Episodes

It is not the typical summer of rest and relaxation for some middle school students in Jordan School District. That’s because they are immersed in things like abstract reasoning, problem-solving and computer science. In this episode of the Supercast we are going to explore something called the Pre-freshman Engineering Program (PREP), which is an academically rigorous mathematics-based summer enrichment program. Learn how it gives students an opportunity to start earning college credit at a very ...

An enormous amount of work is underway as we prepare to reopen after schools were dismissed last March due to the pandemic. On this episode of the Supercast, hear about the unique and unprecedented plan for meal service, deep cleaning and sanitizing in our schools as we make every effort to keep everyone as safe as possible. Audio Transcription Superintendent Godfrey: Hello and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey. Today, we're talking about the enormous amou...

They are rock star teachers coming together to create what will be greater flexibility for students, teachers and parents in the upcoming school year. On this episode of the Supercast, we hear from educators who are creating K – 6th grade online curriculum with content for the entire upcoming school year. It is an effort that will give teachers and parents options and help to make sure students don’t miss a beat in learning throughout the year. Audio Transcription Superintendent Godfrey: Welco...

They are everyday heroes in Jordan School District, ready to help students find success in school despite having no real place to call home. On this episode of the Supercast, we meet several McKinney-Vento Liaisons and find out how they manage to make life just a little bit better for students experiencing a wide range of homelessness. Audio Transcription Anthony Godfrey: Welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey. On this episode of the Supercast, we learned about ...

They drive to each and every Jordan School District school and department each and every day, delivering mail and so much more. Matt Gardner and Jeramie Velarde have been on the job for a combination of 46 years. In that time, they have earned a reputation for “people first” and putting a smile on the faces of everyone they encounter. On this episode of the Supercast, we find out what drives Matt and Jeremy and uncover some well-kept secrets about the District’s “Dynamic Duo.” Audio Transcripti...

She is a talented writer and her powerful words are getting national recognition and will be on display in the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. On this episode of the Supercast, we hear from Fort Herriman Middle School 8th grade student Sophia Parsons who is a national finalist in Utah’s 20th annual “Do the Write Thing Challenge,” which is part of the National Campaign to Stop Youth Violence. Find out how one teacher inspired this young teen to put her life lessons into words to inspire ch...

On this episode of the Supercast we honor the Graduating Class of 2020 by sharing their words of wisdom as they look back on a year like no other and look forward with fierce optimism. We could not be more proud of these resilient, strong and successful young men and women. Listen and be inspired by our 2020 graduates. Audio Transcription Superintendent: Hello, and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey. On this episode of the Supercast, we honor the graduating...

It is always one of the most exciting weeks for third-grade teachers, students and their families at Blackridge Elementary School. “Fantasy Week” transforms classrooms into the land of Hogwarts with a curriculum based on the popular Harry Potter story and characters. In this episode of the Supercast, hear how teachers managed to recreate “Fantasy Week,” using their magic and creativity to make the lessons come alive virtually. Audio Transcription Superintendent: Hello and welcome to the Super...

It is a sign of the times… educators working harder than ever to keep learning alive during the pandemic. In this episode of the Supercast, hear the inspiring story of an American Sign Language teacher who says her passion and perseverance for teaching has grown during these unprecedented times. Audio Transcription Superintendent: Hello and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey. Today we hear the inspiring story of one Jordan School District educator, who says...

The road to success after high school can look very different for individual students, depending on their goals and aspirations. On this episode of the Supercast, school counselors talk about the most important things parents and teens need to be doing now before graduates leave the nest to face a new world on their own. We share advice for college-bound students and others pursuing future careers, especially during a pandemic. Audio Transcription Superintendent: Welcome to the Supercast. I'm ...

What is it like for a teacher working from home during school dismissal with possibly a kitchen turned classroom? On this episode of the Supercast, we hear from Jordan School District Teacher of the Year, Rachelle Smith, about teaching during these troubled times and how she makes learning fun and is finding success. Then, Superintendent Godfrey actually has a virtual visit with Ms. Smith’s 6th grade class. Hear what some very bright and animated students have to say about the school year and l...

On this special edition of the Supercast in honor of National Poetry Month, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey talks with Utah’s Poet Laureate, Paisley Rekdal. This U of U professor, writer and poet shares her thoughts on how parents can support a child’s budding passion for poetry and how that passion can grow and change lives. Ms. Rekdal invites everyone to explore Utah authors and their creative work by visiting the Mapping Literary Utah website. Audio Transcription Superintendent: Welcome to ...

Is it normal for children and their parents to experience high anxiety and sadness during these uncertain times? In this episode of the Supercast, we hear from a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in treating anxiety, particularly in children. Find out what advice Dr. Kristy Ludwig has for families trying to cope with being cooped up, staying home and staying happy. Audio Transcription Anthony Godfrey: Welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host superintendent, Anthony Godfrey. Today we are joi...

Realizing they will never be in a high school classroom again after the Governor extended school dismissal through the end of the school year was difficult news to digest for high school seniors. On this episode of the Supercast, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey has a candid conversation with students who say, despite the many difficulties, they are finding hope and courage during uncertain times brought on by the COVID-19 crisis. Audio Transcription Superintendent: Hello and welcome to the Supe...

Jordan School District is extremely proud of the digital learning taking place during school dismissal – proud of teachers, students and parents who are taking on the new challenge. In this episode of the Supercast, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey talks about some creative things teachers and students are doing with digital learning and he has some tips for parents on how to help students learning online while at home. Audio Transcription Superintendent: Hello, and welcome to the Supercast. I'...

With challenges brought on by the COVID-19 crisis come stories of hope and helping one another in ways that warm the heart. In this episode of the Supercast, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey finds out how one school is coming up with creative ways to connect with students, support them and make them smile. And, we learn how lunch ladies are managing to keep kids fed with a huge helping of kindness during school dismissal every day. Audio Transcription Anthony Godfrey: Hello and welcome to the S...

As we all navigate these challenging times with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to know that students and families are not alone, even though we all may be spending the majority of time at home. On this episode of the Supercast, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey talks to Jordan School District Health and Wellness Specialist McKinley Withers about how families can find comfort and cope in this time of uncertainty. Audio Transcription Anthony Godfrey: Hello and welcome to the Supercast. I'm...

Jordan School District, in conjunction with the Salt Lake County Health Department, has developed plans regarding the coronavirus, (COVID-19) to help prevent the spread of disease and keep our students, faculty and staff healthy. Teaching students in a safe and healthy environment is our top priority. This podcast was recorded on Monday, March 2 and the information is current as of that date. Audio Transcription Anthony Godfrey: Hello, and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintende...

Times have changed in how local business and industries court students for successful careers. Some are even trying to get students to sign on before they graduate. In this episode of the Supercast, we visit the ‘Pathways to Professions’ Career Expo for students. We’ll show you how they are being courted for good jobs, who is hiring and how students can get the upper hand in jump starting their careers. Audio Transcription Anthony Godfrey: Hello and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Su...

Parents often worry about new teen drivers behind the wheel. In this episode of the Supercast we try to take some of the worry and anxiety out of that experience by heading out to the driving range at Riverton High School. That’s where Superintendent Godfrey rides along with Driver Ed Instructor Steve Galley and a few of his students. Superintendent Godfrey learned some valuable driving tips to keep everyone safe on the road. Safe driving tips that might give parents a little peace of mind as t...

Students in the Agriculture Program at West Jordan High are getting hands-on lessons that look nothing like Ag programs of the past. Here, high tech is combined with live farm animals and a working greenhouse to teach students where their food comes from. In many cases, they are students who may have never set foot on a farm before. In this week’s episode of the Supercast, we meet Ag students and their instructor, along with Winston the Pig who is part of the Ag Program. Audio Transcription An...

School counselors make a difference in young lives every single day and for that we simply don’t thank them enough. On today’s episode of the Supercast, we recognize school counselors and the important work they do in and outside of school for students and families as part of National School Counseling Week. If you always wondered what a school counselor does, how they can help you and your student, this episode is for you. Audio Transcription Anthony Godfrey: Hello and welcome to the Superc...

Some high school students in Jordan School District will be able to get some more sleep in this coming school year thanks to a first-of-its-kind Late Start Blended Learning Program that will be piloted in all high schools. The Late Start Program will be offered to high school juniors and seniors who will be able to take two on-line courses, which will allow them to start school later - at 9 a.m. In this episode of the Supercast, we talk about how the new program will work and the benefits to st...

If you are someone already struggling to keep a New Year’s Resolution, you are not alone. On this episode of the Supercast, Health and Wellness Specialist McKinley Withers talks about realistic resolutions and how to make them last working together as a family. But first, we visit with Riverton Elementary School students who share their ideas on the best New Year’s Resolutions and how not to break them. Audio Transcription Anthony Godfrey: Welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintende...