Skip to content

Published on

DATE: 
October 8, 2026

TO:  
Principals       
All Special Educators and Related Service Providers

FROM: 
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Brain King, Director of Special Education

SUBJECT: 
Important Deadline--Please Read Immediately
SCRAM Data Due by the end of day Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Updating SCRAM for December 1 Funding Count

For the 2026-27 school year our procedure will be to Submit IEP (SCRAM) electronically through Embrace ONLY.

 Please be sure to Submit IEP (SCRAM) immediately after holding an IEP meeting or Amendments.

NEW PROCESS FOR CHANGES/CORRECTIONS:
Mark/Add changes and/or corrections ON the SCRAM report, sign it, and return to Jen Warkentine at the District Office. Do not Submit IEP (SCRAM) through Embrace for corrections, unless it’s for a NEW student or an Initial Eval.
Jen will verify the changes on the report and contact you if further action needs to be taken.
*Preschool/CDC, please refer to Merrie Allen for procedures.*
If you have any questions. Please contact the Teacher Specialist assigned to your school or Jen Warkentine, jen.warkentine@jordandistrict.org.

 Reminders:

  • Please take note of the date that the report was printed (top right corner) and be aware that if IEP (SCRAM) documents were submitted after the print date, they will not appear on the report, but submitting multiple events is not necessary and slows the entry process.
  • You must click Submit IEP button, to notify Jen Warkentine that there has been a change to the student's service and placement page, or the enrollment tracking.

This report reflects students served during the current school year. Carefully review the following:

Check mark (√ ) in front of the student’s name
Put a check mark in front of each student’s name, if ALL information is correct (the student is currently enrolled and scrammed at your school and receives the same special education/related services and minutes listed on the report). The SCRAM document must match the student’s active IEP.

  • If a student being served in special education is not on the SCRAM report, please Submit an IEP (SCRAM) document with the entry date reflecting the date services began for this school year by the end of day Wednesday, November 04, 2026. If they are not on this printout, they are not on record as receiving services at your school.
  • Cross out any students who are no longer receiving services at your school. Fill out the Enrollment tracking, and Submit an IEP (SCRAM) document. An IEP (SCRAM) can be submitted multiple times, so please be sure to click Submit IEP, to notify Jen Warkentine that there is a change to the enrollment. If an exit date is already listed in the SCRAM exit column on the report, nothing else needs to be done. Students who are released from services and are still active at your school will continue to appear on the report until the end of the year with the date they were exited from services.
  • If you are not aware of a student that is listed on the printout (and the student has not been exited from services), you should follow-up with that student who is now in your building. Sometimes teams are not aware of students who have entered their school and should be receiving services. Please Submit an IEP (SCRAM), which either identifies the services the student will receive or which exits the student from services (procedures must be followed for terminating a student from services).
  • If the IEP team has changed a student’s services, the changes must be documented on the Service and Placement page and a new IEP (SCRAM) document must be submitted by clicking Submit IEP. Remember that parents must be involved in any decision to amend IEP services and must receive a copy of the revised IEP.
  • Students classified as Developmentally Delayed (DD) must be re-classified prior to their 9th birthday (regardless of the 3-year re-evaluation due date). Students who maintain a DD classification after their 9th birthday cannot be submitted for funding and will not be counted towards your schools’ numbers for staffing purposes.

Every section of the Service and Placement page must be filled out completely, and IEP (SCRAM) document submitted, or the student’s record cannot be submitted to the State for funding (this includes the student number, school name, eligibility, all services and amount of time per week, start/end dates, environment and regular percent codes, health services, etc.). If information is missing, the record will not be sent to the State for funding counts.

Please make sure to correctly fill out the Assessment Addendum form, with current year and next year participation of the Alternate Assessment by marking PAA in the appropriate boxes, if the student will be taking the DLM/alternative testing as per their IEP. Additionally, students classified as EBD, SLI or SLD should not be marked as DLM/alternative testing, as the state does not consider them to have significant cognitive disability. If they do qualify, they will need to be re-classified.

We recognize that the timeline for submitting this required information is short, but all data must be entered into Skyward by December 1 to make the submission deadline for the Utah State Office of Education.

 If you have questions contact the Teacher Specialist assigned to your school or Jen Warkentine at (801)567-8207. Thank you for your conscientious efforts to complete this critical information. The deadline for returning SCRAM reports and all corrected information and/or new SCRAM information is listed below:

Friday, November 4, 2026

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning

JSD Content Proficiency Scales

Following Jan Hoegh’s presentation to school-level administrators at the Principals Meeting on October 6, we would like to reshare our JSD Content Proficiency Scales.

Together, district teacher teams and Teaching & Learning have developed power standards and corresponding proficiency scales for Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, Health, and Music. These scales serve as exemplars and anchors for grade-level expectations, ensuring Level 3 indicators align precisely with the depth and rigor of the Utah Core Standards.

To access the standards, scales, and integration resources for planning, instruction, assessment, and feedback, enroll in the new JSD Content Proficiency Scales Canvas course.

⚠️ Important Note on Math Standards: The State Board of Education (USBE) is currently reviewing math standards and is expected to release updates soon. Consequently, the development of math power standards and proficiency scales is paused until those official updates are released.

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
JSD Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Curtis Jenson, Assistant Director of Teaching & Learning

We had the chance in this week’s Principal meeting to spend the day with Jan Hoegh talking about how our work over the past year with Proficiency Scales translates into next steps with assessment and reporting. While we do that work, we have the unique chance to participate in a book study with Jan this spring using her book Planning & Teaching in the Standards-Based Classroom.

 The book study will happen during three 75-minute virtual sessions with Jan Hoegh. While dates are still being finalized, they will occur in February, March and April of 2027. We will provide all participants with a copy of the book to use throughout the book study and beyond. All JSD administrators are invited to participate in this optional book study.

Interested? Let us know here and we’ll get you a copy of the book.

We’ll keep you posted on exact dates and times for the book study. We just want it to be on your radar while it’s fresh. It’s unusual to get the chance to talk in this setting with the leading expert in the field while we’re actually doing the things she’s writing about. If you’re interested, let us know and we’ll get the book for you. If the final dates for the book study don’t work for you, at least you have access to the source material.

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Jane Olsen, Administrator of Talent Acquisition

Current JSD Administrators serving as directors, consultants, or assistant principals are eligible for principal assignment consideration at any time. Each November, the Superintendent's Cabinet also conducts an optional interest interview for current JSD Administrators, who may participate every four years.

Eligibility:

  • Must be a current director, consultant, or assistant principal.
  • Have not been interviewed for a Principal position in the last four years.
  • Interested and eligible current JSD Administrators should complete the application in Frontline.

Additional Information:

  • The application window is from August 15th through November 1st, 2026, at 11:59 P.M.
  • Selecting a preference for a principal assignment in an elementary, middle, high, special education, or District Office area is required.
  • Interviews will be held on November 11, 2026, in the District Office Executive Conference Room.
Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
McKinley Withers, Administrator of Employee Experience and Wellness

Administrators,

You’re invited to a special 30-minute mindfulness session created FOR YOU, the hard-working leaders of our schools and district. The Employee Experience & Wellness Team is offering a quick virtual mindfulness reset for Administrators once per month throughout the school year, come once or come every month. Each session will be led by Anna Smyth and will occur live, virtually, from 12:30-1:00 on the dates listed below.

We acknowledge that there isn’t an easy time for administrators to attend to their own wellness, but we hope that you can carve out 30-minutes one time per month to center on your needs. If multiple administrators would like to attend from a school site, we suggest rotating supervision obligations to accommodate attendance on different months. We hope to see you sometime this year!

Use this link to add October’s session to your Google Calendar.

Come as you are! No experience necessary. Zoom information and future dates are pasted below: 

Mindful Leadership: A Monthly Reset

Give yourself 30 minutes to pause, recharge, and reconnect with how you want to lead. These monthly drop-in Zoom sessions offer school and district administrators a space to rest, reset, and gather practical tools for navigating challenges with greater clarity, steadiness, and compassion.

 Anna Smyth is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Mindful Leadership: A Monthly Reset
Time: Oct 14, 2026 12:30 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

 Join Zoom Meeting
https://slcc-edu.zoom.us/j/89897030325?pwd=DLw8BU3IIb9BUpJlqO1aeiB4adtABt.1

 Meeting ID: 898 9703 0325
Passcode: 990803

October 14, 2026 @ 12:30-1:00 February 17, 2027
November 11, 2026 March 17, 2027
December 9, 2026 April 21, 2027
January 13, 2027 May 19, 2027

 

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Brittany Bauer, Administrator of Data & Operations

Administrators who are resigning or retiring effective at the end of the current contract or calendar year may be eligible for a tiered early-notification incentive. To qualify, administrators must submit their official resignation or retirement notification online on or before the applicable deadline listed below.

The incentive amount will be based on the date the official online notification is received.

Mid-Year Resignation (December) Notification:

  • August 15, 2026 $1,000.00
  • September 15, 2026 $600.00
  • October 15, 2026 $200.00

End of Contract Year Resignation (June) Notification:

  • December 1, 2026 $1,000.00
  • January 15, 2026 $600.00
  • February 15, 2026 $200.00

The incentive will be paid on the last regular paycheck. Notifications of resignation or retirement received after the dates listed above will not qualify for an incentive. The official District resignation/retirement notification form is found in Qmlativ under “Employee Access”. Please see District policy DP318 or DP319 for more detailed information regarding resignations and/or retirements. If you do not know your Qmlativ username or password, please contact the Help Desk at 801-567-8737.


Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of HR
Rebecca Eastman, HR Generalist

If you are a contracted employee and need to take Annual/Personal Leave before or after Thanksgiving on a “Critical Day” 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.

*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
Licensed Annual/Personal Leave Taken on a Critical Day 26-27

ESP
ESP Annual/Personal Leave Taken on a Critical Day 26-27

Forward this Memo

Published on

DATE: 
October 8, 2026

TO:
Principals and Assistant Principals

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Buddy Alger, Director of Student Services
Matt Alvernaz, School Safety Coordinator

SUBJECT:  
Wearable Emergency Alert Devices

2026 Utah H.B. 84 requires silent wearable alert devices in schools. The District has elected to work with Centegix for the new wearable emergency alert devices. We want to make you aware that as part of the grant process, individual school administrators were listed as points of contact per the form requirements. However, this grant and rollout will be handled at the district level through Student Services, Facilities, and Information Systems. More information regarding the rollout, training, and implementation of the devices will be coming in the future. No action on the part of the schools is required at this time.

If you are contacted by Centegix or USBE directly, please refer them to Matt Alvernaz, School Safety Coordinator, or Buddy Alger, Director of Student Services.

For questions or concerns, contact the School Safety Coordinator, Matt Alvernaz, at matt.alvernaz@jordandistrict.org or by phone at (801) 567-8623.

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amy Lloyd, K-12 Math Consultant, Teaching & Learning

Principals,

New teachers will attend Day 2 of our Open Up Math training, scheduled for October 26th (grades 4–6) and October 28th (grades K–3), both in the ASB Presentation Room.

Day 2 will deepen teachers' understanding of the structure of an Open Up Math lesson (L.E.D.S.).

Teachers will:

• Participate in a model lesson from the student perspective
• Analyze video clips from model lessons to better understand lesson structure
• Use backward design to plan a lesson

This information will also be shared in a JEM and emailed directly to teachers.

Schedule:

Grades 4–6 Register here
Monday, October 26th
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
ASB Presentation Room

Grades K–3: Register here
Wednesday, October 28th
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
ASB Presentation Room

We look forward to continuing to build a strong mathematics community!

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
Administrators
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Lisa LeStarge, Administrative Assistant

Final Reminder:
The Business and Auxiliary Services Department Training will be held October 15, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Auxiliary Services Building Presentation Room. This training opportunity is for new administrators and interns; and new school or department personnel who would like a complete overview of the Business or Auxiliary Services Departments. The draft agenda is attached.

If you would like to participate in this session, please send an email to Lisa LeStarge, at lisa.lestarge@jordandistrict.org.

Forward this Memo

Published on

DATE:
October 8, 2026

TO: 
All Elementary Administration

FROM:
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
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: Making Sense of Standardized Proficiency Scales: A Case Study

Applicant: Carolyn Gough, University of Utah

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.  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.

Thank you for your assistance.

 

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
School Principals

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

The Trust Lands Funds Contest is back! Every fall, the Trust Lands Administration gives one lucky school an extra $2,500 for their School Community Council or Charter Council to use toward academic needs. The contest kicks off on October 1st!

Read the instructions on how to enter on social media (@utahtrustlands) or by visiting the Trust Lands Administration website.

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
McKinley Withers, HR Administrator

Employee Wellness is coming to you!

Throughout the 2026-27 school year, the Employee Wellness Team will be doing site visits in partnership with the Employee Benefits Team.

All you need to do is pick a day that works for your school/worksite! We will set up in a faculty room or shared space for employees to bring treats, information, and handouts, along with an open-ended invitation for employees to share their experience and suggestions for our growing wellness program.

To schedule your worksite visit, use this appointment scheduler link. The default site visit time is during your school/worksite’s lunches (10:30-1:30). If you’d like to arrange a different time (before or after school) or have questions about expectations, contact McKinley Withers (cell: 801-448-1404, mckinley.withers@jordandistrict.org). We look forward to seeing you at your worksite!

In addition to these scheduled Site Visits, our team would love to conduct a brief professional development for your staff. Contact McKinley to schedule professional development for ANY employee group.

Forward this Memo

Published on

First Look targets Middle School/Jr. High and High school students, and educators, offering them a unique sneak peek into Ballet West's ongoing productions. Prior to the public opening, students attend pre-performance offerings, gaining insights into ballet's inner workings. 

https://www.balletwest.org/community/education/first-look

The program aims to familiarize students with ballet's evolution by showcasing complete ballets and repertory programs. Ballet West grants students an exclusive view of a performance's final dress rehearsal. A member of the Ballet West education staff lead pre-presentation discussions and intermission chats which enable students to recognize audience attributes, evaluate authenticity, substance and excellence, and engage in aesthetic activities.

Digital study guides align with the content of shorter school-hour performances, enriching students' experience. Overall, First Look enhances students' understanding of ballet, fostering aesthetic appreciation and personal growth through intimate exposure to the art form's intricacies.

 We have the ability to accept groups as small as one or two students, teachers attending on their own, or large groups attending together. Parent chaperones are welcome as well. We’re very flexible. This must be arranged through the teacher of any particular group. Please share this opportunity with other faculty members who may be interested in taking advantage of this unique event for their students and themselves. You may request attendance at multiple offerings as well.

 All Performances are at the Jesse Quinney Eccles Capitol Theater, 50 West 200 South, SLC, Utah

Reserve early – seating is limited. To reserve seats or for questions, please contact us at 801-869-6911 or at  pchristie@balletwest.org

 Groups of 40 or more may request a student/teacher workshop to supplement their attendance at a Ballet West First Look presentation. Availability is limited.

We would love to hear from you with any questions or comments regarding our programs, or for information, you can reach us at pchristie@balletwest.org or by calling us at 801-869-6911.

PDF available here: 2026-2027 First Look: printable pdf

Forward this Memo

Published on

DATE:
October 1, 2026

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals
School Safety Specialists

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Buddy Alger, Director of Student Services
Matt Alvernaz, School Safety Coordinator

SUBJECT:
Monthly Drill Preparation (LOCKDOWN)

Our monthly drill preparation meeting will be held on October 7th at 2:40 PM, 3:10 PM, and again at 3:40 PM. Each session will last about 20 minutes. This month we will be covering LOCKDOWN.  Each School Safety Specialist is expected to attend along with administrators assigned to oversee school safety.  All other administrators are welcomed to attend as well. The meeting is also open to any staff who may be interested.

After each monthly training, all school staff should be trained by the administrator over school safety and the School Safety Specialist. After being trained each month, teachers should educate their students on each safety drill. Additionally, schools should communicate with their patrons regarding Standard Response Protocol(s) (SRP) and the drill being conducted each month. Videos, handouts, and other resources can be found at the link(s) below.

Information regarding the LOCKDOWN response protocol can be found in the Jordan School District Safety Manual on pages 12-14.  We will discuss how to implement and execute the drill.  This will be an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas amongst the schools.

We will be holding this meeting over ZOOM so please join using this link.

 

Forward this Memo

Published on

DATE:
October 1, 2026

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Buddy Alger, Director of Student Services
Jodee Packer, CARE Team Specialist

We are excited to share with you a new data tracking program for wellness rooms across the district: The Wellness Room Assessment Program (WRAP) is free for all schools and available immediately to your Wellness Room Coordinators by completing the attached Google Form. The student data will be shared in a separate email to you and your other mental health team members once your form is created and shared with your Wellness Room Coordinators.  

Tracking this data is essential to improving your student support systems. By utilizing WRAP, you will be able to:

  • Serve as a prevention indicator to better and earlier identify students who may be struggling before issues escalate.
  • Pinpoint student needs and tailor tier 2 & 3 individualized interventions.
  • Identify Patterns & Trends as a school to better allocate staff and resources.
  • Ensure wellness spaces are being utilized effectively for their intended purposes and avoid any misuse. 

Please complete the Google Form and get access to your school’s WRAP portal. 

Thank you for your leadership and dedication to supporting our students' well-being. Please reach out to Jodee Packer, one of our CARE Specialists, if you have any questions regarding access or setup. She can be reached at jodee.packer@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8193

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals
Elementary Administrative Assistants
Secondary Attendance Secretaries
Secondary Registrars

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Buddy Alger, Director, Student Services
Scott Festin, Student Services Administrator of Planning

Student Services will be hosting training opportunities for staff to prepare for the 2027-28 permit season on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The Open Enrollment window opens on Sunday, November 15, 2026 this year. This training will be geared towards Administrators overseeing permits in their building and office staff that process applications. It is especially appropriate for administrators and staff that are new to permits. Sessions will not be targeted at any specific audience, so individuals are welcome to attend either session.

Both sessions will be held at the District Office, Room 129. Due to updated security protocols at the District Office, please remember to bring your ID badge.

Please register for all sessions using this link: 2027-28 Permit Training Signup

Date Time Location
Wednesday, October 28 9:00-11:00 AM District Office, Room 129
Wednesday, October 28 1:00-3:00 PM District Office, Room 129

Permit questions should be addressed to Scott Festin, Student Services Administrator of Planning, scott.festin@jordandistrict.org, x88370

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
Elementary Principals
Elementary Instructional Coaches

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Jessica Stowe, Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning
Mandy Thurman, Consultant of Teaching and Learning

To support high-quality literacy instruction across our schools, the Teaching and Learning Department is pleased to provide an UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Initiative) Foundations Training specially designed for our Instructional Coaches.

This essential training provides a valuable opportunity to equip coaches with targeted strategies, deepen implementation practices, and support our collective goal of ensuring strong literacy outcomes for all students.

Instructional coaches are required to attend both Part 1 and Part 2 of this professional development series. Two scheduling options are available for each part to accommodate school needs. Use this sign-up sheet to indicate the sessions you will attend:

UFLI Elementary Coach Training
Intern Facilitators are invited to attend as well.

UFLI Coach Training Part 1
Option 1: Oct. 27, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. | PDC 103
Option 2: Nov. 3, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | ASB Presentation Room

UFLI Coach Training Part 2
Option 1: Nov. 10, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | PDC 102
Option 2: Nov. 16, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. | PDC 102

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
All Employees

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Sandy Reisgraf, Director of Communications
Mike Heaps, Director of Information Systems
Steffany Ellsworth, Manager in Information Systems.

SUBJECT:
Notice of Upcoming Emergency Notification Drill – 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16

Do you want to know if schools, District offices, and departments are closed due to a snow day this winter? Are you properly set up to receive emergency alerts in ParentSquare so you know when it happens?

Having up-to-date contact information is critical if you want to receive important messages. If your contact information is incorrect in Qmlativ Employee Access, you won’t receive essential alerts from both your school and Jordan District in the event of an emergency, severe weather event, or unexpected school or districtwide closure. 

Jordan School District will be conducting an emergency notification drill on Friday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. The purpose of this drill is to test our mass notification capabilities and ensure that all employees are properly set up to receive timely, accurate information during an unexpected emergency or school closure, like a snow day. The test will be conducted simultaneously through phone calls and SMS text messages. 

As referenced in JEM dated Aug. 18, 2026, all employees were asked to log into Qmlativ Employee Access to review and update their contact information. Our emergency alert system relies entirely on the contact information provided by you. If your details are outdated or inaccurate, the system will be unable to reach you. 

  • What to expect during the drill? 
    • What: Automated phone call and text messages, clearly identifying the communication as a DRILL/TEST.
    • When: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 at 11 a.m.
    • Who: All employees 
  • What to do after the drill? 
    • Check with your co-workers to confirm if they received the test call and text message. 
    • If you did not receive the notification, log into Qmlativ Employee Access and follow the instructions in the JEM previously sent in August. 
    • Reach out to the Information Systems help desk if you have any trouble updating your phone contact information at 801-567-8737 or extension 88737. 
Forward this Memo