Jordan School District Teachers Win State Wide CTE Awards

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Congratulations to two Jordan School District CTE teachers for winning state-wide awards at this year’s UTAH Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) conference. The awards highlight outstanding educators dedicated to furthering career and technical education programs.

JATC South’s Richard Clayton was awarded New Teacher of the Year for the State of Utah. The award recognizes teachers with 3-5 years of experience who have made significant contributions toward innovative and unique career and technical education programs and have shown a professional commitment early in their careers.

Mr. Clayton was recognized for being instrumental in collaborating with the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) to develop standardized “Strands and Standards” for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, with a specific focus on Emergency Medical Services (EMS). He has collaborated with another school district in Utah, helping them successfully launch a program mirroring his own. Mr. Clayton is also known for his engagement with parents, hosting induction ceremonies, and adopting innovative teaching methods, such as utilizing students to teach CPR classes to sophomores.

Bingham High School’s Pepper Poulsen was awarded Champion for CTE. This award recognizes education leaders, industry executives, celebrities, thought leaders, and other individuals who have significantly impacted the improvement and expansion of CTE programs.

Ms. Poulsen was recognized for her 26 years in career and Technical Education (CTE), holding roles such as CTE Teacher, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Guidance Counselor, and CTE Coordinator. Her work includes the creation of the Entrepreneurship Academy in partnership with the Jordan Education Foundation, providing students with mentorship opportunities. Ms Poulsen has been involved with Utah ACTE for 26 years, with 21 years on the Executive Committee; she has also contributed nationally as the National Awards chair for ACTE and the Region V awards chair.

Congratulations to both of these outstanding educators and thank you for your dedication to students in Jordan School District. These awards are well deserved.

Eastlake Elementary School Students Have Fun Celebrating Chinese New Year

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It was a colorful performance as students at Eastlake Elementary School celebrated the Chinese New Year. This is the “Year of the Dragon,” and students performed in cultural attire, singing and dancing to the delight of everyone who attended.

Eastlake Elementary is a Dual Language Immersion (DLI) school where students learn to be fluent in both English and Mandarin.

If you are interested in getting your kindergarten student started in a DLI program, enroll today at immersion.jordandistrict.org/apply

Herriman High School Hosts Community Chinese New Year Celebration Filled with Fun for the Whole Family

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It will be an unforgettable night thanks to everyone involved in organizing the third annual community Chinese New Year Celebration at Herriman High School. The celebration gives everyone the opportunity to experience Chinese culture by participating in a wide variety of activities, tasting delicious food, and attending cultural performances. The event is free and organizers say the goal is to spread the beauty of Chinese culture and language.

Chinese Dual Language Immersion students, along with others involved in the community celebration, recently showed up in-person to invite South Jordan City Mayor Dawn Ramsey and other city leaders to attend the event and you are invited as well.

  • WHAT: The Annual Chinese New Year Celebration
  • WHEN: Thursday, February 8, 4:30 – 7 p.m.
  • WHERE: Herriman High School, 11917 S. Mustang Trail Way, Herriman

Elk Meadows Students Rise to the Top in Utah Winning Statewide Investment Competition

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Picture of Gavin, Nathaniel and Ms. Smith with awardsMore than 4,500 students from across the state participated in the Fall 2023 Utah Treasurer’s Investment Challenge, competing in elementary, middle, and high school divisions. In the elementary division, two amazing Elk Meadows Elementary School students took top honors. Gavin Cabrales and Nathaniel Harwood won first place!

The Utah Treasurer’s Investment Challenge is a 10-week simulation of Wall Street investing that provides a framework for Utah students to learn about the U.S. economy and financial markets.

During the game, students invest a hypothetical $100,000 in common stocks and diversified investment funds traded on major exchanges. Teams are ranked based on the ending value of their investment portfolios.

Treasurer Marlo M. Oaks said, “I appreciate the efforts of our teachers to help improve the financial knowledge of our next generation, and I’m proud of the students for their hard work.”

Congratulations to Gavin and Nathaniel along with their advisor, Brittany Smith! Keep up the great work.

South Valley Students and Staff Have Lots of Fun on “Flying Around the States Day”

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It was an exciting day of travel for South Valley students going from Texas to Hawaii, Hollywood, Michigan, Virginia, and beyond, without ever leaving their school. During “Flying Around the States Day,” each classroom represented a different part of the country, educating students about the culture and offering a taste of the region with food samples as well. The students travel from state to state, visiting classrooms exploring the various state colors, flags, and food, giving them an opportunity to experience a bit of life outside Utah.

Staff played the role of pilots and flight attendants as students traveled from one state to the next inside the individual classrooms.

What a fun and engaging way for students to learn about different parts of the United States. Congratulations to everyone at South Valley for giving students such a rich and memorable experience!