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Category: Elementary Action Required

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
McKinley Withers, HR Administrator

Employee Wellness is coming to you!

Throughout the 2026-27 school year, the Employee Wellness Team will be doing site visits in partnership with the Employee Benefits Team.

All you need to do is pick a day that works for your school/worksite! We will set up in a faculty room or shared space for employees to bring treats, information, and handouts, along with an open-ended invitation for employees to share their experience and suggestions for our growing wellness program.

To schedule your worksite visit, use this appointment scheduler link. The default site visit time is during your school/worksite’s lunches (10:30-1:30). If you’d like to arrange a different time (before or after school) or have questions about expectations, contact McKinley Withers (cell: 801-448-1404, mckinley.withers@jordandistrict.org). We look forward to seeing you at your worksite!

In addition to these scheduled Site Visits, our team would love to conduct a brief professional development for your staff. Contact McKinley to schedule professional development for ANY employee group.

Published on

TO:
Elementary Principals
Elementary Instructional Coaches

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Jessica Stowe, Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning
Mandy Thurman, Consultant of Teaching and Learning

To support high-quality literacy instruction across our schools, the Teaching and Learning Department is pleased to provide an UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Initiative) Foundations Training specially designed for our Instructional Coaches.

This essential training provides a valuable opportunity to equip coaches with targeted strategies, deepen implementation practices, and support our collective goal of ensuring strong literacy outcomes for all students.

Instructional coaches are required to attend both Part 1 and Part 2 of this professional development series. Two scheduling options are available for each part to accommodate school needs. Use this sign-up sheet to indicate the sessions you will attend:

UFLI Elementary Coach Training
Intern Facilitators are invited to attend as well.

UFLI Coach Training Part 1
Option 1: Oct. 27, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. | PDC 103
Option 2: Nov. 3, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | ASB Presentation Room

UFLI Coach Training Part 2
Option 1: Nov. 10, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | PDC 102
Option 2: Nov. 16, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. | PDC 102

Published on

TO:
All Employees

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Sandy Reisgraf, Director of Communications
Mike Heaps, Director of Information Systems
Steffany Ellsworth, Manager in Information Systems.

SUBJECT:
Notice of Upcoming Emergency Notification Drill – 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16

Do you want to know if schools, District offices, and departments are closed due to a snow day this winter? Are you properly set up to receive emergency alerts in ParentSquare so you know when it happens?

Having up-to-date contact information is critical if you want to receive important messages. If your contact information is incorrect in Qmlativ Employee Access, you won’t receive essential alerts from both your school and Jordan District in the event of an emergency, severe weather event, or unexpected school or districtwide closure. 

Jordan School District will be conducting an emergency notification drill on Friday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. The purpose of this drill is to test our mass notification capabilities and ensure that all employees are properly set up to receive timely, accurate information during an unexpected emergency or school closure, like a snow day. The test will be conducted simultaneously through phone calls and SMS text messages. 

As referenced in JEM dated Aug. 18, 2026, all employees were asked to log into Qmlativ Employee Access to review and update their contact information. Our emergency alert system relies entirely on the contact information provided by you. If your details are outdated or inaccurate, the system will be unable to reach you. 

  • What to expect during the drill? 
    • What: Automated phone call and text messages, clearly identifying the communication as a DRILL/TEST.
    • When: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 at 11 a.m.
    • Who: All employees 
  • What to do after the drill? 
    • Check with your co-workers to confirm if they received the test call and text message. 
    • If you did not receive the notification, log into Qmlativ Employee Access and follow the instructions in the JEM previously sent in August. 
    • Reach out to the Information Systems help desk if you have any trouble updating your phone contact information at 801-567-8737 or extension 88737. 

Published on

DATE:
September 24, 2026

TO: 
Principals and Assistant Principals

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Buddy Alger, Director of Student Services
Michelle Reyes, CARE Team Specialist

SUBJECT:
Panorama Student Feedback Survey Dates, Opt-In Report & Survey Coordinator Resources

The Panorama Social-Emotional Wellness survey may only be administered to students whose parents have opted-in. Parents are asked to opt-in to the student feedback survey during the yearly school registration process. When the online registration process closes on Oct. 1 schools will need to manually enter the opt-in consent received after that date into Skyward. Attached is a digital copy of the parent opt-in consent from the online registration information.

2026-27 Panorama Survey Windows:

  • Fall- October 5, 2026-November 6, 2026
  • Winter- January 22, 2027 – February 19, 2027
  • Spring- April 19, 2027 – May 11, 2027

Action for Schools

  • School Panorama Survey Coordinators should print out the list of students who have opted-in and provide teachers administering the survey with the list of students in their classes that have opted-in. The student opt-in list can be accessed through Skyward using this data mining report.
    • Most secondary schools use the advisory period teachers to administer the survey and post the link panoramaed.com/utahjordan in Canvas or Google Classroom
    • Most elementary schools share the link panoramaed.com/utahjordan in Canvas or Google Classroom and use grade level teachers to administer the survey

The following information is provided to inform and assist you as you administer student surveys:

  • The list of students who may take the survey (opted-in) will be provided to Panorama before and at mid-window during the administration of the survey by Student Services. Only opted-in students will be able to log in and take the survey. If students are unable to login to take the survey, it is likely that they have not been opted-in. Teachers should refer to the list.
    • If there are students who are on the opted-in list, but are having log-in issues, the school survey coordinator should contact Panorama directly for assistance at support+utahjordan@panoramaed.com. Student Services does not have the ability to manage access to surveys.
  • Survey coordinators and administrators should view the Administering Panorama Survey presentation for information, instructions, and guidance regarding the student feedback surveys.
  • The updated Panorama Dashboard with your school data will be available 7 days after the survey window closes.

Questions? Contact Buddy Alger (buddy.alger@jordandistrict.org) or Michelle Reyes (michelle.reyes@jordandistrict.org) at 801-567-8183.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Jared Covili, Innovative Coaching, Teaching & Learning

Innovative Coaching 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 attached PDF for more information.

Published on

DATE:
Thursday, September 24, 2026

TO:  
Elementary and Middle School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:   
DLI STAMP Assessment and Training

School administrators are encouraged to send the following information to their DLI teachers.

Avant’s STAMP assessment is once again contracted with the state to provide DLI testing for the 2026-27 school year

The DLI STAMP assessment window opens on Monday, October 26th and closes on Friday, December 11th.  Of course, students won’t start testing until after fall break.

Assessment, Research & Accountability does not currently have access to Avant’s testing system and we do not know when we will have access or when we will be able to give teachers access.  That said, here is what we know:

The state’s testing ethics policy requires an annual training for all statewide mandated assessments. Thus, the following virtual training dates will be available for STAMP testing.  All DLI teachers or other school personnel who will be administering or assisting with the STAMP will need to attend one of the virtual trainings listed below:

Friday, 10/9 - 8:30 am or 1:30 pm
Friday, 10/16 - 8:30 am or 1:30 pm
Friday, 10/30 - 8:30 am or 1:30 pm
Friday, 11/6 - 8:30 am or 1:30 pm

Trainings will last approximately 45 minutes. All participants can join the virtual training using this Zoom link: https://jordandistrict-org.zoom.us/j/5266134800

Test Preparation: Students

  • The Utah STAMP website may be accessed here.
  • Sample tests are available in a variety of languages. It is strongly recommended that DLI teachers allow ample time for students to practice the STAMP assessment prior to test day.
  • Grades 3-5 students take the 4Se assessment while grades 6-9 take the 4S.
  • There are four subtests in the STAMP assessment: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Grade levels take two of the four assessments each year:

  • There are test taker videos for each subtest that students should watch prior to test day. The grades 3-5 test taker tutorial videos may be found here and the grades 6-9 test taker tutorial videos may be found here.

For questions about this STAMP information or test trainings, please contact Kassidy Towery in Assessment, Research & Accountability.  For questions about DLI, please contact Kaye Rizzuto in Teaching & Learning.

Published on

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Nancy Bolduc, Administrative Assistant

Upcoming Deadline Information:

Please forward this memorandum directly to the administrative assistant or employee managing The Educator Directed 32 Hour Plan and Logs.

Action Items & Deadlines

● Verify Roster Accuracy: Cross-check your primary spreadsheet to ensure every employee eligible for payment is listed.
● Collect Employee Plans (Due September 30, 2026): Confirm that all eligible staff members turn in their completed Educator Directed 32 Hours Plan to school administration on or before September 30.
● Log Submissions (Due October 30, 2026): The designated project manager must log each plan and record the date received on the provided Google Sheet no later than October 30.

Here is the link to the original instructions:

Educator Directed 32 Hour Plan Instructions for 2026-2027

For questions or assistance with this process, contact Nancy Bolduc at
x88166 or nancy.bolduc@jordandistrict.org.

Published on

TO:
Elementary Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Brandon Larsen, Performing & Fine Arts Consultant

Celebrating its 67th year, ARTS, Inc. returns for the 2026-27school year! Since 1959, this organization has reached all 41 Utah school districts, bringing professional arts programming to over 250 schools annually. We are thrilled to welcome their talented artists back to our classrooms.

🗓️ Scheduling & Logistics
Please click this link to access:

• The Assembly Schedule: View the specific date and time for your school's performance.
• Artist Contact Info: Find the name and phone number for your assigned performing group.

📞 Artist Communication

• Initial Contact: Artists should reach out to you at least two weeks before the event to confirm start times and technical requirements.
• Rescheduling: If the scheduled date conflicts with your school calendar, please contact the performing group directly as soon as possible to find an alternative.

📩 Support

For any additional questions or concerns, please contact Brandon Larsen at 801-567-8364.

Published on

DATE: 
September 10, 2026

TO:
Elementary Principals

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

SUBJECT:
PreK to Kinder IEP Update

It has come to our attention that some incoming kindergarten students who previously attended preschool are not appearing on the Acadience testing lists.

To ensure these students are added correctly, an IEP meeting must be held by Friday, September 18, to update the student’s IEP goals and the Service and Placement page. A new SCRAM should then be submitted to Jen Warkentine. Submitting the SCRAM will ensure the student is added to the Acadience testing list.

If an IEP meeting was already held during the last couple of weeks of school in collaboration with the kindergarten resource team:

The kindergarten team should complete the following steps:

  1. Amend the IEP to update the environment code from Preschool to V – Regular School Setting.
  2. Update the Case Manager on the Student Info page.
  3. Submit a new SCRAM to Jen Warkentine.

Completing these steps will help ensure the student’s records are updated appropriately and that they are included on the Acadience testing list.

Please reach out to your teacher specialist if you have any questions or need help with this process.

Published on

TO:
School Administrators

FROM:
Mike Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Lisa LeStarge, Administrative Assistant

2026-27 School LAND Trust Deadline and Training
The State LAND Trust office recently sent an email with information on a new Canvas course training for administrators. We are requesting all principals complete this course as they are responsible to ensure School Community Councils (SCC) are properly formed and funds are used to address critical academic needs.
Canvas Course LAND Trust Link: 

School Community Council Meetings
SCC meetings should be held after fall elections. The first meeting should include:
* Orientation for new members and scheduling a member training
     * State video for training: Rules of Order and Procedure Training
* Collecting member contact information and setting a meeting schedule for the year
* Assigning a review of required website information and Rules of Order & Procedure
* Electing a Chair and Vice-Chair
     * Please send Lisa LeStarge the names, phone numbers, and email addresses for your SCC Chair and Vice Chair, so an invitation can be sent for an upcoming JPAC meeting.

Further information, including the Rules of Order & Procedures template and checklist, can be found in the 2026-27 Opening Meeting Documents

October 20, 2026 – Deadline
The following must be completed by October 20:

  • Review the current School LAND Trust Plan, implementation of the Prior Year's Plan, and the Teacher and Student Success Act Plan (TSSA).
  • Complete the NEW Fall Requirements Form. This form has replaced both the Council Membership Form and Principal Assurance Form and can be found on the state Land Trust website. Instructions can be found here: Fall Requirement Form Guide.
  • Verify that SCC members are listed the same on both the school website and the state website.
  • Update required school website postings.

Thank you for your attention to these important requirements and deadlines.

Published on

TO:
Elementary Principals and Assistant Principals

From:
JAESP:
Megan Cox- Rose Creek Elementary
Garett York- Bastian Elementary
Ronna Hoffman- Oak Leaf Elementary
Bryce Eardley- Mountain Shadows Elementary

It’s time to join JAESP, UAESP, and NAESP.

JAESP:
If you've got the title of AOS, principal, assistant principal, or admin intern, this is for you!

Please pay $40 to Garett York to help cover the end of the year administrative assistant luncheon, their gifts, and principal awards.

**How to Pay Your $40 Dues** Don't forget to include Your Name, Your School, and note that it’s for JAESP dues
Venmo: @GYork161
Send a check or Cash via district mail to Garett York at Bastian:

UAESP and NAESP:
Do you send your student leaders to the annual leadership conference? What about attending Principals, Assistant Principals, Aspiring Principals or Administrative Assistant Conference? Please help keep these running by paying your dues. You can renew your membership now. No need to wait!

**Membership Costs**:
$434 for AOS and Principals
$394 for Assistant Principals
$149 for Administrative Interns: Aspiring Principals

**How to Pay**:
Visit: uaesp.org/join-us
Pay with your PCard using a budget code for unrestricted school funds
Make sure to click both UAESP & NAESP

Published on

TO:
Elementary Principals and Assistant Principals

FROM:
JAESP:
Megan Cox- Rose Creek Elementary
Garett York- Bastian Elementary
Ronna Hoffman- Oak Leaf Elementary
Bryce Eardley- Mountain Shadows Elementary

Please submit questions to be discussed by the JAESP committee and cabinet by Wednesday, September 9th.

You may submit concerns or questions using the Google Form below, OR you may send items to be discussed directly to Megan Cox at Rose Creek, Garett York at Bastian, Ronna Hoffman at Oak Leaf, or Bryce Eardley at Mountain Shadows.

Contact information is optional but will allow a committee member to reach out to you if more information is needed. All items will be discussed anonymously as we work to provide clarification and solutions to concerns of elementary administrators.

Submit concerns & questions

 

Published on

DATE:
 September 3, 2026 

TO:
 All Principals 

FROM:
 Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Brian King, Director of Special Education
Ross Menlove, Assistant Director of Special Education - Elementary
Maddie Karanevich, Assistant Director of Special Education - Secondary

SUBJECT:
 Professional Development Opportunities for Licensed Special Education Staff on Compliance in Action: Lessons from the Audit

The Special Education Department is pleased to announce upcoming training sessions for licensed special education staff, tailored to our school environment.  

Take a deeper dive into special education compliance by exploring insights and lessons learned from this year’s audit results. This session will examine key trends, common compliance challenges, and areas that require closer attention. Participants will gain practical strategies for strengthening evaluations, IEP development, progress monitoring, and SCRAM practices within the Embrace system. 

  • Elementary Licensed Special Education Staff
    • Friday, September 25, 2026 
    • 1 pm-3 pm
    • Offered Sessions
      • Virtually (link will be in the Canvas course)
      • Transportation Building PD (8480 S 4361 W, West Jordan)
    • Registration Form
  • Secondary Licensed Special Education Staff
    • Friday, October 2, 2026 
    • 1 pm-3 pm
    • Offered Sessions
      • Virtually (link will be in the Canvas course)
      • ASB Presentation Room (7905 S Redwood Rd, West Jordan, Entrance "C")
    • Registration Form

Attendance is optional.   

Published on

DATE:
Thursday, September 3, 2026

TO:
All School Administrators and District Department Directors/Consultants

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

SUBJECT:
2026-27 Required Testing Ethics Professional Development Procedures for Licensed Educator and ESP Employees

For the 2026-27 school year, administrators will need to conduct a training on the state’s testing ethics policy for all licensed educators as well as any education support professionals (ESPs) who will assist with district-, state- or federally-mandated testing.  All licensed educators will need to be trained on the policy.  Administrators will want to consider including computer lab assistants who function as the school’s test coordinator, any classroom aides that assist with testing, literacy aides who assist with Acadience Reading testing or progress monitoring, or any office staff that assist test coordinators with district-, state- or federally-mandated testing.

The three required procedures for completing this testing ethics professional development are listed on the “2026-27 Principal’s Testing Ethics Checklist for Licensed Educators and ESPs” form, which is due to Assessment, Research & Accountability by Friday, September 18, 2026.   

As has been done in the past, administrators may provide the testing ethics training themselves using the Google slide deck linked in this memo. Alternatively, administrators may show the YouTube video linked below to school personnel. The video provides the same information as the slide deck. Once school personnel have been trained, either by a school administrator or using the video, they are required to sign the “2026-27 Standard Test Administration and Testing Ethics Policy Training Signature Form.” Administrators are asked to keep these signed forms on file at the school.

There are several materials attached with this memo for your use:

Please contact Ben Jameson or Heather Knecht in Assessment, Research & Accountability with any questions.

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Mckinley Withers, HR Administrator, Employee Experience & Wellness

School and department leaders are invited to select a Worksite Wellness Advocate to represent their worksite as part of the broader District Employee Wellness Program. Please nominate your Worksite Wellness Advocate using this link by September 4th. 

Human Resources will offer in-person support meetings on September 14th and 15th at JATC-South from 8:30-10:30 and 1:30-3:30. Worksite Wellness Advocates are invited to choose one of the four sessions to attend. If a substitute is required, the Employee Wellness and Experience Team can pay for the substitute. Contact McKinley Withers (mckinley.withers@jordandistrict.org) to acquire the substitute code for your designated Worksite Wellness Advocate. This meeting is intended to build community among Employee Wellness Champions and offer support to bring wellness to your worksite! 

For more information, contact McKinley Withers or visit well.jordandistrict.org/champions.

Published on

DATE:
Thursday, September 3, 2026

TO:
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
Earbud Orders for State Testing

Students will have the option to have text read to them on the RISE Summative once again this year.  Principals or their designee are encouraged to place an order for student earbuds.  Please place your order by Friday, October 16th.

To place an order, please click here.

Earbuds may be used for other district- or state-mandated tests, but schools will need to create a system by which the same student uses the same earbuds throughout the year as there is no additional funding to purchase more than one pair of earbuds per student in grades 3-12.

If schools wish to purchase additional earbuds for other uses, school administrators are welcome to contact Heather Knecht in Assessment, Research & Accountability at 801-567-8185, who can share the purchasing information and quotes used to acquire these earbuds.

Published on

DATE:
August 27, 2026

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals

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

SUBJECT:
Fire Drill Required Within the First 10 School Days

All schools are required to conduct a fire drill within the first 10 days of the school year. This provides a great opportunity to review plans, emergency response/Incident Command assignments, evacuation maps, outside rally locations, communications, and related supplies.

Please call the Jordan School District 24-hr. Alarm Response 801-567-8865 at least 30 minutes in advance of the drill, so the fire department is not dispatched.

Use the JSD Incident Command System Manual - Fire Action Plan as your drill guideline. Jordan School District Safety Manual

Should you have any questions or concerns please contact Matt Alvernaz the District Safety Coordinator at matt.alvernaz@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8623.

 

Published on

DATE:
August 27, 2026

TO:   
All Administrators

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Buddy Alger, Director of Student Services
Sharon Jensen, Student Support Administrator
Student Services Student CARE Team

SUBJECT:
Prevention Stipend & Supply Funds now available for all schools

Administrators,

For the 2026-27 school year, funding for a school plan has been renewed through the State’s E-cigarette and Nicotine Prevention Fund. Please complete the attached plan through Google Forms to obtain access to these funds. 

As a reminder, these funds can only be used for the following purposes:

  • $1,000 of supply funds to administer your plan.  Accounting has set up your school’s account. PLEASE, DO NOT EXCEED $1,000 IN EXPENSES.
  • Stipends for individuals implementing your school’s plan in amounts below. Stipends will be paid out in November or March. Please submit the form by October 3, 2026, to have the stipends paid on the November paycheck, or please submit it by February 6, 2027, to have the stipends paid on the March paycheck:
    • You may choose one person to receive - $2,250.00
    • You may choose two people to receive - $1,125.00 each
    • You may choose three people to receive - $750.00 each

Published on

DATE:
 August 20, 2026

TO:
Teaching & Learning Consultants
Secondary & Elementary Assistant
Principals            

FROM:
 Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Buddy Alger, Director of Student Services
Sharon Jensen, Student Support Administrator

SUBJECT:
Safe School Hearing Committee 2026-2027

Your assignment: It's time to check the schedule and see when you're officially "on stage" with the Safe School Committee. Please take a look at the schedule below and mark your assigned day/days on your calendar. Thanks for helping us make thoughtful decisions that keep our schools and students safe and supported.

Published on

Date:
August 20, 2026

To:
All Administrators
All Registrars

From:
Steffany Ellsworth, Assistant Director - Information Systems
Steven Harwood, Assistant Director - Information Systems

Subject:
 Dropout Cohort Cleanup Report

In an effort to improve our graduation and dropout statistics at the State Board of Education, it is important that we correctly account for each student’s enrollment. Each school’s current dropout cohort cleanup report will be provided to registrars by Friday, August 21st. The report will come from JSD Information Systems through MoveIT. This is a report of students who are currently counted as dropouts for your school for the 2025-26 Cohort. Registrars review each record on this report to determine whether or not an existing dropout exit code can be changed (thus lowering your dropout rate).

Please connect with your registrars to ensure they are working to enter the corrected information and return the report in the same electronic format as was sent via MoveIT to Carrie Norris (carrie.norris@jordandistrict.org) in Information Systems by September 28, 2026. They should also send a cc copy to Stacee Worthen in Student Services and Brooke Anderson in Assessment, Research and Accountability.

Information Systems will be providing training for registrars on September 15th at the Attendance/Registrar Admin Assistant meeting. This training will provide registrars with the information and tools needed to review the dropout cohort report and make changes as necessary. If your registrar is new to this report, or just needs a refresher, please ask them to attend this training. 

Feel free to contact the Information Systems Help Desk at (801) 567-8737 with any questions as you work through this process. The UTREx system is a great help in locating students. If your registrar doesn’t have access to UTREx, principals may request access for them by emailing a request to ishelpdesk@jordandistrict.org.