Ogden School District opens year with two new elementary schools

OGDEN, Utah — On Friday, over 10,000 students in the Ogden School District were back in classrooms across the city.

Ogden School District Superintendent Luke Rasmussen said the challenges over the last couple of years put a pause on a lot of students’ gains, meaning the return to school means pressing play and propelling students forward.

He said they as a district have two big goals this year to focus on: literacy and graduation.

“Five years ago, we were at a 68% district-wide graduation rate. Now we’re expected to be up above that: 88-89% range. We’ve made a lot of strides, and we have a real focus on knowing every student and putting every student in a situation where they can be most successful,” said Rasmussen.

Thousands of students across the district getting ready for school. My guess, breakfast right about now!😆🍳🥞 https://t.co/G0MICyHBKU

— Karah Brackin (@KB_ON_TV) August 19, 2022

New this year, two ribbon-cutting events happened at elementary schools in the district earlier this week, including Liberty and Polk.

“Great learning spaces. It’s just really neat to be able to give the kids and the community a school that they’re really excited about,” Rasmussen said.

In addition, the district is using a brand new student info system this year.

Plus, there is something new for parents, including an app that will help with communication.

“I’ve already downloaded it. It seems very nice. It seems a lot more user-friendly,” said Bexi Hinderliter, a parent in the district.

The superintendent said specifically when looking at literacy as a goal across their district, they’re focusing on reading programs and early literacy in grades K-3.