It was a day Riverton High School Automotive teacher Jay Hales will likely never forget after being called to the school commons for the surprise of a lifetime. Harbor Freight Tools for Schools awarded Jay Hales $50,000 for being selected as a winner in the national “Teaching Excellence in Skilled Trades” competition. Riverton High’s skilled trades program will receive $35,000 of the prize and Mr. Hales will receive $15,000.

Mr. Hales family was on hand for the surprise along with Superintendent Godfrey, other District leaders, students, teachers, and staff. A drum line and cheerleaders were also part of the festivities.

Mr. Hales is one of 25 skilled trades teachers nationwide being recognized by Harbor Freight Tools for Schools and they are awarding $1.5 million in prizes to the teachers.

Take a minute out of your day to say thank you to custodians in schools and buildings throughout the District today and throughout the week. Each year, October 2 is recognized as National Custodian Appreciation Day. It is a day set aside to show appreciation for the men and women who keep our schools and workplaces clean, shining, well maintained, and running smoothly.

These valuable employees contribute to the important first impressions in our schools and buildings as well as lending a helping hand whenever and wherever they are needed. They are an important part of education and the Jordan School District family.

Who is your favorite custodian? Tell them how much they are appreciated.

Thank you, custodians!

Students, teachers, staff, and families all came together for an evening of fun at Joel P. Jensen Middle School. It was the first ever “Fall Fest” organized by the school. Every department and student group was represented with engaging and interactive booths lining every hall. There were music and dance performances by Joel P. Jensen students, even dinner was provided. West Jordan Police and Firefighters joined in and JATC South Hair Design and Nail Tech students set up tables offering their services for free at “Fall Fest.”

It was a great night for the Joel P. Jensen community. Congratulations to everyone involved for making the evening such a success!

It was a special honor for some amazing Jordan School District students in the JATC South Fire Science program. They were invited to perform the flag ceremony at the National ACTC Best Practices and Innovations Conference in downtown Salt Lake City. The ceremony included the playing of bagpipes. Students in the Honor Guard represent various high schools in the District and we couldn’t be more proud of the poise and professionalism they displayed before a national crowd.

Congratulations to the following:

• Trinity Grubb, Bingham High School
• Bryce Badell, Herriman High School
• Jacob Ngatuvai, Bingham High School
• Jay Larsen, Mountain Ridge High School
• Charley Utley, Bingham High School
• Zera McOmie, Copperhills High School (Bagpipes)