Whitehorse High School students took the lead at San Juan School District’s Civics Day, presenting the results of a three-year civics program and explaining how they will continue its work through student leadership and community service.
The student-led panel featured LaKyara Begay, Katiana Ben, Megan Collins, Brayden Kinsel and Malia Sam. The scholars prepared and delivered a recap of the school’s $150,000 Civics Local Innovation Grant, funded by the Utah Legislature, then answered questions from the audience.
The grant connected civics learning with academic subjects, leadership development and service. Students worked in cohorts focused on areas such as science, language arts, social studies, visual arts, music, business and agricultural technology and welding. Content lead teachers served as Academic Service Learning Coaches, helping students develop projects, practice public communication and address needs in their school and community. The grant also gave these teachers opportunities to develop their leadership skills and guide service learning across academic subjects.
Participation grew from 67 high school scholars in four cohorts in the 2024 school year to 100 high school scholars in seven cohorts in 2026. An additional 42 junior high scholars participated in 2026.
Students described how the program helped them communicate ideas, work as a team and build confidence speaking about issues that affect their school and community. They also gained experience mentoring younger students and encouraging others to participate.
Their learning extended beyond the classroom. The grant supported three trips to the Utah State Capitol for Education Days on the Hill, visits to the Navajo Nation Capitol in Window Rock, Arizona, and college visits to the University of Utah, Utah Valley University and Arizona State University. Students also participated in mentoring trips to Montezuma Creek Elementary School and museum experiences that connected academic learning with civics.
According to the presentation, the program served 240 Whitehorse high school scholars over the grant period, including 24 who held schoolwide leadership positions. Its reach also included middle school and elementary students, paraprofessionals, substitute teachers and approximately 100 additional community members.
Although grant funding ended in May 2026, the students’ work continues.
Georgiana Kennedy Simpson, Whitehorse’s visual arts teacher and Sterling Scholar advisor, said the grant helped build leadership capacity in the featured scholars beginning in their freshman years. That foundation established a sustainable model for continued civics learning, leadership development and community service.
The students are now leading the Future Leaders Cohort, with groups focused on science, visual arts, language arts, performing arts and agricultural technology and welding.
Their plans for this school year include writing cards to older adults in Blanding, developing pen pal connections with elementary students, hosting art-making wellness nights and creating a mural at Bluff Elementary School. Other planned activities include health presentations, science experiments for elementary students, community building projects and band performances.
During their presentation, the scholars emphasized that leadership means using their voices, taking initiative when they see a need and helping others get involved.
Their Civics Day panel demonstrated those skills in practice. Students explained what they had learned, answered audience questions and outlined how the next phase of their work will serve Whitehorse and the surrounding community.
San Juan students put civics into practice at district event
Hundreds of San Juan School District high school students gathered at San Juan High School on Sept. 29 for Civics Day, where they learned about voting, government and civic participation.
Students heard from local and state leaders during panel discussions and asked questions of their own. They asked about improvement projects at San Juan High School, why Utah’s legislative session lasts 45 days, artificial intelligence and what the future may hold.
Participants included San Juan County Commission Chair Lori Maughan, Sheriff Lehi Lacy, Bureau of Land Management Field Manager Jacob Palma, state Rep. Logan Monson, San Juan School Board President Marianell (Nan) Barton and state Sen. David Hinkins.
District Superintendent Dr. Christine Fitzgerald addressed students from high schools across the district. She said students need to understand how government works because decisions at all levels affect them and their families.
“We have students who can or will vote on the federal level, state level, city level, county level, their tribal nation, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, so their ability to impact what happens in this county is significant. Students need to learn what that means for them, because they’re a part of the community and what impact they can have long term, whether it’s just to vote or whether it’s to become more actively involved in a variety of ways.”
Dr. Molly Hart, Utah’s state superintendent of public instruction, spoke about the value of civic engagement, starting in students’ own communities.
“Community politics and community engagement is where it all starts, and really and truly state government is an outgrowth of what happens in your local community. It’s messy and it’s good that it’s messy. It’s supposed to be messy. Politics is supposed to hear a multiplicity of voices. Students and parents and community members need to come together. That is government. Government isn’t separate from the people. It is the people.”
In response to a student question, Hart said AI can be a useful tool but should not replace human thinking. Hinkins encouraged students to remember the value of skilled trades, suggesting those jobs may be less immediately affected by AI.
The event gave students a chance to practice civic engagement by asking leaders about decisions shaping their schools, communities and future.
Due to heavy rain, muddy conditions, and flooded roads, schools in Bluff, Montezuma Creek, and Monument Valley will be closed on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Students who reside in or around these communities and travel to schools in Blanding will be excused from attendance tomorrow due to unsafe travel conditions.
School bus routes serving Bluff, Montezuma Creek, Monument Valley, and surrounding areas, including routes that transport students to Blanding schools, will not operate tomorrow due to road conditions.
The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed.
Thank you for your understanding.
San Juan School District CTE Leaders Featured in National Webinar
San Juan School District’s work to connect students with meaningful career opportunities is gaining national attention.
On Wednesday, Sept. 9, district education leaders will join the American Institutes for Research and the North Carolina Rural Education Collaborative for a national webinar, “Supporting CTE Pathways in Rural Schools: Lessons from Utah.”
San Juan School District will share how we work together to create programs based on students’ interests and local workforce needs. SJSD will also discuss the challenges rural schools face and the solutions SJSD has developed to expand and sustain career and technical education opportunities.
Also the webinar will highlight AIR’s new action guide for rural schools, which draws on lessons from Utah. For SJSD families, this recognition shows that the work happening in our schools is not only helping local students prepare for college and careers. It is also offering a model that other rural districts can learn from.
The free webinar is open to parents, educators, school leaders and anyone interested in rural education.
Wednesday, Sept. 9
12 p.m. Mountain Time
REGISTER HERE
Congratulations to Jeanna Grover and the entire SJSD CTE team on this national recognition.
SUPERINTENDENT'S LISTENING TOUR KICKS OFF!
The best way to understand what our schools need is to listen to the people who know them best.
That is the idea behind Superintendent Fitzgerald’s new listening tour, which began at Monticello Elementary School. Christy, Paul Murdock, Assistant Superintendent - Elementary Schools and Dr. Derek Begay, Assistant Superintendent - Secondary School brought along a cooler filled with snacks and treats and spent time hearing directly from staff, parents and students.
The visits are part of the district’s commitment to giving students, families, staff, and community members more opportunities to share their ideas and experiences. Their feedback will help guide district decisions.
Thank you to the Monticello Elementary team for the warm welcome and honest conversation.
Christy and the team are going to make it to every school before the end of the year. The next stop will be La Sal Elementary School at 3:15 p.m. on Sept. 9. So come on by, grab a snack and let us know what you think!
This year’s district focus is “Listen to Learn. Listen to Lead,” represented by Bears Ears.
When we needed a bear mascot that connected our theme with learning, Linden brought the idea to life through 3D printing.
He created a prototype, listened to feedback, made revisions and produced the final design. He has since printed bears for administrative teams and directors across the district.
Linden, your talent, work ethic and willingness to listen reflect the qualities of the San Juan Portrait of a Graduate. We are proud to recognize you as San Juan Ready!
For your reference, the timeline for the eclipse (Mountain Daylight Time) is as follows:
* 7:23 p.m. – 7:43 p.m.: Penumbral eclipse begins
* 8:33 p.m.: Partial eclipse phase begins
* 10:12 p.m.: Maximum/Greatest eclipse
* 11:51 p.m.: Partial eclipse ends
* 1:01 a.m. (August 28): Penumbral eclipse ends
The deep partial lunar eclipse takes place on Thursday night, August 27, 2026, into the early morning of Friday, August 28, visible across Utah and Time and Date.Eclipse Timeline (Mountain Daylight Time)7:23 p.m. – 7:43 p.m.: Penumbral eclipse begins (subtle shading starts, around moonrise).8:33 p.m.: Partial eclipse phase begins (dark "bite" visible on the Moon).10:12 p.m.: Maximum/Greatest eclipse (roughly 96% of the Moon is covered by Earth's umbral shadow, turning a copper-red hue).11:51 p.m.: Partial eclipse ends.1:01 a.m. (Aug. 28): Penumbral eclipse ends.
Utah Attorney General’s Student Advisory Council: Applications Open
San Juan School District juniors and seniors have an opportunity to make sure the voices of our communities are heard at the state level.
The Office of the Utah Attorney General is accepting applications for its 2026–27 Student Advisory Council.
Council members meet monthly to:
• Share student perspectives on issues facing the Attorney General’s Office
• Hear from state leaders and legal professionals
• Learn how to make an impact in their schools and communities
Distance is not a barrier. Students from San Juan County can participate in meetings virtually.
We would love to see students from our district and communities represented on the council.
Applications are open to juniors and seniors and close Friday, September 4.
Learn more and apply:
Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate! Our 33rd Annual Heritage Language Conference is happening at Whitehorse High School on November 20th, 2026. Stay tuned for the agenda!
Blanding Elementary School Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Today’s community ribbon-cutting and tour marked a major milestone for San Juan County. Medicine man Nathan Brady led a traditional house blessing to honor the land and community.
During remarks, Dr. Christine Fitzgerald noted the building features more than 170 doors, a fitting metaphor for students because when one door closes, another always opens.
The new 87,000-square-foot facility replaces a building from 1955.
Highlights of the new school:
Cultural awareness embedded in the layout and a color palette inspired by San Juan County nature.
Dedicated spaces for preschool through fifth grade, special education, and STEM learning.
A large gymnasium with seating for 600.
Separate, safer drop-off loops for parents and buses.
Thank you to everyone who made this $47 million project possible, including a $20 million state appropriation. Students start classes soon.
Canvas recently notified San Juan School District that no SJSD data was compromised.
You are receiving this important security notice because our records indicate you, or a student for whom you are or were listed as a custodial contact, currently or previously had a Canvas account within the San Juan School District's Tenant.
Important Security Notice Regarding the Canvas Platform
Instructure, the vendor for Canvas, recently experienced a security incident involving unauthorized activity that resulted in data exfiltration. San Juan School District (SJSD) was notified that its data was impacted.
Data Believed to Be Compromised
Based on the investigation, potentially impacted data includes:
Names
Email addresses
Student identification numbers
Messages exchanged within the Canvas platform
Instructure found no evidence that passwords, dates of birth, government identifiers (such as Social Security numbers), or financial information were involved.
Recommendations
Because the potentially compromised data includes names and email addresses, we urge all affected individuals to be extremely vigilant against targeted phishing attacks, as this type of information is frequently leveraged for that purpose.
Next Steps and Notifications
Canvas has stated that they will individually contact users whose specific data is found to have been exfiltrated once their data review is complete.
For further details and frequently asked questions, please visit Instructure’s dedicated incident update page:
Instructure Incident Update
Canvas recently experienced a security breach, and while the full details are still being reviewed, San Juan School District is taking proactive steps to protect student data.
As a precaution, the district has temporarily paused the automatic sharing of information between Canvas and Aspire until required security updates can be completed.
What students should do:
✅ Continue using Canvas as usual
✅ Complete and submit assignments in Canvas
✅ Check grades and feedback directly in Canvas
During this time:
New students may not appear in Canvas immediately
Grades from Canvas may not transfer to Aspire right away
No student work or grades are lost
This temporary pause allows us to update security protections and ensure student information remains safe. Once updates are completed, syncing will resume automatically.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we prioritize the safety of student data.
Urgent Alert: Due to a power shutoff at MVHS, both MVHS and TES will dismiss early today, March 13, 2026 at 12:00 PM. Please make arrangements for student pickup or arrival. Busing will begin at noon.
Exciting news! Our 32nd Annual SJSD Heritage Language Conference is coming up soon. Please register and mark your calendars. It will be held on October 24, 2025, at the USU-Blanding Events Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Register soon!