Skip to content

DATE:
February 12, 2026

TO:
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
Schools At Risk for Being Designated for Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI)


When a school has one or more low-performing student groups for two consecutive years, the state designates that school for Targeted Support and Improvement or TSI. The state identifies a low-performing student group by calculating a school accountability report card score for each student group. Low-performing is defined as a student group that accrues a percentage of school accountability report card points that is less than the state’s bottom 5% threshold of Title I schools. In other words, that student group is performing below the bottom 5% of Title I schools from across
the state.

The student groups that can be designated for TSI are as follows:
 • Asian
 • American Indian
 • Black
 • Hispanic
 • Multiple Races
 • Pacific Islander
 • White
 • Economically Disadvantaged
 • Multi-lingual Learner (ML)
 • Student with a Disability

Recently, USBE released TSI calculations for the 2024-25 school year for each student group in every school in the state. A Tableau dashboard contains two views that will help you determine if any of your student groups are at risk for being designated as TSI:

 • A list of schools at risk for a TSI designation in one or more student groups (there are 25 schools).
 • A breakdown of school report card indicator scores for each student group for one school at a time.

While individual report card scores for student groups at each school are not published on the state’s school report card website, the school accountability report card for an entire school population may be found here.

Please contact Ben Jameson in Assessment, Research & Accountability with questions about Utah’s school accountability system or TSI.

TO:
District Office Personnel
Specialty School Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning


The purpose of the Curriculum Advisory Committee is to provide transparency and understanding in reviewing current primary instructional materials and to provide feedback to the Board in anticipation of adopting new primary instructional materials. See DE501

The membership of this committee is determined by policy and includes parents, teachers, and administrators. The current committee is planning to meet on March 3rd, 2026.

This is a reminder to all departments that any curricular materials that may be considered for use districtwide as primary instructional materials (except as listed below) should be presented to the committee for initial review before an RFP or an adoption by the Jordan Board of Education. This includes software programs for assessment and instruction used districtwide by students, e.g. Star Reading; Canvas; Mastery Connect; Amira, etc.

Primary Instructional Materials are defined in policy as: learning materials that a local school board adopts and approves for use districtwide for student instruction and assessment. Primary instructional materials do not include learning materials used to teach specific electives, concurrent enrollment, advanced placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Dual Language Immersion (DLI), and technical education (CTE) courses.

Please contact Carolyn Gough if you have questions about curriculum adoption or if your department is contemplating an adoption within the 2026-2027 school year.

 

To:
All Administrators

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Jane Olsen, Human Resources Specialist


Your JSD Human Resources Department is pleased to announce this week's new openings for Education Support Professionals (ESP) positions across the district. We will frequently post highlights in JEM.

Please share this information with anyone you think may be interested in these positions. This does not reflect all ESP positions posted within the last week, only a select number of featured positions.


Featured New ESP Positions

Here is a brief ​d​escription ​o​f the new ESP vacancies posted this week:

  • Clerk Fixed Assets FT: Assist with the District fixed assets program, training assistants, monitoring transactions of new equipment purchases and transfers, and travel throughout the District is required.
    • Location: ASB, Redwood Road
  • Custodian Assistant FT: Provide careof grounds, minor maintenance, building cleaning, assist with security, and may direct work of student sweepers.
    • Location: Custodial and Energy Services, ASB, Redwood Road
  • Facility Carpenter FT: Perform carpentry tasks to help in the fabrication, maintenance, remodel and repair of areas in and around the District facilities, including building cabinets, install and matching hardware, trim, molding, countertops, sheetrock, tile and more.
    • Location: ASB, Redwood Road
  • Facility Electrician FT: Performs journey-level duties and responsibilities in the installation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repairs of electrical and high-voltage circuits, systems, and equipment according to specifications and code.
    • Location: ASB, Redwood Road

How to View and Apply

Each posted position has specific criteria and due dates. To see the complete list of vacancies and to ​apply, click this link: Jordan School District - Frontline Recruitment

Thank you for your continued dedication to Jordan School District students and families!

jsd_hr

Jordan School District Human Resources

Jordan School District

 

TO:
All Administrator

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


Language & Culture Services is providing another opportunity for you to become certified as a District Interpreter. This course is for employees at the school level that have been hired to be interpreters in the front office, classroom, or for conferences. Through HB 302, a legislative bill passed in Utah to strengthen family engagement in education, this bill focuses on the need for schools to effectively communicate with parents and guardians so they can fully participate in their child’s education.

Join us March 6th 8-3 p.m.

DATE: 
February 4, 2026

TO: 
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
Attendance Newsletter and Resources


Please review the attached newsletter for resources to increase student attendance.

FEB2026 Attendance Resources February 2026 Attendance Newsletter

DATE: 
February 5, 2026

TO: 
All Elementary School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
Tableau Dashboards for Trustlands and TSSA Planning and Reporting


The following Tableau dashboards may be helpful to school administrators as they plan for the 2026-27 school year Trustlands and TSSA plans.  As you look at each of these dashboards, please remember to change the School Name filter to your school.

 

 

 

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Chris Richards-Khong, Staff Assistant of Teaching and Learning


The Jordan Teacher Fellows Inaugural Exhibition
Professional Development Day: April 17, 2026
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Jordan Learning Center 3706 West 9800
South Jordan, Utah 84009

This distinctive JSD Professional Development Day session offers a brief Keynote and then features opportunities to engage with each Teacher Fellow educator who will share their action project findings in an exhibition fair style format. Please join us for this signature collegial event; providing time to connect around practice and enjoy refreshments.

The Jordan Teacher Fellows is composed of competitively selected educators who form the first-of-a-kind cohort conducting a deep dive within the 6 Roles of a Utah Teacher Leader. Building from these experiences, the Teacher Fellows have launched action projects which are directed toward benefitting their school or our district.

This opportunity has been provided by the Teaching and Learning Department with the support of The Jordan Education Foundation and the USBE MASTER pilot grant. The Teacher Fellows programming aligns with the pillar of High Quality Instruction within our Jordan School District Strategic Plan. For more information about JSD Teacher Fellows see https://teacherfellows.jordandistrict.org/

Teacher Leader Facilitators:
Brooke Anderson, Jordan Data Scientist
Kierra Beddes, Digital Teaching & Learning
Shlori Daniels, Instructional Coach

Jordan Teacher Fellows:
Tamara Baggett, Riverside Elementary
Jill Bodine, Secondary Math Specialist
Rae Boren, Copper Hills High School
Melissa Brunke, Aspen Elementary
Michael Draut, West Hills Middle School
Amy Geilman, West Jordan Middle School
Jessica Hacking,Foothills Elementary
Christina Jacobs, MTSS Specialist
Kyle Jensen, Copper Hills High School
Lay Kou, Southland Elementary
Xin Lou, Eastland Elementary
Lucia Martin Garcia, Herriman Elementary
Holli Mattingly, Copper Canyon
Haley McCall, Aspen Elementary
Kami Mecham, Jordan Ridge Elementary
Cassen Williams, Antelope Canyon Elementary

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources


Jordan School District is seeking a Director of Special Education to provide strategic leadership and comprehensive program management. This role involves overseeing policy implementation, ensuring Federal/State IDEA compliance, and managing talent and budgets. The Director will also spearhead professional development while fostering strong collaboration between staff, parents, and external agencies.

The successful candidate will have:
- A professional educator license in "School Leadership"
- Prior administration experience preferred
- A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience
- An excellent knowledge of State/Federal rules/regulation related to IDEA

Submit your online application and all required documents by February 15, 2026. Visit https://hr.jordandistrict.org/apply/ to apply. (Job ID 13765)

TO:
Administrators & Directors

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Chris Richards-Khong, Staff Assistant of Teaching & Learning


Each year education organizations and individuals are selected based upon their exemplary efforts in building student resilience in their schools, homes, and communities. The Education Tribute Award is a prestigious honor presented annually by the state-wide program ResilientYOU.

The Education Tribute Award nominations need to be completed online no later than March 15, 2026. For Questions text Barbara Smith 801-560-6511 or email baarbaarasmith@gmail.com
Find the nomination form at resiliantyou.org/nominate.

Nomination categories include:
High School
Middle School
Elementary School
Administrator
Secondary School Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Wellness Professional
Parenting Organization
*School nominations are for school-wide programs and efforts. Please don't feature individuals if you are nominating their school.

Awards will be announced and delivered to each school location by a member of the ResilientYOU Board during “Resilient Utah Month” in April 2026. The recipients will be announced on social media, other channels and educational networks. Recipients will also be honored at a special awards event called the ResilientYOU Spectacular in April.

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Brad Sorensen, Administrator of High Schools
Jason Skidmore, CTE Director


Follow along as Jordan CTE celebrates Career & Technical Education Month in February 2026.

Throughout February we will highlight our dedicated Jordan School District CTE educators, CTSO's, local industry leaders, and share amazing CTE student stories.

DATE:
February 5, 2026

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Caleb Olson, Enrollment Consultant, Student Services
Melanie Dawson, Program Administrator of Behavior

SUBJECT:
Emergency Safety Interventions (ESI) Documenting and Reporting


In January there were two different memos sent about how to document an ESI. This information was discussed in the  December principals meeting. Because there is a difference on how to retain documentation for a student in special  education versus a student in general education, it was decided to create one memo for all students. This memo  replaces both previous memos.

In accordance with the rules and guidelines provided in the Least Restrictive Behavior Intervention (LRBI) Technical  Assistance Manual (2023) as well as guidance from the Utah State Legislature (R277-608 and 53G-8-301), the following  is updated guidance on the use and reporting requirements of Emergency Safety Interventions (ESIs), including reporting  requirements in Jordan School District.

What is an Emergency Safety Intervention?
Emergency Safety Intervention or ‘ESI’ is the use of seclusion or physical restraint when a student presents an  immediate danger to self or others. An ESI is not used for disciplinary purposes. ESIs are emergency measures of last  resort to prevent imminent serious harm to an individual in a school setting. Even in these circumstances, ESIs should be  avoided if less restrictive means of managing the student’s behavior and ensuring safety are available.

How do I provide notification of the use of an Emergency Safety Intervention?

  1. Notify your administration within 15 minutes of the beginning of the use of an ESI.
  2. Notify the student's guardian within 15 minutes of the beginning of the use of an ESI. This must be done by email, and includes the required notification that guardians may receive a copy of the student's ESI documentation upon request. Please use the wording in this template email.
  3. In addition to the email notification, you may communicate with guardians by phone or in-person.

How do I submit Emergency Safety Intervention documentation?

  1. Fill out an Emergency Safety Intervention Report to document the event.
  2. Using a district device, submit the information from the ESI Report into the digital database.
  3. Scan a copy of the paper ESI report to jbat@jordandistrict.org (or send a copy to JBAT at River’s Edge School via district mail).
  4. Forward the parent notification email to jbat@jordandistrict.org (or print it and send the hard copy JBAT at River’s Edge School via district mail).
  5. For students with an IEP, all original copies of the Emergency Safety Intervention Report and a copy of the parent notification email should be placed in the student’s special education file.
  6. For all other students, upload these documents to the cumulative folder.
  7. A copy of the email (either printed directly to a PDF or printed and scanned) and the ESI form should be combined into a single PDF file.
  8. The file should be uploaded to the student’s cumulative folder under the category “ESI-Emer Sfty Interv”. The description should include the date and time of the ESI.
  9. Take time to debrief with your team.

Please refer to the Jordan School District Emergency Safety Interventions Manual or contact a member of the JBAT team for more information.

TO:
Elementary Principals and Assistant Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Rebecca Smith, GT Consultant in Teaching & Learning


Please see the Math Tournament Quick Summary and/or the Math Tournament Registration & Details for information about the Elementary Math Tournament, hosted at Daybreak Elementary. Registration is due Friday, February 27 and can be submitted via the Google form linked in the attachment. Please contact Rebecca Smith (88368) with any questions you may have.

TO:
Elementary and Middle Principals and Assistant Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Rebecca Smith, GT Consultant in Teaching & Learning


ALPS testing will be conducted during the school day at local schools from February 2 - March 13. The GT office and/or the proctor for your site will contact you to schedule dates and times for your school. Please contact Rebecca Smith (88368) with any questions you may have. Thank you for accommodating the ALPS testing at your sites.

DATE:
January 28, 2026

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 (SECURE)


Our monthly drill preparation will be held on February 4th 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 SECURE.  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 opened 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 SECURE response protocol can be found in the Jordan School District Safety Manual on pages 8-11.  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.

DATE: 
January 29, 2026

TO:  
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT: FREE Mental Health Education for Parents and Caregivers


Jordan District has partnered with the Cook Center for Human Connection to provide ongoing mental health education for parents and caregivers. This collaboration offers FREE access to live, virtual educational sessions covering various topics. Please share the following resources with your school community:

  • A calendar for February’s Mental Health Series sessions is attached. Sessions are offered in both English and Spanish. Previously recorded seminars can be accessed through a comprehensive library of sessions and resources for each topic. You can access the library of recorded sessions at any time by visiting this site: https://parentguidance.org/mhsindex.
  • Ask a Therapist live virtual event is an anonymous opportunity to ask questions from a licensed family therapist about your child’s mental health. It is a live event on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 with access to the recording afterwards. Registration Link: https://cookcenter.info/ATLFeb17
  • Included in the mental health series is a "Watch Together Series" to highlight for families. While the Mental Health Series is designed for parents, these “Watch Together” events are for the whole family, especially teens and young adults. In this series, each month, you'll meet a new animated character facing real challenges that teens and young adults experience. Together, you and your family can watch their story and learn how to start meaningful conversations at home.
    • February Event: Together, teens and parents will watch the animated short “Are You with Me?” This story follows three 15-year-olds as they confront a dangerous situation when one friend is groomed by another’s college-aged brother. Families will explore how to recognize the warning signs of grooming, how to respond when a friend is at risk, and where to turn for trusted help. In this interactive session, parents and teens will leave prepared to spot red flags, approach difficult conversations with care, and build a community where everyone looks out for each other’s safety.
    • Wednesday, February 11 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm MST REGISTER NOW

Please share the attached flyers/resources with your school communities. Should you have any questions please reach out to Angie Rasmussen at angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org.

TO:
Elementary Teachers, Coaches and Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning


Literacy Live is back. All elementary teachers, coaches and administrators are invited to join the literacy team for a fun evening of collaboration and learning. Literacy Live is a conference style learning opportunity with break out sessions, snacks and prize drawings. We are excited to offer this opportunity to all elementary teachers in K-6 classrooms. Please sign up here.

DATE:
January 21, 2026

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals

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

SUBJECT: 
District Inter-City SRO Training


The District Inter-City School Resource Officer training will be held as shown below and is strongly encouraged for each SRO and all administrators.  At least one administrator is desired if possible.  This is a great opportunity for the cities to collaborate and discuss students and/or issues of concern that cross borders.

Date: January 30, 2026
Time: 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Location: Riverton High School Tech Atrium

Please contact District School Safety Coordinator, Matt Alvernaz at matt.alvernaz@jordandistrict.org or by phone at (801) 567-8623 if you have any questions.

TO:
All Principals
All Directors
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Tonya Hodges, Senior Buyer, Purchasing


With the excitement of AI and the increased demand for data centers worldwide (think OpenAI, Meta, Google, Microsoft, xAI, Anthropic, etc.), the demand for processing chips, RAM memory and storage is exceeding the availability in the production markets.

HP is warning customers to expect pricing on any equipment needing processors, memory or storage to increase significantly in 2026. We may also start seeing longer manufacturing lead times as they wait for parts to become available. For instance, the basic HP Fortis G10 11.6” Chromebooks (part# 9R3A9UT#ABA) will soon be replaced with a newer model and will no longer be available. There are currently about 75,000 of these units still available in the HP distribution channels. Since these have already been built, price should not fluctuate too much, but supplies may dwindle quickly. It is recommended if you have funds available in your budgets to start purchasing devices for the 2026-27 school year as soon as possible to take advantage of the cost savings. January pricing is $206.47/each for this model.

The replacement for this model (part# B69P5UT#ABA) is at $289.75/each for January. As price increases on the parts come into play, this model is expected to see additional price increases during the year.

We encourage you to consider placing orders soon to take advantage of current pricing and availability. Please contact Tonya Hodges in Purchasing if you need assistance with ordering.