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Category: Elementary Info

Published on

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Michelle Lovell, Consultant, Elementary Language Arts
Mandy Thurman, Consultant, Elementary Language Arts

  • LETRS is a two-year certification program.
    • All teachers who begin LETRS training are expected to complete both years.
      • If a teacher will not be at your school for two continuous years, please contact Michelle Lovell or Mandy Thurman to discuss individual needs and get guidance.
      • K–3rd grade teachers moving to 4th–6th grade the following year:
        • LETRS provides valuable knowledge for all grade levels. These teachers should still complete both years of LETRS training. 
    • Expansion to 4th–6th grade teachers:
      • Many 4th–6th grade teachers have requested LETRS certification.
      • LETRS is now open to 4th–6th grade teachers interested in the training.
        • Costs and support:
          • Schools cover the cost of books, online materials, and teacher stipends.
          • Teaching and Learning will pay for in-person training and substitutes.

Published on

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Michelle Lovell, Consultant, Elementary Language Arts
Mandy Thurman, Consultant, Elementary Language Arts

We have developed pacing guides for Wit & Wisdom in direct response to requests from principals and teachers. These guides are designed to help staff plan effectively for both the year and daily lessons, supporting consistent core instruction and standards coverage across all classrooms.

We understand that many teachers may not yet be pacing exactly as outlined. This is normal when implementing new materials, and improvement will come with time and practice. The pacing guides are targets to work toward.  Our goal is to support—not pressure—teachers as they adjust to the new curriculum.

The pacing guides can be found on the elementary literacy website at elemliteracy.jordandistrict.org/ under standards and pacing and then under each grade level. The pacing grade for each grade level is also linked at the bottom of the attached document. A pacing guide for ½ day kindergarten, as well as pacing guides for DLI, will be sent to schools who need them. 

If your teams need assistance, we are available to discuss scaffolded approaches and practical planning strategies. Please contact Michelle Lovell, Mandy Thurman, or your assigned teacher specialist for support.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

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

With our recent district upgrade to Google for Education Workspace Plus, Digital Teaching and Learning/Info Systems has started a 60-day pilot to explore some of the new tools in this expanded Google platform. We currently have approximately 30 slots for interested administrators or digital coaches who would like access to these tools before they are released to the entire district. If you have an interest in participating in the trial, please complete the attached form.

Google Pilot Interest Form

Published on

DATE:
May 21, 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:
School Safety Needs Assessments

State legislation now requires schools to conduct a School Safety Needs Assessment (SSNA) every three (3) years.  Every school completed the first SSNA 2024.  Moving forward, schools will now be assigned a year in which to complete the next SSNA.  The SSNA needs to be completed by October 15th of the assigned year and must be done with Law Enforcement and the assessment tool provided by the State Security Chief.  Additional information regarding the SSNA tool will be shared when it is received from the State. Any questions or concerns, please contact the School Safety Coordinator, Matt Alvernaz at malvernaz@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8623.

Please see the attached memo for the year that your SSNA will be due.

 

Published on

DATE:
 June 4, 2025

TO:
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
Summer Content Monitoring (BARK) Alerts

During the summer months, from June 6th until August 11th, content monitoring (BARK) notifications will have the following changes:

  • Notifications to schools will only include administrators and not counseling or mental health professionals during this time. This change is to remove notifications for those who are off contract.
  • Notifications will go to ALL administrators (rather than to students within an assigned caseload) at each school.
  • Notifications that are not considered urgent will not be sent after 2pm to ensure that intervention is reasonable and timely for school personnel.
  • Content monitoring (BARK) alerts will be reviewed twice per week in June (while school is not in session) and once per week in July. Notifications will be sent to administrators on those days before 2pm.
  • Imminent or urgent alerts will continue to be handled, and we will work directly with administrators when immediate intervention is required.

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

Published on

DATE:
June 5, 2025

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Stacee Worthen, Counselor Consultant
Fulvia Franco, Guidance Consultant
McKinley Withers, Health and Wellness Consultant

SUBJECT:
Ensuring Confidentiality in School Counseling, Psychology, and Clinical Support Staff

School counselors, school psychologists, and clinical support staff work to provide a safe environment for students to address emotional concerns, academic challenges, personal struggles, mental health concerns, and 504/IEP requirements. To effectively fulfill this role, the school counselor, school psychologist, and clinical support staff requires a dedicated, confidential, and private workspace that fosters open communication and protects student confidentiality.

Dedicated, confidential, and private workspaces:

  • Comply with federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), IDEA, and ADA (Section 504) mandating schools protect student privacy
  • Supports awareness of ethical standards and legal mandates regarding student confidentiality
  • Increase student trust and openness
  • Improve counseling, mental health, and assessment effectiveness
  • Provide a line of sight which helps protect students and staff from allegations of wrongdoing and impropriety while increasing safety and accountability

Workspaces must include the necessary equipment to ensure a continuation of work and confidentiality. Please see the attached memo for a list of the necessary equipment.

Ensuring dedicated, confidential, and private workspaces creates a stronger support system for students and staff through confidentiality. If you have any questions or concerns about this requirement, please reach out to Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services, at travis.hamblin@jordandistrict.org or 801.567.8439.

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

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

Slips, trips, and falls can result in a wide range of serious injuries and account for approximately 20% of all work-related injuries. This is second only to auto accidents.

See the flyer below for tips on how to minimize slips, trips, and falls.

Published on

TO:
Administrators
Licensed Special Education Staff

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

The Special Education Summer Conference for the 2025-26 school year will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025, at West Jordan Middle School. Check-in begins at 7:30 am, and the conference begins at 8:00 am. Attendees will receive a $200 stipend, and lunch will be provided. Administrators are also welcome to attend. There will be sessions specifically for Administrators throughout the day.

All Certified/Licensed Special Education staff and school administrators are invited to attend. Please register through the PD Catalog by July 31st.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your teacher specialist.

Published on

TO:
Elementary Administrators

FROM:
Michelle Lovell, Consultant in Teaching & Learning

Required literacy trainings for elementary teachers are now available for registration for new teachers and teachers moving to a new grade level. If a teacher is moving grade levels and has already taken any trainings, they DO NOT need to take them again.

To register for these trainings go to pd.jordandistrict.org. Trainings can be found by searching for the titles or clicking on the links in the attached memo. Please be sure that all new teachers are aware of the different trainings that they will need for their grade level and the dates that they are being offered. These are currently the only offerings for these classes this year. New teachers should sign up for one date for each training listed under the grade level they will be teaching.

In-service rate will be paid for Heggerty, MSRC, and Wit & Wisdom classes taken outside of contracted hours. Substitutes will be provided for all classes taught during contracted hours. A stipend of $600.00 will be paid to teachers for the completion of the in-person and online book work for LETRS training.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

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

Beginning in August 2026, the Language & Culture Services team will hold a Spanish for Educators class. We are excited to help you communicate with your students to break down learning barriers.

  • The course is 5 weeks long:
    • Session 1 - Sept. 1 - Oct. 13, 2025
    • Session 2 - Oct. 27- Dec. 1, 2025
    • Session 3 - Jan. 5 - Feb 10, 2026
    • Session 4 - Feb. 23 - Mar. 23, 2026
    • Session 5 - Apr. 6 - May 4, 2026
  • Classes will be held from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
  • Locations are currently to be determined

Please complete the interest form at the link below to help us gauge interest and determine class times/locations.  Classes will only be for licensed educators only.

Published on

TO:
Elementary Administrators

FROM:
Michelle Lovell, Consultant in Teaching & Learning

The Wit & Wisdom workbooks for the 2025-26 school year are scheduled to arrive in schools within the next couple of weeks. We request that any leftover workbooks from previous years be stored at their respective schools, as we anticipate utilizing these resources in the future. Thank you for your cooperation in managing these educational resources effectively.

Published on

TO:
Middle School Administrators
Elementary Administrators

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

Optional Conference Opportunity:

The Utah Association for Gifted Children will hold their annual summer conference at Hidden Valley Middle School on June 10-11, 2025. Please see the attached flyer for more details.

Participants can attend one or both days.

T&L will cover the registration for one administrator or coach from each elementary and middle school.

Those interested in attending can register here. When registering, indicate you are with Jordan District, then choose “invoice me” at checkout. The invoice will be sent to T&L.

Published on

TO:
Principals
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Katie Bastian, Director of Nutrition Services

Check out the flyer for a reminder of all the ways parents can put money in their student's meal account.

All the ways parents can make payments to their student's meal account:
1. (Preferred method) Make an online payment through their Skyward family access account. It’s free to use and includes access to their child’s account and items purchased. Please use the QR code to view step-by-step instructions for making a payment through Skyward.
2. Bring a cash or check payment to their child’s school.
3. Make a credit card payment over the phone: 801-567-8757

Published on

TO:  
All Principals and Administrative Assistants

FROM:  
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources

Based on an evaluation of the classroom assistant (playground) allocations for elementary schools and the multiple requests for additional "Hot Spot" assistants for student safety, all elementary schools will receive a baseline allocation of three classroom assistants (playground) paid from 0050 beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
Human Resources will send revised allocation letters. Contact HR if you have any questions.

Published on

TO:
Principals
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Katie Bastian, Director of Nutrition Services

Please share this flyer with your school community.

Nutrition Services is sponsoring the Summer Meals Food Service Program. This program provides nutritious meals free of charge to children 18 years of age and younger.

Dates: June 9 - Aug. 1

* No service June 16, July 4, July 24 and 25

Times: Breakfast Service: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Lunch Service: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Locations: Columbia Elementary, Heartland Elementary, Majestic Elementary, Oquirrh Elementary, and Westvale Elementary

Adults can also purchase breakfast for $2.50 or lunch for $4.10. The District assumes no responsibility during the operation of this program. This is an equal opportunity provider.

 

Published on

TO:
All Principals
All Assistant Principals

FROM:
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Steve Peart, Director of Custodial

We would like to make school administrators aware of the custodial summer cleaning responsibilities. Included are three summer cleaning responsibility checklists for your reference, as well as two links for training videos. These may help you track the progress of the inside cleaning and grounds upkeep of your schools throughout the summer.

Classroom Summer Cleaning Video
Summer Restroom Cleaning Video

 

This week, let's have "remember" as the winning word. The first person to email nadine.page@jordandistrict.org will win the prize. ~Thanks for reading JAM! We have a winner for this week. Good luck the next time we play!