It was a night to shine and receive recognition for twenty teachers throughout the state of Utah, and shine they did. First Lady Abby Cox welcomed everyone to the annual Show Up for Teachers, “Honors in Education Gala” this week. It’s an event that salutes the capacity and commitment of some of Utah’s top teachers.

Among those recognized were two incredible teachers from Jordan School District. Congratulations to Brittany Jaque from Copper Canyon Elementary and Dannel Black from Mountain Ridge High School, both honored for being great examples of resilience and hope.

The First Lady said teachers are the very definition of hope during difficult days, and despite difficulties, they always press forward.

Congratulations to all teachers honored at the gala. We admire all you do for students and their path to success.

Bluffdale Elementary School teachers Jessica Bell’Aver and Edson Rabelo received well-deserved recognition from United States Congressman Burgess Owens, who honored them on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. Bell’Aver, a first-grade teacher, and Rabelo, a sixth-grade teacher, were honored for their outstanding work in Bluffdale Elementary’s Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program, where students spend half of their school day learning in the Portuguese language.

“Bluffdale students are thriving because dedicated teachers believe in their potential and push them to reach it,” Owens said in his recognition.

Bluffdale Elementary is one of 10 DLI elementary schools in Jordan District. The program begins in first grade and continues up to 12th grade, with University classes available in High School. Openings for first graders in the upcoming school year are still available in the French and Chinese programs. To learn more or to apply, visit immersion.jordandistrict.org.

They are out in the heat and hard at work this summer maintaining our school grounds over the summer months with lawn care, planting, trimming, and outdoor repairs. Thank you to our dedicated grounds crews for all they do to keep our properties up, preparing them for the safe return of students, teachers, staff, and athletes on the playing field in the new school year.

We appreciate groundskeepers throughout the District, maintaining outdoor spaces, ensuring they are clean, safe, and visually appealing. Keep up the great work!

There will be no USDA Summer Food Service, breakfast or lunch, on Friday, July 4, due to the Independence Day holiday. The free meal service will resume on Monday, July 7, running through August 1 for all students 18-years-old and younger.

The free meals will be available at five locations:

• Majestic Elementary School, 7430 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan
• Heartland Elementary School, 1451 West 7000 South, West Jordan
• Westvale Elementary School, 2300 West Gardner Lane, West Jordan
• Columbia Elementary School, 3503 West 7800 South, West Jordan
• Oquirrh Elementary School, 7165 Paddington Road, West Jordan

Click here for the Summer Food Service Flyer in Spanish. 

It is a huge honor which comes around but once in a lifetime and it is something Riverton High School’s Performing Arts Director, Jason Weimer, is about to experience.

Mr. Weimer has been selected to receive the Barry Manilow Music Teacher Award for the state of Utah. The award is a national honor, made possible through the Barry Manilow Music Project. This prestigious recognition celebrates extraordinary music educators who inspire, uplift, and transform lives through the power of music. Jason Weimer was selected in part for his for his passion, creativity, and heart, which have transformed the RHS stage and inspired countless students.

As part of the recognition, the RHS music program will receive a generous donation to help grow and elevate the experiences offered to student musicians. Jason will also meet Barry Manilow in person, along with a small group of friends, at the Barry Manilow concert at the Maverik Center in West Valley City on July 14. The Barry Manilow Music Project is awarding thousands of dollars to one local music educator in EACH CITY the iconic singer performs in during the month of July.

Congratulations, Maestro Weimer, and thanks to Barry Manilow for his passion and commitment to supporting beloved music programs in our schools.