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Category: Elementary Action Required

Published on

DATE:    
April 4, 2024

TO:  
Principals
Assistant Principals
SEL Testing Coordinators

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

SUBJECT:  
Early Warning (Panorama) Spring SEL Survey

The final SEL survey window for the 2023-24 school year will open on Monday, April 15, 2024 and close on Friday, May 17, 2024 at 12am. Please ensure that you are following the guidance provided in the August 10, 2023 JAM (found here) regarding SEL survey windows, administration, and communication with parents. Please know that you may share the survey questions, with anyone interested, that are included in the August 10, 2023 JAM link above.

It is strongly encouraged that schools administer this survey at least twice a year.

Published on

DATE:  
April 4, 2024

TO:  
Principal
Assistant Principal

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

SUBJECT:  
Safe Routes To School Meeting Sign Up (Herriman Schools ONLY)

The City of Herriman has reviewed the Safe Routes To School (SRTS) forms we submitted and is prepared to meet with each administration to discuss them.

The meetings will be held on April 15th from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM over ZOOM. Each meeting will be held in 15-minute increments. Please select a time slot on the SIGN-UP sheet provided. Times are on a first come first served basis. Feel free to work with one another as needed.

If more time is required to discuss an issue in depth, then we will schedule a time with the city soon after to do so.

Take a moment to review your maps on the new website, found at Safe Routes Utah, please ensure the routes are accurate and complete.

For any additional assistance or clarification please contact Matt Alvernaz at matt.alvernaz@jordandistrict.org or by phone at 801-567-8623.

ZOOM Link

SIGN-UP Link

Published on

DATE:  
April 4, 2024

TO:  
Principal
Assistant Principal

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

SUBJECT:  
Safe Routes To School Meeting Sign Up (West Jordan Schools ONLY)

The City of West Jordan has reviewed the Safe Routes To School (SRTS) forms we submitted and is prepared to meet with each administration to discuss them.

The meetings will be held on April 23rd from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM over ZOOM.  Each meeting will be held in 15-minute increments.  Please select a time slot on the SIGN-UP sheet provided.  Times are on a first come first served basis.  Feel free to work with one another as needed.

If more time is required to discuss an issue in depth, then we will schedule a time with the city soon after to do so.

Take a moment to review your maps on the new website, found at Safe Routes Utah, please ensure the routes are accurate and complete.

For any additional assistance or clarification please contact Matt Alvernaz at matt.alvernaz@jordandistrict.org or by phone at 801-567-8623.

ZOOM Link

SIGN-UP Link

Published on

TO:
Principals
Administrative Assistants

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

It's been a great year with our digital ML Identification Task Manager. Thank you to all office assistants that have worked diligently with the LCS and Evaluation teams.

It is now time to clean up your HOME tab Task Manager with any pending, duplicate, or returned tasks. Please see the attached instructions or give Nicole Woodburn a call (801-567-8124).

Published on

DATE:   
April 4, 2024

TO: 
Principals – South Jordan Schools ONLY

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

SUBJECT:  
Safe Routes To School Meeting Sign Up (South Jordan Schools ONLY)

The City of South Jordan has reviewed the Safe Routes To School (SRTS) forms we submitted and is prepared to meet with each administration to discuss them.

The meetings will be held on April 16th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM over ZOOM. Each meeting will be held in 15-minute increments. Please select a time slot on the SIGN-UP sheet provided. Times are on a first come first served basis. Feel free to work with one another as needed.

If more time is required to discuss an issue in depth then we will schedule a time with the city soon after to do so.

Take a moment to review your maps on the new website, found at Safe Routes Utah, please ensure the routes are accurate and complete.

For any additional assistance or clarification please contact Matt Alvernaz at matt.alvernaz@jordandistrict.org or by phone at 801-567-8623.

ZOOM Link

SIGN-UP Link

Published on

TO:
Elementary Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Staff Assistant in Teaching & Learning

Principals,

Please be sure that your 6th grade teachers and special education teachers who work with 6th grade students on the core curriculum are aware of the required April 12 6th Grade Mathematics Kickoff to Our PD Learning Series Focusing on Refining and Elevating Our Practice “Our Work, Our Students”.

This is the Professional Development Kickoff Part 1 of our 3 part Learning Series focused on high-effect size evidence-based mathematical teaching practices.

Published on

DATE:   
March 14, 2024

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals
Elementary Administrative Assistants
Secondary Finance Secretaries
Secondary Attendance Secretaries
Secondary Registrars

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

SUBJECT: 
Digital Cumulative Folder Training

In April 2024, the District will begin the process of transitioning from paper-based student cumulative folders to digital cumulative folders housed in Skyward. From July 1, 2024 onward, all new students must be enrolled with a digital cumulative folder and blank copies of paper cumulative folders will no longer be available.

Digital folders provide multiple benefits to schools and staff, including:

  • Immediate transfer of folders between schools as students move or advance
  • Easier accessibility of records to staff
  • Elimination of expense of mailing records between schools

Staff at each school will be responsible for “weeding” unnecessary documents from current student cumulative folders and will scan and upload documents to Skyward. As part of the transition, parents will gain the ability to scan and upload some of the required documents to Skyward during New Student Online Enrollment (NSOE), which will provide additional time savings to staff.

Participation in the training is mandatory for elementary administrative assistants, secondary attendance secretaries, and secondary registrars. Others who assist with gathering documents at registration (including during summer hour coverage) or maintaining cumulative folders should also attend. Staff at each school location must be trained before the school begins using digital cumulative folders. Training will be offered six times during the first week of April in the ASB Auditorium (see individual tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet) . School teams may attend any number of sessions to ensure office coverage.

Each individual attending must register for the training at the following link:  April Digital Folder Training Link

Published on

DATE:
Thursday, March 14, 2024

TO: 
Elementary School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:   
URGENT: New Acadience Testing Platform and Touchscreen Testing Devices

As announced in the February principal meeting, the state’s contract with Amplify came to end and, through an RFP process, the state has procured a new testing vendor for the Acadience Reading assessment. The new vendor is Acadience Learning and their platform is called Acadience Learning Online or ALO. The Acadience Reading assessment will remain the same, but how it is recorded in the new testing system is different. More information about the new testing platform and a host of training options will be released in the future.

URGENT: The state recently communicated important information regarding the devices used for benchmark and progress monitoring testing. With mClass, several schools have been using click-only testing devices, meaning that the tester uses a track pad or mouse to input student responses. ALO does not allow for click-only devices when administering the benchmark and progress monitoring probes. To administer benchmark and progress monitoring probes in ALO, the testing device must be touchscreen enabled. Additionally, smart phones are not compatible with ALO.

Thus, classroom aides and teachers who are currently administering the Acadience Reading benchmarks and/or progress monitoring probes in grades K-6 using a click-only device will need access to a touchscreen device beginning with the fall of the 2024-25 school year.

A document containing the ALO device and system recommendations is attached with this memo.

Please contact Ben Jameson in Evaluation, Research & Accountability with questions about this issue.

Published on

DATE: 
March 7, 2024

TO: 
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
Mandatory Prevention Plan Updates, Workshops and Support Available!

Throughout March school teams have an opportunity to efficiently update, enhance, and complete their mandatory prevention plans related to suicide, bullying, and violence prevention. Stop by a Prevention Planning Workshop in March to take advantage of this support available!

Prevention Planning Workshop Dates: March 11, 14 (pm only), 15, & 18
All sessions will take place at ASB Presentation Room (entrance C)
Two sessions Each Day (pm session only on the 14th): 8:30-11:00, 12:30-3:00
Choose a workshop time to update and enhance your school’s prevention plan. There will also be targeted support for accessing grant funds that are available for your school’s unique prevention efforts. Substitute costs can be covered so a full team can attend! RSVP for a session here! Stop by even if you don’t RSVP!

*As a reminder, each school is required to maintain and update prevention plans annually. These funds and upcoming workshops are meant to support each school’s prevention plan.

Prevention Plans must be updated and this form completed by April 5th to take advantage of grant funds available!

If you are interested in updating your plan without attending a workshop, visit Jordan Health & Wellness for detailed instructions.

Published on

DATE:   
Thursday, March 7, 2024

TO:  
Elementary School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
Calculator and Visual Representations Accommodations for RISE Math

Principals are encouraged to follow up with their special education caseworkers about the following RISE accommodation clarifications.

Calculation Devices
When it comes to the use of calculation devices or computation tables as an accommodation on the RISE Math assessment in grades 3-6, school administrators, testing coordinators and special education caseworkers should take note of the following stipulations from the Utah Participation and Accommodations Policy:

“All students are allowed to use the online calculation device when it is embedded during the allowed segments of a math assessment… For students in grade 6, the use of a handheld calculation device or printable computation table is considered an accommodation and may be provided (based on need documented in the IEP) during the allowed segment of the assessment. For students in grades 3-5, the use of a handheld calculation device or printable computation table is not allowed during any segment of the math assessment. If provided, the test must be reported as modified, and the student will receive a score of non-proficient and be considered a non-participant for accountability” (see page 40).

While Embrace allows caseworkers to input a calculator accommodation for students on the Summative RISE Math assessment (with a footnote calling attention to the Utah Participation and Accommodations Policy), it is still not an allowable accommodation on the RISE Math assessment.

The policy also states, “During instruction, it is important to determine whether the use of a calculation device or computation table is a matter of convenience or a necessary accommodation. It is also important to know the goal of instruction and assessment before making decisions about the use of calculation devices or computation tables. In some cases, calculators may be adapted with large keys or voice output (talking calculators). Examples of calculation devices are calculators, slide rules, and abacuses. Examples of computation tables are number lines and multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction charts” (see pages 40-41).

For more information on calculation devices, please see USBE’s guidance document.

Visual Representations
Please note that computation tables are not visual representations as defined in the Utah Participation and Accommodations Policy. Visual representations “are manipulatives such as cubes, tiles, rods, blocks, models, etc. They may be used on all sections of the mathematics assessment if they are included in the student’s IEP or 504 Plan” (see page 55).

Please contact Kassidy Towery in Evaluation, Research & Accountability with questions about RISE accommodations.

Published on

Dustin Jansen, attorney and judge in the tribal court systems and a professor of American Indian studies at UVU, presented on Native communities and cultures last year. Due to popular demand, we are bringing back the recording of that PD on March 7, 2024, in the ASB presentation room (Main entrance, entrance C) from 4 to 6 pm. Professor Jansen will be back in person on April 11th to continue with part II of his last year's presentation. If you missed his first presentation last year, this is an excellent opportunity to watch the recording and prepare for his in-person part II presentation in April. All licensed employees will receive 2 hours of in-service pay and licensure points. Admins are encouraged to attend.

Click here for registration

Published on

DATE: 
Thursday, February 22, 2024

TO:
Elementary and Middle School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
RISE Summative Training

The RISE summative testing window is from March 12 - June 7, 2024. RISE passwords get reset each year, so please be sure your teachers log in and reset their passwords for this year at utahrise.org.

As testing is nearly underway, please make sure all testing teachers complete the yearly RISE test administration training. Many teachers only use the RISE systems once a year, so yearly training on how it all works is needed. Only teachers who will administer the RISE test need to be trained. For your reference, here is a link to the Testing Ethics Policy.

Your school is responsible for making sure all testing teachers get trained in RISE test administration. Should you choose to hold a training at your school, this fulfills the training requirement. Teachers have two additional options to be trained for RISE testing:

RISE Canvas Course
The RISE test administration training requirement can be fulfilled by completing the Canvas course online. All teachers in grades 3-8 have been added to the course, should you choose to have them complete the training through this method. A certificate of completion for relicensure points will be available for download at the end of the course.

Zoom RISE Training
Teachers can attend one of the following Zoom RISE trainings to fulfill the training requirement.

Here is the Zoom link for these trainings:
https://uetn-org.zoom.us/j/5266134800
Meeting ID: 526 613 4800

  • Friday, March 8 @ 8:45 AM or 1:30 PM
  • Friday, March 15 @ 8:45 AM or 1:30 PM
  • Friday, March 22 @ 8:45 AM or 1:30 PM
  • Friday, April 5 @ 8:45 AM or 1:30 PM
  • Friday, April 19 @ 8:45 AM or 1:30 PM
  • Friday, April 26 @ 8:45 AM or 1:30 PM
  • Friday, May 3 @ 8:45 AM or 1:30 PM

For questions about RISE training or test administration, please contact Kassidy Towery in Evaluation, Research & Accountability.

Published on

By state law Vapes are hazardous waste and cannot be thrown away in regular trash. Please plan to bring all your school's vaping waste such as vapes, mods, e-juice, cartridges, etc. to the Assistant Principals meeting in March, April, and May to be collected by Sharon Jensen and taken to the County facility to be disposed of properly.

Published on

Admin, please share this information with your teachers.

Many of your teachers are pursuing a STEM endorsement (see our EIP website for a full list of endorsements) USBE WILL REIMBURSE THEM FOR THEIR EDUCATION! This is called the STEM Endorsement Incentive Program (EIP). See the attached flyer and link to our EIP Website for more information.

The next round of reimbursement applications is due March 1, 2024 for teachers who completed STEM courses in Fall/Winter 2023. If you have any questions, please reach out to the content consultant. We would love to talk to you!

Published on

Spring Mentor Training will be available online through Canvas March 4 - April 5, 2024. Mentor Training will be provided to new mentors based on administrator recommendation. After checking with potential mentors, please complete the Google Form by Friday, March 22, to add names of mentors you would like to have complete mentor training. We have a limited number of seats. Educators will be added first come, first served. You may add up to three mentors per form. Teachers will get paid $150 stipend for completing the mentor Canvas training.

You can access a list of currently trained mentors on your school’s mentor list shared with you via Google sheets and your school coaching plan. If you need help accessing your mentor list, please contact Michelle Williams in Teaching and Learning: 801-567-8365

Google Form Link

Published on

Following the release of the 2024-25 FTE V2.0 enrollment projections, the HR Department is providing RIS training to all principals in a RIS situation. All training sessions will be held at the District Office, room 129 on the following dates and times:

  • 9 A.M. on Friday, February 16th
  • 2 P.M. on Tuesday, February 20th
  • 10 AM on Thursday, February 22nd
  • 2 P.M. on Thursday, February 22nd

To sign up for the RIS Training, please click on the following link: Sign Up

Please refer to the RIS Flowchart & Timeline for guidance with the RIS Process and/or review the RIS/RIF resource information at: employment.jordandistrict.org/AdminOnly.

Lastly, you may remind teachers/educators resigning at the end of the current school year, 2023-24 of the $200 Early Notification Incentive, if he/she submits their notification prior to February 15, 2024.

For a list of employees at your school location who have submitted a resignation notice in Skyward, please contact Jane Olsen jane.olsen@jordandistrict.org or Brittany Bauer brittany.bauer@jordandistrict.org

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Published on

We have assigned interpreters to be in person at select schools. Please see the document to verify your school is one of the assigned schools. For schools that would like interpreters, please use the form linked in the document to place your request. The interpreters will log on virtually. If you have to cancel an appointment or will not be logging on the zoom, please email: lcs@jordandistrict.org.

 

Published on

DATE:
February 1, 2024

TO:
Elementary Principals
Elementary Special Education Teachers
Elementary Speech Language Pathologists
Elementary School Psychologist

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

SUBJECT:
Additional Offering of the Core Standards and IEP Alignment PD

Back by popular demand, the Special Education Department will be offering a repeat session of the Core Standard and IEP Alignment professional development. This training is for all elementary resource teachers, support classroom teachers, SLPs, SLTs, and school psychologists. Topics that will be covered include: Embrace FAQs and updates, a review of the classification eligibility forms, and an introduction to the new IEP Goal/Core Alignment Google Sheet. This training is optional, but highly recommended!

Date/Time: Mar 1, 2024 from 1:30- 3:30 PM
Location: Zoom (link will be sent out to all special education elementary staff via email)

Published on

Prior to the TEACHER TRANSFER FAIR on February 12, principals may post available positions for the 2024-25 school year on a Google Form. Please click here to advertise your transfer openings for teachers and other licensed employees. This will allow teachers to view your postings prior to the Teacher Transfer Fair.

Teacher Transfer Fair Link