November Jordan Education Foundation Meeting

This morning I attended the Jordan Education Foundation (JEF) Meeting.  They reported that every school had applications for Mini Grants submitted with 197 total applications.  This is the first time all schools were represented.  JEF does not have the money to fund all grants.  Awards should be presented before Winter Break.  The JEF Board loves to hear back from teachers about how the items purchased through the grants enhanced learning for students.

Amber Barron, a student at South Hills Middle, presented about the MESA Program she started there through help from a JEF Special Grant.  You can read more about Amber at Utah Mama.

JEF is hosting their annual fundraising breakfast on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at the Gathering Place at Gardner Village.  The breakfast is free; however, attendees are asked to donate to JEF.  If you know a business owner or community leader who should be invited, please contact me.

Superintendent Newbold discussed the 2020 Vision of the Governor's Education Excellence Commission.  "By 2020 and thereafter, at least 66% of Utahns ages 25 to 64 will ahve a postsecondary degree or certificate, ensurinag a well-educated workforce that meets the needs of Utah employers leading to great economic prosperity and a better quality of life."  The strategic imperatives to reach that vision are:

1. Bolster early childhood education
2. Improve instructional quality and curricular alignments
3. Strengthen postsecondary education
4. align educational attainment and vocational training with economic development
5. Utilize technology to effectively and efficiently accomplish strategic imperatives