Megan Morrison, a special education teacher at South Jordan Middle School, has been named a finalist for the 2027 Utah Teacher of the Year award by the Utah State Board of Education. Morrison is one of the ‘Fab Five’ finalists, representing the pinnacle of teaching excellence in Utah. The five finalists will participate in an in-person interview with the 13-person Utah Teacher of the Year Selection Committee. The winner will be announced at an awards banquet on Thursday, Sept. 3, and will go on to represent Utah in the National Teacher of the Year Program.

Congratulations Megan! Join us in wishing her good luck as she continues to make all of us in Jordan School District proud.

The summer food service program is celebrating the end of an amazing summer of free meals on Friday. Everyone is invited to Columbia Elementary School for the final Community Days of the summer for free meals and extra fun. Jordan School District Nutrition Services and community partners will be on hand for pizza, prizes, and games from 11:30-12:30 p.m. Anyone 18-years-old and younger is eligible for free meals, and adults can purchase lunch for $4.10.

Columbia Elementary will have extra fun during lunch Friday, but the final day of the summer meals program is available for breakfast and lunch at any of four locations:

• Columbia Elementary School, 3503 West 7800 South, West Jordan

• Heartland Elementary School, 1451 West 7000 South, West Jordan

• Terra Linda Elementary School, 8400 South Old Bingham Highway, West Jordan

• Westvale Elementary School, 2300 West Gardner Lane, West Jordan

Columbia Elementary welcomed a new batch of future students during its annual Kindergarten Space Camp. The one-day “boot camp” brought incoming kindergarten students to school before the first day to build confidence and alleviate anxiety for both the students and parents. Students met their teacher, explored the playground, found their classroom, and ate a school lunch. The entire process gives students a familiarity with their school so they can conquer the first day with confidence.

Welcome to Columbia Elementary, future Class of 2039! See you for the first day of school in a few weeks.

She is part of an amazing family embracing America’s 250^th birthday and many of the celebrations that come along with it. Please join us in congratulating Riverside Elementary School student Elizabeth Black who took top honors at the Freedom 250 American Heroes Student Art Contest. This was a nationwide competition for students in grades 3-12 and invited young people to create original 2D artwork inspired by historical figures to celebrate America 250.

More than 1,000 students from across the country entered the contest and 168 of the young artists won. Elizabeth Black was a top prize winner! Elizabeth, along with her drawing, were recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington D.C. where her artwork was on display.

We are proud of this talented Riverside Elementary student. Keep up the great work, Elizabeth!