Congratulations Jordan School District 2026 Class of Retirees!

They have made a huge impact in the lives of thousands of students throughout the course of their careers, and now they are beginning a new chapter in their own lives. The Jordan School District 2026 Class of Retirees were honored during a special dinner and celebration sponsored by the Board of Education on Tuesday night.

A total of 92 employees are retiring this year and together they have devoted 1,736 years to education. The longest serving retiree in this year’s class is Norm Emerson with 40.5 years.

A huge thank you to all of our retirees. You have devoted countless hours to students and their education, and your work has made a huge difference in Jordan School District. We wish you the very best in your retirement. You will be missed.

Also, a big thanks to the Copper Hills High School Madrigals for a beautiful performance under the direction of Marc Taylor. And thanks to David Hullinger for sharing his amazing musical talents, setting the tone for a magical night as retirees arrived.

Jordan District School Bus Driver Headed to International Competition in Texas

A big congratulations to Jordan School District bus driver Charel Allred, who finished second place at the 2026 State of Utah School Bus Safety Skills Competition! Charel will move on to represent JSD and Utah at the School Bus Driver International Safety Competition in Austin, Texas, June 27-28. 

Four Jordan District drivers competed in the State competition against the best of the best from Utah. Drivers were tested on their abilities and safety behind the wheel of a school bus. Competitions included tight turning, curb parking, student loading, and an obstacle course. 

Good luck in Texas next month, Charel! We are proud to have you representing the Jordan District and Utah.

Lawmakers and State Educational Leaders Tour Jordan School District’s “Farm to School” Program

Jordan School District Nutrition Services and Career and Technical Education (CTE) staff hosted a “Farm to School” lunch at Columbia Elementary School, welcoming state lawmakers and representatives from both the Utah Department of Agriculture and the Utah State Board of Education. The special guests received a firsthand look at the District’s “Junior Master Gardener” curriculum, which is currently being piloted across several Jordan schools. State officials also toured the school kitchen to observe how fresh local ingredients are used to prepare student meals. However, the highlight of the day was lunchtime, when lawmakers sat down with third-grade students to chat about their experiences with the program and hear what they thought of the agriculture-based lessons.

The “Farm to School” initiative seamlessly bridges the gap between local agriculture and student nutrition by integrating fresh, locally grown produce into school cafeterias and providing hands-on CTE curriculum and resources for classrooms.

America 250 Awards Celebrate Students for Showing Civic Pride

This school year, students at every grade level across Jordan School District were invited to celebrate America’s upcoming 250th Birthday. Interested students were given lists of grade-appropriate challenges they could complete at home to show American pride and engage with their community. Activities ranged from memorizing the Pledge of Allegiance and visiting a city building for kindergarteners to attending a school board or city council meeting and completing a service project in their community for high school seniors.

Students who completed the requirements gathered at the Jordan Learning Center to celebrate their accomplishments. The gathered group received a certificate and a special edition America 250 pin from Jordan School District Social Studies Content Administrator Kay Rizzuto and Superintendent Anthony Godfrey.

Congratulations to all the students who completed the challenge!

Going Beyond the Job: Jordan District Administrator Recognized for Giving Back to the Community

Michael Christensen receiving an awardThe Herriman Police Department recently honored Michael Christensen, Assistant Principal at West Hills Middle School, with the Citizen Service Award. This prestigious recognition highlights Christensen’s exceptional dedication to the Herriman community during his time as Assistant Principal at Copper Mountain Middle School from 2022 to 2025. The award was presented in appreciation of his proactive compassion and the vital role he played in supporting both students and the Herriman Police Department.

Throughout his time at Copper Mountain Middle School, Christensen was known for going well beyond his official job description to ensure every student felt seen and supported. He frequently used his language skills to help families navigate complex challenges by acting as a bridge between the school community and local officers. He helped foster an environment of trust and safety while providing a voice for those who needed it most.

Law enforcement officials noted that Christensen’s daily commitment and genuine empathy significantly enhanced the effectiveness of  Copper Hills Middle School’s resource officers. His tireless efforts and dedication to families in Herriman has left a lasting mark.

Jordan School District is proud to celebrate Mr. Christensen’s achievement and his continued commitment to student and family safety and success.