Category Archives: School Stories

Students Sing Their Way into Hearts of Senior Citizens and Many Others in Amazing Performances

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They are talented and have big hearts as well. Recently a select group of West Hills Middle School students attended the Jordan School District Solo & Ensemble Festival, performing small group songs and solos with other exceptional middle school singers in the District.

After the festival, the students and Choir Director Michael Draut, stopped to sing for and visit with their resident friends at Summit Senior Living in West Jordan. It was an act of kindness and beautiful singing that brought smiles to the faces of seniors.

In addition, congratulations to students representing West Hills at the Utah Music Educators Association’s, (UMEA) Jr. High All-State Choir. They rehearsed with the best middle school singers in the state under the baton of Dr. Erin Bailey, BYU, and then performing at the singular Abravanel Hall.

Keep up the great work West Hills, singing your way into the hearts of everyone you cross paths with in your performances.

South Valley Students Throw Dance Party to Celebrate Creation of Hope Squad

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It was a week of smiles and fun at South Valley School as students celebrated the creation of their first Hope Squad. Activities throughout the week included a soda bar, friendship bracelet making, and an epic lunchtime dance party.

Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer program that fosters connection, community, and hope inside schools to promote mental health and suicide prevention. School psychologist Sarah Robbins and counselor Melisa Swapp worked as sponsors of the club and helped organize the week of activities.

Congratulations, South Valley students! Keep smiling and lifting each other up!

Morning Yoga Starts Heartland Elementary Off on the Right Foot

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Students at Heartland Elementary learn yoga before school
Young students at Heartland Elementary have found that there is no better way to start their school day than with a before-school yoga session. On Wednesdays, students meet in the gym before school starts to stretch and center themselves through yoga in a soothing environment.
School counselor Jenilee Sorenson realized that some students felt more dysregulated in the middle of the school week and needed extra support for their emotional well-being. With the support of Heatland Principal Buddy Alger, she began bringing students together before school to learn yoga in a soothing environment as a way to regulate the kids and give them space to focus their bodies and minds.

Namaste Hearland!

Herriman High School Student Athlete is Named National Gatorade Player of the Year

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He is a phenomenal boys cross country runner who won national titles at both the Nike Cross Nationals and Brooks Nationals. Now, Herriman High School senior Jackson Spencer is receiving another one of the most prestigious awards in high school sports.

Jackson has been named the National Gatorade Player of the Year in Boys Cross Country. This award celebrates the nation’s best student-athletes for their success on and off the field. The announcement came as family, friends, school administrators, and members of the media gathered to surprise Jackson at Herriman High School this week. United States Olympic Bronze medalist in long distance running, Grant Fisher, was at Jackson’s side to make the announcement and present the award. The incredible and emotional surprise was followed by a day filled with honors, a Gatorade press conference, interviews, and photo shoots.

Congratulations, Jackson Spencer! We can’t wait to see where your incredible talent takes you in the future.

JSD Student Body Officers Experience Day on Capitol Hill

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Student body officers from every Jordan School District High School visited the Utah State Capitol for an up-close look at how our state government operates. SBOs toured the Capitol along with Jordan District administrators and board members. Students were then paired with members of the House of Representatives and sat in on a session as bills were debated and voted on. The opportunity gave students a chance to ask questions and see how public policy decisions are made in real time. 

After their session in the House, SBOs had lunch and were visited by local representatives who answered questions and gave personal insights into how the legislative process works. 

A special thank you to the legislators and Capitol staff who made this unforgettable experience possible for Jordan School District students.