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Sandy Journal

Jordan, Hillcrest high schools showcase classes, activities during fairs

Jan 20, 2017 01:00PM ● By Julie Slama

Jordan High School holds its annual Digger Fair for incoming students to showcase elective classes and extra-curricular activities offered. (Jordan High School)

By Julie Slama | [email protected]
 
Current Eastmont and Mt. Jordan Middle School eighth-graders have opportunities to learn about elective classes, extra-curricular activities and sports teams during Jordan High School’s and Hillcrest High School’s annual open-house fairs.
 
Jordan High will hold its Digger Fair for incoming ninth-graders from Eastmont and Mt. Jordan middle schools as well as others interested in attending the school, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8 at the school, 95 E. Beetdigger Blvd. (9880 South). 
 
The first hour allows students and their parents to see displays and talk to teachers about classes and programs, before learning about registration in the auditorium the final hour, said Karma Bateman, Jordan computer technology education coordinator.
 
“We will have tables advertising all the electives freshman can take such as early childhood development, foods, woodworking, computers, robotics, CAD architecture and performing arts and others,” Bateman said. “Some of these will have student demonstrations, activities or games about what they learn in the classes so incoming students can ask and learn more about areas they are interested in.”
 
Bateman said when students register for classes in February, they help determine which classes will be offered at the high school.
 
“We use the registration forms to determine how many course offerings in each subject we need and it helps with hiring teachers full time or part time in April. At the same time, it gives our incoming students a chance to come to the building, become familiar with our classes and activities and welcome them to their future school,” she said.
 
Similarly, Hillcrest’s Husky Fair invites incoming students to attend the event, which will be held Wednesday, Feb. 1 in the school’s cafeteria, 7350 S. 900 E. 
 
Before new students come, current students may walk through the table displays and talk to teachers and students involved in the activities from 4 to 5 p.m. 
 
Incoming ninth-grade students and their parents may come at 5 p.m. to see the table displays, before going to the auditorium at 6 p.m. to meet student body officers, see cheer and performing arts productions and learn about registration, said Leslie Covington-Taft, school career and technical education adviser.
 
“This is a fun night where students can see what Hillcrest has to offer and parents can ask questions about the registration process,” Covington-Taft said.
 
Among the 52 displays will be classes in career and technical education, family consumer sciences, business, performing arts, woodworking, robotics and animation, digital media, international languages, automotive and others. There also will be clubs and activities such as mock trial, Hope Squad, Link, Model United Nations, Science Olympiad, Key Blub, book club, business clubs, sports teams, performing arts and more. In addition, students can learn more about Canyons Technology Education Center and Hillcrest’s international baccalaureate program.
 
“We invite students from Midvale, Union, Albion and welcome those interested from other schools and many of our students come from several middle schools,” she said.
 
Following the night that can attract hundreds of students and their parents, counselors visit the middle schools to follow up with the registration packets. 
 
Hillcrest also offers a freshman orientation in August before the school year begins.