Thank you for the powerful and meaningful relationships you are building with your students and faculty each day. These connections are not only the heart of our work but also the foundation for learning that lasts. As Anthony Muhammad has written, “The relationships we build with students are the vehicles through which academic content is delivered and received.” When students feel seen, valued, and supported, they are far more likely to engage, persevere, and achieve at higher levels. Your efforts to know your students well and invest in their growth are opening the door to improved academic outcomes across our schools, and we are deeply grateful for the difference you are making.

This week let’s recognize Jeff Walton, principal of West Valley Elementary. Here’s what one of his teachers had to say about him:

“Jeff is the kind of principal every school needs. He is loved by all and has taken the time to build relationships with our West Valley community. Jeff can often be found having dance parties with classes, lunch in his office with students who pick that as a reward, lending a listening ear to a concerned teacher, parent or student, or stopping in a classroom to tell a class how amazing they are or that they have the best teacher. Jeff has made West Valley a school where teachers love their jobs and want to do the best job possible. He often sends his staff emails to simply tell us that we are awesome, how much he appreciates the work we do and that our students are lucky to have us. He shows up to community events so he can really get to know the families at our school. Students get excited to see him and love giving him high fives and fist bumps. Jeff genuinely cares about our community and making sure everyone feels like they are an important part of our school. Jeff deserves all the recognition for the amazing work he has done at West Valley. We are so lucky to have the best principal in Granite District.”

Thank you, Jeff, for all you do for the community of West Valley Elementary!