Send us Fan Mail

Experts have found students who participate in theater exhibit higher test scores, improved analytical thinking and communication skills, and are more likely to graduate. Look no further than theater students right here in Canyons District to see the proof. The theater departments at all five of Canyons’ traditional high schools are competing in the state championships this week.

If that’s not proof enough, Alta and Hillcrest have a combined 14 finalist nominations for the 2026 Utah High School Musical Theatre Awards. Winners will be announced Saturday, May 9 at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City.

Send us Fan Mail

We sit down with Canyons School District Nursing Specialist Jen Gerrard to translate the medical jargon around communicable diseases and explain why measles, pertussis (whooping cough), and varicella (chickenpox) trigger a very different level of school response than the common cold.

We talk through how these viruses spread, what prevention actually helps, and why staying home with fever still matters. Jen also clears up a point that causes constant confusion: “exposure” vs “outbreak” depends on the specific disease, and measles can be treated as an outbreak with a single confirmed case. You’ll hear how school nurses coordinate with the Salt Lake County Health Department, how risk levels are determined, and what can happen when immunization documentation is missing.

Then we get practical. We cover how to find your vaccination records, why older records can be tough to track down, and how Utah’s Docket app (connected to the Utah State Immunization Information System) can help you access and maintain your immunization history. We also discuss titers, re-vaccination options like the MMR series, and why herd immunity is about protecting the people who can’t get vaccinated, including babies, pregnant people, and immunocompromised community members. Finally, we share what to watch for because measles often starts with cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and high fever, while the rash shows up later, after contagious spread may already be happening.

If you found this helpful, subscribe, share the episode with a friend.

Chapters

0:00
Measles Cases And Local Context
2:12
Communicable Vs Infectious Basics
3:22
Prevention That Actually Reduces Spread
6:02
School Nurse Response Protocol
7:14
Exposure Vs Outbreak Defined
9:01
Tracking Immunization Records With Docket
13:22
Titers And Re-Vaccination Options
15:22
Upcoming Student Vaccine Clinic
15:46
Risk Levels And Herd Immunity
19:56
Protecting Vulnerable Students And Families
22:49
What To Do If You’re Unsure
23:37
Early Measles Symptoms And Contagious Window
25:56
Masks Telehealth And Safer Testing
27:16
Listener Outreach And Wrap-Up

Send us Fan Mail

We sit down with new Superintendent Dr. McKay Robinson and trace the personal moments that pulled him into education and still guide how he leads. We talk about relationships, strong teaching, valued support staff, and why building on a solid foundation beats disruption.
• Dr. Robinson’s journey from student to superintendent
• A third-grade teacher’s impact and why connection matters
• Why elementary school is a powerful foundation for learning
• Balancing leadership demands with family and mental health
• What makes a strong educator: passion, flexibility, high expectations, lifelong learning
• Professional development supports that help teachers grow
• The often unseen work of support staff and why they are essential
• Leading with stability by building on Canyons’ strategic plan and focusing on kids

If there's a topic you'd like to hear discussed on the podcast, send us an email to communications at CanyonsDistrict.org.
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at Canyons District or on our website, CanyonsDistrict.org.