Meet Chris Carpenter, the District Coordinator for the Office of Equal Opportunity, whose dedication to creating a supportive environment continues to make a lasting impact.
"A major turning point in my life was when I worked as a peer tutor in school,"Carpenter said. "That experience sparked a deep passion for education and showed me the impact that individualized support and encouragement could have on students."
Carpenter broke barriers and paved the way for future generations in his family to pursue careers in education and leadership.
"One of the biggest challenges I faced was being severely dyslexic. Throughout my education, I had to work twice as hard as my peers just to keep up. Despite the obstacles, I stayed motivated by reminding myself of my purpose: to help students who, like me, have challenges but still deserve to succeed," Carpenter said.
One of the most meaningful moments in Carpenter’s career came when he mentored a student who shared his experience of being adopted into a family of a different race.
"Being able to share my own experiences, listen to theirs and help them feel understood was incredibly meaningful. Those moments remind me why representation matters and why it’s so important for students to see and connect with educators who understand their lived experiences," Carpenter explained.
Today is International Day of Women and Girls in Science! 🌟 Let’s celebrate the incredible contributions of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
It’s Love the Bus Month and we’re celebrating the amazing work of our Davis School District Transportation team!
They work tirelessly to get our students to school safely every day. From behind the wheel to maintaining our fleet, they’re making a difference in every mile they drive.
Join us in celebrating International Childhood Cancer Day!
This year, we invite everyone in Davis School District to wear yellow on Thursday, February 13, in honor of all the brave children and families who have faced or are currently fighting childhood cancer. While the official day falls on Saturday, February 15, we’ve chosen to observe this important cause together on Thursday when we’re all in school. 💛✨
Send us your photos of students, faculty, and staff rocking yellow, and we’ll feature them throughout the day on our stories! Use this as an opportunity to engage with your community and raise awareness.
Together, we are stronger!
đź’Ş #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #WearYellow #DavisSchoolDistrict #GoGold
Meet Alyssa Jenks, the inspiring choir teacher at Mueller Park Junior High. Jenks journey to becoming an educator was shaped by her deep passion for music and a desire to continue her work during challenging times.
“Before teaching, I was singing and teaching private voice lessons. But when COVID-19 hit and performing for audiences was out of the question, I knew I wanted to continue working in music in a safe way,” Jenks said. “Teaching choir made the most sense to me. I figured I would teach for a couple of years, but now I’m in my 5th year and can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
Jenks is the first choir teacher in her family, and she embraces that role with enthusiasm and pride. Her diverse travels to Africa, Europe and South America have led her to focus on exposing her students to music from different cultures.
“I have learned about different cultures and the way people live, and I find it important that my students are aware of all the wonder around us, whether it’s near or far. There are so many different types of music, and I’ve brought that back to Mueller Park, which has been fun for my kiddos,” Jenks said.
For Jenks, teaching goes beyond the classroom. She sees her role as vital in shaping the future and guiding young minds.
“I am so grateful that this is where I have been led. Educating our youth is so important. It doesn’t mean it’s easy, but it’s wonderful,” Jenks said. “They need us, and we need them. This profession teaches us patience, love and kindness, which are attributes that can sometimes be lacking in our society.”
What an amazing experience for our students who participated in the Junior High State Honor Choir! Bountiful, Centennial, Central Davis, Fairfield, Farmington, Kaysville, Legacy, North Davis, North Layton, Shoreline, South Davis, Sunset, Syracuse and West Point Junior High schools were selected to represent their schools.
After receiving the music and rehearsing independently outside of class, these talented singers came together on Friday, January 24, in Orem to rehearse with other honor choir members for the first time. Under the direction of special guest conductor Tom Shelton from Rider University, they spent two incredible days working together and perfecting their performance.
The experience culminated with a concert at Abravanel Hall, where their families and friends were able to enjoy the powerful music they created. It’s not every day you get to sing alongside hundreds of other talented voices!
What a remarkable accomplishment for these students and their choir directors!
#JuniorHighHonorChoir #MusicInOurSchools #StudentAchievement
Happy National School Counseling Week! We’re celebrating the amazing counselors in Davis School District who support our students from elementary through to high school. Your dedication makes a world of difference.
Thank you for all you do!
Farmington High National Honor Society and debate team students recently toured the Utah State Capitol during the legislative session. The visit gave students the chance to explore the historic building and learn about the legislative process up close.
It was a memorable experience that provided students with a deeper understanding of government operations and the role they can play in their communities.
The Davis High School D'Ettes took third place in 6A Drill at the State Championships!
The Darts showed impressive skill and determination. We're incredibly proud of their success.
Viewmont High School Vykelles secured second place in 5A Drill at the State Championships!
The Vikings have proven their excellence, and we’re so proud of their incredible achievement.
The Farmington High School Nixelles are the 6A Drill State Champions!
The Phoenix soared to first place with unforgettable performances.
Congratulations on this well-earned victory.
The Bountiful High School Mandonelles are 5A Drill State Champions!
With precision and teamwork, the Redhawks earned first place.
We’re beyond proud of their hard work and dedication!
Throughout Black History Month, we’re celebrating the heroes right here in Davis School District, like teachers and staff who work tirelessly every day to make our schools a place of learning, growth and inspiration.
Meet Jayliyah Weir, a first grade teacher at Doxey Elementary, whose path to education was anything but ordinary. Her senior year internship opened her eyes to the fulfillment she was seeking—by working with children.
“I realized an office job wouldn’t provide the fulfillment I was looking for,” Weir shared.
While Weir was the first educator in a family of accountants and entrepreneurs, her decision to pursue teaching wasn’t always an easy one. “It was a bit of a surprise to my family,” she said. Despite the initial hesitations, Weir found a deep passion for education that led her to become a teacher.
“Teaching is more than a profession—it is a calling,” she said, a sentiment that has fueled her through the challenges she’s faced along the way.
One of the most meaningful moments of her career came when she taught her class about Kwanzaa. The students were excited to create their own kinara and learn about the seven principles.
"One student's parents shared that the lesson had inspired them to resume celebrating Kwanzaa after many years," Weir recalled. It’s stories like these that remind her of the lasting impact a teacher can have—not just in the classroom, but in students’ homes and communities.
Weir hopes that her journey will inspire future generations of educators and students.
“I hope they learn the value of perseverance, passion and purpose,” she said. Her message to her students and peers: “Teaching requires dedication, resilience and a deep belief in the power of education.”
In a heartwarming display of unity and sportsmanship, Kaysville Junior High students and parents came together to support the head coach of Shoreline Junior High School's basketball team during a recent rivalry game. The coach, Bryson Riddle, is the father of 11-year-old Brantley Riddle, who has been battling severe epilepsy. To show their solidarity, Kaysville fans wore Shoreline's color, blue, to the game.
Despite challenges, Brantley remains a fighter, surrounded by the love and support of his family, friends and community. His parents, Bryson and Tia, have been tirelessly caring for him, facing immense burdens. The community's support during the basketball game was a testament to their solidarity and compassion.
Shoreline Junior High Principal TJ Barker expressed his gratitude for the gesture, noting that although Kaysville won the hard-fought game and remained undefeated, the true victory was in the display of kindness and unity. "I have never been so happy after a loss," Barker said. "The sting was not there due to the remarkably kind gesture of the opposing team."
The Kaysville coach echoed this sentiment, telling her team that the support for Brantley and his family was "much bigger than basketball." The gesture was a refreshing reminder of the power of community and sportsmanship, showing that even in rivalry, compassion can prevail.
🎤✨ Celebrating the art of storytelling! Students across the district showcased their creativity and unique voices at the District Storytelling Festival. With 40 talented participants from Kaysville, Columbia, Mountain View, Woods Cross and Ellison Park elementaries, the event highlighted the power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and communicate. The top 27 students are now heading to the Weber State Storytelling Festival this February! 🌟
#Storytelling #DistrictFestival #StudentVoices #WeberStateStorytelling
Foxboro Elementary recently had the privilege of hosting Terry Goedel, a Yakama Native American and hoop dancer with over 50 years of experience sharing his culture. Goedel's visit gave students the chance to learn about hoop dancing and the significance of the hoop itself.
“The hoop represents the circle of life. When we find our place in that circle, we become a part of something bigger, something beautiful,” Goedel explained during his visit.
Throughout his career, Goedel has traveled the world, from the Great Wall of China to New Zealand, inspiring others to embrace their cultural heritage. His message to students was clear: "When they find out who they are, their heritage, it doesn’t matter where they come from, everyone has something unique to offer."
Foxboro Elementary holds cultural celebration assemblies each month to help students celebrate cultures and traditions.
#CulturalPride #HoopDancing #NativeAmericanHeritage
Northridge High alumna Brianna Heim recently visited Mrs. Johnson’s 5th grade class at Kay’s Creek Elementary, where students are currently reading "Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper. Brianna, an aspiring actress who has faced significant physical challenges due to a rare metabolic disorder, shared her powerful story of perseverance and determination in the pursuit of her dreams in Hollywood.
Despite her condition, which affects her motor skills and speech, Brianna has never let anything hold her back. She’s been involved in several movies, commercials, a music video and even participated in fashion shows. Recently, her inspiring life story was featured in the documentary "Wheelpower", which won Best Documentary Short at the 2025 Utah Film Festival.
Brianna spoke to the students about the challenges she’s faced, how she’s continued to push forward and how important it is to support and encourage others along the way. She also shared her aspirations to continue her acting career and inspire others with her journey.
Her visit left the students feeling motivated and empowered, helping them better understand the lessons from "Out of My Mind."
Northridge Cheer Earns 3rd Place!
Big shoutout to the Northridge Cheer team for securing 3rd place in the 5A Competitive Cheer Co-Ed Overall Division! These Knights showed incredible teamwork and spirit, and we’re so proud of what they’ve accomplished. Go Knights!
#NorthridgeCheer #3rdPlace #KnightsPride #CompetitiveCheer #GoKnights
Davis High Cheer Takes 3rd Place!
Huge congratulations to the Davis High Cheer team for taking 3rd place in the 6A Competitive Cheer All-Girl Overall Division! Their dedication and determination really shined through, and we couldn’t be more proud of their hard work paying off. Go Darts!
#DavisCheer #3rdPlace #DavisHigh #GoDarts #Cheerleaders #DartPride
Woods Cross Cheer Wins 2nd Place!
A huge round of applause for the Woods Cross Cheer team for earning 2nd place in the 5A Competitive Cheer All-Girl Overall Division! Their hard work and dedication paid off, and we’re so proud of these Wildcats. Go Wildcats!
#WoodsCrossCheer #2ndPlace #WildcatPride #CompetitiveCheer #GoWildcats
