Oakcrest Principal Receives Retirement Surprise

Oakcrest Elementary Principal Mr. Westwood received a big retirement surprise courtesy of Real Salt Lake. At a special assembly, Mr. Westwood, a big soccer fan, was presented with a customized jersey by Leo the Lion as a token of appreciation for the many years of service to the community. He was also presented with a homemade quilt signed by the students and faculty.

Thank you, Mr. Westwood for the difference you have made in the lives of your students. Enjoy your well-earned retirement!

JSD Graduate Set to Carry on Family Tradition of Teaching in the Classroom After Receiving Prestigious National Award

She is hoping to soon follow in the footsteps of her mother who is a teacher at Midas Creek Elementary School and her grandmother, Patty Bowen, who is principal at Silver Crest Elementary School. Last week, Brooklynn Bowen, who is a Herriman High School graduate, was in Washington D.C. where she was awarded the Collegiate Professional Achievement Award by the National Association for Music Education. Just six students in the nation were recognized with this prestigious award.

While at the nation’s capital, Brooklynn spent time advocating for music and arts in education. A recent graduate of Utah State University, Brooklynn hopes to soon be a middle or high school music teacher, as education is in her blood.

Congratulations, Brooklynn Bowen! Best of luck in your bright future.

Parent and His Nonprofit Step Up to Pay off Silver Crest Elementary School Lunch Debt

Picture of nonprofit donation checkIt was a surprise that will take some worry off Principal Patty Bowen’s plate and will bring relief to some parents as well. On Tuesday, DJ Bracken, a parent and founder of the nonprofit “Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation,” arrived at Silver Crest with a very generous check in the amount of $3,962. The money will be used to relieve the school’s current lunch deficit. Principal Bowen says she is truly grateful for the donation, that means a lot to the school and families. The “Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation” is taking care of lunch debt for schools throughout the area and Utah saying, “Every child deserves a nutritious meal at school regardless of their family financial situation.”

Reminder: No Free Summer Meal Service on Monday, June 16

Platter of foodThis is a reminder that there will be no USDA Summer Food Service, breakfast or lunch, on Monday, June 16 due to Utah’s observation of the Juneteenth holiday. The free meal service will resume on Tuesday, June 17 running through August 1 for all students 18-years-old and younger.

The free meals will be available at five locations:

  • Majestic Elementary School, 7430 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan
  • Heartland Elementary School, 1451 West 7000 South, West Jordan
  • Westvale Elementary School, 2300 West Gardner Lane, West Jordan
  • Columbia Elementary School, 3503 West 7800 South, West Jordan
  • Oquirrh Elementary School, 7165 Paddington Road, West Jordan

Breakfast service is from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Lunch service is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

School Resource Officer Goes Above and Beyond with Huge Act of Kindness for Student After a Serious Accident

You could say it was going way above and beyond the call of duty for West Jordan High School Resource Officer Austin Larsen and it is a day one student will never forget.

When Officer Larsen learned 10th grader Aiden Hulet’s beloved bike was damaged beyond repair in an accident with a vehicle while Aiden was bicycling to school, Officer Larsen knew he had to do something. Thankful Aiden was not seriously injured in the accident, but still needing safe transportation to school, Officer Larsen went to work looking for a new, reliable, safe bike for Aiden to ride. Thanks to the support of fellow officers at the West Jordan Police Department, the search was a success.

To everyone’s delight, Officer Larsen surprised Aiden with the gift of a new mountain bike and a brand- new helmet. It is now weeks later, and Aiden is still smiling! He is grateful for the new bike allowing him to travel back and forth to the school he loves, and grateful for the true friend he has in school Resource Officer Austin Larsen.

Thank you to everyone at the West Jordan Police Department for helping to keep kids like Aiden safe and making a difference in the lives of students we serve every single day.