It was a once in a lifetime experience for some students, teachers, and staff in Jordan School District. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor took time out of her busy schedule to visit several schools in the District, delivering a message of inspiration, taking pride in self-worth, and civic engagement. The Justice talked about her new book “Just Shine!” encouraging students to be the very best version of themselves possible, and as the book says “how to be a better you.”

During a large assembly and Fireside Chat, Justice Sotomayor took questions from students and staff; each chosen question was met with a thoughtful, deeply reflective answer that truly resonated with the audience.

From student performances, to classroom visits, personal photos, a welcome reception soda service provided by South Valley students, and huge hugs along the way, Justice Sotomayor created memories that will last a lifetime in Jordan School District.

Thank you, Justice, for sharing your wisdom, warmth, and inspiration, and for making a difference in young lives.

Students enrolled in programs at the Jordan Academy for Technology & Careers volunteered their time on Thursday for a good cause. The students got together to help assemble the 9/11 Project hosted by the Major Brent Taylor Foundation. JATC’s construction trades students used the first few weeks of the school year to build the exhibit walls and, along with classmates, helped set up the photos that make up the self-guided tour. 

More than 5,000 Jordan School District students will take field trips to tour the 9/11 Project during its run in South Jordan. The exhibit is open Sept 10-14, 9 a.m.- 9 p.m., at the Bastian Agricultural Center (2100 W 11400 S., South Jordan, UT) and is free to the public. The experience gives children and families a chance to commemorate the events of September 11, 2001, and meet and interact with first responders. More information is available at https://majorbrenttaylor.com/9-11-project/.

Fifth-grade students at Westvale Elementary School kicked off their school year reading challenge with a special guest. A Chick-fil-A cow dropped by to take pictures, give out high-fives, and encourage fifth-grade students to read at least 40 books from various genres this school year. Good luck with your reading challenge, Westvale, and thank you to West Jordan Chick-fil-A for supporting our students!

Portuguese Dual Language Immersion (DLI) students at Bluffdale Elementary celebrated Brazilian Independence Day with song and dance. The students learned and performed traditional songs in Portuguese to honor Dia da Independência, or Sete de Setembro, the Brazilian national holiday commemorating September 7, 1822, when Brazil declared its independence from the United Kingdom of Portugal. Dressed in Brazilian soccer jerseys and specially decorated hats, the students enjoyed a festive day learning about Brazil’s history, culture, and language. 

Students enrolled in one of Jordan School District’s DLI programs spend half of their day in elementary school learning in a second language. The program starts in first grade and continues up to twelfth grade, with university classes available in high school. More information about the program is available at immersion.jordandistrict.org.

It was an exciting day for students at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy as they began their first day of music instruction. After trying different instruments during the first week of school, students got their first official crack at the instruments they’ll be learning for band this year. Students became familiar with the basics of how to hold and play their instrument on the first day and will quickly become accomplished musicians as the school year progresses. 

Majestic Elementary Arts Academy is a free public school open to any K–6 students in the Salt Lake Valley. Teachers at Majestic creatively apply art and interactive elements into instruction, including music lessons taught by accomplished teachers Lisa Blodgett and Olivia Murphy.