The summer food service program is celebrating the end of an amazing summer of free meals on Friday. Everyone is invited to Columbia Elementary School for the final Community Days of the summer for free meals and extra fun. Jordan School District Nutrition Services and community partners will be on hand for pizza, prizes, and games from 11:30-12:30 p.m. Anyone 18-years-old and younger is eligible for free meals, and adults can purchase lunch for $4.10.

Columbia Elementary will have extra fun during lunch Friday, but the final day of the summer meals program is available for breakfast and lunch at any of four locations:

• Columbia Elementary School, 3503 West 7800 South, West Jordan

• Heartland Elementary School, 1451 West 7000 South, West Jordan

• Terra Linda Elementary School, 8400 South Old Bingham Highway, West Jordan

• Westvale Elementary School, 2300 West Gardner Lane, West Jordan

Columbia Elementary welcomed a new batch of future students during its annual Kindergarten Space Camp. The one-day “boot camp” brought incoming kindergarten students to school before the first day to build confidence and alleviate anxiety for both the students and parents. Students met their teacher, explored the playground, found their classroom, and ate a school lunch. The entire process gives students a familiarity with their school so they can conquer the first day with confidence.

Welcome to Columbia Elementary, future Class of 2039! See you for the first day of school in a few weeks.

She is part of an amazing family embracing America’s 250^th birthday and many of the celebrations that come along with it. Please join us in congratulating Riverside Elementary School student Elizabeth Black who took top honors at the Freedom 250 American Heroes Student Art Contest. This was a nationwide competition for students in grades 3-12 and invited young people to create original 2D artwork inspired by historical figures to celebrate America 250.

More than 1,000 students from across the country entered the contest and 168 of the young artists won. Elizabeth Black was a top prize winner! Elizabeth, along with her drawing, were recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington D.C. where her artwork was on display.

We are proud of this talented Riverside Elementary student. Keep up the great work, Elizabeth!

The Copper Hills and West Jordan High School bands proudly marched in the annual Days of ‘47 Parade. The annual tradition celebrates the arrival of the pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 and is one of the oldest parades in the country.

Thousands of spectators lined the streets in downtown Salt Lake City to watch the floats, bands, and other entertainment. Congratulations, Copper Hills and West Jordan! Great job representing Jordan School District.

Every Wednesday over summer break, you can find the Oakcrest Elementary School staff building bonds, strengthening their bodies, and finding adventure. Under the leadership of the school’s wellness coordinator, Tracey Davies, educators and staff members regularly slip on hiking boots to explore scenic trails across the Wasatch Front.

Dubbed “Wellness Wednesdays,” the initiative encourages the staff to step away from their school and connect outdoors. The group’s outings have taken them across a wide variety of local terrain, from Farmington Creek Waterfall Trail to Stewart Falls near Sundance. Beyond promoting physical health and stress reduction, the shared outdoor challenges have fostered team building and coworker connections.

The Oakcrest Hiking Club shows no signs of slowing down, proving that for these educators, building a supportive school culture is a journey best taken one hike at a time.