An attitude of gratitude is on full display in Aspen Peaks. Dr. Joel Perkins, superintendent, district cabinet members, and Aspen Peaks School Board members have launched a “Gratitude Tour,” inviting parents and community members to help shape the identity of the new district through a series of open-house forums focused on gratitude.
The first tour stop was at Willowcreek Middle School on March 31.
“One of the most essential steps to the establishment of a new district identity is to first recognize with gratitude the many many incredible things that are happening in our local schools," said Perkins. “We have a historic opportunity to build a new school district together. I feel a heavy responsibility to understand what the community expects, and I have learned that framing questions around gratitude is the most productive way to do that.”
Upcoming tour stops will all be held in the evening, from 5:30–7:30:
April 14: Lehi Junior
April 23: Timberline Middle
April 28: Mountain Ridge Junior
May 5: American Fork Junior
May 7: Viewpoint Middle
The tour stops allow patrons to meet district leadership and participate in interactive activities, including a gratitude wall and letter-writing stations.
Everyone is invited to scan QR codes and provide anonymous feedback on district practices they value and specific areas they would like to see improved.
“We want to make sure parents, students, and community members are involved as partners early on,” said Rich Stowell, who will serve as the superintendent's chief of staff and strategic engagement in 2027.
By gathering this feedback now, administrators aim to identify which current practices should be maintained and which are ready for change as the district begins operations.
Stowell said the tour is designed for authentic engagement.
Parents and students attending future stops can ask questions directly to the superintendent and board members or provide anonymous feedback through the tour's gratitude questions.
“As we look to begin operations next year, we are gratefully standing on the shoulders of giants,” said Perkins.
Learn more about the Gratitude Tour: https://www.alpineschools.org/o/aspen-peaks-district/page/gratitude-tour