It was a day classroom reading aide DeAnn Blackburn, students, and staff at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy will never forget.  DeAnn’s son had been deployed overseas as part of a special Utah Army National Guard unit since last March. But on Thursday, Sgt. Kaleb Ah Loy returned home to Utah and decided his first stop would be to surprise his mom at Majestic. DeAnn thought her son was coming home after the holidays in January.

It was a sweet and emotional surprise with students lining the hallway and waving flags as DeAnn was called to the front office only to see her beloved son Kaleb step out into the hallway. She flew into his arms, in a tearful embrace that brought smiles, pride, and emotion to everyone cheering them on.

Thank you, Sgt. Kaleb Ah Loy, for your service and welcome home. We suspect you will be getting lots of holiday hugs from your mom now that you are home.

Students and staff at Riverton High School came together to honor those who have served in the armed forces by hosting a moving sunrise Veterans Day program. For more than 15 years, students and staff have gathered in front of the school at sunrise on Veterans Day to pay tribute to local veterans and their families. Student Body Officers read a presidential proclamation after raising the flags, followed by a moment of silence. Principal Rochell Waite read the names of veterans working at the school and acknowledged the many family members of staff who have or are currently serving in the armed forces.

Riverton High School takes great pride in honoring the sacrifice of those who protect and serve. Thank you to everyone who helps to carry on this remarkable legacy of celebrating those who have given so much to our country.

They are amazing employees and educators who have also served this country in uniform. As we salute veterans on Veterans Day 2025, we want to thank JSD employees, and their ancestors, for the courage, sacrifice, and dedication given to protecting the freedoms we all enjoy.

Thank you for the impact you have made on this nation and on students today. We salute you and are forever grateful for your service.

They are making memories and history at Mountain Shadows Elementary with their school mascot. Their mascot, the mountain lion cub, never had a name and really needed one. So, Principal Eardley went to work, first sending out possible names for adults in the building to consider. After narrowing the list down to just four, it was students who voted and sealed the deal on a name.

The name students selected for their mountain lion mascot, SHADOW! Principal Eardley revealed the name at a schoolwide assembly saying Shadow always follows the school’s four big rules of being Respectful, Safe, Responsible, and Kind.

Welcome, Shadow, to Jordan School District and your home, Mountain Shadows Elementary School!

This week is National School Psychologist Week. It is a week dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the hard work and endless efforts of school psychologists in districts across the nation. School psychologists are there for students every day helping with their mental health, learning, and behaviors.

More than 80 school psychologists work in Jordan School District providing direct support and interventions; consulting with teachers, families, counselors, social workers, and school staff. These professionals play a vital role in the educational process and we thank them this week and every day for all they do to support students and our schools.