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Author: npage

Published on

DATE:   
Friday, September 5, 2025

TO:  
Elementary School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
Research Project

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

Project Title: Mission.io Pilot Study of Literacy-Enhanced Features

Applicant: Molly Henschel, Mission.io

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.

Published on

TO:
All Principals

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent

The state has made some changes to the requirements for the Rules of Order and Procedure this year. Please use the attached template, update anything in red, and change the font color back to black to post on your website. You are welcome to add anything to this template that your SCC council would like to include. This needs to be approved at your first SCC meeting this year.

Remember, the state is auditing us this year on the Rules of Order and Procedure, so we need to make sure we're using this updated form. Reminder that the deadline for the school website update is October 20, 2025.

Thanks!

LINK to Template

Published on

The following are new administrative assignments:

New Administrative Internships for 2025-26:

  • Sarah Burton, instructional coach at Copper Canyon Elementary assigned administrative intern at Bastian Elementary.
  • Tori Domaleski, teacher in Canyons School District assigned administrative intern at Columbia Elementary.
  • Kimberlee Hill, instructional coach in Granite School District assigned administrative intern at Heartland Elementary.
  • Addie Lund, teacher at Hawthorn Academy assigned administrative intern at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy.

Published on

DATE:   
September 2, 2025

TO:   
All Elementary Principals

FROM:    
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Brian King, Ph.D., Assistant Director of Special Education
Mike Trimmell, Ed.D., Special Education Administrator

SUBJECT:  
Professional Development Opportunities for Using Open Up Math for Specially Designed Instruction Training

The Special Education Department will be offering a training session for the Open Up Math Curriculum tailored specifically for Elementary Special Education teachers on September 26th. This training will provide resources and strategies to deliver specially designed instruction effectively within your classrooms. Sign up using this registration link.

Training Details:

  • Date: September 26, 2025
  • Time: 1:00-3:00
  • Location: ASB Auditorium

Participation is optional.

Published on

DATE:
September 4, 2025

TO:   
All Administrators
All Registrars

FROM: 
Steffany Ellsworth, Manager - Information Systems
Steven Harwood, Manager - Information Systems

SUBJECT:
Dropout Cohort Cleanup Report

In an effort to improve our graduation and dropout statistics at the State Board of Education, it is important that we correctly account for each student’s enrollment. Each school’s current dropout cohort cleanup report will be provided to registrars by Monday, September 8th. The report will come from JSD Information Systems through MoveIT. This is a report of students who are currently counted as dropouts for your school for the 2024-25 Cohort. Registrars review each record on this report to determine whether or not an existing dropout exit code can be changed (thus lowering your dropout rate).

Please connect with your registrars to ensure they are working to enter the corrected information and return the report in the same electronic format as was sent via MoveIT to Carrie Norris (carrie.norris@jordandistrict.org) in Information Systems by September 26, 2025. They should also send a cc copy to Stacee Worthen (stacee.worthen@jordandistrict.org) in Student Services and Brooke Anderson (brooke.anderson@jordandistrict.org) in Assessment, Research and Accountability.

Information Systems will be providing training for registrars on September 12th at 1:30 p.m. at the District Office, Room 129. This training will provide registrars with the information and tools needed to review the dropout cohort report and make changes as necessary. If your registrar is new to this report, or just needs a refresher, please ask them to attend this training.

Feel free to contact the Information Systems Help Desk at (801) 567-8737 with any questions as you work through this process. The UTREx system is a great help in locating students. If your registrar doesn’t have access to UTREx, principals may request access for them by emailing a request to ishelpdesk@jordandistrict.org.

Published on

DATE:
September 4, 2025

TO:
All Principals
All Licensed Staff

FROM:
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Melanie Dawson, Program Administrator of Behavior

SUBJECT:
ETT: Cultivating Classroom Management Skills

Effective Teacher Training (ETT) is available for a Fall 2025 cohort! Seats are capped at 50 and are only available to licensed educators who have never taken ETT previously. This course is not currently available to ESPs. This course is designed for: All general education and special education teachers. Also welcome: Specialists, interventionists, and mental health providers
(Not available to ESPs) Please register on Canvas Catalog to save your spot. See the attached memo for information.

Published on

DATE:  
September 4, 2025

TO:
All School Principals
All School Head Administrative Assistants

FROM:    
Cabinet Members

SUBJECT: 
Required Finance & Accounting Rules Training

Cabinet members would like every school principal and the head administrative assistant to receive training on District finance and accounting rules. This is a required training and both the principal and administrative assistant should attend together, side-by-side.

Please use the following form to sign both of you up for a training session:

LINK to Sign Up

Available Dates:

DATE TIME LOCATION
Friday, October 3, 2025 12:00 – 3:00 pm District Office, room 129
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 12:00 – 3:00 pm ASB Auditorium
Tuesday, January 20, 2026  1:00 – 4:00 pm ASB Auditorium
Friday, February 13, 2026  1:00 – 4:00 pm ASB Presentation room
Friday, March 6, 2026  1:00 – 4:00 pm District Office, room 129
Friday, April 17, 2026  1:00 – 4:00 pm JATC South

 

Published on

DATE:  
September 2, 2025

TO: 
Secondary Principals
Elementary Principals

FROM:  
Carolyn Gough, Administrator, Teaching and Learning Department
Norman Emerson, Fine Arts Consultant

SUBJECT:  
Ballet West 2025-26 Student In-Theater Presentations

Ballet West is again providing free presentations of the following ballets in the Capitol Theater:

  • Romeo and Juliet (Grades 3-12)
  • The Dream (Grades 1-12)
  • The Nutcracker (Grades K-12)
  • Peter Pan (Grades 1-12)
  • The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Grades 2-12)
  • West Side Story Suite (Grades 4-12)
  • Choreographic Special: Spotlight Utah! (Grades 4-12)

Each program begins with an educational introduction and is followed by a portion of the repertoire currently being performed for the general public.

Further information may be found at Ballet West Student In-Theatre Performances and in this flyer.

If any of your teachers are interested in having their classes attend any of the performances, please have them contact Michelle Bailey at michelle.bailey@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8296. Seating is limited and performance slots will be filled on a first-come come first-served basis.

Transportation fees and bus scheduling are covered by individual schools. Neither Ballet West nor the Teaching and Learning Department will cover transportation costs.

Published on

TO:
School Principals

FROM:
Michelle Love-Day, Director of Language and Culture Services

The first ELD Task Force meeting is next Thursday, Sept. 11th, from 1:30 to 3:30 at the ASB Auditorium.

This meeting is for the admin over MLs, you as the ELD lead, an upper-grade teacher, and a lower-grade teacher. Instructional coaches are also welcome to attend. Admins, please invite the teachers on this Task Force. The half-day sub code for teachers is 7628.

If you need to be added to the ELD Lead Google calendar or if you (or your task force members) need to be added to the ELD Lead and Task Force course on Canvas, please reach out to your Language Teacher Specialist so we can add you.

Published on

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

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

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

School Holiday Date of Holiday Critical Days Window
Fall Recess
Licensed		 October 21-24, 2024 Oct. 17 and 27, 2024 Sept. 6 – Sept. 16, 2024
Fall Recess
ESP		 October 23-24, 2024 Oct. 17 and 27, 2024 Sept. 8 – Sept. 18, 2024

Licensed Annual/Personal Leave Taken on a Critical Day 2025-2026

ESP Annual/Personal Leave Taken on a Critical Day 2025-2026

Published on

DATE: 
Thursday, September 4, 2025

TO:   
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT: 
TSI/ATSI Workshops and Funding

School improvement planning workshops for schools designated for targeted support and improvement (TSI) or additional targeted support and improvement (ATSI) will once again be offered during the 2025-26 school year.

See the memo below for all of the details.

 

Published on

DATE: 
September 4, 2025

TO: 
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
FREE Mental Health Education for Parents and Caregivers

Jordan District has partnered with the Cook Center for Human Connection to provide ongoing mental health education for parents and caregivers. This collaboration offers FREE access to live, virtual educational sessions covering various topics. Please share the following resources with your school community:

  • A calendar for September’s Mental Health Series sessions is attached. Sessions are offered in both English and Spanish. Previously recorded seminars can be accessed through a comprehensive library of sessions and resources for each topic. You can access the library of recorded sessions at any time by visiting this site: https://parentguidance.org/mhsindex.
  • Ask a Therapist live virtual event. This is an anonymous opportunity to ask questions from a licensed family therapist about your child’s mental health. It is a live event on 23rd at 6 pm with access to the recording afterwards. Registration Link: https://cookcenter.info/ATLSept23
  • Included in the mental health series this September is a "Watch Together Series" to highlight for families. While the Mental Health Series is designed for parents, these “Watch Together” events are for the whole family, especially teens and young adults. In this series, each month, you'll meet a new animated character facing real challenges that teens and young adults experience. Together, you and your family can watch their story and learn how to start meaningful conversations at home.
    • First Event: Meet Amie from My Life is Worth Living. Amie is a bright, ambitious student who worked hard in school. But beneath the surface, she struggled with feelings of guilt and shame that led to a suicide attempt. Her journey shows how hope, support, and honest conversations can help teens find their way forward.
    • Wednesday, September 10 | 6pm MT REGISTER NOW

Please share the attached flyers/resources with your school communities. Should you have any questions please reach out to Angie Rasmussen at angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org.

Published on

DATE:   
September 4, 2025

TO:    
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
Suicide Prevention Training Video and Staff and Parent Resources

September is suicide prevention month.  

Schools play a critical role in suicide prevention for current and future students. It is important that we expand our knowledge about the warning signs of suicide and how to facilitate opportunities to strengthen connections. Remember: These suicide prevention activities can all be included as part of your schoolwide prevention plan.

In accordance with the Utah State Legislature's Administrative Code (53G-9-704), Student Services has created this short training video for ALL District employees. Here are some ideas on how to show the video to school staff: Send the link in an email and instruct your staff to watch it, show it at a faculty meeting, or allow time during early release/late start

We have also created new guidelines for Secondary Suicide Prevention Classroom Lessons, which can be reviewed at this link: Suicide Prevention Classroom Lesson Guidelines

Here are additional, important Suicide Prevention Resources that can be used as part of your prevention plan:

Published on

TO:
Principals, Assistant Principals, Panorama Survey Coordinators

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services

The Fall Panorama student feedback survey window will open on Monday, September 8, 2025 and will close on Friday, October 10, 2025. Student Services provides the opt-in list to Panorama the week prior to the window closing and at least one time midway through the survey window. Survey response rates may be accessed through your Panorama login and results are typically available the week following the last day of the survey window.

The winter survey window is January 29, 2026 - February 27, 2026
The Spring survey window is April 20, 2026 - May 15, 2026

Schools wanting additional Panorama training should reach out to Travis Hamblin (travis.hamblin@jordandistrict.org).

Published on

DATE:  
September 2, 2025

TO:   
Secondary Principals
Secondary Assistant Principals

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Sharon Jensen, Consultant, Student Support Services

SUBJECT:  
Fall 2025 Campus Monitor Training

Fall 2025 Campus Monitor Training will be held in two sessions on Monday, September 15, 2025. The morning session will be held in the ASB presentation room from 7:30 -9:00 am. The afternoon session will be held in the ASB presentation room from 1:30 -3:00 pm.

Please coordinate with your team on meeting attendance. All Campus Monitors are required to attend one session. Assistant Principals, interns, & administrators are welcome but not required to attend.

 

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent

The following professional development days have been added to this year's calendar.

2025-26 School Year Calendar

Professional Development Day (No Students Attend)
Friday, September 26, 2025 (Elementary)
Friday, October 3, 2025 (Secondary)
Friday, March 6, 2026 (Elementary & Secondary)
Friday, April 17, 2026 (Elementary & Secondary)

All employees should work in the building on these days. As you are planning Professional Development in your schools and departments please plan as follows: Principal-Directed School Level Professional Development will be held in the morning hours and optional District-Level Professional Development may begin at 1:00 pm.

Please provide these dates to your employees.
If you have any questions please contact your Administrator of Schools.

Published on

DATE: 
September 2, 2025

TO:  
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT: 
Transportation Activity/Field Trip Fee Schedule 2025-26

As you make plans for your school’s or department’s field/activity trips this year, please refer to the revised Transportation Activity/Field Trip Fee Schedule 2025-26, which can be found at Jordan Auxiliary Services - Field Trips and will become effective on September 15, 2025.

The Field Trip Office is committed to maintaining fees that reflect current personnel and fuel costs while still providing affordable trips to schools and departments.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kitt at 801-567-8851, Mike at 801-567-8809 or Michele at 801-567-8804.

Published on

DATE: 
September 4, 2025

TO:  
High School Principals
High School Athletic Directors

FROM: 
Brad Sorensen, Administrator of Schools
Bryan Veazie, District Athletic Director

SUBJECT:
New Stadium Lights with Flashing Capabilities

Some high schools have recently had new stadium lighting installed that have flashing capabilities. It is imperative that prior to using this feature, the school has taken the necessary steps to ensure notification of the use of these lights, follow the expectations and be aware of the safety concerns identified by Utah State Risk Management. The district will provide required signage to be posted at the stadium when the light system is installed. Those expectations are as follows:

  • Warning Signs: Ensuring that the appropriate warning signage is posted and visible for all patrons as they enter the stadium where flashing lights will be used.
  • Warning Announcements: Making two announcements at each event at the beginning and again at halftime regarding the same warnings.
  • Flash Rate Limits: OSHA suggests keeping flashing rates under 4 flashes per second to reduce seizure risks. The Epilepsy Foundation recommends a flash rate under 2 Hertz with breaks between flashes.
  • Synchronization: If multiple strobe lights are used in the same field of view, they should be synchronized to flash together, which lowers the overall frequency of flashes and reduces the likelihood of triggering photosensitive epilepsy, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.
  • Placement and Intensity: Strobe lights should be mounted high (above head level) and away from areas like corridors or stairs where disorientation could lead to falls. Diffusers can help soften the brightness, and light intensity should be kept as low as practical.
  • Staff Training: Personnel should be trained to assist individuals who may experience adverse reactions to strobe lighting. Those running the lights should have training with the light manufacturer to ensure the above limits are followed and set as pre-sets for the lights.

Safety Concerns: 

  • Photosensitive Epilepsy- Strobe lights, especially at certain flash frequencies (typically between 3 and 30 flashes per second), can trigger seizures in individuals with photosensitive epilepsy.
  • Visual Disorientation- The rapid on-off cycle can disorient individuals, potentially leading to accidents, particularly in environments requiring clear visibility. This is especially concerning in areas like stairs or corridors.
  • Other Health Effects- Strobe lights can also cause: flicker vertigo (disorientation, nausea, rapid blinking, etc.), headaches, eye strain, and general discomfort. In rare cases, prolonged exposure may lead to more severe, persistent issues.

Published on

DATE:   
September 4, 2025

TO:  
Administrators

FROM:  
Bonnie Brennan, Insurance Services
Brandon Conti, Risk Manager

SUBJECT:    
Reporting Injuries and Incidents

Jordan School District has methods for reporting incidents and injuries. The procedures have not changed, however, as we get ready to start a new school year it is a great time for a reminder/refresher on reporting. It is imperative that significant incidents are reported as quickly as possible, within 24-hours or by the next business day. All incidents, injuries and accidents need to be properly documented, to include photos, video when available and police reports when appropriate. Our priorities are life safety, incident stabilization and property preservation.

911: Always call 911 for all life threatening and severe injuries, incidents, accidents, threats, thefts and vandalism.

JSD 24-hr. Alarm Response (801) 567-8865: It is important to call this number in order to notify key administrators and personnel to expedite support, maintenance and repairs, etc. Alarm Response should always be called prior to conducting a fire drill and in the case of: power outages, floods, natural gas leaks, phone and utility disruption and alarm malfunctions.

Student and Staff Injuries/Accidents Reporting: Call 911 when necessary. Notify JSD Insurance Services and/or Risk Management. Student injuries must be reported using the REDCap online system. Staff injuries need to be reported to the main office at your school or location and you must complete and submit the First Report of Injury form to Insurance. Forms can be located here: Jordan Insurance Services

Asset Essentials Work Order Reporting: Incidents of damage, theft and vandalism should be entered/reported into the Asset Essentials Work Order system for documentation, to begin the repair process and assist with insurance claims. For assistance with using Asset Essentials system, contact Facility Services at: (801) 567-8862.

Thank you,

Bonnie Brennan, Director of Insurance Services
Brandon Conti, Risk Management Coordinator