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Author: shooper

Published on

TO:
Administrators

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

Yearly Exit Interviews should be completed each fall. They are only conducted for students who tested proficient on WIDA the previous Spring (overall composite of at least 4.2 and a speaking score of at least 3.5). Exit Interviews are only completed once for a student and are done to move students into monitoring after testing proficient on WIDA. Please see this form for steps on how to print the forms on ELLevation.

Published on

DATE:
September 17, 2024

TO:
Principals and Assistant Principals

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Michelle Reyes, Prevention Specialist, Student Services

SUBJECT:
Making the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences & Attendance

Tailoring Conversations to Students’ Attendance Status

Parent-teacher conferences, or student-led conferences, can be an ideal time for teachers to talk about the importance and benefits of regular school attendance. Teachers can use this one-on-one time with families or caregivers to update them on their student’s attendance and emphasize the benefits of daily attendance such as opportunities for students to connect with their peers and caring adults, participate in hands on learning, and remain on track academically. Holding parent teacher conferences twice a year provides an opportunity to establish and maintain two-way communication with families and integrate attendance into planned meetings without adding a new activity.

A Step-By-Step Guide for Teachers to Make the Most of Parent Teacher Conferences

Attendance Works, a national non-profit attendance initiative, has produced a step-by-step guide for teachers to use at parent teacher conferences to build trusting relationships with families/caregivers and learn how to partner together to help support their student.

Questions? Contact Michelle Reyes at michelle.reyes@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8205.

Published on

DATE:
Thursday, September 19, 2024

TO:
All School Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

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

SUBJECT:
2024-25 Stakeholder Input Survey – Preparation and Administration Details

The 2024-25 Stakeholder Input Survey will be administered to parents, school employees, and students in grades K-12 beginning Friday, November 1, 2024, and ending Tuesday, November 26, 2024. All parents, licensed educators, education support professionals, and students should be invited and encouraged to participate in the survey.

Survey respondents have the opportunity to take part in the survey for individual principals, assistant principals, classroom teachers, and licensed support staff (i.e., instructional coaches, counselors, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, library media specialists, cluster leaders, etc.). Thus, we need to ensure that the survey contains an accurate list of each school’s licensed educators for whom respondents can take the survey.

Please see the attached memo for the table containing a unique link for each school that will direct viewers to a list of licensed staff that has been downloaded from Skyward. Administrative assistants are asked to verify the accuracy of that list, adding or deleting licensed educators as necessary. Staff verification lists need to be verified by Friday, October 4, 2024. This will allow enough time for Assessment, Research & Accountability to upload the staff lists into the survey. Once the survey begins, we will be unable to add or delete any staff, so it is essential that administrative assistants carefully verify the accuracy of these lists.

Published on

TO:
Principals
Administrative Assistants

FROM:  
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Natalie Grange, Accountant/CPA

As was discussed in principals meeting, all classroom, school, and district grants must have a Cabinet sponsor. Please use the grant pre-approval process in Skyward before anyone applies for a grant. Only Admin Assistants can start the Skyward pre-approval process. Instructions are attached. The only current exception to the grant pre-approval process are applications for classroom grants through JEF and Donors Choose.

Published on

DATE:
September 12, 2024

TO:
All Principals

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

SUBJECT:
10th Day Enrollment vs. the Estimate for All Schools

The 2024-25 enrollment for all schools on the tenth day is 57,136. See the attached memo for more details.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:  
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator, Teaching & Learning

Administrators, please share this information with your teachers.

Many of your teachers are pursuing a STEM endorsement (see our EIP website for a full list of endorsements). USBE WILL REIMBURSE THEM FOR THEIR COLLEGE CLASSES! This is called the STEM Endorsement Incentive Program (EIP) and it has been funded again for the 2024-25 school year. See the attached flyer and link to our EIP website for more information.

Applications for reimbursement are now being accepted for teachers who completed STEM courses after June 1, 2024. The next round of reimbursements applications is due September 27, 2024 for teachers who completed STEM courses in Summer 2024.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the content consultant. We would love to talk to you!

Published on

DATE:
Thursday, September 19, 2024

TO:
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
2024-25 Parental Exclusion Forms

2024-25 Parental Exclusion from State Assessments forms have been released by the state. Elementary and secondary versions may be found attached with this memo (including Spanish versions for each level). In addition, the forms may be found on the Assessment, Research & Accountability website.

Parents must notify schools of their desire to opt their student out of a state-mandated assessment on an annual basis. Parental exclusions should be recorded on your school’s opt out log so that both school and district personnel have one source of truth for all parental exclusions. Schools are discouraged from keeping parental exclusion lists that are separate or different from the opt out log received from Assessment, Research & Accountability.

Please direct questions about parental exclusions to Ben Jameson in Assessment, Research & Accountability.

Published on

DATE:
Thursday, September 19, 2024

TO:
All 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: State of Recess Survey

Applicant: Kimberly Clevenger, 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 voluntary participation in a survey about school recess administered to school administrators and teachers.

Thank you for your assistance.

Published on

DATE:
Thursday, September 19, 2024

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: Iterative Redesign of a Multifaceted Implementation Strategy for a School-based Behavioral Skills Intervention

Applicant: Jill Locke, University of Washington

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.

Thank you for your assistance.

Published on

TO:
Principals
Teachers

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

Language And Culture Services has an opportunity for educators to join us to learn strategies for teaching Multilingual Students. If you missed our summer SIOP workshop, then this is the professional development for you! Please use this link to register: Fall 2024 ML Support PD Signup Form

 

 

Published on

DATE:
September 10, 2024

TO:
All Administrators and Financial Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools
John Larsen, Business Administrator

SUBJECT:
Staff Appreciation Funds (formerly known as Staff Discretionary Funds)

A change has been made in Staff Appreciation Funds beginning this year. An additional allocation of up to $50 per staff member (both licensed and ESP) for snacks, meals, etc. in conjunction with Professional Development has been approved. Please see the attached memo for budgeting and other helpful information on utilizing these funds.

Published on

DATE:
September 12, 2024

TO:
Elementary Principals
Elementary Teachers

FROM:  
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator, Teaching & Learning
Amy Kinder, K-12 Math Consultant, Teaching & Learning

SUBJECT:
URGENT MATH INFORMATION

Principals,

It has come to our attention that elementary teachers have been unable to access resources for Think Central Math Expressions due to a rostering issue. Our Information Systems department is actively working with the parent company, HMH, to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.

To support planning and instruction in the interim, we’ve been provided temporary access to the Math Expressions materials through an evaluator account. Step-by-step directions on how teachers can access Math Expression materials immediately are provided in the attached document. PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR TEACHERS IMMEDIATELY.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience as we continue to resolve this issue.

Published on

TO:
All Principals
All Administrative Assistants

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

All McKinney Vento Aides are required to attend.

Monday, September 23, 2024
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Presentation Room, ASB, Entrance C

See attached flyer.

Published on

DATE:    
September 12, 2024

TO:  
Administrators
Administrative Assistants

FROM: 
June LeMaster, Administrator, Human Resources
Brent Burge, Human Resource Administrator, ESP

SUBJECT:
2024 FTE Audits

Once again, we request your assistance to review the 2024-25 FTE Audit report and make necessary changes as soon as possible.  This report will be distributed end of the day on September 16th. This report will include essential details such as faculty/staff verification, FTE, title, and budget code(s). Please read the important information below and refer to the “Instructions” sheet for guidance on completing the audit.

Important Deadlines and Actions:

  • DUE DATE: The FTE Audit Report must be completed and submitted to HR for processing by September 25, 2024.
  • Completion Indication: You must check the “yellow” box on the instructions sheet to complete the audit process.

Corrections and New Hires:

  • All corrections identified on the FTE Audit Report will be made by HR. You DO NOT need to submit change forms.
  • For new hires not listed in the report, please submit a hire sheet to HR through Frontline.

Optional HR Meeting:
If you are a new administrator and/or a veteran administrator and would like to meet with an HR Administrator/Specialist to review or assist you with your FTE audit, a scheduling link is available on the Instructions sheet in your audit documents. You may invite your Administrative Assistant and/or Assistant Principal to this meeting. Please review the audit thoroughly and come prepared with the necessary changes.

Thank you for your time and cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact:
Brittany Bauer - brittany.bauer@jordandistrict.org     x88214
Jane Olsen -  jane.olsen@jordandistrict.org      x88217
Brent Burge  - brent.burge@jordandistrict.org     x88224

Published on

DATE:
September 12, 2024

TO: 
All Principals
All Licensed Educators

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

SUBJECT:
ETT: Cultivating Classroom Management Skills

Seats are limited and fill quickly, so learners need to register on Canvas Catalog as soon as possible. Search “ETT” or use the direct registration link.

Cohort Dates for Fall 2024: Oct. 2nd- Dec. 4th
Register by: Sept. 25th

This course is beneficial for: All general education and special education teachers
Also welcome: Specialists, interventionists, and mental health providers.

Topics include:
Antecedents, behavior basics, class-wide and individual interventions, increasing academic effectiveness, data-based decision making, students with unique needs, and personal wellness

Format:
This 7-week course will be offered online in an asynchronous format. Learners will engage with content and activities via Canvas. *Although pacing is flexible, participants must complete the first module within the first week or their spot will go to someone on the waitlist.

1 USBE credit and a $500 stipend is available to licensed employees who successfully complete the course.

Note for instructional coaches: You can request to be an observer in the course instead of registering as a learner. Please email Melanie Dawson or Katie Jarvis if you are interested. melanie.dawson@jordandistrict.org or katie.jarvis@jordandistrict.org

Please see attached for more information.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Jared Covili, Consultant in Teaching & Learning

Our YuJa contract is set to expire on October 1, 2024. As a district, we’ve chosen not to renew the contract as there are many new options available to teachers and students to create screencast learning videos. Here are some of the best options for creating a video:

  • Screencast by Google - This tool has recently been made FREE on any Chromebook device.  The videos save directly into Google Drive and you have unlimited access to create and store videos.  Unfortunately, you can only create ScreenCast videos on a Chromebook device, not using Google Chrome on a Mac or PC. Learn more about creating videos using Screencast.
  • Canva - One of underutilized tools from Canvas is a video creation tool.  You can use AI to help you create some elements of videos and use the Canva collections to add callouts, text, etc. to your projects. Check out a Canva video tutorial.
  • Loom - This tool allows you access to a pro educational account for creating videos.  Simple to use and edit your videos, loom is a great option for teachers using their Mac or PC.  Find out more about Loom.
  • Built in Tools on your Mac or PC - Both Mac and PC provide options for you to create screencast videos.  You can use QuickTime Pro or Command +Shift+ 5 to create a quick video as well.  These must be uploaded into Google Drive or Canvas to share with students. Similar options are available for the PC - here’s an article describing some of your options on the PC.

Please note you can still download any videos from YuJa you need for your classroom.  These must be downloaded by Oct. 1, 2024 to ensure you have access to your video content. Instructions on downloading videos can be found on the YuJa website.

Published on

DATE:
September 12, 2024

TO:
All Principals
All Special Education Staff
School Psychologists
Elementary School Counselors

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

SUBJECT:
ASPEN Training For Special Education Personnel 2024-2025

ASPEN training is required for all licensed special education teachers, SLPs, school psychologists, elementary school counselors, as well as all Education Support Professionals (ESPs) in SEB and Autism self-contained support classrooms who do not have a current Mandt certification. Staff members working in any other special education setting may choose to attend ASPEN at the discretion of their building administrator and at the cost of their school.

Please see the attached memo for more information and class schedules and links.

Published on

DATE:
September 12, 2024

TO:
All Principals
All Special Education Teachers

FROM:
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Brian King, Assistant Director of Special Education

SUBJECT:
Changes to Assistive Technology Referrals and New Resource Guide

The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology, and Office of Special Education recently issued a memorandum that highlights the importance of the provision of assistive technology (AT) for students with disabilities. This communication emphasized that it is critical that IEP teams understand how to consider, procure, implement, and evaluate AT services for children with disabilities.

In response to this memorandum, the Jordan Utah Assistive Technology Team (UATT) has created an Assistive Technology Consideration and Resource Guide that will provide a framework to assist IEP teams in the AT consideration process. This resource will also provide examples of AT tools that can be used to support various areas of academic skills and tasks.

Additionally, the Jordan UATT has updated the AT referral process. UATT referrals will now be submitted in a digital format (Google form). In the past, UATT utilized one form to refer students for AT assessments, and another form that allowed special educators with experience supporting assistive technology to request specific tools without an AT assessment. The new digital format collapses those two forms into a single smart form.

Both of these resources can be found on the Jordan UATT webpage on the JSD Special Education website. Questions and inquiries for assistance regarding the Assistive Technology Consideration and Resource Guide, Jordan UATT Referral process, or any other topics related to assistive technology can be directed to the JSD assistive technology specialist, Cheri Blue at Cheri.Blue@jordandistrict.org.

Published on

DATE:
September 12, 2024

TO:
Elementary Principals
Elementary Special Education Teachers

FROM:
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Brian King, Assistant Director of Special Education

SUBJECT:
Open Office Hours for Elementary Teacher Specialists

The special education elementary teacher specialists will be available one Friday each month for “Open Office Hours” in order to assist teams and individual teachers with IEP paperwork and related questions. If a teacher would like to take advantage of this opportunity, you may come in person or you may join a Zoom in order to get the assistance that they need.

As always, teachers may also contact the special education teacher specialist assigned to their school to schedule an individual consultation as needed.

The schedule for Open Office Hours as well as locations or zoom link can be found below:

  • Friday, September 20th from 1:30-3:30, ASB PDC 101
    ○ 1:30-2:30 How to create an IEP in Embrace (step-by-step)
    ○ 2:30-2:45 Data review and consent demonstration
    ○ 2:45-3:30 Individual consultation
  • Friday, October 18th from 1:30-3:30, District Office Room 129
  • Friday, November 22nd from 1:30-3:30, District Office Room 129
  • Friday, December 13th from 1:30-3:30, ASB PDC 101
  • Friday, January 17th from 1:30-3:30, District Office Room 129
  • Friday, February 21st from 1:30-3:30, District Office Room 129
  • Friday, March 21st from 1:30-3:30, District Office Room 129
  • Friday, April 25th from 1:30-3:30, ASB PDC 101
  • Friday, May 16th from 1:30-3:30, District Office Room 100 Main Entrance

Zoom Link for those who would like to attend virtually.

Published on

TO:
Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator, Teaching & Learning
Tricia Rojas, Specialist, Health & PE

Principals, it is mandatory for all Health, P.E., and Driver Ed teachers as well as Sports Coaches to have a current CPR/First Aid Certification (every 2 years). Please, share this information with the applicable teachers at your school. Teachers may enroll in the next available course through the Canvas Catalog.