Fifth-grader Liam Strong was eager to return to school one January evening for Aspen Elementary’s Community Night. He couldn’t wait to see his teacher, Mikayla Miller, who was helping pass out cookies. 

“We came to learn more about our community and discovered that live events happen each month,” said Amber, Liam’s mother, as her second-grade daughter, Aria, explored one of the 45 booths offering fun activities and community resources.

The community fair was founded four years ago by Miller and her colleagues.

“Every year we come together to celebrate our community for the night with the fun and excitement of the event, but that doesn’t take away from what we work for all year long,” she said. “It adds to it and continues to build on the success that we have seen as we have grown for the past four years.”

Miller expressed gratitude for the strong support from parents, students, teachers, and community members who embrace the school’s theme, “All Belong, All Learn, All Succeed.”

“This collective commitment fosters an inclusive environment where every student, regardless of background or ability, feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Our community’s dedication ensures that learning is not just an individual journey, but a shared experience that uplifts everyone,” she said. “Together, we are building a foundation for success that is rooted in collaboration, understanding, and mutual respect.”

The event featured booths from organizations such as Kid Strong, Utah Parent Center, South Valley Services, Live Daybreak, South Jordan Police, credit unions, gyms, health care providers, and several services and programs from the Jordan School District. At the Jordan Education Foundation’s booth, kids could choose a toy, along with personal hygiene items and even a pair of tennis shoes.

“When I see everyone gathered in the school, it just warms my heart,” Miller said.

Alexis Tanner, a parent of three Aspen students, appreciates seeing how the agencies and resources benefit the community. She said the event has expanded to include more booths each year.

“It’s wonderful to see the involvement supporting school families,” she said. “The teachers here are amazing; they genuinely care about the kids and help them learn. We’ve been here for three years, and I know the school sends meal packages home with kids who may have a challenging home life, ensuring they get meals over the weekend. They also get free school lunch, and there are extra socks and clothing available in the office for kids who need them. The school really loves the community.”

Tanner was near the SafeUT booth, an app offering real-time crisis chat and intervention for students, parents, and educators.

“I tell people about SafeUT, explaining how they can download the app for crisis support from a licensed counselor in Utah,” said SafeUT outreach coordinator Robert Spencer. “They can also send a tip if they’re worried about someone who might need help.”

In the commons, Utah Community Action, a non-profit organization, was informing families about programs for power and gas assistance, budget counseling, and conservation education.

“We assist with utilities and teach people how to conserve energy,” said Anne Tuakiaipimahu, an outreach specialist. “People who qualify can save an average of $550 on their heating costs.”

Since Oct. 1, 2024, more than 6,000 Salt Lake County homeowners and renters have applied this winter.

“It’s an income-based program,” said her colleague, case worker Alma Tllechea. “Most people are 150 percent below poverty levels. It’s a great program that many in our community can benefit from.”

Jordan District Superintendent Anthony Godfrey commended Aspen Elementary’s Community Night.

“Connecting to our community is important, and nobody does it better than Aspen Elementary,” he said. “They bring all kinds of resources together and make it an inviting atmosphere where kids want to be, so they can make sure that families are aware of the resources that are available to support them. It’s really an effort to reach out to families and not just wait for them to come to the school. The way we are most effective as educators is when we connect in a meaningful way with parents, and this is one example of how our schools are doing that in new and creative ways.”λ