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Author: communications

Published on

DATE:  
January 13, 2019

TO: 
Elementary Principals
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Administrator of Schools
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Planning & Student Services

SUBJECT: 
Guidelines to Establish Kindergarten Enrollment

It is the responsibility of each school principal to obtain a kindergarten roster for the upcoming school year.  This roster helps facilitate kindergarten staffing and establish budgets for supplies and materials. Typically efforts to establish kindergarten rosters begin in December.

The following steps should be used to establish a kindergarten roster:

  1. Send a flyer home with every student.
  2. Publicize in the school newsletter – communicate (several times) the importance of getting accurate kindergarten counts.
  3. Use all other resources available to you. (Skylert, etc.)
  4. NOTE: New Student Online Enrollment (NSOE) for the 2019-20 school year enrollment will not be available until after January 1, 2019 pre-enroll. If applications were entered prior to pre-enrollment, they need to be inactive for the current year and active for next year. This can be done during the approval process in NSOE.
  5. Schedule kindergarten orientation as soon as possible. After the January pre-enroll, check your New Student Online Enrollment to see if there are any pending applications that need follow up.
  6. Hang banners announcing Kindergarten Registration being accepted for the following school year.

Please schedule your kindergarten orientation BEFORE APRIL 5, 2019. 

Optional:

  1. Make a block contact with every home using PTA support.
  2. Contact pre-schools in the attendance area of your school.
  3. Use a telephone tree operated by parent volunteers with a list of questions for consistency.
  4. Contact neighbors who can identify new move-ins.
  5. Contact community members who do not have children enrolled in school.
  6. Avoid forwarding kindergarten orientation letters to new addresses if a family has moved from your boundary area. Delete that name from your list.

Please be diligent in recruiting all the kindergarten students within your school boundary.

Published on

DATE:   
Thursday, February 14, 2019

TO:  
All Principals

FROM: 
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Associate Superintendent
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability

SUBJECT:  
2019 UEPC School Climate Survey Response Rate Links

Principals are encouraged to use the following links to monitor the response rates for the student, parent and faculty/staff UEPC School Climate Surveys.

As a reminder, all students second grade and up should have time scheduled during the school day to take the school climate survey. Depending on your technology configuration, some schools may need to schedule computer labs to help facilitate the student survey administration.

Principals should provide time during a faculty meeting as necessary for faculty and staff members to take the survey as well.

Finally, principals should notify parents of the option to take the survey via Skylerts, parent newsletters, social media, or by any other communication means available. Parents will likely need several reminders. In addition, it is recommended that schools provide computers and/or a survey link for parents to take the survey while attending spring parent conferences.

Response Rate Links:

Faculty/Staff Responses:
https://uepc.co1.qualtrics.com/results/public/dWVwYy1VUl85TnN2ZTc5NE1MNUJZUUEtNWMwYWQ5MDIyNmNjZGIwMDEzNzU0MTY3 - /pages/Page_7ed374a9-bc68-4d7d-b2e2-306bbc1b8a33

Parent Responses:
https://uepc.co1.qualtrics.com/results/public/dWVwYy1VUl85TnN2ZTc5NE1MNUJZUUEtNWM2MmViMjc0ZjBkNWIwMDEzODliYmUz - /pages/Page_932e5fd6-d0b3-4b85-99ba-52154455f84d

Student Responses:
https://uepc.co1.qualtrics.com/results/public/dWVwYy1VUl85TnN2ZTc5NE1MNUJZUUEtNWM2MmVlMTZjMzdmNDQwMDBkZDc3ZDAy - /pages/Page_7205b01b-4d07-4bb9-8f89-4a3d6d6f3108

Published on

Instructional Leadership "Teaching Begins with the Learner" Conference - March 21 and 22, 2019

The Conference will be held March 21 & 22 at Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo. Teaching & Learning will cover the registration cost of one administrator per school. If you would like to send a team, Teaching & Learning will cover the registration cost of two participants. Sign up HERE before March 8. Please contact Amanda Hansen for questions.

The 2019 Instructional Leadership Conference has an incredible line up of speakers, including: Michael Fullan, Anders Ericsson, Chad Lewis, Paul Bloomberg, Tim Brown, Kim Geddie, Tom Guskey, Tom Hierck, Robyn Jackson, Tim Kanold, Jonathan Saphier, Ellie Drago-Severson, Tricia Skyles, Ben Springer, and Rick Wormeli. Look for flyers in District mail or visit the website for more information.

Published on

Save the Date

This USBE conference is an activity that was developed through a collaborative effort of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) team, the Principal Support Team (PST) and the Principal Partnership Network.

Keynote: Todd Theobald

Utah Valley Convention Center

Published on

DATE:  
January 13, 2019

TO: 
Principals
Administrative Assistants
Registrars

FROM: 
Administrator of Schools
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Planning & Student Services

SUBJECT: 
New Student Grade Level Placement

When a student enrolls in Jordan School District they should be placed according to their age (see the Age Chart found on page 19 of the Planning and Student Services Manual). This would include students that enroll from another state or country. Exceptions include:

  • A military child who does not meet the deadline but has previously attended kindergarten or a higher grade as a resident in another state. (53G-4-402 and 53E-3-902)
  • A student who was accelerated or retained in a previous school or district within the state of Utah. Jordan District will honor the acceleration or retention and continue to place the student in the next consecutive grade.
  • A student who was home schooled should be placed based on the parents request. Examples include, but are not limited to:
    • The student attended a public school in the 7th grade but was in home school for the 8th The parent(s) or guardian(s) requests placement in the 8th grade. The school would place the student according to the request.
    • The student attended public school in the 7th grade but was in home school for the 8th The parent(s) or guardian(s) states that the student completed both the 8th and 9th grade during the past school year, and requests placement in the 10th grade. The school would place the student according to the request.
  • A student who has never been in an educational setting should be placed according to their age.
  • A student may be enrolled in the first grade even though the child did not meet the entry date for kindergarten the previous year, provided a full year of kindergarten was successfully completed in another state or private school (not daycare or preschool). The parent(s) or guardian(s) shall provide convincing evidence that the child has the academic, social and emotional skills necessary to succeed in first grade AND provide a statement from the previous school that verifies the student’s successful completion of the kindergarten curriculum.

Jordan School District does NOT enroll:

  • Any student who has previously received a diploma.
  • Any student who is not five (5) years of age before September 2nd of the year they will be entering school (R277-419-2).

If the parent(s) or guardian(s) disagree with the student’s placement they may request acceleration or retention testing. Acceleration and/or retention testing is conducted to determine academic ability (see Grade Accelerations and/or Retentions on page 17 of the Planning and Student Services Manual).

Please contact Planning and Student Services (801.567.8183) with any questions you may have.

Published on

DATE: 
February 1, 2019

TO: 
High School Principals

FROM:  
Anthony Godfrey, Associate Superintendent
C. Brad Sorensen, Administrator of Schools

SUBJECT: 
Lacrosse Preparation for 2019-20 School Year

The UHSAA has sanctioned lacrosse to begin in the spring of 2020 and all Jordan School District traditional high schools may participate. The UHSAA Committee has finalized the following:

  • There may be a Varsity and Junior Varsity team
  • 16 regular-season games
  • 2-for-1 tournament exception for tournaments that feature regulation-length games or 6-for-2 for two-day tournaments that feature shortened length game
  • Nov 24 - Jan 1: Boys and Girls Lacrosse Moratorium - no practices, competitions, meetings or travel
  • Feb 10 - Feb 24: Lacrosse Two-Weeks Prior Restrictions
  • Feb 24: Boys & Girls Lacrosse Begin Practice/Team Selection
  • Mar 2: Boys and Girls Lacrosse First Contest Allowed
  • May 9: Boys and Girls Lacrosse State Tournament First Round
  • May 13: Boys and Girls Lacrosse State Tournament Second Round
  • May 15: Boys and Girls Lacrosse State Tournament Quarterfinals
  • May 20: Boys and Girls Lacrosse State Tournament Semifinals
  • May 22: Boys and Girls Lacrosse state Tournament Finals

In preparation for lacrosse, Jordan School District is planning to provide the following for each high school:

  • $25,000 start-up funds for boys lacrosse to be used towards, but not limited to, the following:
    • Field equipment (goals, nets, cones, etc.)
    • Player equipment (helmets, shoulder pads, arm guards, gloves, sticks, etc.)
    • Uniforms
  • $25,000 for girls lacrosse start-up funds to be used towards, but not limited to, the following:
    • Field equipment (goals, nets, cones, etc.)
    • Player equipment (eyewear, gloves, sticks, )
    • Uniforms

These one-time funds will be added to your 2019-20 equipment budget allocation and are to be used specifically for the start-up needs of lacrosse.

Coaching allocations will be included on the Athletic Differential and paid as follows:

  • Head Coach for both boys and girls teams stipend pay (per each head coach) will begin at $1,498.70 base salary, $600 extended differential (if applicable) and longevity. COLA increases will apply accordingly
  • Two Assistant Coaches for both boys and girls teams stipend pay (per each assistant coach) will begin at $899.22 base salary, $600 extended differential (if applicable) and COLA increases will apply accordingly

Additionally, each high school will have the option of requesting one portable classroom to be used for extracurricular equipment storage. These portable buildings may be moved to the high school at the end of the summer or early fall 2019.

Published on

The winning schools receive $500 for a mineral field trip or classroom technology!

Show some love to the minerals in your life. We’re giving $500 to the two schools with the most creative photos showing how minerals help power their students, classrooms or schools.

Need inspiration? What minerals powered your transportation to school? To turn on the lights, air conditioning or heating? Did you power up a computer or other electronic device? How was your school constructed?

Click here for more information! Get your photos posted by February 28th.

Published on

Suicide Prevention Grant Reimbursement Instructions:

  1. Schools should spend the money out of their school budget (including reimbursing teachers or counselors) prior to seeking reimbursement from the District. Each school will then seek reimbursement from Noreen Samowitz (samowitz@jordandistrict.org, est: 88367), with copies of all NPOs, Purchase Orders, P-Card Summaries, check copies, and receipts (anything that validates the expenditure(s)).
  2. Noreen Samowitz will reimburse each school up to $1000 of qualified expenses so long as the money is spent and reimbursement documents are sent by 3/29/2019
  3. Prior to seeking reimbursement, ensure that expenditures meet the grant funding criteria:
    • "Funding is to be used for educational curricula and/or professional development for staff that enhance understanding of suicide prevention. It may not be used for food, drinks, gift cards, or incentives." 
    • If you have questions about what may or may not qualify for funding, please contact McKinley Withers (withers@jordandistrict.org, ext: 88245) PRIOR to seeking reimbursement.

Published on

Influenza season is in full swing and the Salt Lake County Health Department is asking schools to be proactive in their approach to influenza prevention and their response to cases of illness.

The most effective approach is four-pronged:

  • Vaccination: Encourage staff and students to receive a seasonal flu vaccine every year.
  • Hand Washing: Remind staff and students to engage in frequent, thorough, hand washing.
    • Wash hands regular
    • Washing with soap and warm water, and physically scrub for at least 20 seconds.
    • Hand sanitizers are not an adequate replacement for proper hand washing with soap and warm water. Use in addition to hand washing.
  • Cleaning: Standard cleaning and disinfecting practices are sufficient to remove or kill viruses.
  • Stay Home When Ill: Keep ill students and staff home from work and school for the duration of their illness.

Attached are PDF files you may use to encourage proper hand washing and cough etiquette. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control also offers helpful influenza information for schools here: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/index.htm.

Published on

Teachers who qualify may submit an application through USBE's Educator Licensing website to receive this annual stipend. Any teachers with specific questions regarding the TSSP application or process may contact USBE directly or Jill Lisonbee in HR at 801-567-8227. Administrators may view a document found on the AdminOnly site for additional information regarding this program: http://workatjordan.org/files/Teacher-Salary-Supplement-Program-TSSP.pdf

Published on

DATE: 
Thursday, January 31, 2019

TO: 
Middle School Principals
High School Principals

FROM: 
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Associate Superintendent
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, 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:     Effects of a Peer-Supported Implementation of the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) on Students with Severe Disabilities and their Peers without Disabilities: Acquisition of Academic Skills, and Perceptions of Self-Determination and School Connectedness

Applicant:     Carrie Eichelberger, 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 and to obtain your permission to conduct the study at your school.  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.

Published on

DATE: 
Thursday, January 31, 2019

TO:
All Principals

FROM:  
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Associate Superintendent
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, 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:     Educating Schools on Congenital Heart Disease

Applicant:     Katie Barton, 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 and to obtain your permission to conduct the study at your school.  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.

The project will involve the administration of a 10-minute survey to teachers, administrators and specialists on a voluntary basis.

Thank you for your assistance.

Published on

DATE: 
Thursday, January 31, 2019

TO: 
All Principals

FROM:   
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Associate Superintendent
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability

SUBJECT: 
2019 UEPC School Climate Survey – Preparation and Administration Details

Please see attached memo with details.

Published on

DATE:  
Thursday, January 31, 2019

TO: 
Middle School Principals
High School Principals

FROM:   
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Associate Superintendent
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability

SUBJECT: 
Utah Aspire Plus Updates and Reminders

In an effort to provide timely updates and reminders as we transition to a new state-mandated 9th and 10th grade summative assessment, we want to provide the following information to school administrators.  Principals are asked to please pass this information on to test coordinators, ELA, math, and science teachers, resource teachers, and any other pertinent personnel who will be involved with the 2019 administration of the Utah Aspire Plus Summative test.

Updates and Reminders:

  • School administrator, test coordinator and teacher accounts on PearsonAccessNext, the admin site for Utah Aspire Plus, went live on Monday, January 28th. If you did not get an account notification email, please call or email the Evaluation, Research & Accountability Department.
  • Question samplers for each of the four subtests (English, reading, math and science) are now available on the Utah Aspire Plus resource website: http://utah.pearsonaccessnext.com/question-samplers/. It is strongly encouraged that every 9th and 10th grade student has had the opportunity to go through the question samplers.
  • USBE’s new parental opt in policy where a parent, with signed permission, may opt to have their child’s Utah Aspire Plus score be used in place of a course requirement will not be available this year. We do not expect to see any scores for the Utah Aspire Plus test until the fall of 2019, rendering the opt in impossible.
  • It is recommended that school administrators help parents, students and community members understand that the Utah Aspire Plus is essentially free practice for the ACT. Individual student reports will provide a predictive score for the ACT and their student’s college readiness.  Like the ACT, parents will also have access to a parent portal where they can drill deeper into their student’s performance on the Utah Aspire Plus and access resources to help their student prepare for the ACT.  ACT’s own research has shown that students perform better on the ACT if they take it more than once.  Therefore, taking the Utah Aspire Plus, which is an ACT product, will have a positive impact on students’ future ACT performance.
  • USBE has set the dates of February 4-8, 2019, as the week schools should test the new system and ensure the installed testing software is working. Details on how to do this system check will be available to testing coordinators and school administrators during the Utah Aspire Plus trainings (Jan. 28th and 30th).  Please work with your school techs and test coordinators to accomplish this task.
  • Please remember that once a subtest has been started, it must be finished in one sitting. School testing schedules should allow for this.  If a student has to stop a test for any reason (they get sick, a parent checks them out, etc.), it is unlikely that he/she will be able to finish the subtest.
  • The Utah Aspire Plus is a grade specific, end-of-level test, which means that all 9th grade students must take the 9th grade test and all 10th grade students must take the 10th grade test. For instance, an 8th grader in a 9th grade math class will not be eligible to take the Utah Aspire Plus test.  In addition, the RISE and Utah Aspire tests cannot be taken in the same room.
  • Blueprints for the Utah Aspire Plus test have recently been released. They can be found on the Evaluation, Research & Accountability Department’s website.  They are also attached with this JAM memo.
  • Middle School Principals: Because you will be implementing two brand new summative assessments with completely different admin sites, we are recommending that middle schools, where possible, have a RISE test coordinator and a separate Utah Aspire Plus test coordinator to help ease the learning curve and workload.

For more information and additional resources for the Utah Aspire Plus Summative test, please visit the Evaluation, Research & Accountability Department’s website: http://assessments.jordandistrict.org/assessments/utah-aspire-plus/