Category Archives: School Stories

Westvale Elementary School Teacher Honored During Ceremony by Utah State Superintendent

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A well-earned round of applause came up from the students and faculty at Westvale Elementary School during an assembly as Rachel Henderson was presented with the Sorenson Legacy Award for Excellence in Elementary Visual Arts Instruction. Utah State Superintendent Dr. Sydnee Dickson presented the award. 

Henderson was nominated by fellow Jordan School District visual art teacher Angela Garside due to her ability to connect art with the wider school curriculum and build enthusiasm for art with her students. During her time at Westvale, the school has become known for its amazing school-wide art shows and collaborative bulletin boards.  

The Sorenson Legacy Award for Excellence in Arts Education is presented by the Utah State Board of Education to honor outstanding Utah educators and administrators who champion and excel in arts education. The award was established in memory of Beverley Taylor Sorenson, a tireless advocate for high-quality arts in public education. 

Congratulations, Ms. Henderson!

To learn more about the art program at Westvale Elementary School, check out the Supercast episode 111: A Clay Pot Creation in Art Class with Superintendent Godfrey.

Middle School Students Are on Target at Unified Sports Bocce Ball Event

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More than 300 students gathered at Elk Ridge Middle School to toss, throw, and roll a few rounds of friendly Bocce Ball. The Unified Sports Bocce Ball competition, hosted in conjunction with Special Olympics Utah, brought in bocce ballers from Elk Ridge, Fort Herriman, Joel P. Jensen, Mountain Creek, Oquirrh Hills, South Hills, South Jordan, and West Jordan Middle Schools in Jordan School District, as well as members from Timberline Middle School in neighboring Alpine School District.

The playing field was divided into 13 courts, with 36 teams playing three games, as everyone involved shared smiles, laughs, and cheers on a beautiful spring afternoon.

Final Visits Made to Honor Teachers as “Outstanding Educator of the Year”

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The 68-school tour spreading smiles, happy tears, and a little bit of confetti for the Jordan Education Foundation’s 2025 “Outstanding Educator of the Year” awards has come to an end, making its final visits to three schools. Every school in Jordan School District had an educator named as an “All-Star” for their winning ways in supporting students and giving them opportunities to reach their highest potential on the road to success. All of the teachers were nominated by colleagues, their peers, and/or parents.

Congratulations to the following “Outstanding Educators” honored and thank you to all who gave their time, energy, and support to celebrate all of our wonderful educators this year!

  • Mykala Shamblen, Mountain Ridge High School

  • Andrew Howden, Herriman High School

  • Rebecca “Becky” Dall, Terra Linda Elementary School

Joel P Jensen Middle School Honored for Creating a Resilient Community

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Congratulations to Joel P Jensen Middle School on being awarded the ResilentYou Outstanding Middle School Award.

The school was honored for its efforts to create a resilient community inside and outside the school. This achievement reflects the hard work of Joel P Jensen’s incredible educators, administrators, staff, students, and community.

Keep inspiring and empowering our future leaders. We are so proud of you!

Jordan Education Foundation Awards Recognition Banquet a Home Run

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Outstanding Educators and Students receiving "Rising Star" scholarships It was an amazing night at the brand new Salt Lake Bees Ballpark at America First Square in South Jordan as the top fourteen Jordan Education Foundation “Outstanding Educators of the Year” were honored. A number of Jordan School District students were recognized as well, receiving the “Rising Star Scholarship,” the “Teri Timpson Legacy Scholarship,” and the “Dr. Patrice Johnson Superintendent Scholarship.”

First Lady Abby Cox was on hand to address the honorees and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Sydnee Dickson was Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

It was a great night recognizing teachers and students who are at the top of their game, deserving of a fun night of recognition in the beautiful new ballpark setting.