Millcreek’s William Penn Elementary School is officially 100 years old. To mark this special three-digit birthday, the school hosted a community party, attended by students, teachers and families alike. The April 24 event featured lots of memorabilia, sending its attendees down memory lane through pictures and artifacts. 

Speaking of memorabilia, to celebrate the occasion, William Penn curated a time capsule, which featured items that reflect life in 2025. Members of the community were encouraged to bring forth memorabilia, at which point, students voted on which items would be featured in the capsule. The capsule will be reopened in 2050, when William Penn turns 126 years old.

William Penn first opened in 1924; however, its original building was demolished in 2003. Quickly rebuilt, William Penn debuted its new home in 2004. Since then, it has lived exclusively in that same building, teaching countless Utah students along the way.

As a pillar in Utah’s education system, William Penn has reinvented itself many times over, adapting alongside the progression of technology. However, one of their most interesting achievements to date occurred when they championed a Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program. 

Back in 2022, Granite School District decided to close three different institutions, Millcreek, Twin Peaks and Spring Lane elementary schools. Despite the school  board’s unanimous vote for closures, the decision did cause dissention amongst parents. For context, these schools housed some of the district’s most diverse populations, with Spring Lane, at the time of its closure, boasting a 43% Latino student body. 

Given its proximity to Millcreek, it was natural that William Penn would go on to absorb much of its student body. In response to a new influx of Latino students, William Penn created its Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program.

The program model dictates that students receive instruction, half of the time in Spanish, and the other half of the time in English. To achieve this outcome, most subjects are assigned to be taught in either Spanish or English. The program spans multiple years, starting as soon as first grade.

Not only did the program serve as a helpful transitional tool when introducing students from Millcreek into William Penn, but it also continue to help prepare students for future success. Generally speaking, research indicates that young minds are often primed to acquire a second language more efficiently, which makes elementary school an ideal time to jumpstart the learning process.

“We hear of stories where the grandparents of our current students attended this school,” said Principal Brett Bawden. “We have evolved from being strictly a community school and adapting to be more inclusive by creating a Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program. When Millcreek Elementary closed a few years ago, we integrated all the students in their Spanish DLI program into our school. We are still rich in tradition and have many teachers who have worked here since the 80s and 90s.”

One of these teachers is Pyper Shelton, a veteran educator who teaches first grade. Shelton has been at the school since 1989, solidifying herself as a mainstay, one that is particularly popular and beloved by students. 

“I am honored to teach inquisitive 6 and 7 year olds,” Shelton said. “They have more questions than I have answers which makes our classroom dynamic and inspiring.”

On the day of the party, attendees were treated to free hot dogs, although various food trucks were on site for additional options. While only a select few items could be placed in the time capsule, everyone in attendance was invited to sign a guest book which was placed alongside the time capsule. 

Seeing as no birthday party is complete without cake, it’s only fitting that William Penn Elementary got its very own to mark the occasion. As confetti launched into the crowd of children, the excitement was palpable. As for the future, the school hopes to continue to innovate and prepare students for the global world. With 100 years already under the school’s belt the future looks promising.  λ