It is a labor of love for some students and staff at the South Valley School in Jordan School District. Twice a week they volunteer at the Sandy Animal Shelter working hard doing things like feeding the animals, cleaning cages, and filling water bowls. But the students also get to socialize with the animals and help to name some of them up for adoption.

Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski and the Director of Animal Services, Ian Williams, recently met with the students to thank them for their service and the impact their work is having on the shelter. Mayor Zoltanski said the South Valley students have such positive attitudes and great work ethics. The students are grateful for the opportunity to help the shelter and animals, and learn employment skills which will be valuable to them in the future.

Thank you to everyone involved, supporting students who want to give back and help animals at the same time.

Students enrolled in the Jordan Virtual Learning Academy came together in-person for a full “Day of Service.” They want to build community connections with people who may need just a little something to smile about as we head into the holiday season. The K-12 online students left their screen time behind for a while to participate in hands-on activities they hope will help the community around them.

Students participated in four different service projects:

• Marking “Yarn Puff Balls” to Be Used as Snowballs in Snowball Fights. They are for Kauri Sue Hamilton students with physical challenges that may keep them from going outside for a snowball fight this winter.
• Decorating Food Boxes for the Utah Food Bank. The decorated boxes will be used to brighten the day for those receiving free food deliveries.
• Making Holiday Greeting Cards for Seniors. The greeting cards will be distributed to local nursing homes for residents to sign and send to loved ones.
• Making Warm Winter Quilts for Kids. The quilts will be donated to Primary Children’s Hospital.

Thank you to students, teachers, staff and parents who were a part of this “Day of Service,” making a difference in the lives of others.

Jordan School District students, teachers and staff extend our sincere thanks to all of our veterans on this Veterans Day. We are proud of your service and sacrifice making the many freedoms we enjoy every single day possible. We honor you today and every day.

From the playing of bagpipes, sunrise salutes and choir performances, students in many of our schools took time to honor those who serve and have served, both past and present.

Join us in showing our thanks and appreciation. We are forever grateful.

It is a day to say thank you to those who have served and sacrificed so much to protect the many freedoms we enjoy.

Students at Riverton High gathered early as the sun was coming up to participate in a Sunrise Salute to military veterans. They held a moment of silence to reflect on the men and women who serve and those who have paid the ultimate price. It was a meaningful and moving way to start the day before heading to class on this Veterans Day.

At Herriman High School they paid respect to several veterans invited to speak at a school assembly. One speech was delivered by 103-year-old Eugene England who served in Okinawa, Japan. Mr. England received the Bronze Star for valor during World War II and received a standing ovation from students for his speech and more importantly his service.

Thank you to all of the brave men and women who have and continue to serve this country and fight for our freedoms!