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Category: Elementary Action Required

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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).

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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.

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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!

 

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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

 

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

 

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Don’t miss out on scheduling a Healthy Utah Testing session for your school!

All employees and their spouses covered on the Jordan School District PEHP medical plan are eligible to participate in the health incentive program. You and your spouse can earn $50 each by participating in the free biometric testing session and completing a questionnaire.

If you would like to schedule a PEHP Healthy Utah testing session for your school, please send an email to cheryl.matson@jordandistrict.org with the date and time you would like to host the testing session. Healthy Utah is currently scheduling on a limited basis and days fill up fast, so don’t delay. Testing sessions can be scheduled between January and April at this time.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to the JSD insurance department (801-567-8255). Please see flyer below.

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Parent Teacher Conferences are fast approaching, and many of you will find your school in need of one or more interpreters in order to serve the needs of your parents. Mirsa Joosten is happy to find an interpreter in each language you need, but this can be extremely difficult when there is not sufficient time for her to make arrangements. Finding interpreters for virtual meetings can be even more challenging. For these reasons, we ask you to please request your interpreter right away by completing the Interpreting and Translation Services Request Form available on the Equity and Compliance webpage, if you have not already done so.

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As you may be aware, USBE is in the process of updating the K-6 social studies standards. Part of the process is to open the standards for public comment. Please invite your teachers to review the standards and complete the survey below regarding the new social studies standards. (The standards are available from the survey form.) Teachers know best what works for their students, so it is important they have a voice in the creation of these standards.

Link to Elementary Social Studies Standard Draft

 

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The following are reminders to keep in mind when completing evaluations. 

Full UETS-based JPAS -- Teachers on a full UETS-based JPAS will upload student performance information (SLO) and stakeholder input in place of completing the interview portion of the JPAS. Teachers can upload the documents directly from their computer by logging into Perform and choosing “My Folder” -- “Evidence” -- “Add Artifact.” Teachers are asked to name the file and can then choose to upload a document from the computer or add a URL. 

  • Student growth can be recorded on the form that was previously sent out in this issue of JAM. Please review the instructions and make sure teachers have the form for uploading. If any other documentation is being used, please  ensure  that the document includes: 
    • The core standard
    • A growth target
    • Pre assessment information (include dates and scores)
    • Post assessment information (include dates and scores)
    • A summary of student growth
  • Stakeholder input could include climate survey information, copies of emails or descriptive phone logs. The intent is to show personalized communication with parents.

Administrators may access evidence by logging into Perform and  selecting “My Staff” -- “Staff” -- the individual teacher’s folder -- “Evidence.”  (No action is required.)

The first cycle for provisional teachers is due December 18, 2021.

Interim --  Teachers on an Interim JPAS will complete a self evaluation and 3 required goals at the beginning of the year and reflect on the 3 required goals at the end of the year. Teachers can access the evaluation by logging into Perform and choosing “My Folder” -- “Tasks” -- “Beginning of Year Interim Form.”  Teachers must click on the “Save and Submit” button once they have completed the beginning of the year form so that the evaluator can access the form for approval.

Administrators may access and approve Interim Evaluations by logging into Perform and selecting “Signatures.”  Evaluations will not be available for approval until after the teacher has “Saved and Submitted.” 

Beginning of the year requirements and approval are due October 31, 2021. 

Teachers on an Interim JPAS will complete an end-of-year reflection by logging into Perform and choosing “My Folder” -- “Tasks” -- “End of Year Interim Form.”  Student growth (SLO) and stakeholder input are uploaded at this time. 

  • Student growth can be recorded on the form that was previously sent out in this issue of JAM. Please review the instructions and make sure teachers have the form for uploading. If any other documentation is being used, please  ensure that the document includes: 
    • The core standard
    • A growth target
    • Pre assessment information (include dates and scores)
    • Post assessment information (include dates and scores)
    • A summary of student growth
  • Stakeholder input could include climate survey information, copies of emails or descriptive phone logs. The intent is to show personalized communication with parents. 

Deadline for completion of Interim Evaluations is May 31, 2022

Information regarding the evaluation of specialized subgroups can be found on the 2021-2022 Evaluation Processes document.