Unity in Our Community: Parents, Partnerships & the Future of Wasatch
Schools
SchoolsParent leaders representing Wasatch Parent Networks and School Community Councils from our District schools gathered this week for our second Unity in Our Community session, a morning focused on collaboration, connection, and celebrating the bright future of Wasatch students.
Elementary Education Director Stephanie Discher opened the session by emphasizing the power of partnership between families and educators.
“No classroom or school works in isolation,” she said. “Our strength comes from learning from one another and from the community we serve.”
Superintendent Dr. Garrick Peterson then shared progress on the district’s four guiding goals: learning from the top schools around our state and country, earning recognition as a national Model PLC District, ensuring every student feels connected, and preparing every graduate with college or career experiences before they leave Wasatch.
“We’re constantly learning from each other and from the best schools in the country,” Dr. Peterson explained. “That’s how we keep improving.”He added that while academic systems are strong, the goal that “keeps him up at night” is connection: “Making sure every student feels seen, valued, and supported … that’s the work that matters most. We don’t have all the answers, that’s why your partnership is important. Together, we’re building the kind of community where every student can learn, lead, and belong.”
Parents then joined Timpanogos Middle School Principal Jim Judd and Deer Creek High School Principal Justin Kelly for a historic bus tour of the District’s schools, finishing with a first look inside Deer Creek High School, Home of the Riverhawks, scheduled to open in August of 2026.
“It’s been 118 years since Wasatch High School was founded,” Mr. Kelly said. “Now we’re building something new; a school that students will be proud to call their own.”
During the presentation and later, at the high school site, parents asked thoughtful questions about the coming transition to two high schools, including how teachers will be divided and whether both schools will offer the same programs and opportunities.
Dr. Peterson assured the group that Wasatch and Deer Creek will offer equal access to high-quality academics, athletics, and arts programs.
“The only exception is JROTC, which by state rule can operate only within a 50-mile radius,” he said. “But Deer Creek students who wish to participate can still do so through Wasatch High.”
On staffing, Principal Kelly explained that teachers were surveyed about their preferences, and placements are being considered carefully and collaboratively.
“We’re being thoughtful, balancing programs and relationships while giving as many teachers as possible their choice,” he said. “The spirit of collaboration among our staff has been incredible.”
Unity in Our Community Kickoff Event
On Friday, Oct. 3, we hosted our very first Unity in Our Community event, with this first meeting dedicated to welcoming and introducing families new to Wasatch County School District, and what a special kickoff it was!
Families new to Wasatch joined Superintendent Dr. Garrick Peterson and district leaders at the Wasatch Education Center to learn more about our journey as a district, our four goals, and the steps we’re taking to achieve them:
• Learning from the best schools in Utah until Wasatch is recognized as the highest-achieving district in the state
• Becoming a Model PLC District with every school reaching model PLC status
• Ensuring every student feels connected to their school community
• Preparing every secondary student with postsecondary launch courses before graduation
Principal Justin Kelly also shared the vision for Deer Creek High School, opening in Fall 2026 — including the story behind the River Hawk mascot, the school’s state-of-the-art design, and the traditions being established to create a lasting legacy for the valley’s second high school.
Following his presentation, one of the highlights of the morning was a historical and informational bus tour through the Heber Valley, led by Principals Jim Judd (Timpanogos Middle) and Kelly. Along the way, participants discovered the rich stories behind our schools, from the District Office property where a peace treaty was signed with Chief Tabby of the Ute Tribe, to the beloved traditions at Midway Elementary, and the valley’s history as the largest sheep-shipping hub in the West.
The tour concluded with a stop at the Deer Creek High School construction site, where Mr. Kelly personally explained the layout, features, and progress of the new campus.
We wrapped up with interactive conversations with school leaders, a Q&A session, and (of course) prize drawings and swag bags.
We’re grateful to everyone who joined us today and look forward to many more opportunities to come together, share stories, and build connections. 
