Education

A San Juan School District bus was once featured in an episode of Doctor Who. Students in the district are back in school and there are several things for parents to keep in mind as they try to help their kids succeed. Courtesy photo

Ask an Expert – Back-to-School pointers for parents

by Dave Schramm, Utah State University Extension family life specialist The first few weeks of school set the tone for the rest of the year, and there are things parents can do starting day one to help their kids succeed. Consider these tips. Establish Routines Research shows that both kids’ and...

USU to host weaving conference

By Marcus Jensen Utah State University Blanding will host The Weaving Our Stories Conference this September, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and community members to delve into the rich tapestry of topics surrounding Indigenous education and empowerment. “We are deeply grateful for the...

School board updates policies ahead of new year

by David Boyle News Director Members of the San Juan School Board received updates on capital projects, approved early learning plans and updated policies at their latest August 7 meeting. District Business Administrator Tyrel Pemberton said much of the moving of dirt at the new Blanding Elementary...

Embracing a new school year as we ‘Aspire Higher’

by Christine Fitzgerald Superintendant, San Juan School District As we embark on the 2024-2025 school year in the San Juan School District, I am filled with optimism and excitement for what lies ahead. This year, our guiding theme is “Aspire Higher,” a call to all members of our community to reach...

Chief Manuelito Scholarships for five local graduates

by David Boyle News Director Five San Juan County graduates were named recipients of the Chief Manuelito Scholarship in 2024. Synessa Atcitty, Anthony C. Done, and Shaylin A. Nez all recent graduates of San Juan High School will be attending the University of Utah. Tatum D. Begay, also a graduate...

A ceremonial shovel sits in the red dirt in Monument Valley. Utah State University celebrated the groundbreaking of its newest facility in Monument Valley on August 2. You can read more about the new facility on page A8. Photo Courtesy Utah State University.

Utah State University breaks ground on new Monument Valley Center

by David Boyle News Director Utah State University Blanding campus celebrated the groundbreaking of their new Monument Valley education building on August 2. The event was a recognition of years of work in planning and fundraising for the new academic and community center. The 10,000-square-foot...

Officials meet at the ribbon cutting of a new hogan at the Canyonlands Youth Center in Blanding. More and more public facilities in San Juan County feature traditional hogans. Courtesy photo

Traditional hogan blessing and open house at facility in Blanding

A newly constructed hogan was dedicated to healing, nuturing, and protection at the Canyonlands Youth Center in Blanding. The dedication and an open house took place at the facility on July 10. Changes to Utah law enabled the Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services (JJYS) to extend their...

School Board approves annual budget

Members of the San Juan School Board approved an increase in staff compensation for travel lunches to $14. The move was made after a discussion to match the fee waiver students receive for each meal. Members of the board also approved annual responses to formally submitted suggestions and comments...

San Juan High student Saylor Dandy recently participated in National History Day Fair events in Washington, DC. Courtesy photo

San Juan High: Tradition of History Fair winners

by Janet Wilcox Contributing writer “Those who don’t understand and appreciate history are bound to repeat it.” – Santana Students from San Juan High School have consistently done well at the Utah State History Fair, with many qualifying for Nationals in Washington DC. The first ever to do so is ...

Among his many attributes, Utah State Advisor of the Year Tylan Dee is described as dedicated, collaborative, supportive, and resourceful. Courtesy photo

Tylan Dee is Advisor of the Year at Utah State

Tylan Dee, an Academic Advisor at the Utah State University Blanding Campus, has been named the Outstanding New Advisor of the Year for the entire university by the USU Advising Awards Committee. Dee was selected by the committee based on his accomplishments and service providing academic advising...