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Category: Elementary Info

Published on

DATE:
October 1, 2026

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals
School Safety Specialists

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

SUBJECT:
Monthly Drill Preparation (LOCKDOWN)

Our monthly drill preparation meeting will be held on October 7th at 2:40 PM, 3:10 PM, and again at 3:40 PM. Each session will last about 20 minutes. This month we will be covering LOCKDOWN.  Each School Safety Specialist is expected to attend along with administrators assigned to oversee school safety.  All other administrators are welcomed to attend as well. The meeting is also open to any staff who may be interested.

After each monthly training, all school staff should be trained by the administrator over school safety and the School Safety Specialist. After being trained each month, teachers should educate their students on each safety drill. Additionally, schools should communicate with their patrons regarding Standard Response Protocol(s) (SRP) and the drill being conducted each month. Videos, handouts, and other resources can be found at the link(s) below.

Information regarding the LOCKDOWN response protocol can be found in the Jordan School District Safety Manual on pages 12-14.  We will discuss how to implement and execute the drill.  This will be an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas amongst the schools.

We will be holding this meeting over ZOOM so please join using this link.

 

Published on

DATE:
October 1, 2026

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals

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

We are excited to share with you a new data tracking program for wellness rooms across the district: The Wellness Room Assessment Program (WRAP) is free for all schools and available immediately to your Wellness Room Coordinators by completing the attached Google Form. The student data will be shared in a separate email to you and your other mental health team members once your form is created and shared with your Wellness Room Coordinators.  

Tracking this data is essential to improving your student support systems. By utilizing WRAP, you will be able to:

  • Serve as a prevention indicator to better and earlier identify students who may be struggling before issues escalate.
  • Pinpoint student needs and tailor tier 2 & 3 individualized interventions.
  • Identify Patterns & Trends as a school to better allocate staff and resources.
  • Ensure wellness spaces are being utilized effectively for their intended purposes and avoid any misuse. 

Please complete the Google Form and get access to your school’s WRAP portal. 

Thank you for your leadership and dedication to supporting our students' well-being. Please reach out to Jodee Packer, one of our CARE Specialists, if you have any questions regarding access or setup. She can be reached at jodee.packer@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8193

Published on

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

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Buddy Alger, Director, Student Services
Scott Festin, Student Services Administrator of Planning

Student Services will be hosting training opportunities for staff to prepare for the 2027-28 permit season on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The Open Enrollment window opens on Sunday, November 15, 2026 this year. This training will be geared towards Administrators overseeing permits in their building and office staff that process applications. It is especially appropriate for administrators and staff that are new to permits. Sessions will not be targeted at any specific audience, so individuals are welcome to attend either session.

Both sessions will be held at the District Office, Room 129. Due to updated security protocols at the District Office, please remember to bring your ID badge.

Please register for all sessions using this link: 2027-28 Permit Training Signup

Date Time Location
Wednesday, October 28 9:00-11:00 AM District Office, Room 129
Wednesday, October 28 1:00-3:00 PM District Office, Room 129

Permit questions should be addressed to Scott Festin, Student Services Administrator of Planning, scott.festin@jordandistrict.org, x88370

Published on

TO:
Elementary Principals
Assistant Principals

FROM:
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, October 7th.

You may submit concerns or questions using this Google Form, 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.

 

Published on

DATE:
October 1, 2026

TO:
All Administrators
All Office Staff

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Michael Heaps, Director of Information Systems
Steven Harwood, Assistant Director of Application Development

SUBJECT: Skyward Student System Maintenance

The Skyward Student System, including Family and Student Access, will be unavailable during a system upgrade from 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30th, until noon on Saturday, October 31st.

We appreciate your patience while we perform this system upgrade.

 

Published on

DATE:
October 1, 2026

TO:
All Administrators
All Office Staff

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Michael Heaps, Director Information Systems
Steffany Ellsworth, Manager - Support Services, Information Systems

SUBJECT: 
2026 Utah Skyward User Conference

Happy fall, y’all! With fall comes the annual Utah Skyward User Conference. This year, it’s even more exciting as you’ll get a sneak peek at Qmlativ, the new student management system that we will be implementing! Join us on Thursday, November 5th at Canyons School District in their Support Services Center. Please see the agenda for the address and session times. 

This conference is a great opportunity to learn directly from Skyward experts, as sessions are taught by their staff. This year’s lineup includes several outstanding sessions focused on both Qmlativ Finance and Qmlativ Student. This conference is a great chance to preview how the Qmlativ Student system looks, operates, and can make your daily work easier. 

During these sessions, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. However, if you have an issue that may be more timely to resolve, we ask that you contact our helpdesk for assistance. 

We hope this year’s conference will inspire you with new insights, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of what’s possible in Skyward. There is no need to register in advance. For questions about attending the conference, please feel free to call the Help Desk at extension 88737.

Published on

TO:
Administrators and Administrative Assistant/ All Staff

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Sarah Palmer, Director of Payroll

With the beginning of the new school year comes new pay rates along with new deductions. All employees are encouraged to log in to Skyward Employee Access and review the following:

Salary placement and Hours Per Day (FTE)
• ASSIGNMENTS tile - make sure you are in the 2026-2027 (Current) year at the top of the screen
• Open the assignment by clicking the arrow to view the assignment details

Paycheck - insurance premiums, deductions, name, address, phone, tax exemptions (from your Form W4)
• PAYROLL CHECK HISTORY tile

Paychecks that are not direct deposit will be held in Human Resources for pickup. You can sign up for direct deposit through Employee Access (DIRECT DEPOSIT PRIMARY ACCOUNT tile).

Your actual paycheck is available to view up to two (2) days prior to payday each month in the PAYROLL CHECK HISTORY tile. If you have questions, please contact the following:

Help Desk: 801-567-8737 (Employee Access login & password assistance)
Payroll: 801-567-8154 or email payroll@jordandistrict.org
Insurance: 801-567-8146 or email insurance@jordandistrict.org
Human Resources: 801-567-8150 or email hr@jordandistrict.org

** This information and tutorials can also be found on Payroll’s website at payroll.jordandistrict.org/employee.

• Name Changes (EMPLOYEE NAME CHANGE REQUEST FORM tile)
• Address Changes (EMPLOYEE PROFILE tile - ’Edit by Online Form’ next to
EMPLOYEE DETAILS- CONTACT INFORMATION UPDATE tile)
• View W4 Tax Information (MENU/PAYROLL/TAX INFORMATION)

 

Published on

TO:
School and District Administrators

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Michelle Love-Day, Director LCS

Please enjoy the September Language and Culture Newsletter. In this edition you will find:

Dates for administrator compliance workshops (link)
ELLevation strategies (flyer attached)
Information about our ML Family night (flyer attached)

Published on

TO:
New Administrators & Interns
New School or Department personnel
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Lisa LeStarge, Administrative Assistant

Training will be provided by the Business and Auxiliary Services Departments on October 15, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Auxiliary Services Building Presentation Room. This training opportunity is for new administrators and interns; and new 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 this session, please send an email to Lisa LeStarge, at lisa.lestarge@jordandistrict.org. The total number of participants in this session will be capped at 60 (plus presenters). Attendees will be provided with a link to hand-outs provided by the presenters so they can be viewed during the training or downloaded for future use.

Published on

DATE:
September 24, 2026

TO:
Principals and Assistant Principals

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Buddy Alger, Director of Student Services
Fulvia Franco, Administrator of School Psychology
Stacee Worthen, Administrator of School Counseling
Annie Larson, School Based Therapy Specialist

SUBJECT:
Parent Square Communications and School Mental Health Team Follow-Up

September is National Suicide Awareness Month. Attached you will find a copy of the communications that were sent via Parent Square to all families on 9/22/26. These announcements highlight mental health teams in schools and offer free family resources available throughout Jordan School District, including services through the Jordan Family Education Center and the Cook Center for Human Connection. 

Elementary and Secondary Communication

Action Requested for Schools

Send a Personalized School Follow-Up Letter: Administrators and school leaders are encouraged to send a follow-up letter to families. Attached you will find a sample letter. While district communications outline overall resources, families respond best when they know the specific individuals supporting their children at the school.

This letter would introduce School Mental Health Team Members to your families. You may choose to use the attached sample letter to introduce your School Mental Health Team members by name and job title (e.g., School Counselor, School Psychologist, and School-Based Therapist). or write your own letter so families know how to seek support at your school. 

Sample School Follow-Up Letter

Subject: Meet Your School's Mental Health Support Team

Dear [School Name] Families,

As shared in our recent district communication for National Suicide Awareness Month, safety, connection, and emotional well-being are top priorities at [School Name]. We want to ensure every family knows who is here to support your child and how to reach out whenever help is needed.

Each school in Jordan School District has a dedicated School Mental Health Team ready to assist students with navigating friendships, managing stress, adjusting to routines, or working through challenges.

Meet Your [School Name] Mental Health Team

  • [Staff Name] – School Counselor(s)
    • Contact: [Email Address] | [Phone Number / Extension]
    • Role: Supports academic planning, social-emotional skill building, individual check-ins, and small-group support.
  • [Staff Name] – School Psychologist
    • Contact: [Email Address] | [Phone Number / Extension]
    • Role: Provides cognitive and behavioral evaluations, targeted intervention plans, and specialized student support.
  • [Staff Name] – School-Based Therapist (Secondary Schools)
    • Contact: [Email Address] | [Phone Number / Extension]
    • Role: Offers therapeutic check-ins and mental health support for students needing individual care.

How to Access Support

These services are provided with parent or guardian permission. If you have questions about your child's social, emotional, or mental health needs, please do not hesitate to contact any member of our mental health team listed above, or reach out to your student’s classroom teachers or a principal.

[Principal / Administrative Team]

[School Name]

 

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Ami Shah, Jordan Education Access Committee

Date: January 21, 2027

Time: 4:00–7:00 PM

Location: West Jordan Middle

Licensed employees who attend the conference will receive a $175 stipend for their participation. Additional details about the keynote speaker and breakout sessions will be provided with registration information.

Please mark your calendar and watch for more information in the future. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Published on

DATE:  
September 24, 2026

TO: 
All Elementary Administrators

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

SUBJECT: 
Research Project

The Research Review Committee has reviewed a research project in which your school has been asked to participate.

Project Title:   “The Effects of Inter-Class Positive Version of the Good Behavior Game (PV-GBG) on Academically Engaged Behavior and Teacher Stress

Applicant: Haylee Heller, University of Utah

The project has been approved by the District Research Review Committee.  The applicant has been directed to contact you to discuss the extent of the project.  Participation in the study is at your discretion.  If you have questions or concerns relating to participation, please contact Ben Jameson at 801-567-8243.

Thank you for your assistance.

Published on

DATE:
September 18, 2026

TO: 
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT: 
Research Project

The Research Review Committee has reviewed a research project in which your school has been asked to participate.

Project Title:  “District-led principal leadership development in Utah: A multi-case study of principal development and support from the perspectives of district administrators and school principals”

Applicant: Momilani Tu’ua

The project has been approved by the District Research Review Committee.  The applicant has been directed to contact you to discuss the extent of the project.  Participation in the study is at your discretion.  If you have questions or concerns relating to participation, please contact Ben Jameson at 801-567-8243.

Thank you for your assistance.

Published on

DATE:
September 24, 2026

TO:
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
Research Project

The Research Review Committee has reviewed a research project in which your school has been asked to participate.

Project Title: “The Hidden Engine of Achievement: Examining Central Office Systems and Interdepartmental Coordination”

Applicant: Emily Sutherland

The project has been approved by the District Research Review Committee. The applicant has been directed to contact you to discuss the extent of the project. Participation in the study is at your discretion. If you have questions or concerns relating to participation, please contact Ben Jameson at 801-567-8243.

The researcher will contact you about participating in a 60-minute interview.

Thank you for your assistance.

 

Published on

DATE:
September 16, 2026

TO:
School Administrators

FROM:
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Paul Bergera, Director of Transportation
Marcus Swainston, Transportation Coordinator

SUBJECT:
A Few Transportation Items for the 2026-27 School Year

There are a few items regarding Transportation that we would like to bring to your attention.

Safety at Bus Lane Entrances and Exits

As we enter into the second month of school, we would like your assistance in ensuring that the entrances and exits at our bus lanes are free and clear of vehicles staging and/or parking. Vehicles are required to provide at least ten feet of clearance at entrances and exits in order for buses to safely enter and exit the bus lane. If the curb at those areas on your campus are not painted red, please submit a request to Facility Services to have them painted or touched up. You may also consider using
cones to restrict vehicles from staging or parking near bus lane entrances and exits. If you do not currently have cones, they are available through the warehouse. Thank you for your support and assistance.

Mileage Reimbursement for Kindergarten Students (Elementary Schools Only):

Funding for mileage reimbursement is only offered to elementary schools that offer a choice of full-day or half-day kindergarten. Currently, there are only six schools that offer both a full-day and half-day kindergarten program. Therefore, if your school does not offer a half-day kindergarten program, mileage reimbursement for parents is not an option.

Published on

TO:
Teachers, Administrators, School Staff

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Michelle Love-Day, Director of Language & Culture Services

Students that achieved English proficiency will be invited to receive their medal and certificate during our ML family night. We encourage staff, teachers, and administrators to attend to celebrate with our families on Thurs. Oct. 8th from 6-8 p.m. at Mountain Ridge High School.

Published on

DATE:
September 17, 2026

TO:
All Jordan School District Principals (with bus route students)

FROM:
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Paul Bergera, Director of Transportation
Kathy Jones, Transportation Trainer/Risk Coordinator

SUBJECT:
 State Required Bus Evacuations and School Bus Safety 2026-2027

State required semi-annual school bus evacuations have been scheduled for this fall. This applies to those students that ride the bus daily to and from school.

The evacuations will be conducted during the week of: 

Monday, September 21 through Thursday, September 24, 2026

Your school’s regular bus drivers will perform this evacuation procedure as they drop your students off in the morning, one day during that week. The procedure will take place at your school and within the students’ regular bus drop off/pick up zone. All professional school bus drivers that transport students are required to perform evacuation procedures in case of an emergency. Bus evacuation will be through the rear door, side door, front door or any combination of the three. Students will then, under the direction and supervision of the bus driver, evacuate and meet in a safe place approximately 100 feet away from the bus.

Your assistance is welcome but not mandatory to complete this required evacuation procedure quickly, safely and effectively.

We appreciate all you do to help us safely transport your students.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
McKinnley Withers, HR Administrator

Administrators, 

The HR Employee Experience and Wellness Team will be offering “Stress Less” workshops on both upcoming PD days (9/25 for Elementary and 10/2 for Secondary).

We are inviting ALL employees to participate in these workshops. These efforts are directly aligned to our district Strategic Plan indicator that focuses on a reduction in stress for Jordan District students and staff (pasted below). 

AM sessions will be specifically for Education Support Professionals (ESPs). Any ESP working that day is invited to optionally attend one of the two days during their contract time if there are no scheduled conflicts at their worksite. ESPs who are off-contract on those Fridays or are part-time and not scheduled to work those days are also invited to attend but should not adjust their work schedules to reduce availability for their regular job duties. In other words, part-time or off-contract employees are invited and encouraged to attend but will not be paid for this time. 

PM Sessions are available for any employees who are able and wish to participate, including ESPs and licensed staff. 

The attached flyer will be shared through JEM, and supervisors are expected and encouraged to allow employees, both ESPs and licensed staff, to attend, provided there are no major scheduling conflicts at the school.

Thank you for your support as we grow opportunities for all employees in our district. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions/concerns or ideas for future offerings. 

McKinley Withers
mckinley.withers@jordandistrict.org
801-567-8245
cell 801-448-1404