She has amazing talent which inspires students around her and now Jana Shumway is being recognized for her dedication to dance education. Ms. Shumway, the dance instructor at Herriman Elementary, was recently awarded Utah Dance Educator of the Year by the Utah Dance Education Organization (UDEO). Herriman Elementary School Principal Bobbie Nixon says Ms. Shumway has an incredible way of linking curriculum to dance making academics more memorable and exciting for students. She also does a Dual Immersion dance for DLI Spanish students at school and is a delight to be around.

Congratulations, Ms. Shumway!

He works tirelessly every day to support students at Valley High School helping them find success in school and in life. Now, Assistant Principal Jacinto Peterson is being recognized by the NAACP Salt Lake branch. On Friday night Mr. Peterson received the Albert Fritz Civil Rights Award from the NAACP at their annual membership banquet. The award recognizes Jacinto’s work in the area of equality and social justice. Jacinto was also recognized for his belief that every student deserves a chance to succeed and accomplish their dreams.

Congratulations Jacinto on this well-deserved recognition!

Congratulations to Ryan Frandsen, West Jordan Middle School’s Afterschool Program Coordinator. Ryan has been very busy building the Afterschool Program at WJMS where there are now more than 30 activities taking place during the week.

Because of his dedication to students and outstanding work improving the lives of youth through out-of-school time programming and activities, Mr. Frandsen was recognized as the “Utah Afterschool Site Coordinator of the Year” by the Utah Afterschool Network.

The afterschool activities offered at WJMS help to keep students engaged, learning, and in a safe environment after school ends, until parents arrive home. Mr. Frandsen has recruited more than 60 teachers to volunteer in the Afterschool Programs and he makes sure they have what they need to run the programs successfully.

Thank you, Ryan Frandsen, for having such a positive impact on so many young lives.

Take a minute out of your day to say thank you to custodians in schools and buildings throughout the District. Today is National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day! It is a day to show appreciation for the men and women who keep our schools and workplaces clean, shining, well maintained and running smoothly.

These valuable employees contribute to the important first impressions at our schools and they lend a helping hand wherever they are needed. They are an important part of the Jordan School District family.

Who is your favorite custodian? Tell them how much they are appreciated.

Thank you, custodians!