Skip to content

Author: npage

Published on

The current Think Central platform for Literacy is being phased out by Houghton Mifflin. As a result, this will be the last year that Think Central for literacy will be provided by Teaching & Learning. This change will not affect Think Central for math. All Think Central accounts will remain in operation through the end of this school year. If you have any questions please reach out to Mandy Thurman or Michelle Lovell.

Published on

Administrators:

Please share this information with educators in your building and/or department who might be interested.

The EDLF faculty will be holding a virtual information session on November 1 at 4:00 pm. The attached flyer will enable an individual to access the session and pose questions. Also, feel free to distribute the flyer to any individuals you think have great potential for leadership in JSD.

The session is sponsored by The School Leadership Team in EDLF, including David Boren, Bryan Bowles, Jim Melville and Spencer Weiler.

Published on

Based on policy AA421B, education support professionals may request to take a course to improve their skills or learn new skills that support their work. Please encourage your ESP staff to review courses through organizations such as  Ed 2 Go/Salt Lake Community College or Fred Pryor Institute Courses. The ESP Professional Improvement Committee (ESPPIC) will cover the cost of approved courses up to $300. Visit the ESPPIC website for more information and instructions for registering for a course. Please post the attached informational flyer for your ESP staff.

Published on

To all schools that have participated in the spelling bee in years past, as well as those who would like to participate: The registering portal is now open to sign up to participate.

ENROLL HERE FOR THE SPELLING BEE

They are hoping to have at least 120 Schools participate this year.

51 schools from Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, Weber, Wasatch and Summit Counties have signed up to participate. The more the merrier.

Published on

DATE:
October 26, 2021

TO:
District Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
Fall Enrollment as of October 1, 2021 - Revised

Please see revised memo below.

Published on

Administrators, please share this with your teachers.

Are you interested in or currently pursuing a STEM endorsement? Let US PAY FOR YOUR EDUCATION! This is now called STEM EIP = Endorsement Incentive Program. Have questions? Review our FAQ Document. If your questions aren’t answered, please reach out to your representative. We would love to talk to you!

Applications are reviewed each month, so teachers can submit as soon as they complete a class. There were a couple of updates in October, please use the link to access the most recent application.

STEM EIP FAQ

STEM EIP Application

This is a GREAT opportunity!

Amy Kinder: Mathematics
Jane Harward: Science
Kami Taylor: Computer Science

ELEMENTARY ENDORSEMENTS:

SECONDARY ENDORSEMENTS:

*Please note that the college coursework pathway for the Ed Tech Endorsement is the only one eligible for this program.

 

Published on

DATE: 
Thursday, October 28, 2021

TO: 
Elementary School Administrators

FROM:  
Shelley Nordick, Ph.D., Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability

SUBJECT:  
2021 BOY Acadience Reading Dashboards in Tableau

Beginning of the year Acadience Reading data and results are available in school administrator Tableau Viewer accounts. Administrators may view aggregate student participation, proficiency, growth (Pathways of Progress), and measure proficiency by school and grade level over time (2015-present). In addition, school administrators may view individual student data for the fall of 2021. Demographic filters are also available to help school administrators drill down to the data they wish to see.

The following dashboards are available:

School Acadience Reading Analysis, 2015-Present

Explore > Acadience Reading & Early Literacy > School Acadience Reading Analysis, 2015-2022 > 2-School Acadience Reading Analysis, 2015-Present

2021-22 BOY Student Level Data Dashboard

Explore > Acadience Reading & Early Literacy > School Acadience Reading Analysis, 2015-2022 > [School Name] 2021-22 BOY Student Level Data Dashboard

As a reminder, schools have at their disposal a Tableau Viewer account that teachers can access to see aggregate data only for the school and their grade level. No individual student or teacher data are available. Please contact Ben Jameson in Evaluation, Research & Accountability for more information about this tool and to obtain login credentials.

Published on

2021-22 Crucial Concerns Annual Policy Review

Jordan School District Employees are responsible for knowing and adhering to all District policies and procedures. The crucial policy review is available to District employees in Skyward through “Online Forms.” As a condition of continued employment, all employees (i.e. Licensed, ESP, Substitutes, Coaches, Miscellaneous adults, etc.), with the exception of minor students, will be required to complete this training. We ask your assistance in notifying your employees of this required training and ask that this training be completed by November 1, 2021.

A message will appear upon login of Skyward Employee Access for the employee to complete an “Online Form.” Employees can complete the steps at that time or can return to the review at another time by selecting “Online Forms” under “Employee Information.”

Reports of completion will be available through Skyward so you can verify that your staff members have completed this process. A tutorial is attached for your reference. If you or any staff members need technical help, please call the help desk at 801-567-USER (8737).

Published on

Don’t miss out on scheduling a Healthy Utah Testing session for your school!

All employees and their spouses covered on the Jordan School District PEHP medical plan are eligible to participate in the health incentive program. You and your spouse can earn $50 each by participating in the free biometric testing session and completing a questionnaire.

If you would like to schedule a PEHP Healthy Utah testing session for your school, please send an email to cheryl.matson@jordandistrict.org with the date and time you would like to host the testing session. Healthy Utah is currently scheduling on a limited basis and days fill up fast, so don’t delay. Testing sessions can be scheduled between January and April at this time.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to the JSD insurance department (801-567-8255). Please see flyer below.

Published on

Parent Teacher Conferences are fast approaching, and many of you will find your school in need of one or more interpreters in order to serve the needs of your parents. Mirsa Joosten is happy to find an interpreter in each language you need, but this can be extremely difficult when there is not sufficient time for her to make arrangements. Finding interpreters for virtual meetings can be even more challenging. For these reasons, we ask you to please request your interpreter right away by completing the Interpreting and Translation Services Request Form available on the Equity and Compliance webpage, if you have not already done so.

Published on

As you may be aware, USBE is in the process of updating the K-6 social studies standards. Part of the process is to open the standards for public comment. Please invite your teachers to review the standards and complete the survey below regarding the new social studies standards. (The standards are available from the survey form.) Teachers know best what works for their students, so it is important they have a voice in the creation of these standards.

Link to Elementary Social Studies Standard Draft

 

Published on

The following are reminders to keep in mind when completing evaluations. 

Full UETS-based JPAS -- Teachers on a full UETS-based JPAS will upload student performance information (SLO) and stakeholder input in place of completing the interview portion of the JPAS. Teachers can upload the documents directly from their computer by logging into Perform and choosing “My Folder” -- “Evidence” -- “Add Artifact.” Teachers are asked to name the file and can then choose to upload a document from the computer or add a URL. 

  • Student growth can be recorded on the form that was previously sent out in this issue of JAM. Please review the instructions and make sure teachers have the form for uploading. If any other documentation is being used, please  ensure  that the document includes: 
    • The core standard
    • A growth target
    • Pre assessment information (include dates and scores)
    • Post assessment information (include dates and scores)
    • A summary of student growth
  • Stakeholder input could include climate survey information, copies of emails or descriptive phone logs. The intent is to show personalized communication with parents.

Administrators may access evidence by logging into Perform and  selecting “My Staff” -- “Staff” -- the individual teacher’s folder -- “Evidence.”  (No action is required.)

The first cycle for provisional teachers is due December 18, 2021.

Interim --  Teachers on an Interim JPAS will complete a self evaluation and 3 required goals at the beginning of the year and reflect on the 3 required goals at the end of the year. Teachers can access the evaluation by logging into Perform and choosing “My Folder” -- “Tasks” -- “Beginning of Year Interim Form.”  Teachers must click on the “Save and Submit” button once they have completed the beginning of the year form so that the evaluator can access the form for approval.

Administrators may access and approve Interim Evaluations by logging into Perform and selecting “Signatures.”  Evaluations will not be available for approval until after the teacher has “Saved and Submitted.” 

Beginning of the year requirements and approval are due October 31, 2021. 

Teachers on an Interim JPAS will complete an end-of-year reflection by logging into Perform and choosing “My Folder” -- “Tasks” -- “End of Year Interim Form.”  Student growth (SLO) and stakeholder input are uploaded at this time. 

  • Student growth can be recorded on the form that was previously sent out in this issue of JAM. Please review the instructions and make sure teachers have the form for uploading. If any other documentation is being used, please  ensure that the document includes: 
    • The core standard
    • A growth target
    • Pre assessment information (include dates and scores)
    • Post assessment information (include dates and scores)
    • A summary of student growth
  • Stakeholder input could include climate survey information, copies of emails or descriptive phone logs. The intent is to show personalized communication with parents. 

Deadline for completion of Interim Evaluations is May 31, 2022

Information regarding the evaluation of specialized subgroups can be found on the 2021-2022 Evaluation Processes document. 

Published on

DATE:  
October 27, 2021

TO:  
Department Directors/Administrators

FROM:   
HR Administrators

SUBJECT:     
FTE Audit Report 2021-22

Electronic FTE Audit Process:

  • November 1, 2021 – HR will share with directors and department administrative assistants the FTE Audit Report via Google Sheets. Please review the report with your administrative assistant. The report will include verification of faculty/staff, FTE, title and budget code(s). Please refer to the “Instructions” sheet in the document for assistance in completing the audit.
  • November 8, 2021 – DUE DATE for the FTE Audit Report to be completed for HR to process. Check the “yellow” box on the front page to indicate audit completion.
  • THE BEST NEWS OF ALL – All corrections made on the FTE Audit Report will be made by HR upon return. Change forms will not be required; however, new hires not listed on the report will require the submission of a hire sheet to HR.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Published on

Cyprus Credit Union Mini-Grants are now available for teachers to fund innovative and creative classroom projects that enrich standard curriculum and enhance learning opportunities for students. Funds may also be used to purchase supplemental supplies.

Cyprus will fund up to $250 per teacher/educator. The grants can be combined for use toward a larger grant amount if specified. For example, four teachers can combine and apply for a $1,000 grant for a group project with each teacher submitting a separate application for their $250 allotment. Applications are limited to one $250 grant per teacher for the school year and two applications per school per month, either individually or with a team.

Mini-Grant applications will be accepted from Monday, August 9, 2021 through Thursday, April 15, 2022. Up to eight Mini-Grants will be awarded each month, and all applications must be received prior to the 15th of the month to receive funding the following month.

Restrictions: The following categories are not eligible for funding: Salaries, professional development, honorariums, stipends, and educator travel.

The Mini-Grant program is exclusively available to licensed educators in Davis, Salt Lake, Utah and Tooele counties.

If you have any questions about the application or funding process, please call the Relationship Development Department at (801) 260-7600, ext. 5951 or ext. 5952

Apply online at the Cyprus Credit Union Educators Mini-Grant Site.

Published on

Dear Teachers,

We are very aware of the increasing challenges facing educators due to a statewide shortage of substitute teachers. Jordan School District is taking several measures to help alleviate the problem. We are excited to announce the implementation of a new Temporary Substitute Teacher Incentive Pay Program.

The program will provide temporary incentive pay for substitute teachers who work a required number of days between October 25, 2021 and December 15, 2021 without cancellations.

We hope this program will relieve some of the impact on teachers by attracting new substitute teachers, incentivizing and increasing the availability of current substitutes, and reducing cancellations.

Temporary Substitute Incentive Pay Program

  • The following incentives will be paid to substitute teachers on their December paycheck:

    • $500 for substitutes who work 30 of 35 days without cancellations

    • $300 for substitutes who work 25 of 35 days without cancellations

    • $200 for substitutes who work 20 of 35 days without cancellations

    • $100 for substitutes who work 15 of 35 days without cancellations

  • NO CANCELLATIONS – Substitute teachers will not receive the incentive pay if they cancel a job.

Benefit-Eligible Substitutes

Schools are authorized to use school funds to hire benefit-eligible substitute teachers. The District will pay half the cost of the benefited substitute.

Benefit-eligible substitutes will be contracted to work 180 days/year with starting pay $141.44 per day plus benefits. Positions can be posted now for the job starting January 3, 2022. 

Full Pay on Fridays and Shortened Days
Substitute teachers will receive a full day of pay on Fridays and shortened days, even though they may leave 15 minutes after students are dismissed.

Published on

School budget allocations will be updated by the end of the month for actual October headcounts. If you would like a transfer to be processed, please fill out the budget requests form, found at the link below, and mail or email to Natalie Grange in Accounting, Budgets, and Audits.

Please call or email if you have questions.

Natalie Grange
Extension 88312
Email Natalie.Grange@jordandistrict.org

https://jordandistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/083_budgettransfer.pdf

Published on

We are excited to offer our annual Utah Skyward User Conference virtually this year!  This conference is an opportunity to learn about Skyward directly from the source as most sessions are being presented by Skyward staff. There are some fantastic sessions being offered this year for teachers and administrators, including Administrator Boot Camp, Tips & Tricks for Teachers, Secondary Gradebook Features, Standards Gradebook Features, and Teacher Tracking.

The conference has been scheduled for the week of October 25th.  The Monday-Thursday sessions are dedicated to Skyward presenters and Friday is focused on state-specific sessions.

You can access the website for the Skyward Virtual User Group now, to view the agenda and begin registering for sessions. You can filter the sessions by date, product (SMS - which is the Skyward system we currently use in JSD, and Qmlativ - which we currently do not use), and Skyward area, i.e. Food Service, Student Management, Human Resources, and Special Education.  **Important Note** All times listed for the sessions are Central Standard Time.  Registration closes two days before the beginning of each session so make sure you sign up in advance.  If you find that you are not able to attend a session that you are interested in, still register for it. Skyward will be recording every session and will email links to the recording to anyone who registered.

To register for sessions on this site, you will need to select "Register for SMS 2.0" in order to view the session for the Skyward system we currently use.  If the button "Register for SMS 2.0" is not available, that session is not offered for our current Skyward system.  Once you select the option to register, you will be prompted to select your state and school district, then enter your login credentials for Skyward (credentials for both Student Management and Finance will work).  Select "Confirm".  You will be taken to a new screen where you need to enter your first name, last name and email address, then select "Register".  You will receive a confirmation email after you register for each session.  You will also receive an email one business day prior to the session you registered for that will include instructions on how to attend the virtual session.

During the virtual sessions you will have the opportunity to ask questions via chat or Q&A periods throughout the sessions.   However, if you have a problem that will take a bit longer to resolve, we suggest that you call our help desk to get further assistance.

As always, we hope you get the best out of this virtual conference and are able to see new things, learn new tips and tricks, get some of your questions answered, and see some of the new possibilities in Skyward.  If you have any questions about attending the conference, please feel free to reach out to me.

Steven Harwood
Application Development and Support Manager
steven.harwood@jordandistrict.org
801-567-8737

Published on

You are invited to the Learning Edge Conference on November 9, 2021, at the Provo Marriott Hotel. The theme is “Leadership: Tools for Today.” The conference will provide sessions addressing innovative leadership, community connections, and creativity. See attached flyer for more information.