Skip to content

Author: bgroo

Published on

DATE:
March 19, 2026

TO:
All Principals

FROM:
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Melanie Dawson, Program Administrator of Behavior

SUBJECT:
ETT: Principal Nomination for Spring Cohort

Effective Teacher Training (ETT) is available for a Spring 2026 cohort! We are seeking principal nominations for a portion of this session’s enrollment. If there is a licensed teacher in your building who you would like to take ETT, please complete the Principal Nomination Form by Tuesday, March 24th.

Enrollment will open to all teachers in the district on Thursday, March 26th, so spread the word to additional teachers in your building who would benefit from the class. Registration information will come out in a memo next week.

This course is designed for: All general education and special education teachers
Also welcome: Specialists, interventionists, and mental health providers
(Not available to ESPs)

Topics include:
Antecedents, behavior basics, class-wide and individual interventions, increasing academic effectiveness, data-based decision making, students with unique needs, and personal wellness.

Format:
This 7-week course will be offered online in an asynchronous format. Learners will engage with content and activities via Canvas. *Although pacing is flexible, participants must successfully complete the first module within the first week or their spot will go to someone on the waitlist.

1 USBE credit and a stipend is available to licensed employees who successfully complete the course and meet proficiency on all modules. The ETT stipend is $500.

Note for instructional coaches: You can request to be an observer in the course instead of registering as a learner. Please email taryn.cox@jordandistrict.org if you are interested.

Published on

DATE: 
March 19, 2026

TO:
Department Administrators
Building Principals

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director, Student Services
Caleb Olson, Enrollment Consultant, Student Services

SUBJECT: 
Required Survey on Data Collection Practices for GDPA

In 2024, the Utah Legislature passed legislation (the Government Data Privacy Act, or GDPA) requiring improvements to the data use and retention practices of all government entities, including LEAs. There will be various requirements and process changes that require input and cooperation of departments and schools as existing practices are adjusted and new procedures implemented to meet the requirements of this law.

One such requirement is an inventory of practices regarding the sharing, selling, and purchasing of data, as well as documenting how data is collected from various patron groups (students, employees, and community members). This inventory will be created through department and school responses to a survey, linked below:

https://jordandistrict.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_25I65LX2Nbzi0gS

The survey asks for responses on data collection, sharing, selling, and purchasing in a variety of categories specified in Utah law. Department administrators and building principals do not need to directly complete the survey themselves but should be involved in the review of processes and procedures that will be required to answer the survey.

Department administrators (or designees) are asked to complete the survey by June 1, 2026. Building principals (or designees) are asked to complete the survey by July 1, 2026.

Questions or concerns should be communicated to Caleb Olson.

Department Administrators: A list of departments and “sub-units” in each department are provided on the next page. If “sub-units” are missing and will be completing the survey on their own, please provide the name of the organization to Caleb Olson ASAP. If desired, a department administrator may collect answers from all “sub-units” and provide one response to the survey. If one department response will be submitted, please communicate this to Caleb Olson.

District Departments and “Sub-Units”:

District Administration / Cabinet:
District Administration / Cabinet > Superintendent
District Administration / Cabinet > Business Administrator
District Administration / Cabinet > Associate Superintendent
District Administration / Cabinet > Administrators of Schools
District Administration / Cabinet > Nursing Services
Accounting, Budgets, and Audits:
Assessment, Research, and Accountability
Auxiliary Services:
Auxiliary Services > Custodial/Energy Services
Auxiliary Services > Facility Services
CTE
Communications
Compliance & Legal Services
Human Resources
Information Systems
Insurance Services
Jordan Family Ed Center
Language & Culture Services
Nutrition Services
Payroll
Purchasing
Special Education
Student Services:
Student Services > Counseling
Student Services > Guidance
Student Services > Health & Wellness
Student Services > Planning & Enrollment
Student Services > Student Support Services
Teaching & Learning
Teaching & Learning > Digital Learning
Teaching & Learning > Dual Immersion
Teaching & Learning > Gifted and Talented
Teaching & Learning > Instructional Coaching
Teaching & Learning > Instructional Support Services
Teaching & Learning > JCC
Teaching & Learning > Language Arts
Teaching & Learning > Math
Teaching & Learning > Performing & Fine Arts
Teaching & Learning > Science, Health, PE
Teaching & Learning > Social Studies & World Languages
Teaching & Learning > Special Assignments
Transportation

Published on

TO:
Administrators

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

A Qualtrics Coaching Survey will be sent by Ben Jameson to all teachers on Monday, March 23rd.

The Jordan School District is looking for ways to enhance, refine and improve our instructional coaching initiative and we need teacher feedback. Please encourage your teachers to complete the coaching survey and answer the questions based on their experience working with school instructional and/or digital coaches. The survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete, depending on the time it takes for teachers to add their comments.

Survey answers are confidential unless teachers identify themselves in the free response questions. Results by school level will be shared at the last Instructional Coaching Institute with Principals. The survey will remain open until April 5th.

Published on

DATE:
March 19, 2026

TO:
All Principals
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Jordan District Nurses

SUBJECT:
CPR/First Aid/AED Certification

As a reminder, Jordan School District requires that at least 3 full-time employees in each building be certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED. This spring is a great opportunity to ensure your school is in compliance and is ready for the start of the next school year.

Most certifications are valid for 2 years. It is recommended that employees who have direct responsibility for student health and safety be CPR/First Aid/AED certified. This may include front office staff, playground aides, hall monitors, P.E. teachers, etc. It is also recommended that you keep a list of current CPR/First Aid/AED certified staff members by all main phone lines where calls for emergency help may originate. A template will be shared with you.

CPR, First Aid, and AED training and certification is available to district employees in an online format through the National Safety Council (NSC). The attached document will outline the steps necessary to complete the online portion of the course. Information can also be accessed by going here: CPR & First Aid. The cost of the course is $29.95 and should be paid by the employee at the time of registration. Schools may provide reimbursement for the course, if funds are available, by following appropriate pre-approval and reimbursement procedures.

Once the online course is completed, employees may sign up to complete their certification by attending a 2-hour skills check session with our district nurses. To sign up for a skill check, you will need to register at Jordan Digital Learning under the CPR Alert Course. All skill checks must be completed within 90 days of sign-up for the online course. The remaining skills check sessions for the year are on Friday, April 10, 2026, and on Friday, May 8, 2026.

 

Published on

TO:
Administrators

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

The USBE Digital Teaching and Learning (DTL) Grant provides opportunities and tools for teachers in Jordan School District to address and close student achievement gaps through the use of high quality instruction that integrates technology. This survey will help us determine technology training and hardware/software needs for the 2026-2027 school year. Use the links below to complete the end of year DTL Survey from USBE. Survey is due April 8, 2026.

Admin Link for Survey

Teacher Link for Survey 

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
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
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources

This is a mandatory 2-day in-person training for all administrators.

DATES: The trainings will run June 10 & 11 or June 17 & 18, 2026
LOCATION: JATC-S Building
TIME: 8:00-3:30 pm each day

Lunch will be on your own.

Click HERE to sign up for a 2-day training session.

Please contact Shannel Hooper at 801-567-8204 with any questions.

Published on

DATE: 
March 16, 2026

TO:  
Elementary School Administrators
Middle School Administrators
High School Administrators

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Stacee Worthen, School Counselor Consultant

SUBJECT:   
April School Counselor Training and Professional Development

April School Counselor training and professional development opportunities. Please direct any questions to Stacee Worthen, School Counselor Consultant, at 801-567-8309.

Thursday, Apr. 9, CSCP BRISC Training - Consult Call, Zoom
All New Counselors and Interns
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Friday, Apr. 10, CSCP APR SEC PLC, JATC-South, Auditorium
Secondary School Counselors
7:30 am - 9:00 am

Friday, Apr. 10, CSCP APR ELEM PLC, JATC-South, Auditorium
Elementary School Counselors
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Tuesday, Apr. 14, Riverton Feeder Meeting
Riverton Feeder Counselors K-12
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Wednesday, Apr. 15, CSCP Q4 In-Service Training, JATC-South, Auditorium
All School Counselors attend Session 1 or 2
Session 1 -- 8:00 am - 10:00 am; Session 2 – 10:15 am – 12:15 pm

Thursday, Apr. 23, Herriman Feeder Meeting, Herriman HS
Herriman Feeder Counselors K-12
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Friday, Apr. 24, CSCP APR Small Group ELEM PLC, Various Schools
Elementary School Counselors
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Wednesday, Apr. 29, CSCP Counselor Collaborative Committee, District Office, Room 129
Only School Counselors appointed to this committee
8:00 am - 11:30 am

Published on

DATE: 
March 16, 2026

TO:   
Principals
Assistant Principals
School Resource Officers (SRO’s)

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

SUBJECT:
District Inter-City SRO & Administrator Training

A District Inter-City School Resource Officer training will be held as shown below and is strongly encouraged for each SRO and at least one (1) administrator from each building to attend if possible. This is a great opportunity for the cities to collaborate and discuss students and/or issues of concern that cross city and school boundaries.

The invitation includes elementary administrators as well. Many of the students we discuss have younger siblings who are often impacted by the same issues and subject to the trends we see.

Date: March 20, 2026
Time: 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Location: Jordan Learning Center

Please contact District School Safety Coordinator, Matt Alvernaz at matt.alvernaz@jordandistrict.org or by phone at (801) 567-8623 if you have any questions.

Published on

DATE:
March 16th, 2026

TO:  
Principals
Assistant Principals
School Safety Specialists

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

SUBJECT:
April SRP Drill – Great Utah ShakeOut Earthquake Drill

Due to the timing of Spring Break, we will not be holding our monthly ZOOM meeting April 1, 2026.

On Thursday, April 16th 2026, at 10:15 A.M. a million Utahns will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in the annual Great Utah ShakeOut Earthquake Drill.

All schools are encouraged to participate in this drill during the designated time, or to conduct an earthquake drill sometime in the month of April.  This is an opportunity to incorporate emergency preparedness in classroom lessons and to include proper ways to protect oneself during an earthquake. There have not been any changes or updates to our earthquake procedures from the previous year.

The Jordan School District has registered as a whole to participate in the Great Utah ShakeOut.  You can find more information at: www.ShakeOut.org/Utah.

Please review the Jordan School District Safety Manual - Earthquake Action Plan and Standard Operating Guidelines on pages 28-31 for planning, drilling and responding to an earthquake.

For additional information or guidance please contact the District School Safety Coordinator, Matt Alvernaz at matt.alvernaz@jordandistrict.org or by phone at 801-567-8623.

Published on

DATE:    
March 12, 2026

TO:    
Elementary School Administrators

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

SUBJECT: 
Invitation to Utah Prevention Days 2026 -Register ASAP

Fifth and sixth-grade classes are invited to participate in the annual Utah Prevention Days event at The Ballpark at America First Square, a celebration of resilience and commitment to healthy lifestyles. This event features competitive high school baseball games while highlighting essential prevention themes like anti-bullying, health and wellness, and abstaining from drugs/alcohol.

Event Details
The event will be held on two separate dates, and eligible classes can attend one:
Dates:   Tuesday, May 5, 2026 or Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time:    Gates open at 9:30 AM; games begin at 11:00 AM
Teams: The high school teams that will be playing have not yet been announced

Eligibility: This event is open to 5th or 6th grade classes that have completed 5 prevention-based lessons (SEW) prior to May 5, 2026.

Registration Information
To ensure your school can attend, please register as soon as possible. Please sign up using this link to provide information for each attending school and select your preferred game date.

Interested Jordan schools may register until March 31, 2026.

Additional Logistics

  • Transportation is not included, schools would need to arrange their own transportation..
  • Admission: Free entrance for all students, teachers, and chaperones. Please include all students, teachers, chaperones, and bus drivers in your final count.
  • Dining: Attendees may bring their own lunches or purchase food at the concession stands. A special $7 meal deal (hot dog, soda, and chips) will be available.
  • Ticket Voucher: Each attending student will receive a voucher valid for one free ticket to a 2026 Salt Lake Bees game (restrictions may apply).

Following the registration deadline, the Salt Lake Bees will send further details regarding bus drop-off routes, parking, and other logistics to the registered contact person.

 

Published on

TO:
HS Administrators

FROM:
Junior Achievement of Utah

The JA of Utah team was introduced to an exciting opportunity for some
of our educators to partner with Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), a
national nonprofit. Their mission closely aligns with ours, preparing
young people with the skills, experiences, and confidence they need to
thrive in the workforce and in life.

JAG will host its National Conference April 30 to May 2, 2026, at the
Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. The event will bring together
nearly 1,500 students from across the country who are overcoming
significant barriers to graduation and long-term career success.

They would also like to include high school students in your district
for a high-impact, "living classroom" experience at the JAG National
Career Development Conference (NCDC) on Friday, May 1.

By joining nearly 800 student leaders from across the country, your
students will:

Master Real-World Budgeting: Participate in "Reality U" financial
simulations hosted by Regions Bank.
Explore Career Pathways: Connect with over 30 local and national
employers in a hands-on, high-energy Expo Hall.
Certify Their Skills: Earn tangible credentials through specialized
Leadership Development workshops.

See the Impact in Action:

Experience NCDC: A preview of the energy coming to Salt Lake City this spring.
What is JAG?: A brief overview of how we empower the next generation
of the workforce.

Our Goal: We are seeking students who are ready to bring their
learning to life and solidify their future career goals. Please share
the attached flyer with the principals and teachers in your district
who advocate for student leadership.

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!

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.

Published on

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.

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.

Published on

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.

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

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.

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.

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.