Jordan School District

Jordan District Employees Celebrate Years of Dedication

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:55:26 +0000

They work as teachers in the classroom and take care of our children and schools as custodians, secretaries and school cooks. Last night Superintendent Patrice Johnson, along with members of the Board of Education honored 81 long-time, dedicated District staff members who are retiring this year. Collectively they have given 1,724 years of service to our students. Westland Elementary teacher Mary Foy-Hart was recognized as our longest serving retiree, with more than 38 years of service in the District. Superintendent Johnson told the retirees that they have been entrusted with some of the most worthwhile work in the world. She said they have challenged young minds, provided an environment conducive to learning and prepared our students to become life-long learners. Thanks to all for your dedication and active stewardship.

Hospital Is Classroom for Copper Hills, West Jordan High Students

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:09:08 +0000

They call it Jordan Valley University. That’s because it is a five week, hands-on type of class taught at Jordan Valley Medical Center. Students from Copper Hills and West Jordan High who have an interest in the medical field attend the afternoon sessions. The hospitals staff gets involved by giving the students a real life look at what goes on behind the scenes when a patient arrives in the ER. They also get to see the work that goes on inside an ambulance. One of the five classes focused on cardiology. The students learned the importance of getting a heart attack victim to the hospital quickly and treated within 90 minutes. Students also volunteer as patients who are having some kind of trauma and must be treated. Paramedics from the West Jordan Fire Department also participate. It’s a valuable community partnership that is training our future doctors, nurses and paramedics.

Open Enrollment 2012-13

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:22:02 +0000

Insurance open enrollment will begin June 1 and continue through July 31. Enrollment packets will not be mailed this year, but are available online at http://www.jordandistrict.org/departments/insurance/. A Health and Benefit Fair will be held June 13, 3-5 p.m., at the Auxiliary Services Building North Auditorium (7905 S. Redwood Road). Representatives from PEHP, Dental Select, Medco (pharmacy) as well as others will be in attendance to answer questions. ★

Maintenance Employee of the Month

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:08:34 +0000

Maintenance Department employee Jim Woolsey, who works in the audio/visual division of the Maintenance Department, was voted by his peers as the May employee of the month. ★

Save the Date for Insurance Plan Meeting

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:18:46 +0000

Insurance open enrollment will begin June 1 and continue through July 31. Enrollment packets will not be mailed this year, but are available online at www.jordandistrict.org/departments/insurance/. The District will hold an insurance plan question and answer meeting on Wednesday, May 23, three different times; 3-4 p.m., 4-5 p.m., and 5-6 p.m., at the Auxiliary Services Building North Auditorium (7905 S. Redwood Road). The meeting will include presentations by PEHP and Aflac to review the plan changes. In addition, all of the carriers will be available to answer questions. ★

Why We Appreciate Teachers

admin — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:00:16 +0000

Do you have a teacher you will remember for life? What qualities do you appreciate most in our educators who have a significant impact on every child, every day? In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we took those questions to a few schools in the District. Take a look. ★

Why We Appreciate Teachers (Part 2)!

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:06:17 +0000

This week we are taking time to thank teachers in the District for all they do in the lives of every child, every day. With that in mind, we went to some schools to ask people to share their thoughts on teachers; about those who will never be forgotten, and the impact they’ve had on lives. Take a look. ★

Bringing Smiles to Students Part of Lesson Plan

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:05:35 +0000

Just try to catch Joel P. Jensen Middle teacher Natalie Nielsen wearing a frown on her face, it simply doesn’t happen. Nielson says she approaches each day and every class with a positive attitude and a smile that lights up a room. In fact Natalie says she was raised in a home that became known as the “Smiley Family.” But her smile is just part of what makes this educator stand out. Ms. Nielson has a love for dance that she incorporates into the language arts and ESL classes she teaches. Nielson has also taken ballroom dance to new heights of popularity at Joel P. Jensen. Her attitude is contagious and it shows in and outside of her classroom. Thanks Natalie for being so positive and the kind of teacher we appreciate each and every day. ★

Recognizing School Nurses

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:42:14 +0000

Take time to thank your school nurse today. Governor Gary Herbert has designated May 9 as School Nurse Day in the state of Utah. Herbert said every child has the right to have their health and medical needs safely met in a school setting. He says our school nurses understand there is a direct link between a child’s health and the ability to learn. When our schools support health, Herbert says it leads to educational success in students. For every nurse in the District, we know how much you make a difference in the lives of every child, every day. We thank you for all you do. ★

Educator Uses Entertainment as Tool in Teaching

admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:20:55 +0000

Anyone who visits Abe Yospe’s first-grade classroom at Westland Elementary will likely walk away with a smile. That’s because Mr. Yospe mixes math, science and everything else he teaches with a bit of entertainment. On any given day his ALP’s students are treated to an appearance from characters like ‘Yoda’ from Star Wars. At Thanksgiving, ‘Thankful Thane’ stopped by to teach the kids and in October ‘Halloween Dude’ did the honors of leading the classroom. Mr. Yospe is the man behind all the characters. He comes up with the costumes and a clever voice to match. Suddenly students cling to every word he says. Yospe’s creativity has taken off throughout the school. He now produces one of the most popular and entertaining Christmas programs around. See for yourself here. Thanks Mr. Yospe, we appreciate the passion you have for making learning fun every day. ★

Learning the Chinese Language

admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:13:47 +0000

Walk in the door of Diane Bringhurst’s first grade class and you will witness something special. Mrs. Bringhurst is the Chinese Immersion teacher at Eastlake Elementary. No one is allowed to speak English in her classroom, but everyone is allowed to have fun. Bringhurst has a unique approach to teaching the Chinese language. She does it through song, dance, pictures and body language. Diane taught in Taiwan before moving to Utah where she fell in love with the Chinese Immersion program at Eastlake. Bringhurst says when she sees her young students improve and begin speaking Chinese in and outside the classroom, it’s the most fulfilling and exciting feeling in the world. Thanks Diane for being one of the many teachers we appreciate each and every day. ★

Copper Hills Student Shows Courage in Recovery

admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:06:54 +0000

Chance Sackett is a sophomore at Copper Hills High where he takes great pride in being a part of the wrestling team. But right now Chance has a new focus, he hopes to someday walk and use his arms again. Chance was seriously injured when a gun his father was cleaning accidentally went off. A bullet struck Chance in the neck. Chance is now recovering at home and determined to be back at Copper Hills surrounded by students and staff who love him, and a wrestling coach who is in his corner. Watch an interview with Chance by KUTV 2 news. ★

Board of Education Thanks Jordan Teachers

admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:52:17 +0000

To our valued teachers,

This week we hope everyone will take time to say thanks to those who educate every child, every day in the Jordan District. Teacher Appreciation Week reminds us of the important work that goes on in classrooms to ensure a brighter future for everyone. As a Board of Education, we thank you for your commitment and willingness to dedicate yourselves to the children of this District.

We are well aware of the personal sacrifice many of you make, working above and beyond the call of duty to see that the educational needs of our students are met. As teachers and leaders in this community, you are an inspiration to all. Thank you for choosing a profession that plays a prominent role in building and enriching our communities. The work you do, day in and day out instills value and character in families. We are so proud to stand beside you as a team.

Sincerely,

The Jordan School District Board of Education

Pride in Our Presidential Scholar

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 22:25:50 +0000

Andrew Johnson is now among the best of the best. The Riverton High senior recently received news that he is a Presidential Scholar when Secretary of Education Arne Duncan made the announcement this week. Johnson is in an elite circle, because just two students from each state are chosen for the prestigious award. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars looks at academic records, essays, community service records and test scores in determining the best and brightest. Johnson will be honored in Washington, D.C. next month. The District is honored to call Andrew Johnson one of our own! ★

Student Artwork Attracting Attention Statewide

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 22:20:12 +0000

Riverton High senior Sommer Baisch is good at a lot of things, but look at the recent painting she finished in just two days. You can easily see she is an exceptional artist. The painting is called ‘Masked.’ It competed against about 900 works at the all- state art show where the colorful piece took top honors. The painting also won an award of excellence in the local high school art show held at the South Towne Mall. Sommer says she wants to study art in college and hopes her talent will one day lead to showings of her work at galleries in New York City. This student’s talent and drive caught the attention of the Jordan Education Foundation as well. She was awarded a $500 mini-grant to further her education. ★

A Night to Remember for Kauri Sue Students

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 22:10:40 +0000

It was a dance where a disability didn’t get in the way of anything, where daily struggles were replaced by smiles and laughter. Students at The Kauri Sue Hamilton School dressed up and danced the night away at their second annual prom. Family, friends and caretakers helped them to prepare for the big night with fancy dresses, suits and dinner out. Then more than 50 volunteers from Riverton and Bingham High Schools took over decorating the atrium at Kauri Sue. After that, they too dressed up and took part in the prom as dance partners and chaperones for the Kauri Sue students. Organizers say it was a night where teens with physical and mental challenges could experience the fun and freedom to be like everyone else. They even took prom pictures so their memories of a very special night could last a lifetime. Watch more about this special night on KUTV2. ★

Men and Women in Blue Bond with Students

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:11:24 +0000

Everyone at South Valley School recently got an up-close and personal look at law enforcement. Members of the Unified Police Department took time out of their busy schedules to spend time with students. They also had demonstrations and talked about how police protect the public on a daily basis. Officers introduced students to their canine cop and allowed them to see how that dog can sniff out narcotics at a crime scene. Students saw what a command post vehicle looks like, others were even allowed to crawl through the SWAT tank. But the best part of the day was seeing students bond with officers over lunch and some laughter. Thanks to the police officers for keeping the peace and reaching out to the people they serve. ★

Fox Hollow Dedication

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:01:23 +0000

The doors opened last August at Fox Hollow Elementary with a staff dedicated to the education of every student every day. That mission was celebrated during a dedication ceremony at the new school. Principal Terri Summers thanked District officials for their commitment to making the dream of a new school a reality. She praised construction crews for their hard work and parents for their support throughout the process. Fox Hollow students proudly sang the school song to the standing-room only crowd. Principal Summers said her school is a perfect example of building, brick by brick, a brighter tomorrow for our children. Congratulations Red Tails. ★

Top Auto Technicians

admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:41:57 +0000

They have spent hours under the hood of a car, rotating tires and perfecting their automobile service skills. All that time in auto mechanics class has paid off for two Riverton High students. The two-person team of Chandler Atkins and Jordan Kearns recently took first place in the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition. Participants in the event race the clock to correctly identify and fix intentionally installed ‘bugs’ in identical Ford vehicles. Atkins and Kearns will now travel to the Ford World Headquarters in Michigan to compete in the national finals. It’s no surprise the young men are finding such success. Their auto mechanics instructor is Jay Hales who just won a Huntsman Educator of the Year Award. Watch the story on KSL. ★

West Jordan Graduate Delivers Emotional Message

admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:55:22 +0000

Chad Hymas was on top of the world graduating from West Jordan High as a star basketball player. He married his high school sweetheart and fulfilled his dream of farming. But Chad’s life took an unexpected turn when a freak tractor accident left him crushed by a huge bale of hay. Chad Hymas was confined to a wheelchair, paralyzed from the chest down. But that didn’t stop him from moving on. Now Hymas speaks to students all over the country about making good choices. Here’s part of his tough and emotional talk at Copper Hills. ★

Beautiful ‘Beauty and the Beast’

admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:35:10 +0000

If you were lucky enough to attend the recent performance of the musical ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at Bluffdale Elementary, you know it was a performance of which to be proud. Students at the school lined up to audition for the show. In the end, nearly 100 children were cast in a variety of parts. A talented stage crew spent months designing colorful props. Parents volunteered to help make professional looking costumes that brought all the characters to life. Those who attended the 80-minute production said the actors played their parts to perfection. Take a big bow Bluffdale Elementary. We can’t wait for the curtain to rise on your next performance! ★

Students Make Get Well Cards for 7 Habits Author

admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:35:35 +0000

At Eastlake Elementary students take great pride in knowing and living The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It’s the basis for The Leader in Me program. But when fifth graders in Mrs. Simi’s class found out the author of The 7 Habits was seriously injured in a cycling accident, they wanted to reach out. They wanted to give something back to author Stephen Covey, a man from whom they’ve learned so much. So, each student crafted a homemade get well card. They told Mr. Covey he was a good example to kids by wearing a helmet while cycling. They also encouraged Covey to continue on the road to recovery. And like Mr. Covey teaches in The 7 Habits, the students told him to never give up. ★

District Buses Bringing in Revenue

admin — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:00:58 +0000

Advertising on the side of school buses began as an idea to generate money without putting any extra burden on taxpayers. Now that idea is reality as Jordan School District becomes the first in the state to place ads on school buses. The program will not cost the District a dime. However, money generated by the ads will be used entirely for transportation, maintaining buses and buying new ones. The District has final approval on all ads placed on the buses. Any message that is inappropriate for children will not be allowed. You will see the ads on the lower side of buses, in most cases, opposite from where students board. They cannot compromise safety in any way. The advertising firm suggests potential District revenue could be $200,000 a year. Watch some of the media coverage at the following links:

Student Science Project Goes International

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:48:36 +0000

Copper Hills senior Justin Ngo is already a Sterling Scholar, but that is just part of his success story. Ngo recently took first place at the Central Utah Science and Engineering Fair. Justin’s project entitled “Wind Lens Innovation: Maximizing Wind Turbine Efficiency” was based on a design by Japanese scientists. But Justin enhanced the original model, making it even better. That got him a first place award, a trip to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh, and an $80,000 Westminster College scholarship. But the accolades don’t stop there. Justin’s project also caught the attention of the military; he received an award from the U.S. Navy. We are proud of Justin and 43 other District students who placed at the fair and received cash prizes. ★

An Eye For Art at Daybreak Elementary

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:38:00 +0000

It was colorful and filled with creative works by young students who are already developing a real flare for art. The Daybreak Elementary inaugural KidsArt Fair showcased works by each student on A & C tracks. Their original paintings and drawings were on display for parents and grandparents to enjoy after school. Daybreak even made framing available for those who wanted to display the precious pieces at home. Everyone is invited to another KidsArt Fair which will be held at the school on Friday, May 4, for B & D tracks. ★

Community Embraces Copper Hills for Day of Service

admin — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:18:40 +0000

They left their chores at home and headed to Copper Hills High. About 550 volunteers set their sights on a much bigger project, cleaning, polishing and planting at Copper Hills. It was part of Comcast Cares Day. Comcast chose nine schools to be a part of the event. Each school then recruited volunteers who cared enough to show up and scrub floors, paint, plant flowers even pull gum off the bottom of chairs and desks. Comcast generously contributes about $10,000 to the Jordan Education Foundation as a way of saying thanks to those who volunteer in making the school look its best. Participants say it was a fun way to spend a morning of service with family and friends who support Copper Hills. ★

West Jordan Middle Students Take Stage

admin — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:28:45 +0000

If you’re looking for some talented students, you don’t have to look far. One student after another took center stage during the West Jordan Middle annual talent show. Everyone involved had to practice and attend try outs where they competed for a spot in this year’s show. Those who made the cut took the stage before friends, family and fellow students. Some gifted musicians even composed their own songs. It was an afternoon of fun with a captive audience that was so impressed; their applause brought at least one singer on stage to tears. Hats off to everyone who participated. ★

Riverton High Teacher Makes History, Winning Prestigious Huntsman Award

admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:02:38 +0000

Jay Hales teaches auto mechanics at Riverton High. As the school’s “auto guy,” Jay has made a name for himself among students, mechanics and local car dealers. But now Mr. Hales will be known for something else; he is the first auto mechanics teacher to receive the Huntsman Award for Excellence in Education. Hales had no idea he was a winner when friends, family, fellow teachers and Karen Huntsman surprised him. ★

Opening Hearts to Help Others Heal

admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:57:43 +0000

Students at Joel P. Jensen Middle School wanted to help others with a project that would make a difference in lives, so the student body officers organized a Sub for Santa fundraiser that was a huge success. The students managed to raise more than $1,400! They didn’t have to think twice about where they wanted the money to go. They donated it to the Children’s Justice Center, where the donation will be used to help victims of abuse. The students who delivered the check were rewarded with a big thank you and the knowledge that they were doing something that really will make a difference in the lives of others. ★

April is Occupational Therapy Month

admin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:51:23 +0000

Jordan School District is the first District (since 1975) in the state of Utah to make occupational therapy service available to students. Occupational therapy practitioners work as vital school team members to help students adapt to schoolwork demands, and consult regularly with teachers and parents. For more information please go to www.aota.org, or contact your school occupational therapy personnel or Eunice Chen, 801-567-8510. ★