Midvale students get red carpet treatment as they head back to school

Canyons School District rolled out the red carpet at several schools on Aug. 22 to welcome students back to class.

Copperview Elementary School was one such school to receive the honor.

“Our students are rock stars and their education is very important so we are welcoming them back with red carpet treatment,” said Ginger Rhode, Canyons District Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer.

At first, district officials had to encourage students and parents to actually walk on the carpet that was unfurled in front of the school stairs. “We don’t want to get it dirty,” one little girl said. But the students soon realized the gesture was meant for them.

“I love the red carpet. It makes everyone feel so welcome,” said Amy Nielsen, whose daughter, Lin, is in fourth grade at Copperview.

The first day of school was a learning experience for the children as teachers went over rules, routines and procedures to let students know what is expected the rest of the school year.

“Rules make kids feels safe and promote security,” said Megan Terry, Copperview Elementary school psychologist. “Some of the students are worried about living up to their teacher’s expectations, being accepted by their peers. Everything is new and unexpected -- that alone is very scary for them.”

Teachers and staff spent the summer preparing for the back-to-school rush.

But Mike Sommerkorn, Copperview Elementary custodian, said it’s not just the teachers and students who are in flurry at the end of summer. Getting the school building ready is a lot of work, too.

“From the day school gets out, we go to work. We clean the carpets and classrooms top to bottom. Lots of work orders go in for repairs. We paint hallways and rooms,” Sommerkorn said. “And we’ve only got three months to do it all.”

A nice, clean organized building is a better learning environment for the students, Sommerkorn said. “If it’s dirty, they will think they can make it dirty,” he said. “If it’s clean, hopefully they will have the respect to not throw trash on the ground and write on the walls.”

Lauren Smith, who teaches fifth grade at Copperview, has her goals set for the year: she wants to instill in her students that everyone can attend college. “I want to motivate the kids and engage them in active learning,” she said. “We want them to have college-bound skills. If you have it in your mind, then you are going to achieve it.”