Recipients of 2008 Utah Jazz/UEA ‘Great Public Schools Celebration’
Jordan music teacher, Weber student assistance program recognized by Utah Jazz, Utah Education Association
Each year at T.H. Bell Jr. High School in Washington Terrace, Weber School District, a select number of students — many struggling with poor attendance, failing grades, behavioral problems, or drug and alcohol abuse — are chosen to participate in the Teaching Responsibility Academics and Character (T.R.A.C.) Program. Educator and T.R.A.C. Program Director Kellie Lopaz works with parents and her colleagues at the junior high school to provide these students with an opportunity to gain the confidence, skills, and insight they need to be successful in a mainstream school setting.
Lauren Flygare, the Band and Orchestra teacher at West Jordan Middle School, Jordan School District, is well known for her work with special education students. Severely handicapped and wheelchair-bound students are given the opportunity to “conduct” and respond to the beat of the ensemble in her class. During concerts, Flygare often turns her baton over to a disabled student who leads the band. When a student’s home burned down, Flygare arranged for the student to have a rental violin until the insurance company replaced her violin.
Lopaz and Flygare were honored during half-time at the February 19th Utah Jazz game as recipients of the second annual Utah Jazz/Utah Education Association “Great Public Schools Celebration” (GPSC) Awards. The Jazz and UEA introduced the GPSC Program in 2007 as an opportunity for educators throughout the state to showcase the great accomplishments of Utah public schools. From November 2007 through January 2008, educators were asked to nominate outstanding educators and educational programs that help students, teachers, and their schools. In addition to being recognized at the Jazz game, this year’s award recipients will receive dinner for two, an award plaque they can display at home or at school, and a visit to their school by the Utah Jazz Bear.
“We are so proud of Kellie and Lauren. They exemplify what is great about our Utah public schools,” said UEA President Kim Campbell. “They are setting the bar high for everyone in the teaching profession.”
“I would like to congratulate Lauren and Kellie,” said Utah Jazz President Randy Rigby. “These two terrific teachers, through their hard work and dedication, play an important role in building the lives of our future leaders.”
Students in the T.R.A.C. Program can receive extra help with homework, projects, and tests. One teacher and two paraprofessionals are available to help. They communicate with educators, parents, counselors, and administrators on the student’s behalf. Points are given to students who complete tracking sheets — a daily communication device, signed by the parent, that reveals the student’s progress on assignments. Students can use their points for such items as candy bars, pizza, football cards, or movie tickets.
In addition to her class work at the middle school, Flygare is managing director of the Jordan Youth Symphony, a group that targets middle school instrumental studies and performs many concerts throughout the year — including one during the Festival of the Trees. She extends her curriculum into the summer, helping students who need extra instruction in band and orchestra. Flygare takes over 100 students to opera performances each year and reaches out to the community through concerts and activities, according to her colleagues at the middle school.