Granite launches innovative programs school

WEST VALLEY CITY — As principal Debbie Koji strolls across the fresh playground blacktop, three children run up and throw their arms around her for a giant circle hug. "Hi, Mrs. Koji!" they yell.

For Koji and hundreds of students across the Wasatch Front, Monday was the first day of school. Classes begin today in Salt Lake district and on Wednesday in the Canyons, Jordan and Uintah districts.

Koji, along with 560 students from Granite School District, moved this year from the overcrowded Silver Hills Elementary School, 5770 W. 5100 South, Kearns, to the newly constructed Diamond Ridge Elementary School in West Valley City.

The school is one of dozens across the state that offers innovative programs unheard of a generation ago to meet changing needs — and wants — of students and parents. At Diamond Ridge, students in grades 1-3 can enroll in the Singapore math pilot program, which has been championed by Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, as a teaching curriculum that can dramatically improve test scores. Diamond Ridge, 6034 W. 6365 South, is also offering a French dual immersion program for 60 first-graders.

"The kids are so excited about learning. They will be reading by the end of the year," said Katie Records, a new first-grade teacher.

Koji, who was at Diamond Ridge at 6 a.m. Monday, said the first day ran smoothly for the new school, from the first bell at 8:40 a.m. to when the kids ran out the doors at 3:20 p.m.

Fourth-grader Alan Marshall, 9, said he loves the new playground, especially the numerous basketball courts, huge playing field and painted map of the United States. "I like hopping on Utah because that's where I live," he said. The school also features a 10-foot by 10-foot black and white chess board designed into the tile on the school's second floor.

Dad Joe Martinez, who recently moved to the area from Los Angeles, said he was impressed by how clean and new the building is compared to his old district. "It's beautiful," he said.

Koji said one little boy piped up when he walked into school, "I think I'm in school heaven."

Diamond Ridge is nestled in the middle of Diamond Summit subdivision. The two-story, $12 million building is 90,000 square feet. The building touts abundant natural lighting and is a replica of Granger Elementary School in Granite district.

On Monday several parents said they were happy they could walk their children to the community school instead of putting them on a bus.

"It's right in our neighborhood. I think this will help bring us together as a community," said mom Sherrie Vargas.