Students from the Jordan School District Native American Program recently gathered for a powerful hands-on workshop led by Jacob Crane, Executive Director of the nonprofit Cultural Fire Events. Under Mr. Crane’s guidance, students crafted their own traditional hand drums using maple wood and deer hide. The event was designed to be more than a lesson on making musical instruments, it served as a way to build cultural bonds among the District’s Native American students. Mr. Crane, who has taught traditional dance for over 20 years, shared how these instruments bridge communities and preserve ancestral songs.

By the end of the session, each student walked away with a custom drum they had laced and stretched by hand. The workshop provided a space for students to connect with their identity and learn the technical skills of a centuries-old art form.

Great job to the staff in the Jordan Native American Program for creating such a meaningful event, and thank you to Jacob Crane for sharing his decades of expertise. This event was a great way for students to carry forward the traditions of native song and drum.

Three Jordan School District educators have been selected as winners in Western Governors University’s (WGU) “Fund My Classroom” initiative, receiving nearly $1,000 in specialized tools and equipment. Out of more than 650 submissions nationwide, teachers from Aspen Elementary, Mountain Shadows Elementary, and Majestic Elementary Arts Academy were recognized for their innovative approaches to student engagement. The program is designed to support K-12 educators by providing the necessary materials to expand curricula.

Melissa Coats at Mountain Shadows Elementary received phonics-aligned decodable books to improve reading fluency, while Angus Douglas at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy acquired resources for hands-on STEAM experiences, and Aspen Elementary’s Haley McCall received sensory room materials.

These awards highlight the dedication of JSD teachers in creating supportive and effective learning environments for their students.

The Cat in the Hat, Horton, Gertrude McFuzz, and a host of other characters turned Antelope Canyon into Whoville for the school’s production of Seussical Kids. The musical, based on the works of Dr. Suess, was performed to two sold-out shows by a cast and crew of over 50 students, led by director Sara Stottmann.

Special thanks to the production team: Lauren Amis, Sara Hatch, Niki George, Melissa Hiller, Shelby Anderson, and Naomi Bawden. The production team of Antelope Canyon staff and PTA put in countless hours to help the students make Suessical a hit.

Students at Welby Elementary and across the Jordan School District were among the nearly 1 million Utahns who dropped, covered, and held on during the 2026 Great Utah ShakeOut on Thursday. 

Over 90% of the Utah population, including all of Jordan School District, is in an active earthquake zone, making these drills crucial in our schools and buildings. Students and staff did a great job following directions, keeping calm, and learning how to stay safe in the event of an earthquake.

Harrison Kailer, a student at Monte Vista Elementary School, has been named the winner of the Utah finals for the Elementary Chinese Bridge competition.

Harrison’s journey to the top was no small feat. Competing against 45 Mandarin-speaking peers from across Utah, he first earned a spot as a top 10 finalist. He then faced a rigorous two-part evaluation from distinguished judges, including several university professors. To advance, students had to demonstrate both language proficiency and cultural knowledge.

This achievement was the result of hard work and support from his school and family. A shout-out to Monte Vista’s Mrs. Grover, who generously spent numerous afternoons staying after school with Harrison, helping him prepare for the finals.

As Utah State Champion, Harrison earned a $250 prize. Additionally, he received an official invitation from the Chinese Consulate to compete in the National Finals in Los Angeles this May. If he wins at the national level, Harrison will secure a spot in the Global Finals held in Beijing, China.

Congratulations to Harrison on this outstanding accomplishment. Wishing you continued success as you represent Jordan School District and Utah in Los Angeles!