Jordan Supercast

Before she was inspiring middle schoolers to love math, South Hills Middle School teacher Karen Smith was performing on stages alongside iconic artists like Stevie Wonder, Yo-Yo Ma, and John Williams.

On this episode of the Supercast, we sit down with Ms. Smith to explore her incredible transition from freelance cellist to dedicated educator. Hear how she traded life onstage for a second career in Jordan School District and learn how her unique journey helped her find a passion for teaching math that runs as deep as her love for music.

Have you ever wondered what enrollment looks like in Jordan School District? How about where reading scores are heading or where graduation rates are going?

On this episode of the Supercast, we are drilling down on Jordan School District data with our very own experts who simply love crunching the numbers and sifting through statistics. Listen and find out why we have a lot to celebrate in Jordan School District, why hard work on the part of students, teachers, staff, and parents is paying off.

In Jordan School District we like to say people come for the job, and enjoy the amazing adventure.

On this episode of the Supercast, we take a look at Jordan School District; career opportunities available in the classroom and beyond. They are jobs that support students and education every single day. Listen and find out who we are looking to hire right now, and how to apply if you want to join the JSD team.

As we head into a new school year, a lot of students are probably thinking about more than just homework and new teachers. They wonder whether they'll make new friends, fit in, and make memories to last a lifetime.

On this episode of the Supercast, we talk to a school psychologist about the importance of making friends and how parents can access the tools and information they need to help their kids in the process. Find out how friendships can help build self-confidence, improve your child’s communication skills, and reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety.

It serves as a leader across the country and around the world for the education of students who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, blind, or low vision and offers support to students in Jordan School District as well.

On this episode of the Supercast, we sit down with the new Superintendent of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind. Find out about the incredible things happening every day at the school, how their services benefit students throughout the state, and follow along as we get a personal tour of the school’s Millcreek campus.

They are building for the future at West Jordan High School in more ways than one as extensive renovations begin inside the 45-year-old building.

On this episode of the Supercast, we take you inside West Jordan High where an extreme makeover will transform many parts of the school, bringing it up-to-date, and into more modern times.

It’s a makeover that is expected to save District taxpayers more than $100 million compared to the cost of a full rebuild. Let’s check it out.

It could offer a window into the past for you or a loved one when it comes to your good old school days, dating back to the1890s. It even houses historical gems dating back to the founding of Jordan School District in 1905.

On this episode of the Superast, join us as we take a walk down memory lane at the Utah State Archive and Records Service. Find out what we uncover about JSD’s rich history as a school district, and what you might be able to discover about your own time in one of our sc...

Every year hundreds of students in Jordan School District are finding a personal path to success that works specifically for them, whether they are working toward a high school diploma or GED.

On this episode of the Supercast, find out how Southpointe Adult High School adapts education to meet individual needs by offering flexible schedules and the kind of learning that’s making dreams come true for students 16-years and older who decide to enroll. Listen and hear just one of many success stories happening at the school’s JATC North campus every single year.

School may be out for the summer but there is little to no rest for District crews working hard to make repairs, upgrade facilities, conduct overall maintenance, and basically make schools sparkle and shine for the upcoming school year.

On this episode of the Supercast, we talk to employees tackling some monumental tasks over the summer months. Find out about the work they do and how we all benefit when the sun sets on summer, and students are back to the books.

America is officially celebrating its 250th birthday this summer and for families across the country, and right here in Jordan School District, it is an opportunity to embrace the past and connect with people and civic opportunities in their own communities.

On this episode of the Supercast, meet one family beyond excited to spend this summer celebrating the historical milestone. They participated in Jordan School District’s America 250 competition and will travel across the country to learn all they can about America’s rich history.

She is only in elementary school and already a published author, experiencing the impact her written words and work ethic can have on others.

On this episode of the Supercast, meet an Oakcrest Elementary School student who recently wrote and published her very first book. Find out her inspiration behind the book, and how the young author hopes the book can help kids who might be having a hard time at home or in school.

They are in seventh grade and already working hard to make sure their future looks bright when it comes to pursuing higher education.

On this Episode of the Supercast, we take you to a STEM My529 Scholarship awards dinner where some young students received $500 for their college savings accounts. Find out what the students did to earn the scholarships and how the accounts will help their families start building funds to pay for future enrollment in colleges, universities, or trade schools.

It is time for students and their families to relax, recharge, and have some fun together during the summer break.

On this episode of the Supercast, we talk to an Intermountain Health Riverton Hospital trauma nurse on the many ways to avoid mishaps and keep everyone safe, whether it’s out in the baking sun, waterside by the lake, riding Ebikes, or using child car seats. It is expert advice that can help keep everyone safe from a host of potential hazards over the summer months.

They have dedicated their lives to celebrating culture, community, and academic achievement and now they’ve made it to graduation, getting well-earned high school diplomas.

On this episode of the Supercast, meet some multi-talented Native American students who were part of an annual Jordan School District Community Night celebrating culture through traditional dance, music, a dynamic drum circle, art, and more. Hear how the Native American students hope to use their academic success to serve as a springboard for future pursuits and personal growth.

They are identical twins with an identical goal, getting the very best out of high school athletes on the Riverton High School girls lacrosse team.

On this episode of the Supercast, meet identical twin sisters Hannah and Maddie Kelleher who recently led the Riverton High girls lacrosse team to their very first state championship title. It was a hard-fought victory that came down to the wire in overtime. But the winning didn’t stop there, the team had something else to celebrate as Coach Hannah Kelleher was named the 2026 Utah USA Girls Lacrosse Coach of the Year.

He was on a mission to make sure no one felt alone, left out, or without a friend at Riverton High School.

On this episode of the Supercast, find out how Riverton High Student Body President Seth Christensen managed to write and deliver a personal message to every one of his 2300 fellow students, hoping to make them feel seen, loved, and never without a friend to turn to. It was a labor of love that took Seth a year to complete, spreading smiles and happiness throughout the halls of Riverton High.

They have been learning together, while thousands of miles apart this year, about the rich history of Air Force Pilot Gail Halvorsen, nicknamed the “Candy Bomber” or “Uncle Wiggly Wings” from his time flying candy drops in Germany during the Berlin Airlift.

On this episode of the Supercast, find out what happens when students from Berlin arrive in Utah to join West Hills Middle School students as part of their Colonel Halvorsen history lessons. It all culminated in the bonding of young minds, making chocolate bars, a moving assembly, and inspiring words from Halvorsen’s daughters, words that would...

She is a high school student determined to pursue her dreams, and never let a disability get in the way of her drive to success.

On this episode of the Supercast, meet Mountain Ridge High School junior Linda Boequi who was recently crowned Utah Miss Amazing Teen 2026. Hear how finding success in the competition is helping Linda and others explore their passions, in and outside of school, with pride, purpose, and power.

They are spreading kindness and enhancing a positive culture at Daybreak Elementary School. The school even celebrates student kindness with a big parade through the happy halls of Daybreak once a month.

On this episode of the Supercast, find out how Isaac Broadbent, school counselor at Daybreak and a former Daybreak student himself, has stepped in, revamping school wide expectations, and together with the support of teachers, is making kindness rule number one. The work has earned Daybreak a national Kind School designation.

They are getting top notch on-the-job training by industry professionals while still in high school.

On this episode of the Supercast, hear from some high school students themselves about all the benefits of internships offered in Career and Technical Education or CTE. Find out how internships allow juniors and seniors to have fun doing what they love, while exploring career paths, building professional networks, gaining industry-recognized skills, and earning high school credit.

Elementary schools in Jordan School District are giving each other a run for their money in the second annual “Pony Races.”

On this episode of the Supercast, hear how two incredible science specialists came up with the idea of “pony races” to track RISE standardized testing progress and make science exciting and fun for students and staff. It’s turning out to be a win-win for everyone.

They work tirelessly to give students every opportunity to find success in and outside of the classroom.

On this episode of the Supercast, meet the amazing counseling team at Mountain Creek Middle School, recently recognized as an American School Counselor Model Program. It is a prestigious national recognition that is not easy to come by and only given to the best of the best in comprehensive school counseling programs around the country.

She is a teacher by day and plays defensive line for the Utah Falconz at night and on weekends.

On this episode of the Supercast, meet West Jordan High School business and financial literacy teacher Makayla Brown who has a passion for playing women’s tackle football in the premier semi-pro league. Hear how this teacher balances her time in the classroom with her love for being on the football field taking on teams from all over the country, part of the Women’s National Football Conference.

They are the quiet, but fiercely passionate force behind celebrating 68 Outstanding Educators in Jordan School District every year.

On this episode of the Supercast, meet the caring community volunteers who are part of the Jordan Education Foundation, making it possible to recognize and reward teachers who rise to the top. Teachers in every one of our schools, who are often brought to tears when total strangers show up to thank them for their tireless work in the classroom.

It is a heartwarming partnership between senior citizens and elementary school students, a partnership where seniors from a local assisted living center are showing up and reading with kids in the library.

On this episode of the Supercast, we take you to Oquirrh Elementary School. That’s where we see first-hand how being book buddies is building connections and companionship between the students and seniors, and bridging a generation gap. But best of all, it is inspiring a love for literacy in young children who look forward to the monthly visits from their senior friends.

You could say he was born to run with a high school career in cross country that is hard to beat.

On this episode of the Supercast, meet Jackson Spencer who was recently named the National Gatorade Player of the Year in Boys Cross Country. Find out what sets Spencer apart from others in his sport, and how his love for running is paving a path for future success, possibly in the Olympics.

Something really cool is happening in classrooms at Oak Leaf Elementary School these days. Older students are stepping up and leading by example, proving to everyone that life is better with books.

On this episode of the Supercast, meet some sixth-graders who are taking their love for literacy to the kindergarten classroom. They are reading to younger kids as part of the Planet Kindergarten literacy program.

They are going about their days demonstrating the characteristics of Jordan School District’s “Portrait of a Graduate.”

On this episode of the Supercast, we head to Copper Canyon Elementary School where students are posing for pictures in their cap and gowns already thinking ahead to graduation. They are being recognized for their actions demonstrating the six characteristics of “Portrait of a Graduate.” At this celebration breakfast, students are being recognized for being a responsible teammate.

Born with cerebral palsy, she has risen above challenges all her life and inspired countless people; friends, family, even total strangers along the way.

On this episode of the Supercast, we invite you to listen closely as Oquirrh Hills Middle School Para-Educator Aubrey Allen talks about earning a bachelor's and master’s degree in recreational therapy, leading her to a career in the classroom and as a Unified Sports coach. Amber doesn’t let her disorder, which impacts movement, muscle tone, and speech, get in the way of making her dreams come true, and in the process, supp...

He has a love for music and theater, has performed with the likes of Donny Osmond, in national commercials, musical theater, and is passionate about teaching and sharing his tremendous talents.

On this episode of the Supercast, meet Bingham High School music theater teacher David Martin. He is an incredible educator with an impressive resume, who also happens to perform in a Beatles tribute band, having fun for a good cause, with all concert ticket sales going to charity.

They are learning literacy by making clay model animals like a tiny toxic octopus and a very interesting elephant. It's all part of a Language Arts Curriculum called Wit and Wisdom that is fostering critical thinking in students across Jordan School District.

On this episode of the Supercast, we take you to Terra Linda Elementary School where a first-grade teaching team is taking student success to new heights with this rich Wit and Wisdom reading experience and they're inviting parents to be part of it all.

You could say they are hitting new heights as winners of a NASA Aerospace Engineering contest.

On this episode of the Supercast, we head to JATC North to hear how four students will be working with NASA TechRise engineers over the next 18 months to bring an experiment they proposed to life. It is an experiment, with real world applications, that will be launched into the edge of space on one of NASA’s high altitude balloons, a dream come true for aspiring space engineers.

They are talented students being recognized on the world stage because of their passion for film making and for their amazing skills in storytelling.

On this episode of the Supercast, meet students in the Riverton High School video production class who just walked away with second place in an International Video Competition as part of the Student Television Network. Find out how a short horror film they produced is getting rave reviews and critical acclaim, with the students competing against young storytellers all over the world.

It is a high note in the very successful career of a Jordan School District music educator. On this episode of the Supercast, meet Majestic Elementary School music teacher Lisa Blodget who just returned from marching in the Pasadena Rose Bowl Parade.

Find out why Blodget was one of more than 300 band teachers and directors from across the country selected to march in the prestigious parade, and what it felt like to be on the national stage cheered on by thousands along the five-mile route.

He is known for his winning ways at the helm as head football coach at the University of Utah, leading the Utes to historic success over 12 exciting seasons.  We’re talking about Ron McBride, or Coach Mac as many have come to know him over the years.

On this episode of the Supercast, we have the honor of sitting down with the legend and hearing first-hand about his time coaching, recruiting, and giving young athletes opportunities they never thought possible. Find out how Coach Mac is continuing his passionate work in our schools today with the Ron McB...

They have worked hard learning the English language trying to be the best they can be, making change in their own lives and the lives of generations to come.

On this episode of the Supercast, we take you to a very emotional WIDA graduation. WIDA stands for World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment. Listen as we talk to graduates about the great pride they take in their achievement, becoming proficient in the English language; listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Find out what the milestone means to the multilingual students and their families now and well into the future.<...

He is a middle school principal who loves working with students, bringing out the best in them every single day. But there is a secret talent that keeps Bryan Leggat going long after the last bell of the day at Elk Ridge Middle.

On this episode of the Supercast, we find out about Mr. Leggat’s longtime passion for painting and creating beautiful works of art. Hear how he finds inspiration as an artist, sometimes thanks to his meaningful and impactful work as a school principal and the relationships he has built along the way.

It is a showcase of student talent, musical magic, and seasonal joy.

On this episode of the Supercast, we take you to Joel P. Jensen Middle School for a holiday music program that will make your spirits bright one note at a time. Listen and enjoy.

They are less than an inch long, weigh mere grams, and move incredibly slow with average speeds of 0.03 miles per hour. We are talking about snails, a soft-bodied mollusk called the Gastropoda.

On this episode of the Supercast, we take you to an Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science class at Mountain Ridge High School where small snails are having a big impact on students studying the ecosystem. Find out the role snails are playing in the AP course, and how the class is capitalizing on the snail-based learning.

It is a unique program that is helping students achieve huge success in reaching their reading goals, and students and teachers alike are having a blast in the process.

On this episode of the Supercast, we take you to Riverton Elementary School where kindergarten students and teachers are dressed as astronauts to celebrate their incredible accomplishments in a Districtwide initiative called “Planet Kindergarten.” The space-themed program is helping students reach for the stars in achieving their literacy goals and we’re about to hear from some of the amazing educators behind it all.