Please submit concerns to be discussed by JAESP committee and cabinet by October 18, 2023. Send items to be discussed to Nick Hansen at Golden Fields, Ann Pessetto at Silver Crest or Kaleb Yates at Jordan Hills. All items are discussed anonymously as we work to provide clarification and solutions to concerns of elementary administrators. Notes of the discussions will be published following the meeting.
Author: npage
2023-24 JAESP Membership
Elementary principals, please consider joining UAESP/NAESP! You can find all the details at this LINK. Please don't join NAESP directly on their site. You can use your school p-card and code the expense to your school's checkbook. Please see the attached document with all the benefits of joining this professional organization.
Join Jordan Association of Elementary Principals (JAESP) by sending $35 to JAESP treasurer, Kaleb Yates at Jordan Hills Elementary. These funds are used for the annual JAESP Principal and Assistant Principal Awards and the annual JAESP Administrative Assistant Luncheon.
Root Cause Analysis and Goal Setting with TSI Schools
DATE:
Thursday, October 12, 2023
TO:
TSI School Administrators
FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability
SUBJECT:
Root Cause Analysis and Goal Setting with TSI Schools
In preparation for the state’s annual resource allocation review (RAR), teams from schools that have been identified for targeted school improvement (TSI) are invited to a series of workshops that will assist school teams in examining current instruction, conducting a root cause analysis, and then setting strategic goals to address those problems of practice. Thus, schools will walk away from the workshops with a viable, strategic, and robust plan that can be implemented as part of future RAR, LAND Trust, and TSSA plans.
The workshops will address both qualitative and quantitative data from four categories: Achievement, engagement, access, and attendance. The data we will analyze will come from various sources, including Tableau, ELLevation, and Panorama. The workshops will be highly collaborative, so principals are encouraged to bring a team. Besides the principal, team members could include an assistant principal, instructional coach, lead counselor, special education team lead, ELD lead, etc.
The workshops will be offered in a series of three half-day sessions. Tier 2 and 3 TSI schools will attend their own sessions separate from Tier 1 TSI schools. For a list of Tier 1, 2 and 3 schools, please click here. School teams need only attend one half day per session.
Tier 2 and 3 Schools
| Session | Date | Time | Location | Topic |
| Session1
JPLS Course #101974 |
Nov. 6, 2023 | 12:00-3:30 pm | PDC 103 | Overview of TSI changes, Achievement and Attendance Data |
| Nov. 8, 2023
|
8:00-11:30 am | PDC 102 | ||
| 12:00 – 3:30 pm | ||||
| Session 2
JPLS Course #101975 |
Dec. 12, 2023 | 8:00 – 11:30 am | PDC 113 | Engagement and Access Data |
| 12:00 – 3:30 pm | ||||
| Dec. 14, 2023 | 8:00 – 11:30 am | PDC 102 | ||
| Session 3
JPLS Course #101976 |
Jan. 4, 2024 | 12:00 – 3:30 pm | PDC 103 | Summarize problems of practice, root cause protocol, goal setting with district departments |
| Jan. 23, 2024 | 12:00 – 3:30 pm | |||
| Jan. 30, 2024 | 8:00 – 11:30 am |
Tier 1 Schools
| Session | Date | Time | Location | Topic |
| Session 1
JPLS Course #101977 |
Nov. 16, 2023 | 12:00 – 3:30 pm | PDC 113 | Overview of TSI changes, Achievement and Attendance Data |
| Nov. 17, 2023 | 8:00 – 11:30 am | PDC 103 | ||
| 12:00-3:30 pm | ||||
| Session 2
JPLS Course #101978 |
Dec. 13, 2023 | 8:00 – 11:30 am | PDC 113 | Engagement and Access Data |
| 12:00 – 3:30 pm | ||||
| Dec. 14, 2023 | 12:00 – 3:30 pm | PDC 102 | ||
| Session 3
JPLS Course #101979 |
Jan. 8, 2024 | 12:00 – 3:30 pm | PDC 103 | Summarize problems of practice, root cause protocol, goal setting with district departments |
| Jan. 29, 2024 | ||||
| Jan. 30, 2024 |
For questions about these workshops, please contact Ben Jameson in Evaluation, Research & Accountability.
October 1, 2023 Revised Enrollment
DATE:
October 10, 2023
TO:
District Administrators
FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Scott Festin, Planning Consultant, Planning & Enrollment
Caleb Olson, Enrollment Consultant, Planning & Enrollment
SUBJECT:
Fall Enrollment as of October 1, 2023 - REVISED
Please see the attached memo.
Wellness Representative Resources
The Health and Wellness Team has worked very hard with principals over the past couple of years nominating a wellness representative at each school that is interested. We wanted to make you are aware of some resources that they have access to. They were introduced to each of these during the recent Wellness Representative Retreat.
PEHP Wellness can help JSD Wellness Reps by offering grant money of up to $400 every 2 years to help with wellness initiatives to benefit all employees. They have customizable pre-made wellness challenges (Grab & Go Guides) on a variety of topics you can use to implement monthly challenges. They have over 50 webinars available for employees to view on their own time or as a group. They are available to brainstorm wellness ideas or activities.
Blomquist Hale is a confidential and free mental health benefit provided for the employees and family members covered by the medical plan. This resource helps address a broad range of personal difficulties that may be causing distress. Most services are available by appointment. Assistance is available for life threatening emergencies 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. They are happy to provide the wellness representatives with marketing supplies (flyers, business cards, posters, magnets, etc), benefit presentations and any other support needed. In addition, wellness representatives have access to their Blomquist Hale app (available on all iOS and Android devices) and their online webinars that can be found by searching Blomquist Hale on Youtube.com or by clicking HERE.
The Moreton & Company Population Health Team can help them create a comprehensive wellness strategy that improves your employees’ overall health and well-being. They can help provide educational campaigns on relevant health topics, coordinate wellness initiatives with community partners, create wellness challenges, and more. If our Wellness Representatives have any questions, they can reach out to populationhealth@moreton.com.
Standard Response Protocol (SRP)/Incident Command Training – November 2023
DATE:
October 12, 2023
TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals
School Safety Specialists
FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Matt Alvernaz, School Safety Coordinator
SUBJECT:
Standard Response Protocol (SRP)/Incident Command Training
Training for the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and Incident Command will be held at the JATC South on the following dates (choose only one date and one time):
- Wednesday, November 15, 2023
- 11:00am – 1:00pm
- 1:30pm – 3:30pm
- Friday, November 17, 2023
- 8:30am – 10:30am **UPDATED**
- 11:00am – 1:00pm **UPDATED**
This training is for any who have responsibility within the Incident Command system (including schools, District Office, ASB, Transportation, or other location). Administrators assigned as the school safety administrator and all School Safety Specialists should attend.
The training will be focused on SRP and Incident Command as well as the roles/responsibilities of the School Safety Specialist and school administrator. School-based safety administrators and specialists will receive materials and information to conduct SRP/Incident Command trainings in schools.
No sign up required to attend. Please mark on your calendars the date and time that best works for you and your school.
Please forward this information to your School Safety Specialist or others you deem appropriate.
Utah’s Annual Apple Crunch Day! October 19, 2023
Happy October!
Apple Crunch Day is coming up on Thursday, October 19th. This is a great opportunity for us to increase our students’ exposure to local produce here in Utah. We have purchased fresh apples from Pyne Farms in Payson to celebrate this day and share apples district wide.
As part of the promotion, in addition to fresh apples, our department will provide your kitchen managers with activity pages, fun nutrition facts and a video that can be shared with your teachers and school community. Take this opportunity to make the most of Utah's Apple Crunch Day!
Safety Share – Ladder Safety
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that every year more than 90,000 people receive emergency room treatment because of ladder accidents.
Falls from ladders at any height can result in serious or even fatal injuries.
See the attached document on ways to follow safe work practices when using a ladder.
2023-24 CogAT Sample Parent Notification Letter and Parental Exclusion Form
DATE:
Thursday, October 12, 2023
TO:
Elementary School Administrators
FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability
Rebecca Smith, Consultant, Gifted & Talented
SUBJECT:
CogAT Sample Parent Notification Letter and Parental Exclusion Form
The 6th grade CogAT testing window opens Monday, October 30 and closes Friday, December 1. In preparation for testing, school administrators may wish to communicate with parents about CogAT testing. To facilitate this, a sample parent notification letter in both English and Spanish has been attached with this memo. School administrators are welcome to use the sample letter as it is written or add additional information as they see fit. It is recommended that school administrators send the parent notification letter via Skylert to 6th grade parents rather than sending the note home with students.
If parents express a desire to exclude their student from CogAT testing, the parental exclusion form on the main page of Evaluation, Research & Accountability’s website may be used. That parental exclusion form may be found here.
Questions regarding the 6th grade CogAT may be referred to Kassidy Towery in Evaluation, Research & Accountability or Rebecca Smith and Taryn Cox in Gifted & Talented.
2023 Thanksgiving Annual-Personal Leave Before/After Critical Day
If you are a contracted employee and need to take Annual/Personal Leave before or after Thanksgiving on a “Critical Day” for any reason not listed in policy DP335NEG or DP335B, you must submit a request as follows:
How to Request
During the window, the employee must send the request through email. Please include your name, school, position, and the date you are requesting the leave. Requests left on voicemail or over the phone will NOT be accepted.
Licensed employees submit their request to licensedpersonalleave@jordandistrict.org
Education Support Professionals submit their request to classifiedpersonalleave@jordandistrict.org
The employee will receive an email confirmation within two working days after submitting the request. If the employee does not receive a confirmation email, then Human Resources has NOT received your request and your leave will not be approved.
| School Holiday | Date of Holiday | Critical Days | Window |
| Thanksgiving Recess (Licensed) | November 22-24, 2023 | Nov. 21 and 27, 2023 | Oct. 8 – Oct. 18, 2023 |
| Thanksgiving Recess (242, 245 Contracts) | November 23-24, 2023 | Nov. 21 and 27, 2023 | Oct. 9 – Oct. 19, 2023 |
| Thanksgiving Recess (ESP 180, 184, 187, 206 Contracts) | November 22-24, 2023 | Nov. 21 and 27, 2023 | Oct. 8 – Oct. 18, 2023 |
Licensed Annual/Personal Leave Taken on a Critical Day 2023-2024
October 2023 Guidance Meeting
DATE:
October 12, 2023
TO:
School Psychologists and School Psychology Interns
FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Fulvia Franco, Program Specialist – Guidance
SUBJECT:
October School Psychologist Guidance Meeting
A meeting for school psychologists and school psychology interns has been scheduled for Friday, October 20, 2023, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Auxiliary Services Building (7905 South Redwood Road). Presentations will address Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans, the Mental Health Access Program, and Section 504.
Part-time Staff: I would appreciate it if you could adjust your schedules in order to attend this meeting.
cc:
Principals
Rescue Task Force Training/Participation Opportunity
DATE:
October 12, 2023
TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals
School Safety Specialists
FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Matt Alvernaz, School Safety Coordinator
SUBJECT:
Rescue Task Force Training Opportunity
West Jordan Police and Fire Departments are conducting a Rescue Task Force training at Sunset Ridge Middle School on October 18th beginning at 4:00 PM. They are inviting any interested district employee(s) to attend and closely observe the training as it is conducted in real-time scenarios. WJPD is also in need of volunteers to participate in the training as “role players” as well.
Rescue Task Force is the most up to date standard of response to active attacker related events. This consists of both police and firefighters cohesively entering the building with the goal of immediately addressing the threat (police) and quickly providing medical treatment to patients (firefighters). This new standard greatly increases survivability to all involved.
Even though this training is meant for First Responders, our participation better prepares district employees of what to expect and helps provide the best possible training to our First Responder partners. Given the training is geared toward First Responders it will be fairly realistic in nature. The use of real firearms firing blanks or “simunition” (a small paintball fired from a real gun) are to be expected along with make-up to dress victims. The creation of stress is intentional and can be felt by those observing.
For those wanting to observe, please feel free to arrive at the school by 4:00 PM. If anyone is interested in participating in the training, please contact Matt Alvernaz (School Safety Coordinator) at matt.alvernaz@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8623. A headcount is needed for participation and employees would be expected to arrive early.
Research Project – Understanding the Relationship Among Professional Learning Community Engagement, Collective Efficacy, and Perceived Mattering in Physical Education
DATE:
Thursday, October 12, 2023
TO:
All School Administrators
FROM:
Carolyn Gough, 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: Understanding the Relationship Among Professional Learning Community Engagement, Collective Efficacy, and Perceived Mattering in Physical Education
Applicant: Zack Beddoes and Keven Prusak
The project has been approved by the District Research Review Committee. The research team will send a recruitment email directly to PE teachers throughout the district. Participation in the study is at each teacher’s discretion. If school administrators have questions or concerns relating to participation, please contact Ben Jameson at 801-567-8243.
Thank you for your assistance.
Round 2: Optional Unique & Inspire Professional Development
DATE:
October 4, 20233
TO:
All Principals
FROM:
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Brian King, Assistant Director of Special Education
Mike Trimmell, Ed.D., Special Education Administrator
SUBJECT:
Round 2: Optional Unique & Inspire Professional Development
For those that attended the first optional PD on September 22nd, this is the second session.
There are two optional trainings available on October 13, 2023.
- Unique is for all self-contained classrooms (all grade levels - if you cannot make this training, other dates and times will be released soon)
- Inspire is for elementary resource classrooms (secondary content to come soon).
Unique Professional Development (all grade levels for self-contained teachers)
- Friday, October 13, 2023 at Valley High School from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Inspire Professional Development (All elementary resource teachers)
- Friday, October 13, 2023 at Bingham High School from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Please sign up on JPLS to confirm your attendance.
Unique- VHS
Course #101963
Section #127787
Inspire- BHS
Course # 101964
Section #127786
What’s the Latest with Teaching & Learning?
Check out the attached flyer or use the links below for the latest updates from Teaching & Learning for October. Learn tips and tricks, sign up for upcoming PD, and learn about important updates from the T & L team.
LINK to flyer
Elementary Research Project – Teacher Self-Efficacy in the Moral Work of Teaching
DATE:
Thursday, October 5, 2023
TO:
Elementary School Administrators
FROM:
Carolyn Gough, 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: Teacher Self-Efficacy in the Moral Work of Teaching
Applicant: Sarah Clark and Rich Osguthorpe, BYU-Provo
The project has been approved by the District Research Review Committee. Teachers will receive an emailed invitation to participate in a survey. If you have questions or concerns relating to participation, please contact Ben Jameson at 801-567-8243.
Thank you for your assistance.
Save the Date – Health & Wellness Day February 9, 2024
Employee Health and Wellness Day is back for 2024! There will be free offers, discounts, in-person, and virtual activities on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.
We are very appreciative of community partners who are supporting our Health and Wellness Day!
More details for Health and Wellness Day will be coming soon. Watch for updates in JAM!
Translate Skyward into Any Language
One way to streamline communication despite language barriers is by showing parents and guardians how to translate Skyward into any language. Each user can translate the Skyward site into their preferred language with just a few clicks in Google Chrome. Check out the video below to see how.
*Hint - This tool works on other websites too! Be sure to share this link with families and guardians.
SRO Training Follow-up & Video
DATE:
September 27, 2023
TO:
School Administrators
FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Matt Alvernaz, School Safety Coordinator
SUBJECT:
SRO Training Follow-Up
A training for School Resource Officers (SRO’s) was held on September 8, 2023 in the ASB presentation room. Below is the video recording of that training for your convenience.
Standard Response Protocol (SRP)/Incident Command Training – SAVE the DATE!
DATE:
September 28, 2023
TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals
School Safety Specialists
FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Matt Alvernaz, School Safety Coordinator
SUBJECT:
Standard Response Protocol (SRP)/Incident Command Training **SAVE THE DATE**
Training for the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and Incident Command will be held at the JATC South on the following dates (choose one date and one time):
- Wednesday, November 15, 2023
- 11:00am – 1:00pm
- 1:30pm – 3:30pm
- Friday, November 17, 2023
- 8:00am – 10:00am
- 10:30am – 12:30pm
This training is for any who have responsibility within the Incident Command system (including schools, the District Office, ASB, Transportation, or other location). Administrators assigned as the school safety administrator and all School Safety Specialists should attend.
The training will be focused on SRP and Incident Command as well as the roles/responsibilities of the School Safety Specialist and school administrator. School-based safety administrators and specialists will receive materials and information to conduct SRP/Incident Command trainings in schools.
No sign up required to attend. Please mark on your calendars the date and time that best works for you and your school.
Please forward this information to your School Safety Specialist or others you deem appropriate.
