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!

Hidden Valley Educator Named 2025 Utah History Teacher of the Year

Christina Jacobs is the 2025 Utah History Teacher of the YearStudents at Hidden Valley Middle School have long known they have an amazing history teacher. Now the entire state knows it. Christina Jacobs is the 2025 Utah History Teacher of the Year, as named by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Along with the prestigious title, Ms. Jacobs receives a certificate, a $1,000 award, and an archive of historical books and resources.

As Utah’s honoree, Ms. Jacobs is one of 53 finalists for the National History Teacher of the Year Award, and a prize of $10,000. The Gilder Lehrman Institute will announce the top 10 finalists in September and name the national winner in October. 

Among her many accomplishments, Ms. Jacobs was recently selected to participate in the National History Day’s “Researching Silent Heroes.” In the program, she researched the life of U.S. Air Force 1st Class Howard Lamont ‘Monty’ Croshaw, a Utah native who went missing in action during the Korean War.

In the 22-year history of the History Teacher of the Year Award, six outstanding Jordan School District Educators have earned the title as the best in Utah.

Congratulations, Ms. Jacobs! Thank you for your dedication and passion for bringing history to life at Hidden Valley. 

Thank You School Lunch Staff for Working Throughout the Summer Dishing Up Great Food and Fun Meal Times for Families

They didn’t miss a beat this summer, up before sunrise working hard to dish up great food and fun times for families in some of our school cafeterias. Thank you to the lunch ladies and men, and all nutrition services staff, for making the USDA Summer Meal Service Program a success in Jordan School District.

The great cafeteria workers at Columbia Elementary, Heartland Elementary, Majestic Elementary Arts Academy, Oquirrh Elementary, and Westvale Elementary, served up big smiles all summer long making sure students 18-years-old and younger in the area had the opportunity to enjoy free breakfast and lunch this summer.

The last day of the free summer meal service is Friday, August 1. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Students and Their Families Can Enjoy Premier Lacrosse League Experience with Discounted Ticket Offer

Premier Lacrosse League LogoThe Utah Archers Lacrosse Club is one of the original six Premier Lacrosse League teams. The Archers are offering discounted tickets for employees students and families to Premier Lacrosse League games at Zions Bank Stadium on July 25 and 26.

Jordan District students, employees, and families can receive discounted tickets at the link below, or by using the discount code 25PLL12 on Ticketmaster.