Education

Eyes on the new school year

by Christine Fitzgerald, Superintendent, San Juan School District As I headed from one school to another during the first week of school, I carried a small bag with me. That’s where I kept my cellphone. This is the first year of our bell-to-bell, phones-away policy. If we are asking students to put...

Library Corner

Coming to Blanding and Monticello Libraries in September: A free community workshop on applying for Federal Jobs is offered for those who are interested in working for the National Park Service or other federal agencies. The no-pressure workshop is built for local community members, where helpers...

Chief Manuelito Scholars named

With the opening of the academic year, Chief Manuelito Scholars have started their journey into higher education. The scholarship is the Navajo Nation’s highest academic award Two Whitehorse High School graduates received the award, including Wachaykeah Rosemarie Martin, who is studying at Utah...

School district may transfer fire station leases

by David Boyle News Director Members of the San Juan School Board approved several policies, heard updates on buildings in the district and reviewed a request to move fire station operations from the county to the Navajo Nation at their latest meeting. As part of the August 13 meeting District...

Welcome to 2026-27 school year

Dr. Christine Fitzgerald Superintendent, San Juan School District Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community Partners, As we open our doors for a new school year, it is a privilege to welcome you back and share the exciting path ahead for the San Juan School District. This year, we are...

The new Blanding Elementary School is set to open with the start of the school year on August 17. Enter your photos in our Photo of the Week contest. We pay $10 for each photo that runs in the San Juan Record. Email your entries to news@sjrnews.com. In addition, you can see more entries into our contest at the San Juan Record website at www.sjrnews.com or on Facebook. Chris Jones photo

Blanding Schools See New Upgrades for 26-27

by Kara Laws Contributing writer All three San Juan School District schools in Blanding have seen major improvements in their buildings this year. Moving into the 2026-2027 school year Blanding Elementary will move into an entirely brand new building, San Juan High will unveil their grand entrance...

An enthusiastic rendition of the national anthem was offered at the August 4 ribbon cutting at Blanding Elementary School. The singers, all students at the school, include Autumn, Ava, Mackly, Slaiter, Kolter, Harlyn, Stetson, Jovi, Lilith, Saylor, Dani, and Dawn. Later, Rossi, Abel, Talisha and Zariah recited the Pledge of Allegiance in Navajo. It wa sall a part of the opening of the new school. Staff photo

Ribbon cut on August 4 for new Blanding Elementary School

Blanding cut the ribbon on a beautiful new elementary school on August 4. Students, parents, community members, and educators gathered to celebrate the opening of the largest school – by enrollment – in the San Juan School District. With a snip of a ribbon by students Carter Kalakis and Axyl...

Utah State University Blanding will host the third annual Weaving Our Stories Conference September 17-18. The conference will bring together a large group of people and organizations to explore how stories, culture, relationships, and shared experiences strengthen communities and help shape the future. Courtesy photo

USU Blanding to host conference

Utah State University Blanding will host the third annual Weaving Our Stories Conference in September. The two-day conference will incorporate the theme “Honoring the Past, Creating What Comes Next” throughout the presentations and activities. The conference will be September 17-18 at the Blanding...

School district to open new school in Blanding

by David Boyle News Director Members of the San Juan School Board made plans to celebrate the opening of a new school, approved the budget and discussed board member compensation at their latest meeting. The San Juan School District is set to celebrate the opening of the new Blanding Elementary...

Recent graduates of Utah State University who participated in a DRUMM Teacher Workshop and Cultural Exchange in April. The program is part of a multi-year effort to assist teachers and students with mathematical modeling. Courtesy photo

USU Blanding hosts science/math workshop

by Marcus Jensen Utah State University Blanding hosted the DRUMM Teacher Workshop and Cultural Exchange on April 10-11, bringing together educators, students and community presenters for two days focused on mathematical modeling, cultural learning and collaboration. DRUMM, which stands for “Data-...