Mission, Motto & Values
Mission: The mission of Rocky Mountain Middle School is to ensure all students acquire the academic skills, knowledge, and social behaviors needed for future success.
Motto: “Learning is Required.”
Values
If learning is required at Rocky Mountain Middle School, then as a faculty we commit to the following:
- We will build and maintain positive relationships with students.
- We will take collective responsibility for student learning.
- We will show belief in each of our students.
- We will set goals to help our students and work in collaborative teams to chase those goals.
- We will ensure that students are prepared for the next grade level by identifying essential content and ensuring all students master that content.
- We will provide extra time and support to students who struggle to master essential content, and we will provide extra challenge to those who need more.
- We will continue to learn through professional development to build our capacity to help all kids.
- Instructional time will be valued and made enjoyable for all students.
Rocky Mountain Middle Administration
Principal's Message
Principal Lana Wright
Lana Wright, a native of Heber City and a 2003 graduate of Wasatch High School, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Utah Valley University, where she received a rodeo scholarship. She also earned a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis on English Language Learner and Dual Language Instruction, from the American College of Education. With 16 years of experience in education, Mrs. Wright has held various roles, including most recently serving as the Assistant Principal at Wasatch High School for the past four years. She has also taught at Heber Valley Elementary, where she worked as a 4th-grade teacher, 3rd-grade Dual Language Immersion teacher, and ELL teacher. Additionally, she taught adult education for two years and served as an Instructional Coach at Daniels Canyon Elementary before taking on the role of K-12 Literacy Specialist at the District Office. Mrs. Wright currently resides in Midway with her husband and daughters, Jewell and Jemma. Reflecting on her teaching career in Wasatch, she says, “I am so proud to teach in Wasatch alongside teachers and leaders who inspired me while growing up. I want to bring the same in
Mrs. Wright’s Educational Philosophy:
“Student success is #1. All students deserve to learn at high levels. This means every student will graduate from high school with the skills and knowledge required to continue learning.”
Assistant Principal Duke Di Stefano
Duke Distefano is a Heber City native and Wasatch High School graduate who earned a Bachelor’s of Science from Utah State University in Business Information Systems & Education, a Master’s of Professional Communication from Westminster College and a Master’s of Education from the University of Utah in Educational Leadership & Policy. He has worked in Wasatch County School District for 20 years, initially as a Business & Marketing Teacher at Wasatch Mountain Jr. High School for two years, followed by 12 years at Wasatch High School as Business & Marketing Teacher, Debate Coach & Student Government Adviser, 18 months as the District’s Public Information Officer, three years as an Assistant Principal at Wasatch High School overseeing the Alternative High School, and two years at as an Assistant Principal at Timpanogos Middle School before joining Rocky Mountain Middle School for the 2023-24 school year. He lives in Heber City with his wife, Kristen (a WHS teacher), and their two children, London & Anderson. Mr. Di Stefano says he’s proud to be a part of Wasatch because he loves “working with exceptional students and professional educators.”
Mr. Di Stefano’s Educational Philosophy:
“Education is a top priority. The fundamental purpose of schooling is student learning, and all children have the right to a quality education. An ideal school consists of a community of learners whose main focus is student achievement. The school is considered a caring community. High standards are set, and high achievement is demanded.”
Assistant Principal Rachel Probst
Mrs. Rachel Probst has spent her 16-year career in education at WCSD, where she has served as an Elementary teacher, Partnership Facilitator coaching interns, and Dean of Students at Rocky Mountain Middle School for two years. A native of North Ogden, she moved to Heber for her sophomore year of high school and graduated from Wasatch in 2003. She holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Utah Valley University, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from The American College of Education, and endorsements in ELL, Reading, and Administration. She lives in Heber with her husband, Brady, and their three children, Lundyn, Ivory, and Ridge. “I’m proud to be a part of Wasatch because it’s evident that we care deeply about doing what’s best for all students,” Mrs. Probst said. “I’m passionate about our Mission & Vision, and it’s a privilege to work alongside the most talented and compassionate educators in the state!”
Mrs. Probst’s Educational Philosophy:
“One thing I know for sure is that teachers are the greatest change makers. Their influence can quite literally reshape the future. Over the years, I’ve witnessed students achieve incredible things all because of their teacher. So, my philosophy is the same as that of Dr. Anthony Muhammed who said, ‘All students can and must learn…and they will learn because of what we do’.”