It’s time to take a moment and thank all of the amazing paraprofessionals working in our Jordan School District schools. Paraprofessional Appreciation Day is Wednesday, April 2. It is a day to recognize and honor the hard work and dedication of paraprofessionals, also known as teacher aides, instructional assistants, or classroom assistants. These valued employees support teachers and students in the classroom and their contributions are invaluable.

On this day, and every day, we say a sincere thank you to paraprofessionals for their patience, support, and positive attitudes. You make a difference in education!

He was not prepared as an understudy, but at the last minute when a cast member in the South Jordan Elementary School musical “Willy Wonka Jr.” couldn’t make an evening performance, it was Principal Bryce Eardley to the rescue. Mr. Eardley quickly dressed the part of Grandpa George, looked over his few lines, and hit the stage with the rest of the elementary school cast of 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade students. While he did have the script hidden in a blanket, Mr. Eardley delivered his lines, and received rave reviews for his performance.

A standing ovation to the entire cast and to Principal Eardley for stepping up, knowing the show must go on, thus debuting his South Jordan Elementary School acting career. It is a perfect example of the many things principals will do to support their students. Way to go, Mr. Eardley!

Every year students at Copper Hills High School rally to raise awareness about autism in their school and the broader community. They want people to know what it means to be autistic, how to support autistic students and adults, and the challenges that people with autism sometimes face.

As part of their awareness campaign, students raised money for the West Jordan Police Department so officers can participate in autism awareness training. The training helps officers recognize signs of autism, understand associated challenges, and interact effectively and safely with individuals with autism, ultimately fostering empathy and de-escalation techniques.

This week during a special recognition at the West Jordan City Council meeting, Copper Hills High School Principal Rae Garrison presented West Jordan City police with a check for $4,685.98. The money will go toward autism awareness training.

Thanks to the Copper Hills High School student body for working hard to spread awareness and take care of their fellow students.

She has a tremendous relationship with students, parents, the PTA, and the community. That’s just one reason why RaNisha Glover is the Utah PTA “Outstanding Elementary Educator.”

Ms. Glover teaches 3^rd grade at Butterfield Canyon Elementary School and the PTA says she is a shining example of going above and beyond to help her students and the community around her. They say she works hard to recognize student achievements, make learning fun, and is always willing to help when she sees there is a need. Parents say every student leaves Ms. Glover’s class knowing they are special and loved.

RaNisha Glover is one of just five teachers selected throughout the state of Utah for this prestigious recognition.

Congratulations, Ms. Glover. Your dedication to students and education is making a difference in school and throughout the community.

It is a sweet treat for everyone in the audience as students at South Jordan Elementary School take the stage in an impressive and upbeat performance of the musical “Willy Wonka Jr.” The costumes and set design bring the show and characters to life, characters like Charlie Bucket and the green-haired Oompa Loompas.

“Willy Wonka Jr.” tells the story of the famous candy inventor, Willy Wonka, and the chaos that ensues when he decides to open his factory gates to five lucky kids and their parents for a tour.

A total of 92 cast members, 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade students, are part of the production, which involved more than 1,500 volunteer hours, with incredible support from parents.

Congratulations to all the talented students involved in this phenomenal production along with the supportive staff and parents including:

• Willy Wonka Jr. Director, Diane Witt-Roper
• Choreographer, Alan LaFleur
• Music Director, Luke Durbin
• Set Director, Stephanie Miller
• Props Director, Sarah Anderson

You can catch performances of “Willy Wonka Jr.” March 25 – 28 at 6:30 p.m. at South Jordan Elementary School.