High School Students Serve as Chinese Teaching Assistants in Elementary Schools

DLI Teaching AssistantsShe wanted to support and advance the Chinese Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program. That’s why DLI teacher and Chinese Club advisor, Mrs. Wei Wei decided to spearhead the High School Chinese Teaching Assistant Program. Students from two high schools served as teaching assistants at local elementary schools, supporting elementary Chinese language teachers.

Riverton High School students assisted at Southland Elementary School and Mountain Ridge High School students assisted at Foothills Elementary School. Students were divided into six groups, each serving a specific grade level. They designed tailored Chinese language classes, engaging young learners through activities like character recognition, word formation, rap songs, and storytelling with pictographs.

The program received enthusiastic praise, motivating children to learn Chinese. Parents expressed appreciation for the impact, inspiring their children to become Chinese teachers. Elementary school teachers were delighted by their former students’ growth, highlighting the positive outcomes of the initiative.

The program showcases high school students’ commitment, fostering cultural and linguistic exchange. Their efforts will make a lasting impact on the future of the Chinese DLI program, inspiring young learners with enthusiasm and dedication.

Hundreds of Middle School Students Participate in Kickoff of Junior Golf League for Teens with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities

Students chipping golf ballsThey had a great time getting a quick lesson in the game of golf, using a golf club, putting, chipping, and just enjoying the game and each other. About 250 middle school students with intellectual and physical disabilities joined with peer tutors for the Developmental Golf Kickoff at Glenmoore Golf Course. Students on high school golf teams in Jordan School District were also on hand to help out and grow excitement for the game. First Lady Abby Cox attended as well, showing her support for the “Unified Golf” program.

Jordan District was the first in Utah to start a “Unified Golf” program last year and the district is excited to build upon the program’s success. It’s a fun program bringing students of all abilities together creating a fast and meaningful path to fun, friendship, and understanding.

This program, which is part of Unified Sports and Special Olympics, is a statewide effort to foster greater empathy and understanding of students with disabilities and to encourage more inclusion and opportunities for all students in all sports.

Thank you to Glenmoore Golf Club, the many volunteers, the Jordan Education Foundation, First Lady Abby Cox, Unified Sports, Utah Special Olympics, our students, and staff for making this event so successful!

Supercast Episode 194: KSL NewsRadio Host Finds Joy Working with Students as Substitute Teacher in the Classroom

Superintendent with Amanda DicksonShe is one of the most recognized morning radio hosts in the Salt Lake Valley. Amanda Dickson has been a staple on KSL Newsradio in the mornings for nearly three decades doing what she loves, connecting with people and sharing stories.

On this episode of the Suupercast, we hear about a newfound passion for the popular radio host. Amanda Dickson is now spending a lot of her time off air, in the classroom as a substitute teacher. Find out why she says students bring her such joy and why she believes kids in the classroom can do the same for others willing to try substitute teaching.


Students and Community Come Together to Break Ground for Brand New Elementary School in Herriman

Breaking ground for new schoolIt was a day to remember for students, staff, Board members, district officials, city leaders, and members of the community. They all came together to participate in the groundbreaking for a new elementary school being built in Herriman. The brand-new school will serve families in Herriman and Riverton, two of the fastest growing cities in Jordan School District and the State of Utah. Ridge View Elementary School students did a wonderful job performing several songs. Then, some of them donned hard hats with other dignitaries and put shovels in the ground marking the official beginning of construction for the new elementary school.

Jordan School District currently serves almost 58,000 students in 68 schools for families in Bluffdale, Copperton, Herriman, Riverton, South Jordan, and West Jordan.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the groundbreaking ceremony!

Congratulations to the 2023 Jordan Education Foundation Outstanding Education Support Professionals!

Outstanding Education Support Professional Award WinnersThey truly are outstanding in every way and Jordan School District is so grateful for the important role they play in supporting students and education each and every day. We simply could not do what we do without these dedicated professionals working so hard in our schools and buildings.

Please join us in congratulating the 2023 Jordan Education Foundation Outstanding Education Support Professionals.

Jordan Education Foundation Director Mike Haynes, along with JEF Board members and staff presented the following employees with Outstanding Education Support Professional awards:

  • Mel Davis, Oakcrest Elementary School, Head Custodian
  • Lisa Parent, Oak Leaf Elementary School, Administrative Assistant
  • Carson Field, River’s Edge School/Jordan Behavior Assistance Team, Behavior Technician
  • Rick Thompson, Riverton High School, Head Custodian
  • Cheryl Jones, Hidden Valley Middle School, Lunch Manager
  • Brenda Veldevere, Purchasing, Senior Buyer
  • Nathan Morgan, West Jordan High School, Head Custodian
  • Matt Gardner, Teaching & Learning, ASB, JSD Mail Carrier
  • Lisa LeStarge, Business Services, Administrative Assistant
  • Mark Nelson, Head Custodian, Jordan School District Offices