Cascade Elementary

Dear Parents and Students,

As I prepare to leave Cascade, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for the past six and a half years. My time here has been filled with experiences and memories I never could have imagined when I began my career in education.

I arrived at Cascade in the middle of the school year while our school was being rebuilt and we were temporarily housed in the old Hillcrest building. Hillcrest held special meaning for me because it was the first school where I served as a principal. Soon after arriving, our world was turned upside down by the pandemic. Together, we faced challenges none of us had ever experienced before—online learning, masks, hybrid schedules, and countless adjustments along the way. Through it all, I watched our students, families, and staff show resilience, patience, and compassion for one another. During my time at Cascade, our school welcomed many distinguished visitors, including the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, state leaders, and other educational and community leaders. I also had the incredible opportunity to travel to China as part of the Utah Friendship Delegation, which included state, religious, and educational leaders, along with two students from Cascade and Orem High School.

One of the most meaningful moments of that trip occurred during a meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister. Near the end of our conversation, our students stood and spoke to him in Mandarin. I watched his expression completely change as he connected with them—not as a government official, but as a father. It reminded me of the power of language and culture to build understanding between people. As we learn another language, we also learn about the values, traditions, and humanity of others. In that process, we gain greater understanding of each other.

Another significant chapter during my time here was the merger of Sharon and Cascade. That transition strengthened our community in many ways. With the growth in student enrollment, our school has become even more vibrant and stable. I am especially proud of the work that has been done to strengthen and stabilize our immersion program. Today, it is thriving.

Cascade has become a place where community traditions flourish. Events such as Cougar Fest, the school play, the Lantern Festival, and Latino Art and Culture Night bring people together and celebrate the diversity and spirit of our school community. These events remind us that schools are more than buildings—they are places where relationships are built and where people come together in meaningful ways.

I am also deeply grateful for our teachers and staff, who have worked tirelessly to help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Their dedication has made a lasting difference in the lives of children every single day. Most of all, I will miss the students. I will miss the high fives, the fist bumps, the excitement on their faces when they learn something new, and the joy they feel when sharing important moments from their lives. Those everyday interactions are what make this profession so meaningful.

Cascade is truly a special place. It has left a permanent mark on my heart, and I will always carry this community with me. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives and for the love and support you have shown me throughout these years.

Sincerely,
Darrin Johnson