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Category: Elementary Action Required

Published on

DATE:
January 10, 2022

TO:  
All Elementary Principals

FROM:  
Administrators of Schools
Carolyn Gough, Administrator, Teaching & Learning
Norman Emerson, Instructional Support Services/Fine Arts Consultant

SUBJECT: 
Covid Guidelines for 5th Grade Utah Symphony Performances at Abravanel Hall

We are looking forward to the Utah Symphony performances on February 8th and 9th. As a result of the recent Salt Lake County health mandates, please be aware of the following:

  • The concerts are being presented in a Salt Lake County facility. As a result, face masks will be required for all attendees.
  • Proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of the performance will be required for those 12 and older. This will apply to all teachers and chaperones.

Please convey this information to your 5th grade teachers as soon as possible. In addition, in order to facilitate communication with your school’s 5th grade teachers, please have your administrative assistant complete this brief survey that will provide information that is needed by the Symphony staff.

Published on

DATE:
Thursday, January 13, 2022

TO:  
Elementary Administrators

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

SUBJECT: 
Acadience Reading and Math Testing for the MOY and EOY Windows

The Acadience Reading and Math middle-of-the-year (MOY) window will close on Monday, January 31, 2022. As a department, Evaluation, Research & Accountability will continue to do all it can to ensure that our assessment assistants are able to complete K-3 testing at the remaining elementary schools. As has been the practice for the last two years, we will continue to use department personnel to fill gaps on assessment teams so that we can test each class scheduled for that day.

There are many possibilities which may render us unable to complete testing at a school such as another snow day, illness, staff shortages, or a high rate of student absenteeism. With 41 elementary schools and a short testing window, if we miss testing at a school due to a snow day or cannot finish a school in the allotted time, we may be unable to come back and complete testing. In such situations, the school would need to complete testing on its own.

Here are a few ways that, together with your help, we can mitigate this situation as a possibility:

  • Ensure that your testing schedule allows for some flexibility. Second and third grade classes test quickly because we only administer the Acadience Reading measures while kindergarten and first grade take longer because we also administer the Acadience Math measures. Because of this, it is helpful if teachers can be ready to come early or late.
  • Avoid scheduling kindergarten and first grade classes back to back, when possible. Because these grade levels participate in both reading and math testing, they take longer to finish for each student.
  • We have asked instructional coaches to assist us on testing days. On occasions where the coach is unavailable, we may not have enough staffing even with department personnel to complete testing in a timely manner.
  • We have asked that schools provide at least one adult runner. When schools are not able to do so, one of the assessment assistants assumes this responsibility, which means that tester isn’t testing as many students and we once again may not be able to complete testing in a timely manner. Parent volunteers who know classroom locations are acceptable runners.

In the event that there is another snow day, a high rate of student absenteeism, or we cannot complete testing at a school, the following steps will be taken:

  • Because the state requires grades 1-3 testing, we will leave the remaining kindergarten classes to the school to be tested and focus on grades 1-3 if we have another day scheduled at that school.
  • Schools will need to put together and coordinate a testing team to complete testing of remaining untested students.
  • All instructional coaches have been trained on both Acadience Reading and Math test administration and can provide training to school personnel.
  • Schools may also use the Canvas training courses to train personnel on test administration. The Acadience Reading Canvas course may be accessed here: https://jordanpd.instructure.com/enroll/E4MAF7  The Acadience Math Canvas course may be accessed here: https://usbe.instructure.com/enroll/96NGXW
  • Principals may also contact Ben Jameson to set up a training as well.

We recognize the depth and breadth of what we are asking schools to do if we cannot complete testing. Having schools complete their own testing is a last resort and every effort will be made to avoid it.

Please contact Ben Jameson in Evaluation, Research & Accountability with any questions or concerns.

Published on

DATE: 
January 8, 2022

TO:  
All Principals
All Special Education Staff

FROM:  
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Brian King, Principal, River’s Edge

SUBJECT:   
ASPEN Training for Special Education Personnel 2021-2022

ASPEN training will continue to be required for all licensed special education teachers, SLPs, school psychologists, elementary school counselors, and for all instructional assistants in SEB and Autism self-contained support classrooms during the 2021-22 school year. First year staff and staff that have not completed the full certification ASPEN training should register for the training on JPLS. Training dates and times are attached to this memo. Please note that additional dates have been added, and these are expected to be the final dates for the remainder of the school year. Additional information is included on the attached memo.

For questions please contact:
Daveed Goodrich at daveed.goodrich@jordandistrict.org or Cassidy Hansen at cassidy.hansen@jordandistrict.org

Published on

DATE:
January 4, 2022

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals
Special Educators

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

SUBJECT:
Manifestation Determination Procedures Reminders from Principal Meetings

Special education students and students referred for a special education evaluation are considered to be a protected class as outlined in the Utah State Board of Education Special Education Rules - V. DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES (34 CFR § 300.530), pages 101-107. Students who reach the 10-day suspension threshold and/or are referred for a district level hearing, must have a Manifestation Determination meeting.

Administrators should notify a student’s special education case manager of any disciplinary actions the student is involved in as soon as possible to determine whether or not a Manifestation Determination meeting is needed and/or to consider if behavior needs to be addressed in the student’s IEP. If it is determined that a Manifestation Meeting needs to be held, the case manager should complete a formal Notice of Meeting inviting the required IEP team members. If a Manifestation Determination meeting is not required, the IEP team should determine if an IEP meeting needs to be held to address behavior concerns.

Please see the Jordan School District Special Education Procedures and Policies Manual for information on members of the Manifestation Meeting and when one should be conducted.  You can also contact your teacher specialist for additional information.

If you have questions about a specific student or situation, please contact a Special Education Administrator or your Special Education Teacher Specialist.

Published on

As a reminder, the Acadience MOY and Reading Inventory deadlines are rapidly approaching:

–6th-8th Reading Inventory 1/14/22

–6th Acadience MOY 1/31/22

You can find more information on all testing deadlines in the 2021-2022 Testing Bulletin:

Click here to access the 2021-22 Testing Bulletins

Please ensure these deadlines are met to ensure a smooth collection of data for transition to enrollment for each grade level.

The data we collect will inform the rubrics that we use as recommended guidelines for enrollment. (See Attached)

All efforts will be made to provide Principals with student data for enrollment guidance within a few weeks of the 1/31/22 Testing Deadline. We appreciate your patience and collaboration in our efforts to use data to do what is best for students.

Published on

DATE:  
Thursday, January 6, 2021

TO: 
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
REMINDER: WIDA ACCESS 2.0 Test Administration Training for Schools

Please see memo below regarding mandatory training dates and times.

Published on

DATE:  
January 6, 2022

TO: 
Elementary Principals
Administrative Assistants

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

SUBJECT:  
Guidelines to Establish Kindergarten Enrollment

It is the responsibility of each school to obtain a kindergarten roster for the upcoming school year. This roster helps facilitate kindergarten staffing and establish budgets for supplies and materials. Typically, efforts to establish kindergarten rosters begin in December or January. A timely start to kindergarten registration continues to be especially important this year as we deal with the ongoing effects of the pandemic.

The following steps should be used to establish a kindergarten roster:

  1. Send a flyer home with every student.
  2. Publicize in the school newsletter – communicate (several times) the importance of getting accurate kindergarten counts.
  3. Use all other resources available to you (Skylert, social media, etc.).
  4. NOTE: New Student Online Enrollment (NSOE) for the 2022-23 school year enrollment will not be available until after the Skyward pre-enroll. If applications were entered prior to pre-enrollment, they need to be inactive for the current year and active for next year. This can be done during the approval process in NSOE.
  5. Schedule kindergarten orientation as soon as possible. After the January pre-enroll, check your New Student Online Enrollment to see if there are any pending applications that need follow up.
  6. Hang banners announcing Kindergarten Registration being accepted for the following school year.

Please schedule your kindergarten orientation AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Optional Ideas:

  1. Make a block contact with every home using PTA support.
  2. Contact preschools in the attendance area of your school.
  3. Use a telephone tree operated by parent volunteers with a list of questions for consistency.
  4. Contact neighbors who can identify new move-ins.
  5. Contact community members who do not have children enrolled in school.
  6. Avoid forwarding kindergarten orientation letters to new addresses if a family has moved from your boundary area. Delete that name from your list.

Please be diligent in recruiting all the kindergarten students within your school boundary.

Published on

Jordan Education Foundation recognizes and honors superior teachers with a track record of improving student achievement, using innovative instructional strategies and making a difference in the lives of their students. These teachers are among a select few highlighted as Outstanding Educators who are making a difference in the classroom. The annual JEF Outstanding Educators Awards publicly honor and recognize educators who raise the bar of their profession.

Nominations (one per school) are due January 19, 2022

Please see the attached document for more information.

Published on
The Purchasing Department/Central Warehouse is seeking feedback from our customers... YOU! (Administrators and Admin Assistants) Your input is important to us as we try to provide the best service to our customer base.
Think of your most recent interaction you have had with an employee of the Department or repeated interactions within the last school year. This would include the Purchasing Department, Central Warehouse, Surplus Warehouse and Fixed Assets. Results of this survey remain anonymous, unless you would like feedback or resolution to issues you currently have or have had in the recent past. If applicable, provide your name in the comments section to receive a call from Purchasing.
We appreciate all the constructive suggestions and constructive criticism to improve our department.

Published on

DATE: 
December 9, 2021

TO:    
Administrators and Administrative Assistants

FROM:      
John Larsen, Business Administrator
June LeMaster, Ph.D., Administrator, Human Resources
Sarah Palmer, Director of Payroll
Michael Heaps, Director of Information Systems

SUBJECT: 
Substitutes on Semi-Monthly Payroll

The District has decided to begin paying substitute teachers, substitute nutrition, and substitute bus drivers/attendants on a semi-monthly pay schedule. This means that, beginning February 2022, substitutes will be paid twice a month. Pay dates will be on the 10th and 25th of each month, with the pay periods as follows:

  • Days subbed from the 1st–15th paid on the 25th of that same month
  • Days subbed from the 16th–the last day of the month paid on the 10th of the following month

The new payroll deadlines to accommodate this semi-monthly pay schedule for substitutes are attached. All other payrolls will remain on the 25th of each month. Please reach out to Juli Martin in the sub office at 801-567-8219, or to the Payroll Department at 801-567-8154, with any questions.

Thank you for your support.

Published on

Please join us December 11th for Christmas for Kids!  - helping to make the holidays brighter for deserving teens.  

Every year Jordan Education Foundation provides holiday gifts for teens who would otherwise go without in the Jordan School District community through an event called “Christmas for Kids.” This year the foundation is once again working with Walmart in South Jordan to provide a little bit of Christmas cheer for 500 deserving middle and high school teens.  

Chaperones are still needed!  Please visit www.jefchristmasforkids.org to register to be a chaperone!

Published on

DATE:
December 2, 2021

TO:
All school administrators and administrative assistants

FROM:   
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
McKinley Withers, Health and Wellness Consultant

SUBJECT:  
Instructions for using $1000 suicide prevention grant funds

Administrators and Administrative Assistants,

Each school has been awarded $1000 from a State suicide prevention grant “to implement evidence-based practices and programs, or emerging best practices and programs, for preventing suicide.”

Some common ways this fund is spent by schools is on HopeSquad, Sources of Strength, training and stipends, curriculum costs, parent education, and student-focused education and prevention efforts or assemblies. Jordan’s suicide prevention guidelines can be reviewed here.

Approved expenses can be reimbursed through a journal entry or can be coded to this grant using the program number 5674. Contact Carmen Covarrubias (88203, carmen.covarrubias@jordandistrict.org) in Student Services with questions regarding reimbursements or using your school’s grant funds. Any time this fund is used, copies of invoices and/or receipts will need to be sent to Carmen for reimbursement from the State.

Contact McKinley Withers (88245, mckinley.withers@jordandistrict.org) with questions about approved expenses related to training, curriculum and suicide prevention (no treats, T-shirts, or other rewards/incentives are allowed).

Published on

DATE:    
Thursday, November 18, 2021

TO: 
Elementary and Middle School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:   
RISE Individual Student Reports Uploaded to Skyward

2020-21 RISE Individual Student Reports (ISRs) have been uploaded into Skyward Family Access by the Information Systems Department.

Included with this memo are step-by-step instructions for parents on how to access these ISRs. School administrators are encouraged to disseminate this information to parents via Skylert or by any other means deemed appropriate. School administrators may also consider keeping copies of the step-by-step instructions in the main office to distribute to parents as needed.

Please contact Brooke Anderson in Evaluation, Research & Accountability with any questions about the RISE ISRs.

Published on

DATE:   
Thursday, November 18, 2021

TO: 
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT: 
WIDA ACCESS 2.0 Test Administration Training for Schools

The 2021-22 WIDA test administration window begins on January 6 and ends on March 4, 2021. Please see memo below for all the important details!

 

Published on

All updates to the Financial Accounting Manual are highlighted in yellow. Please review with pertinent fiscal and administrative staff. Significant modifications were made in the following sections.

  • Purchasing page 7
  • Fixed Assets page 13
  • Purchase cards page 17
  • Mileage page 21 – Clarification regarding staff members that can claim mileage reimbursement based on their work assignment.
  • Staff Appreciation Account page 27 – Clarification regarding how to fund this account and guidelines for allowable expenditures.
  • Annual School Allocations from Districts page 31 – Section added to describe programs, budgets, and allowable uses.
  • Journal Entries page 39
  • Federal Program Work Certifications page 46
  • Check Request Support page 55
  • Camps and Clinics page 64
  • Student Travel Procedures page 72- updated travel procedures
  • Grant Processes and Grant Responsibility Acceptance Form page 92- **Significant revisions

Link to Updated Financial Accounting Manual

 

Published on

Jordan School District Board authorizes up to four (4) full-time employees to be selected for leave.

Sabbatical Leave
Sabbatical leave provides a 1-year leave for professional study. Educators who have completed at least 7 years of continuous service in JSD may apply. Employees on sabbatical leave receive one-half of their salary. Please read Policy DP333 Neg – Sabbatical Leave for complete information. Applications are reviewed by the Local Professional Improvement Committee and approved by the Board.  

Educational Leave
Educators who have worked in Jordan School District for at least three (3) consecutive years may apply for an Educational Leave. Educational leaves are for continued study and must include an outline of studies along with the application. Please read Policy DP332 NEG – Educational Leave for complete information. Educational Leave is without pay.

Applications for 2022-2023 Sabbatical and Educational Leaves are due February 1, 2022. Additional questions can be referred to Chris Westra, 801-567-8657.

Published on

DATE: 
October 28, 2021

TO: 
Principals

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
McKinley Withers, Health and Wellness Consultant

SUBJECT:
Infusing Intentional Social Emotional Learning

We are so lucky to work in education! Our essential, meaningful work is laid out in front of us: to prepare our students for a successful, thriving life in adulthood. When a student is dysregulated (upset/crying/afraid), they cannot access the part of their brain they need to think, complete tasks, process rewards and consequences, or reason. As learners, it is their job to make mistakes. It is their job to get dysregulated so we can support them in learning how to appropriately regulate themselves.

Social and emotional skills are absolutely essential for success. Most “bad” behavior happens because kids don’t yet know another way to deal with a particular situation or how to be in control of their impulses. These skills have to be learned! Often we see these skill deficits as “bad” behavior. Consider this: Listening is a skill that has to be learned through practice. Calming down is a skill that has to be learned and practiced...the list goes on!

The brain considers safety the number one priority at all times! And guess where most of the danger is these days? Not out in the jungle with the lions. Not with the bears. The danger is here at school. It’s learning how to be part of the social world. It’s the fear of getting in trouble, or failing at something that others find easy. It’s the stress of having to learn and pass tests and follow rules. It’s hard and every student needs an environment where they can practice the skills necessary for navigating their world.

Please review the attached Social and Emotional Learning Skills document to familiarize yourself with the "skills" we will discuss. Prior to next week's principals meeting, please complete the following skill "pre-assignment":

Say It Out Loud

  • When you use a skill in your everyday work (or fail to use a skill), say it out loud!
    • Intentional social and emotional learning starts with noticing. Verbalizing your skills in front of students helps you AND your students grow their social and emotional competence. Some examples could be, "I was feeling a little bit frustrated and I took a minute to calm down," "I am writing this down on a sticky note to make sure I follow through."
    • When you notice a student using a skill, say it out loud! Having their use of skills be reinforced (no matter how small) helps them on their journey of social and emotional development. Some examples could be: "I noticed that you stated your feeling," "I can see you are breathing slowly to calm down." You'll know it when you see it and taking a few minutes to notice helps!

Published on

Administrators:

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

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

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

Published on

Administrators, please share this with your teachers.

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

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

STEM EIP FAQ

STEM EIP Application

This is a GREAT opportunity!

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

ELEMENTARY ENDORSEMENTS:

SECONDARY ENDORSEMENTS:

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