Category Archives: Employee News

Celebrate and Say Thank You to JSD’s Amazing Administrative Professionals

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Today is Administrative Professionals Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the superheroes working among us; including administrative assistants, secretaries, and other office professionals.

These individuals are the multitasking masterminds who work diligently to keep things running smoothly. They are flexible, efficient, organized, and often the first to offer assistance wherever and whenever it is needed.

Most of all, our administrative professionals are kind, caring individuals who go about their work with a smile and warm greeting for anyone who comes their way.

Thank you to all of the amazing Jordan School District administrative professionals who go above and beyond every single day!

Westvale Elementary School Teacher Honored During Ceremony by Utah State Superintendent

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A well-earned round of applause came up from the students and faculty at Westvale Elementary School during an assembly as Rachel Henderson was presented with the Sorenson Legacy Award for Excellence in Elementary Visual Arts Instruction. Utah State Superintendent Dr. Sydnee Dickson presented the award. 

Henderson was nominated by fellow Jordan School District visual art teacher Angela Garside due to her ability to connect art with the wider school curriculum and build enthusiasm for art with her students. During her time at Westvale, the school has become known for its amazing school-wide art shows and collaborative bulletin boards.  

The Sorenson Legacy Award for Excellence in Arts Education is presented by the Utah State Board of Education to honor outstanding Utah educators and administrators who champion and excel in arts education. The award was established in memory of Beverley Taylor Sorenson, a tireless advocate for high-quality arts in public education. 

Congratulations, Ms. Henderson!

To learn more about the art program at Westvale Elementary School, check out the Supercast episode 111: A Clay Pot Creation in Art Class with Superintendent Godfrey.

Congratulations Administrative Assistant Nadine Page on Receiving Top Statewide Recognition

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She is kind, compassionate, competent, and willing to offer a helping hand to anyone who may need one. This week, Administrative Assistant Nadine Page was honored as the Jordan School District “Secretary of the Year” by the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals (UAESP).

The individual nominating Ms. Page said, “Often when I am asked a difficult question that I don’t immediately have an answer ready to give, I reply that ‘I know a guy’ as if I have some super secret contact. In reality, it’s usually Nadine.”

We can’t think of a more deserving member of the Jordan School District family to be recognized with this award. Nadine is one of so many hard-working, award worthy secretaries in the District and throughout the State. Thank you, secretaries, for all you do to support public education.

Congratulations, Nadine Page!

Bluffdale Elementary School Teacher Receives Big Award During Surprise School Assembly

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She is known as a resilient teacher and member of the community. That is one reason why Bluffdale Elementary School teacher Donna Birrell was recently awarded the 2025 Utah Education Tribute Award as part of the “Resilient YOU” program. Ms. Birrell received the award during a surprise assembly honoring her as an outstanding elementary school teacher in Utah.

The “Resilient YOU” award is a statewide program, which recognizes and celebrates individuals and organizations working to build resilience in students, families, and communities. It specifically includes the Education Tribute Award honoring those who demonstrate exceptional efforts in promoting resilience in schools and the wider community. Additionally, the program utilizes music and entertainment to teach resilience-building messages to children, as well as featuring award-winning music that enhances classroom instruction and community engagement.

The award was presented by local recording artists Steve and Lisa James and Region 6 PTA representative, Todd Hougaard.

Congratulations to this amazing educator! Keep up the great work, Donna Birrell.

Mountain Ridge High School Percussion Very Impressive Competing at World Championships

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They are a truly talented and dedicated group of students taking their passion and talents to new heights this past week. The Mountain Ridge High School Percussion (front ensemble and drumline) returned home from Dayton, Ohio after competing at the WGI World Championships and they have something of which to be very proud.

Mountain Ridge is the first high school to make the trip in 20 years, and these amazing students represented the Intermountain region extremely well by advancing to the semi-finals round for the first time in Utah’s history! The ensemble and drumline consists of 34 students led by band director Cris Stiles.

To celebrate their success, the Percussion team will have a free Friends & Family night performance this Friday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mountain Ridge High School gym.

Congratulations Mountain Ridge High Percussion and Drumline! You made us very proud in world competition.