We hope you had a chance to learn something new and fun over the summer months, in your travels or simply by staying home enjoying family, friends, and local summer celebrations.
Sunset Ridge Middle School Assistant Principal James Maughan says he was able to enjoy some pretty exciting travel. Mr. Maughan and his family accompanied his son to Paris where the University of Utah French major is about to begin a study abroad program. One fun thing Mr. Maughan learned while in Paris; the French don’t do what Americans know as “to-go” or “doggie bags” at restaurants because they want you to either take your time enjoying your meal and finish it or simply don’t over-order. He quickly learned something else, some public restrooms are available, but you have to pay for them, so Mr. Maughn learned to ask to use “les toilettes” at the places where his family was dining.
Traveling to Jamaica was another adventure for the Maughan family. In Jamaica Mr. Maughan learned several things. Jamaicans are relaxed and kind, crocodiles are scary, and due to English colonialism, people drive on the left side of the road. And, due to some poor road conditions, riding in a tour bus or van can be quite harrowing. Mr. Maughn says he recommends not riding at the front of a tour bus, because watching out the front windshield can cause severe anxiety!
We hope you learned something fun over the summer months as well and had a wonderful time doing so.
Jordan School District administrators, coaches, parents, and athletes are spending part of their preseason learning about what success looks like on and off the field in education-based athletics. JSD’s partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance is continuing for the 2025-26 school year to help everyone involved get the most out of their upcoming season. Recently, administrators and coaches discussed shaping positive cultures on their teams. Next week, fall sport captains, student leaders, and parents will learn more about what it means to be a great teammate and supportive parent.
Students at Hidden Valley Middle School have long known they have an amazing history teacher. Now the entire state knows it. Christina Jacobs is the 2025 Utah History Teacher of the Year, as named by the 
