For six decades, Bella Vista Elementary has been more than a school. It has been a gathering place, a neighborhood landmark, and second home to generations of students, families, and educators in Cottonwood Heights.
This springs marks nearly 61 years since Bella Vista first opened its doors in the fall of 1965. Now, as the Bella Vista Tigers prepare to join neighboring Ridgecrest Elementary, the community is invited to the campus for an evening in celebration of the school’s legacy and lasting impact. In partnership with the school’s PTA, Bella Vista will host a Memory Night on Monday, May 4, 2026, 5-7 p.m., welcoming current and former students, families, faculty and community members to walk through the halls and reconnect with old friends.
“This school holds a special place in the hearts of so many. In my time here, I’ve seen firsthand the pride and connection this community carries from more than six decades of learning and growth in this building,” said Bella Vista Principal Barbra Winder. “We look forward to honoring those memories as well as celebrating beloved school traditions and the Bella Vista spirit.
The consolidation of Bella Vista and Ridgecrest comes in response to demographic shifts affecting schools throughout the Salt Lake Valley. By bringing the two schools together, Canyons District is preserving and strengthening student opportunities while keeping the Cottonwood Heights community together.
For Bella Vista students, the transition also means joining another Tiger family. Ridgecrest, located just down the road, also has a Tiger mascot; the two mascots will be front-and-center in welcoming students in August 2026.
Before that new chapter begins, Memory Night will give the community a chance to take self-guided tours of the Bella Vista building, view displays of historical photos and memorabilia, and enjoy cake and commemorative giveaways.
Friends of Bella Vista are invited to contribute to the evening by sharing memories and stories through a dedicated online form. Organizers also encourage alumni, and current and former staff and families, to bring yearbooks, photographs, and other memorabilia to temporarily display during the event.
Because once you’re a Tiger, you’re always a Tiger.
