• Survey Reveals Community Opinions
        A Dan Jones & Associates survey found about 76 percent of Jordan District residents would favor additional magnet programs for secondary students and about 61 percent favor additional programs for elementary students. The Jordan Board of Education commissioned the study, which also included focus groups, to gauge interest in magnet programs. The study surveyed 1,636 District residents, including at least 200 people from each high school feeder area.
        Other survey findings:
• 83 percent said the quality of education is worth the taxes they pay;
• 77 percent favor increased funding for District schools;
• 72 percent would be willing to pay more to fund District schools;
• 52 percent opposed tax credits for private school tuition;
• 80 percent are confident that Jordan District schools can meet the needs they consider most important for school-age children.
•      When asked to rate facets of District services, respondents gave the highest ratings to providing safe environments, quality of education compared to other Utah schools, parental support, and quality of teachers. The lowest rating was given to class size.
        Based on the survey results, the Board will create new ALPS programs at Ridgecrest, Riverton and Sunrise Elementary Schools beginning next school year for first through fourth grades, with fifth and sixth grades to be added in future years. Another ALPS program in the northwest area is proposed for as early as fall 2007, with a school to be determined as space permits.

Teacher of the Year
      Karen Bogenschutz, third-grade teacher at Elk Meadows Elementary, South Jordan, won the area Sam’s Club Teacher of the Year award. As part of the award, the school receives $1,000 during a presentation ceremony May 9.

Custodian of the Month
      Sean Vick, head custodian at Copper Canyon Elementary, West Jordan, earned Custodian of the Month honors for March. He has been with the District since 2000.

Career Day
      Students from five Jordan District high schools participated in the annual Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce/Jordan School District Career Day March 24. Student shadowed professionals in the morning followed by a luncheon at South Towne Exposition Center. KSL-TV news anchor Bruce Lindsay provided a keynote address at the luncheon where five students were honored as their school’s Most Improved Student.

School Hosts Immunization Clinic
     Union Middle, Sandy, was the first school in Utah to offer an on-site immunization clinic for students, family members and teachers to receive the new Tdap vaccination against pertussis (also known as whooping cough). School administrators scheduled the clinic for March 22 after receiving word from Salt Lake Valley Health Department that Union, like many other schools in Salt Lake County, was experiencing cases of pertussis among students. For more information on pertussis or the new Tdap vaccination, visit www.slvhealth.org. 

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and his daughter, Gracie, addressed students at Sunrise Elementary March 14.

Governor Visits School
      Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., First Lady Mary Kaye Huntsman, their adopted six-year-old daughter Gracie and Deputy of Education Christine Kearl visited Sunrise Elementary, Sandy, on March 14, culminating a month-long reading contest. More than 800 people heard the Governor encourage students to continue reading and read one of his favorite books. Gracie explained that she is becoming a good reader by reading every night.

Career Week
      The week of March 20, Joel P. Jensen Middle, West Jordan, held its annual Career Week for ninth-grade students. The event included a kick-off assembly, a day of guest speakers, and opportunity for students to job shadow parents/friends to learn more about possible careers.

Arts and Authors Fair
     Welby Elementary, South Jordan, held an Arts and Authors Fair March 23. Students displayed works of art and shared examples of their writings. Special guests included authors Dean Hughes, Rick Walton and Lori Wenerstrom, and cowboy poet Carl Anderson.

Jazz Reading Reward
     Altara Elementary, Sandy, won second place in the Utah Jazz reading contest, reading just under one million minutes. On March 22, Jazz player Andrei Kirilenko visited the school where he read to students and donated books.
     
Biotechnology Summer Camp
      Students who will be in ninth and 10th grade for the upcoming school year are invited to attend a biotechnology summer camp July 10-11 and July 12-13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (lunch provided), at the Jordan Applied Technology Center, West Jordan Campus. There is no cost for the camp, which includes hands-on laboratory experiences and an opportunity for students to learn more about the JATC biotechnology class, meet the teachers and learn about careers in biotechnology. For more information, call (801) 256-5927, or e-mail gsanzen@msn.com .

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Five-Star Award Nominations Sought
      The nomination deadline for the 2006-07 Jordan Board of Education Five-Star Awards is May 26. Information concerning the awards has been sent to all principals and supervisors. Nominations are being accepted for teachers, certificated employees at-large, classified employees, administrators and schools (public relations). Awardees receive $2,500, are recognized during a Board of Education meeting in October and are honored at a recognition banquet. The criteria and nomination forms are available on the District Web site at www.jordandistrict.org/award.

• Board of Education Candidates
        The following candidates have filed to run for Jordan Board of Education positions:
• Precinct 1: Lori Curtice, Peggy Jo Kennett (i).
• Precinct 2: Ellen Wallace (i).
• Precinct 3: Jerry S. Christensen, Jerri A. Harwell, Kim Horiuchi (incumbent Ann C. Forbush is not running for re-election).
• Precinct 6: Tracy Scott Cowdell, Lynette Phillips (i).
•      Candidates for Precinct 3 will be narrowed to two during the primary election June 27. The general election is Nov. 7. A precinct map can be found on the District Web site at www.jordandistrict.org/board/responsibilites.htm.

Administrator of the Year
      June LeMaster, executive director of the Hillcrest K-12 Feeder System, was presented the Administrator of the Year Award by the Utah Association of Educational Office Professionals (UAEOP). The award was presented at the organization’s Annual Conference held at Bryce Canyon March 10-12. LeMaster received the award for her fairness and consistency in handling issues related to educational office professionals within Jordan School District and her support of professional development opportunities for these employees. During the same conference, Patricia Thompson, executive secretary of the Brighton K-12 Feeder System, was installed as UAEOP President and will serve a two-year term.

Debate Coach of the Year
     Cody Henrichsen, debate coach at Riverton High, was awarded a Diamond Key by the National Forensic League. He was also named Region Debate Coach of the Year and Utah State Debate Coach of the Year.

MathCounts Coach
     Bob McGee, math teacher at Midvale Middle, coached the school’s team to a victory during the statewide MathCounts competition March 11. McGee will now lead Utah’s MathCounts team in the national competition held in Washington, D.C., May 11-15. Eighteen teams and about 90 students participated in the Utah competition.

School Dedication Ceremony
      A ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the Jordan Applied Technology Center, West Jordan Campus, Building II will be held March 28, 4 p.m., at 9301 S. Wights Fort Road (3400 W.), on the Salt Lake Community College, Jordan Campus.

Latin Dancing Night
     Bingham High, South Jordan, is hosting the second-annual Latin Dancing night for all District high school Spanish clubs. The dance is April 28, 7-10 p.m. All students in grades 9-12 are invited, provided a teacher accompanies them. Contact LaRue Urquhart, Bingham High, (801) 256-5100, for more information.

Community Participates in Reading
     Southland Elementary, Riverton, earned a visit from a Utah Jazz player by reading 1,205,954 minutes in a 30-day period as part of the Utah Jazz Reading Contest. In addition, an “Early Morning Reading Program” featured readers from the community including Riverton Mayor Bill Applegarth; members of the Riverton Fire Department; Board member Randy Brinkerhoff; Executive Director David Stoddard; and representatives from Barnes & Noble, the Riverton Library and the school PTA.

Ceramic Students Help Hungry
      Ceramic students at Alta High, Sandy, organized their second annual Empty Bowls event March 18. Last year’s event raised more than $1,200 for The Road Home Shelter. This year’s event benefited Heifer International, which provides food-and income-producing animals and training to millions of resource-poor families in 125 counties. For a $10 cash donation, students serve guests soup in a handmade ceramic bowl. The students ask the guests to keep the bowls as a reminder that there is always someone whose bowl is empty. For more information about Empty Bowls, visit www.emptybowls.net .

Literacy Day for Native Americans
      In an effort to focus on improving reading and writing among its Native American students, Jordan District hosted its first-ever Native American Family Literacy Day March 18 at Mount Jordan Middle, Sandy. Jordan District educates more than 450 Native American students. Students and parents participated in the days’ events, which included a keynote address by Paul Pitts, author and associate professor at Weber State University; a Native American talent assembly; and workshops on book illustration, letter writing, storytelling and music.

Win a Spider-Man Visit
      Students six to 11 years of age can compete to win a visit by Spider-Man to their school and get healthier in the process by joining in the nationwide SmallStep Challenge. Three winning schools will be awarded visits by Spider-Man, who will explain the benefits of healthy eating. Each time a student logs on to the Web site www.smallstep.gov, they can answer questions in the interactive “kid section” of the site (in either English or Spanish) and they are entered in the contest. Weekly prize-winners are chosen each Monday.

History Academy of Teachers
      The Jordan History Academy of Teachers is preparing for its summer 2006 program in June and July. The Academy is a five-week rigorous professional development opportunity focusing on U.S. History content and pedagogy for grade 4-12 history, language arts and resource teachers. Participants receive a stipend and optional graduate credit (with a fee) for attending. Applications are due April 5. For information and applications, contact Sandra Dahl-Houlihan, (801) 256-5663, or Pam Su'a, (801) 567-8320.

Alcohol Abuse Prevention CD
      As part of Utah’s Prevention Dimensions, the Student Intervention Services Department is once again providing the music CD "Mind Over Matter" for each District fourth-grade student. Generous support and funding from various agencies is allowing the District to also provide the CDs to sixth-grade students. The CD cover contains engaging information for students and parents to discuss the latest research showing how alcohol impacts the developing brain of a child more than it does an adult. Each school received a box with CDs and a lesson plan for teachers to teach before sending the CDs home. The included homework assignment should be returned to Jeani Mulliner, Student Intervention Services, Hillcrest High, to help assess reaction from parents to this type of community outreach. The CDs are a reinforcement and support for the “Start Talking Before They Start Drinking” initiative.

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Teachers of the Month
      Mitzi Overstreet, horticulture teacher at Jordan Applied Technology Center, Sandy Campus, and Sarah Burton, sixth-grade teacher at Hayden Peak Elementary, West Jordan, were named Teachers of the Month by the Midvale Kiwanis and the Jordan Education Association. They will be honored at a luncheon March 21.

• Outstanding Employees
        The Transportation Department presented outstanding employee awards to the following individuals. Each received a plaque, jacket and dinner certificate:
• Outstanding Bus Drivers: Kathi Naegle, Steffanie Orman, Terry Somerville, Angie Floyd
• Outstanding Mechanic: Ronald Duncan
• Outstanding Employee: Stephanie Erickson, user support tech assistant
• Outstanding Bus Attendant: Mandy Shaw

Employee of the Month
      Trudy Staley, user support technician in the Information Systems Department, was selected as District Office Support Staff Employee of the Month. She has been with the District since 1984.

National Champs
     Brighton High’s drill team, the Accadians, won the Overall Grand National Championship Award at the National Contest of Champions in Orlando, Fla. The Cottonwood Heights’ school competed with more than 60 teams from throughout the nation.

Featured Weather Station
      KUTV-Channel 2 featured a live weather broadcast from Copperview Elementary, West Jordan, during its noon show March 6. Weatherman Sterling Poulsen interviewed students and teachers about weather and school activities, then student reporters did their regular morning broadcast on live TV.

Celebrating 100 Days/100 Years
     Quail Hollow Elementary, Sandy, celebrated Jordan District’s 100th birthday with a “100 Days of Reading” countdown. At the end of the 100th day, students enjoyed a presentation of The Princess and The Pea by the Utah Puppet Theater.

Second-grade students from Daybreak Elementary, South Jordan, created this winning entry in the Nutrition Services Department’s “What I Like About School Lunch” contest.

Food Fair
     On March 23, students from Emilie Hales’ second-grade class at Daybreak Elementary, South Jordan, will have an opportunity to critique school breakfast and lunch selections during the annual multi-district food fair. The class was selected for its winning entry in the “What I Like About School Lunch” contest sponsored by the Nutrition Services Department. The poster created by Hales’ students said they like holiday decorations in the lunch room, delicious food, clean trays, beautiful lunch money envelopes and lunch ladies being nice and patient.

GED Test Available
      A student from Southpointe High, Sandy, received the highest score on the GED test of any student taking the test in Utah in 2005. Southpointe provides educational services for students who are 18 years of age and older and whose class has graduated. The school gives the GED each quarter. The test is open to anyone 18 or older for a $55 registration fee. Call (801) 256-5740 for more information.

Best of State® Awards
      Nominations for Utah’s Best of State Awards are being accepted through March 31. Winners from more than 200 sub-categories will be presented with specially minted bronze medals at the fourth annual black-tie Best of State Awards Gala held at the Salt Palace in June. Education categories include administrator, principal, public/private school K-12, student K-12, support personnel, teacher K-12 and arts in education. A $35 judging fee is required for non-commercial entities including educators, amateur coaches, public service workers and administrators, private individuals and charitable organizations. Additional information, including nomination procedures, is available at the Best of State Web site, www.bestofstate.org.

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Psychologist of the Year
      Gail Ritz, school psychologist at Bingham High, South Jordan, was named Utah’s School Psychologist of the Year by the Utah Association of School Psychologists. The award was presented during the association’s annual conference Feb. 24. In addition, Judith K. Zimmerman, school psychologist at Hillcrest High, Midvale, received the Barbara Bennett Excellence in Diversity Award for her efforts in helping Latina students (The Fabulous Chicas) achieve their potential in school and in the community.

Distinguished Business Educator
      Dixie Dansie, business teacher at South Jordan Middle, was named Utah’s Distinguished Middle School Business Educator by the Utah Business and Computer Education Association. She has been with the District since 1989.

• Teacher Appreciation Awards
        The South Jordan Chamber of Commerce honored 10 educators during its annual Teacher Appreciation luncheon Feb. 22. Nominated by peers, the following teachers received baskets containing gifts donated by South Jordan-area businesses:
• Diane Holland, fourth-grade teacher, Daybreak Elementary
• Karen Bogenschutz, third-grade teacher, Elk Meadows Elementary
• Terry Miyasaki, kindergarten teacher, Jordan Ridge Elementary
• Debbie Wetzel, fifth-grade teacher, Monte Vista Elementary
• Lynne Peterson, fourth-grade teacher, South Jordan Elementary
• Jan Saloom, first-grade teacher, Welby Elementary
• John Labare, science teacher, Elk Ridge Middle
• Maren McBride, language arts and dance teacher, South Jordan Middle
• Margaret Pratt, English teacher, Bingham High
• Brad Pohlman, computer tech specialist, Jordan Applied Technology Center, West Jordan Campus

Educator of the Month
      Alyce Daly, fourth-grade teacher at Bell View Elementary, Sandy, was named Educator of the Month by the Midvale Kiwanis and Jordan Education Association. She has been with the District since 1979.

Custodians of the Month
      Orley Bills, head custodian at West Hills Middle, West Jordan, was named Custodian of the Month for January. He has been with the District since 1984. Carol Wright, lead custodian at Crescent View Middle, Sandy, was named Custodian of the Month for February. She has been with the District since 2003.

Media Association Leadership Named
      Cindy Mitchell, media specialist at South Jordan Middle, was installed as president of the Utah Educational Library Media Association. Mike Goodman, media specialist at Mount Jordan Middle, Sandy, was named the association’s president-elect.

Equipment Helps Disabled Student
      Students in Kevin Wood’s shop class at Alta High, Sandy, built exercise equipment for a five-year old girl with Down’s Syndrome. The girl’s mother approached Wood after she began an intensive home-learning program that required specialized equipment. Wood, who’s aunt also has Down’s Syndrome, jumped at the chance for members of his class to participate in a service-learning project. The mother and daughter visited the class to thank the students for their service.

• Schools Celebrate District Centennial
• Students at Rosamond Elementary, Riverton, celebrated Jordan District’s 100th birthday with a schoolwide celebration Feb. 28, the 100th day of the school year. Each grade presented something that helped them understand what 100 is. One-hundred kindergarten children sang “Happy Birthday.” First-grade students presented a choral reading on 100 animals in the zoo. Second-grade students counted to 100 by fours. Third-grade students drew portraits of teachers and celebrated 100 years of outstanding teachers. Fourth-grade students played “Happy Birthday” on their recorders. Fifth-grade students read 100 books in each classroom. Sixth-grade students painted tropical fish and recited a funny “Jelly Fish” poem. Principal Ron Jarrett prepared a presentation comparing old buildings and buses to current ones. He also showed everyone what 100 pounds of salt water taffy looks liked and everyone received a handful as they left the assembly.
• Terra Linda Elementary, West Jordan, also celebrated the Jordan District’s 100th birthday Feb. 28. Each grade adopted a piece of the new Freedom Gallery to be hung in the main hall. Students taught fellow students and invited guests, through song and original poetry, about American history, starting with the Declaration of Independence and ending with the Bill of Rights. First place winners in the District National Anthem Essay contest read their essays. The presentation was titled “Living the Legacy: A Future of Freedom.”

Volunteers, Dignitaries Read to Students
     Monte Vista Elementary, South Jordan, hosted many guests March 2 to celebrate “Read Across America” and Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Superintendent Barry L. Newbold and Executive Director Kerrie Naylor joined members of the Jordan Board of Education, Miss Utah, Miss Salt Lake County, Miss South Jordan, South Jordan Police and Fire Department members, Salt Lake County Council members, Utah National Guard members, Utah Blaze players, University of Utah women’s soccer players, and many other volunteers to read to students throughout the day.

Health and Science Fair
      On March 1, Union Middle, Sandy, held a Health and Science Fair. Presenters included representatives from the Utah National Guard, the Department of Environmental Quality, Mosquito Abatement, College of Phlebotomy, Space Lab, Sandy Fire Department, Jordan District school nurses, State Department of Homeland Security, the Huntsman Cancer Institute, NAMI Utah and Friends for Sight, among others.

Recycling Presentations/Field Trips
      Free tours or school presentations on recycling are available through the Trans-Jordan Landfill. Students learn scientific recycling processes, what happens to an object when it is transformed or changed through the recycling process, how to identify groundwater and the importance to keep it clean and more. Presentations can be adapted to any age group. To schedule a tour or presentation, call the Recycling Hotline, (801) 974-6902, or the Trans-Jordan Landfill, (801) 569-8994.

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Employment Opportunities
      See current job openings posted by the Human Resources Department at www.jordandistrict.org/hr

ARCHIVED NEWS

To submit an item for Current, send an e-mail to Michael Kelley at michael.kelley@jordan.k12.ut.us or contact him at (801) 567-8337.