McTeacher night deemed a success for area schools

It was a gathering that brought more than just friends together; it brought teachers, students and supporters of South Valley School together for dinner and fun.

“I like to be out with people and to hang out with my friends,” South Valley School student Katelyn Pugmire said. “It’s fun to see my teachers out with us.”

The newly remodeled West Jordan McDonald’s, 1265 West 9000 South, celebrated its grand re-opening with several McTeacher nights. Four West Jordan schools were chosen to participate, and were assigned a night and a three-hour window during which 20 percent of all sales were donated to the school, as well as 100 percent of cookie sales.

“This was the fourth event for us this month,” general manager Chris Lawrence said. “South Valley is a small school with only 100 students, so our staff is doing what it can to bring people in by texting family and friends and passing the word.”

South Valley provides training for special education students in independent living, character education and vocational preparation in full- and part-time programs.

“It’s an amazing school that does so much for the students it serves as well as the community,” Lawrence said. “McDonalds is committed to building strong ties with the communities we are in.”

The money that was raised will go to support the school’s Special Olympic teams. The school trains teams in swimming, basketball and bowling.

“For many of our students, the next step in their lives is to seek a good job. Coming to a place like this that supports what we do shows them there are companies who support us and our programs,” said teacher Kathy Foulks.

By the end of December, the West Jordan McDonalds had donated more than $6,000 to area schools.