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DATE:    
Thursday, February 25, 2021

TO:    
Elementary 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:   The Roles and Responsibilities of the COVID-19 Elementary Principal in Relation to Job Descriptions and Utah School Leadership Evaluation Metrics: A Case Study

Applicant:   Sarah Nielsen, Utah State 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 a recorded one-hour interview between elementary principals and the researcher.

Thank you for your assistance.

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The Utah State Board of Education, Utah Department of Health, SafeUT at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Utah Department of Public Safety, and the Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health are pleased to announce the Safe & Healthy Schools Webinar Series!

This webinar series is intended for any professionals who would benefit from the information provided. There is no registration required or cost to attend. One relicensure point/hour is available through completion of a required questionnaire following the presentation (details will be provided at the end of the webinar). The questionnaire for each event will be open for one month following the presentation date. 

 

Save the date for the March webinar:

“Mental Health, Trauma, COVID-19 and the Value of Schools”

Presenter: Marci Hertz, Senior Behavioral Scientist for the Division of Adolescent and School Health for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Date: March 23, 2021

Time: 11:00AM - 12:00 PM

Zoom link: TBA

More information will be posted on the Safe and Healthy Schools website, Events and Trainings page (https://www.schools.utah.gov/safehealthyschools/resources/eventstrainings). 

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Just a reminder to fill out your EL funding request (EARS money) so we can do a budget transfer to your school. Please use this form.

We will need the information by Monday, February 22 so accounting can do the transfer by the end of February. If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Love-Day or contact Andrea Schneiter, admin assistant at 88124.

Here is the EL count for the schools, just in case you need. (Note: ML is the new term for our English Language Learners- Multi Language Learner).

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District Science Lab/Chemical Clean Up
One-time disposal opportunity!

Principals:

Jordan District is initiating a science lab review, clean up and sign off to ensure the safety of teachers and students as well as mitigating expensive disposal fees.

The district is offering a one-time disposal opportunity for chemicals that are expired and/or no longer used requiring specialized disposal.

Most of the chemicals in schools can be safely disposed of on site as long as appropriate protocols are followed. Understanding that some teachers may not feel comfortable disposing of certain chemicals without some verification and/or support, experienced teachers are happy to help. Simply reach out to Jane Harward and arrangements will be made.

The final deadline for lab review, clean up and sign off is June 11th, 2021. Sign offs can occur anytime between now and then. Early signoff is highly encouraged and appreciated.

Science teams can refer to the following process to guide their work.

  1. Take inventory of all chemicals and ensure they are stored in appropriate/required locations.
  2. Safely dispose of chemicals and materials that are expired or no longer used.
  1. Update SDS books with current sheets.
    • The MSDS books are outdated and need to be replaced with new SDS books and sheets.
    • If you need a new SDS book please email Jeff Beesley.

If chemicals are identified requiring specialized disposal please contact Jane Harward and Jeff Beesley.

When all tasks are complete and the lab is ready for sign off please email Jane Harward and Jeff Beesley.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and help.

Jane

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Organizers of the conference have opened a new window for Jordan School District. The conference platform will be open and participants will have access to all speakers from April 3 - April 12, 2021. (This is a change from the original dates of March 25 - April 3.)

Schools are encouraged to participate in this unique opportunity to participate in the Instructional Leadership Conference. This year’s conference will be held virtually and will include keynote speakers Doug Fisher, Anthony Muhammad and Gerry Brooks, along with many other well-known and motivating speakers. Cost for the conference is $150/person or $1,500 for all school faculty members. This provides a unique opportunity to join a conference in creative ways anytime during the week.

  • Bring staff together and listen to one of the speakers as a group.
  • Invite grade levels or departments to watch a speaker together.
  • Invite teachers to watch a specific speaker and meet together to discuss.
  • Invite teachers to watch speakers of their choice.

This conference will be well worth the cost, even if you’re not able to watch all speakers. See the attached brochure for session and registration information. Take note that the dates on the brochure are the original dates for the conference. To accommodate Jordan's spring break our dates will be April 3-12, 2021.

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Thank you for your participation in the Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair! We hope it was a valuable experience. To help continually improve future fairs, we would appreciate your genuine feedback. Please complete the following brief survey https://forms.gle/cVad2HeUmSxSbhk9A.

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We are pleased to announce that the 2021 nomination and application cycle for the Sorenson Legacy Awards for Excellence in Arts Education is now open. We would like to enlist your help to increase awareness of this prestigious award to those in your area before our April 2, 2021 nomination deadline.

Philanthropist Beverley Taylor Sorenson worked tirelessly to promote the arts as an avenue for Utah’s students to develop voice, sustain engagement in school, and evoke reflection and response. Through support from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation, Art Works for Kids, and the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), the Sorenson Legacy Awards for Excellence in Arts Education recognize the essential nature of education in the arts for Utah’s students, distinguish those educators who embrace the arts with excellence in their practice, and ensure that Beverley's legacy will continue on.

Following are several ways you can help us spread the word:

  • Nominate an arts teacher within your district.
  • Post the attached award announcement in your faculty lounge or other communal areas.
  • Include information about the Sorenson Legacy Awards on your district or school website.
  • Share information about the awards at faculty or community meetings.

Administrators, teachers, parents, students, and other community members are all welcome to submit a nomination. Nominees must be licensed and endorsed public school educators. We also encourage re-nomination  of those who may have been previously nominated but not selected. Individuals are not allowed to nominate themselves.

Complete information and a link to the nomination form can be found on the Utah State Board of Education website at: https://schools.utah.gov/curr/finearts?mid=4609&tid=8

Questions? Contact Cathy Jensen, Utah State Board of Education cathy.jensen@schools.utah.gov | 801-538-7793

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On November 10, 2020, Apple Computer Inc., began deployment of computers using their new proprietary M1 chip. Since that time, it has been discovered that this new technology is not compatible with many enterprise and business applications utilized and required by Jordan School District. Because of this, Apple devices that feature the M1 chip will not be able to function within Jordan District’s computing environment.

This incompatibility with major systems has been acknowledged by Apple, and is currently under review. An anticipated resolution date has not been released. Because of the significant nature of the issue, there is no way of knowing when the incompatibilities will be sufficiently resolved.

Until these issues with the Apple M1 chip have been resolved, purchases of Apple devices containing the M1 chip have been discontinued. Please do not attempt to purchase an M1 chip Apple device through alternate means. These devices will not function in the district computing environment.

Alternatively, a dwindling number of Intel chip-based Apple products are available, but they are significantly more expensive than their comparable M1 chip siblings. If you are in immediate need of computers that will function within the district environment, please consider either Window-based computers, or Chromebooks.

Please feel free to contact Information Systems if you have further questions concerning this topic.

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The LAND Trust Plan needs to be a component of your TSSA Plan. Your School Community Council reviews the data and provides comments on the TSSA Plan. Understand what the TSSA Plan is and be familiar with the data.

When presenting the data to SCC present what is in place in your LAND Trust and TSSA Plans. Make it parent friendly with the statements used. Give time for them to ask questions. Make sure they feel comfortable.

When putting together your 2021-22 LAND Trust Plan be a brief as possible in providing all of the necessary information.

Use the Data Review to identify critical academic needs.

Create the Goal: Goals must be – Student Centered, Measurable, and Academic
Focus on student improvement and success
Identify the goal and fit your needs to the goal. Don’t just use it as a shopping list
How do we define success?
What will we do?
What do we need?
If multiple goals are in the same subject combine it into one goal
Keep the amount of goals smaller

GOAL:
One Statement
Such as – “Improve 8th grade science scores from 55% to 59%”

MEASUREMENT:
What is the method of coming up with the assessment? How will we know that goal has been met? “Acadience scores”

ACTION PLAN:
Have it be research based. Every expenditure should be discussed in the Action Plan and matched to the action - so it shows how it all fits together. Use:
* A bullet list or
* Outline

“If we receive more funds” – Be thinking of other things you could do, in current goals as well as additional goals.

Recent changes regarding Behavioral Intervention:
Can be a part of the action plan
No longer has a $ limit
Must be tied to an academic goal
Use data to show how it will support the goal

Regarding the website update
It will be more steam lined
The website should be ready for the final reports to be added by March 5, 2021
The 2021-22 Upcoming Plan can’t be submitted until the final report is done and submitted

Final Reports
Using a copy of the 2019-2020 School Plan as a template, prepare responses to each item (text) in each goal or question entered in the original School Plan and Amendment, as necessary.
Expenditures will not be entered by the principal but will be displayed for response and explanation by the council.
School plan expenditures from 2019-2020 may be obtained from the business administrator.

2021-22 Upcoming Plan
A template from the State LAND Trust website is attached to this JAM
Your school plan is due to your AOS by March 26, 2021
The same deadlines are necessary in order to stay on track with reviews by the AOS’ and the approval by the Jordan School District Board of Education.

Please review the attached Land Trust Guidelines in order to place the expenditures under the correct categories.

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We are excited to announce the JSD Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 from 4:00PM-6:30PM in lieu of the traditional in-person transfer fair.  

Schools are to remain open so teachers may Zoom from their classroom.

All principals can access Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair resources and tools immediately by clicking on the following link: Feb 2021 JSD Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair. Anticipated openings, based on your 2.0 FTE projections, and school Zoom Meeting links must be added to the “JSD Virtual Transfer Fair Links/Openings” Google spreadsheet by February 16th.

Interested licensed employees will have the ability to start uploading resumes and video introductions on February 10th.  Principals can begin previewing these documents by school level (Elementary, Middle, High, Special Ed) in the Form Responses spreadsheet. 2020-2021 Teacher Transfer Fair (Responses) This document will also give you access to a live support Google chat during the JSD Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair on February 17th for any questions or concerns that you may have during your interviews.

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources:

Elementary 
Kim Gibson kim.gibson@jordandistrict.org
Brittany Bauer brittany.bauer@jordandistrict.org

Secondary 
Wyatt Bentley wyatt.bentley@jordandistrict.org
Mark Sowa mark.sowa@jordandistrict.org

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This is a reminder for principals to complete their EARS funding request form. EARS funding provides an opportunity for schools to respond to the needs of their EL (ML) students. As you begin to think of ways to use the money, the Educational Language Services Department can provide training on what great Parent Home Visits look like, how to use the WIDA Can-Do statements, and how to strengthen Tier I instruction. Please reach out to Michelle Love-Day in Educational Language Services for any questions. Please use this link to request the EARS funding for use with your EL(ML) students this year.

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JSD is hosting a six-week coding camp this summer at Copper Hills High School. Classes will be held Monday-Friday from 8:00-12:00 during the six weeks from June 14 to July 23.

Parents and students are invited to a Virtual Information Meeting on Feb 24 @ 6:00 PM. Please post the flyer (image file) on your website. Hard copies will be sent to each school - please hang flyers where students will see them.

Please contact Kami Taylor if you have questions.
801-567-8621
kami.taylor@jordandistrict.org

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We are preparing for the second year of our Elementary STEM PLC. This program supports elementary STEM rotations by training teachers/instructional assistants to use the tech tools from the JSD STEM Library. This PLC focuses on the T in STEM and provides both training and technology throughout the school year. This program will not provide a full-year of activities, but we will discuss several online tools that can be used at any time and add your school to a rotation to use a variety of tech tools during the year.

During 2020-2021, 13 elementary schools participated in this program. We will be extending this to an additional 13-14 schools in 2021-2022. The feedback so far has been positive, and I am happy to connect you with participating schools if you would like to ask questions.

All costs for tech tools and training are covered by a grant from the STEM Action Center. Participants will spend hours outside their regular school contract/hourly commitment, but they will be paid through the grant.

What does your school need to participate?
A scheduled school-wide STEM Rotation that serves the majority of your students
A commitment to using the tech tools when they arrive at your school
A teacher or instructional assistant who can commit to additional hours outside regular contract time

We will meet a few days in August for hands-on training with the tech tools, the plan is to complete this prior to the start of STEM rotations. We will also meet once or twice a month during the school year to share resources, develop lesson plans, and identify best practices.

If your school is interested in participating, please complete this Google Form. I will add schools as I receive the form responses. The grant is a three-year commitment. If your school does not participate in 2021-2022, you will be invited to participate in 2022-2023.

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The Assistant Principal meetings will be held at the JATC-S this coming Tuesday, February 9th from 8:00-10:30 am; and again on Thursday, February 11th from 1:00-3:30 pm. Both sessions will provide the same information. If you haven't had a chance to sign up for February, please CLICK HERE and it will take you to the Google Doc that has the sign up sheets. A virtual option will be provided for the February 11th meeting. If you have any questions please call Nadine Page at 801.567.8182 (x88182). Thank you!

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In the November JAM, it was announced that any and all websites in the domain of Weebly or Wix would be   blocked in January. This action has been delayed. Wix and Weebly sites will be available through July 15, 2021. This will give individuals additional time to transfer sites to a JSD supported website.

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Mark your calendars! Our next JELL sessions will be in March. The sessions will be through ZOOM. Assigned dates are listed below. T&L will cover the cost of up to 5 substitutes. Please arrange for your substitutes early. The focus of the sessions will be on how proficiency scales drive assessment practices. We will discuss why we assess students and how to organize the data from assessments to focus our instruction.

Tuesday, March 2 Thursday, March 4
April and Lisa Becky and Jill
Columbia Antelope Canyon
Heartland Bluffdale
Majestic Daybreak
Oquirrh Oakcrest
Riverside South Jordan
West Jordan Terra Linda
Westvale Westland
Blackridge Bastian
Butterfield Canyon Elk Meadows
Copper Canyon Falcon Ridge
Eastlake Fox Hollow
Foothills Golden Fields
Herriman Hayden Peak
Jordan Ridge Jordan Hills
Monte Vista Midas Creek
Mountain Point Mountain Shadows
Ridge View Rose Creek
Riverton Southland
Rosamond Welby
Silver Crest CDC

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We are excited to announce the JSD Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 from 4:00PM-6:30PM in lieu of the traditional in-person transfer fair. All principals can access Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair resources and tools immediately by clicking on the following link: Feb 2021 JSD Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair. Anticipated openings, based on your 2.0 FTE projections, and school Zoom Meeting links must be added to the “JSD Virtual Transfer Fair Links/Openings” Google spreadsheet by February 16th.

Interested licensed employees will have the ability to start uploading resumes and video introductions on February 10th. Principals can begin previewing these documents by school level (Elementary, Middle, High, Special Ed) in the Form Responses spreadsheet. 2020-2021 Teacher Transfer Fair (Responses) This document will also give you access to a live support Google chat during the JSD Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair on February 17th for any questions or concerns that you may have during your interviews.

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources:

Elementary - Kim Gibson kim.gibson@jordandistrict.org

Brittany Bauer brittany.bauer@jordandistrict.org

Secondary - Wyatt Bentley wyatt.bentley@jordandistrict.org

Mark Sowa mark.sowa@jordandistrict.org

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DATE:    
February 4, 2021

TO: 
Elementary School Principals

FROM:     
Paul Bergera, Director of Transportation
Kathy S. Jones, Trainer/Risk Coordinator of Transportation

SUBJECT: 
“Safety in the Schools” – Bus Safety Video

Utah State Standards for school buses require students to receive annual bus safety instruction.

This year, bus safety instruction and awareness for students in grades K-6 will come in the form of a video. The video is available at the following link for each individual teacher to present to his or her class.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-xtDcfE5sw&feature=emb_logo

In addition, please require all teachers in grades K-1 to have their students watch the Winnie the Pooh video at the link provided below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF_3MrYXDw4

When every teacher in grades K-6 has shown the video(s) to his or her class, please send a quick email confirmation to tammy.spearman@jordandistrict.org indicating that your school has completed this process.

Feel free to contact Denise Dallin in the Transportation Training Department at (801) 567-8856 with any questions you may have.

We would like to have this completed and turned into the Utah State Office by February 26, 2021.

Thank you for helping Jordan School District achieve “Safety in the Schools”.