Elementary School Student Author and the Positive Impact Her Book is Having on Kids and Their Coping Skills

Supercast Episode 355Superintendent Godfrey stands with a student, parent and teacher.

She is only in elementary school and already a published author, experiencing the impact her written words and work ethic can have on others.

On this episode of the Supercast, meet an Oakcrest Elementary School student who recently wrote and published her very first book. Find out her inspiration behind the book, and how the young author hopes the book can help kids who might be having a hard time at home or in school.


School Upgrades Underway This Summer 

Summer construction projects are in full swing across the District, with crews making progress on upgrades to schools for students and staff before they return in August.

Some of the projects well underway include a new kitchen at Oquirrh Elementary, an auditorium overhaul at South Jordan Middle, and upgraded and updated classrooms at Kauri Sue Hamilton School.

Thank you to the district and other crews working so hard at our schools over the summer months to help improve them for everyone, as we look forward to the new school year.

Jordan District High School Athletes Honored at Deseret News High School Sports Awards

Student athletes from six Jordan District high schools were honored at the 2026 Deseret News High School Sports Awards at The Grand America Hotel. Herriman High’s Jackson Spencer was named the Male Athlete of the Year for the state, adding to a crowded trophy case that included state championships in Cross Country and Track & Field, along with being named the 2025-2026 boys cross country national Gatorade Player of the Year. 

Each of Utah’s 25 sanctioned sports was awarded a most outstanding athlete, as well as male and female honors. In total, 20 Jordan School District athletes were honored with Jackson Spencer, JT Rigby (Mountain Ridge boys lacrosse), and Maggie Hamblin (Riverton girls softball) being named the top athletes in their sport. A full list of all JSD honorees is below. 

Bingham

  • Faleupoluoalii JJ Faiivae – Boys Volleyball Ultimate 6
  • Luke West – Boys Basketball Dream 5 starters
  • Jaylee Peck – Drill Team Most Outstanding Athletes
  • Jayma Grimm – Competitive Cheer Most Outstanding Athletes
  • Davis Aubrey – Boys Tennis Most Outstanding Athletes
  • Kamryn Newman – Girls Tennis Most Outstanding Athletes

Copper Hills

  • Camila Palafox – Girls Soccer Best 11 Forward
  • Elise Southworth – Girls Lacrosse Best 12 Defensive Midfielder
  • Kennedy Jennings – Softball Elite Starting 9

Herriman

  • Jackson Spencer – Male Athlete of the Year, Mr. Cross-County, Boys Cross-Country and Boys Track Most Outstanding Athletes
  • Paige Anae – Girls Golf Most Outstanding Athletes
  • Aspyn Hawes – Softball Elite Starting 9

Mountain Ridge

  • JT Rigby – Mr. Lacrosse, Lacrosse Best 11 Attacker
  • Ethan Brown – Boys’ Swimming Most Outstanding Athletes
  • Cooper Goff – Baseball Elite Starting 9

Riverton 

  • Jackson Erickson – Boys Golf Most Outstanding Athletes
  • Sienna Jenson – Girls Soccer Best 11 Defender
  • Maggie Bird – Girls Lacrosse Best 12 Middie
  • Paisley Young – Girls Lacrosse Best 12 Middie
  • Maggie Hamblin – Ms. Softball, Elite Starting 9

West Jordan

  • Lily Henderson – Girls Lacrosse Best 12 Middie

Remodel Underway at West Jordan High School

Work has begun this summer on extensive renovations to the 45-year-old West Jordan High School building. The project is scheduled for completion in November 2029.

Upgrades will include increased natural lighting, improved ADA accessibility, new flooring, collaborative learning spaces, a new dance studio, a weight room, and a gym.

The Jordan Board of Education approved the remodel, which is expected to save district taxpayers more than $100 million compared with the cost of a full rebuild.

Thank you to everyone working hard on this project. We look forward to seeing the finished result.

Need a Summer Refresh? JATC Students Are Ready to Help

The talented students enrolled in the JATC barbering, hair design, and nail tech programs are open for business this summer. Make an appointment or stop by for a haircut, color, manicure, or pedicure.

Appointments can be made by calling 801-412-1300 or by dropping in at the JATC South campus, 12723 Park Ave., Riverton.

Students are providing services from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday through July 2.