Category Archives: Employee News

Mountain Creek Middle Chinese DLI Students Foster Creativity and Fun in Chinese Shadow Puppetry Show

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After completing a high-stakes AP Chinese Language and Culture Exam, Chinese DLI students at Mountain Creek Middle School wrapped up their 9th grade school year with an engaging and creative performance of Piying Xi (Chinese Shadow Puppetry). Chinese Shadow Puppetry is a millennia-old folk art form where flat, colorful silhouette figures are manipulated behind a backlit, translucent screen blending storytelling, music, and visual art.

As part of their presentation on Chinese myths and legends, students not only introduced the stories and cultural background, but also designed and created their own shadow puppets and brought the legends to life through beautiful figures, images, and storytelling performances. Teacher Michael Lu says experiences like this showcase the power of Dual Language Immersion education and the many ways students can connect with global cultures through language learning.

Great job, Mountain Creek Middle students!

#DualLanguageImmersion #ChineseDLI #MountainCreekMiddleSchool #APChinese #GlobalEducation #CulturalLearning #StudentCreativity

Outstanding Education Support Professionals Honored at Board of Education Meeting

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Award recipientsPlease join us in congratulating the 2026 Jordan Education Foundation “Outstanding Education Support Professionals.”

They were honored at the Board of Education meeting for their hard work, kindness, and always going above and beyond supporting students, staff, parents, and patrons in Jordan School District.

Director of the Jordan Education Foundation, Mike Haynes announced the following 2026 award recipients:

  • Rosa Tecalco, Majestic Elementary Arts Academy
  • Mandy Shaw, Jordan School District Transportation
  • John Hawkins, Blackridge Elementary Custodian
  • Shelia Rapp, Heartland Elementary School
  • Italina Schuhmacher, Bluffdale Elementary School
  • Stacy Ulch, JATC North
  • Evelyn Najarro, Ridge View Elementary School
  • Tonya Hodges, Jordan School District Purchasing Department
  • Erica Williams, Mountain Creek Middle School
  • Brandon Anderson, Jordan School District Information Systems
  • JoLynn Snelgrove, Jordan School District Assessment, Research & Accountability
  • Debra Miller, Rocky Peak Virtual Elementary School
  • Abby Ampil, Award of Excellence, Jordan District Child Development Center

Excellence in Dual Immersion: Jordan School District Celebrates DLI Teacher of the Year Xaviera Ma

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Jordan School District is proud to recognize Xaviera Ma, a distinguished Chinese Dual Language Immersion (DLI) teacher at South Jordan Middle School, as DLI Teacher of the Year. Ms. Ma is known for her relentless pursuit of professional growth and for collaborating with state coordinators and DLI specialists to refine her craft and implement innovative teaching methods. Her proactive approach to learning sets a high standard for excellence that inspires both students and staff.
Beyond her own professional development, Xaviera Ma serves as a vital mentor within the District by sharing her expertise and welcoming colleagues to observe her classroom. She is frequently commended for her thoughtfully planned lessons, effective classroom management, and the calm, consistent routines she establishes for her students.
Congratulations, Xaviera Ma. Thank you for supporting and inspiring JSD students in their pursuit of learning a second language.

Congratulations Jordan School District “Teacher of the Year” Megan Morrison!

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As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, we are thrilled to announce the selection of “Teacher of the Year” for Jordan School District, Megan Morrison. Superintendent Anthony Godfrey made the surprise announcement in Megan’s classroom where she was surrounded by students, teachers, staff, administrators, family members, and friends.
Ms. Morrison is a special education teacher, who also teaches a large number of peer tutors at South Jordan Middle School. Principal Curtis Jenson says Megan has a huge impact on the adults around her with a unique gift to push people to do their very best for students. Mr. Jenson says Ms. Morrison makes teachers WANT to do their best because they can see how much Megan loves what she does.
Something else that makes Megan so amazing is that she truly believes every student can achieve no matter what their circumstance, and that every student is worthy of being loved and celebrated.
This week we celebrate Megan Morrison, the Jordan School District “Teacher of the Year,” and all teachers going above and beyond for students each and every day.

Giddy Up! Jordan District School Bus Drivers Compete at Bus Road-E-O Event

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School Bus drivers across Jordan School District saddled up to show off their skills and compete at the Jordan District School Bus Road-E-O. The drivers took a written test and competed in bus driving skill games that included an obstacle course, curb parking, tight turning, and student loading. The event is a fun way to sharpen skills and practice keeping students safe when on the road.

The winners move on to represent Jordan District at the annual Utah State Safety Skills Competition and School Bus Road-E-O. Congratulations to all who competed, and best of luck at State to our winners!

  • 1st Place – Mandie Shoemaker
  • 2nd Place (tie) – Todd Rogers and Charel Allred
  • 3rd Place – Amanda Ray