Guests from across the community celebrated Read Across America Week at Bastian Elementary. Superintendent Anthony Godfrey, Associate Superintendent Michael Anderson, Jordan School District Board First Vice President Bryce Dunford, Unified firefighters, Herriman police officers, and employees from many different Jordan School District departments visited the school. Every volunteer read a book to the students, ranging from Dr. Seuss classics like “Fox in Sox” and “Sneetches” to “Where the Wild Things Are” and “ Buffalo Fluffalo,” and then answered questions about their job and what they like about reading.

Read Across America Week aims to inspire a lifelong love for literacy in students. Thanks to everyone who took the time out of their busy schedules to show students that reading is something to embrace and love no matter where you are in life.

First graders at Aspen Elementary were literally glowing to show off what they’ve learned in school. Students created glowing art projects with facts and vocabulary about the animal kingdom during their Wit and Wisdom and science lessons. These art projects and animal facts were displayed in a dark classroom outfitted with black lights to make them “glow wild.” Parents were invited to walk through the art exhibit with their student to see all that they had learned and created.

West Jordan High School was the scene for a celebration of inclusion and sportsmanship at the Jordan School District Unified Middle School basketball tournament. Nine JSD middle schools, along with Timberline Middle School from Alpine School District, participated in an afternoon of hoops, hi-fives, and smiles.

Unified sports is part of a Special Olympics program that brings together students with varying abilities on the same team with peer tutors. The goal is promote inclusion and understanding on and off the court.

Congrats to all the winners and everyone who participated, with a special thank you to the staff at West Jordan High School for hosting all of these amazing athletes.