They have been secretly rehearsing their roles after school for months, preparing for a production of epic proportions and for some it was their first time on stage in a musical. On Wednesday, the faculty at Mountain Shadows Elementary School performed Elf Jr. the Musical. It was a big surprise for students who had no idea what was about to happen and they were delighted. It was a wonderful, fun-filled performance with some newly discovered talent; teachers and staff singing their hearts out.

We applaud the Mountain Shadows Elementary School faculty and staff for their dedication to students and making happy holiday memories that will last a lifetime.

Members of the Jordan School District Board of Education recently took time to celebrate students, teachers, and staff at JATC North and South. JATC Student Council Presidents Julia Freire Sabino (JATC North) and Chayse Robison (JATC South) presented to the Board and talked about the wide variety of opportunities offered in Career and Technical Education at both campuses of JATC. They said students are allowed to dive into academic content deeply and internship opportunities are available in local businesses and industry.

The Board also recognized members of the Herriman High School Boys Cross Country team which recently made history as the first team in Utah ever to take home the first-place title at the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon. The team coach, Doug Soles, thanked everyone for their support, especially the student athlete’s families and Principal Todd Quarnberg.

They are caught up in the spirit of giving and some Oak Leaf Elementary School students are pretty proud of their work. When they heard students at another elementary school would go without the holiday box of cereal they usually get to take home for breakfast over winter break, the Oak Leaf students stepped in to help.

The Oak Leaf students, led by the school PTA, set out on a mission to collect 500 boxes of cereal to give to their fellow students as a holiday gift. They not only met, but exceeded their goal collecting more than 500 boxes of cereal! It is a gift that will warm the hearts of fellow students and ensure they have breakfast over the holiday break.

Thanks to the Oak Leaf students, staff, and PTA for thinking of others in this season of giving.

It was an early Christmas thanks to donations and support from a caring community and the Jordan Education Foundation. This week, 35 South Valley School students were treated to a holiday shopping spree at Walmart in South Jordan. Each student was allowed to purchase $150.00 worth of gifts for themselves and family members. Teachers accompanied the students as they shopped, together making memories which will last for years to come.

Thank you to everyone who made this event possible, supporting students and their families who need just a little extra help over the holiday season.

This Saturday, the Jordan Education Foundation and its donors will treat 600 middle and high school students from schools throughout Jordan School District, to a holiday shopping spree at Walmart. It is the 10^th year of “Christmas for Kids,” and we cannot thank donors enough for their generosity and kindness, helping students and their families find joy, happiness, and some special gifts under the tree this holiday season.