Over the past school year Hanksville Elementary has taught the students the basics of coding and now they are starting their efforts in programing vehicles. Coding is what makes it possible for us to create computer software, apps and websites. Your browser, your OS, the apps on your phone, Facebook, and this website - they're all made with code. Programming is the process of using code to create a set of instructions that tell a computer how to perform a task.

This week the students in Hanksville Elementary grades 3-5 were provided a Meeper Bot to program and control over various scenarios. A Meeper Bot is a level programmable car that students use primarily to learn basic programming. They spent the first portion of the class building their cars, which is a container with wheels and simple computer that controls the wheels. Mrs. Wilkins then taught the students how to control the cars using on application on their iPads. After the students got a feel of how their cars worked they starting programming their cars. They did this by putting a series of commands into their iPad application which then controlled the cars. The students practiced programming several their cars several times. They then put a track on the floor and programmed the car until it could complete the course. The students were totally engaged and enjoyed the activity. These are exciting 21st Century skills that are being taught to the students who can use them as they progress through school and into the career of their choice.

By: Logan Stevens and Marisa Mares

On March 19-21 Wayne High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) traveled to Layton, Utah to the State FCCLA Convention. For the past year Kristen Stephenson, a Senior at Wayne High, has been the President of State FCCLA. One of her responsibilities was to conduct the meetings and with her State Board plan the event. Through her outstanding planning and leadership skills the State Convention was well run and organized. Also attending the convention were Wayne High School's FCCLA Officers: Vanessa Barlow, Jaden Blackburn, Miriam James, West Saunders, Logan Stevens, and Marisa Mares.

On March 20 the competition started and the fun really began. At 7:30 am, all officers collected for breakfast which was provided by FCCLA through the Hilton Garden Inn, and then they signed into their categories and received their competing time. Vanessa and Jaden competed in Focus on Children with a project titled "Spark Quad." Their project was on an after-school program for kids to learn about cultural heritage. Logan and Marisa competed in Chapter Service Project Display, doing The Caps and Gowns collection project for seniors that chose not to purchase or couldn't afford a cap and gown. Miriam and West competed in Life Event Planning with their project titled "A Trip Back in Time." This project was about the planning process of the 2016-2017 '50's themed Preference Dance. After competition was over and a closing ceremony everyone was done for the day and was released for dinner but urged to be back for the dance, bouncy house, and karaoke that ended the night.

On the last day of the event was the award ceremony and during the ceremony all members of Wayne High School's FCCLA received a silver in their categories. It was also announced that Jaden Blackburn received the position of Utah State Vice President of Community Service for the 2018-2019 year, and will be attending Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia. Overall state FCCLA was a blast to attend. We are proud of the four State officers from Wayne High in the last six years. In recognition of dedication to FFCLA and her outstanding leadership, Mrs. Taft received the Master Advisor award. Thank you, Mrs. Taft, for your support of us and all of the FCCLA members that have gone before us.

At the end of the event Kristen handed over her position to the next State FCCLA President. We are proud of the work she accomplished and the fine way she represented our State and our school. Thank you, Kristen.

The Forty-Sixth Annual Awards Ceremony for Central Utah Sterling Scholars, was held at Richfield High School Auditorium on the evening of Thursday March 15th. Deseret News and KSL Broadcast Group developed the Sterling Scholars Program specifically to focus attention on outstanding seniors in order to recognize them publicly as well as award cash scholarships and tuition waivers from participating institutions. The Sterling Scholar Awards Program seeks to commend and encourage excellence among all nominees. All nominees are judged equally on the basis of scholastic achievement without regard to religion, sex, political preference or national origin.

A Sterling Scholar is a high school senior who is publicly recognized and awarded for the pursuit of excellence in scholarship, leadership and citizenship in the state of Utah. Each scholar selects one of 15 categories. A potential Sterling Scholar presents an all-encompassing portfolio on their work in one of the specific categories and is interviewed by judges in the category's field at various times. The portfolio showcases their excellent scholastic abilities, along with their tremendous leadership and citizenship qualifications

Four students from Wayne High School participated and represented our area extremely well. Kristen Stephenson, daughter of Michael and Kenra Stephenson of Teasdale was the nominee in the Family & Consumer Sciences category; Britton D. Taylor, son of Riley and Joni Taylor of Bicknell was the Computer & Information Technology nominee; Trena Wilson, daughter of Ariel and Amanda Wilson of Torrey was the nominee in the Speech and Drama, Theatre Arts and Forensics category; Kate Rees, daughter of Brig and Trish Rees of Torrey was the nominee in the Social Science category.

We are very excited and pleased to announce that Kristen Stephenson was named as Runner-Up in the Family & Consumer Sciences category. Each of these individuals is outstanding and they spent a great deal of time putting together their portfolios, which is only a partial record of they achievements. We would like to extend our "Congratulations" to each of the Wayne High School Sterling Scholars and thank their parents and teachers for helping to mold them into such incredible young adults. We also want to thank Peggy Chappell who spends hours as the Sterling Scholar advisor and mentor to the finest youth in the State of Utah.

Each year the legislature spends 2 months working on legislation to help improve the State of Utah. While in session many individuals and groups provide information to our Senators and Representatives. One opportunity our school districts have to provide information to our legislators is the District Day on the Hill. On this day districts had an opportunity to showcase some of the great things occurring in our district public schools. This year the District Day on the Hill was February 23rd. Wayne School District participated in the District Day on the Hill. Wayne School District was one of 13 districts that had a table display in the Capitol rotunda. Wayne’s display showed their use of 1 to 1 student computer devises, integration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) into their curriculum, their outstanding graduation rate and the amount of money their graduates are receiving in scholarships for post-secondary schools. In addition to the table display, Wayne High School band and choir entertained the Capitol with a concert. Despite a snow storm, the Choir and Band drove up to the Capitol for their concert. Joni Taft started with the choir singing 4 songs to the delight of the whole building. Following the Choir, Lori Chappell directed the band with a rendition of 4 more songs. Following the songs, the choir and band were able to watch the house of representatives’ debate and pass bills. This was a great opportunity that was made possible by the outstanding students of the Wayne High School Band and Choir. Thank you, Joni and Lori, for what you are doing for our kids.