Hidden Valley Educator Named 2025 Utah History Teacher of the Year

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Christina Jacobs is the 2025 Utah History Teacher of the YearStudents at Hidden Valley Middle School have long known they have an amazing history teacher. Now the entire state knows it. Christina Jacobs is the 2025 Utah History Teacher of the Year, as named by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Along with the prestigious title, Ms. Jacobs receives a certificate, a $1,000 award, and an archive of historical books and resources.

As Utah’s honoree, Ms. Jacobs is one of 53 finalists for the National History Teacher of the Year Award, and a prize of $10,000. The Gilder Lehrman Institute will announce the top 10 finalists in September and name the national winner in October. 

Among her many accomplishments, Ms. Jacobs was recently selected to participate in the National History Day’s “Researching Silent Heroes.” In the program, she researched the life of U.S. Air Force 1st Class Howard Lamont ‘Monty’ Croshaw, a Utah native who went missing in action during the Korean War.

In the 22-year history of the History Teacher of the Year Award, six outstanding Jordan School District Educators have earned the title as the best in Utah.

Congratulations, Ms. Jacobs! Thank you for your dedication and passion for bringing history to life at Hidden Valley. 

Thank You School Lunch Staff for Working Throughout the Summer Dishing Up Great Food and Fun Meal Times for Families

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They didn’t miss a beat this summer, up before sunrise working hard to dish up great food and fun times for families in some of our school cafeterias. Thank you to the lunch ladies and men, and all nutrition services staff, for making the USDA Summer Meal Service Program a success in Jordan School District.

The great cafeteria workers at Columbia Elementary, Heartland Elementary, Majestic Elementary Arts Academy, Oquirrh Elementary, and Westvale Elementary, served up big smiles all summer long making sure students 18-years-old and younger in the area had the opportunity to enjoy free breakfast and lunch this summer.

The last day of the free summer meal service is Friday, August 1. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Students Take a Step Back in Time as Utahn’s Celebrate Pioneer Day

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Superintendent with students at This is the Place Heritage ParkSupercast Episode 307
As thousands of Utahns enjoy parades, rodeos, fireworks, and other festivities to celebrate Pioneer Day, it’s time to pack up and take a field trip for a hands-on lesson in history for some Jordan School District elementary school students.

On this episode of the Supercast, we follow teachers and their students to “This is the Place Heritage Park” where the life and times of Utah’s early settlers come alive. It is a live history lesson you won’t want to miss.

Unlocking Student Potential with Technology

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Superintentent with the tech expertsSupercast Episode 306
It is giving every student an opportunity to learn at higher levels in ways some never imagined.

On this episode of the Supercast, we talk with companies igniting curiosity in the classroom with the use of technology, technology which is bringing better education opportunities for students, enhancing what teachers teach, and impacting education in some incredible ways.