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TO:
Elementary Principals
K-5 Teachers

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amy Kinder, Consultant in Teaching & Learning

Dear Principals and Teachers,

We want to share an update regarding student workbooks. As a district, we did not purchase workbooks this year because many teachers reported preferring whiteboards and scratch paper over the printed books.

Why Are We Decreasing the Size of Student Workbooks?

  • Ensure equal spacing and eliminate wasted space on each page
  • Make materials more manageable for students
  • Make nearly every lesson a single page (front and back)
  • Reduce paper use and help protect the environment

Most importantly:
The focus should be on learning, not on completing a worksheet!

We know some teachers still value workbooks, so we created two streamlined versions:

  • Condensed Workbook: Almost all lessons are now just one double-sided page.
  • Even More Condensed Workbook: An even shorter version, with warm-ups (typically discussion-based) removed and space for reflection.

Both versions, along with an editable Word document, are linked in this document.

Many teachers are now choosing to do some lessons on whiteboards or with scratch paper, using slides to guide instruction. This new approach to mathematics focuses on problem-solving and using multiple tools—whiteboards, scratch paper, and manipulatives—instead of simply completing worksheets.

Parents can still view every component of the lesson on the student site, with no login required.

For more ideas on reducing workbook size, contact your elementary mathematics specialist.

K-5 Mathematics Workbooks

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Published on

TO:
Administrators

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

With generous support from the Community Foundation of Utah, ISTE+ASCD will provide Utah educators with world class professional learning on computer science, computational thinking, artificial intelligence, and innovative strategies for using technology to transform learning at no cost to the district, school, or educator.

ISTE+ASCD is seeking Utah district and school partners to nominate cohorts of educators to participate in one of our incredible professional learning experiences in Fall 2025.

Transform Computer Science is an amazing opportunity for districts and schools to engage in paradigm-shifting professional learning at scale. ISTE+ASCD is excited to be a catalyst for transforming learning experiences in your school or district through technology and impactful pedagogy to support educator growth.

ISTE Certification
Internationally recognized credential for educators who have demonstrated mastery of the ISTE Standards and implemented innovative uses of technology to transform learning.

The Utah State Board of Education recognizes ISTE Certification as a competency pathway for the Educational Technology Endorsement. More information can be found here (https://www.schools.utah.gov/licensing/endorsements#item-d26e279) and here (https://www.schools.utah.gov/licensing/endorsements/Educational%20Technology%20Endorsement%20Specs.pdf).
To earn certification, educators complete 40 hours live, instructor-led professional learning over 10 weeks, then 40 hours to assemble an e-portfolio that includes artifacts and reflections on their learning over six months.

$1,000 stipend for successful completion ($500 upon completion of professional learning, $500 upon submission of e-portfolio)
Program Dates: 9/24/2025 - 12/5/2025 (professional learning course), 1/15/2026 - 7/31/2026 (portfolio)
Districts and schools may nominate cohorts of 5-15 educators to participate in Certification

If you are interested in being considered for the ISTE Certified Educator group from Jordan, please complete the following form by May 30th.

Transform Computer Science Interest Form

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TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Rebecca Smith, Consultant in Teaching & Learning

Jordan District will offer Gifted & Talented endorsement classes during the 2025-26 school year. Classes are open to all licensed personnel in Jordan District.

Gifted & Talented Teaching Endorsement
During the 2025-2026 school year, Jordan School District will offer coursework for a gifted and talented (GT)
teaching endorsement in partnership with Southern Utah University (SUU).

How will a GT teaching endorsement benefit me?

  • A GT endorsement will build a knowledge base about an important sector of education.
  • A GT endorsement will help teachers build a repertoire of instructional strategies to challenge all students by
    adding depth, complexity, higher-order thinking, and creativity to daily instruction.
  • A GT endorsement will help teachers develop differentiation strategies to better meet the unique needs of
    high-ability learners in all classrooms.
  • A GT endorsement will qualify educators to teach in an ALPS classroom and to hold other positions in gifted
    and talented programming.

What are the credit requirements for a GT endorsement?

  • Four core classes are required for the Endorsement. Two courses are offered each school year.
    • EDUC 5400 3 Credit Hours Learning, Development, and Individual Differences in Gifted Education
    • EDUC 5420 3 Credit Hours Assessment in Gifted Education
    • EDUC 5430 3 Credit Hours Curriculum and Instructional Planning in Gifted Education
    • EDUC 5440 3 Credit Hours Learning Environments for Gifted Students
  • A “professional learning activity” is also required for the GT endorsement. Examples of this include participation in an additional class, webinar, or conference specific to gifted and talented education. A wide variety of opportunities at local, state, or national levels will satisfy this requirement.

What are the current costs for a GT endorsement?

  • SUU Recording Fees: $23 per credit hour / $69 per 3-hour core class.
    • The GT Department will cover the recording fees for the 2025-2026 classes for JSD participants.
  • Books are available for checkout from the Gifted and Talented Department.
    • Participants can purchase personal copies of books if they choose (approximately $50 per class).

What format will be used for instruction? When and where will the classes be held?

  • Jordan District instructors provide classes in a combination of live and asynchronous instruction.
  • Most live sessions will be in-person (ASB PDC 112 - Entrance D). Some live sessions are held over Zoom.
  • Asynchronous sessions are self-paced, and often include practical classroom applications.
  • Two courses will be offered during each school year. See the 2025-26 class schedule for complete details.
    How do I register for the classes offered in the 2025-26 school year?
  • You can take the classes in any order!
  • Participants often begin the classes with EDUC 5420 and EDUC 5440, then take EDUC 5400 and EDUC 5430
    the second year.
  • If you would like to participate in the 2025-26 classes, please complete this form to be on the contact list.
  • Those on the contact list will be notified when SUU registration opens in early August 2025.

Contact Rebecca Smith with and questions you may have: 801-567-8368 (88368) rebecca.smith@jordandistrict.org

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Published on

DATE:
May 14, 2025

TO:
Principals
Special Education Teachers (Preschool and School Age)
Speech-Language Pathologists

FROM: 
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education

SUBJECT:  
Extended Year for Special Educator Stipend Days 2024-25

The legislation allows a specific group of special educators to work up to 5 additional days for a $200/day stipend (plus applicable benefits). The Bill applies to Special Education Teachers (Preschool and School- Age) and Speech-Language Pathologists only (Speech-Language Technicians are not included). The number of days and stipend amount are based upon the educators assigned FTE equivalent. Teachers who have been hired with an Associate Educator License will count as licensed teachers and will be eligible for the stipend. Days can be worked 2 weeks before or after your contract.

Eligible staff that have days left to work, and did not work all of their allotted days in the fall, are required to complete an online survey to be paid for these days. After you have completed working the days, simply click on the link below to start the survey. Days worked must be full or half days and not a combination of assorted hours and must be worked in your assigned building(s).

The days available for you to work are: June 10-13th, 17-20th, and 23-24th. Please remember that June 9th is the last contract day and June 16th is a holiday. These days do not count toward Extended Year Days.

It is important to remember:
Below is the link to submit the days after you have worked. When asked for the approver for your submission do not put your principal or LEA. Please put amanda.hamblin@jordandistrict.org so that the submission can be approved through the Special Education office and be sent to the State Office for payment. If you list your building supervisor as the approver, your request will not be submitted for payment.

Link to USBE 2024-25 End of Year(EOY) Spring Extended Year for Special Educators (EYSE) Stipend Report

Please read the survey carefully, making sure you answer all of the questions listed, as you will be paid according to what the survey generates. Only those that complete the survey will be paid. Any timesheets submitted directly to the Special Ed. or Payroll departments will not be paid. Please note that the window for completing the survey closes June 26, 2025.

Please remember you cannot count the days you already worked and were paid for in the fall. You can only count the days you work after your last contract date at the end of the 2024-25 school year. The State Board of Education has discontinued any leniency on dates that you work. You may ONLY work and report the two weeks after your last contract day. Therefore, you will only be paid for dates that are between June 10 to June 24, 2025 (excluding weekends and holidays) and only the number of days you have remaining from fall 2024-25.

As you plan for the coming year, keep in mind the legislature will presumably award days for the 2025-26 school year, which you can begin working two weeks prior to your first contract day, which is August 11, 2025. More information about next year’s days will be forthcoming. If you have questions, or need help with the survey, please contact Amanda Hamblin at amanda.hamblin@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8177.

 

 

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Published on

DATE:     
May 12, 2025

TO:
All Elementary 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 UFLI in Special Education Training

Attached is a listing of the professional development opportunities for Elementary Special Education Licensed Staff for UFLI in Special Education Training. A link to sign up for each training will be sent to all Elementary Special Education Licensed Staff Members.

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Published on

DATE:
April 28, 2025

TO:
Administrators of Schools
Elementary and Secondary Principals

FROM:
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Katie Bastian, Director of Nutrition Services

SUBJECT:
Student Meal Deficit School Responsibilities

District approved procedural guidelines for meal deficit collection can be found on the Nutrition Services website under the online payments tab.  Click HERE

Per approved guidelines:

  • Inactive students, students transferring within the district and graduating students or students moving up grade levels to another school (i.e. 6th to 7th, 9th to 10th, and seniors) with uncollectable meal deficits, of any dollar amount, are the responsibility of the school and must be paid by the principal at the end of the current school year.
  • All staff meal deficits must be paid by the end of the year.

 

Thanks for reading JAM! Be the first person to email Nadine Page (nadine.page@jordandistrict.org) this week’s word, “Emerald” the birthstone for May, and your office wins a prize - We have a winner for this week! Check back next week. Thanks for reading.

 

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Published on

TO:  
All Administrators

FROM:
Jordan School District Cabinet Members

The Administrative Leadership Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, 2025, and Thursday, August 7, 2025. Please make note of the information listed below. More details will be sent out in June.

August 5, 2025

  • Event: Jordan District Administrative Leadership Conference
  • Time: Breakfast at 7:30 AM, Conference begins at 8:00 AM
  • Location: Hidden Valley Middle School, 15410 Harmon Day Drive, Bluffdale, UT

All administrators should plan to join us for the Administrative Leadership Conference on August 5th.

August 7, 2025

  • Event: Principal Level Meeting
  • Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location: Hidden Valley Middle School, 15410 Harmon Day Drive, Bluffdale, UT

AND

  • Event: Leadership Workshops
  • Time: 8:15 AM - 11:15 AM - workshop sessions for all administrators (principals will be in level meeting)
    12:45 PM - 3:30 PM - workshop sessions for all administrators
  • Location: Hidden Valley Middle School, 15410 Harmon Day Drive, Bluffdale, UT

Additional conference workshops will be offered throughout the day on August 7 for all administrators. Many sessions will repeat from the August 5 leadership conference, providing another opportunity to attend any you may have missed. If you’re available, we encourage your participation. More details—including workshop days, times, and a sign-up form—will be shared soon.

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Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Steffany Ellsworth, Support Services Manager, Information Systems

Please be aware of a new DANGEROUS TikTok challenge that we've been experiencing in our schools. Students have learned that putting pencil lead into the USB port will cause a short circuit, causing the Chromebook to smoke and short out. Inserting pencil lead into a USB port can be dangerous. Pencil lead contains graphite, which is conductive, and can cause a fire when inserted in the USB port.

How to identify if this has possibly happened to a Chromebook:

  • The pencil lead will create a short, which may melt the USB port.
  • The Chromebook will likely not power on as it has a short circuit.
  • The USB port stops charging the device, or headphones and other peripherals will not work on the affected port.

What to do:

  • Do not attempt to remove the lead. This is dangerous and could further damage the port or the device.
  • Do not try to charge or use the device. This could worsen the damage or create a fire hazard.
  • Take the Chromebook to your school tech for disposal or repair.
  • Contact your Administrator of Schools if you are considering sending a message to parents.
  • Contact your Administrator of Schools for any questions related to disciplinary action.

 

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Published on

DATE:
May 8, 2025

TO:
Administrators of Locations with Employees Paid with Federal Dollars

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Dan Ellis, Director of Accounting
Natalie Grange, Accounting Administrator

SUBJECT:
Federal Program Work Certification

Federal Regulations require the district to certify the payroll of any employee being paid with federal funds. Accounting identifies employees that meet this federal criteria and prepares certification forms by location. Principals and department heads please review the attached instruction memo and look for your payroll certification email the week of May 8, 2025. Certifications are due Friday, May 30, 2025.

Please review your certification ASAP and contact Natalie Grange if you have any questions or concerns. natalie.grange@jordandistrict.org, ext. 88312

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Published on

DATE:  
May 7, 2025

TO:  
School Administrators

FROM:   
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Paul Bergera, Director of Transportation
Kitt Soumpholphakdy, Field/Activity Trips Coordinator

SUBJECT: 
Field/Activity Trips Planning for the 2025-26 School Year

The Department of Transportation’s Field/Activity Trips Office is preparing to launch a new software solution for managing field/activity trip requests, approvals and resource allocations.

Schools will continue to use BusHive for all field/activity trip requests for the duration of the 2024-25 school year until June 30, 2025. The new software solution will become activated beginning July 1, 2025.

Therefore, please refrain from scheduling any field/activity trips for the 2025-26 school year after July 1, 2025, until the new software solution has become activated. Requests received by the Field/Activity Trips Office will be denied.

More information will be forthcoming as we prepare to launch the new software solution for field/activity trips.

Contact Mike Westover at michael.westover@jordandistrict.org or ext. 88809 or Michele Yuill at michele.yuill@jordandistrict.org or ext. 88804 with any questions you may have.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

 

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Published on

TO:
School Administrators

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources

The College of Education offers summer professional development opportunities for paraprofessionals. Participants do not need to be a current University of Utah student to enroll. Participants will receive an email confirming registration once the process is completed. Enrollment is first come, first serve with limited availability for each course. It is strongly recommended that participants register as soon as possible to ensure a space in the workshop. Links and related information will be sent a week prior to the workshop.

See the flyer below for all the details.

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Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Chris Richards-Khong, Associate Administrator of Teaching and Learning

School-Based Associates Opportunity
The Jordan School District is excited to announce the School-Based Associates (SBA) program for the 25-26 school year. For many years, past CITES/ BYU Public School Partnership Associates participants have asked about bringing the powerful learning experiences within CITES/ BYU Public School Partnership Associates back to their colleagues in the classroom. JSD School-Based Associates will now make that desire a possibility!

The JSD School Based Associates mini grant awards will help schools nurture classroom teacher leaders as they facilitate cohort sessions for their school. The grant funds include a compensation stipend for teacher leaders. School cohorts explore ideas toward gaining a deeper understanding of education and the Partnership Commitments. Associates fosters collegial connections, exchange of viewpoints with one another, and builds lasting relationships.

The mini grant application process has been streamlined into a brief google form. Administrators or teachers can initiate this grant for a school. Use the School-Based Associates Application GUIDE to help you keep things simple. Call Chris Richards-Khong with questions 801-567-8158 or email at christen.richardskhong@jordandistrict.org.

JSD School-Based Associates Grant Interest Form

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Published on

DATE: 
Thursday, May 8, 2025

TO:  
Elementary School Principals

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

SUBJECT:  
Research Project

The Research Review Committee has reviewed a research project in which your school has been asked to participate.

Project Title: An Examination of Elementary Teacher Research Utilization and Grades 1-6 Reading Fluency in a Public-School District in Utah: A Nonexperimental Quantitative Study

Applicant: Melissa Allen, Baylor University

The project has been approved by the District Research Review Committee. The applicant has been directed to contact you to discuss the extent of the project and to solicit your participation in a survey. Participation in the study is at your discretion. If you have questions or concerns relating to participation, please contact Ben Jameson at 801-567-8243.

Teachers may receive an email invitation from the research team to participate in a voluntary survey.

Thank you for your assistance.

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