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Category: Elementary Info

Published on

DATE:  
Thursday, February 6, 2025

TO: 
Elementary and Middle School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
RISE Summative Training

The RISE summative testing window is from April 7-May 30, 2025. RISE passwords get reset each year, so please be sure your teachers log in and reset their passwords for this year at utahrise.org.

As testing is nearly underway, please make sure all testing teachers complete the yearly RISE test administration training. Many teachers only use the RISE systems once a year, so yearly training on how it all works is needed. Only teachers who will administer the RISE test need to be trained. For your reference, here is a link to the Testing Ethics Policy.

School administrators are responsible for making sure all testing teachers get trained in RISE test administration. Should you choose to hold a training at your school, this fulfills the training requirement. Teachers have two additional options to be trained for RISE testing:

RISE Canvas Course
The RISE test administration training requirement can be fulfilled by completing the Canvas course online. All teachers in grades 3-8 have been added to the course, should you choose to have them complete the training through this method. A certificate of completion for relicensure points will be available for download at the end of the course.

Zoom RISE Training
Teachers can attend one of the following Zoom RISE trainings to fulfill the training requirement.

Here is the Zoom link for these trainings:
https://uetn-org.zoom.us/j/5266134800
Meeting ID: 526 613 4800

  • Friday, March 7 @ 8:45 AM or 1:30 PM
  • Friday, March 14 @ 8:45 AM or 1:30 PM
  • Friday, March 21 @ 8:45 AM or 1:30 PM
  • Friday, March 28 @ 8:45 AM or 1:30 PM
  • Friday, April 11 @ 8:45 AM or 1:30 PM
  • Friday, April 18 @ 8:45 AM or 1:30 PM
  • Friday, April 25 @ 8:45 AM or 1:30 PM

For questions about RISE training or test administration, please contact Kassidy Towery in Assessment, Research & Accountability.

Published on

TO:
Elementary Administrators
Teachers in Grades 3-6
Instructional Coaches

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Michelle Lovell, Elementary Language Arts Consultant

RISE Writing Field Test Volunteers Needed!

With the changes to the literacy core this past year, it has been necessary for USBE to update the benchmark and RISE assessments, including RISE Writing. In order for the scoring engine to be trained, each new writing prompt requires 5,000 student responses. Teachers and students in Jordan District are invited to test the prompts and get a sneak peek into the benchmark that may be used in the future. If you choose to participate, the benchmark prompts will be available on the RISE portal from February 18-June 6, 2025. Here’s what you need to know:

  • All grades (3, 4, 5, 6) may participate.
  • Students can take one informative and one argumentative.
  • The window opens February 18 - June 6, 2025.
  • There will be no automatic scoring - responses will be used to train the scoring engine.
  • No grading of student essays will be required to participate.
  • Automatic scoring of benchmarks will resume in the 2025-2026 school year.
  • USBE needs 5,000 student responses per grade and per benchmark.
  • Writing benchmarks will not be offered next year if there are not enough student volunteers.

If you are interested, please complete the survey to participate in the Writing Benchmark Field Test.

 

Published on

TO:
Elementary Administrators, Teachers, Coaches

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Michelle Lovell, Elementary Language Arts Consultant

Join us for a special Wit & Wisdom workshop where we will be diving into Wit & Wisdom’s Multilingual Resources. Language and Culture services will be joining the literacy team for this special workshop that you will not want to miss! See the attached flyer for additional information.

LINK to Register

Published on

TO:
Elementary Principals

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

Please see the attached document for registration and other information for the Elementary Math Tournament, hosted at Daybreak Elementary. Registration is due Friday, February 28 and can be submitted via this Google Form. Please contact Rebecca Smith (88368) with any questions you may have.

 

Published on

TO:
Elementary Principals

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

ALPS testing will be conducted during the school day at local schools from February 3 - March 14. 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.

Published on

TO:
Elementary Principals
Elementary Assistant Principals

FROM:
Garett York, JAESP Committee
Kaleb Yates, JAESP Committee
Ann Pessetto, JAESP Committee
Megan Cox, JAESP Committee

JAESP is proud to announce our 2025 Award Winners to the following, and all-around amazing, elementary administrators!

National Distinguished Principal - Jessica Stowe
National Distinguished Assistant Principal - Kirt Davis

Student Advocate Principal of the Year -Yajaira Martinez
Instructional Leader of the Year - Melissa Beck
Principal Mentor of the Year - Ronna Hoffman
Rookie of the Year - Baylee Lansford
Innovator of the Year - Amy Adams
Community Leader of the Year - Buddy Alger
School Improvement Leader of the Year - Keith Klein
Principal Supervisor of the Year- Becky Gerber

Congratulations! Members of the JAESP Committee were impressed by this year's nominees and want to thank each of them for their hard work, dedication, determination, empathy, and skill. Additionally, we would like to thank each person who took the time to submit nominations.

Published on

TO:
Elementary Principals
Elementary Assistant Principals

FROM:
Becky Gerber, Administrator of Schools
Odette Desmarais, Administrator of Schools
Garett York, JAESP Committee Member

Please submit concerns to be discussed by JAESP committee and cabinet by February 5, 2025. You may submit concerns or questions using the Google Form below OR you may send items to be discussed directly to Ann Pessetto at Westland, Megan Cox at Midas Creek, Kaleb Yates at Juniper Elementary, or Garett York at Southland.

Google Form Link

All items will be discussed anonymously as we work to provide clarification and solutions to concerns of elementary administrators.

Notes of the discussions will be published on a Google Doc titled "JAESP Committee Notes 2024-25" which will be shared with Elementary Administrators.

Published on

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

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

We are looking for teachers in secondary math, health/PE, and computer science to create modified canvas courses for our Language Learners. Stipends available. The teacher must be ESL endorsed. Please see the flyer and info below for more details.

Requirements

  • Endorsement in content area
  • ESL endorsed
  • Experience adding scaffolds to assignments for multilingual students
  • Experience & ease with Canvas

Responsibilities
Divide existing content into 4 quarters. Ensure all existing links work. Add scaffolds, strategies, and/or modifications, as needed, to existing (already created) Canvas assignments:

  • Pictures/visuals
  • Chunked assignments
  • Graphic organizers
  • Essential vocab. with pictures
  • Videos
  • Simplified text
  • Word banks
  • Sentence stems

Create/modify assessments for each quarter

  • Simplified questions & answers
  • Most questions should be multiple choice, T/F, drop down, or matching
  • Essay/short answer questions must include an answer key/rubric

Answer Keys for each assignment and assessment.

To Apply

  • Interested applicants please complete this Google Form (or scan QR code in the flyer) with a Google Drive link to one of your lessons with embedded ML scaffolds.
  • Pay will be based on your hourly rate, up to $325 per quarter credit for each course modified.
  • Teachers must keep record of all time spent on modifications on a timesheet

Direct questions or inquiries to letitia.vigil@jordandistrict.org

Published on

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

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

In this LCS newsletter, want to remind you of cultural celebrations happening this winter and have information on:
  • Lunar New Year is Jan. 29 - Lunar New Vear is a significant cultural event celebrated in countries such as China, Vietnam, Korea, and others. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is characterized by various traditions, including family gatherings, feasts, fireworks, and the exchange of red envelopes for luck.
  • February is Black History Month - a time dedicated to honoring the achievements, contributions, and rich cultural heritage of African Americans throughout history. It's a powerful opportunity to engage students in meaningful discussions about history, identity, and social justice. Black History Month was first established in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson and later expanded to a month-long celebration. It serves as a reminder of the significant impact African Americans have had on shaping our nation and the ongoing journey towards equality and justice.
  • Ramadan is Approximately Feb. 28 to March 29 - Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It lasts 29-30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon. Fasting from dawn until sunset is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs. It is a time for spiritual growth, increased devotion, and worship.

Published on

DATE:    
January 23, 2025

TO:  
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT:   
Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) and Bullying Action Plan (BAP)Training Dates

Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) and Bullying Action Plan (BAP) Training are required by State Law. Additional training dates have been made available and are described below.

CSTAG training consists of two (2) training levels and both levels must be completed by all administrators and threat assessment team members. The CSTAG Level 2 workshop is for all who have completed the Level 1 training (the six (6) hour web-based training from Navigate360). This workshop will build upon your knowledge of threat assessment by providing practical application and implementation of the CSTAG process in your school. CSTAG Level 3 is optional and offers practical applications of CSTAG.

**CSTAG Level 2**
Wednesday, February 26th, DO Room 129, (8am-10am) Register Here
Friday, May 2nd, DO Room 129, (1pm-3pm) Register Here

**CSTAG Level 3: Practical Use**
Wednesday, February 26th, DO Room 129, (1pm-3pm) Register Here
Friday, May 2nd, DO Room 129, (8am-10am) Register Here

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

As per State requirements outlined in H.B. 84, Jordan District has created a “Bullying Action Plan” to support a caring, proactive response to bullying incidents. Training on the Bullying Action Plan will occur through in-person, 2-hour sessions of each school-based administrator’s choosing. All school-based administrators are required to attend one training session. For those that were unable to attend we have created two additional dates.

Wednesday, February 12th, DO Room 129, (1:00pm-3:00pm) Register Here
Tuesday, February 25th, DO Room 129, (8:30am-10:30am) Register Here

Register for all sessions on Canvas (https://pd.jordandistrict.org/)

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

Published on

DATE:   
January 21, 2025

TO:   
School Psychologists and School Psychology Interns

FROM:    
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Fulvia Franco, Program Specialist – Guidance

SUBJECT:
January School Psychologist Guidance Meeting

A meeting for school psychologists and school psychology interns has been scheduled for Friday, January 31, 2025, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Auxiliary Services Building (7905 South Redwood Road). Liz Miller, Special Education Teacher Specialist, will provide us with a presentation that addresses Embrace procedures for case managers, especially since many school psychologists have students with Guidance Only services. We will also address 504 and have time for collaboration groups. Please come prepared to share ideas within your groups.

Part-time Staff: I would appreciate it if you could adjust your schedules in order to attend this meeting.

cc:
Principals

Published on

DATE:   
Thursday, January 23, 2025

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: Vocal Awareness in Occupational Voice Users: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Samples

Applicant: Pamela Hallam, Brigham Young University-Provo

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.

The project will involve voluntary participation in a survey that solicits information about their vocal health.

If you have questions or concerns relating to participation, please contact Ben Jameson at 801-567-8243.

Thank you for your assistance.

Published on

TO:
Elementary Principals
Elementary Assistant Principals
Elementary Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Kaye Rizzuto, Consultant in Teaching and Learning

All schools are getting more ML students registering. If the school is a DLI school and the students speak the language at the school here are some things we can do:

  • If there is available space in upper grades, heritage speakers of the program language may be added to the DLI program.
  • If unsure about a student's language ability, teachers can assess informally or use the AAPPL test. Students from countries speaking the program language can join the DLI program if there's space, regardless of reading and writing skills.

Published on

DATE: 
January 13, 2025

TO: 
Principals and Assistant Principals

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Michelle Reyes, Attendance/Prevention Specialist, Student Services

SUBJECT:  
January Attendance Newsletter & Martin Luther King, Jr. School Recess Resources

January 2025 Attendance Newsletter

Welcome back to school and to the start of a fresh new year! As we head into the second half of the school year it is important to keep momentum with attendance going. New year often equals new goals. We can encourage students and families to make goals surrounding attendance. Included you will find helpful information for your school to use and information to distribute to families in an effort to boost attendance during the winter months.

Check out the memo below for all the information.

Published on

DATE:
January 16, 2025

TO:
All Principals
All Licensed Staff

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

SUBJECT:
ETT: Cultivating Classroom Management Skills

Effective Teacher Training (ETT) is available for a winter cohort! Seats are limited and fill quickly, so learners need to register on Canvas Catalog as soon as possible.

Please see the attached memo for details.

This course is beneficial for: All general education and special education teachers. Also welcome: Specialists, interventionists, and mental health providers.

Published on

TO:
School Administrators

FROM:
JSD Cabinet Members

USBE is now accepting applications for recognition as Purple Star Schools. A school is eligible to be recognized if the school has a designated staff point of contact, has a webpage for military families, has a student-led transition program to help welcome new students, provides training to staff on military student needs, and conducts an annual military recognition event.

Applications are due April 1, 2025 and can be found on the USBE Purple Star School webpage. Additionally, rather than require renewal forms every three years, each purple star school must now file an annual report by April 1st. The link to fill out the report can also be found on the USBE Purple Star School webpage.

For questions, please contact ben.rasmussen@schools.utah.gov.

 

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
JSD Cabinet Members

Based on feedback from administrators and in an effort to include more staff members, schools and departments may now offer their Health and Wellness breakfast or lunch beginning on Friday, January 31st.

See below for more details.

Principals and Department Directors should arrange for lunch or breakfast for all your employees one day from January 31st–February 6th. Please do not schedule meals on February 7th so all employees feel free to participate in the Health and Wellness Day activities occurring that day.

Traditional schools (i.e. the 42 elementary schools, 13 middle schools and 7 high schools) will receive an additional $13 per employee in the school’s supply budgets. Traditional schools may then charge the cost of this meal to 10 E xxx 0050 1090 639 by submitting the receipt to Accounting through the normal P-Card or NPO process.

All other schools (i.e. Kauri Sue Hamilton (including the Child Development Center), River’s Edge (including the Jordan Family Education Center), South Valley, JATC North, JATC South, Valley High School, and Southpointe Adult High) will also have $13 per employee available. However, these schools will need to charge the cost of this meal to 10 E xxx 9054 1090 639 by submitting the receipt to Accounting through the normal P-Card or NPO process.

District departments will also have $13 per employee available. Departments should charge the cost of this meal to 10 E xxx 9054 yy90 639 by submitting the receipt to Accounting through the normal P-Card or NPO process. The “yy” listed in the account above will differ for each department as follows:

Superintendent – 24
Associate Superintendent – 24
Administrators of Schools – 24
Accounting, Budgets, and Audits – 25
Auxiliary Services – 26
Business Administrator – 25
Career & Technical Education – 22
Central Warehouse – 26
Communications – 28
Custodial and Energy – 26
Equity & Compliance – 21
Evaluation, Research & Accountability – 10
Facilities – 26
Human Resources – 28
Information Systems – 28
Instructional Support Services – 22
Insurance Services – 25
Jordan Education Foundation – 22
Language and Cultural Services – 21
Nurses – 21
Nutrition Services – 26
Payroll – 25
Purchasing – 26
Transportation – 27
Special Education – 22
Student Services – 21
Teaching and Learning – 22
Transportation – 27