Supercast Episode 233: Joel P. Jensen Middle School Celebrates 40 Year Birthday with Big Bash

Superintendent with JPJMS staffIt was an evening of fun traveling back in time to 1984 when Joel P. Jensen Middle School first opened its doors. Joel P. Jensen recently threw a big birthday bash to commemorate four decades of being a part of the community.

On this episode of the Supercast, we take you inside the 80’s style party where everyone was having fun celebrating 40 years of history, making memories, building friendships, and educating students.


Community Gathers to Celebrate the Chinese New Year, “Year of the Dragon,” and Student Success in Chinese Dual Language Immersion

It was a night of song, dance, simply delicious food, games, and family fun. Herriman High School hosted a huge Chinese New Year Celebration involving Dual Language Immersion (DLI) students from elementary, middle, and high schools, along with Chinese college-level students from Utah State, the University of Utah, and BYU. There were interactive cultural exhibits and displays offering a chance for everyone to see what students on all levels are learning in Chinese DLI.

Students performed on stage, giving attendees a chance to become immersed in Chinese culture as they all celebrated the “Year of the Dragon.”

Blackridge Elementary School Teachers Create Magical Hogwarts Experience

The imaginative and creative minds of the third-grade teaching team at Blackrige Elementary School were on display all week as they transformed the hallways and classrooms into scenes straight from the novel series “Harry Potter.” The yearly “Fantasy Week” tradition has become an annual labor of love for the school’s staff. They spend countless hours before and after school creating lesson plans and building scenes to transport their students’ imaginations to the fictional Hogwarts School of Magic.

From classrooms wrapped in castle-like decor to wands and broomsticks hanging on the walls, this year’s events were an experience students will never forget. The third graders eagerly attended potions class, where they learned the art of concocting magical brews, and the students received their very own wand, a tangible symbol of their journey into the wizarding realm. And, of course, no homage to Harry Potter would be complete without engaging in a thrilling game or two of Quidditch.

In a delightful surprise, Superintendent Godfrey made a grand entrance, dressed as the esteemed Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. His presence brought an extra touch of magic to the event as he playfully stepped in to save the students from the strict rules imposed by Dolores Umbridge, the villainous temporary Headmistress of Hogwarts.

We cannot praise the third-grade teaching team enough for their commitment and efforts in creating a ‘Fantasy Week,’ which left a lasting impression on students and staff alike. Let us all raise our wands in admiration and say, “Well done, wizards of Blackridge Elementary School!”

Community Comes Together to Celebrate the Big Joel P. Jensen Middle School 40th Birthday Bash

It was an evening of fun traveling back in time to 1984 when Joel P. Jensen Middle School first opened. Former students, teachers, staff, members of the community, and everyone currently at Joel P. Jensen came together for a birthday bash like no other. The school celebrated 40 years of history, making memories, building friendships, and educating students.

Everyone was invited to dress in 1980’s retro style clothing. There was a magic show, food, music, dancing, games, a photo booth, and lots of fun.

Thanks to everyone who helped to celebrate this milestone. Happy Birthday Joel P. Jensen!

Herriman High Boys Cross Country Team Recognized in Utah House and Senate for Making History at Nike Cross Nationals

It is a well-deserved honor for some high school students who recently raced their way into the history books as the first Utah high school boys cross country team to take first-place at the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon. On Thursday, the Herriman High School Boys Cross Country team was invited to the Utah State Capitol where they were honored on the floor of both the House and Senate.

Lawmakers congratulated the team and gave them a citation honoring them for their extraordinary accomplishment. Herriman High beat out 22 other teams from across the United States, securing the first-place win. Again, no Utah boys cross country team has ever been successful in taking first-place at the prestigious Nike Cross Nationals

The Herriman team was ranked #1 in the U.S. for most of the cross-country season after winning top national meets in states like California and Idaho.

We join lawmakers in expressing our sincere congratulations to these talented athletes and their coaches, for the inspiration they bring to others:

  • Head Coach Doug Soles
  • Assistant Coach Teresa Soles
  • Assistant Coach Josh Pugel
  • Assistant Coach Lexi Hopkin
  • Assistant Coach Hannah Nay
  • Athlete #1 – Tayshaun Ogomo
  • Athlete #2 – Jonah Tang
  • Athlete #3 – Jack Beckstrom
  • Athlete #4 – Max Hofheins
  • Athlete #5 – Micah Tang
  • Athlete #6 – Hyrum Wood
  • Athlete #7 – William Steadman