She is known as an extraordinary teacher who goes above and beyond for her students. Join us in congratulating Riverton High School CTE teacher Buffy Blunck, one of ten Utah educators recently honored as the 2023 “Superstars in Education.” The Utah Education Association (UEA) along with the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation paid tribute to the teachers at an awards banquet, saying they have demonstrated unwavering support for public education and the students of Utah, profoundly impacting the lives of those they serve.

A co-worker who nominated Buffy Blunck said she creates an engaging and inclusive learning environment in her Health and Intro to Health classes. The co-worker also said Buffy’s ability to connect with her students and provide guidance and support has made her classroom a safe haven for many.

Each winner received a crystal trophy and a check for $1,500, courtesy of the award sponsor, the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation.

Congratulations, Buffy Blunck!

Kevan Sprague has been with the Jordan School District for his entire 31-year career and is currently the head custodian at Mountain Ridge High School, a school he helped to open in 2019.

Last week, Kevan had an entirely new assignment. He was selected to throw the first pitch at the Salt Lake Bees game. Kevan prepared for his pitching debut with the help of the Mountain Ridge High School coaching staff and administration, throwing pitches in front of the entire faculty. The preparation paid off as Kevan threw the ball like a pro across home plate!  

Corbin Roesbery, a Unified Athlete in the 11^th grade at Copper Hills High School and Alex Roberts, a Unified Athlete in 12^th grade at Copper Hills High School also were invited to throw a pitch and they did a great job as well!

Kylee Holder and Chase Ryan are Copper Hills High ‘Pals’ and were on hand to assist our Unified Athletes.

Right after the first pitches were thrown, Bingham High School sophomore Miles Jeppson sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, wowing the crowd with his amazing voice as it rang out across the ballpark.

Thanks to the Salt Lake Bees organization for providing such fun and memorable moments for JSD students and staff.

They are back and we are ready for a safe and successful school year. Welcome back to all of Jordan School District’s 7^th grade and high school students who headed back to class today!

At Oquirrh Hills Middle School, 7^th grade orientation included selfies with the principal and teachers. The selfies were just one way to let students know they have found a home at Oquirrh Hills with kind and caring teachers, staff, and a principal who is excited to get to know every single one of them.

At Copper Hills High they held a beautiful and inspiring sunrise salute to seniors complete with a balloon launch and breakfast.

Our students, teachers, and staff settled in for the first day back and we wish everyone a wonderful year filled with memories to last a life time.

It was great to see all of our teachers back and participating in the Jordan School District Professional Development Day. The day was geared toward more personalized professional development, organized by level and content with a great line-up of expert presenters.

It was fun witnessing all of the collaboration and teams coming together to be the very best in the classroom for students.

Wishing our teachers and students the most amazing year yet!

They will represent some of the state’s most collaborative, positive, and solutions-oriented educators dedicated to elevating their profession and creating the best conditions for student learning.

Congratulations to three amazing Jordan School District educators who have been selected, in an extremely competitive process, to be Hope Street Teacher Fellows. Kelli Cannon in Digital Teaching & Learning, Brenda Straley, JATC South teacher, and William Shields, West Jordan Middle School teacher, will embark on a Fellowship to expand their skills around peer and community engagement, data-driven decision-making, and strategic communication.

The Teacher Fellows provides a group of diverse educators with opportunities to amplify teacher voices with the belief that students’ education and long-term trajectory is improved when instructors inform education policy.

Teacher Fellows are educators who remain full time teachers in their schools and organizations, while contributing approximately 10 hours each month to program activities, including data collections, professional learning sessions, and
partner meetings. Fellows receive an annual stipend for their time and expertise in contributing to advancing education in Utah.

Congratulations and best of luck to Kelli Cannon, Brenda Straley, and William Shields!