Foothills Elementary has officially launched the 2026-2027 school year, following the Nebo School District's "Be That Friend" initiative that was announced earlier in August. The school, located in Salem, is preparing for a new academic cycle that includes new student merchandise and upcoming community council sessions.
District Social Initiatives
As the new school year begins, the Nebo School District is rallying around a theme titled "Be That Friend," according to announcements from the district and Foothills Elementary. The initiative, which features Superintendent Rick Nielsen joining Lindsey Hughes and Seth Sorenson, focuses on fostering positive social connections among students.
School Merchandise and PTO
Foothills Elementary has introduced new school merchandise for the current year, including T-shirts priced at $6 and sweatshirts for $14. The school is also inviting parents to join the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), noting that meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month.
Community Council Schedule
The Foothills Elementary School Community Council has scheduled its next meeting for September 8, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. in the Collaboration Center. The meeting will include training for council members. Other scheduled meetings for the 2026-2027 term include sessions on October 6, November 3, January 5, February 9, and March 9. The March 9 meeting is designated to finalize and sign off on the Trustlands and TSSA plans.
Council Membership Details
The current School Community Council includes several parents and teachers. Serving on the council are parents Sara Beck, Jenn Baird, Joanna Wilkins, and Angela Fowles, with terms ending in May 2027 or May 2028. Teacher members include Christy McGinnis and Sarah Ledingham, with terms ending in May 2027 and May 2028, respectively. Marci Stoddard serves as the facilitator, while Angela Stoddard serves as the principal.
Daily School Schedule
The school's academic schedule for the 2026-2027 year includes a 9:00 a.m. start time for all grades. On Mondays, students are dismissed at 2:30 p.m., while Tuesday through Friday dismissal occurs at 3:15 p.m. Kindergarten students follow a modified schedule, including a 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. block on Mondays and a 9:00 a.m. to 11:35 a.m. block from Tuesday to Friday for full-day students.
Community Support and Recruitment
The school has also highlighted previous community successes, such as the Gear Up For School event held on August 1, 2026, at Landmark High School. Organized by Tabitha's Way, the event provided backpacks to school-aged children. Additionally, the district has been actively recruiting for various roles, including Instructional Technicians to support student reading groups and members for the Child Nutrition Team.
Historical School Context
Looking back at the previous school year, the district held several significant events, including a Super Bowl Tailgate Lunch with walking tacos in February 2026. The school also celebrated individual student achievements, such as Kindergarten Kindness Award recipient Varah Davis, who was recognized for her ability to notice when peers feel left out.
