Horizon Junior High

For all students interested in running for Student Body Officers next year, reminder the mandatory candidates/parent meeting is TONIGHT @ 5:00pm in the 2nd Floor Learning Suite. If you want to run you must be there. Any questions contact Mrs. Anderson at kaylaanderson@dsdmail.net

We are proud of Mr. Littlefield! Our staff and CTE department are excited to recognize Payden Littlefield for his outstanding dedication to students and excellence in education. He has been awarded the 2025 Air and Space Force Association Secondary Teacher of the Year for the Ute Rocky Mountain Chapter 237. This honor reflects his commitment to hands‑on learning, innovation in the classroom, and the positive impact he makes every day. Congratulations, Mr. Littlefield, your hard work inspires all of us. #GoDUCKS!

We are so grateful for our staff and students we get to be around everyday. On Wednesday we had our February Student of the Month. We are so proud of our students that demonstrate the ability to Empower, Rise, Explore, and Succeed. Thanks to our sponsors: HJH PTA, Coleman Orthodontist, Pizza Hut, Zeppes, Arby's, and Chic-fil-A.

Join Next Year's LIA Leadership Class for All Interested 8th & 9th Graders
https://latinosinaction.org/about-lia/

See Mr. Bradshaw in the library/Media Center for an application and more info.

About the class:

·       Year long 8th and 9th grade class for anyone

·       Don’t have to be Latino or speak Spanish, but will learn/practice some Spanish

·    Learn LEADERSHIP, about Latino and other cultures, and participate in COLLEGE and CAREER preparation.

·       Focus on PROFESSIONALISM, SERVICE, and SOCIAL skills

·       Weekly field trip to Island View Elementary to help younger grades in reading and math

·       Support, plan, and carry out school wide activities

·       LEARN HOW TO GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

·       Enter art and talent contests like Davis school district Martin Luther King Jr. Speech Contest

Taught by UT LIA 2024 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Bradshaw in the library/media center

Horizon  Junior High School is proud to sponsor Unified Basketball for the 2026 season!!!!!! Anyone who wishes to participate please reach out to Coach Black for more information (385)-519-6703 Or Jacblack@dsdmail.net

In partnership with Special Olympics Utah and the Davis School District, Horizon Junior High School is proud to offer official Unified Sports programming for the 2025–2026 school year.
Horizon Junior High School will participate in:
• Unified Basketball
• Unified Track
• Unified E-Sports
Unified Sports promotes inclusion, collaboration, leadership, and school pride by bringing students together through shared athletic and extracurricular experiences. As the program continues to grow, our goal is to expand Unified opportunities to include as many junior high sports and activities as possible.
About Unified Sports
Special Olympics Unified Sports® is dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition. The program brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Unified Sports is built on a simple and powerful principle:
Training together and playing together fosters friendship, understanding, and respect. Unified Sports teams are formed with students of similar age and ability, ensuring:
• Meaningful participation for all students
• Enjoyable practices
• Engaging and competitive games
Through shared participation in sport, barriers are reduced, misconceptions are challenged, and students develop lasting connections that strengthen school communities.
For More Information:
https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/sports/unified-sports)

Unified Basketball Program Overview
Horizon Junior High School will offer Unified Basketball as part of its official Unified Sports programming. This program is designed to bring together athletes and Unified partners in an inclusive, team-based environment that promotes participation, skill development, and sportsmanship.
Unified Basketball teams will be under the direction of Coach Black and Coach Holmes.
Program Structure
• Teams will participate in scheduled practices focused on:
o Fundamental basketball skills and drills
o Rules and gameplay understanding
o Teamwork and conditioning
• Student participation is completely voluntary.
• Students may withdraw from participation at any time without penalty.
All teams will be registered to participate in the Davis School District–sponsored Junior High Unified Basketball Tournament, scheduled to be held at Central Davis Junior High School on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 (location and date subject to change).
Participant Roles
Athletes
Athletes are students who have been identified with:
• Intellectual disabilities and/or
• Physical disabilities
Unified Partners
Unified Partners are students who:
• Choose to play with and alongside athletes
• Understand and support the mission and purpose of Unified Sports
• Promote inclusion, teamwork, and positive peer interaction
Team Composition
• Each team will consist of up to 10 players
• Teams may include any combination of athletes and Unified partners
• Playing preference is given to athletes; partners will rotate as needed
• Teams may be organized based on skill level to ensure meaningful participation
Skill Level Descriptions
• High Skill Level
Athletes who demonstrate skills comparable to same-age peers in traditional basketball settings, with minimal or no observable need for adaptations.
• Mid Skill Level
Athletes who can perform most basketball skills but may benefit from direct coaching, reminders, or partner support during gameplay.
• Low Skill Level
Athletes who require one-to-one support, hand-over-hand assistance, or modified equipment or facilities to safely and successfully participate.
Fees and Eligibility
• Families will be notified in advance if any participation fees are required.
• No student will be excluded from participation due to an inability to pay.
• Payment or non-payment will not impact on student eligibility to participate.

Parent/ Athlete Meeting
• February 25th at 6pm in the Main commons Area
o Come with questions
o Practice schedule will be given out
o Final details should be given to coaches from district and available to share to parents
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Talk to Coach Black
(385) 519-6703
OR
Jacblack@dsdmail.net

We are so grateful for our staff and students we get to be around everyday. Today we had our December Student of the Month. We are so proud of our students that demonstrate the ability to Empower, Rise, Explore, and Succeed. Thanks to our sponsors: HJH PTA, Coleman Orthodontist, Pizza Hut, Zeppes, Arby's, and Chic-fil-A.

HORIZON WRESTLING PARENT MEETING

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 @ 3:10PM

MEET IN THE LITTLE THEATRE

For all students interested in wrestling.

Join us for some information and a Q&A

mharnish@dsdmail.net

Get ready for track season with Running Rascals! We will meet on the indoor track at 3:15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting on January 13th! If you have any questions, talk to Coach Keller in room 1120.

Duck'E Sports Spring signs up are now live!

Anyone wanting to join in the E-sports teams can do so now. 2026 springs leagues are now open for enrollment. Talk to Mr. Black!

DUCK E Sports Every Thursday 3-5pm in library Questions? See Mr. Black .

Congratulations to our Lady Ducks for their win over Mueller Park Jr. Their hustle, dedication, and fun spirit was felt by everyone in the crowd. Come support them in their next game on Tuesday, Dec. 16th at Fairfield Jr. at 3:15pm. #FeartheFlock #GoDUCKS!

8th Grade Science Highlight Our students wrapped up the year with a hands-on Crime Scene Investigation project. Using chemical and physical testing, they worked to identify both a mystery liquid and a mystery powder. A fantastic blend of critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world science! #GoDUCKS!

The Duck the Halls Fundraiser continues! Yesterday our student government held a donation drive thru where they collected cash at school drop off and pick up. Thanks to all those who donated! Today, hot chocolate will be for sale before school for $1. Go Ducks!

Big Congrats to Our Girls’ Basketball Team! They just brought home their first WIN over Millcreek Jr. Way to represent the school! 🏀We are SO proud of their hard work, teamwork, and determination. Come cheer them on again this Thursday at HOME as they take on Mueller Park Jr. Let’s pack the gym and show our support! #FeartheFlock #GoDUCKS!

If your eighth-grade student is interested in participating in athletics outside of their boundary high school during their freshman year, they will need to apply for a Boundary Permit.
What is the Ninth-Grade Participation Policy?
This policy allows eighth-grade students to apply for a boundary permit and try out for extracurricular activities at the high school level.
How to Apply:
Please refer to the attached flyer for detailed step-by-step instructions on how to submit a boundary permit request through your guardian myDSD account.
Key Points to Remember:
- Applications are for the 2026–27 school year.
- A $5 fee is required when submitting the request.
- Complete the process promptly to ensure your student can participate in their desired athletic programs.
- Deadline is February 6, 2026

Art Class Highlight! Our Durable Duck Skill for the week is Teamwork, and our artists drew ducks with markers tied to strings. The teamwork and communication required to complete this drawing task was so fun to see!”(It was hilarious actually)

Our Horizon Cheerleaders did an amazing job tonight at their Cheer Showcase! Their hard work, dedication, and team spirit truly shined on the floor. We are so proud of everything they’ve accomplished. Help us wish them the best of luck tomorrow as they head into their first competition of the season—you’ve got this! #GoDUCKS!

🎨🇲🇽 Spanish DLI & Culture Spotlight! Our students explored códices and used this ancient storytelling style to creatively represent the First Thanksgiving. Loved seeing their artistic skills and cultural connections come to life! 🍁📜✨