Iron County School District

'Tis the season of giving. Schools have been busy with service projects and other activities to help those students who need it the most. Canyon View High FCCLA put together a schoolwide coat drive. Their efforts gathered 21 child-sized items, eight men's winter items, 17 women's winter items, five blankets, 19 men’s clothing items and five women’s clothing items. The honors society at Canyon View Middle School conducted a food drive. Each class took up collections in a competition to see who could collect the most. The food drive yielded three carloads full of donations of non-perishable items. The donations went to the district pantry which helps students in need. At East Elementary, student ambassadors issued a Christmas Cheer Challenge and encouraged classes to create holiday cards to bring cheer to senior citizens who spend the holidays in a care center. The 181 cards were delivered to Stonehenge, Our House and Cedar Health and Rehab. Nearly each resident received two cards. The annual Chuck UR Change at Parowan High School brought in $1,058.67 to be used for Sub for Santa. Each grade level competed as they collected change in the jars. The 10th grade gathered the most and was the ultimate winner of the pizza party.

The Holiday Tree Jubilee makes such a difference for students in need in the Iron County School District. Homeless liaison Tracy Womack received $8,000 from the annual fundraiser. That funding will be used throughout the year to help students with clothing and other needs. Thank you for the generous donation!

Iron County Board of Realtors is always generous, but they really outdid themselves this year. Nearly 160 food boxes were assembled and distributed to families who need a little help during the winter break. Smith's Food and Drug and Utah Food Bank helped provide some of the items that went in each box assembled by volunteers from the board. Thank you for helping our students and their families.

The tradition continues. Students at South Elementary gather for the annual Christmas sing-a-long. Lyrics to traditional songs were projected onto a screen for the students to all join in the singing. Third-grade teacher Jimmy Shirley recalls his years as a student at the school when they would gather around a Christmas tree. Now the sing-a-long takes place in the gymnasium.

Students couldn't stop grinning this morning as they entered Iron Springs Elementary School nearly an hour before school began. The students arrived early (many in their favorite pajamas) to enjoy Breakfast with Santa. PTA volunteers served cinnamon rolls, milk and juice for all who came for the special visit. Santa greeted the students from his seat on the stage and parents took photos as the children put in some final requests. The activity started eight years ago and is a joint effort between the lunch ladies and PTA.

Nearly 400 students fill the Southern Utah University ballroom to explore careers and educational opportunities available following high school graduation. Representatives from a variety of professions spoke with small groups of students as they circulated through five rotations. Every high school junior was given the opportunity to attend the career fair.

"Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart," is a quote heard by children in the Polar Express movie. The true spirit of Christmas was visible this week as Level 2 classroom students were invited to ride the Iron County School District Polar Express — aka Bus No. 985. The bus was decked out in holiday attire. As students climbed aboard, they were gifted a hat knit special by a transportation employee's grandfather. The bus slowly wound its way through Christmas Lane on the north end of Cedar City as the Night Before Christmas was read aloud by Santa's elf Holly Padilla. At the end of their tour, Santa Claus himself climbed aboard and gifted each student a jingle bell wristband.

The last board meeting in December was also the final meeting for two board members — Michelle Lambert and Dale Brinkerhoff. Superintendent Dr. Lance Hatch and other members of the board thanked them for their service to students and parents. Additionally, Brinkerhoff was honored for his 32 years of public service, including the last four for the Board of Education. He was presented a commendation signed by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.

Need lunch or dinner plans? Join us today, Dec. 8, at Mo' Bettahs and benefit students in need in Iron County Schools. The restaurant will donate 15% of sales between noon and 8 p.m. to the ICSD Foundation which will be used to help provide a happy holiday for students in need.

Nothing brings a lesson to life like a model made out of gingerbread. Cedar High School World History Teacher Marissa Brady put together a model replica of the Bastille, the French fortress that was stormed during the French Revolution, to display for her students. Brady says the project took her about two weeks. First she scaled the blueprints of the Bastille down to a manageable size. Then she laser cut the patterns for the pieces, including a 3D printout of stones to stamp into the gingerbread. Next came the baking (yes, that gingerbread is all homemade). Finally, she assembled the fortress. Brady admits it is a fun project for her, but she also hopes its educational for her students. "Mostly it's just fun, but it also gives them a good visual. They are going to remember the Bastille now," Brady said. This was the second year of creating a world history lesson from gingerbread. Last year, Brady replicated a steam engine and textile mill to illustrate the industrial revolution for students.

It's #NationalSpecialEducationDay, which commemorates the anniversary of the nation's first federal special education law. Thanks to all of our special education teachers and support staff for the inspiring work they do every day!

Help us help our students in need. You can do this simply by dining out at Mo'Bettahs on Dec. 8. The restaurant will contribute 15% of sales from noon to 8 p.m. to the Iron County School District Foundation. Funds raised will help students in need have a happy holiday.

Didn’t get a turkey yet? Students at Three Peaks Elem. might be able to help. The annual turkey calling contest did not disappoint. Winners were picked from the lower grades and upper grades. Hear calls at https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClPb3yoL-Tr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Whether it's the bus driver who gets students to school safely each day, or the cafeteria worker who prepares a healthy meal, or secretary who bandages owies and greets each student with a smile, or paraeducator who helps guide students through their day, our education support professionals are an integral part of our success. Take a moment to share your thanks for their hard work.

ICSD schools salute veterans in patriotic programs. From a flag retirement ceremony to a musical program to a parade through the school, students gave thanks to all who have served. Enjoy these photos from today's events.

It is Disability Awareness Week at Southern Utah University. Iron County School District junior and senior high school students with mild disabilities spend a day on campus at the Transition Fair. The purpose is to introduce the students to the opportunities available to them after high school. University attendance may not be for every student, so the attendees also hear about opportunities at the technical colleges, explore employment possibilities and even learn about military options.

Members of the Board of Education and District administrators have been visiting schools. The visits include classroom observations and discussions with staff and students. Recent visits include Fiddlers, Parowan and East elementary schools.

Reminder about elections. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. If your mail-in ballot hasn't arrived, it probably will not arrive in time. The options for in-person voting are outlined in the image.

What a treat! Students across the district put their creativity on display at costume parades. Happy Halloween! See some of the fun in this video from South Elementary: https://www.instagram.com/p/CkZNW3xO7AQ/

Happy Halloween! As we look forward to celebrating Halloween in our schools Monday we want to remind everyone of some basic protocols. First, check with your child’s school for specific dress code policies and Halloween celebration plans. Those vary from school to school. In general, students should not wear masks; costumes should not include fake weapons; and please be culturally sensitive when considering a costume. Have a fun and safe Halloween with lots of treats and no tricks.