Category Archives: Employee News

Bastian Elementary School Counselor Recognized as Outstanding Wellness Professional in Utah

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Alisha with her award.She makes a difference in the lives of students every single day and now is being recognized for that impact. Please join us in congratulating Jordan School District elementary school counselor, Alisha Martinez, who recently won the 2026 Resilience in Education Award, and was recognized as one of Utah’s Outstanding Wellness Professionals.

Ms. Martinez was honored during Resilient Utah month for her dedication to helping students become resilient. Her exemplary work in classroom lessons, targeted small group work, and individualized counseling was recognized as having an impact in the lives of each student with whom she works. Alicia was celebrated during a gala that included words of gratitude from Governor Cox and others, as her proud family and school administration looked on, thrilled to be there in support.

Colleagues say Alisha Martinez is an indispensable part of the Bastian Elementary School Community.  Keep up the amazing work, Alisha Marinez! You make us proud.

End-of-Year Fun at Foothills Elementary Focuses on Principal Yospe & Silly Surprise

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It may be a while before Foothills Elementary School Principal Abe Yospe has any desire to hear the sound of a kazoo again. That’s because to show their sincere appreciation for his daily school announcements, sometimes intentionally annoying everyone with his not so super singing, a group of 5th grade students and their teacher decided to have some equally annoying fun with their beloved principal.

They came up with a plan to follow Mr. Yospe around the school for nearly a half hour, playing kazoos loud and proud. As you know, the kazoo creates a very distinct buzzy sound and students practiced all day to bring their kazoo playing up to perfection as they followed Mr. Yospe up and down the halls, even into his office. Principal Yospe took it all in stride and the students had a blast with the silly surprise.

We can’t wait to see all the fun students, teachers, staff, and of course, Principal Yospe will have in the upcoming school year.

Mountain Creek Middle Chinese DLI Students Foster Creativity and Fun in Chinese Shadow Puppetry Show

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After completing a high-stakes AP Chinese Language and Culture Exam, Chinese DLI students at Mountain Creek Middle School wrapped up their 9th grade school year with an engaging and creative performance of Piying Xi (Chinese Shadow Puppetry). Chinese Shadow Puppetry is a millennia-old folk art form where flat, colorful silhouette figures are manipulated behind a backlit, translucent screen blending storytelling, music, and visual art.

As part of their presentation on Chinese myths and legends, students not only introduced the stories and cultural background, but also designed and created their own shadow puppets and brought the legends to life through beautiful figures, images, and storytelling performances. Teacher Michael Lu says experiences like this showcase the power of Dual Language Immersion education and the many ways students can connect with global cultures through language learning.

Great job, Mountain Creek Middle students!

#DualLanguageImmersion #ChineseDLI #MountainCreekMiddleSchool #APChinese #GlobalEducation #CulturalLearning #StudentCreativity

Outstanding Education Support Professionals Honored at Board of Education Meeting

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Award recipientsPlease join us in congratulating the 2026 Jordan Education Foundation “Outstanding Education Support Professionals.”

They were honored at the Board of Education meeting for their hard work, kindness, and always going above and beyond supporting students, staff, parents, and patrons in Jordan School District.

Director of the Jordan Education Foundation, Mike Haynes announced the following 2026 award recipients:

  • Rosa Tecalco, Majestic Elementary Arts Academy
  • Mandy Shaw, Jordan School District Transportation
  • John Hawkins, Blackridge Elementary Custodian
  • Shelia Rapp, Heartland Elementary School
  • Italina Schuhmacher, Bluffdale Elementary School
  • Stacy Ulch, JATC North
  • Evelyn Najarro, Ridge View Elementary School
  • Tonya Hodges, Jordan School District Purchasing Department
  • Erica Williams, Mountain Creek Middle School
  • Brandon Anderson, Jordan School District Information Systems
  • JoLynn Snelgrove, Jordan School District Assessment, Research & Accountability
  • Debra Miller, Rocky Peak Virtual Elementary School
  • Abby Ampil, Award of Excellence, Jordan District Child Development Center

Excellence in Dual Immersion: Jordan School District Celebrates DLI Teacher of the Year Xaviera Ma

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Jordan School District is proud to recognize Xaviera Ma, a distinguished Chinese Dual Language Immersion (DLI) teacher at South Jordan Middle School, as DLI Teacher of the Year. Ms. Ma is known for her relentless pursuit of professional growth and for collaborating with state coordinators and DLI specialists to refine her craft and implement innovative teaching methods. Her proactive approach to learning sets a high standard for excellence that inspires both students and staff.
Beyond her own professional development, Xaviera Ma serves as a vital mentor within the District by sharing her expertise and welcoming colleagues to observe her classroom. She is frequently commended for her thoughtfully planned lessons, effective classroom management, and the calm, consistent routines she establishes for her students.
Congratulations, Xaviera Ma. Thank you for supporting and inspiring JSD students in their pursuit of learning a second language.