Eastlake Young Poets Share Their Creativity With South Jordan Mayor

The talented wordsmiths in the Eastlake Elementary School Young Poets Society got a special visit from South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey this week. After learning about the Mayor’s responsibilities and sharing their poetry, the students collaborated with the Mayor to create a poem celebrating their favorite things about living in South Jordan titled We Are Sojo.

We Are SoJo
Written by Eastlake Young Poets Society and South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey

Walking to Harmons around the lake,
Ducks in the crosswalk, the beauty’s not fake,
Kayak, bike, walk, run a 5k,
See The District, The Ballpark, and a Swig on the way.
Welcome to SoJo, try out pickleball,
Play a round at Mulligan’s, it’s a city for all!
Great job Eastlake Young Poets!

Jordan School District Students and Staff Practice Earthquake Preparedness During Great Utah ShakeOut 2025

Students and staff at Copper Canyon and Westvale Elementary Schools were among the nearly one million Utahns who dropped, covered, and held on during the Great Utah ShakeOut on Thursday.

With 90% of the Utah population, including all of Jordan School District living in an active earthquake zone, earthquake preparedness is crucial in our schools and buildings.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the ShakeOut, taking time to review earthquake procedures, and practicing the actual earthquake drill at 10:15 a.m. with others around the State.

Students and staff did a great job following directions, keeping calm, and learning how to stay safe in the event of an earthquake.

Daybreak Elementary School Brothers Save Their Own Money to Make Sure All Students Enjoy Happy Easter Egg Hunt

It was an act of kindness on the part of 6th grade brothers at Daybreak Elementary School that brought smiles and delight to students with special needs. Twins Max and Charlie Jeppsen wanted to make sure everyone in their school experienced the joy of participating in an Easter egg hunt. So, they saved up their own money and bought plastic eggs and plenty of candy to fill them.

With the colorful Easter eggs ready to go, the brothers hid them in three classrooms; under desks and chairs, inside containers of books, along windowsills, wherever students with special needs could hunt down the eggs.

Smiles lit up the room when the students were told the Easter bunny had arrived and it was time to hunt down the hidden treasures. Every time an egg was located and the kids realized there was candy inside, there was pure joy and excitement.

Thanks to Max and Charlie for giving students with special needs and egg-cellent experience participating in an Easter egg hunt they won’t soon forget!

Your act of kindness is an example to all.

Bluffdale Elementary School Teacher Receives Big Award During Surprise School Assembly

She is known as a resilient teacher and member of the community. That is one reason why Bluffdale Elementary School teacher Donna Birrell was recently awarded the 2025 Utah Education Tribute Award as part of the “Resilient YOU” program. Ms. Birrell received the award during a surprise assembly honoring her as an outstanding elementary school teacher in Utah.

The “Resilient YOU” award is a statewide program, which recognizes and celebrates individuals and organizations working to build resilience in students, families, and communities. It specifically includes the Education Tribute Award honoring those who demonstrate exceptional efforts in promoting resilience in schools and the wider community. Additionally, the program utilizes music and entertainment to teach resilience-building messages to children, as well as featuring award-winning music that enhances classroom instruction and community engagement.

The award was presented by local recording artists Steve and Lisa James and Region 6 PTA representative, Todd Hougaard.

Congratulations to this amazing educator! Keep up the great work, Donna Birrell.

Sweet Taste of Success for Riverton High ProStart Students During Culinary Showcase

It was a mouthwatering meal, with delicious food served to some very lucky invited guests during the Riverton High School ProStart Culinary Showcase.

Students in the ProStart program focus on perfecting their skills in the culinary arts and restaurant management. It is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program which connects the industry with the classroom, offering students hands-on training.

At this special luncheon, student served up an entrée consisting of margarita pizza with a caprese salad, along with pesto gnocchi and garlic bread. For dessert, diners were treated to tiramisu and a fruit tart.

Congratulations to students in the Riverton High ProStart program on a very successful Culinary Showcase. Keep dishing up deliciousness!