Supercast Episode 191: Science Teacher Brings Her Love of Cosplay into the Classroom Sparking Creativity and Curiosity

Superintendent with the Fort Herriman creators clubIt’s not something students typically see every day, Queen Elizabeth making a grand and dignified entrance into one of their classrooms. But when the classroom belongs to Fort Herriman Middle School science teacher Gayle Dowdle, it is simply part of the learning process.

On this episode of Supercast, find out how one teacher’s love of cosplay resulted in something called the “Creators Club” for students, a club where creativity is sparked by making colorful costumes and transforming into beloved characters.


Riverton Elementary Students Find Success After Appealing to the Principal for Help Solving a Water Problem

They became big advocates for change after an unbearably hot, dry August day at the beginning of the school year. Students in Mr. Howell’s 6thgrade ALPS class decided it was time to push for drinking water dispensers in portable classrooms at Riverton Elementary so students wouldn’t have to go inside the building every time they wanted a drink of water. The students did research on the benefits of hydration, they wrote and performed a play and song. They also created a Powerpoint and collected their own data showing the amount of wasted instructional time due to filling water bottles and leaving portables to get drinks inside the school.

All of their research was presented to Principal Pullen who was so impressed, he approved their request for water bottle dispensers in portable classrooms. The PTA was impressed as well, stepping up to pay for the dispensers.

Congratulations to Mr. Howell’s 6th grade students for using problem-solving skills, advocating for change, and learning some valuable lessons in the process.

Riverton Elementary students posing for a photo

Utah School Employees Association Recognizes Outstanding JSD Employees

Angela Allen and Robyn Bullock with awards.Congratulations are in order for two amazing Jordan School District employees recently recognized as best in the state by the Utah School Employees Association (USEA).

Angela Allen, Bingham High School’s Nutrition Manager received the “Outstanding Education Support Professional – Nutritional Services Award.”

Robyn Bullock, JATC South received the “Outstanding Education Support Professional – Clerical Services Award.”

There are nine different job families of Education Support Professionals (ESP). Utah School Employees Association (USEA) honored one employee from Utah for each category at a banquet April 21st.

Our sincere thanks to Angela and Robyn for their hard work and devotion to the job every day supporting students and education in Jordan School District. You make us proud!

JATC Student Greenhouse Annual Spring Plant Sale

Plants at the JATC South GreenhouseStudents and staff with JATC South Student Greenhouse have been busy getting ready for their Spring Sale. There is an assortment of annuals, perennials, baskets, herbs, and vegetables. If you have questions or would like to know more, call 801-412-1312 or visit @jatc_greenhouse on Instagram.

Days: Monday – Friday, May 1 to June 2
Hours: 8 am to 3 pm
Location: 12723 S. Park Ave. Riverton, Utah

District Employees & Volunteers Receive Region 6 PTA Awards

PTA award winnersCongratulations to our amazing District employees and volunteers who are recipients of the Region 6 PTA awards.

The awards were given out at the recent Board of Education meeting by Sonja Delaney, director of Region 6 PTA, Cammy Whitchurch, assistant director; and Ann Howden, awards specialist.

  • Outstanding School Administrator
    • Joel Pullan, Riverton Elementary
    • Curtis Jensen, South Jordan Middle
    • Sally Wilde, Bingham High
  • Advocacy Award
    • William Howell, Riverton Elementary
    • Outstanding Elementary Educator
    • Gina Nokes, Riverton Elementary
    • Jayson Hassler, Mountain Shadows Elementary
    • Leslie Probert, Jordan Ridge Elementary
    • Rex Prescott, Foothills Elementary
  • Engagement Award
    • Katie Fuller, Riverton Elementary
    • McKenna Christensen, Foothills Elementary
    • William Howell, Riverton Elementary
  • Inclusivity Award
    • Casey Blohm, South Jordan Middle
    • Heather Smith, Bingham High
    • Heidi Rivera, Riverton Elementary
  • Outstanding Secondary Educator
    • Kelly DeHaan Mountain Ridge High
    • Melinda VanKomen, Riverton High
    • Shawn Kidd, South Jordan Middle
    • Taunia Bean, Bingham High
  • Spirit of PTA Award
    • Amy Andrewsen, Mountain Shadows Elementary
    • Hillary Moser, Westland Elementary
    • Kayci Richins, Riverton Elementary
    • Katie Fuller, Riverton Elementary
    • McKenna Christensen, Foothills Elementary
    • Todd Hougaard, Bingham High
  • Outstanding Support Staff
    • Ann Fritz, South Jordan Middle
    • Geovanni Perez, Jordan Ridge Elementary
    • Marinda Jelinek, Mountain Shadows Elementary
    • Marinda Quist, Bingham High
    • Paul Hansen, Riverton Elementary
  • Outstanding Volunteer Award
    • Amy Dimick, Foothills Elementary
    • Desiree VanDyke, South Jordan Middle
    • Jennifer Christensen, Monte Vista Elementary
    • Kayci Richins, Riverton Elementary
    • Loraine Holman, Bingham High
  • Ms. Delaney also presented the following individuals with State PTA awards:
    • Jason Hassler, Mountain Shadows Elementary School, Outstanding Administrator
    • Rex Prescott, Foothills Elementary School, Outstanding Elementary Educator
    • Melinda VanKomen, Riverton High, Outstanding Secondary Educator
    • Kelly DeHaan, Mountain Ridge High School, Involvement Award
    • Hillary Moser, Westland Elementary, Spirit of PTA Award
    • Katie Fuller, Riverton Elementary, Engagement Award