Jordan Middle School
David Starr Jordan Middle School is a middle school in Palo Alto, California. Currently in attendance are approximately 885 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 mascot is 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-American, 9% Hispanic, and 5% other.
History
Jordan Middle School first opened in 1937 and then closed in 1985. After remodeling, the school reopened again in 1991 and as of 2006 is still in operation. A bond was approved by the city of Palo Alto in 1995 to allow for further technological upgrades to the school.
An interesting fact: David Starr Jordan, who Jordan middle school was named after, was accused, though never found guilty of murdering Jane Lathrop Stanford, who rival school JLS is named for
Sexual misconduct allegations
In August 2005, Bill Giordano, a Jordan Middle School coach, was placed on compulsory leave after being arrested at his home for allegedly molesting a 14-year-old female student by carrying on a sexual relationship with her for an 18-month period during the early 1990s. The alleged relationship is said to involve a then 14-year-old eighth-grade girl who played on Giordano's volleyball team. She also babysat for Giordano, who was divorced and in need of child care when his 2-year-old son stayed with him. The woman, now in her 20s and living outside the state of California, approached authorities after undergoing therapy with a counselor. A jury trial is scheduled to begin on June 26, 2006. Giordano is charged with 21 felony counts of sexual molestation and could face a maximum of 16 years and four months in prison.
References
- Green, Jason. "No pay for coach in sex case", Palo Alto Daily News. Volume 10, Number 261. pp.1 & 60. (August 24, 2005)
- "Court dates set for Jordan teacher," Palo Alto Weekly. Jan. 11, 2006. http://www.paloaltoonline.com/weekly/morgue/2006/2006_01_11.giordano11jd.shtml