West Jordan High School was the scene for a celebration of inclusion and sportsmanship at the Jordan School District Unified Middle School basketball tournament. Nine JSD middle schools, along with Timberline Middle School from Alpine School District, participated in an afternoon of hoops, hi-fives, and smiles.

Unified sports is part of a Special Olympics program that brings together students with varying abilities on the same team with peer tutors. The goal is promote inclusion and understanding on and off the court.

Congrats to all the winners and everyone who participated, with a special thank you to the staff at West Jordan High School for hosting all of these amazing athletes.

From the hidden gems buried in Idaho’s mountains to the glittering skyscrapers of New York City, students at South Valley School “flew” around the United States, tasting local foods and learning the history of the 50 states without leaving the comfort of the school building. The fun-filled day was piloted by the school’s administrators, Tammy Rajczyk and Jessica Wilson, with a team of dedicated flight attendants made up of the school’s staff.

Each classroom represented a different state, educating students about its customs and history, while offering a taste of the local cuisine. Students led each cultural exchange with activities and lectures, giving everyone a chance to participate as a traveler or guide. At the end of the adventure students were left with lasting memories that they will not soon forget.

Great job, South Valley School staff and administration. Your dedication to providing top-quality experiences for your students is unmatched. Thank you for all you do!