Majestic Elementary Arts Academy music teacher Oliva Murphy is one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top fifteen Outstanding Educators of the Year. Ms. Murphy was nominated for the award by the staff at Majestic for making her music classroom the heartbeat of Majestic’s K-3 grades.

Ms. Murphy transforms learning by integrating music and the arts to deepen academic understanding while fostering creativity, confidence, and collaboration. She engages students through original compositions, performance, and technology, making every child feel seen, capable, and inspired. Beyond her classroom, Olivia mentors colleagues, leads major school initiatives, and shapes a joyful, creative culture that touches the entire school community.

Congratulations Ms. Murphy! Thank you for all you do for the students at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy.

She is a problem-solver, a proven leader, fosters positive atmospheres, and is always looking for educational opportunities for students in Youth in Care (YIC). Please join us in congratulating Carolyn Robinson who was recently selected as the USBE’s YIC 2025-26 “Administrator of the Year” for Utah. Ms. Robinson is Jordan School District’s YIC Teacher Specialist and is fully responsible for the Check and Connect mentors, along with their ongoing training and support.

She was nominated for the award due to her tireless work revamping and elevating the YIC program in Jordan, making a true difference in the lives of students and their abilities to pass classes and complete recovery credits.

YIC provides specialized educational services and stability for students under 21 in foster care or state custody. It ensures legal access to education through tailored, intensive support, allowing students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally toward future success.

Congratulations, Carolyn Robinson. Keep up the amazing work making a difference in young lives.

Join us in sending a round of applause to students in the West Hills Middle School Concert Choir. They performed in the District Advanced Choir Festival this week and their choir director, Michael Draut, says they earned perfect scores from both judges.

After their performance, the talented students visited Sunridge Assisted Living, reconnecting with friends and sharing music that truly mattered. Watching the delighted residents sing along, including 90-year-old Bonnie, made it unforgettable.

Mr. Draut gave a huge shoutout to the choir’s amazing soloists: Sophie Birdsall, Hailey Overdiek, Hannah Pehrson, Andrea Rowberry, Benson Perkins, Quinton Hollingshead, Finley Adamson, and Haley Brady.

Way to go West Hills Concert Choir. Keep on making magical music bringing smiles and happiness to those around you!

Throughout March, we are recognizing amazing educators who make a difference. The Jordan Education Foundation has selected the following as the Outstanding Educator of the Year for the Jordan District Virtual Learning Academy Schools.

• Carol Quistberg (Rocky Peak Elementary)
• Veronica Wagner (Kelsey Peak Middle)
• Mindy Eden (Kings Peak High School)

Congratulations! Thank you for all that you do to positively impact the lives of our students.