Jordan Middle School
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
David Starr Jordan Middle School is a middle school in Palo Alto, California. Currently in attendance are approximately 1000 students from grades 6 through 8. The school is named after David Starr Jordan, who was president of Stanford University. As of 2005, the current school principal is Suzanne Barbarasch, assisted by vice principals Sharon Ofek and Christina Regalia. The school librarian is Annie McQueen, assisted by Elaine Kriegh and Judi Swope. The school is part of the Palo Alto Unified School District.
The school mascot from 1937-1985 was a Dolphin. When Jordan reopened, the students voted to have the Jaguar become the mascot. In 1999, the students voted to have the Dolphin returned to its status as co-mascot with the Jaguar. Rival schools include Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School (JLS) and Terman Middle School, both of which are also in Palo Alto, California.
The student population (as of 2005) was 65% Caucasian, 17% Asian, 4% African, 9% Hispanic, and 5% other.
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[edit] History
Built in 1937, it remained open until 1985 when it was closed due to lack of enrollment in the district. It was remodeled and reopened in 1991. A bond was approved by the city of Palo Alto in 1995 to allow for further technological upgrades to the school.
Interesting fact - David Starr Jordan, after whom Jordan middle school was named, was accused, though never found guilty of, murdering Jane Lathrop Stanford, for whom rival school J.L.S. is named.
[edit] Notable Alumni
- James Franco, actor, class of 1992
- The Donnas, rock band (Brett Anderson, Maya Ford, Allison Robertson, and Torry Castellano), class of 1993
[edit] Sexual misconduct allegations
November 2006: Former Jordan Middle School teacher and coach Bill Giordano was sentenced to four years in prison Friday morning for having sexual relations with a young girl from 1991 to 1994.
Giordano also told police that one of the two colleagues knew about his sexual interactions with other students as well. When police interviewed those educators last year, one denied knowing anything. The other, police said, told them he didn't think it was his place to tell anyone else.
