Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the incredible women in our district who inspire us every day. Today, we are proud to spotlight Elizabeth Jensen, an Administrative Intern at King Elementary School.
Jensen's inspiration comes from the women in her family, especially her maternal grandmother and mother. Her grandmother, born in 1901, broke barriers by becoming a nurse despite facing ostracization from her family. Jensen's mother, a pioneering woman in law, graduated from the University of Utah’s law school in the 1960s and was one of only two women in her class. She went on to break more barriers as the 46th woman in Utah to pass the bar exam and the 23rd in Nevada.
“My mother taught me that women are capable of incredible things and that we should never limit ourselves based on others' expectations," Jensen said.
Jensen's journey wasn’t without challenges. She faced self-doubt in her academic abilities, even as an adult.
“I often wondered if I was capable of academic success,” she said. “But I realized that my drive and willingness to work through my weaknesses were enough to achieve my goals."
Being a woman in education leadership means a lot to Jensen.
“I want to show students that women are strong, kind and capable of anything we choose,” she said. “Our ability to lead was historically not seen, but stepping out of the shadows sets an example for the next generation of leaders.”
Jensen is passionate about empowering others to reach their full potential.
“I work to grow my people, to see leadership and potential in them that they may not see in themselves,” she shared. “I encourage and support others, especially women, in pursuing advancements in their careers.”
Her advice to young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps is clear.
“We need you," Jensen said. "This world needs the strength and courage of young women who are willing to work towards bettering the lives of children. Don’t be afraid to lead because we need amazing women like you.”
#WomensHistoryMonth #DavisSchoolDistrict #WomenInEducation #Leadership #EmpoweringWomen #Every1DSD
Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re honoring the incredible women in our district who inspire us every day. Today, we are proud to spotlight Erin Thayer, Office Manager at Morgan Elementary.
Thayer's journey has been shaped by strong women who have inspired her along the way.
“My grandmother taught me about perseverance, optimism and charity, while my mom showed me the value of hard work and independence,” Thayer shared. “I’ve learned from all the women in my life, and I try to implement their lessons in my daily work.”
Returning to the workforce after staying home with her children was one of Erin’s biggest challenges.
“Balancing home life and work was difficult at first, but giving myself grace and putting things into perspective has helped me manage it all,” she said. “It’s about prioritizing what’s truly important.”
Thayer values the relationships she’s been able to build at Morgan Elementary.
“Working in education has allowed me to see things from many different perspectives,” Thayer explained. “I’m proud to be able to advocate for others and make a positive impact on our students, staff and community.”
Her advice to others pursuing a career in education is simple yet powerful.
“Always strive to be your best, never stop learning, and treat everyone with kindness and respect.”
#WomensHistoryMonth #DavisSchoolDistrict #WomenInEducation #Empowerment #InspiringWomen #Every1DSD
March is Music in Our Schools Month. We’re proud to celebrate the power of music in shaping creativity, discipline and collaboration among our students. From band to choir to orchestra, our talented students and dedicated teachers make music come alive in every classroom.
It’s finally here—Spring Break!
Just a reminder that there will be no school from March 31 to April 4.
Take this time to relax, recharge and enjoy some well-deserved fun.
We hope you come back refreshed and ready to finish the school year strong.
#SpringBreak2025 #DavisSchoolDistrict #RechargeAndRelax #SeeYouSoon
Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re honoring the incredible women in our district who inspire us every day. Today, we’re excited to spotlight Rachel Wright, a 3rd-grade teacher at Orchard Elementary.
Wright has been influenced by strong women in her family and career, from her mother and grandmothers to female educators.
“From a young age, I was surrounded by women who spoke out against injustice,” Wright said. “They taught me to take risks, build bridges and have tough conversations.”
As an educator, Rachel aims to balance resilience, confidence and empathy in the classroom.
“I want my students to know their experiences matter,” she said. “Education extends beyond the classroom, and they have opportunities to learn through a variety of experiences.”
Rachel also works to amplify the voices of fellow educators, advocating for policies that promote diversity and equity in education. With a background in politics, she’s been able to use her platform to support public education and push for change. Wright's advice to young women pursuing education is inspiring.
“Stay informed, get involved and never downplay your expertise. You’re the true expert in your classroom—lead with confidence and speak up.”
#WomensHistoryMonth #DavisSchoolDistrict #WomenInEducation #InspiringWomen #Every1DSD #Empowerment #Advocacy #LeadWithConfidence
Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re honoring the incredible women in our district who inspire us every day. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Amy Barker, a third-grade teacher at Hill Field Elementary.
“The moms in my life have had the biggest impact on my life and career,” Barker shared. “My mom inspired me to go back to school later in life while raising my children, and my mother-in-law encouraged me to keep going when I felt frustrated with the obstacles I faced in my education. She reminded me that once I earned my degree, no one could take it away.”
Barker’s journey to earning her degree was filled with challenges, including balancing family life and schoolwork.
“I wasn’t a highly motivated student when I was younger,” she said. “But as a mother, I wanted to prove to myself and set a good example for my children that I was capable. I took online classes, evening classes and day classes while my kids were in school, determined to finish what I had started.”
Being a woman in education holds a special place in Barker’s heart, as she sees the importance of role modeling for her students.
“As a teacher, I aim to inspire my students, both boys and girls, to be their best selves,” she explained. “I want them to make wise decisions so they can succeed in whatever future endeavors they choose.”
Her advice for young women considering a career in education is simple but impactful.
“Always do your best at whatever you choose to do in life,” she said. “Life can be hard, but it’s also rewarding. Love others, serve others and most of all, ‘Make Happy Happen!’”
#WomensHistoryMonth #DavisSchoolDistrict #WomenInEducation #Empowerment #InspiringWomen #Every1DSD
Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re honoring the incredible women in our district who inspire us every day. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Mikell Wilcox, a Foods, Child Development and Interior Design teacher at Mueller Park Junior High, who also helps lead the cheer team.
Wilcox credits her mother as the most influential woman in her life and career.
“Growing up, she always taught me how important it is to love everyone and never judge them." Wilcox shared. "That lesson has shaped how I care for each and every student I teach.”
Wilcox’s experiences in junior high and high school were challenging, as she struggled to connect with her peers and often felt isolated. She reflected,
“I didn’t enjoy most of my school years. But once I went to college, I decided I wanted to go into education so I could help other kids never feel the way I did. I want my students to know they aren’t alone in their struggles, and I’m looking out for them.”
To Wilcox, being a woman in education means more than just teaching—it’s about empowering others.
“To me, being a woman in education means using my voice to uplift and inspire others, and to help students see their potential, especially when they can’t see it themselves," Wilcox said.
Wilcox also believes in the importance of supporting and celebrating other women.
“The best way to empower other women is to support them, celebrate them and encourage them. We all need each other," she said.
Wilcox encourages collaboration and mutual support among women, which she believes is essential to success and growth.
“Believe in yourself. Your perspective and opinions are important, and if you believe in yourself, you will do amazing things.”
Morgan Elementary goes under the sea for their production of The Little Mermaid.
Congratulations to our talented students at Morgan Elementary for their amazing performance of The Little Mermaid.
With Shine Performing Arts, students rehearsed every morning for two months, culminating in three performances for each cast and an assembly in front of their peers.
A big thank you to all the students, staff and parents who made this production a success.
#MorganElementary #LittleMermaid #ShinePerformingArts #Every1DSD #DavisSchoolDistrict
What an amazing day we had last week as Davis School District rocked their socks and celebrated World Down Syndrome Day!
From students to teachers, everyone was all in with their mismatched socks, spreading joy, raising awareness and showing support for our friends with Down syndrome.
It was so much fun seeing all of the creative sock combos! Check out just a few of the incredible photos and videos that came in throughout the day!
Tomorrow is an important day—it's time for the ACT.
We know you’ve been preparing, and now it’s your moment to shine.
As you get ready, remember to check your school's schedule or website for all the details about the test. Since each school’s schedule might look a little different, make sure you're all set.
You’ve got this, Davis School District juniors!
#ACTReady #TestDay #YouCanDoIt #DavisSchoolDistrict #Every1DSD
Throughout Women's History Month, we're honoring the incredible women in our district who inspire us every day. Today, we are excited to highlight Vanessa Garcia, an office assistant, interpreter and translator at Layton Elementary, whose journey exemplified resilience and determination.
“All the women in my family have had a big impact on me,” Garcia said. “My mother, especially, showed me the strength and courage it takes to start over in a new country. We left everything behind when we came to the U.S. from Venezuela, and my mother worked multiple jobs to provide for us.”
Garcia’s journey to the United States was filled with challenges, but her unwavering determination drove her to succeed.
“Coming to the U.S. was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” Garcia shared. “I had to go to college to learn English while working full-time to pay rent. Life was very hard for several years, but I pushed through, and within a year, I was speaking English. I even decided to go back to school to pursue a degree in Education.”
Her experiences have fueled her passion to help others, especially women, realize their dreams.
“I believe power is knowledge,” Garcia said. “By working in education, I have the opportunity to shape lives and make a real impact. That’s why I’m pursuing my degree—so I can help my community and other women who share the same dream of becoming a teacher.”
Her advice to young women following their dreams is simple but empowering.
“Never give up on your dream,” she said. “It’s possible to achieve it! With desire, willpower, and the right steps, you can conquer every challenge that comes your way.”
Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the incredible women in our district who inspire us daily. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Patricia Madden, a Spanish and ELD teacher at Bountiful Junior High.
"My mother had the biggest impact on my life," Madden said. "She didn’t have the chance to get an education, but she did her best to teach me. Even though it was hard for her, she always encouraged me to learn. Her sacrifices showed me the value of education and shaped who I am today."
Madden's journey has not been without its challenges. Growing up in Brazil in the 1980s, public schools were often closed due to strikes, sometimes for months at a time. With limited resources, Madden spent hours studying on her own with old encyclopedias, determined not to fall behind.
"When I moved to the U.S. 27 years ago to pursue my dream of higher education, college was a challenge, especially learning a new language. I struggled to understand lectures and keep up with assignments, but I didn’t let that stop me," she recalled. "I kept pushing forward and worked hard to overcome the obstacles."
Now, Madden is facing another challenge—balancing her pursuit of a Ph.D. while raising three children, including her five-year-old son with autism.
"Being a woman in education means showing that anything is possible with hard work and determination," Madden said. "I know how important it is to have someone believe in you, so I try to be that person for my students."
Her advice to young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps is simple:
"Believe in yourself and don’t let fear stop you."
#WomensHistoryMonth #DavisSchoolDistrict #WomenInEducation #Empowerment #InspiringWomen #Every1DSD
Today’s the day! Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day! 🧦💙 Show your support by wearing colorful, mismatched socks and help spread awareness! Don’t forget to share your photos with us on our socials!
Each month, a select group of students are invited to an event called Soup with the Supe. These students, nominated by their principals, are recognized for their outstanding contributions and positive impact on their respective schools.
Congratulations to the March honorees! Your dedication and commitment to excellence make you true representatives of our district. We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments.
Did you know?
Tomorrow is World Down Syndrome Day, and this date is significant because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. In honor of this, we celebrate by Rocking Our Socks!
Don't forget to wear bright, mismatched socks to show your support!
Don’t forget to send us your photos of students rocking their socks so we can share them on our stories!
#RockYourSocks #WorldDownSyndromeDay #DavisSchoolDistrict
Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day is in just 2 days! Get ready to wear your brightest, most mismatched socks this Friday, March 21. Let’s spread awareness and celebrate.
Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the incredible women in our district who inspire us every day. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Tracie Garritson, a school counselor at Vae View Elementary.
Garritson's greatest influences were her grandmother, Shirley, and her great-grandmother, Clara.
“They taught me to be honest, kind, and to never take shortcuts,” she shared. “They showed me how to overcome obstacles and care for others, no matter what.”
Raised in poverty in rural Maine, Tracie knew education was her path to a better life. After being widowed at 28 with four young daughters, she worked three jobs and earned her Master’s in School Counseling. Despite facing ongoing challenges, including raising children with chronic illness and overcoming her own surgeries, Tracie remains an inspiration.
“Being a woman in education means leading by example,” Garritson said. “You can overcome anything and create the life you want. Everyone is deserving of love, happiness and the opportunity to learn.”
Tracie’s advice to young women pursuing education or leadership is simple.
“Believe you deserve good things in life. Decide what you stand for, and when challenges come, fall back on those decisions.”
#WomensHistoryMonth #DavisSchoolDistrict #WomenInEducation #Empowerment #InspiringWomen #Every1DSD
Students from South Davis Junior High's DEEP 7th grade program recently had the opportunity to visit the Utah State Capitol for an enriching experience during the Utah Women Making History Day Event.
The event celebrated the remarkable contributions of women throughout Utah’s history, with interactive displays honoring trailblazers like Alice Merrill Horne, Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon and Seraph Young. These hands-on exhibits deepened students' understanding of how women shaped the state’s past.
In addition to exploring the displays, the students had a front-row seat to the legislative process, witnessing live sessions in action and gaining valuable insights into civic engagement. The day concluded with a special tour of the Capitol and an inspiring meeting with House Representative Melissa Ballard, a proud former Spartan! Rep. Ballard shared her work in public service, encouraging students to stay involved and make a difference.
#SouthDavisJrHigh #DEEPProgram #CivicEngagement #WomenMakingHistory #UtahStateCapitol #FutureLeaders #Every1DSD
Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re honoring the incredible women in our district who inspire us every day. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Nikki van Dijk, a first-grade teacher at Odyssey Elementary.
“I have been fortunate to work alongside incredible women who lift each other up and support one another." Van Dijk said. "I see this same resilience in my students every day,”
Van Dijk's journey to teaching in the United States wasn’t easy.
“As an immigrant, it took me two years before I was legally allowed to move to the U.S.,” she recalled. “When I finally arrived, it took 10 months for my teaching license to transfer. But after all the challenges, I’m grateful to be part of the teaching community in Utah. Teaching truly is the best job out there!”
Her experience teaching abroad, including in refugee camps in Greece and in the slums of India, has profoundly shaped her approach to education.
“The women I worked with in Greece showed me incredible resilience, kindness and hope,” Van Dijk said. “I hope I show my students some of those same qualities through my daily teaching.”
To young women aspiring to become educators or leaders, van Dijk's advice is clear.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help, learn from others and be open to teaching experiences that take you outside your comfort zone. It builds character and broadens your perspective.”
Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re honoring the incredible women in our district who inspire us every day. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Jennifer Robinson, a 7th-grade Honors Science and 8th-grade U.S. History teacher at Shoreline Junior High.
“I became an educator because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of students,” Robinson said. “Being a woman in education allows me to create a supportive, engaging classroom where students feel valued and capable of success.”
In her 20 years of teaching, Robinson has faced numerous challenges but has always been committed to helping students succeed. One of her most meaningful moments came when she reached a student who had been struggling with all of his teachers.
“I made a promise to myself that I would break through to him with kindness, no matter how difficult it was,” Robinson recalled. “At Christmas, he gave me a hand-drawn card thanking me for being his teacher. That moment reminded me of why I teach—to make every student feel seen and valued.”
Robinson's passion for teaching and dedication to her students extends beyond the classroom. She understands the importance of balancing work and life, and she believes that being a woman in education has taught her valuable lessons about self-acceptance and growth.
“I care deeply about my students and my colleagues,” Robinson said. “While it can be challenging, I know that I am enough. I teach because I love my students with my whole heart, and I want them to know they are capable and worthy.”
Robinson empowers other women in her community by simply being present, offering support and sharing both her struggles and successes. She believes in the strength of collaboration and the power of creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
“I want to remind young women in education that it’s not easy, but you are the teacher, and you know what is best for your students,” Robinson advised. “Stay positive, surround yourself with support and remember that you are smart, blessed, loved and capable of anything.”
#WomensHistoryMonth #DavisSchoolDistrict #WomenInEducation #InspiringWomen #Every1DSD #SupportAndEmpowerment
