Elk Meadows Students Rise to the Top in Utah Winning Statewide Investment Competition

Picture of Gavin, Nathaniel and Ms. Smith with awardsMore than 4,500 students from across the state participated in the Fall 2023 Utah Treasurer’s Investment Challenge, competing in elementary, middle, and high school divisions. In the elementary division, two amazing Elk Meadows Elementary School students took top honors. Gavin Cabrales and Nathaniel Harwood won first place!

The Utah Treasurer’s Investment Challenge is a 10-week simulation of Wall Street investing that provides a framework for Utah students to learn about the U.S. economy and financial markets.

During the game, students invest a hypothetical $100,000 in common stocks and diversified investment funds traded on major exchanges. Teams are ranked based on the ending value of their investment portfolios.

Treasurer Marlo M. Oaks said, “I appreciate the efforts of our teachers to help improve the financial knowledge of our next generation, and I’m proud of the students for their hard work.”

Congratulations to Gavin and Nathaniel along with their advisor, Brittany Smith! Keep up the great work.

South Valley Students and Staff Have Lots of Fun on “Flying Around the States Day”

It was an exciting day of travel for South Valley students going from Texas to Hawaii, Hollywood, Michigan, Virginia, and beyond, without ever leaving their school. During “Flying Around the States Day,” each classroom represented a different part of the country, educating students about the culture and offering a taste of the region with food samples as well. The students travel from state to state, visiting classrooms exploring the various state colors, flags, and food, giving them an opportunity to experience a bit of life outside Utah.

Staff played the role of pilots and flight attendants as students traveled from one state to the next inside the individual classrooms.

What a fun and engaging way for students to learn about different parts of the United States. Congratulations to everyone at South Valley for giving students such a rich and memorable experience!

Community, Educators, and Students Celebrate being “Stronger Together” at Jordan Education Foundation Donor Appreciation Luncheon

They came together uniting for education in a big way. Community members, educators, students, and staff attended the 12th annual Jordan Education Foundation Donor Appreciation Luncheon. The theme this year was “Stronger Together,” and everyone attending saw amazing examples of how we are just that in a video featuring all the reasons community support makes us stronger in education and for the students we serve. In addition to the nice meal, South Valley Students involved in their school’s Sip’n 7 Soda Shop provided a variety of delicious sodas for everyone to enjoy.

JEF Executive Director Mike Haynes kicked things off by energizing the crowd. Superintendent Dr. Anthony Godfrey gave uplifting remarks thanking everyone for their support followed by emotional stories from Heartland Elementary School Principal Buddy Alger and Rose Creek Elementary School teacher Macey Burt. Holiday Oil President Mike Wagstaff addressed the crowd promising to do all he can to support the Foundation and its work.

The luncheon ended with a beautiful performance of “You Will Be Found,” by Bingham High School student Miles Jepson and Fort Herriman Middle School student Mishea Francis.

Thanks to all who attended and for truly making us “Stronger Together!”

West Jordan High Wrestlers Spread Message of Kindness During Columbia Elementary School White Ribbon Week Assembly

They are admired for their skills on the mat in competition, but on Monday some West Jordan High School wrestlers took their skills in spreading kindness and antibullying messages to Columbia Elementary School. They helped to lead a White Ribbon Week assembly.

The theme of White Ribbon Week at Columbia is “Not in My School,” and signs are visible throughout the hallways reminding students they should never participate in any kind of bullying behavior whether it is at school, in-person, or online.

The wrestlers talked to students about the definition of bullying and what they should do if they see it happening. They also asked students to take a pledge that bullying will not happen in their school.

Thanks to the West Jordan High wrestlers for inspiring students to be kind and support one another in and outside of school.

Southland Elementary School Celebrates Chinese New Year with Traditions and a Talented Miss Utah

It was a fun and festive night to remember as Southland Elementary School students, teachers, staff, and families joined together to celebrate the beginning of the Chinese New Year. The Chinese New Year is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.

Southland’s recent Chinese New Year celebration was organized by the amazing Chinese Dual Language Immersion team, along with students and staff at the school. It was a celebration that was both fun and educational.

Miss Utah Sarah Sun joined Southland with a piano performance and she spoke to those who gathered. Hundreds of people attended to learn about Chinese culture and welcome “The Year of the Dragon.” There was face painting, food trucks, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, Chinese arts and crafts, games, and even a chance for those who attended to learn how to make dumplings and use a Chinese yo-yo!

Jordan School District Superintendent Dr. Anthony Godfrey joined the fun as well as visitors from around Salt Lake County.

Congratulations to everyone involved for such a successful night of celebrating Chinese culture and creating so much fun for families.

If you would like to give your child the opportunity to learn another language, enrollment is open in all Jordan School District DLI programs including Chinese at Southland Elementary School. Enroll your child today at immersion.jordandistrict.org/apply