South Weber Elementary reflects a school shaped by long-standing relationships, steady leadership, and a strong sense of shared purpose that continues across generations.
Principal Chris Laypath, with a background as a school psychologist and over 20 years of experience, is now in his third year at South Weber. Alongside him, the assistant principal brings 17 years in education, including literacy leadership, and five years in administration, supported by administrative intern Monica Flint. Together, they provide steady, experienced leadership focused on supporting both students and staff.
That sense of continuity is reflected across the school, including in staff like custodian Jaxon Renie, who once attended South Weber as a student and now serves the same school that helped shape him.
Serving approximately 800 students, South Weber functions as a hub school, including programs such as the Northern Utah Autism Program and support for families connected to Hill Air Force Base. With a newer K–2 campus and a main building approaching its 50th year, the school blends growth with long-standing tradition.
The area is stable and multi-generational, with many staff living locally and families returning year after year. Students are supported through aides, volunteers, and targeted programs, while traditions like Narnia Days and reading challenges help build engagement.
From monthly student recognition through Principal MVP Awards to events like the PTA Fall Carnival, South Weber Elementary continues to reflect the strength of a school grounded in consistency, care, and shared purpose.
Thank you for welcoming us to see your efforts in action.
Our visit to Riverdale Elementary began with a simple but meaningful moment, a student named Adam greeting us with a handmade sign and a friendly welcome.
In her fourth year, Principal Jennifer Thomas has led remarkable progress, with reading proficiency increasing up to 72% at grade level. Grounded in the Science of Reading, her leadership has strengthened the learning environment, supported teacher retention, and kept a clear focus on strong instruction. Her investment is generational, influencing both current students and the schools that follow.
Assistant Director Kirt Shalberg, who began his career teaching 6th grade at Riverdale and brings 27 years in education, emphasized that consistent, steady change is key to meaningful progress. His experience across both public and charter settings adds a valuable perspective focused on helping every student grow.
Riverdale’s approach is intentional. Students are taught behavior as a skill, supported through daily trackers, and guided to strengthen areas of need. Academic foundations are reinforced through Handwriting Heroes and cursive instruction across grades K–6.
Connection remains a priority, seen in student activities like a T-shirt design contest and opportunities for 6th graders to engage with local police officers in a game of dodgeball. Even with an aging building (1967) and a growing, landlocked community, the school continues to move forward with strong leadership and community support.
Their focus is aimed in areas of attendance, behavior, and a strong learning environment.
Riverdale Elementary reflects what is possible when leadership, consistency, and community come together with purpose. Thank you for a heart-felt visit.
Innovation, Advocacy, and a School Community That Shows Up
Walk through the campus and you immediately feel it-energy, purpose, and a team that believes deeply in what schools can accomplish when people work together.
Serving 920 students, Central Davis Junior High is guided by Principal Tawna Smith, whose leadership centers on advocacy. She speaks openly about the growing challenges schools face-supporting students learning English, students with disabilities, and ensuring every child is making meaningful progress. Her message is clear: public schools matter, and when gaps exist, schools and communities step forward together to fill them.
Assistant Principal Jake Vockler, in his third year of administration with 26 years in education, brings expertise in special education and student advocacy, while also lifting up the unsung heroes-support staff, parent helpers, and volunteers whose quiet dedication keeps the school running with heart.
Assistant Principal Evette Ashton, now in her fourth year, prioritizes family connection and in-person communication that builds trust and collaboration.
Principal Intern Darren Atkinson adds energy and vision, helping shape continued growth in student opportunity and success.
Inside the school, Student Success Coordinators provide regular student check-ins and goal support. During lunch, students gather in the Cub Hub and outdoor court spaces daily with reminders that culture and connection matter.
Family partnership remains strong, with nearly 80% of families attending the 6th Grade Community Night, reflecting shared commitment to student success.
This administrative team is driven, creative, and student-focused, unafraid to innovate and advocate for education.
And at the heart of it all, teachers. Let’s remember to celebrate them.
Building a Strong School Environment
It was a great day visiting Syracuse Junior High, home to 772 students and a school navigating an exciting season of growth. With recent boundary and demographic changes, SJH is shaping a consistent, supportive environment where students are encouraged to learn, grow, and succeed.
Principal Pat Limas is in her first year at Syracuse Junior High. She is supported by Assistant Principals Mackenzie Loo, now in her third year at SJH, and Neal Porter, serving in his first year. Pat shared her gratitude for learning from fellow administrators and the collaborative support around her.
This year, SJH is strengthening parent-teacher partnerships through a planned Parent University, equipping families to support student success. A new House System has also been introduced to encourage positive interaction and cooperation among students.
Syracuse Junior High is moving forward with purpose, providing structure, support, and opportunity for students to thrive. We are excited to see the future growth of SJH.
It was a joy visiting West Clinton Elementary, home to nearly 600 students and guided by care, purpose, and teamwork under the leadership of Principal Alissa Clark and Administrative Intern Natalie Williams. Their partnership with teachers and staff creates a supportive environment where students are encouraged to succeed.
Alissa’s own journey reflects her passion for literacy. Once a biology student, her path changed after working with children at Weber State, leading her into education and literacy coaching across Ogden, Wasatch, and Clearfield schools. Her guiding belief is simple-success begins with listening.
In the classroom, fifth-grade teacher Christine Warren brings 16 years of experience and a heart of empathy, ensuring students feel supported and capable. Programs like DEEP, guided by Mrs. Brown, remind students they can do hard things.
A love for reading shines through the library’s Read Bowl, inspired by Malcolm Mitchell, former football player turned children’s author and founder of the Read with Malcolm national reading program, showing students that reading can change lives.
West Clinton also supports students through ASC classes, Head Start, and family partnerships to strengthen attendance. Facility Manager Ernest King, known for brightening anyone’s day, keeps the campus running smoothly.
West Clinton Elementary is a place where students grow, teachers are valued, and literacy opens doors to lifelong success. Thank you for a great visit!
Often described by many as a rare gem tucked away in Layton, Crestview Elementary is more than just a school, it is a close-knit community. The moment you walk through the doors, you feel it in the high-fives in the hallways, the welcoming smiles, and the genuine connections between students and staff. Crestview is a place where people belong and students are truly known.
Serving 307 students, along with a Head Start preschool program, Crestview is intentional about meeting students where they are, guided by the belief that status quo doesn’t always fit every learner.
Crestview’s strong focus on early literacy has earned recognition for its kindergarten team and their effective use of the Science of Reading. Mrs. Smith, with 12 years of teaching experience, works closely with Ms. Carroll to build strong foundations for young readers.
The heart of Crestview is seen in its dedicated educators. Ms. Barber has taught second grade at Crestview for 32 years, all in the same school and grade, and librarian Mrs. Hadley supports students beyond the classroom by gifting books at Christmas and sending students home with multiple books at the end of the year.
Principal Whiting makes it a personal goal to learn every student’s name, reinforcing how valued each child is. She spoke highly of a recently retired teacher, Sondra Trillo, for her exemplary heart for teaching and her commitment to using every minute to teach and help students learn. Administrative intern Mark Hyatt, now in his second year, supports the school’s daily work.
Community connections continue to make an impact, including a playground improvement project led by the Layton High School Student Council.
Crestview Elementary is a place where students are known, supported, and cared for. Thank you to Principal Whiting, the staff, and the students for such a warm and welcoming visit, it was a joy to experience the heart of Crestview.
Roy Elementary Spotlight
Principal Angie Snowden leads Roy Elementary with heart and understanding. Having grown up in Title I schools and spent her entire career serving them, she brings a genuine relatability to students and families. Now in her second year at Roy Elementary, her life experiences help shape a culture where every child feels seen and supported.
Through partnerships with Catholic Community Services and the Young Kind Cares app, Roy Elementary ensures students’ needs are met with dignity and care. As a Leader in Me Lighthouse School, the campus continues to grow leaders while working toward becoming a Purple Star School in support of military-connected families.
A strong emphasis on attendance encourages students to show up and shine, with joyful incentives and celebrations that build community. Creative efforts from the lunch team further strengthen connections through cooking lessons, shared meals, and bake sales that bring families together.
Thank you to Principal Snowden and the Roy Elementary staff for leading with compassion and creating a school community where students thrive
Horizon Junior High | Power • Explore • Rise • Succeed
It was a great day visiting Horizon Junior High, a new school that opened this year in West Point, built with intention and heart. With 830 students on a campus designed for 1,600, Horizon is uniquely positioned to invest meaningful time, care, and attention into every student.
In his first year as principal, Brett Simms is focused on building a culture where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to thrive. Alongside Assistant Principals Brad Wojciechowski and Jessika Christensen, the leadership team is committed to student success both academically and personally.
One way this commitment comes to life is through Horizon’s Durable Duck Skills. Principal Simms shared that while he knew skills mattered, he wanted an intentional way to teach them. A teacher-led team helped establish these monthly focus skills, with about 15 minutes each day in every class dedicated to reinforcing and embedding them directly into instruction.
Students are also encouraged to grow through engaging programs and experiences. Tyler Twogood, Fine Arts Teacher, helps students build confidence and expression through music, while opportunities like Catalyst, DTC, and SHETECH prepare students for future pathways and expand access, especially for girls in STEM.
School spirit and leadership are central to campus life. The duck mascot is creatively woven throughout traditions like Duck the Halls, Duck’e Sports, the Duck Pond student section, and the Pond Shop. Students also recently demonstrated service in action by raising $4,000 toward a $5,000 goal for Hill Air Force Base’s Airman’s Attic through a Dash for Cash competition.
Above all, Horizon Junior High is a place where staff and teachers consistently advocate for students, every single day.
Layton High - Growing Strong
Layton High School continues to build on a proud legacy while moving students forward. With 24 years in education, including 10 years as a principal and 4 years at LHS, Principal Jack Brockman’s leadership is reflected in rising ACT scores and subject proficiency over the past four years.
Serving over 2,200 students, the administrative team-three assistant principals, one intern, and dedicated support staff-creates a strong system of care and accountability.
Built in 1965, Layton High continues to evolve with renovated spaces including: a sewing lab, small theater, and choir and band areas, along with programs that support students with significant disabilities.
School pride runs deep, from a nearly 30-year baseball coach to wrestling athletes earning five Division I offers.
Thank you to Layton High for the warm welcome and continued commitment to student success.
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