Butterfield Canyon Elementary Teacher is Utah PTA “Outstanding Elementary Educator”

She has a tremendous relationship with students, parents, the PTA, and the community. That’s just one reason why RaNisha Glover is the Utah PTA “Outstanding Elementary Educator.”

Ms. Glover teaches 3rd grade at Butterfield Canyon Elementary School and the PTA says she is a shining example of going above and beyond to help her students and the community around her. They say she works hard to recognize student achievements, make learning fun, and is always willing to help when she sees there is a need. Parents say every student leaves Ms. Glover’s class knowing they are special and loved.

RaNisha Glover is one of just five teachers selected throughout the state of Utah for this prestigious recognition.

Congratulations, Ms. Glover. Your dedication to students and education is making a difference in school and throughout the community.

South Jordan Elementary School Students Take Stage in Colorful Performance of “Willy Wonka Jr.”

It is a sweet treat for everyone in the audience as students at South Jordan Elementary School take the stage in an impressive and upbeat performance of the musical “Willy Wonka Jr.” The costumes and set design bring the show and characters to life, characters like Charlie Bucket and the green-haired Oompa Loompas.

“Willy Wonka Jr.” tells the story of the famous candy inventor, Willy Wonka, and the chaos that ensues when he decides to open his factory gates to five lucky kids and their parents for a tour.

A total of 92 cast members, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students, are part of the production, which involved more than 1,500 volunteer hours, with incredible support from parents.

Congratulations to all the talented students involved in this phenomenal production along with the supportive staff and parents including:

  • Willy Wonka Jr. Director, Diane Witt-Roper
  • Choreographer, Alan LaFleur
  • Music Director, Luke Durbin
  • Set Director, Stephanie Miller
  • Props Director, Sarah Anderson

You can catch performances of “Willy Wonka Jr.” March 25 – 28 at 6:30 p.m. at South Jordan Elementary School.

Surprises Continue as Teachers Honored with “Outstanding Educator of the Year” Awards

The outpouring of love, support, and enormous excitement continued last Friday as more Jordan School District teachers were honored with the Jordan Education Foundation’s 2025 “Outstanding Educator of the Year” awards. The educators are being honored as “All Stars” for their winning ways in supporting students and giving them opportunities to reach their highest potential on the road to success. All of the teachers are nominated by colleagues, their peers, and/or parents.

Congratulations to the following “Outstanding Educators” who were surprised on Friday:

  • Emily LaRue, South Valley School
  • Amanda Moon “Mandy,” Westvale Elementary School
  • Felicity Knight, West Jordan High School
  • Laura Halverson, Joel P. Jensen Middle School
  • Jessica Jensen “Jessi,” Columbia Elementary School

Jordan School District Special Education 2025 Transition Fair Is a Big Success!

It was a night of fun and looking to the future as members of the community gathered for Jordan School District’s Special Education Transition Fair. It is an event that brings together students, families, educators, and community organizations for an evening focused on future planning and opportunities.

Post high school students, along with students from all Jordan School District high schools, Kings Peak Virtual High School, and several middle schools, showed up to explore resources and learn about the many supports available to them. The special education team was thrilled to welcome thirty outside agencies which provided valuable information on services related to education, employment, independent living, and much more.

For the 75 families who attended, the fair fostered meaningful connections and conversations about next steps beyond high school. Educators received great feedback from students and parents, who appreciated the opportunity to gather information and network with local organizations.

 A huge thank you to Chick-fil-A and Swig for their generous donations, which helped make the event even more enjoyable for everyone who attended.

Thanks, as well, to everyone who participated, making the Transition Fair such a success! This is just one example of Jordan School District’s Special Education team working hard, always looking for ways to support students as they transition to their next chapter in life.

Students Cheer on South Valley Educator After She Receives Prestigious State Award

Chelsea Lopez receiving an award It was all cheers as South Valley School’s Chelsea Lopez was awarded the 2025 Utah Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Outstanding Paraeducator award in a surprise ceremony. Chelsea’s unwavering commitment to supporting students with disabilities earned her this prestigious award, recognized across the entire state of Utah. 

Representatives from the CED said, “We are incredibly proud of her dedication, and her efforts extend beyond the classroom, as she also contributes to the community and even abroad, like her recent volunteer work in Fiji.” Morgan Nelson, President-elect of the Utah Council for Exceptional Children, presented the award in front of South Valley students and staff. 

Chelsea Lopez is also the South Valley School cheer coach and has grown the cheer squad to about 50 students, even teaching them to do stunts along with their sideline cheers. Ms. Lopez spent a considerable amount of time this past summer volunteering to help students with special needs on the island country of Fiji.