Category Archives: Employee News

Mountain Creek Middle Student is Honored for Making a Difference as Peer Tutor and for Acts of Kindness

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She is a super kind student who goes out of her way to embrace and support others in her school. This week 9th grader Brooklyn Gatzemeier, who is also a peer tutor in the special education program at Mountain Creek, received a surprise honor and recognition.

Jordan School District Safety Coordinator Matt Alvernaz presented Brooklyn with a JSD challenge coin. It is a coin reserved for those who have gone above and beyond for others, showing compassion and a sense of caring. The coin acknowledges Brooklyn’s achievement as a peer tutor, always ready and willing to lend support in taking care of others.

Following a long-standing tradition, Mr. Alvernaz presented the challenge coin to Brooklyn with a special handshake. In addition, to show the school’s appreciation for Brooklyn’s acts of kindness, Principal Mike Glenn gave her a certificate, a pair of the highly sought after Mountain Creek Moose socks and one of the school’s plush Moose mascots.

Congratulations, Brooklyn Gatzemeier! Keep spreading kindness and use your challenge coin to challenge others to spread kindness as well.

Congratulation 2025 Jordan Education Foundation “Outstanding Education Support Professionals”

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Please join us in congratulating the 2025 Jordan Education Foundation “Outstanding Education Support Professionals.” They were honored at the Board of Education meeting for their hard work, kindness, and always going above and beyond supporting students, staff, parents, and patrons in Jordan School District.

Congratulations to the following:

  • Bryan Pursell, Transportation
  • Kris Wishart, Purchasing
  • Laurel Bigler, Herriman High School
  • Luanne Sullivan, South Valley School
  • Natalie Terry, Oquirrh Hills Middle School
  • Jeff Welch, Elk Meadows Elementary School
  • Dan Parko, Information Systems
  • Allison Kunz, Joel P. Jensen Middle School
  • Susi Liong, South Jordan Middle School
  • Michelle Emmons, Oak Leaf Elementary School
  • Carolyn Crow, Preschool/CDC

Mountain Shadows Elementary Students Celebrate Marvelous Manners

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There were firm handshakes, polite and cordial introductions, and fabulous conversations all around at the Mountain Shadows Leadership Academy banquet dinner. The dinner was held to celebrate some really amazing students and their successful journey through the school’s Leadership Academy.

Dinner guests were assigned to sit with one student and rate the student on skills like restaurant etiquette, carrying on conversations, active listening, and eye contact. The guests were able to see first-hand how students have honed their leadership skills throughout the school year. They are hoping those skills will make a positive impact on their school and community.

Congratulations to everyone involved in the Leadership Academy and banquet dinner. The students demonstrated excellence in their etiquette skills!

Columbia Elementary Receives Generous Grant to Help Cover School Lunch Debt

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Students at Columbia Elementary School received a big surprise in the form of a really big check during lunch in the cafeteria on Thursday. Columbia was one school selected, from schools around the country, to receive an $11,843 grant to help cover the cost of their rising school lunch debt. It is part of ZEE ZEES and the National Food Group’s “Grab The Tab” grant program, giving student lunch debt relief totaling more than $100,000 to schools in Illinois, Florida, and Columbia Elementary in West Jordan, Utah.

Samantha Bourque, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at National Food Group, said of the grant, “School foodservice is the heartbeat of our local communities, ensuring students are fueled and ready to learn.”

After the check presentation students at Columbia were engaged in an activity where they were asked to come up with ideas for a brand new ZEE ZEES snack they think kids across the country would love.

Thanks to ZEE ZEES and the National Food Group for their generosity, giving schools across the country school lunch debt relief.

Congratulations Jordan School District 2025 Class of Retirees

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They have made a huge impact in the lives of thousands of students throughout the course of their careers, and now they are beginning a new chapter in their own lives. The Jordan School District 2025 Class of Retirees were honored during a special dinner and celebration sponsored by the Board of Education on Tuesday night.

A total of 93 employees are retiring this year and together they have devoted 2,207 years to education. The longest serving retiree in this year’s class is Paul Thomas with 44 years followed by Dyke Nelsen with 41.25 years.

A huge thank you to all of our retirees. You have devoted countless hours to students and their education, and your work has made a huge difference in Jordan School District. We wish you the very best in your retirement, you will be missed.

Also a big thanks to the Mountain Ridge High School madrigals for a beautiful performance under the direction of Kelly DeHaan. And thanks to Jeramie Velarde for sharing his amazing musical talents, setting the stage as retirees were arriving for the evening.