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Published on

To:  
All Principals

From:
Mike Anderson

Principals, please personally invite your School Community Council chair to attend this important meeting with the Jordan District Board Members.

Dear School Community Council Chair,

On behalf of the Jordan School District Board of Education, we invite you to the upcoming Jordan Parent Advisory Committee (JPAC) meeting. Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Time: 6:30–8:00 pm Location: Jordan Learning Center, 3706 W. 9800 S., South Jordan (The Learning Center is located directly across the street from Elk Ridge Middle School).

Associate Superintendent Mike Anderson will present a Legislative Review, with important information about current bills impacting public education.

Your insights and participation are very important to us. If you are unable to attend, please ensure another parent representative from your School Community Council attends in your place.

We look forward to a productive meeting and to seeing you there!

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Published on

DATE: 
Thursday, March 12, 2026

TO:
Elementary School Administrators

FROM:   
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Assessment, Research and Accountability

SUBJECT:
Calculator and Visual Representations Accommodations for RISE Math

Principals are encouraged to follow up with their special education caseworkers about the following RISE accommodation clarifications.

Calculation Devices
When it comes to the use of calculation devices or computation tables as an accommodation on the RISE Math assessment in grades 3-6, school administrators, testing coordinators and special education caseworkers should take note of the following stipulations from the Utah Participation and Accommodations Policy:
“[For] students in grades 3–5, the use of a handheld calculator, calculation device or printable computation table is not allowed during any segment of the math assessment because it violates the construct of the test and the standards being assessed. If provided, the test must be reported as modified, and the student will receive a score of non-proficient and be considered a non‐participant for accountability. [For] students in grade 6, during the first segment, NO online calculator is available, nor can any student use any handheld calculator, calculation device or computation table. During the second segment, an embedded online calculator is available as a Utah Accessibility, Accommodations, and Participation Policy 2025–2026| 32 resource for all students. Students with an IEP, 504 or EL plan who have a documented need for a handheld calculator or computation table may use a handheld calculator, calculation device or computation table for the second segment ONLY. Any violation of this policy will make the assessment modified and the student will not receive a valid score.” (See pages 32-33)

While Embrace allows caseworkers to input a calculator accommodation for students on the Summative RISE Math assessment (with a footnote calling attention to the Utah Participation and Accommodations Policy), it is still not an allowable accommodation on the RISE Math assessment.

Visual Representations
Please note that computation tables are not visual representations as defined in the Utah Participation and Accommodations Policy.  Visual representations “are manipulatives such as cubes, tiles, rods, blocks, models, etc.  They may be used on all sections of the mathematics assessment if they are included in the student’s IEP or 504 Plan” (see page 37).

Please contact Kassidy Towery in Assessment, Research & Accountability with questions about RISE accommodations.

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TO:
Principals

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Lisa LeStarge, Administrative Assistant

As a reminder, the following must be submitted by March 20, 2026:

* 2026-27 LAND Trust Plan
* TSSA Plans for 2026-27
* SCC Signature Forms
Send a copy (digital or through District mail) to Lisa LeStarge. The original should be kept at your school for three (3) years.

Click on this LINK to access LAND Trust file instructions, including examples of level specific goals and Backup Plans, as well as the council signature form.

Hints and Tips for LAND Trust Plans:

  • Plans should be student-centered
  • A Backup Plan must be included for each goal (LAND Trust Plans submitted without the Backup Plans will be sent back for revision)
  • Action steps and expenditures should be specific
  • The signature form should be signed at your final SCC meeting when you approve your plan.
  • Please use correct categories for the expenditures as you add them to your goals.

Contact Lisa LeStarge with any questions: 801-567-8182.

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Published on

DATE:   
Thursday, March 12, 2026

TO:  
All School Administrators

FROM: 
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Assessment, Research and Accountability

SUBJECT:
State Testing Reminders

The following are friendly reminders from the state’s testing ethics policy:

  • “Utah LEAs and Licensed Utah educators may use a student’s score from a statewide assessment to improve the student’s academic grade for or demonstrate the student’s competency within a relevant course.”
  • “Licensed Utah educators shall ensure that:
    • “Students are not penalized who have been exempted from a statewide assessment
    • “Students aren’t provided a nonacademic award for participating in or performing well on a statewide assessment
    • “Students are provided an alternate learning activity if they are exempted by a parent from a statewide assessment.”

The following additional guidance may help address specific questions that arise from the part of the state’s testing ethics policy quoted above:

  • Using a student’s score from a state assessment can only improve a student’s grade – not hurt it. However, points are awarded for those who meet goals or earn proficiency on the state assessment, students should either receive 100% of the points possible or be excused from the assignment.
  • Educators may not use a student’s score on a state assessment to determine an overall grade for the course. It can be used, in conjunction with other evidence, to help determine a student’s overall grade.
  • Educators may not assign participation points on students’ grades for taking a state assessment.
  • The alternate learning activity for students whose parents have opted them out of taking the state assessment can be an alternate assessment. That said, using a student’s score on the alternate assessment or activity on a student’s grade can only improve the student’s grade – not hurt it.
    • In addition, if the incentive is that a student who demonstrates proficiency on a state assessment means that they don’t have to take the class final exam, then students who have been opted out would also need two opportunities to demonstrate proficiency. For instance, if a student who was opted out demonstrated proficiency on the alternate assessment (administered while other students took the state assessment), then they wouldn’t have to take the class final exam.

Please contact Ben Jameson in Assessment, Research & Accountability with questions.

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TO:
Administrators
Custodial Staff

FROM:
Steven Peart, Director Custodial Services

Dear Custodial Staff and Supervisors,

We are thrilled to announce a special training opportunity aimed at enhancing our custodial practices and improving our building inspection scores. As Copper Hills High School celebrates its 31st anniversary, we acknowledge the hard work and dedication of their custodial team, who recently achieved an impressive 93.28% on the building inspection. This is a testament to their commitment, with an average score of 91% for the 2025-2026 school year. Let's continue this momentum and strive for even greater excellence!

Early Morning Walkthrough:

Join us for an early morning walkthrough to gain insights into the inspection process and learn techniques to elevate your team's performance. We will demonstrate how to consistently achieve scores in the high 80s and 90s.

  • Date: Friday, March 20th
  • Time: 5:00 AM
  • Location: Copper Hills High School, 5445 W. Copper Hills Parkway (7800 South), West Jordan

We understand the early start, but this timing allows us to view the building after cleaning and before public access. Your participation is vital for understanding the inspection criteria and achieving exceptional results.

May Custodial Workshop:

All Head Custodians please mark your calendars for an informative workshop where we will explore the use of School AI to enhance your professional documentation skills and discuss essential topics such as summer cleaning and equipment maintenance.

  • Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
  • Time: 8:30 AM
  • Location: Transportation Building, 4361 W 8480 S, West Jordan, UT 84088

During this workshop, you'll learn how to leverage School AI for creating evaluation documents, drafting letters of recommendation for promotions, and preparing job action documentation. This session is designed to empower you with tools and strategies to support your career progression and improve custodial operations.

We look forward to your active participation in these events, which are integral to our commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for our students and staff.

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Published on

DATE: 
March 12, 2026

TO:  
All School Administrators

FROM:   
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
McKinley Withers, Health and Wellness

SUBJECT:  
2026-2027 Wellness & Prevention Planning Sessions: UPDATED DATES

It is required that school prevention plans be updated annually.

 For Secondary Schools:
The previously scheduled training/planning session for March 17th has been rescheduled. Those who signed up have been notified.

The new dates and locations for these meetings are as follows:

  • April 13th @ ASB Presentation Room 8:00-10:30 and 12:30-3:00
  • April 15th @ ASB Presentation Room 8:00-10:30 and 12:30-3:00
  • April 17th (PD Day) Virtual Planning Session 1:00-3:00

Up to two substitutes per school can be paid for using the program number 5671.

Please RSVP using this brief form, and we will send out a reminder.

For Elementary Schools:
Wellness & Prevention Planning Sessions will still be held during the previously scheduled March 26th MTSS training for cohorts who are in years one and three of MTSS.

For schools in year two of the MTSS cohort, a planning session will be held in the morning prior to the previously scheduled afternoon MTSS training. This planning session will be held from 8:30-11:00 on April 16th at the ASB.

More about updated prevention plans:
This year, to streamline school workload and braid together funding streams and prevention efforts, school teams are invited to a new and improved Wellness & Prevention Planning Session. These planning sessions will have the same familiar wellness feel that you love, with new and improved outcomes!

During these planning sessions, school teams can anticipate the following:

  • Guidance on available grant funds
  • Brief education about suicide, bullying, and violence prevention
  • Resources for attendance and student engagement planning
  • Planning time for school teams in attendance
  • Leave with a completed School Wellness Plan that meets State prevention requirements
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Published on

DATE: 
March 12, 2026

TO:  
Principals and Assistant Principals

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
McKinley Withers, Health & Wellness Consultant
Michelle Reyes, Attendance/Prevention Specialist, Health & Wellness

SUBJECT: 
Reversing the Spring Slide: Proactive Attendance Strategies & the Spring 2026 Attendance Newsletter

As we move into spring, we are keeping a close eye on a trend known as the “Spring Slide.” Recent research and data from EveryDay Labs highlight that student attendance often begins to dip in February and March—a critical period when academic rigor increases as we prepare for end-of-year assessments.

Interestingly, a student’s attendance patterns right now are a major predictor of whether they will end the year chronically absent. To prevent a late-year attendance crisis, early, targeted intervention today is the most effective way to keep students on track.

What we can do now to prevent worse attendance later:

  • Surface Tier 2 Trends Early: Don’t wait for students to become severely chronically absent. Focus on “Tier 2” students—those missing 10–19% of school (roughly 2–3 days a month). These students are often "under the radar" but are the most likely to respond to early outreach.
  • Identify "Weekend Extenders": Look for patterns of absences on Mondays and Fridays. Proactively reaching out to these families 2–3 weeks before upcoming breaks can prevent these single days from snowballing into long-term habits.
  • Launch a "Spring Slide" Campaign: Just as we do for Back-to-School, use this month to refresh your attendance messaging. Highlighting upcoming school events, student showcases, or classroom competitions can rebuild the "must-be-there" culture.
  • Focus on Barrier Removal: Instead of punitive measures, use this time to conduct brief "barrier assessments." Often, a simple shift in transportation support or an encouraging phone call home can resolve the underlying issues causing spring absences.

By acting now, we can ensure our students finish the year strong and don't lose the valuable progress they’ve made since the fall.

Also, the attached spring attendance newsletter contains resources for upcoming Attendance Works webinars, a short video clip about addressing tier 2 attendance, an article about attendance messaging, and a resource to help parents know when sick is too sick to attend school.

Questions? Contact Michelle Reyes at michelle.reyes@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8205.

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Published on

DATE:
Thursday, March 12, 2026

TO:  
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator, Teaching & Learning

SUBJECT:
SPRING Mentor Training: Enrollment Now Open

SPRING Mentor Training will be available online via Canvas from March 27 to April 26. This training is specifically for new mentors recommended by their administrators.

Stipend: Teachers will receive a $150 stipend upon successful completion of the Canvas course.

Important Requirements

Before submitting the Google Form for a potential mentor, please confirm:

  • The mentor has not previously completed this training.
  • The mentor has agreed to participate and complete the requirements.

Registration Details

Please complete the Spring 2026 Mentor Training Request Google Form for each mentor you wish to enroll.

  • Availability: Seats are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Deadline: This form will close on March 27 at 3:00 PM.
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Published on

DATE:
Thursday, March 12, 2026

TO:  
All School Administrators

FROM: 
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Assessment, Research and Accountability
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services

SUBJECT:
RISE Alert Papers

Cambium (CAI), the RISE testing vendor, alerts USBE whenever a student puts certain terms in their benchmark or summative writing assessments or the global notes attached to other benchmark, interim, or summative assessments. The certain terms may include topics like death, suicide, murder, etc.

When USBE receives these alerts from CAI, they will forward them to Ben Jameson in Assessment, Research & Accountability who will take the following actions:

  • An email will be sent to the administration of the school at which the student attends notifying them of the RISE alert paper and asking that someone meet with the student.
  • A secure email will be sent via MoveIT that contains the student’s information, including the language that was flagged by CAI.

When school administrators receive a notification of a RISE alert paper, they should complete the following steps:

  • Meet with the student as soon as possible the same school day the notification is received to determine if there is a concern.
  • If there is a concern, the school administrator should follow the recommended CSTAG procedures to ensure the student receives the requisite help and support.
  • Regardless of whether there is a credible concern or the student was joking, parents should also be notified.
  • Then be sure to notify Ben Jameson within 24 hours of the notification that you have met with the student and that the issue is being addressed so that he can report back to USBE.
  • Log the event and the actions taken in Skyward, even if there is no concern.

For questions about RISE alert papers, please contact Ben Jameson in Assessment, Research & Accountability. For questions about CSTAG procedures and protocols, please contact Angie Rasmussen in Student Services.

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Published on

DATE:  
Thursday, March 12, 2026

TO:   
High School Administrators

FROM:  
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability

SUBJECT:  
Spring 2026 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:

You may also access the high school testing bulletin here or attached with this memo.

For questions about any of the 24 federal, state or district assessments or surveys, please contact Ben Jameson in Assesment, Research & Accountability.

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Published on

DATE: 
Thursday, March 12, 2026

TO:   
Middle School Administrators

FROM:   
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability

SUBJECT:   
Spring 2026 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:

You may also access the middle school testing bulletin here or attached with this memo.

For questions about any of the federal, state or district assessments or surveys, please contact Ben Jameson in Assessment, Research & Accountability.

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Published on

DATE:  
Thursday, March 12, 2026

TO: 
Elementary School Administrators

FROM:    
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability

SUBJECT:  
Spring 2026 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:

 

You may also access the elementary school testing bulletin here or attached with this memo.

For questions about any of the federal, state or district assessments or surveys, please contact Ben Jameson in Assessment, Research & Accountability.

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Published on

TO:
School Administrators

FROM:
Brad Sorensen, Administrator of Schools
Cody Curtis, Administrator of Schools
Odette Desmarais, Administrator of Schools
Meredith Doleac, Administrator of Schools
Becky Gerber, Administrator of Schools
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools

PRINCIPAL MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE JORDAN LEARNING CENTER (JLC - 3706 W 9800 S, SOUTH JORDAN).

A beverage service will be provided at 7:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided.

Please bring your laptop. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Published on

TO:
Assistant Principals

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent

The March Assistant Principal meetings will be held on March 19 (8:00-11:00 am) and March 24 (8:00-11:00 am). All meetings will be held in person at the Jordan Learning Center (3706 W. 9800 S). All assistant principals and intern assistant principals are invited. Please bring a laptop.A beverage service will be provided, beginning at 7:30 am at each of the meetings.

As a reminder, you only need to attend one of the sessions offered. Both sessions will provide the same information. Please sign up for the day you would like to attend. If you have any questions, please call Shannel Hooper at 801-567-8204 (x88204).

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TO:
Elementary K-3 teachers and Instructional Coaches

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Michelle Lovell, Elementary Consultant of Teaching & Learning

We would like to invite teachers and coaches to a special UFLI implementation training that will be taught by trainers directly from UFLI. This is a unique opportunity to have implementation training directly from UFLI. This training is on a first-come, first-served basis. See the attached flyer for details. Teachers and coaches who have already had the training are welcome and will receive a stipend.

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Published on

DATE:  
March 5, 2026

TO: 
Principals
Administrative Assistants

FROM:  
Odette Desmarais, Administrator of Schools
Meredith Doleac, Administrator of Schools
Becky Gerber, Administrator of Schools
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools

SUBJECT: 
Parking Lot Duty Guidelines for Elementary Schools 2025-26

Through the 2018-19 negotiations process, the Board allocated funds to pay each elementary teacher $400 for parking lot duty each year. The stipend will be paid out on April paychecks. The following are additional details and clarifications for the implementation of this payment.

  • Although parking lot duty requirements will vary from school to school, the payment is the same districtwide.
  • Administrators are encouraged to reduce parking lot duty for teachers as much as possible while maintaining necessary coverage.
  • All full-time K-6 licensed educators districtwide who are responsible for parking lot duty are eligible for the $400 stipend. Half-time educators are eligible for a $200 stipend.
  • All elementary school Special Education cluster teachers and preschool teachers are eligible for an $800 stipend.
  • Licensed educators (psychologists, BTS teachers, etc.) who have not previously been assigned parking lot duty may choose to participate and be paid a stipend, but should not be required to do so.
  • Administrators and classified staff are not eligible for a stipend.
  • The stipend will be paid out on April paychecks.
  • Teachers are required to complete parking lot duty unless they coordinate with the principal to give their assignment and stipend to another willing teacher.
  • Teachers can take on as many parking lot duty assignments (and stipends) from other teachers as will fit in the calendar.
  • Teachers can only give up their parking lot duty assignment and stipend or accept an additional assignment and stipend in coordination with the principal.
  • Teachers can only give up or accept an entire assignment and an entire stipend.
  • Principals should adjust the parking lot duty schedule as necessary to allow as many teachers to take on as many extra assignments as needed.
  • Special Education cluster teachers and preschool teachers cannot give up their parking lot duty assignment.
  • Stipends for parking lot duty are included in retirement pay calculations.

A Google sheet has been shared with elementary administrative assistants and principals and is available on your Quick Links. Please complete the payroll sheet by April 6, 2026, so that teachers can receive their stipend on their April 25th check. The elementary AOS administrative assistant will verify the payroll sheet and submit it to payroll. Please list each educator in your building, and beside each name indicate the dollar amount ($0, $200, $400, or increments of $400, or $800) the teacher should be paid.

The budget code for Parking Lot Stipends is 10 E XXX 0050 1024 131

Please contact your Administrator of Schools with any questions.

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TO:
All High School Principals
All High School Administrative Assistants 

From:
Brad Sorensen, Administrator of Schools

With the March 1 to April 1 spring window now open for club applications, we are sharing the new, standardized set of forms to be used moving forward. 

To better support our student organizations and ensure we are meeting policy guidelines, we have updated the official documentation for all school clubs. These updates are intended to streamline the approval process and provide clearer guidance for both staff and students. 

Updated Documentation 

Please find the following five documents attached for your immediate use: 

  • Guidelines and Instructions for Student Clubs 
  • Student Club Charter Declaration: The official document for a club to establish its mission and leadership structure. 
  • Student Club Participation Form: Mandatory for all student members to ensure proper records and waivers. 
  • Application for Student Clubs: The standard intake form for any new group seeking recognition during this window. 
  • Policy AA443 – Student Clubs: Essential details regarding district compliance and safety protocols.
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TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Jared Covili, Digital Learning Consultant of Teaching & Learning

Starting Monday, all students will have access to the SchoolAI Student Portal at student.schoolai.com. The portal gives students a simple, centralized place to see and access all of their teacher-created, launched Spaces. Teachers can continue launching Spaces through Canvas as usual; the portal is simply an additional, easy way for students to find and open their Spaces.

Secondary Schools: Optional Pilot Features

Secondary schools have the opportunity to opt in to two additional Student Product features:
- Portal Sidekick — A secure, curated SchoolAI Sidekick available directly on the student portal. Students can access it whenever they need support.
- Canvas Sidekick — A SchoolAI Sidekick embedded directly into Canvas, specifically designed to help students with study skills, navigating Canvas, and executive functioning.

🎥 Want to see both features in action? Check out this video of a student using the Portal Sidekick and Canvas Sidekick.

If your secondary school would like to opt in to these additional features, please fill out this form. Additionally, please reach out to Jared Covili with any questions.

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Published on

DATE:
March 5, 2026

TO:
All School Administrators 

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
McKinley Withers, Health and Wellness

SUBJECT:
 2026-2027 Wellness & Prevention Planning Sessions

It is required that school prevention plans be updated annually. 

This year, to streamline school workload and braid together funding streams and prevention efforts, school teams are invited to a new and improved Wellness & Prevention Planning Session. These planning sessions will have the same familiar wellness feel that you love, with new and improved outcomes!

During these planning sessions, school teams can anticipate the following:

  • Guidance on available grant funds
  • Brief education about suicide, bullying, and violence prevention
  • Resources for attendance and student engagement planning
  • Planning time for school teams in attendance
  • Leave with a completed School Wellness Plan that meets State prevention requirements

For Secondary Schools:
Our first two Wellness and Prevention Planning Sessions for Secondary Schools will be on March 17th at the ASB Auditorium from 8:00-10:30 and 12:30-3:00. School teams can choose a session to attend. South Valley’s famous mixed soda drinks will be provided. Bring your team! Up to two substitutes per school can be paid for using the program number 5671!

Please RSVP using this brief form, and we will send out a reminder. 

For Elementary Schools:
Wellness & Prevention Planning Sessions will be held during the previously scheduled March 26th MTSS training for cohorts who are in years one and three of MTSS. 

For schools in year two of the MTSS cohort, a planning session will be held in the morning prior to the previously scheduled afternoon MTSS training. This planning session will be held from 8:30-11:00 on April 16th at the ASB. 

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