They had a great time getting a quick lesson in the game of golf, using a golf club, putting, chipping, and just enjoying the game and each other. About 250 middle school students with intellectual and physical disabilities joined with peer tutors for the Developmental Golf Kickoff at Glenmoore Golf Course. Students on high school golf teams in Jordan School District were also on hand to help out and grow excitement for the game. First Lady Abby Cox attended as well, showing her support for the “Unified Golf” program.

Jordan District was the first in Utah to start a “Unified Golf” program last year and the district is excited to build upon the program’s success. It’s a fun program bringing students of all abilities together creating a fast and meaningful path to fun, friendship, and understanding.

This program, which is part of Unified Sports and Special Olympics, is a statewide effort to foster greater empathy and understanding of students with disabilities and to encourage more inclusion and opportunities for all students in all sports.

Thank you to Glenmoore Golf Club, the many volunteers, the Jordan Education Foundation, First Lady Abby Cox, Unified Sports, Utah Special Olympics, our students, and staff for making this event so successful!

It was a day to remember for students, staff, Board members, district officials, city leaders, and members of the community. They all came together to participate in the groundbreaking for a new elementary school being built in Herriman. The brand-new school will serve families in Herriman and Riverton, two of the fastest growing cities in Jordan School District and the State of Utah. Ridge View Elementary School students did a wonderful job performing several songs. Then, some of them donned hard hats with other dignitaries and put shovels in the ground marking the official beginning of construction for the new elementary school.

Jordan School District currently serves almost 58,000 students in 68 schools for families in Bluffdale, Copperton, Herriman, Riverton, South Jordan, and West Jordan.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the groundbreaking ceremony!

They truly are outstanding in every way and Jordan School District is so grateful for the important role they play in supporting students and education each and every day. We simply could not do what we do without these dedicated professionals working so hard in our schools and buildings.

Please join us in congratulating the 2023 Jordan Education Foundation Outstanding Education Support Professionals.

Jordan Education Foundation Director Mike Haynes, along with JEF Board members and staff presented the following employees with Outstanding Education Support Professional awards:

• Mel Davis, Oakcrest Elementary School, Head Custodian
• Lisa Parent, Oak Leaf Elementary School, Administrative Assistant
• Carson Field, River’s Edge School/Jordan Behavior Assistance Team, Behavior Technician
• Rick Thompson, Riverton High School, Head Custodian
• Cheryl Jones, Hidden Valley Middle School, Lunch Manager
• Brenda Veldevere, Purchasing, Senior Buyer
• Nathan Morgan, West Jordan High School, Head Custodian
• Matt Gardner, Teaching & Learning, ASB, JSD Mail Carrier
• Lisa LeStarge, Business Services, Administrative Assistant
• Mark Nelson, Head Custodian, Jordan School District Offices

He said he “saved the best for last” Monday morning. Governor Spencer Cox stopped by Mountain Ridge High School as part of his 2023 “Connecting Utah” tour of all 29 Utah counties in the state. As part of the tour, he visited with high school students in each county. Mountain Ridge High was the last stop on this year’s tour.

The Governor was greeted outside the school by Principal Mike Kochevar, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey, Associate Superintendent Michael Anderson, Board of Education members, along with a small group of students and staff.

Inside the auditorium, the Governor talked about his accomplishments and about Utah’s future. He took questions from students and said he sensed real optimism on the part of young people today. Governor Cox invited students and others to meet with him on stage for a quick hello and a selfie.

The Mountain Ridge High School Madrigals performed the school song beautifully to end what was an incredible day hosting Utah’s Governor with great pride. Thank you Governor Cox for spending time with students.

Way to go Mountain Ridge High School!