“Wojo Middle School” Unveiled for a Day to Honor SLC Stars Coach Steve Wojciechowski

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South Jordan Middle renamed "WoJo"South Jordan Middle school, affectionately known to the community as SOJO, took on a new name for a day as it transformed into WOJO Middle School. This change celebrates Coach Steve Wojciechowski, or Coach WOJO as he is fondly known, head coach of the Salt Lake City Stars.

The day was marked by a special ribbon cutting ceremony making the WOJO name official, at least for the day. This showcases the community’s appreciation for Coach WOJO and his impact on youth and sports.

Recently, 5,000 students from Jordan School District attended the Stars Kids Day game. Now, to show thanks to students for cheering their team on, the Salt Lake City Stars, along with their mascot, Buster the Bear, donated several basketballs to the school. A basketball signed by the Stars team was also presented to remind everyone of the special event.

A huge shoutout to everyone giving back to the community on and off the court.

Copper Hills High School Awarded National Banner for Inclusion as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School

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CHHS receiving national Special Olympics honor Cheers and applause echoed throughout the gymnasium at Copper Hills High School Tuesday morning during a pep rally to celebrate the national recognition of the CH PALS Club, Copper Hills Unified Sports, and the inclusivity efforts of staff and students. The school has met the Special Olympics’ 10 standards of excellence for creating an inclusive environment and is being honored with a national banner recognition.

The pep rally was more than a simple celebration; it showcased the school’s ongoing commitment to ensuring students living with disabilities feel accepted and included in all activities, opportunities, and functions.

The rally featured heartfelt speeches by the school’s administration and the state’s First Lady, Abby Cox, who all emphasized the importance of inclusion. Students also enjoyed performances by the drill, dance, and ballroom dance teams.

With a drumroll, the Special Olympics national banner unfurled, and confetti filled the air as students gathered together for the “ain’t no party like a CH party” cheer.

Great job, Copper Hills High School. You are a shining example of inclusivity. Keep it up!

Family Game Night Brings Virtual Learning Community Together

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JVLA students playing a gameThe Jordan Virtual Learning Academy hosted a family game night Wednesday to bring students and their families together. This event created a unique opportunity for students of Kings Peak High School, Kelsey Peak Virtual Middle School, and Rocky Peak Virtual Elementary, the three schools that form the core of the academy, to meet and connect with their peers in person. 

More than 100 people came together for face-to-face fun. From board games and video games to cornhole and crafts, it was a chance for the students to step out of the virtual classroom and get to know their fellow online classmates. 

This is just one of many ways Jordan Virtual Learning Academy provides opportunities for its students to connect with classmates online and in person. 

For parents interested in virtual learning options for their children, the Jordan Virtual Learning Academy offers a program designed to cater to the diverse needs of students. Information on enrollment and courses available can be found at virtual.jordandistrict.org

Celebrating Culture and Community at the Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival

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Students from Monte Vista Elementary’s Chinese Dual Language Immersion Program took the stage during a special evening celebrating culture and community.

Monte Vista was invited by the Taiwanese Association of Greater Salt Lake (TAGSL) to perform during their Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival celebration.

Under the guidance of Mrs. Liu, Mr. Olsen, and Ms. Amanda, the students showcased their dedication and talent. Among the highlights were students mastering the bamboo pole dance and the mesmerizing dragon dance, both central to Chinese New Year celebrations and symbolize good luck, strength and prosperity.

Monte Vista expresses their thanks to TAGSL for being involved in such a wonderful celebration and to the New Golden Dragon restaurant for the warm hospitality.

What a wonderful educational opportunity for DLI students to experience rich culture traditions.

If you’d like to learn more about Jordan School District dual immersion programs visit immersion.jordandistrict.org

Creating a Culture of Kindness with the Kindness Crew at Foothills Elementary School

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Kindness Crew at Foothills Elementary Among the bustling hallways at Foothills Elementary School, a simple but profound lesson is being taught in Mrs. Tycksen’s 3rd grade classroom. She’s showing her students firsthand that words are powerful and kindness can change someone’s day.
Mrs. Tycksen’s students start each morning by walking up to a mirror, looking at themselves, and repeating affirmations such as, “I am important. I matter. I can make a difference.”
This practice not only fosters self-love but also instills a sense of responsibility in students to be kind to themselves and others. Throughout the day she reminds her students of the classroom’s most important rule: “Nice words or no words, especially to yourself.”
Mrs. Tycksen wanted her children to be able to take their kindness out of the classroom and so the Kindness Crew was created. She gifted matching shirts to her students and every Thursday morning they brave the elements and hold up 25 different signs to greet their fellow classmates.
“Some students just smile and others shout out what their posters say, and the welcoming spirit is tangible. My students come in freezing and grinning ear to ear,”  Mrs. Tycksen said.
Throughout the week the class has special meetings to discuss who might need some extra kindness and how they can give that kindness, whether it be with a handwritten note or a helping hand.
It’s a simple idea rooted in love and support. Mrs. Tycksen is inspiring students to embrace kindness whether that be to themselves or others. “They know they are making a difference and I am blessed to be their teacher. We want our Foothills community to know they are loved at school,” Mrs. Tycksen said.