June 2019 | Vol. 29 Iss. 06
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RIVERTON HIGH PRINCIPAL
50 count box! American Heritage School 11100 S. Redwood Rd., S. Jordan
WINS HUNTSMAN EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD
15
or 3 for
40
$
Saturday, June 15 • 8:30AM -3PM
By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
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arolyn Gough, principal of Riverton High School, has been awarded a Huntsman Excellence in Education Award. “Whether it is leading teacher development, mentoring new administrators, dressing as the Sylvester (the school mascot), performing some awesome guitar moves during an assembly, observing a teacher or the countless other duties she performs, Carolyn Gough’s influence and hard work make Riverton High School a phenomenal place to learn and to teach,” wrote RHS teacher Melissa Brown on the nomination application. English teacher Claudette Rush said Gough has transformed the educational culture and academic philosophy of the school with her focus on developing learning-driven, community-oriented, future-focused and service-minded students and faculty. “I feel very passionate about student learning and about accountability—holding ourselves accountable for making sure that students are learning,” said Gough. Gough believes every kid can learn despite their home environment, their language ability or their cognitive ability. Each Wednesday, administrators, counselors and teachers meet to create the “Wednesday List.” They identify students who have additional concerns beyond the classroom and discuss specific ways the faculty can support them. “Receiving the ‘Wednesday List’ is another reminder that my realm of influence extends beyond my classroom,” said Brown, who teaches math. “It reminds me that we are a community of caring teachers and that many of our students are struggling with difficulties that are far more pressing than academics. This awareness of these students helps me be a more sensitive and effective teacher.” Gough has also created a behavior committee tasked with identifying and working with students with behavior prob-
Principal Carolyn Gough can’t help but stand and sing when she hears the Riverton High School fight song. (Photo courtesy Carolyn Gough)
lems. These select faculty members provide the role of a caring adult at school who is not just focused on grades but who will attend the student’s activities and performances—which Gough feels are an important part of students’ lives. As a former teacher and coach, Gough knows the importance of extracurricular activities, which she said sometimes take up 60 percent of her time. “It’s a huge motivation for a lot of kids,” she said. “It’s where they get their sense of identity, and it’s where a school gets its sense of pride and a lot of community and culture.
Kids aren’t interested in learning if they’re not interested in being here.” Jumping up and down with students at a football game or attending a school group performance helps Gough connect with students. “Especially as the principal of a large high school, it’s easy to become distant from kids,” she said. “You’re not working with them every day in the classroom, so you have to be with them. You have to be out and about and visible at the activities.” Continued Page 5
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Students groomed for STEM jobs of the future
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