Jordan School District
TO:
Elementary Schools
FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Michelle Lovell, Consultant, Elementary Language Arts
Thank you for making Planet Kindergarten a huge success! Please see the attached newsletter for the latest updates.
TO:
Principals and Administrative Assistants
FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Daniel Ellis, Director of Accounting and Audits
Natalie Grange, Accounting Administrator
District allocations for individual schools were updated in Skyward on October 30. Adjustments were made based on the October 1 headcount. Carryforward balances and transfer requests are included in the total allocation.
Please review these adjustments and contact Natalie Grange (801) 567-8312 with any questions or concerns.
DATE:
November 10, 2025
TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals
Elementary Administrative Assistants
Secondary Registrars
Secondary Attendance Secretaries
FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Scott Festin, Planning Consultant
SUBJECT:
School Choice Permit Allocations and Procedures
The open enrollment permit window opens on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Permit seat totals can be found on each school’s Enrollment Dashboard in Google Drive. Open the “2026-27” tab and scroll down to the permit section.
ACTION REQUIRED: Principals should review the individuals listed on their school’s dashboard in the “Permit” section and ensure that permissions are marked appropriately. Planning & Enrollment will defer to the permissions marked for various staff members when requests for additional seats are made. Please ensure that staff information is updated by December 5, 2025.
Schools should verify all outstanding applications prior to leaving for Winter Recess and verify any applications received during Winter Recess as soon as possible in the morning on Monday, January 5, 2026, so that the lottery can be run that afternoon. Once the lottery has been run, schools may immediately begin offering seats (if available). Seats not accepted within two weeks should be revoked (after attempting communication with the parent) and reoffered to the next student in line on the waitlist. At least weekly, schools should verify applications in the 2026-27 school year workspace and prepare them to be processed and moved to the waitlist. Schools should regularly continue to verify applications in the 2025-26 school year workspace and prepare them to be processed and moved to the waitlist.
During the early enrollment window (November 15, 2025 through February 6, 2026), the availability of permit seats is governed by BUILDING CAPACITY. Schools that are the most full will have the least available seats. Adding seats is governed by rules of the tier system established by the Board of Education and, in all instances, requires conversation with your Administrator of Schools. In the late enrollment window (after February 6 and 2026-27 FTE allocations are released), schools may request additional seats from their Administrator of Schools. Available seats in this window are determined by the availability of space and by grade in the teacher allocation based on current enrollment figures.
One final reminder: the early enrollment window (November 15, 2025 through February 6, 2026) requires schools to seat students if permit seats are available. Schools MUST follow the waitlist order when offering seats. It is inappropriate for a school to modify the waitlist order so that students who listed the school as a “first choice” are placed before others, regardless of their lottery priority. Schools who follow this practice may lose the ability to seat permit applications themselves. School administrators with concerns over this guideline may contact their Administrator of Schools.
DATE:
November 6, 2025
TO:
All Administrators & Threat Assessment Teams
FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
McKinley Withers, Health and Wellness
Angie Rasmussen, Student Safety and Wellness Specialist
SUBJECT:
CSTAG Mini Training Video & Reminders
Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our highest priority. A well-understood threat assessment process is a vital component of a safe school environment.
The link below is the first in a series of "mini" training videos focused on the critical aspects of the school threat assessment process. Each training video is under 5 minutes in duration and will review important components of CSTAG with the goal of increasing the use and benefits of CSTAG with fidelity.
MINI Training Video 1: Understanding Threat Types
This brief, targeted training video is designed to provide all threat assessment team members with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify different types of threats when conducting threat assessments.
Other important CSTAG reminders: If you want to train a staff member or threat assessment team member in CSTAG level 1, please email the request with the person’s name, title, and email address to Angie Rasmussen (angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org). CSTAG Level 1 is web-based through Navigate 360 and the training costs $100 per person. A request for reimbursement will be sent to the school after the staff member has been added.
We would love to hear more about the violence prevention efforts and CSTAG practices at your school, or support your school with any specific training needs. Reach out to Angie to schedule a time to meet! Angie Rasmussen at angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org
DATE:
Thursday, November 13, 2025
TO:
High School Administrators
FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability
SUBJECT:
Winter 2025-26 Testing Bulletin
School administrators may view the most up-to-date testing bulletin, complete with test administration and survey administration windows, by clicking on ‘High School’ under the heading Testing Bulletins on the front page of the website for Assessment, Research & Accountability. See the memo for the link and all the details.
DATE:
Thursday, November 13, 2025
TO:
Middle School Administrators
FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability
SUBJECT:
Winter 2025-26 Testing Bulletin
School administrators may view the most up-to-date testing bulletin, complete with test administration and survey administration windows, by clicking on ‘Middle School’ under the heading Testing Bulletins on the front page of the website for Assessment, Research & Accountability. See the memo for the link and all the details.
DATE:
Thursday, November 13, 2025
TO:
Elementary School Administrators
FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability
SUBJECT:
Winter 2025-26 Testing Bulletin
School administrators may view the most up-to-date testing bulletin, complete with test administration and survey administration windows, by clicking on ‘Elementary School’ under the heading Testing Bulletins on the front page of the website for Assessment, Research & Accountability. See the memo for the link and all the details.
TO:
Elementary Assistant Principals
Aspiring Assistant Principals
FROM:
Cabinet
UAESP Assistant and Aspiring Principals Conference to be held December 2, 2025, at the Viridian Center in West Jordan. Check out the details and the awesome speakers (you will recognize one of them) for this conference!
We are reaching out to share a fantastic opportunity that we know will energize and equip current and future principals:
The Assistant and Aspiring Principals Conference on December 2!
We strongly encourage current Assistant Principals to join us. But also- we know you have people in your building either currently working towards or thinking about becoming a principal. Will you please reach out to those individuals in your schools and invite them to this conference? It is the perfect opportunity to learn and connect with other school leaders and future leaders!
You can register using the button below. Registration is only $125 and breakfast and lunch are included!
TO:
Elementary Principals
FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Odette Desmarais, Administrator of Schools
Meredith Doleac, Administrator of Schools
Becky Gerber, Administrator of Schools
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
We are launching a special initiative to maximize the use of the new Innovation Lab at Juniper Elementary and have secured funds to cover busing costs for all 4th grade students to visit.
Each school may schedule a trip for every 4th grade class using these funds. The experience is 2.5 hours long and accommodates 35 students per session. Chaperones must accompany the group.
Action Steps:
TO:
High School Administrators
FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Nathan Foster, Health & Physical Education Specialist
Administrators,
CPR Training is codified as 53G-10-408 and is written into USBE Rule as R277-465. This requires LEAs to provide CPR instruction to all high school students consistent with the Health Education Core Standards and as required in Subsection 53G-10-408(5).
Health students do not need to be CPR certified, but are required to receive CPR training as outlined below.
An LEA shall provide hands-on CPR instruction using the following ratios as closely as possible: a student to instructor ratio of no greater than 15:1; and a mannequin to student ratio no greater than 1:6.
There are options for JSD principals and health teachers to choose from to meet the criteria at your school:
1) Provide training from a licensed and CPR Certified Teacher within your school
2) Schedule JATC-S to deliver this instruction (Contact Sean Garrett. Sean.Garrett@jordandistrict.org)
3) Contract with the local EMS for a certified instructor to train students
4) Contract with a third party who specializes in CPR/AED instruction to provide the
Instruction (See attached)
Teaching & Learning will be utilizing a state grant to reimburse the costs of local EMS/Third Party services at a maximum of $6/per student. Contracted teachers are not eligible for this reimbursement.
Funds from this grant will expire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year.
DATE:
Thursday, November 5, 2025
TO:
K-12 Principals
FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator, Teaching & Learning
Nathan Foster, Health/PE Specialist, Teaching & Learning
SUBJECT:
Required Firearm Safety Instruction – Implementation for 2025-26
During the 2025 legislative session, Utah passed HB104, which requires firearm safety instruction to be provided three times in K-6, once in middle school, and once in high school. Jordan School District will meet this requirement by providing firearm safety instruction in 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades, Health I, and Health II, aligned with Health Education standards.
Instruction may be delivered through live lessons, videos, online materials, or as part of health or physical education curricula. Before instruction, schools must notify parents or guardians and offer an opt-out option, with alternative educational activities provided as needed.
For details, resources, and curriculum materials to support this requirement, please review the attached HB 104 Implementation Document and visit the linked resources.
Please reach out to our JSD Health and PE Teacher Specialist, Nathan Foster, with any questions: nate.foster@jordandistrict.org.
TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants
FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Brittany Bauer, HR Specialist
Jane Olsen, HR Specialist
Valued Licensed Employees:
The Human Resource Department is notifying you of important information regarding the upcoming timeline and incentive approved by the Board.
LICENSED EARLY NOTIFICATION (Resignation or Retirement)
Licensed employees resigning/retiring at the end of the current contract year, who give official early notification in SKYWARD – EMPLOYEE ACCESS, will be eligible for a tiered incentive. Informing your principal/school administrator either verbally or in writing is not sufficient. To qualify, notification must be submitted on or before the following dates:
The incentive will be paid on the last regular paycheck. Notifications of resignation/retirement received after the dates listed above will not qualify for an incentive. The official District “Notice of Resignation” form is found in Skyward Employee Access under “Task Processes”. Please see District policy DP318 for more detailed information regarding resignations.
If you do not know your Skyward username or password please contact the Help Desk at 801-567-8737.
Licensed employees who do not submit an official “Notice of Resignation” form in Skyward Employee Access with at least thirty (30) calendar days’ written notice WILL BE FINED $500, which will be deducted from their final check. Informing your principal/school administrator either verbally or in writing is not sufficient. See District Policy DP318 – Resignations - Licensed.
School/District Administrators must submit an official “Notice of Resignation” form in Skyward Employee Access with at least sixty (60) calendar days’ written notice WILL BE FINED $500 in accordance with District Policy DP318A – Resignations-Administrators.
TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants
FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Jane Olsen, HR Specialist
Valued Paraprofessionals:
Utah Valley University has developed a 2-year program designed for working paraprofessionals to obtain a Special Education Professional Educator License. Courses would be in the evening or during the summer to accommodate working paraprofessionals and scholarships are available.
If you are a paraprofessional interested in becoming a Special Education educator here in Jordan this is one of many opportunities for you to explore.
Please review the attached flyer for details.
TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants
FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Jane Olsen, HR Specialist
Valued Educators:
Please see the information below and the attached flyer regarding Ph.D. programs available to you through Utah State University. Your continuing education is valued in Jordan School District. To see how investing in a Ph.D. would impact your salary, please review the current salary schedule: JSD Educator Salary Schedule
Utah State University’s School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) invites applications for our doctoral programs, the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Both doctoral degree programs are designed for educators who aim to deepen their expertise, apply research methods, and expand their impact.
Our Ed.D. in Teacher Education and Leadership is a 46-credit, Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED)-aligned professional doctorate designed degree for working educators and leaders. The program is practice-driven, allowing participants to address real-world “problems of practice” while maintaining their careers. Learn more here: Ed.D. Program Details.
Our Ph.D. in Education is a 60-credit, research-intensive program focused on theory and academic scholarship. Through coursework, professional experiences, and research, participants are prepared for higher education, curriculum designers, and researcher, with concentrations in cultural studies, school leadership, literacy education, mathematics education, and science education. More information is available here: Ph.D. Program Details.
DATE:
November 12, 2025
TO:
Department Administrators
Department Administrative Assistants
FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Brent Burge, Human Resource Administrator
Brittany Bauer, HR Specialist
SUBJECT:
2025 FTE Audits - due 11/20/2025
Once again, we request your assistance to review the 2025-26 FTE Audit report and make necessary changes as soon as possible. Your FTE Audit will be sent out by the end of the day on November 10th. This report will include essential details such as faculty/staff verification, FTE, title, and budget code(s). Please read the important information below and refer to the Instructions sheet for guidance on completing the audit.
Important Deadlines and Actions:
Corrections and New Hires:
Optional HR Meeting:
If you are a new administrator and/or a veteran administrator and would like to meet with an HR Administrator/Specialist to review or assist you with your FTE audit, a scheduling link is available on the Instructions sheet in your audit documents. Please review the audit thoroughly and come prepared with the necessary changes.
Thank you for your time and cooperation.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Brittany Bauer - brittany.bauer@jordandistrict.org x88214
Brent Burge - brent.burge@jordandistrict.org x88224
TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants
FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Rebecca Eastman, HR Generalist
If you are a contracted employee and need to take Annual/Personal Leave on a Critical Day before or after Winter Recess for any reason not listed in policy DP335NEG or DP335B, you must submit a request as follows:
How to Request
During the window, the employee must send the request through email. Please include your name, school, position, and the date you are requesting the leave. Requests left on voicemail or over the phone will NOT be accepted.
Licensed employees submit their request to licensedpersonalleave@jordandistrict.org
Education Support Professionals submit their request to classifiedpersonalleave@jordandistrict.org
The employee will receive an email confirmation within two working days after submitting the request. If the employee does not receive a confirmation email, then Human Resources has NOT received your request and your leave will not be approved.
| School Holiday | Date of Holiday | Critical Days* | Window |
| Winter Recess (Licensed) |
Dec. 22, 2025 - Jan. 2, 2026 | Dec. 19, 2025 and Jan. 5, 2026 | Nov. 7 – Nov. 17, 2025 |
| Winter Recess
(ESP) |
Dec. 24, 2025 - Jan. 2, 2026 | Dec. 19, 2025 and Jan. 5, 2026 (245 works Dec 29, 30, 31) | Nov. 9 – Nov. 19, 2025 |
*Critical Days are the first student attendance days before or after a school holiday. If a non-student attendance day falls before or after a school holiday, the Critical Day is the day before or after that non-student attendance day when students are in attendance.
Licensed Annual/Personal Leave Taken on a Critical Day 2025-2026
DATE:
Thursday, November 6, 2025
TO:
Elementary School Administrators
FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Assessment, Research and Accountability
SUBJECT:
Historical Data Lookup Tool for Teachers
In the transition from mClass to ALO as the test administration platform for the Acadience Reading assessment, teachers lost access to valuable historical performance data for individual students. In an effort to remedy this issue, Assessment, Research & Accountability has created a student historical data lookup tool. Teachers can simply enter a student’s Skyward number to view historical Acadience Reading data for that student. Here is a list of the historical data included in each grade level lookup tool:
Later today, school administrators and instructional coaches will receive an email from the district Acadience testing coordinator, Janice Sperry, which will give access to the historical data for their school. Each grade level will have its own data lookup tool that functions off of Google sheets. Principals are encouraged to delegate an assistant principal or coach to share the lookup tool for each grade level to their relevant grade level team (i.e., share the first grade lookup tool with first grade teachers, etc.). In addition, the look up tools for each grade level may be shared with anyone who has a legitimate educational reason for needing access to every student (i.e., special educators who work with multiple grade levels).
For questions about the Acadience Reading historical data lookup tool, please contact Janice Sperry in Assessment, Research & Accountability.
DATE:
November 3, 2026
TO:
All Principals
FROM:
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Brian King, Ph.D., Assistant Director of Special Education
Mike Trimmell, Ed.D., Special Education Administrator
SUBJECT:
Professional Development Opportunities for Licensed Special Education Teachers - SLD Deep Dive: Gathering the Right Clues to Consider Eligibility
Three half-day options are being offered for teachers who didn't receive this training last year. A link to sign up for each training will be sent to all Special Education Licensed Staff Members. School secretaries can use code 1292 when submitting sub requests.
| February 3rd -
Morning Session 8:00 am - 12:00 pm DO Rm 129 |
Session A: SLD Deep Dive: Gathering the Right Clues to Consider Eligibility
Space limited to 48 attendees
|
| February 19th -
Afternoon Session 11:30 am - 3:30 pm ASB Auditorium |
Session B: SLD Deep Dive: Gathering the Right Clues to Consider Eligibility
Space limited to 60 attendees |
| March 3rd -
Morning Session 8:00 am - 12:00 pm ASB Auditorium |
Session C: SLD Deep Dive: Gathering the Right Clues to Consider Eligibility
Space limited to 60 attendees |
DATE:
November 6, 2025
TO:
All School Administrators
FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
McKinley Withers, Health and Wellness
SUBJECT:
FREE Mental Health Education for Parents and Caregivers
Jordan District has partnered with the Cook Center for Human Connection to provide ongoing mental health education for parents and caregivers. This collaboration offers FREE access to live, virtual educational sessions covering various topics. Please share the following resources with your school community:
Please share the attached flyers/resources with your school communities. Should you have any questions, please reach out to Angie Rasmussen at angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org.
