Category Archives: School Stories

Eastlake Elementary School Teacher Honored by Local Radio Stations for Exceptional Work Connecting in and Outside the Classroom

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She is known for her ability to connect with students in the classroom and build relationships with their parents as well. That is just one reason why Eastlake 5th grade teacher Meagan Downs was nominated as an exceptional teacher in a local radio station promotion and contest. Stations 97.1 ZHT and 94.1 KODJ, along with their partners, Cyprus Credit Union, and Crumbl Cookies asked listeners to nominate exceptional teachers across the state of Utah. Meagan Downs received numerous nominations!

Local 97.1 ZHT personalities E. White & Erica surprised Mrs. Downs in her classroom with a well-deserved reward for her dedication. She received $500 towards school supplies from Cyprus Credit Union, plus a Crumbl Cookie party for the entire classroom, courtesy of Crumbl Cookies.

Congratulations, Meagan Downs! Keep up the great work connecting with students and parents.

Friends Finish Copper Mountain Middle School Race Proving They Have Unbreakable Bond & That Human Kindness Wins Every Time

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What happened during a race at Copper Mountain Middle School on Thursday is proof that human kindness can always carry us through the most challenging of situations.

Rykien Evans and Nate Wegwitz both decided to participate in the school’s annual one-mile run called the “Running of the Colts.” The seventh-graders are good friends. Nate was going to run the race, Rykien who has Arthrogryposis and has had more than 20 surgeries in his life, would race in his wheelchair. Both friends were ready to give it their all, determined to make it to the finish line. But suddenly there was an issue. Rykien’s wheelchair got stuck in a divot of dirt and wouldn’t budge, however, thanks to his friend Nate, the race wasn’t over.

Nate ran to the rescue, lifted his friend out of the wheelchair and kept right on running, carrying Rykien in his arms.

Some other students retrieved Rykien’s wheelchair and he finished the race with Nate pushing him across the finish line, where both received their medals. It was a heartwarming moment proving the two boys have an unbreakable bond and that human kindness wins every single time!

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the “Running of the Colts,” and to Rykien and Nate for showing us all the power of friendship.

Hair Salon Opens Inside West Jordan Middle School Offering Low-Cost Cuts to Struggling Students & Members of the Community

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It is a first of its kind in Jordan School District and will help students and members of the community who struggle to afford the cost of haircuts. Students in the Barbering Program at JATC South will operate a hair salon inside West Jordan Middle School catering their cuts to students and others. The school saw a unique need after students were found cutting one another’s hair in restrooms to save money. So, a local hair salon, B Space Salon, stepped in and generously donated the barbering chairs, sinks, mirrors, and all other equipment needed to open the in-school salon called the “Lion’s Mane.”

The salon will give Barbering students valued hands-on experience with real clients and it will fulfill a need at West Jordan Middle and in the school community. Operating hours are still being determined, we will share that information when it is available.

Congratulations Jordan School District 2024 Class of Retirees

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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 2024 Class of Retirees were honored during a special dinner and celebration sponsored by the Board of Education on Tuesday night.

A total of 93 employees are retiring this year and together they have devoted 1,814 years to Jordan School District. The longest serving retiree in this year’s class is West Jordan High School Psychologist, Kevin Damron with 41.75 years of service.

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.

A special thanks to Connor Elggren and Miles Jeppson for performing at the event! You were both amazing.

Big Surprise for Two Jordan School District Dual Language Immersion Teachers

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It was an honor bestowed on two very deserving teachers in Jordan School District and a big surprise as well.

Lucia Martin, a Spanish DLI teacher at Herriman Elementary School, and Jeessica Bell’Aver, a Portuguese DLI teacher at Bluffdale Elementary School, were both surprised with DLI Teacher of the Year awards.

  • Jessica Bell’Aver is described as an extraordinary Portuguese DLI teacher who has a dynamic teaching style which motivates students to excel. Ms. Bell’Aver demonstrates remarkable strength and commitment and has gone above and beyond creating engaging social studies lessons in English for the District and State. Her hard work, creativity, and passion for teaching have made a lasting impact on her students, school community and Jordan School District.
  • Lucia Martin is described as someone with the unparalleled ability to elevate students’ Spanish proficiency across all subjects and make learning engaging and enjoyable. Lucia’s dedication and expertise have set a high standard within her school and she has exceptional classroom management skills enhancing her ability to foster a positive, vibrant learning environment. Visitors and observers are consistently amazed by her students’ enthusiasm and the obvious DLI strategies that she uses on a daily basis.

Please join us in extending our heartfelt congratulations to Lucia Martin and Jessica Bell’Aver for their outstanding contributions to their students, schools, and Jordan School District. Their passion, skills, and dedication remind us all of the transformative power of a great teacher.