing it,” she said. “I can learn from people who have been in much longer than me and then I form it into my own idea.”

Cox’s colleagues said she is always willing to brainstorm ideas—about how to com-

municate with parents, motivate students, or help struggling learners—as well as troubleshoot technology issues or support them in new teaching methods.

“Megan gives teachers guidance and flexibility to meet the needs of their students in a variety of ways,” kindergarten teacher Trish Calhoun said.

Cox also encourages students to be innovative. In past years, members of the student council have been responsible for planning school-wide activities, such as those during spirit week.

“This year we haven't been able to really do that, but I have told my sixth-graders if they have any great ideas, please send them my way,” Cox said. “And I had a sixth grader email me recently asking if we could do a school-wide challenge with Imagine Math.”

Because of one student’s idea, the whole school participated in a month-long push of math skills to accrue a high number of minutes logged into the Imagine Math program.

The developers had committed to make a donation to a charity in their name in an amount determined by the total minutes their students spent logged in to the program.

The restrictions due to COVID-19 have necessitated a reimagining of traditional school events using a virtual format. Cox put

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Riverton City Journal

together a virtual orientation for parents of incoming kindergarten students. Because the virtual format is more efficient and can reach a larger number of parents, it will permanently replace the in-person format. Cox shared the idea with other administrators and now many in the district have adopted the virtual format as well.

Cox’s innovative use of technology to include in-person and virtual students in a virtual Halloween parade this year was a success because it allowed students and community members the opportunity to watch it.

Cox has also reworked the master schedule to meet the needs of teachers this year.

“This year, where teachers have had to teach both in-person and online simultaneously, she has found ways to free up teachers in the school schedule so they can work with their online quarantining students,” Davidson said. “I dare say it would be impossible to teach both online and in-person without her innovations.”

Cox appreciates the staff at Midas Creek.

“I wouldn't be able to do what I do, trying new things, if I didn't have a faculty and

staff who were willing to jump on board and do it with me,” Cox said.

Cox was innovative as a teacher. She started recording her lessons several years ago to help parents understand how to help their students with homework, help substitute teachers feel less intimidated jumping into sixth grade math for a day and help special needs students focus better on instruction.

“It is really nice to have a principal that was in the classroom not that long ago,” said Shireen Larsen, BYU facilitator at Midas Creek. “I love that she is always able to share ideas from when she taught school. Her technology ideas work.”l

3285 W. 12600 S. Riverton, UT 84065

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Principal Megan Cox reads an imaginative book to students last March. (Photo courtesy of Cindy Wood.)

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March 2021 | Page 11

Growing Together District Update

New Jordan Virtual Learning Academy • Three new virtual schools will open for 2021-22 school year: • Kings Peak High • Kelsey Peak Virtual Middle • Rocky Peak Virtual Elementary • The new schools will offer all K-12 students a choice in learning and personalized instruction with daily teacher interaction.

• For more information and to register your student today visit: connect.jordandistrict.org

Get Creative at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy • Majestic Elementary Arts Academy in West Jordan is offering all K-6 students a new choice in education for the 2021-22 school year. The school will focus on Instrumental Music and Visual Arts as part of your child’s daily classroom instruction.

• We are enrolling students now. All students inside or outside District boundaries are welcome to apply. Find out more and register at majestic.jordandistrict.org

International Baccalaureate (IB) Program is Back • West Jordan High School will be offering IB courses beginning in the 2021-22 school year.

• IB courses support academic achievement at the very highest level.

• Sophomores are invited to consider the IB program and all juniors can participate.

• For more information visit: ib.jordandistrict.org

Listen to stories from the Superintendent on his podcast | Subscribe today @ supercast.jordandistrict.org Page 12 | March 2021

Riverton City Journal

MARCH 2021

RIVERTON REVIEW Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Support Our Community by Supporting Local Businesses

By Mayor Trent Staggs At the heart of any thriving community, you will find good people, good businesses, and good governance. I believe we have all three of those going for us here in Riverton. As we have assessed the impact COVID-19 has had on our community, it is clear that it has tested the resiliency of all three of those components; however, one of them has been hit particularly hard over the last year: our businesses.

Knowing that many of our businesses are strained, and some financially struggling, Riverton City is launching a marketing and public

education campaign called “Local First” to support our businesses.

tremendous impact on our local community.

The goal of the campaign will be to educate residents on the benefits to our community by buying local and to encourage residents to support local businesses more often and where possible.

I know that shopping local can sometimes be difficult given the geography and layout of our city but consider this: $0.55 of every dollar spent locally stays in the local economy, according to Local First Utah, and that’s probably at minimum. I encourage you to think local first and consider supporting a Riverton business the next time you need groceries, or gas, or go out to eat. You will be benefiting our community if you do.

The benefits to a community when residents buy goods and services from local businesses are clear.

The graphic below shows the most significant benefits we see when residents support businesses in Riverton.

Please consider these benefits the next time you plan to buy a product or service, and ask yourself, “Can I spend my dollars locally?” By adjusting your shopping habits and directing your spending dollars to businesses in Riverton, where possible, you can have a

I admire all of you, our residents, businesses and employees for the strength and resolve you’ve shown in the face of such challenging times. Let’s keep going. If each of our 45,000+ residents begin to think local first, just imagine the prosperity and opportunities that will be opened to our community!

5 Benefits of Shopping in Riverton

It stimulates the local economy and keeps more money in the community.

It creates and sustains employment for residents to work closer to home.

RIVERTON REVIEW | MARCH 2021

It allows goods and services you need and want to be offered nearby.

It keeps fees and taxes for city services low by keeping sales tax dollars in Riverton.

It fosters a community that cares about and invests in itself.

PAGE 1

COUNCIL MESSAGE

Transportation and Connectivity MAYOR Trent Staggs tstaggs@rivertonutah.gov 801-208-3129

CITY COUNCIL Sheldon Stewart - District 1 sstewart@rivertonutah.gov 801-953-5672 Troy McDougal - District 2 tmcdougal@rivertonutah.gov 801-931-9933 Tawnee McCay - District 3 tmccay@rivertonutah.gov 801-634-7692 Tish Buroker - District 4 tburoker@rivertonutah.gov 801-673-6103 Claude Wells - District 5 cwells@rivertonutah.gov 801-875-0116

CITY MANAGER David R. Brickey dbrickey@rivertonutah.gov 801-208-3125

CITY OFFICES

City Hall...............................

Cemetery............................

Animal Control....................

Building...............................

Code Enforcement..............

Fire Dispatch (UFA).............

Justice Court.......................

Parks & Recreation.............

Planning & Zoning..............

Police..................................

Public Works.......................

Recorder..............................

Utility Billing........................

Water...................................

By Councilman Sheldon Stewart During the month of January, UDOT closed east-west traffic flow on 12600 S for an estimated 7 to 8 months to facilitate the completion of a freeway style interchange on Bangerter Highway that will significantly improve traffic traveling in this area of Riverton. To facilitate the construction of a freeway style interchange, UDOT had to purchase the Texas Roadhouse property, necessitating the business relocate. This closure will also have impact on the businesses surrounding this area during the closure period. As part of Riverton’s Local First initiative, we would encourage you to find ways to support these businesses during this time.

As part of many of our business friendly initiatives, such as the elimination of the business license fee, Riverton City has launched a

Local First initiative to encourage support of Riverton businesses. This includes businesses impacted by the 12600 S interchange project. I encourage residents and neighbors to continue supporting businesses located in this area.

As we look forward to completion of this interchange in late 2021, we still have more to do as residents and a city. During this legislative session, we are hopeful that by the time you are reading this article our state leaders have provided funding to complete the interchanges along the remainder of Bangerter Highway and that prioritization be given to 13400 S, 2700 W and the Bangerter-I-15 connection.

It is hoped that action will be taken to improve east-west flow, improvements to and completion of Mountain View Corridor and prioritizing these over projects tied to U-111 (Bacchus Highway). This message is a call on our state leaders to: 1. Identify an east-west corridor in conjunction with and supported by local leaders.

2. Improve safety along Mountain View Corridor to prevent the high fatality rate of accidents along this road with early warning throughout the enter length of the road.

3. Eliminate limitations with Mountain View Corridor projects tied to completion of connections in other counties.

4. Fund Improvements to Mountain View Corridor and the completion of this road.

5. Create accountability with UTA related to services provided to the southwest region of Salt Lake County instead of prioritizing projects based on unfair calculations and formulas and accounting for dollars collected in regions and the spending of those dollars.

As we work with and encourage our state leaders to take action on these projects, we will see significant improvements in the quality of life for Riverton residents.

801-254-0704 801-208-3128 801-208-3108 801-208-3127 801-208-3108 801-743-7200 801-208-3131 801-208-3101 801-208-3138 385-281-2455 801-208-3162 801-208-3128 801-208-3133 801-208-3164

FIND US ONLINE! @rivertonutahgov www.rivertonutah.gov PAGE 2

As part of Riverton’s Local First initiative, we would encourage residents to find ways to support the businesses impacted by the Bangerter and 12600 S construction closures.

RIVERTON REVIEW | MARCH 2021

PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE

Preparing to Serve the Community

By Chief Wade Watkins

TEXT MESSAGE ALERTS

Unified Fire Authority’s Recruit Class #54 started February 1, 2021. The class has 36 new recruits preparing to be firefighters, many of which will serve in Riverton City upon their completion of recruit camp. Their camp will last 16-weeks and will cover the fundamentals of becoming a firefighter.

Many of the recruits have been preparing for years to be here. Some with years of experience representing other agencies. Others have taken a shot at this pursuit with little understanding of what was ahead of them. The first day of recruit camp is challenging to say the least with physical limits pushed followed by educational hurdles to ensure they are understanding the information.

The challenges that these recruits

4

WAYS TO CONNECT WITH RIVERTON

n rivertonutah.gov/alerts

Get emergency alerts and notifications on important city updates on your cell phone 3-4 times per month.

UFA’s Recruit Class #54 has 36 new recruits preparing to be firefighters. Many will serve in Riverton upon their completion.

face is eased with the lessons they’re learning about teamwork and supporting each other.

driver training. They are anticipated to graduate and serve within your community May 26 of 2021.

As they diligently continue through recruit school some of their challenges and learning will consist of functional physical training, fire behavior, effective communications, firefighting tactics, emergency

If you or someone you know has interest in becoming a firefighter please visit unifiedfire.org/becoming-a-firefighter or follow us at @ufafiretraining on Instagram.

Run the 2021 Riverton Half Marathon or 4Life® 5K You’ve made that resolution to be more healthy and get out more, so this is the perfect opportunity. Be part of a Riverton tradition and come participate in one of the valley’s best races. The race is designed for all ages and abilities with medals and prizes awarded for participants and winners.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! Race: Saturday, March 27 Time: 9 a.m. (Half Marathon) and 9:15 a.m. (4Life® 5K) Location: Riverton City Park, 1452 W 12600 S, Riverton, Utah Register: rivertonutah.gov/half

RIVERTON REVIEW | MARCH 2021

EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS

n rivertonutah.gov/subscribe Get the latest city updates, e-newsletters, event information and other news delivered right to your inbox.

SOCIAL MEDIA

n @rivertonutahgov

Connect with Riverton City to get quick updates, essential information, event details and more on the platforms you use.

NOTICE Riverton City will begin maintenance on the secondary water system on Monday, March 22.

Please ensure your ball valve is closed before that date.

PAGE 3

UPCOMING EVENTS

RIVERTON REVIEW

Riverton’s Teen Egg-Streme Chase “Chase the clues, be the first, win the prize”.

Come enjoy a new Easter tradition with the kiddos at the Riverton Bunny Hop! Families make their way around Riverton City Park visiting stations with punch cards to get candy or prizes and to participate in fun Easter activities. Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny will be in attendance for a quick visit and photo with the kids.

Families may arrive anytime between 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and begin their participation at any station. Punch cards will be turned in for a grand prize drawing! Masks required.

Saturday, April 3, 2021, Riverton City Park, 1452 W 12600 S 10 a.m. - Noon (Arrive by 11:30 a.m.) for children 12 & younger

Clues will lead teens to safe local destinations, shops or landmarks throughout Riverton.

Pre-register online beginning March 15. Only those who register will be able to redeem prizes. Clue cards will be available at Riverton City’s Recreation Department starting at Noon on Friday, April 2. Teens will have until 5 p.m. that day to return to the Recreation Department at City Hall with all the specifically marked eggs.

Grand prizes given to top three.

Friday, April 2, 2021 | Noon – 5 p.m. | Teens 13 – 18 years Register online at rivertonutah.gov/teen-easter

MISS RIVERTON 2021

Applications for Miss Riverton 2021 are now being accepted!

The winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship (attendants win $500 each), and will represent Riverton City at various events throughout the year. Miss Riverton 2021 will also be eligible to participate in the Miss Utah competition.

The competition is open to women ages 17-23 who live in Riverton. The crowning of Miss Riverton 2021 will take place Saturday, April 24, 2021.

To register or learn more, please visit rivertonutah.gov/missriverton.

Register: Start Smart Sports

Not Your Parent’s Art Show

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

Register: Tennis League Registration

Register: Pickleball League

Registration is now open for spring Start Smart Sports programs for kids age 3-5, including Baseball, Soccer and MultiSport. Register online.

Come see original art pieces created by young local artists at the Old Dome Meeting Hall. Free and open to all.

Suicide prevention is everyone’s business. Join Healthy Riverton for a FREE QPR class to learn how to respond to someone in crises.

Riverton City’s flexible tennis league is for all abilities, with one match played per week. Register online at rivertronutah.gov/recreation

Join Riverton City’s pickleball league to play in a fun, social and competitive environment. Partners rotate weekly. Register online at rivertronutah.gov/recreation

• Registration is now open Programs Begin May 4

• Visit March 8 - April 28, Open House: March 8, 6:30-8 p.m.

• March 18, 7 p.m., CR Hamilton Indoor Pavilion

• Offered Monthly, May-August

• Sessions Begin in April

For details or registration information, visit rivertonutah.gov/recreation

PAGE 4

RIVERTON REVIEW | MARCH 2021

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Assistant principal of the year is a role model for students, colleagues, Latinos

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

Y

ajaira Martinez’s inspiring story began when she was a failing student, who didn’t learn to read until the third grade and who thought she wasn’t smart.

What she has learned since then about education and possibilities—as a student, an educator and a Latina—is what earned her the praise and respect of students, parents and colleagues, and this year’s Assistant Administrator of the Year Award, given by the Jordan Association of Elementary School Principals.

“Yajaira holds all the values of a competent and successful leader,” said Janae Young, a teacher at Bluffdale Elementary.

“She has superb communication skills, is dependable, has initiative, uses discretion when needed, can adapt to difficult situations and works with a high value of professionalism. She is warm, has a supportive nature, works well with others, and respects others. She definitely deserved the vice principal of the year award. She is an inspiration of what a true educator and administrator should be.”

It was the influence of two of her high school teachers that opened Martinez's eyes to claim a future she never thought could be hers. She went to college and became a teacher so that she could do the same for

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other kids.

“I just want to be that example to kids that don't feel like they have a way out or a way to break the cycle,” Martinez said. “I just want them to be able to look at me and relate to me and see someone that looks like them, and see that we can be successful, and that school and education is the key.”

Martinez began her career as a teacher at David Gourley Elementary in Kearns, where many of her Hispanic students were struggling.

As she shared her own experiences and successes, her students were motivated to meet the high expectations she set for them.

She noticed a big improvement, especially in her Hispanic students’ attitudes about education. Their parents also began to be more involved in their children’s education and more comfortable volunteering in the classroom, knowing Martinez understood them, linguistically and culturally.

“I noticed what a difference I was making in the classroom and I just thought to expand from there, if I can,” Martinez said. “If I can make a difference for 36 fifth-graders, what would it be like for an entire school, to be that role model for kids that look like me or that have struggled in school?”

Martinez currently splits her time as assistant principal at Terra Linda Elementary in West Jordan and Bluffdale Elementary in Bluffdale, where she takes a caring, individualized approach to motivate students.

“I think her biggest strength is her ability to build a strong rapport and relationships with students,” Terra Linda Elementary Principal Karen Gorringe said. “She's just incredible and very relatable to the students. She's so genuine and humble.”

When a fourth grader was feeling anxiety about coming to school this year, Martinez invited the student to spend a few minutes with her each morning until she felt ready to go to class.

“She was a friendly face for my daughter to check in with every day until her anxieties were lessened,” said the girl’s mother.

“She was so encouraging and supportive— for me, as a mom, and also for my child, as a student. She checked in on my daughter during school and messaged me to let me know how she was doing.”

Another parent, Samantha Estrada, also gets regular, reassuring texts about how her two special needs sons are doing when Martinez checks on them in their classrooms or chats with them in the cafeteria or at recess.

Yajaira Martinez, Assistant Administrator of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Yajaira Martinez.)

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Riverton City Journal

“She's always communicating with parents a lot about how their kids are doing,” Estrada said. “She's so nice with the kids.

They love her a lot. I'm so happy my boys go to that school because of her. She is always there for my kids.”

Estrada appreciates that Martinez is willing to provide translation and support at school meetings.

“She is always there with me, helping resolve all my questions to get the best IEP for my kids,” she said. “Whenever I need her, she's always there by my side.”

Estrada said Martinez gives that same personalized attention to everyone.

“She is always willing to help everybody,” Estrada said. “She’s always there for every single parent.”

One of Martinez’s favorite parts of her job is talking with students, especially those who’ve been sent to her office.

“In their minds they are the bad kids, the troublemaker and then they've almost taken on that role,” Martinez said. “So being able to really get to know them and talk to them and have them believe in themselves as something else besides that, that's my highlight—being able to change those behaviors or that motivation in school.”

When a new student was sent to her office for behavior problems, he thought he was in trouble. Martinez just listened, empathized and invited him to come talk with her anytime.

“He was amazed that she cared that much,” said Shandi Owen, the boy’s teacher.

Her colleagues appreciate that Martinez is an exceptional role model for struggling students.

“She has accomplished much in her life and she fought against all the odds to get an education,” Owen said. “She is helping give all students encouragement and the will to work hard and accomplish their goals in education and life.”

Martinez utilizes her position to help Latino students and parents feel valued.

At Terra Linda, where 38% of students are Latino, she invites middle school students from Latinos in Action to provide support and mentorship to young Latino students, she helps Spanish-speaking parents feel welcome in the schools by translating when needed, and she connects refugee and homeless families with community resources. She also serves on the Jordan School District BIPOC Diversity Advisory Committee.

As assistant principal, Martinez is also an example and mentor to teachers. Her colleagues said she is approachable, easy to talk to and happy to provide assistance or resources to make their jobs easier.

“She holds high expectations for herself and those around her and encourages us to grow and improve,” said Shelly Lloyd, a curriculum coach at Terra Linda Elementary.

“She listens to our suggestions and considers them when making decisions.”

Martinez regularly observes teachers and provides feedback, always including

RivertonJournal.com

comments of praise in addition to suggestions for improvement. She also occasionally leaves notes of encouragement and validation for teachers.

Young was just starting her second year of teaching when Martinez first stopped by her classroom to observe.

“She didn't say much when she was in my class, but what she left for me on my desk was exactly what I needed,” Young said. “She wrote me a little inspirational note that I hold dear to my heart. She gave me that little reassurance that I was meant to be a teacher.”

Young is inspired by Martinez’s approachable and positive manner.

“I don't think that I have ever heard a negative thing come out of her,” she said. “She is always looking at the brighter side of things.

No matter the situation, she will always lead with positivity.”

Martinez is also a great resource for teachers who want to understand cultural differences and the reason for the beliefs and behaviors of their Latino students and their parents. She suggests adjustments to instruction, context or wording that would make it easier for students with a different vocabulary background to understand.

District Culture and Diversity Specialist Yan’tu Barber said just having Martinez as a co-worker can influence teachers to see their students of color in a different way.

“Yajaira has one of the most amazing personal stories ever,” Barber said. “And that gives the staff inspiration that, I might have a kid that's a little rough right now or maybe not reading at grade level or maybe not as successful as I think they should be, but it doesn't mean that I should give up on this kid.

It doesn't mean I should lower expectations for this kid. I've still got to continue to push this kid, because one day, this kid may turn out to be the next Yajaira Martinez!”

When Gorringe retires at the end of this school year, Martinez will replace her as the principal at Terra Linda Elementary.

Estrada was thrilled with the news.

“I’ve never met a principal like her,” Estrada said. “I know she's going to help more families.”

As a full-time principal, Martinez plans to continue motivating students, supporting teachers and encouraging more diverse representation in parent volunteers, professional learning committees and the school community council.

Bluffdale Elementary Principal Cindy Tingey is confident that Martinez will do well in her new position.

“I believe what makes her a really great administrator is that she is a genuine individual,” Tingey said. “She speaks her mind in a kind way and there is no speculating or reading between the lines. What you see is what you get and what we get is a talented, compassionate and student-centered individual that only wants to make those around her better.”l

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Riverton girls basketball finish season 15-7, third in daunting region Photo by Travis Barton

Junior Morganne McCleary has been all over the court for the Silverwolves this season from the guard position averaging almost 11 points per game, leading the team in assists and second on the team in steals. The Silverwolves finished third in a daunting region with two-time defending champion Bingham and a revamped squad in Herriman who cruised to a region title.

Lone senior Abby Carpenter shoots a free throw during a game in January. Carpenter’s leadership and hustle have been crucial for Riverton this season as the team had to retool with the graduation of various seniors last year. The team went 10-2 in preseason before a 5-5 record during region.

Page 22 | March 2021

Junior Megan Walker shoots a free throw during a game in January. Walker is one of a strong junior class for the Silverwolves who have only one senior on the team. Having to retool the varsity squad after losing four starters and even more seniors a year ago, the Silverwolves started strong with a 10-2 record in preseason featuring wins over teams like Skyline and Corner Canyon.

Annabelle Christensen leads the team in scoring this season knocking in 12 points per game while also taking care of business on the defensive end. The junior leads the team in steals with three per game. After wrapping its region with a 5-5 record, the Silverwolves would play Clearfield (after press deadline) in its firstround playoff game at home on Feb. 23.

Riverton City Journal

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Riverton City Journal

Riverton boys basketball finish fourth in region Photos by Pat McDonald and Travis Barton

Top: Head coach Skyler Wilson speaks with sophomore Logan Dunfield during a game in December.

Wilson told the Journal in January he was simply focused on the “players improving everyday” as he continues to build the program. The Silverwolves finished the season 11-10 with a home playoff game coming (after press deadline). (Travis Barton) Below: Cody Nixon drives against Bingham during a region game. The senior fulfills several roles for the Silverwolves, head coach Skyler Wilson said. One of his primary responsibilities was scoring, something Nixon did well averaging 17 points per game. The Silverwolves didn’t play a single game together the entire offseason, making for a tricky start to the season. But Riverton overcame various challenges to go 7-4 in preseason before finishing 4-6 in region. (Pat McDonald)

Cody Nixon puts up a three against Bingham. The senior fulfills several roles for the Silverwolves, head coach Skyler Wilson said. One of his primary responsibilities was scoring, something Nixon did well averaging 17 points per game. The Silverwolves didn’t play a single game together the entire offseason, making for a tricky start to the season. But Riverton overcame various challenges to go 7-4 in preseason before finishing 4-6 in region. (Pat McDonald)

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Coming soon is the teacher appreciation luncheon. We will be honoring one teacher from each school in Bluffdale, Herriman and Riverton. We are looking for sponsors for the event and donations to the teacher swag bags. We honor about 25 teachers each year.

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efore he entered high school, Juan Diego Catholic High School basketball player and Riverton resident Talon Valdes set a goal to score 1,000 points during his four years on the Draper campus. On Jan. 20 with a baseline jumper against Ogden, the senior netted that achievement.

“I just remember feeling in that moment that all the hard work was paying off,” Valdes said. “I felt very blessed.”

“This is something I figured Talon would do as he’s started for us since his sophomore year,” head coach Drew Trost said. “I’ve been watching it all along the way and I’m so proud of him.”

The 6-foot point guard, who is called “a walking bucket because he can score at any point from anywhere he wants,” according to Trost, said he has always remembered his dad’s words in trying to build on his competitive drive and desire to get better. “My dad would always tell me that someone is working harder than you right now,” Valdes said. “So, I have to do whatever it takes to be quicker and get to my spots.”

Trost said that Valdes is always the fastest player on the floor which makes it tough for opponents to guard him, but as his coach he has a front row seat for the whole picture.

“God has definitely blessed Talon with a lot of talent, but what people don’t always see is how hard he works,” Trost said. “He is literally always the last to leave the gym.”

He currently leads the 20-2 Soaring Eagle team—who just wrapped up their seventh

consecutive region title—in scoring with nearly 21 points a game as well as assists and steals.

“In addition to being third on our alltime scoring list here, he’ll also probably finish with the most steals and top three in assists,” Trost said. “He’s just gotten better and better at getting his teammates involved.

It’s great to see him lift his team to a higher level.”

The son of Ken Hopkins and Stacy Valdes of Riverton has been playing basketball since he was 4 years old and quickly embraced the sport where he “hates to lose.”

Coach Trost said he visited with Valdes when he was in the eighth grade at St. John the Baptist to discuss his future role in the JDCHS program. “I let him know that he would probably not get much varsity time his freshman year with the point guard we had, but that he would get pushed in practice and be ready to go the next season,” Trost said.

“Instead of changing schools because he didn’t want to sit on the bench, he worked hard to get himself into a position to start every game since his sophomore year with the exception of a few games he was injured for.”

“If you really want something, you can’t just take the easy route and you need to be patient,” Valdes said.

As a sophomore, Valdes averaged 13 points for his team, “using his speed to get to the rim,” according to Trost, who added that the All-Region First Teamer didn’t have a great shooting touch at that point.

Riverton City Journal

By his junior season, he was putting in nearly 40% of his three-point attempts and his 20 points per game were recognized as he was named the Region Most Valuable Player.

“It’s been awesome to see Talon maximize his skills,” Trost said. “He’s such a joy to coach and to watch the huge impact on our program that he has had. In fact, with him as our starting point guard, our team has gone 52-11.”

Valdes said that a huge turning point for his self-confidence was Juan Diego’s firstround playoff game last season against Crimson Cliffs where the Mustangs were favored.

He scored a career-high 28 points and left the court knowing that “if we can beat them, we can beat anybody.”

The senior credits assistant coach Essliey Tan, a former JDCHS player, who has spent countless hours after practice in being able to play at a high level. “He has put in so much time with me to see me get better,” Valdes said. “I definitely wouldn’t be where I’m at with my game without him.”

Valdes has plenty of business left this year on the court as the Soaring Eagle squad is aiming for the 4A state title before he turns his attention to securing a spot on a college roster.

“It’s going to take all of us to be there to win state and have a good understanding of our roles and then going to execute,” Valdes said.

Trost said he has full confidence in his

senior in leading this team to their big goals.

“It’s every coach’s dream to have your best player be your point guard and you certainly don’t have to work as hard as a coach to get the ball in his hands since it’s already there,” he said.

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2020 was certainly a year of many changes and a year where life wasn’t “normal.” As the pandemic hit, we all made adjustments and many residents discovered the amazing amenities we have in our own backyards. As the weather got warmer, our outdoor recreation opportunities were used in record numbers.

For several years, Salt Lake County has invested in having parks, open space, and a vibrant trail system. We have great amenities in our own district. You have visited Wardle Fields in Bluffdale with its large splash pad and climbing amenities. A new park is scheduled to open in 2022 in the western part of South Jordan. This park and will be an incredible amenity to residents of Salt Lake County. Bingham Creek Park will eventually be a 160-acre park. Phase 1 will have multi-purpose fields, a playground, walking paths, a disc golf course, restrooms, and parking.

Funding for this project comes from the ZAP bond and a partnership with the City of South Jordan.

As summer came, people headed to the mountains to hike our trails. Many are familiar with the trails in Millcreek Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Little Cottonwood Canyon; but did you know we have a trail system in Rose Canyon in the Oquirrhs? Trails are open to Hiking, Equestrian, and Mountain Biking Users. And if you want to stay closer to home you can walk the Jordan River Parkway. This 45-mile system

in Salt Lake County has been beautified by a collaborative effort of the County, State, and Municipalities. I’m grateful these entities wisely invested over the years in these trails.

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A Dropped Call Like a mother in a Disney movie, my cell phone died inexplicably. Well, not inexplicably. I dropped it in the toilet.

I was wearing jeans for the first time in seven months and had the phone in my back pocket when it promptly fell into the commode. My phone, not my back pocket.

There’s a universal response when you drop your phone in liquid; you reach in and grab the damn thing. It could be submerged in molten lava or boiling oil; you will instinctively reach for the phone at the expense of ever using your hand again.

Snatching it up, I screamed several unprintable words and resorted to 15 minutes of “No, no, no, no, no!” I shook my phone, blew in it, prayed over it and dashed home to dump it in a bowl of rice. (A robot on Mars can send information to NASA but I have to submerge my phone in rice because it got wet.)

I thought, this would make a great Instagram post and frantically looked for my phone so I could take a picture of my phone sitting in a bowl of rice.

But I was phoneless. I reached for my phone nonstop. I absently grabbed the TV remote, trying to scroll through Tik Tok. I picked up my computer mouse to check the time. I kept patting my leggings where my cell phone used to be, frisking myself like some weird felon.

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I realized I’m obsessed with how many steps I walk. I’m preoccupied with social media. I’m dependent on my phone to give me instant info. If I wanted to order from Amazon, I had to go into ANOTHER ROOM and use my computer.

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Several days without a phone? Impossible! What would I listen to while walking my dog? Who was Scam Likely going to call? What if Samantha Bee texts me about a job? How would I waste hours of my time doing something unnecessary?

The typical cell phone weighs four or five ounces but after a day without my phone, I felt weightless. After two days I could talk to my husband without furtive glances at my phone. After three days, I didn’t miss playing Words with Friends.

Is this what life is supposed to feel like?

I swore when I got my phone back, it wouldn’t control me anymore.

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March 2021 | Page 31

Test your luck with us and we’ll find you a charming home!

Check out some of our office listings Single Family | Under Contract

Single Family | Under Contract

Single Family | Active

Bluffdale | 4652 sq ft $830,000

Kaysville | 2250 sq ft $425,000

West Haven | 1308 sq ft $255,000 | Kathia Bair 801-759-1390

Single Family | Active

Lennon Lane | Active

Riverton | 4700 sq ft $715,000 | Rick Andra 801-678-0555

Midvale | New Construction Finished w/Home: $400k - $600k

Land | Active Herriman | 5 Acres $529,900

W i t h O v e r 5 0 Ye a r s o f E x p e r i e n c e C a l l o r Te x t u s w i t h a n y o f y o u r Real Estate questions.

Sheridyn Cannon 801-450-1495 Sheridyn@TheCannonTeam.com

Gary Cannon 801-573-8282 Gary@TheCannonTeam.com

March 2021 | Vol. 31 Iss. 02

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HALLWAYS OF HOPE

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On Full Cleaning

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

1381 W. Stone Ridge Lane • Riverton

801-254-4840

T

he hallway that leads to the cafeteria at South Hills Middle School has been transformed into a Hallway of Hope, with special skylight covers bringing the bright blue sky inside and colorful paper covering the walls on which students have written things that give them hope.

The yearly appearance of the hallway launches Hope Week.

Members of the Tiger Squad plan the annual Hope Week. This year it is being held Mar. 1-4.

“We just want to promote suicide prevention to all the kids at the school, and to help them know that there's people here for them if they need help,” said Kenna Owens, an eighth grade Tiger Squad member.

School counselor Valerie Ashley is the adviser to Tiger Squad, a group of 29 student leaders who participate in Hope Squad training and suicide prevention.

“It's really great because they're getting these skills and then they're also sharing what they learn with everyone at the school,” Ashley said. “They're really an integrated part of our curriculum for suicide prevention. They plan everything for Hope Week.”

Ashley said this year’s group is very ambitious and motivated. The activities they’ve planned promote coping skills that prevent suicide such as healthy habits, optimism, connection with other people, and focusing on things they enjoy. Students will earn raffle tickets as they participate in a tug-o-war and a show-and-tell session, write positive messages to post around the school, and dress-up according to daily themes. Community businesses have donated prizes—gift cards, bags of chips, cans of pop, coupons for pizza and movie passes—for the raffle winners.

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Members of the Tiger Squad at South Hills Middle School focus on friendship, acceptance and suicide prevention training. (Photo courtesy of Valerie Ashley.)

The Tiger Squad had to find different ways to promote Hope Week without the traditional guest speakers and assemblies because of current public safety restrictions.

“This year is going to be different because of COVID,” said eighth grader Mirra Patterson. “I think it's going to hit a lot of kids differently because of everything that's been Continued page 5

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