When families walked into Aspen Elementary for its Community Night, it was clear this wasn’t just another school event.  Kids darted from booth to booth, spinning wheels and trying out games; parents chatted with community partners; and tables overflowed with give-aways from band-aids to boots.

“Take whatever you want,” said Jordan Education Foundation Executive Director Mike Haynes, encouraging families to grab donated items of books, food, coats, games and even party supplies. “There’s a backpack over there. If you want a backpack load it up with stuff. Everybody can use some free stuff.”

The community’s generosity is part of what makes Aspen Elementary’s Community Night special, said Principal Suzie Wililams. She said what began as a way to introduce families to district and community services has grown into a full-scale celebration of learning, support and connection.

“When our school opened (in 2021), we got to bring together our community, and in a sense, our world since we have so many students and families who come from all over and speak different languages,” she said. “With so many new families, we decided to share what our district and community has to offer. It was such a big hit, we do it every year.”

This year’s event featured more than 25 booths, representing school district departments, nonprofits and community organizations. Families learned about math, literacy, STEM, gifted and talented programs, special education, nursing services and more within the district. Community partners such as the Salt Lake County Library, Utah Parent Center, Salt Lake Police, UT Safe App, Beverley Taylor Sorensen arts program and others provided information.

Amber Beck is an education parent consultant with the Utah Parent Center, a nonprofit that supports families of children with disabilities navigating the school system. She said her goal in being there was simple.

“I want families to know about us, so they don’t have to go alone in the school process,” she said. “We’re parents helping parents. All of us who work at the Utah Parent Center have kids with disabilities, so we’ve been through it ourselves.”

Leslie Schow, branch manager of the Daybreak Salt Lake County library, said she was there to support students, families and schools.

“I love to talk about the library and give them book lists and upcoming information on our program, such as our winter reading program,” she said. “We’re a community center, so we are central to our neighborhood. In addition to books and materials available, we have a creative space and have lots of resources available for students and families.”

Throughout the school, there were learning opportunities for students. First-grade teacher Tara Timothy ran a math game called capture squares, where students solved math problems to win spaces on the board.

“This is something we do in our math classes,” she said. “It’s a fun way for parents to see what they’re doing in school and to practice it at home as well.”

Danielle and Jason Miller were with their second-grade daughter Hazel, trying the catapult she had built. Her older brothers were exploring on their own.

“This is a great way to learn what’s going on in our community,” Jason Miller said. 

His wife added: “And at the school. The teachers are all wonderful.”

Parent Vanessa Malkin said her family comes every year.

“It’s been a great way to learn about the preschool, the music program and the special education program, especially when we were new to the area,” she said.

While her third-grader Greer was excited to see his choir teacher, he first finished the cookie he frosted with green and yellow icing, Aspen school colors. His kindergarten sister, Illyana, said her cookie with yellow frosting was the best thing, while dozens of children were enjoying coloring at another table.

The event drew support from older students. Ellie Stark, a Herriman High School senior and studentbody historian, volunteered alongside dozens of cheerleaders, student officers and club members.

“They reached out asking for volunteers and I love to go to school events to help our community,” she said.

Even the door prizes reflected the community’s support, with $4,000 in donated items for adults and students. As Aspen is projected to grow to 900 students next year, Williams said her community’s help remains constant.

“Every time we ask for something, they come and support our students and families,” she said. “I’m so grateful.”