Hidden Valley Middle School Teacher Receives Prestigious Statewide Award

Picture of Shawn McCleod and his awardJoin us in congratulating Hidden Valley Middle School Principal Shawn McLeod for being selected as the 2023 ResilientYOU Education Tribute Award for Outstanding Administrator in Utah!

The Education Tribute Awards are part of the annual governor-declared Resilient Utah Month in May. The award is presented as part of the statewide ResilientYOU program and recognizes individuals based on their exemplary efforts in building student resilience in their schools, homes, and communities.

Mr. McLeod was honored with other award recipients at a Salt Lake Bees game at the Smith’s Ballpark in front of more than 10,000 teachers, students and patrons.

Congratulations Mr. McCleod!

Kauri Sue Students Cheered on During Fun Graduation Event

It was a day of smiles, congratulations, fun, and fond memories for Kauri Sue Hamilton School students. The school held a parade for graduates with their family, friends, and school staff all cheering the graduates on as they passed by on the parade route.

We wish the nine graduates all the best! They will always be a part of the Kauri Sue Hamilton family.

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.