Salt Lake Bees Honor Jordan School District Teacher and Students at Baseball Games

It was a great week for baseball at The Ballpark at America First Square last week, and Jordan School District was given special pregame honors before three Salt Lake Bees games. Mountain Ridge High School choir director Kelly DeHaan threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Thursday’s game. The Bees celebrated Mr. DeHaan for being named the 2024-25 Jordan School District Teacher of the Year.

Before the games on Wednesday and Friday night, Jordan District Unified Sports athletes Israel Ramirez Castillo and Cole Wilson delivered the game ball to the mound. Israel is a proud West Jordan Jaguar that never stops smiling. Cole is known at Riverton High School for lighting up every room he walks into. Both Israel and Cole serve on the Unified Sports Youth Advisory Committee for the Special Olympics of Utah.

Congratulations to Kelly, Israel, and Cole, and thank you to the Salt Lake Bees for the recognition.

Welcome Back Jordan School District Educators

Teachers across Jordan School District are setting up their classrooms and getting ready for the new school year to start next week. They are transforming their classrooms into vibrant learning environments. This week of preparation is a vital part of the educational process. Educators are collaborating, participating in professional development, and ensuring they are ready to meet the needs of every student.

The first day of school for students is just around the corner, with high school students starting on August 19 and elementary and middle school students beginning on August 20.

Until then, we extend our gratitude to all Jordan School District teachers for their dedication and hard work. Their efforts today will shape the futures of our students tomorrow.

Mascots, Music, Cheerleaders, Students, and Principal’s Welcome 300 Brand New Teachers to Jordan School District in Energy Filled Event

It was a fun and energy filled welcome for 300 new teachers beginning their careers in Jordan School District. A drum line, school mascots, cheerleaders, students, plenty of principals and administrators were on hand to greet the new teachers as they walked the welcome path into Bingham High School for new teacher induction training and celebrations.

This year, Jordan School District received dozens of applications for every single teaching position posted. Jordan School District Superintendent Anthony Godfrey said, “We are attracting more and more candidates every year and cannot wait to see what they will accomplish in Jordan School District.”

Welcome new teachers! Have a fantastic and successful school year.

What Did You Learn in Your Travels Spending Time with Family and Friends This Summer?

We hope you had a chance to learn something new and fun over the summer months, in your travels or simply by staying home enjoying family, friends, and local summer celebrations.

Sunset Ridge Middle School Assistant Principal James Maughan says he was able to enjoy some pretty exciting travel. Mr. Maughan and his family accompanied his son to Paris where the University of Utah French major is about to begin a study abroad program. One fun thing Mr. Maughan learned while in Paris; the French don’t do what Americans know as “to-go” or “doggie bags” at restaurants because they want you to either take your time enjoying your meal and finish it or simply don’t over-order. He quickly learned something else, some public restrooms are available, but you have to pay for them, so Mr. Maughn learned to ask to use “les toilettes” at the places where his family was dining.

Traveling to Jamaica was another adventure for the Maughan family. In Jamaica Mr. Maughan learned several things. Jamaicans are relaxed and kind, crocodiles are scary, and due to English colonialism, people drive on the left side of the road. And, due to some poor road conditions, riding in a tour bus or van can be quite harrowing. Mr. Maughn says he recommends not riding at the front of a tour bus, because watching out the front windshield can cause severe anxiety!

We hope you learned something fun over the summer months as well and had a wonderful time doing so.

Jordan District Special Educators Attend All-Star Conference

Special Education educators in Jordan School District gathered for their 2025 Summer Conference. Attendees were first treated to a keynote address from Natalie Green and Trey Garrett. The duo discussed their experiences navigating the school system with disabilities to their transition into advocacy and leadership in organizations like Special Olympics. They also showcased the dance they used in competition at the Special Olympics World Games in Turin, Italy. After the keynotes, the group attended breakout sessions to help them refine their skills in areas such as teaching, reading, writing, and effective communication.

Thank you to Mountain Creek Middle School for hosting and thank you to all of our All-Star Special Educators who attended!