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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