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DATE:     
May 12, 2025

TO:
All Elementary Principals

FROM:  
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Brian King, Ph.D., Assistant Director of Special Education
Mike Trimmell, Ed.D., Special Education Administrator

SUBJECT:
Professional Development Opportunities for UFLI in Special Education Training


Attached is a listing of the professional development opportunities for Elementary Special Education Licensed Staff for UFLI in Special Education Training. A link to sign up for each training will be sent to all Elementary Special Education Licensed Staff Members.

DATE:
April 28, 2025

TO:
Administrators of Schools
Elementary and Secondary Principals

FROM:
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Katie Bastian, Director of Nutrition Services

SUBJECT:
Student Meal Deficit School Responsibilities


District approved procedural guidelines for meal deficit collection can be found on the Nutrition Services website under the online payments tab.  Click HERE

Per approved guidelines:

  • Inactive students, students transferring within the district and graduating students or students moving up grade levels to another school (i.e. 6th to 7th, 9th to 10th, and seniors) with uncollectable meal deficits, of any dollar amount, are the responsibility of the school and must be paid by the principal at the end of the current school year.
  • All staff meal deficits must be paid by the end of the year.

 

Thanks for reading JAM! Be the first person to email Nadine Page (nadine.page@jordandistrict.org) this week’s word, “Emerald” the birthstone for May, and your office wins a prize - We have a winner for this week! Check back next week. Thanks for reading.

 

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Steffany Ellsworth, Support Services Manager, Information Systems


Please be aware of a new DANGEROUS TikTok challenge that we've been experiencing in our schools. Students have learned that putting pencil lead into the USB port will cause a short circuit, causing the Chromebook to smoke and short out. Inserting pencil lead into a USB port can be dangerous. Pencil lead contains graphite, which is conductive, and can cause a fire when inserted in the USB port.

How to identify if this has possibly happened to a Chromebook:

  • The pencil lead will create a short, which may melt the USB port.
  • The Chromebook will likely not power on as it has a short circuit.
  • The USB port stops charging the device, or headphones and other peripherals will not work on the affected port.

What to do:

  • Do not attempt to remove the lead. This is dangerous and could further damage the port or the device.
  • Do not try to charge or use the device. This could worsen the damage or create a fire hazard.
  • Take the Chromebook to your school tech for disposal or repair.
  • Contact your Administrator of Schools if you are considering sending a message to parents.
  • Contact your Administrator of Schools for any questions related to disciplinary action.

 

TO:
School Administrators

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources


The College of Education offers summer professional development opportunities for paraprofessionals. Participants do not need to be a current University of Utah student to enroll. Participants will receive an email confirming registration once the process is completed. Enrollment is first come, first serve with limited availability for each course. It is strongly recommended that participants register as soon as possible to ensure a space in the workshop. Links and related information will be sent a week prior to the workshop.

See the flyer below for all the details.

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Chris Richards-Khong, Associate Administrator of Teaching and Learning


School-Based Associates Opportunity
The Jordan School District is excited to announce the School-Based Associates (SBA) program for the 25-26 school year. For many years, past CITES/ BYU Public School Partnership Associates participants have asked about bringing the powerful learning experiences within CITES/ BYU Public School Partnership Associates back to their colleagues in the classroom. JSD School-Based Associates will now make that desire a possibility!

The JSD School Based Associates mini grant awards will help schools nurture classroom teacher leaders as they facilitate cohort sessions for their school. The grant funds include a compensation stipend for teacher leaders. School cohorts explore ideas toward gaining a deeper understanding of education and the Partnership Commitments. Associates fosters collegial connections, exchange of viewpoints with one another, and builds lasting relationships.

The mini grant application process has been streamlined into a brief google form. Administrators or teachers can initiate this grant for a school. Use the School-Based Associates Application GUIDE to help you keep things simple. Call Chris Richards-Khong with questions 801-567-8158 or email at christen.richardskhong@jordandistrict.org.

JSD School-Based Associates Grant Interest Form

DATE: 
Thursday, May 8, 2025

TO:  
Elementary School Principals

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: An Examination of Elementary Teacher Research Utilization and Grades 1-6 Reading Fluency in a Public-School District in Utah: A Nonexperimental Quantitative Study

Applicant: Melissa Allen, Baylor University

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 and to solicit your participation in a survey. 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.

Teachers may receive an email invitation from the research team to participate in a voluntary survey.

Thank you for your assistance.

DATE:   
May 1, 2025

TO: 
Elementary School Administrators
Middle School Administrators
High School Administrators

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Stacee Worthen, School Counselor Consultant

SUBJECT:  
School Counselor Training and Professional Development


The training and professional development for the month of May are below. We appreciate your support sending in our ongoing training efforts.

Friday, May 2 - Mountain Ridge Feeder Meeting, South Hills MS
Mountain Ridge Feeder Counselors K-12
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Wednesday, May 7 - BRISC Monthly Call, Zoom
All School Counselors (optional)
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Wednesday, May 14 - Steering Meeting, District Office, Room 129
Lead Counselors attend session 1 or 2
Session 1 -- 8:00 am - 10:00 am; Session 2 -- 10:15 am - 12:15 pm

Contact Stacee Worthen at 801-867-8309 or stacee.worthen@jordandistrict.org with any questions or concerns.

The following are new administrative assignments:

New Assignments effective July 1, 2025:

  • High School
    • Tom Gatten, assistant principal at Mountain Ridge High appointed principal at Herriman High, replacing Todd Quarnberg who is resigning.
    • Brady Bartholomew, assistant principal at Riverton High appointed principal at Mountain Ridge High, replacing Mike Kochevar who is retiring.
    • Kevin Barton, assistant principal at Mountain Ridge High transferred as assistant principal at Herriman High.
    • Andrew Blanchard, assistant principal at Herriman High transferred as assistant principal at West Jordan High.
    • Tim Brooks, assistant principal at West Hills Middle transferred as assistant principal at Mountain Ridge High.
    • Noelapoomaikalani Ioane, assistant principal at West Jordan High transferred as assistant principal at Copper Hills High, replacing Mark Halliday who is retiring.
    • Jenicee Jacobsen, assistant principal at West Jordan High transferred as assistant principal at Herriman High.
    • Travis Foster, administrative intern at Riverton High appointed assistant principal at Riverton High.
    • Katelyn Jenson, assistant principal at Southland Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Copper Hills High, replacing Julianna Wing who is resigning.
    • Kami Taylor, assistant principal at South Jordan Middle transferred as assistant principal at West Jordan High.
    • Derek Winder, administrative intern at West Jordan High appointed assistant principal at Riverton High.
  • Middle School
    • Mike Glenn, principal at Mountain Creek Middle transferred as principal at Sunset Ridge Middle, replacing Audrey Fish who is retiring.
    • Kristie Howe, assistant principal at West Hills Middle appointed principal at West Hills Middle, replacing Cynthia VanderMeiden who is resigning.
    • Glen Varga, assistant principal at Riverton High appointed principal at Mountain Creek Middle.
    • Jarom Airhart, assistant principal at South Hills Middle and Sunset Ridge Middle transferred as assistant principal at South Hills Middle.
    • Andrea Call, administrative intern at West Hills Middle appointed assistant principal at West Hills Middle.
    • Mike Christensen, assistant principal at Copper Mountain Middle transferred as assistant principal at West Hills Middle.
    • Jody Deland, assistant principal at Copper Mountain Middle and Mountain Creek Middle transferred as assistant principal at Copper Mountain Middle.
    • Ivie Erickson, administrative intern at Bingham High appointed assistant principal at South Jordan Middle.
    • Heather Handy, assistant principal at Aspen Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle.
    • Wendy Harmon, assistant principal at Mountain Creek Middle transferred as assistant principal at Hidden Valley Middle.
    • Amy Kinder, math consultant in Teaching and Learning transferred as assistant principal at Mountain Creek Middle.
    • James Maughan, assistant principal at Oquirrh Hills Middle transferred as assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle.
    • Troy Monson, assistant principal at South Hills Middle transferred as assistant principal at Oquirrh Hills Middle.
    • Amber Zdunich, assistant principal at Hidden Valley Middle transferred as assistant principal at Elk Ridge Middle.
  • Departments
    • Amy Lloyd, assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle transferred as math consultant in the Teaching and Learning Department.
  • Elementary School
    • Megan Cox, principal at Midas Creek Elementary transferred as principal at Rose Creek Elementary, replacing Karen Egan who is retiring.
    • Theresa Christensen, principal at Falcon Ridge Elementary transferred as principal at Midas Creek Elementary.
    • Bryce Eardley, principal at South Jordan Elementary transferred as principal at Mountain Shadows Elementary.
    • Aaron Ichimura, principal at Welby Elementary transferred as principal at Falcon Ridge Elementary.
    • Tina Susuico, principal at Mountain Shadows Elementary transferred as principal at Hayden Peak Elementary, replacing Jennifer Fisher who is retiring.
    • Kasey Dahl, assistant principal at Bastian Elementary appointed principal at Welby Elementary.
    • Beth Pollock, assistant principal at Ridge View Elementary appointed principal at South Jordan Elementary.
    • John Sassman, assistant principal at Herriman Elementary appointed principal at Mountain Point Elementary.
    • Janae Young, assistant principal at Welby Elementary appointed principal at Oakcrest Elementary, replacing Ken Westwood who is retiring.
    • Megan Daly, administrative intern at Copper Canyon Elementary appointed assistant principal at Copper Canyon Elementary.
    • Elizabeth Felt, principal at Mountain Point Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Southland Elementary.
    • Megan Hamilton, administrative intern at Blackridge Elementary appointed assistant principal at Blackridge Elementary.
    • Danielle Hanson, assistant principal at Elk Ridge Middle transferred as assistant principal at Westvale Elementary.
    • Jessica Hayes, assistant principal at the Child Development Center transferred as assistant principal at Herriman Elementary.
    • David Hullinger, assistant principal at Westvale Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Rosamond Elementary.
    • Toni Lasater, administrative intern at Oak Leaf Elementary appointed assistant principal at Oak Leaf Elementary.
    • Rebecca Lee, JPAS administrator transferred as assistant principal at Oak Leaf Elementary and JPAS administrator.
    • Jennifer Manning, assistant principal at Mountain Point Elementary transferred as assistant principal at the Child Development Center.
    • Nathan Price, assistant principal at Mountain Shadows Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Ridge View Elementary.
    • Aimie Rizzuto, administrative intern at Jordan Ridge Elementary appointed assistant principal at Jordan Ridge Elementary.
    • Teresa Rossetti, assistant principal at Rosamond Elementary transferred as assistant principal at South Jordan Elementary.
    • Rachelle Smith, administrative intern at Heartland Elementary appointed assistant principal at Heartland Elementary.
    • Stacie Thompson, administrative intern at Elk Meadows Elementary appointed assistant principal at Elk Meadows Elementary.
    • Denise White, administrative intern at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy appointed assistant principal at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy.
    • Adrienne Yancey, assistant principal at South Jordan Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Mountain Point Elementary.
  • New Administrative Internships for 2025-26
    • Kylie Bussell, teacher at Copper Hills High assigned administrative intern at Mountain Ridge High.
    • Cameron Christensen, teacher at Cedar Valley High in Alpine District assigned administrative intern at Copper Hills High.
    • Adrian Ramjoue, teacher at Riverton High assigned administrative intern at West Jordan High.
    • Laura Visaggio, teacher specialist at Herriman High assigned administrative intern at Bingham High.
    • Corey Wales, teacher at Argyle High in Argyle ISD (TX) assigned administrative intern at Riverton High.
    • Jen Arnold, teacher at Lake Mountain Middle in Alpine District assigned administrative intern at Copper Mountain Middle and Hidden Valley Middle.
    • Angela Crawford, teacher at Indian Hills Middle in Canyons District assigned administrative intern at Oquirrh Hills Middle and Mountain Creek Middle.
    • Kathryn Scott, teacher at Kearns High in Granite District assigned administrative intern at West Hills Middle and West Jordan Middle.
    • Kaila Anderson, Instructional Coach at Daybreak Elementary assigned administrative intern at Mountain Shadows Elementary.
    • Jennifer McNees, teacher at Antelope Canyon Elementary assigned administrative intern at Bastian Elementary.
    • Lara Stout, teacher at Southland Elementary assigned administrative intern at Welby Elementary.

 

DATE:
May 1, 2025

TO:
School Administrators

FROM:
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Paul Bergera, Director of Transportation
Kitt Soumpholphakdy, Field/Activity Trips Coordinator

SUBJECT:
Alternate Field/Activity Trip Options for Schools


The Department of Transportation’s Field/Activity Trips Office is committed to doing its best to accommodate all of the district’s field/activity trip requests. However, there are times throughout the school year, particularly during spring sports season, when the demand for field/activity trips is greater than the supply of bus drivers and school buses. When this happens, schools have alternate options from local charter bus companies to accommodate field/activity trips.

The following local charter bus companies may be able to assist you with your field/activity trips needs when the Field/Activity Trips Office is unable to do so.

RedStar Transportation – https://redstartransportation.com/
Contact: Cate Murphy at cate@redstartransportation.com or 801-685-8560

Right Way Bus Lines – https://www.rightwaybus.com/
Contact: Tea Hafford at office@rightwaybus.com or 385-504-1443

Please keep in mind Jordan School District Transportation’s priorities. The first priority is school routes, the second priority is Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) related trips, and the third priority is all other field/activity trips.

Feel free to contact the Field/Activity Trips Office with any questions you may have.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

 

DATE:
May 1, 2025

TO:
All administrators

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

SUBJECT:
May 7th Ask a Therapist LIVE!


In partnership with the Cook Center for Human Connection, our customized May Mental Health Series calendar is now available.

Access to the ENGLISH / SPANISH May Mental Health Series Calendar
What’s Included:

  • Key Dates: Schedule of live webinars for May, with each event starting at 5 & 7 PM MT.
  • Topic Highlight: District-selected focus topic tailored to the needs of your students, families, and staff.
  • Access Details: Instructions on how to join live sessions.

You are encouraged to share this calendar with parents, staff, and members of your community. Especially the upcoming Ask a Therapist LIVE event on May 7th at 6:00 pm (MST), which is part of the Mental Health Series platform. This event takes place once a month and offers a unique opportunity for parents to engage directly with a licensed family therapist. Parents can ask questions anonymously and receive personalized answers in real-time.

Please utilize the following to promote the Ask a Therapist LIVE on May 7th event.

Should you have any questions, please reach out to Angie Rasmussen at angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org or Mckinley Withers.

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Jared Covili, Consultant in Teaching & Learning


Check out the attached PDF for the latest updates from Teaching & Learning for the month. Learn tips and tricks, sign up for upcoming PD, and learn about important updates from the T & L team.

DATE:
April 30, 2025

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals
School Safety Specialists

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

SUBJECT:
Monthly Drill Preparation (Drill of Choice)


Our monthly drill preparation will be held on May 7th at 3:00 PM with a second session at 3:30 PM. This month, each school will conduct a drill of choice.  Administrators may choose to conduct any one of the safety drills previously covered throughout the year.  The training will be an overview of conducting drills and the use of SRP.  Each School Safety Specialist is expected to attend, along with administrators assigned to oversee school safety.  All other administrators are welcome 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 Standard Response Protocol and other emergency procedures can be found in the Jordan School District Safety Manual.  This will be an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas among the schools.  Consider your school’s identified deficiencies and needed areas of improvement when determining which drill to select.

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

DATE:
May 1, 2025

TO:
All School Principals
School Administrative Assistants
Administrators of Schools

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator

SUBJECT:
Monetary Donation Protocol


If a monetary donation is made directly to a school, the school should give the donor a written receipt. If a school needs help printing a receipt from Skyward, please contact Information Systems or Accounting for assistance. Donations of $250 or greater where the donor receives no benefit, such as advertising on a banner, require that the donor receive a written acknowledgement of the donation for IRS purposes.

Please remember to contact Lisa LeStarge in Business Services at lisa.lestarge@jordandistrict.org so a letter can be written to acknowledge and thank the donor. When requesting this letter, schools should specify that no goods or services were given to the donor in exchange for the donation.

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Michelle Love-Day, Director, Language and Culture Services


This endorsement program is open to K-12 contracted licensed personnel in Jordan School District. This does not include substitute teachers or paraprofessionals who are licensed.

IMPORTANT: As of August 2024, the JSD ESL Endorsement program has been updated to a competency based endorsement that aligns with TESOL standards and USBE requirements. This means the endorsement has undergone some changes and is formatted differently than in previous years. You will earn an endorsement with the Utah State Board of Education. A university credit option through SUU is available at your own expense. Language & Culture Services will not be paying for university credit.

NOTE: Your employee email that ends with "@jordandistrict.org" will be used for ALL correspondence.

Applicants will be placed in the order in which applications are received.

You can sign up for the endorsement using the link below. For more information, please contact your Language Teacher Specialists.

Request for Participation in the ESL Endorsement

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Brandon Conti, Risk Management Coordinator


Distracted driving is any non-driving activity a person engages in that has the potential to distract him or her from the primary task of driving and increases the risk of crashing. While all distractions can endanger drivers’ safety, texting is the most alarming because it involves all three types of distraction.

See the flyer below for more information.

DATE:
May 1, 2025

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

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

SUBJECT:
Home School Updates – May 2025


Please note the following updates on home school processes and procedures.

Home School Affidavit Requirement Eliminated
HB209 from the 2025 legislative session takes effect on May 7, 2025. This law eliminates the requirement that parents submit a written affidavit prior to starting home school with their children, replacing the affidavit with a “one-time initial notification, that may include a letter of intent, to the local school board.”

The following changes will take effect on May 7, 2025, and should be communicated to parents with questions about home schooling:

  • Parents no longer need to complete a written affidavit or visit Student Services to submit an affidavit; however, parents are still required to notify the District when they intend to home school.
  • Parents should be directed to send an email to homeschool@jordandistrict.org. In the email, we would request the parent provide the following:
    • Parent name
    • Address (for verification of district residency)
    • Student(s) name
    • Student date of birth or current grade
  • The parent will receive an automatic reply confirming their notification. The reply will also provide links to state curriculum and notify the parent that the District is no longer responsible for providing instruction or other services.
  • This information is also available for parents at http://planning.jordandistrict.org/homeschool/
  • When Student Services receives a notification from the parent of a current student and we ARE ABLE to verify the identity of the parent, the school of enrollment will be notified so that the student can be withdrawn.
  • When Student Services receives a notification from the parent of a current student and IS NOT ABLE to verify the identity of the parent, the school of enrollment will be notified so that the notification can be confirmed with the parent by the school and the student can be withdrawn.

The parent may also provide the notification to Student Services (801-567-8183) via phone call or in-person at the District Office.

Students who began home school prior to May 7, 2025 using an affidavit do not need to resubmit notification to the district.

Withdrawing Home School Students
When a school withdraws a student to home school, the student should be inactivated for the current and following school years and a withdrawal code of “TH” should be entered.

Utah Fits All Scholarship Students
Students who participate in the “Utah Fits All” (UFA) Scholarship are ineligible to enroll in Jordan School District for classes, including classes offered through the JATC. UFA scholarship funds for enrollment may only be spent with approved providers. At this time, the District has chosen not to become an approved provider, so any UFA student who chooses to enroll in District courses must return all scholarship funds.