Every year students at Copper Hills High School rally to raise awareness about autism in their school and the broader community. They want people to know what it means to be autistic, how to support autistic students and adults, and the challenges that people with autism sometimes face.

As part of their awareness campaign, students raised money for the West Jordan Police Department so officers can participate in autism awareness training. The training helps officers recognize signs of autism, understand associated challenges, and interact effectively and safely with individuals with autism, ultimately fostering empathy and de-escalation techniques.

This week during a special recognition at the West Jordan City Council meeting, Copper Hills High School Principal Rae Garrison presented West Jordan City police with a check for $4,685.98. The money will go toward autism awareness training.

Thanks to the Copper Hills High School student body for working hard to spread awareness and take care of their fellow students.

She has a tremendous relationship with students, parents, the PTA, and the community. That’s just one reason why RaNisha Glover is the Utah PTA “Outstanding Elementary Educator.”

Ms. Glover teaches 3^rd grade at Butterfield Canyon Elementary School and the PTA says she is a shining example of going above and beyond to help her students and the community around her. They say she works hard to recognize student achievements, make learning fun, and is always willing to help when she sees there is a need. Parents say every student leaves Ms. Glover’s class knowing they are special and loved.

RaNisha Glover is one of just five teachers selected throughout the state of Utah for this prestigious recognition.

Congratulations, Ms. Glover. Your dedication to students and education is making a difference in school and throughout the community.

It is a sweet treat for everyone in the audience as students at South Jordan Elementary School take the stage in an impressive and upbeat performance of the musical “Willy Wonka Jr.” The costumes and set design bring the show and characters to life, characters like Charlie Bucket and the green-haired Oompa Loompas.

“Willy Wonka Jr.” tells the story of the famous candy inventor, Willy Wonka, and the chaos that ensues when he decides to open his factory gates to five lucky kids and their parents for a tour.

A total of 92 cast members, 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade students, are part of the production, which involved more than 1,500 volunteer hours, with incredible support from parents.

Congratulations to all the talented students involved in this phenomenal production along with the supportive staff and parents including:

• Willy Wonka Jr. Director, Diane Witt-Roper
• Choreographer, Alan LaFleur
• Music Director, Luke Durbin
• Set Director, Stephanie Miller
• Props Director, Sarah Anderson

You can catch performances of “Willy Wonka Jr.” March 25 – 28 at 6:30 p.m. at South Jordan Elementary School.

It was a night of fun and looking to the future as members of the community gathered for Jordan School District’s Special Education Transition Fair. It is an event that brings together students, families, educators, and community organizations for an evening focused on future planning and opportunities.

Post high school students, along with students from all Jordan School District high schools, Kings Peak Virtual High School, and several middle schools, showed up to explore resources and learn about the many supports available to them. The special education team was thrilled to welcome thirty outside agencies which provided valuable information on services related to education, employment, independent living, and much more.

For the 75 families who attended, the fair fostered meaningful connections and conversations about next steps beyond high school. Educators received great feedback from students and parents, who appreciated the opportunity to gather information and network with local organizations.

 A huge thank you to Chick-fil-A and Swig for their generous donations, which helped make the event even more enjoyable for everyone who attended.

Thanks, as well, to everyone who participated, making the Transition Fair such a success! This is just one example of Jordan School District’s Special Education team working hard, always looking for ways to support students as they transition to their next chapter in life.

Please join us in congratulating Jordan School District’s Counselor of the Year from Mountain Creek Middle School, David Parker.

Mr. Parker is described as the essential force driving his counseling department’s success. Colleagues say Mr. Parker ensures the program remains robust, data-driven, and current.

Another reason David Parker was selected for this honor is because of his work connecting with students. In fact, for the last five years, he has met every student individually to celebrate their birthdays, fostering those vital connections. We’re told he is dedicated to his students, ensuring they feel valued and heard and spends hours supporting students and parents in crisis, conducting thorough PCCRs, and working late to manage schedule changes efficiently.

Mr. Parker has been a counselor at Mountain Creek Middle School since 2019 and in that time has profoundly impacted the school’s culture and success.

Keep up the great work, David Parker!