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DATE:
September 22, 2023

TO: 
Principals
Special Education Teachers (Resource & Cluster)

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

SUBJECT:
Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Testing Checklist


You are required to complete and return the checklist to Jen Birrell for all elementary teachers and Mikaylee Krebs for all secondary teachers at the District Office by Thursday, December 21, 2023. This form is also available online at specialed.jordandistrict.org/staff/forms on the Special Education website.

If you need help completing any portion of this checklist, please contact the Teacher Specialist assigned to your school.

Please direct any questions or concerns to Jen Birrell at 801-567-8905 or Mikaylee Krebs 801-567-8356. jennifer.birrell@jordandistrict.org, mikaylee.krebs@jordandistrict.org

DATE:
Thursday, October 5, 2023

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 and Utah Aspire Plus Summative testing systems once again this year. For students in grades 3-6, the Acadience Reading Daze test will also have audio functions. Principals or their designee are encouraged to place an order for student earbuds. Please place your order by Wednesday, November 1st.

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.

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

DATE: 
September 28, 2023

TO: 
Principals
Assistant Principals
School Safety Specialists

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

SUBJECT:  
Standard Response Protocol (SRP)/Incident Command Training **SAVE THE DATE**


Training for the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and Incident Command will be held at the JATC South on the following dates (choose one date and one time):

  • Wednesday, November 15, 2023
    • 11:00am – 1:00pm
    • 1:30pm – 3:30pm
  • Friday, November 17, 2023
    • 8:00am – 10:00am
    • 10:30am – 12:30pm

This training is for any who have responsibility within the Incident Command system (including schools, the District Office, ASB, Transportation, or other location). Administrators assigned as the school safety administrator and all School Safety Specialists should attend.

The training will be focused on SRP and Incident Command as well as the roles/responsibilities of the School Safety Specialist and school administrator. School-based safety administrators and specialists will receive materials and information to conduct SRP/Incident Command trainings in schools.

No sign up required to attend. Please mark on your calendars the date and time that best works for you and your school.

Please forward this information to your School Safety Specialist or others you deem appropriate.

DATE: 
Thursday, September 28, 2023

TO: 
Elementary School Administrators

FROM: 
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability
Rebecca Smith, Consultant, Gifted & Talented

SUBJECT: 
6th Grade CogAT Test Administration Training


The test administration window for the 6th grade CogAT opens October 23rd and closes December 1st. 6th grade teachers, in collaboration with school test coordinators, can administer this assessment to their classes.

A test administration training is being offered to school test coordinators as well as 6th grade teachers. School administrators may attend a training session, but it is not required. Testing pool hours may be used for ESPs who are attending a training session outside of their usual hours. There is no funding for substitutes; thus, schools will need to cover the cost of a substitute if a classroom teacher is attending a training session. Attendees should bring a device to the training.

Below are the training session dates, times, and locations. Those who are planning to attend a training session should sign up here.

Date Time Location
Tuesday, October 17 9:00 – 10:30 am Presentation Room

7905 South Redwood Rd., West Jordan

Entrance C

12:30 – 2:00 pm
Wednesday, October 18 9:00 – 10:30 am
12:30 – 2:00 pm

Please contact Ben Jameson in Evaluation, Research & Accountability or Rebecca Smith and Taryn Cox in Gifted & Talented with questions.

Utah State Senate Bill 150 requires schools to assess students in grades 1-3 three times per year (fall, winter, & spring) and inform their parents/guardians of whether or not their child is reading on grade level. Please use the attached letter templates to send information home to all parents/guardians of students in grades 1-3 by October 18, 2023.

In addition, schools are being asked to print the Home Connection letter that can be downloaded from Acadience Reading to send home with the required parent letters. The Home Connection letters give parents more details about their child's reading progress and gives some helpful tips parents can use at home to support their child in reading.

Please see the attachment for instructions to print the Home Connection letters from Acadience Reading.

 

SUU is offering endorsements for free with a USBE Grant if you are currently teaching K-12 In Utah

  • Educational Technology
  • Elementary Stem
  • Elementary Science
  • Elementary Math
  • Elementary Math Specialist

Other endorsements are available for only $300 per class:

  • Gate (6 classes)
  • ESL (6 classes)
  • K12 Literacy Specialist (6 classes)

Ready To Learn More? Join a quick 30 minute Zoom With SUU to learn how to apply and why you should capitalize on this enrichment opportunity.

DATE:        
Thursday, September 21, 2023

TO:  
All School Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

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

SUBJECT:  
2023-24 Stakeholder Input Survey – Preparation and Administration Details


The 2023-24 Stakeholder Input Survey will be administered to parents, school employees, and students in grades K-12 beginning Wednesday, November 1, 2023, and ending Tuesday, November 21, 2023. All parents, licensed educators, education support professionals and students should be invited and encouraged to participate in the survey.

Survey respondents have the opportunity to take part of the survey for school individual principals, assistant principals, classroom teachers and licensed support staff (i.e., instructional coaches, counselors, school psychologists, speech language pathologists, library media coordinators, cluster leaders, etc.). Thus, we need to ensure that the survey contains an accurate list of each school’s licensed educators for whom respondents can take the survey.

The table below contains a unique link for each school that will direct viewers to a list of licensed staff that has been downloaded from Skyward. Administrative assistants are asked to verify the accuracy of that list, adding or deleting licensed educators as necessary. Staff verification lists need to be verified by Friday, October 13, 2023. This will allow enough time for Evaluation, Research & Accountability to upload the staff lists into the survey. Once the survey begins, we will be unable to add or delete any staff, so it is essential that administrative assistants carefully verify the accuracy of these lists.

The staff verification list should contain all licensed educators:

  • Principal
  • Assistant principals
  • Counselors and social workers
  • Teachers
  • School psychologists
  • Speech language pathologists
  • Library media specialists/coordinators
  • Cluster leaders
  • Instructional, technology, literacy, Title I or any other licensed academic coaches (non-licensed or athletic coaches need not be included unless they fill one of the above listed roles)
  • Any other licensed and certified educators at your school

Please see the table below to access your school’s staff verification list.

Administrative assistants, please click the link next to your school to view and verify your staff list for accuracy. Contact Ben Jameson (ben.jameson@jordandistrict.org) with questions. Please check the following items for accuracy:

  1. Position Assignment Description: Use the drop-down menu to indicate if the licensed educator is an administrator or classroom teacher. For all other licensed positions for staff members that are not administrators or classroom teachers, please use the Licensed Support Staff designation.
  2. Grade Level: For elementary schools, please verify the accuracy of the grade level for classroom teachers. This is because there is a different survey for students in grades K-3 and grades 4-6.
  3. Missing Teachers: If a teacher in your building does not appear on the list, please add their name on the left side of the list. Elementary administrative assistants will need to add preschool teachers to their list since Skyward does not connect them to their elementary school.

Elementary Schools

School Link to Staff Verification List
Antelope Canyon Elementary Link
Aspen Elementary Link
Bastian Elementary Link
Blackridge Elementary Link
Bluffdale Elementary Link
Butterfield Canyon Elementary Link
Columbia Elementary Link
Copper Canyon Elementary Link
Daybreak Elementary Link
Eastlake Elementary Link
Elk Meadows Elementary Link
Falcon Ridge Elementary Link
Foothills Elementary Link
Fox Hollow Elementary Link
Golden Fields Elementary Link
Hayden Peak Elementary Link
Heartland Elementary Link
Herriman Elementary Link
Jordan Hills Elementary Link
Jordan Ridge Elementary Link
Majestic Elementary Link
Midas Creek Elementary Link
Monte Vista Elementary Link
Mountain Point Elementary Link
Mountain Shadows Elementary Link
Oak Leaf Elementary Link
Oakcrest Elementary Link
Oquirrh Elementary Link
Ridge View Elementary Link
Riverside Elementary Link
Riverton Elementary Link
Rocky Peak Elementary Link
Rosamond Elementary Link
Rose Creek Elementary Link
Silver Crest Elementary Link
South Jordan Elementary Link
Southland Elementary Link
Terra Linda Elementary Link
Welby Elementary Link
Westland Elementary Link
Westvale Elementary Link

 

Middle Schools

School Link to Staff Verification List
Copper Mountain Middle Link
Elk Ridge Middle Link
Fort Herriman Middle Link
Hidden Valley Middle Link
Joel P. Jensen Middle Link
Kelsey Peak Middle Link
Mountain Creek Middle Link
Oquirrh Hills Middle Link
South Hills Middle Link
South Jordan Middle Link
Sunset Ridge Middle Link
West Hills Middle Link
West Jordan Middle Link

 

High Schools

School Link to Staff Verification List
Bingham High Link
Copper Hills High Link
Herriman High Link
JATC North Link
JATC South Link
Kings Peak High Link
Mountain Ridge High Link
Riverton High Link
Valley High Link
West Jordan High Link

 

Special Schools

School Link to Staff Verification List
Kauri Sue Hamilton School Link
River’s Edge School Link
South Valley School Link

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

Full UETS-based JPAS -- Educators on a full UETS-based JPAS will upload student growth with data and stakeholder directly into the Perform system. Educators can upload the documents directly from their computer by logging into Perform and choosing “My Folder” -- “Evidence” -- “Add Artifact.” Educators are asked to name the file and can then choose to upload a document from the computer or add a URL.

Student growth with data must include the following:

  • The core standard
  • A growth target with reflection
  • Pre assessment information (include dates and scores)
  • Post assessment information (include dates and scores)

Stakeholder input could include climate survey information with reflection, teacher initiated email chain with parents or other stakeholders, or descriptive phone logs (must include date, who talked with, summary of discussions). 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.”

The first cycle for provisional teachers is due December 22, 2023.

Please contact the JES office as soon as possible when you know you may have trouble meeting deadlines.

Interim -- Educators 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. Educators can access the evaluation by logging into Perform and choosing “My Folder” -- “Tasks” -- “Beginning of Year Interim Form.” Educators 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 educator has “Saved and Submitted.”

Beginning of the year requirements and approval are due October 31, 2023.

Educators 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 with data and stakeholder input are uploaded at this time.

Student growth with data must include the following:

  • The core standard
  • A growth target with reflection
  • Pre assessment information (include dates and scores)
  • Post assessment information (include dates and scores)

Stakeholder input could include climate survey information with reflection, teacher initiated email chain with parents or other stakeholders, or descriptive phone logs (must include date, who talked with, summary of discussions). The intent is to show personalized communication with parents.

Deadline for completion of End of the Year Interim Evaluations is May 31, 2024.

Please use the attached flyer(s) to promote the upcoming clinic at your school. If you want to show the list of all available clinics, use the one with the QR code. If you want to be more specific to your clinic, use the editable English and Spanish versions.

 

Digital Teaching and Learning is looking to provide your school with technology integration data about your school. To accomplish this goal, we need your help. This week we are distributing our beginning-of-year Fall 2023 DTL Survey through your digital coach. We ask that you encourage your teachers to complete the survey by the end of September. Your teachers' input helps us analyze the impact of technology, professional learning, and digital coaching across the district. It will also provide you with a better understanding of how technology is being used in your school. This will help you track improvements in student learning with technology.

Thank you again for providing us with this important information, and we hope that we can continue to support you in your technology integration efforts this year. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me or any of our digital learning specialists. Jared Covili, Admin DTL

Fall 2024 DTL Survey

DATE:
September 12, 2023

TO:
All Principals
All Certified and ESPs

FROM:  
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Melanie Dawson, Program Administrator of Behavior

SUBJECT:  
ETT: Cultivating Classroom Management Skills


Beneficial for: All general education and special education teachers.

Also welcome: Specialists, mental health providers, ESPs.

Please see attached Memo for registration information!

For questions please contact: melanie.dawson@jordandistrict.org or katie.jarvis@jordandistrict.org

 

Greetings!

We are anticipating a HIGH volume of substitute requests for the following date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023. To increase coverage for those absences we ask that teachers who will be absent, enter their absences AS SOON AS POSSIBLE in Skyward and Frontline.

Thanks!

The Business and Auxiliary Services Training is helpful for office and administrative staff of schools and District departments.

The final session of the optional training for office and administrative staff of schools and District offices will be held Thursday, October 12, 2023, beginning at 8:00 a.m. There is space available for an additional 50 attendees. If you would like to participate, please send an email to Lisa LeStarge at lisa.lestarge@jordandistrict.org and let her know you would like to sign up to attend. Attendees will receive an email the day prior to the training with instructions for connecting to the Zoom meeting. The agenda is attached.

DATE:
Thursday, September 14, 2023

TO:  
All School Administrators and District Department Directors/Consultants

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

SUBJECT:  
2023-24 Required Testing Ethics Professional Development Procedures for Education Support Professionals


Just a reminder from the August 17th JAM:

Licensed teachers will do their testing ethics training as part of their annual crucial policies and procedures review. School administrators do not need to train their teachers on testing ethics for the 2023-24 school year; however, administrators will need to conduct a training for any education support professionals (classified employees) who will assist with district, state or federally-mandated testing. This will include 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 “2023-24 Principal’s Testing Ethics Checklist for ESPs” form, which is due to the Evaluation, Research & Accountability Department by Friday, September 22, 2023.

As has been done in the past, administrators may provide in-person training on testing ethics using the pdf slide deck attached with this memo. Alternatively, administrators may refer education support personnel to the YouTube video that provides the same ethics training. Once education support personnel have been trained, either in-person or using the video, they are required to sign the “2023-24 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:

  • 2023-24 Principal’s Testing Ethics Checklist or ESPs – This form needs to be filled out and sent to Evaluation, Research & Accountability by Friday, September 22, 2023.
  • Testing Ethics Presentation, 2023-24 – This is the slide deck if principals choose to present the training in-person.
  • 2023-24 Standard Test Administration and Testing Ethics Policy – This document should be distributed to every Education Support Professional that assists with state or federally-mandated testing.
  • ESP Testing Ethics Video – This is the training video that may be used in lieu of in-person training. The video may also be found at this link:     ESP Testing Ethics Video
  • Standard Test Administration and Testing Ethics Training Signature Form, 2023-24 – Administrators should retain a signed copy of this form for all Education Support Professionals who assist with district, state or federally-mandated testing.

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

DATE: 
September 6, 2023

TO:    
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT: 
Wellness Representatives Training 9-19-2023


The wellness team is excited to announce the in-person Educator Wellness Training for your school or department’s designated Educator Wellness Representatives on September 19, 2023 at JATC-S from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Administrators are invited to attend with their school wellness representative, if you plan to attend, please RSVP using this link. Schools will need to cover the cost of a sub for their rep, if required.

The Wellness Rep Training will be full of great information that you won’t want to miss! We’re excited to welcome Amy Miner, Founder and Owner of In Focus Education Group as our guest speaker, as well as presentations from PEHP, JSD Insurance Services, and Blomquist Hale. Lunch will be provided and attendees will participate in practical workshops where they’ll connect with other Wellness Reps and work together to build an Employee Wellness Plan for your school. Let’s start the year off WELL!

Review the attached flyer and share it with your school or department’s representative so they can RSVP!

Still need to designate a rep for your school or department? No problem! Fill out this brief form and send them to the training! Keep in mind the following:

  • It’s recommended that principals choose a licensed, non-administrative, non-mental health team staff member as their designated rep. Also, we recommend they work with a leadership team or social committee at your school.
  • The purpose of these representatives is to encourage employee wellness initiatives.

Optional training will be provided by the Business and Auxiliary Services Departments on September 19 (1:00-4:00 pm) and October 12 (8:00-11:00 am) via Zoom. This training opportunity is for school or department personnel including principals, assistant principals, administrative assistants, clerks, aides or others with responsibilities correlating with the Business or Auxiliary Services Departments. The draft agenda is attached. If you would like to participate in one of the sessions, please send an email to Lisa LeStarge at lisa.lestarge@jordandistrict.org and let her know which date you prefer to attend. The total number of participants in each session will be capped at 80 (plus presenters). Because we want the sessions to have the same interactive environment as in-person sessions, attendees will be able to submit questions via Zoom Chat. Attendees will also be provided with a link to handouts provided by the presenters so they can be viewed during the training or downloaded for future use. We hope you will take advantage of this training opportunity.

Dear Principals,

Please share the following Strategic Planning Participation Survey with all of your parents. The survey can be sent separately or as part of other communications to your community tomorrow, Friday, September 1, 2023. The survey closes Wednesday, September 6th at midnight.

Thank you.

=====================

Strategic Planning Participation Survey for Employees, Parents & Students

We are excited to partner with parents and community members to make Jordan School District the very best it can be for the families and students we serve. As we begin work on updating the District’s comprehensive strategic plan for the future, we invite you to be a part of the process.

The strategic planning process will help define our vision and prioritize our resources. We are committed to developing a plan that is inclusive of the strengths, hopes, beliefs, and values of our community.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences through the survey below, which should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Additionally, students in grades 7-12 will have the opportunity to take the survey at their school buildings.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we embark on this important process.