From World-Class Cellist to Classroom Champion: One Middle School Math Teacher’s Remarkable Journey

Superintendent with Karen SmithSupercast Episode 365
Before she was inspiring middle schoolers to love math, South Hills Middle School teacher Karen Smith was performing on stages alongside iconic artists like Stevie Wonder, Yo-Yo Ma, and John Williams.

On this episode of the Supercast, we sit down with Ms. Smith to explore her incredible transition from freelance cellist to dedicated educator. Hear how she traded life onstage for a second career in Jordan School District and learn how her unique journey helped her find a passion for teaching math that runs as deep as her love for music.

You can catch Karen Smith play with the Sinfonia of Salt Lake on Sept. 14. Find more information on the Sinfonia Salt Lake website.


Majestic Elementary Arts Academy Students Begin Music Instruction

It was an exciting day for students at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy as they began their first day of music instruction. After trying different instruments during the first week of school, students got their first official crack at the instruments they’ll be learning for band this year. Students became familiar with the basics of how to hold and play their instrument on the first day and will quickly become accomplished musicians as the school year progresses. 

Majestic Elementary Arts Academy is a free public school open to any K–6 students in the Salt Lake Valley. Teachers at Majestic creatively apply art and interactive elements into instruction, including music lessons taught by accomplished teachers Lisa Blodgett and Olivia Murphy.

Community Connections, Food, Fun, and More at the 2026 Fall Family Fair

It was an evening filled with connections, resources, music, student performances, and fun at the 2026 Fall Family Fair. This annual event provides students and their families the opportunity to engage with a wide variety of resources available within Jordan School District and through local community partners. Attendees also enjoyed food trucks, snacks, games, prizes, and entertainment, making it a wonderful night out for the entire family.

Thank you to the JSD Language and Culture Services team for hosting the event and everyone who made this year’s fair the biggest and best yet. 

Ridge View Elementary Launches Raptors to Planet Kindergarten

Peers, teachers, parents, and administrators cheered on kindergarten students at Ridge View Elementary as they prepared for a voyage to “Planet Kindergarten.” Jordan District’s Planet Kindergarten initiative launches students into literacy through engaging space-themed activities and reading goals. Students decorated space helmets, teachers dressed as astronauts, and the administration wore inflatable raptor astronaut costumes to ensure that the start of their mission to learn letter sounds and shapes was a fun and memorable experience.

Drilling Down on Jordan School District Data: Key Stats on Student Success, Test Scores, and Much More

Superintendent with Ben Jameson and Brooke AndersonSupercast Episode 364
Have you ever wondered what enrollment looks like in Jordan School District? How about where reading scores are heading or where graduation rates are going?

On this episode of the Supercast, we are drilling down on Jordan School District data with our very own experts who simply love crunching the numbers and sifting through statistics. Listen and find out why we have a lot to celebrate in Jordan School District, why hard work on the part of students, teachers, staff, and parents is paying off.