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Open House: Come Celebrate Union Middle’s Proud History, Bright Future

Union Middle School opened in 1968, a turbulent time in America’s history marked by the loss of two advocates for peace: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy. 

Knowing this, it’s tempting to connect the “Union” name to an appeal for civic unity. In truth, it speaks more directly to a time in Utah history dating back more than 170 years. But it’s the school’s spirit of unity that typifies what it means to be a Bobcat and endures still today, says its Principal Brenda McCann.

“Union will always be a place where students and families with different experiences and beliefs come together and find strength through camaraderie,” McCann said. “That won’t change with the construction of our new school building.”

Crews are working around the clock to put the finishing touches on the new home of the Bobcats in time for the August 2023 start of school. Before then, Union Middle students, staff, alumni, and neighbors are coming together for one last time at their beloved campus for a Closing Celebration and Open House on Tuesday, May 16, 6-8 p.m.

There will be a self-guided tour of the 54-year-old school building, treats, and a display of memorabilia followed by a 7:30 p.m. reveal of the school’s new logo. “We wanted to reflect on fond memories while celebrating our bright future,” McCann said. “The new school is a rebirth of the area and means a ton for the community.”

Union Middle is named for the Fort Union area it serves, a community settled in the mid-1800s, which began, as the name suggests, as a defensive fort inhabited by Mormon pioneers. Now a commercial urban area, the community of Union is at the juncture of three cities: Midvale, Sandy and Cottonwood Heights.

“I always have felt like Union was the perfect name for that school, because it brings together a diverse community. There’s a very accepting inclusive culture there, a real community feeling of cooperation and neighborhood,” said a former Principal Kelly Tauteoli. 

Attendees of the Open House and logo reveal will get a sneak peek at some of the features of the new school building, which is being built on the same campus. 

The two-story school will sport a large commons area and grand staircase, a banquet room for holding community events, community pantry, all-abilities courtyard and Ninja Warrior-style playground equipment, and fitness center with a running track. 

Built with safety in mind, the facility will be seismically up-to-date and have a security vestibule that steers all visitors through the Main Office to be checked in. 

The arts wing with its state-of-the-art auditorium and display area for showcasing student artwork will help the school continue to build on its strong arts programs. 

“Like yesterday and today, Union Middle will be as source of pride for the community and will serve the community well,” McCann said. 

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Board Meeting Schedule

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Education for Canyons School District will hold a regular study session and public business meeting at the Canyons District Office building, 9361 S. 300 E., Sandy, UT each month unless otherwise posted. The Board may determine to conduct some business during a study session. All business meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. unless changed by the Board and appropriately posted for the public.

Please note that ALL DATES, TIMES and LOCATIONS listed on this scheduled are TENTATIVE and are subject to change at any time.  Please check this schedule often to be informed of any changes.

Unless otherwise specified, all meetings in the schedule below will take place as the Canyons District Office located at 9361 S. 300 E. in Sandy, Utah.

District Leaders

Dr. Rick Robins

Superintendent

Dr. Rick L. Robins is the superintendent of Canyons School District. Dr. Robins, who was selected by the Canyons Board of Education after a national search, brings 24 years of experience as an educator to his role as the chief executive officer of Utah’s fifth-largest school district. Prior to joining Canyons, Dr. Robins, who earned an Ed.D. from the University of Las Vegas, for six years was Superintendent of the Juab School District, based in Nephi, Utah. While there, Dr. Robins, who also was the Juab High School Principal from 2009-2013, helped oversee efforts to improve the district’s graduation rate to 97 percent, a double-digit increase over a 10-year period. Other innovations he led in Juab included a partnership with Arizona State University for blended-learning opportunities; the launch of a districtwide competency-based personalized learning model driven by a 1:1 technology initiative and standards-based reporting system; and the construction of the STEM-focused West Campus Innovations Center, funded largely through private and corporate sponsorships. Dr. Robins began his career as a history teacher at Copper Hills High in the Jordan School District and has worked as an assistant principal and principal in the Alpine, Nebo and Juab school districts. He was the 2012 Utah High School Principal of the Year for the Utah Association of Secondary School Principals, and in 2014 earned the Lexington Institute Superintendent Fellowship Award presented to innovative superintendents across the country. Dr. Robins was starting quarterback for the football team at Southern Utah University Thunderbirds from 1991-1995, and in 2013 was inducted into SUU’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He has four children and one grandchild.

Leon Wilcox

Business Administrator and CFO

Leon Wilcox is a seasoned professional with 20 years of governmental accounting experience, with an emphasis on financial reporting, budgeting, and auditing. As Canyons District’ Director of Accounting from 2009-2013, Wilcox was intricately involved with the 2009 division of $1.5 billion in assets of the former Jordan School District, and was responsible for establishing Canyons’ original and subsequent budgets. Wilcox, a certified public accountant who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Utah State University, also has worked nine years in the Granite School District and six years in the State Auditor’s Office.

Supervises:  Accounting and Budget Services, Facilities and Maintenance, Insurance, New Construction Budget, Nutrition Services, Purchasing, Payroll

Dr. Robert M. Dowdle

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and School Performance

Robert Dowdle has a Doctor of Education degree with an emphasis in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Utah, and more than 31 years of experience as a teacher and educational leader. He began his career at Mount Jordan Middle School, where he taught Earth Science, English and Social Studies. He later taught Advanced Placement Economics, U.S. History and World History at Bingham High School, and served as Principal of Jordan High School and Assistant Principal for Alta High School and Brighton High School. Dowdle has served in the District office for 11 years as Assistant Superintendent. This role has included various leadership responsibilities, including Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Dowdle currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and School Performance.

Lucie Chamberlain

Alta View Elementary

If a movie about super teachers were ever made, Lucie Chamberlain would be a prime candidate for a leading role. Fortunately for her kindergarten students at Alta View Elementary, she already thrives in a supporting role for them. Parents thank her for being a “super teacher.” She is also described as an “amazing colleague.” Whether students need help in the classroom or from home while sick, Lucie goes above and beyond to help them learn, overcome fears, and feel important and cared for. Lucie is the reason a number of kids went from hating school to loving it, according to parents. The way she exudes patience, sweetness, positive energy, and love for her students with special needs melts is appreciated and admired. One parent noted: “Both my kids wish she could be their teacher forever.” Another added:  “She treats every student like their learning and their feelings are her priority.” Super teacher, indeed!

Specialty Schools

High Schools

Elementary Schools

Middle Schools

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Canyons School District is committed to making this website compliant with the ADA. At this time, we recognize that not all areas of this website may be ADA compliant. We are currently in the process of redesigning and creating new website content to be compliant with the W3C Level Two guidelines. If you are experiencing issues with this website, please contact us here communications@canyonsdistrict.org

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