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The following are new administrative assignments:

  • New Assignments effective Jan. 15, 2021:
    • April Gaydosh, principal at Westvale Elementary appointed Elementary School Level Administrator of Schools replacing Doree Strauss who retired.
    • Odette Desmarais, assistant principal at Foothills appointed principal at Westvale Elementary and her replacement is to be determined.
  • New Assignments effective July 1, 2021:
    • Yajaira Martinez, assistant principal at Bluffdale and Terra Linda Elementary appointed principal at Terra Linda Elementary replacing Karen Gorringe who is retiring and her replacement is to be determined.

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Attention JSD Educators:

The District will open a new elementary school in South Jordan and a Virtual school at each level beginning in August, 2021.  Applications are now being accepted. For information regarding positions available in Phase A, a position advertising schedule, position descriptions and instructions on how to apply, visit the JSD Job Postings at the New Schools page.

Additional compensated work for certain positions may be required prior to the beginning of the contract year.

JSD educators interested in applying for the positions listed above ​must submit ​an application​ using Skyward "Employee Access".  Please see the attached tutorial for application instructions.  External applications for licensed positions will be accepted after JSD educators have been give first consideration.

For assistance in accessing Skyward Employee Access, please contact the Help Desk at 801-567-8737.  For questions regarding positions at each school, please contact the appropriate principal.

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The next Assistant Principal meetings will be held on February 9 (8:00-10:30am) and February 11 (1:00-3:30pm), March 18 (1:00-3:30pm) and March 23 (8:00-10:30am), May 6 (1:00-3:30pm) and May 11 (8:00-10:30am). All meetings will be held in-person at the JATC-S. As a reminder you only need to attend one of the sessions offered per month. Both sessions will provide the same information. To sign up please CLICK HERE and it will take you to the Google Doc. If you have any questions please call Nadine Page at 801.567.8182 (x88182). Thank you!

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Put these items on your calendars!

August 4, 2021 - Annual Administrative Conference

August 9, 2021 - 1st contract day for teachers. No meetings should be scheduled

August 10, 2021 - District directed professional development day

Watch for more information to come!

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Jordan Education Foundation recognizes and honors superior teachers with a track record of improving student achievement, using innovative instructional strategies and making a difference in the lives of their students. These teachers are among a select few highlighted as Outstanding Educators who are making a difference in the classroom. The annual JEF Outstanding Educators Awards publicly honor and recognize educators who raise the bar of their profession.

2020 has certainly brought its share of challenges. We recognize with so many unique educational & life situations, a 2021 JEF Outstanding Educator may look much different as compared to previous years. 

Please reference the new 2021 application questions as a guideline for your 2020-21 outstanding educator nomination from your school, not the rubric from previous years. Recipients can be nominated by a principal, school administrators and/or colleagues. But all nominations must be approved by the school principal.

PLEASE VISIT WWW.JORDANEDUCATIONFOUNDATION.ORG for more information and to nominate a teacher.

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DATE:   
January 5, 2021

TO:   
Secondary School Principals
Secondary School Financial Secretaries

FROM: 
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Daniel Ellis, Director of Accounting, Budgets and Audits
Jason Mott, Accountant/Internal Auditor

SUBJECT:   
School Bank Account Balances for December 31, 2020

Please send the following information for each bank account balance as of December 31, 2020 to Accounting by Friday, January 22, 2021. If you have multiple bank accounts, please list each account separately.

School Name
Name of Bank
Type of Account (checking, savings, money market)
Account Balance

The balance requested is the balance from your December bank statements, not Skyward. This information is required annually and will be used to complete reporting requirements for Utah Money Management Council.

If you have questions or need assistance, please call Jason Mott at (801)567-8388.

Thank you.

Cc:
Brad Sorensen, Administrator of Schools
Cody Curtis, Administrator of Schools

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DATE:   
January 5, 2021

TO:  
Secondary School Principals
Secondary School Financial Secretaries

FROM: 
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Daniel Ellis, Director of Accounting and Audits
Jason Mott, Accountant / Internal Auditor

SUBJECT:
Quarterly School Financial Report for October, November, and December 2020

Each school is asked to report the quarter end account balance and transaction detail with the Apple Volume Purchase Program and return with your bank reconciliation. If your school has no Apple account, please so indicate and return.

Please include the account balance with Apple on the reconciliation sign off form and print a report or screen shot(s) of the balances and quarterly transactions from Apple’s website. If you need assistance, please contact your Curriculum Technology Specialist – Bonnie, Deanna, Nancy, Ross, and Beth.

Please photocopy the selected elements and send to Accounting by Friday, January 22, 2021.

Please include:

  • The signed attached memo to Accounting
  • A copy of your October, November, and December 2020 Reconciliation Worksheets
  • A copy of your October, November, and December 2020 Bank Statements
  • A copy of your October, November, and December 2020 Skyward Balance Sheets
  • A copy of your October, November, and December 2020 Outstanding Check Reports

If you have questions or need assistance, please call Jason Mott at (801)567-8388.

Thank you.

Cc:
Brad Sorensen, Administrator of Schools
Cody Curtis, Administrator of Schools

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Below is information to clarify how full evaluations will be completed. Remember that only provisional teachers will complete a full evaluation.

  • In Class Teacher (In the Building)
    • Two classroom observations
    • No interview
  • Online Teacher
    • Complete teacher specialist evaluation on JPLS
    • Upload evidence into JPLS
    • Include at least 2 video clips as part of evidence
  • Psychologists, Counselors
    • Complete on JPLS
    • Upload evidence into JPLS

Administrators may sign up for a virtual training to help refresh the features of the Perform evaluation system. The trainings will last up to two hours depending on need. These trainings will begin next week. To register search “Administrator Perform Refresher” in JPLS. A Zoom link will be sent out to participants before the training.

Administrators may use the bubble sheet to complete observations and enter the information into Perform. If you need help entering the data, please contact the JES office for assistance.

Teachers who will be evaluated using the Perform system now have access to sign up for the Canvas training through JPLS. Teachers who will be evaluated using the JPLS system (teacher specialists) do not need to complete the training as the training focuses on the in-class observations. Have teachers search “UETS-based JPAS Online Training 2020-2021” in JPLS to register.

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Dear Principals:

As some registration dates for Middle Schools have shifted to earlier in the year, it is important that we seek to accommodate their efforts. As a result, we ask that the HMH RI (formerly SRI) and Reading Benchmark 1 be administered no later than Jan 15 where possible. We realize this is a week earlier than advised in the Testing Bulletin, and appreciate your flexibility and commitment to helping our team members across the district succeed.

As a reference, the following Rubric will be used for providing reading data to Middle Schools for the transition from 6th to 7th Grade.

Thank you for all of your hard work.

Reading Placement Rubric
Current (20-21 Students)

6th Grade Students going into 7th Grade

CATEGORY Highly Proficient Proficient Approaching Proficient Below Proficient
District Benchmark (Most Recent)

Out of 30

 29-30 24-28 17-23 0-16
HMH RI 

Lexile Score

 1041+ 955-1040 755-954 100-754
CogAt Verbal Stanine 7+

PR: 77+ 

 Stanine 5-6

PR: 43-76

 Stanine 4

PR: 25-42

 Stanine 1-3

PR: 1-24

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DATE:  
January 7, 2021

TO:  
Administrators
Administrative Assistants
Secondary Registrars
DLI Teachers

FROM:  
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Shelley Nordick, Administrator, Teaching & Learning
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Michele Daly, Consultant, Elementary Dual Language Immersion
Pam Su’a, Consultant, Secondary Dual Language Immersion
Caleb Olson, Consultant, Planning & Enrollment

SUBJECT:  
DLI Student Permits and Movement Between Levels

The following guidelines will assist schools in identifying where DLI students should be placed when moving between levels and facilitate that transition.

Out-of-boundary permits processed through PowerSchool must not be used to enroll a DLI student in a school that is not their boundary school. Schools should manually grant a permit in Skyward using the “D” reason code. If a school grants an out-of-boundary permit (in PowerSchool) to a DLI student, that student must legally be allowed to remain at the school through the last grade offered even if they choose to end their participation in the DLI program.

DLI students are generally expected to follow the DLI pathway for their elementary school. These pathways can be found at https://immersion.jordandistrict.org/pathway/. As long as the student remains in the DLI program, a seat will be available for them at each level of the pathway they began in elementary school. This means that a middle school or high school may receive a DLI student who does not live in their boundaries. These students should be accommodated with a manual “D” permit, as explained above.

If a student begins a program in one pathway and later becomes a boundary student of a school in a different DLI pathway for the same language, they may enroll at their new boundary school and join the pathway for that school; however, doing so will forfeit any seat or claim on the previous DLI pathway.

If a student begins a program in one pathway and later wishes to move to a school in a different DLI pathway for the same language but has not moved into the boundaries for the school they wish to attend, they may do so only if A) space is available in that school’s DLI program, AND B) an out-of-boundary permit seat (in PowerSchool) is available and can be granted to that student. In this instance, established out-of-boundary permit priorities and waitlist orders must still be followed.

Each year by mid-January, a “sending” DLI school should prepare a list of DLI program students who are planning to continue in the program to the school at the next level of the DLI pathway that will be “receiving” these students. This list should specifically identify the students who do not live in the boundaries of the “receiving” school but qualify to attend because of their participation in the DLI program. This will allow the “receiving” school time to pre-enroll these students in Skyward by the end of January and have these students counted in their yearly 2.0 FTE allocation.

  • Elementary: The administrative assistant (or other designee of the principal) should receive and review the list prepared by the DLI teacher(s) and forward it to the middle school registrar of the DLI pathway middle school for further processing and enrollment.
  • Middle: The registrar (or other designee of the principal) should receive and review the list prepared by the DLI teacher and forward it to the high school registrar of the DLI pathway high school for further processing and enrollment.

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DATE:   
December 17, 2020

TO:  
School Psychologists, Elementary Counselors, and School Social Workers

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Fulvia Franco, Program Specialist – Guidance

SUBJECT: 
January School Psychologist, Elementary Counselor, and School Social Workers Meeting

A virtual meeting for school psychologists, elementary counselors, and school social workers has been scheduled for Friday, January 8, 2021, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. The link for this meeting will be sent to you before the meeting. Julia Connelly, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist and owner of The Autism Clinic, will provide us with a presentation titled “The Different Presentations of Autism and Autism-Associated Mental Health Comorbidities in Children and Adolescents.” Caleb Olsen, Student Services Consultant, will provide us with significant changes to the FERPA consent for counseling process, and Taryn Nicksic-Springer, Ph.D., BCBA, LBA, will provide us with further training on observations of students.

Part-time Staff:  I would appreciate it if you could adjust your schedules in order to attend this meeting.

cc:
Principals

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DATE:
Thursday, December 17, 2020

TO:
Middle School Principals

FROM:
Shelley Nordick, Ph. D., Administrator of Teaching & Learning
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:  Historical Literacy Instruction, Tasks, and Support in Online Learning Platforms

Applicant: Jeff Nokes, Brigham Young 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 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 an examination of online curriculum in 8th grade US History courses.

Thank you for your assistance.

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Employees resigning/retiring at the end of the current contract year, that give official early notification of resignations/retirement, will be eligible for a tiered incentive. To qualify, notifications must be submitted online on or before the follow dates:

December 15, 2020 - $500.00
January 15, 2021 - $300.00
February 15, 2021 - $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 Skyward under "My Access."  Please see District policy DP318 for more detailed information regarding resignations. If you do not know your Skyward username or password, please contact the Help Desk at 801-567-8737.

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The purpose of the Educational Support Professionals Improvement Committee is to encourage, guide, and reward the professional development of education support professionals staff (https://policy.jordandistrict.org/aa421b/). We encourage ESPs to improve their skills and knowledge. As such, ESPs may find development opportunities on the following website:

Educational Support Professionals Professional Improvement!

If there is a course that ESPs would like to take that is within the realm of their position in the Jordan School District, they may submit a request to have the committee pay for the course (up to $300 per year). The committee meets once a month to review and approve requests.

If you would like to take a course, please fill out the following form and submit it to Chris Westra in the Teaching and Learning department:

https://tl.jordandistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2020-21-Classified-Prof-Dev-Form-fillable.pdf

For further questions, please contact Chris Westra in Teaching and Learning at 801-567-8657 or christine.westra@jordandistrict.org.

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DATE:
December 17, 2020

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

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

SUBJECT:
School Choice Permit Allocations and Tiers

In 2018, as part of the transition to the PowerSchool permit process and in preparation for the “MOAB” boundary changes, the Board authorized lottery priorities and a three-level permit tier system. The permit tiers control a school’s ability to grant permit seats when projected enrollment is above 90% of building’s capacity.

As a reminder, all schools are required by Utah law (53G-6-402) to accept permit seats when projected enrollment is under 90% of the building’s capacity. Seats from 90% of capacity to 100% of capacity may be offered, following the approvals below, at the principal’s discretion. Schools will not typically offer permit seats when projected enrollment exceeds 100% of capacity. Building capacity is determined by Planning & Enrollment and includes all spaces (including portables, regardless of current use) at a location that are being used or could be used for student instruction. The number of portables at a location, regardless of usage, determines the permit tier for that building.

Tier Number of Portables Approval Required to Accept Permits Above 90% of Building Capacity
1 0 - Approval from Administrator of Schools
2 1-6 - Approval from Administrator of Schools

- Notification to Board of school’s intent to offer permit seats above 90% of capacity
3 More than 6 - Approval from Cabinet

- Discussion/approval by Board of school’s intent to offer permit seats above 90% of capacity

Schools can access their current permit tier, number of seats required to be accepted, and potential number of seats available beyond 90% of building capacity on their Enrollment Dashboard (in the “Permits” section).

For questions related to permits please contact Student Services (801.567.8259) or Caleb Olsen (801.567.8251).

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A few housekeeping items for Land Trust:

At the February 2, 2021 Principal Meeting we are going to have Natalie Gordon, from the State Office, come and do training with all of you on how to make a concise Land Trust Plan. The plans need to be Student Centered, Measurable, and Academic. She's going to explain what needs to go into the different parts of the plan; Goal, Measurements, and Action Plan Steps. She will also be available to answer questions at the end.

The website is still under construction. When it comes back up the 2019-20 Final Reports will need to be completed.

Our Board of Education has asked that we verify that training with your School Community Councils has been completed prior to the 2021-22 plan being submitted. Completion of the training will be confirmed with your AOS. To help you with the training we are including some links and a Power Point as resources to provide this training.

This video gives a brief introduction of how Utah received trust lands at statehood, how the land creates revenue for schools, how that revenue is invested, and how earnings are distributed through the School LAND Trust program.
Utah School & Institutional Trust System  can be found on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/qlr0wFacsyk. 

School Community Council Training videos and more information can be found on the School Trust System on the website.
https://schools.utah.gov/schoollandtrust/training

A Jordan School District training video was recorded previously with Mike Anderson and Tracy Miller. That link can be found here:
https://jordandistrict.org/resources/communitycouncil/

Here is the PowerPoint that Mike Anderson has used in previous trainings.

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The following are new administrative assignments:

  • New Assignments effective December 14, 2020:
    • Elizabeth Felt, assistant principal at Blackridge Elementary appointed principal at Mountain Point Elementary replacing Carolyn Bona who is retiring.
    • Michelle Kilcrease, assistant principal at Mountain Shadows and Copper Canyon Elementary transferred as an assistant principal at Blackridge Elementary and her replacement is to be determined.
    • Ross Menlove, administrator on special assignment in Teaching & Learning appointed an online principal (Elementary) and his replacement is to be determined.
    • Spencer Campbell, assistant principal at South Hills Middle appointed an online principal (Middle) and his replacement is to be determined.
    • Ammon Wiemers, consultant in Teaching & Learning appointed an online principal (High) and his replacement is to be determined.
  • New Assignments effective January 19, 2021:
    • Suzanne Williams, principal at Eastlake Elementary appointed principal at the new elementary school in Daybreak.
    • Kristy Howe, assistant principal at Antelope Canyon and Oakcrest Elementary appointed principal at Eastlake Elementary and her replacement is to be determined.

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Jordan School District will provide free COVID-19 testing to all asymptomatic Jordan District employees beginning this Friday, December 11. Testing is not required and is being provided as a service to Jordan School District employees. Testing will be conducted using the BinaxNOW rapid antigen test. This test involves a minimally invasive swab test taken from inside the edges of the nostrils.

High school employees interested in getting tested should do so at their high school by contacting a member of their administration.

Testing will be offered each Friday from 2-4 pm at the Jordan District Auxiliary Services Building, located at 7905 S Redwood Rd, West Jordan, UT 84088. Employees should use the north entrance marked “Entrance A”. Use this link for parking information: ASB COVID-19 Testing Location Map

  • Please come with personal identification and your JSD ID badge. This form is used for students and employees. Student ID questions are not required for employees.
  • Employees may test weekly but only need to register one time.
  • Employees wishing to be tested must complete the online form found at this link prior to arriving for testing:

Employees will be informed of their test results through email. Those who test positive for COVID-19 will be directed to isolate per the instructions they receive from health authorities.

If you have any questions please email nadine.page@jordandistrict.org

In addition to the Friday testing at ASB, there are two free testing options at the Maverik Center for school employees:

For asymptomatic school employees

Free COVID-19 TestingIf you are a student or staff member of a school and you meet the requirements below, you may be tested via rapid test for same-day results.

  • You were exposed at school only and have no other exposures.
  • It has been at least 7 days since the exposure occurred.
  • Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • You do not have any symptoms of COVID-19
  • You must pre register at slco.org/health/COVID-19/testing/

For symptomatic employees
Any employee experiencing symptoms is advised to get tested through their primary care provider or register for PCR testing at the Maverik Center.

  • Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • 3200 S. Decker Lake Dr. in West Valley City
  • You must pre register at slco.org/health/COVID-19/testing/public-testing/

Testing occurs in the Maverik Center Overflow Parking Lot
2051 West  3100 South, West Valley City, UT 84119 Enter off of 3100 South