April 2012
UVU Field Trip
by david.thacker | Tue, 04/24/2012 - 13:40
April 19, 2012- 35 students from Spanish Fork Junior High had the opportunity to go to the new Utah Valley University Science building the day before it was open to the public. This building is 160,000 square feet and has many different classes for students to take in college. The new building has its own uniqueness in architecture throughout the building. There are rooms for students to study in with groups, relax and do homework, and rooms to experiment. These 35 students went through 9 rooms, each a different subject of science and each room showed something cool about the different subjects at UVU.
Some of the rooms at the new UVU Science Building were hands-on experiments where the students greenhouse rooms with glass walls so students are able to study and grow plants. This building is a great way for students to learn about what they love in science and will be a great building to add to UVU. After 10 years of planning and building, this science building will be a great asset for the sciences and future science students that will attend UVU.
The University was very generous to our students. The students were given t-shirts, free ice cream vouchers at the campus and a couple of tickets to the Owls baseball game. They also gave away items at most of the labs that they went to. Some of the items were DNA kits from the genetics lab and tubes of tooth paste from the dental hygiene lab.
It was a great day and full of enthusiasm about science.
April Teacher of the Month: Jesse Roberts
by david.thacker | Sat, 04/21/2012 - 11:12
RobertsPop Quiz: Who spends his days teaching Social Studies at SFJHS and his nights coaching basketball at Spanish Fork High? Who never gets to see his wife and children during the summer break because he is fighting fires in the Western USA? Who spent two years in West Africa and had to be air lifted by marines to safety when rebels attacked during a civil war? If you answered Jesse Roberts, you get five bonus points!
Jesse Roberts is truly the Renaissance Man of Spanish Fork Junior High. He has survived in Africa, is well-read, a fire fighter, a coach, a teacher, an amazing father, a devoted husband, serves his church, and is a trusted friend and colleague to all those who know him.
Mr. LeMmon’s son was fortunate to have Mr. Roberts and recalls him as one of his favorite teachers because he knew that Mr. Roberts truly wanted him to succeed in class. He said that Mr. Roberts is one of the nicest teachers he has had and he knew that he would always go out of his way to help him. As a parent, Mr. LeMmon valued and appreciated Mr. Roberts’ efforts on his son’s behalf. As he watched him take an interest in his son’s success and motivate him to want to learn more each day he came to firmly believe that Mr. Roberts has a passion for what he teaches, is genuinely interested in his students, and wants every one of his students to be successful in his class.
Mr. Roberts has been the fearless leader of the Social Studies Department for so long he should have an endowment established in his honor. He has been invaluable to his colleagues and to coaches in Nebo District. He is an amazing role model for our students. He is a class act.
Salem Jr. High Community Council
by david.thacker | Wed, 04/18/2012 - 18:49"A Message for Parents of Salem Junior High School Students: Salem Junior High School is holding school community council nominations and elections for parent members. We would appreciate your help by nominating and voting for parents who would like to make a difference in our school by working on the school improvement plan, helping to allocate School Land Trust money, and implementing school level policies directly affecting students. The nominations for the elections will be held on Monday, April 23rd-Friday, April 27th in your student's current school main office. The final voting elections will then be held the following week on Wednesday, May 2nd through Friday May 4th, also in the main office."
Film Camp
by david.thacker | Sat, 04/14/2012 - 09:53
Flyer.jpgThis summer Maple Mountain High School, along with Backlot Studios, will be hosting a film camp for 11-16 year olds that covers basic video production. Each kid will work with a small group and a member of our staff to create, shoot, and edit their own movies. It is an awesome opportunity for young filmmakers to gain hands-on experience, or for kids who just want to do something unique, make friends, and have a good time.
The camp is directed by BYU graduate Amber Lewis (the video production teacher at Maple Mountain High School) and focuses on learning the basics of camera work, lighting, sound, and video editing; not to mention spending time in front of the camera as actors. By the end of the camp you will have the skills necessary to create exceptional films, and a great understanding of the industry.
Check out our website at www.backlotfilmcamp.com to register or to learn more about the camp!
Cinderella!!!
by david.thacker | Fri, 04/06/2012 - 13:47
Twenty-Seven Dresses...and Counting
Spanish Fork Junior High’s spring production of Cinderella featured the singing talents of Katrina Ashment, Sariah Lee, Madeline Stocks, and Joey Shearer, humorous slapstick exchanges between Elizabeth Mitchell, Holly Leavitt, and Kenny VanAusdal, a regal rapport between Jaden Jensen and Erica Gebert, and the enthusiasm of an incredible chorus which included nearly thirty young singers and dancers. However, this particular rendition of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical also featured the talents of a devoted teacher who spent countless hours sewing intricate ball gowns, gold-embroidered jackets, and a myriad of simple dresses just so the show could go on. Miss Holley admits that her obsession for “pretty things” drove her to make and alter more than twenty-seven of the dresses used in the Cinderella performance. “I think people would have a heart attack if they knew how much of my own time (and money) I invest,” Holley admitted when happily reflecting on the show’s success.
For more than fifteen years, Kris Holley has been inspiring her students as she leads by example, giving her all to every performance. Whether she is spending an entire Saturday creating an exquisite gown, or staying at the school well into the wee hours to ensure the backdrop is “just right,” Holley instills confidence in both cast and crew as they experience with her, a job well done. This was evident to anyone who enjoyed this year’s Cinderella musical. It was a feast for the eyes and music to the ears for all who were lucky enough to attend.
Thanks to all of the students, teachers, and family members who supported this amazing production. And a special thanks to Mr. Ferrin and the wonderful tech crew who provided the behind-the-scenes magic!
