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Author: shooper

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Chris Richards-Khong, Associate Administrator of Teaching and Learning

School-Based Associates Opportunity
The Jordan School District is excited to announce the renewal of the School-Based Associates (SBA) Mini-Grant Program for the 2026–2027 school year.

This program offers past participants of the BYU/Public School Partnership (CITES) the opportunity to bring powerful, research-based learning experiences back to their colleagues. SBA serves as a catalyst for energizing staff, deepening the understanding of public education’s purpose, and fostering collaboration on the foundational principles of teaching.

These mini-grants are funded through a one-year award from the USBE and are available on a limited basis. A key feature of the program is a compensation stipend for teacher leaders who serve as site facilitators. Complete the SBA Grant Interest Form and call Chris Richards-Khong with any questions at 801-567-8158.

JSD Site Based Associate Flier Link

SBA GRANT INTEREST FORM

JSD School-based Associates Program Grant Application Guide (26-27)

Published on

TO:
Elementary Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Mandy Thurman, Consultant in Teaching & Learning

2026-27 Literacy Planning Tools

We have updated our literacy resources for the 2026–2027 school year. These documents are available to assist in instructional planning and are linked directly in this memo and can also be found on the elemliteracy.jordandistrict.org website.

Available Resources:

K–2 Instructional Support

We are excited to build on the success of this year’s Planet Kindergarten sessions! To support our K–2 literacy goals, we are expanding our professional learning line-up for the upcoming year:

  • Kindergarten: We are bringing back our core Planet Kindergarten classes for those new to the grade level. For those who have already attended, we are adding new collaboration sessions to dive deeper into the content.
  • 1st & 2nd Grade: We are launching brand-new themed classes specifically designed to support your grade-level literacy targets.

These optional classes are a great way to grab new strategies for your toolkit. Registration details, dates, and themes are all included in this document.

Published on

TO:
Administrators
Counselors

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

Join Language and Culture Services for a training session on Discriminatory Language. We will explore the impact of discriminatory language in K-12 settings and provide recommendations to administrators and counselors on how to address discriminatory language. Several resources will be shared with participants, including a facilitated discussion guide to use with students.

You can select a morning session or an afternoon session.

Published on

DATE:
April 17, 2026

TO:
Elementary School Administrators
Middle School Administrators
High School Administrators

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Stacee Worthen, School Counselor Consultant

SUBJECT:
May School Counselor Training and Professional Development

May School Counselor training and professional development opportunities. Please direct any questions to Stacee Worthen, School Counselor Consultant, at 801-567-8309.

Wednesday, May 6, CSCP Steering Meeting, District Office, Room 129
All Secondary Lead Counselors
8:00 am - 12:30 pm

Thursday, May 7, CSCP BRISC Training – Consult Call, Zoom
All School Counselors
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Thursday, May 21, Copper Hills Feeder Meeting, District Office, Room 129
Copper Hills Feeder Counselors K-12
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Published on

TO:
District Administrators
Principals
School Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Katie Bastian, Director of Nutrition Services

Please update your registration materials and anything online or sent to families that includes outdated meal price info.

Meal Prices for the Upcoming 2026 - 2027 School Year

-Elementary Breakfast: $1.30
-Elementary Lunch: $2.25
-Secondary Breakfast: $1.55
-Secondary Lunch: $2.55
-Adult Breakfast: $3.00
-Adult Lunch: $5.00
-Reduced Breakfast: $.0.30
-Reduced Lunch: $0.00 (Utah Legislature is covering the cost for reduced lunch under UT House Bill 100)

If you have questions, please contact our office at 801-567-8760

Published on

TO:
Administrators
School Principals
School Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Katie Bastian, Director of Nutrition Services

When we say school nutrition professionals are heroes, we mean it! That's why we celebrate them every spring with the National School Lunch Hero Day. Join schools across the country that are recognizing the difference these team members make for every child who comes through their cafeteria. Included are posters, coloring pages and marketing materials to celebrate.

Published on

DATE:  
March 5, 2026

TO: 
Principals
Administrative Assistants

FROM:  
Odette Desmarais, Administrator of Schools
Meredith Doleac, Administrator of Schools
Becky Gerber, Administrator of Schools
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools

SUBJECT: 
Parking Lot Duty Guidelines for Elementary Schools 2025-26

Through the 2018-19 negotiations process, the Board allocated funds to pay each elementary teacher $400 for parking lot duty each year. The stipend will be paid out on April paychecks. The following are additional details and clarifications for the implementation of this payment.

  • Although parking lot duty requirements will vary from school to school, the payment is the same districtwide.
  • Administrators are encouraged to reduce parking lot duty for teachers as much as possible while maintaining necessary coverage.
  • All full-time K-6 licensed educators districtwide who are responsible for parking lot duty are eligible for the $400 stipend. Half-time educators are eligible for a $200 stipend.
  • All elementary school Special Education cluster teachers and preschool teachers are eligible for an $800 stipend.
  • Licensed educators (psychologists, BTS teachers, etc.) who have not previously been assigned parking lot duty may choose to participate and be paid a stipend, but should not be required to do so.
  • Administrators and classified staff are not eligible for a stipend.
  • The stipend will be paid out on April paychecks.
  • Teachers are required to complete parking lot duty unless they coordinate with the principal to give their assignment and stipend to another willing teacher.
  • Teachers can take on as many parking lot duty assignments (and stipends) from other teachers as will fit in the calendar.
  • Teachers can only give up their parking lot duty assignment and stipend or accept an additional assignment and stipend in coordination with the principal.
  • Teachers can only give up or accept an entire assignment and an entire stipend.
  • Principals should adjust the parking lot duty schedule as necessary to allow as many teachers to take on as many extra assignments as needed.
  • Special Education cluster teachers and preschool teachers cannot give up their parking lot duty assignment.
  • Stipends for parking lot duty are included in retirement pay calculations.

A Google sheet has been shared with elementary administrative assistants and principals and is available on your Quick Links. Please complete the payroll sheet by April 6, 2026, so that teachers can receive their stipend on their April 25th check. The elementary AOS administrative assistant will verify the payroll sheet and submit it to payroll. Please list each educator in your building, and beside each name indicate the dollar amount ($0, $200, $400, or increments of $400, or $800) the teacher should be paid.

The budget code for Parking Lot Stipends is 10 E XXX 0050 1024 131

Please contact your Administrator of Schools with any questions.

Published on

DATE:
January 8, 2026

TO:
All Principals

FROM:
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Melanie Dawson, Program Administrator of Behavior

SUBJECT:
ETT: Principal Nomination for Winter Cohort

Effective Teacher Training (ETT) is available for a Winter 2026 cohort! We are seeking principal nominations for a portion of this session’s enrollment. If there is a licensed teacher in your building who you would like to take ETT, please complete the principal nomination form by Monday, Jan. 12th.

Enrollment will open to all teachers in the district on Thursday, Jan. 15th, so spread the word to additional teachers in your building who would benefit from the class, so they can sign up for the course on Canvas Catalog. See flyer and information below:

This course is designed for: All general education and special education teachers
Also welcome: Specialists, interventionists, and mental health providers
(Not available to ESPs)

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 successfully complete the first module within the first week or their spot will go to someone on the waitlist.

1 USBE credit and a stipend is available to licensed employees who successfully complete the course and meet proficiency on all modules. The ETT stipend is $500.

Note for instructional coaches: You can request to be an observer in the course instead of registering as a learner. Please email taryn.cox@jordandistrict.org if you are interested.

Published on

TO:
Elementary Principals
Elementary Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Odette Desmarais, Administrator of Schools
Meredith Doleac, Administrator of Schools
Becky Gerber, Administrator of Schools
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools

Please find your school tab in this Google sheet and complete the Elementary Parent/Teacher Conference Reporting Form within two weeks of your conferences. If you have any questions, please contact Shannel Hooper at extension 88204.

Published on

TO:
School Administrators

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

Digital Teaching and Learning wants to help your teachers become Big Six certified this year. Nominate ONE teacher (preferably someone where technology is an area of growth) to participate this year. Our program includes stipends as teachers complete various steps in working with Big Six tools in their classrooms. As they complete each step in order, your teacher will receive that stipend.

Click on the PDF for more information

Published on

TO:
Elementary Administrators

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

Get ready to create! The new JSD Innovation Lab at Juniper Elementary School is a digital makerspace filled with exciting tools like 3D printers, ChompSaws, and stop-motion cameras. Here, your classroom becomes a creative hub where students can develop critical thinking skills to bring their ideas to life. Although the new lab is located at Juniper Elementary, it is available to fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade students district-wide. Sign up to get your school on the schedule!

Published on

TO:
Administrators
Counselors

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

Language and Culture Services will be hosting two additional sessions of Addressing Discriminatory Language in Schools, a two-hour training for administrators and counselors. If you were unable to attend one of our May sessions, we encourage you to join us on one of these dates:

September 29th from 9:00 to 11:00, ASB in PDC 101
(https://pd.jordandistrict.org/browse/lcs/courses/addressing-discriminatory-language-in-schools---92925)

October 2nd from 1:00 to 3:00, ASB in PDC 101
(https://pd.jordandistrict.org/browse/lcs/courses/addressing-discriminatory-language-in-schools--10225)

Please review the attached flier for additional details and pre-survey link.

Published on

DATE:     
August 28, 2025

TO:   
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

FROM: 
Steffany Ellsworth, Support Services Manager, Information Systems

SUBJECT:   
ParentSquare Transitioning to 10-Digit Number for Text Messaging

ParentSquare text messages will start to be sent from 10-digit phone numbers instead of the standard 5-digit short code, beginning August 21. This will change text messages from a single text thread to multiple threads organized by conversation and school, making it easier for parents and guardians to save contacts and organize conversations by providing distinct numbers for different types of messages. Direct messages, classroom posts, and school-wide posts will transition to 10-digit numbers with local area codes. Digests, district posts, and alerts will be unaffected.

You can find a sample communication post to send to parents and more detailed information in our help article.

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Jordan School District Cabinet Members

The Administrative Leadership Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, 2025, and Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Fort Herriman Middle School. This year, the conference is a customizable experience. Here’s how you can make the most of the event.

Plan your conference experience:
Both days of the conference will be held at Fort Herriman Middle School at 14058 Mirabella Dr in Herriman. Parking is limited on the school property, so you may want to carpool with other administrators from your building. If the school parking lot is full when you arrive, additional parking will be available at the church south of the school, or on the right side of the road surrounding the school.

Come hungry on Tuesday morning! Salt Lake Sweetery will be serving a delicious breakfast from 7:30 to 8:00 in the school cafeteria. The conference begins promptly at 8:00, so arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy a fantastic meal. A beverage service will also be provided.

We’re excited to have Mike Merchant from the Arbinger Institute as our Keynote speaker this year. His presentation notes are attached below; however, we will have some hard copies of his slide presentation available if you’d like to take notes. The keynote will be held in the auditorium, so if you plan to take notes, you’ll want to bring something to write on and with. May we suggest the binder you received at the Administrative Leadership Training?

Lunch on Tuesday will be an event in and of itself! You’ll have 90 minutes to enjoy an amazing lunch, also catered by Salt Lake Sweetery. During your lunch break, make sure you head outside for some ice cream from The Scoop. Dress for the conference is business casual, but choose your clothing wisely so that you can participate in the games that we’ll have set up outside and in the gym.

Following lunch, the conference will continue with school and department level meetings and the first of five workshops that you can attend.  You will receive an email reminder for the courses you've signed up for, as well as an invitation to join the "Admin PD Day 2025" Canvas course. Please accept the course invitation before the workshop classes begin. Each of the modules will be available to view on the day of the course.

Most of the workshops will require a laptop or tablet. Be prepared and make sure your device is fully charged! There won’t be a lot of options for charging devices in the classrooms. Check out the attached map to see where meetings and workshops are being held.

On Thursday, a beverage service will be provided beginning at 7:30. We’ll have principal-level meetings at 8:00 and additional workshops beginning at 8:15. Your 90-minute lunch is on your own. Bring a sack lunch or check out one of the restaurants in the Mountain View Village, or anywhere along 134th South. Just plan to be back in time for Workshop Session 4, which begins at 12:45.

Remember to scan the QR code to check in for the conference and for each workshop you attend. This is how you’ll earn licensure points and add entries to the prize drawing. We’re excited to see you all there!

Published on

TO: 
Administrators

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator, Teaching & Learning

Join us in celebrating our new educators at the upcoming New Educator Induction event! A special "clap in" session will mark the highlight of this event, where we come together to extend a warm welcome to the newest members of the Jordan School District community.

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, August 8th
  • Time: 7:30 am to 8:15 am (estimated 8:30 am departure)
  • Location: Outside Bingham High School, Entrance TBD

What to Expect:

This occasion is not just an opportunity to welcome our new educators but also a chance to showcase the spirited community of Jordan School District. Let's make it memorable!

Suggested Activities:

  • Dress to Impress: Wear your school or JSD attire with pride.
  • Mascot Magic: Bring along your school mascot to spread cheer.
  • Capture the Moment: Snap a selfie with a new educator at one of our two selfie booths.
  • Cheerful Welcome Lines: Join the welcome lines to cheer on our new educators.
  • Traffic Assistance: Help direct traffic as new educators find their way to the Bingham Student Parking.

Due to the amount of swag and other takeaways new educators will be receiving, we ask that you do not give them presents of any kind during the clap-in. 

Show Your Support:

We encourage you to attend with your team. If your school has new educators, aim to have two to three staff members present to offer a personal cheer for your new colleagues.

Parking Reminder:

Please gather at the North (back) entrance of Bingham High starting at 7:30 am. To ensure optimal parking for our new educators, consider carpooling and using the South parking lot.

Join us in making Jordan School District the district of choice for the best and brightest educators. Let's show them the warmth and enthusiasm that sets our district apart!

We look forward to seeing you there as we kick off an exciting new academic year.

Thank you, 

Jane Olsen, HR Specialist, JSD HR
April Gaydosh, Administrator of HR

Published on

DATE:
June 19, 2025

TO:
Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
Parental Consent Required for Student Surveys

Prior consent from a student’s parent for any non-academic survey must be obtained annually. This includes any survey that is a psychological exam, test, analysis, or any survey, analysis, or evaluation where the student may reveal information, whether personally identifiable or not, concerning the student or student’s family members political affiliation, mental or psychological philosophies, sexual behavior/orientation/gender identity or attitudes, illegal/anti-social/self-incriminating or demeaning behavior, critical appraisals, religious affiliations or beliefs, legally privileged and analogous relationships (such as lawyers, medical personnel, or ministers, or income (except as required by law) (§53G-9-702)

Prior written consent must be obtained at the time a student registers at a school for surveys related to the early warning system (Panorama), surveys that include social emotional learning questions, and school climate surveys. Written consent must be obtained for any student who registers at a school, even when they are transferring from one school in the district to another. Rewards for participation or consequences for non-participation in surveys is prohibited.

The early warning system (Panorama) student feedback survey consent form is included in the registration process. To view the consent form, click here. Surveys not related to the early warning system (Panorama), social emotional learning, or school climate are not required to be included in registration. However, a minimum of two (2) weeks’ notice must be provided prior to the administration of any other survey and only those students whose parents have given written consent may take the survey.

Schools should inform their staff annually regarding parental consent requirements for surveys.

Published on

DATE:
June 19, 2025

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals

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

SUBJECT:
Panorama Users by Role

Panorama, the District’s Early Warning System, will not have usable data from July 1-August 11, 2025, during the annual rollover. Nightly data downloads for the 2025-26 school year will resume on or around August 11, 2025. To ensure that all the appropriate permissions are activated, users by role must be validated by each school.

There are two (2) roles that must be identified:

  1. Administrative Roles:
    1. Have access to all students throughout the school
    2. See all discipline information (number, type, and action of each consequence)
    3. Receive reports about their school and district
    4. Typically, the principal, assistant principal(s), school counselors, school psychologists, and clinical support staff have this access. The administrator may choose others that receive this access (special education team leaders, student trackers, athletic directors, etc)
  2. Survey Coordinator Roles:
    1. Receive reports about the school
    2. Have access to all students throughout the school
    3. Should NOT be the school principal
    4. Coordinate survey administration and messaging

Using the Panorama Administrators and Survey Coordinators, please update (if needed) the names of the users (first and last name), select the role, and enter the user's district email address. Schools should enter this information prior to August 1, 2025, to ensure seamless use at the beginning of the school year.

Schools who wish to have their faculty activated should email Travis Hamblin (travis.hamblin@jordandistrict.org).

Published on

DATE:
June 19, 2025

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals
School Resource Officers

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Matt Alvernaz, School Safety Coordinator

SUBJECT:
2025-26 Required Annual Administrator and School Resource Officer (SRO) Training

The annual administrator and SRO training will be held as shown below. This annual training is required for each SRO and at least one administrator from each school.  Additional administrators are welcome to attend.

Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Location: ASB Presentation Room

Please contact District School Safety Coordinator, Matt Alvernaz at matt.alvernaz@jordandistrict.org or by phone at (801) 567-8623 if you have any questions.

Published on

TO:
Kindergarten Teachers
Literacy Coaches
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Michelle Lovell, Consultant, Elementary Language Arts
Mandy Thurman, Consultant, Elementary Language Arts

Kindergarten teachers are invited to join us for an optional summer session packed with practical strategies and supplies to help students master all letters and sounds in the first quarter. The first 50 teachers who register will get a backpack full of supplies for their class.

Letter Launch sessions are July 31st from 9:00-11:00, or August 4th from 1:00-3:00 at the ASB.

Register at pd.jordandistrict.org.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

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

Power up your technology skills with the Big Six. Join Spencer Campbell and Jared Covili for a six-week technology workshop on Wednesdays at 10 am beginning on June 25. We'll explore how you can use the Big Six efficiently in your daily world. See the attached flyer for the schedule and Zoom link.