The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium traded in schools of fish for some of the most outstanding people our schools have to offer at the Jordan Education Foundation Awards Banquet. The banquet honored the top fifteen “Outstanding Educators of the Year” and the “Outstanding Principal of the Year.”  In addition, two Jordan School District students were recipients of the “Teri Timpson Legacy Scholarship” and the “Dr. Patrice Johnson Superintendent Scholarship.” A student from each District high school also received a “Rising Star Scholarship.” 

It was a whale of a time celebrating many of the students and teachers who make Jordan School District an amazing place to be.

Mountain Point Elementary had an invasion of robots, LEGO, and scientists at the school’s annual STEM Night. Community partners from the University of Utah brought fossils and invited students to a star party on campus. Utah Valley University staff stopped in to teach students about robotics and conduct family-friendly science experiments. Thanks to volunteers, students could also code a computer game, design a LEGO car to win on the track, or participate in several other STEM-based activities and crafts.

Fourth-grade students at Westvale Elementary School put STEM education into action in comically overcomplicated ways. The school celebrated its second Rube Goldberg machine showcase, creating elaborate contraptions to perform simple tasks, like popping a balloon or knocking over a stack of dominoes.  

Students had to think outside the box as they used recycled materials to build gadgets to understand concepts like force, motion, energy transfer, and cause-and-effect. Once the machines were finished, students demonstrated and explained their creations to classmates and family.

A team-up of libraries benefited the students at West Jordan High School. Librarians from the Salt Lake County Library system visited the WJHS media center to assist classes in signing up for library cards. In minutes, everyone interested received their own library card or a replacement card for old accounts. 

Salt Lake County Library staff shared their love of books, but also educated students on everything else that comes with a library card. The local library can help with homework, college prep, or even 3D printing. Owning a library card gives students access to a wealth of services that can benefit them for the rest of their lives. 

Thank you to the Salt Lake County Library staff for visiting West Jordan High and helping Jaguar students.

Aspen Elementary’s Suzanne Williams is the Jordan Education Foundation’s Principal of the Year. 

Mrs. Williams creates a school where every student and family feels valued, supported, and empowered, blending compassion with high expectations to help all learners thrive. As a visible, hands-on leader, she builds strong relationships, champions every child’s potential, and fosters a culture of respect, belonging, and excellence. 

Congratulations, Mrs. Williams! Thank you for all that you do for the students at Aspen Elementary School.