Members of the Jordan Education Foundation, along with District administrators, Superintendent Godfrey and Board members hit the road to have some fun this week. They were all smiles as they visited school after school surprising teachers with the JEF “Educator of the Year” awards.

This week they made 18 stops, and over the next few weeks they will visit every single school in the District surprising teachers with the coveted award.

Teachers who are recognized have a commitment and dedication to students and education, making a difference in young lives every day. We are so proud of the work carried out in our classrooms and thankful to our amazing educators.

Congratulations to the first 18 winners who received their awards this week. Stay tuned, more to come.

• West Jordan High School – Natalie Nielsen
• Joel P. Jensen Middle School – Courtney Beesley
• West Jordan Middle School – Kathy Howa
• Heartland Elementary School – Haydee Carranza
• West Jordan Elementary School – Connor Sullivan
• Westland Elementary School – Jason Lee
• Oquirrh Elementary School – Vicki Robinson
• Terra Linda Elementary School – Natalie Newbold
• Westvale Elementary School – Shelby Blonquist
• Riverside Elementary School – Kaelin Tumblin
• Jordan Hills Elementary School – Melissa Reynolds
• West Hills Middle School – Charte Young
• Hayden Peak Elementary School – Rebecca Tucker
• Fox Hollow Elementary School – Ami Briscoe
• Sunset Ridge Middle School – Melanie Leavitt
• Falcon Ridge Elementary School – Janet McCall
• South Valley School – Laurie Egan
• Copper Hills High School – Kristen Oda

It was an exciting day for Jordan School District students participating in the Unified Sports basketball championship tournament at Weber State University. It was also a day to take pride in our teams and the great work going on in our schools as Jordan School District was named Special Olympics Unified Sports “District of the Year.”

The tournament brought 380 students from 32 high school from around the State together for a day focused on inclusion, empathy and sport. First Lady Abby Cox participated showing her passion for Special Olympics Unified Sports programs saying they bring together students of all abilities and encourage them to collaborate, build relationships, and develop empathy.

Thanks to everyone involved in this incredible event and congratulations to the students coming together and displaying such wonderful teamwork on and off the court.

They are teachers making a big difference in the lives of students every single day and the State is honoring them for their dedication to education. Bingham High School’s Andrea Call was recently named the DECA Advisor of the Year and Herriman High School’s Nick Redd was selected as the DECA New Advisor of the Year. The two talented teachers were recognized at the DECA State Conference at the Davis Conference Center.

Andrea Call and Nick Redd were also celebrated at a recent Jordan School District Board of Education meeting. Superintendent Godfrey said Mr. Redd was nominated for the real industry experience he brings to students in the classroom, for his compassion and relating to students. Dr. Godfrey said Andrea Call was nominated, in part, for making students and others feel appreciated and for being a true silent hero in the work she does in and outside the classroom.

Congratulations to two incredible educators!

Pies were flying and students were all smiles as Rocky Peak Virtual Elementary School brought everyone together for a little fun as a reading reward. Principal Ross Menlove told students they could throw pies in his face and in the faces of teachers if they met their Walk to Read goal of 85% attendance. Well, students met that goal, and the pie in the face party was on.

It was an afternoon of laughter and celebration. Congratulations, Rocky Peak Virtual Elementary School. Keep up the great work with literacy and Walk to Read!

Book worms were out in force at Heartland Elementary School as students, teachers and staff celebrated “Read Across America Day.” Even the community got in on the fun with police officers, firefighters, West Jordan Mayor Dirk Burton, Principal Buddy Alger, District administrators and others reading to students in classroom after classroom. They read Dr. Seuss books like “The Cat in the Hat” and “Green Eggs and Ham.” Dr. Seuss once said “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Thanks to Heartland and all schools for inspiring students to read every day!