Dr. Angela Wilkinson spent 11 years leading elementary schools in Canyons District. Now she's running a building with more than 1,500 students, and she says the butterflies hit before the first bell.

"It's been a mishmash of feelings," Wilkinson said on Episode 136 of the district's Connect Canyons podcast, published Aug. 18. "Seeing the students and the teachers, that has been so exciting. But prior to them coming, I have been very nervous. Obviously, I have a pit in my stomach wanting to make sure that you're meeting and greeting everybody, and making everybody feel welcome in your building."

Wilkinson is the new principal at Draper Park Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year. The Canyons Board of Education approved her appointment May 5, moving her from Sunrise Elementary and sending former Draper Park Middle principal Dr. Denzil "Chip" Watts to Butler Middle School. With nearly 20 years in education, this marks Wilkinson's first time leading a middle school.

The transition comes as the school adjusts to enrollment changes. The board's May 5 action also reduced Draper Park Middle from two assistant principals to one, citing population-driven enrollment declines.

Back-to-school nerves are common, social worker says

Wilkinson appeared on the podcast alongside Paige Mangan, a certified social worker with Canyons District, to discuss back-to-school anxiety for students, parents and educators.

Mangan said it is common for adults, parents included, to feel nervous during the first week of school. She encouraged families to talk openly about those feelings rather than push them aside, and noted that adults should regulate their own emotions before trying to help children manage theirs.

Canyons District assigns a school psychologist or counselor and a social worker to every school in the district. Families who want support can contact their school's front office to connect with those staff members.

The message arrives against an improving backdrop. Data from the district's 2025 SHARP Survey, presented to the board in March, showed student mental health has improved significantly since 2021, with fewer students reporting depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide. Students are also more likely to reach out to trusted adults for help than in prior years.

One concern remains: Canyons students report feeling more isolated compared to peers statewide.

What's next for families

Draper Park Middle's Back to School Night is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in an open-house format for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. Canvas training sessions for parents of incoming sixth graders and students new to the school run from 6:15 to 6:40 p.m. and 6:45 to 7:10 p.m. in the Media Center.

Wilkinson said she wants families to know the school's doors are open and encouraged parents to reach out to staff with questions or concerns as the year begins.