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Category: Elementary Schools

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Thank you for your participation in the Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair! We hope it was a valuable experience. To help continually improve future fairs, we would appreciate your genuine feedback. Please complete the following brief survey https://forms.gle/cVad2HeUmSxSbhk9A.

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We are pleased to announce that the 2021 nomination and application cycle for the Sorenson Legacy Awards for Excellence in Arts Education is now open. We would like to enlist your help to increase awareness of this prestigious award to those in your area before our April 2, 2021 nomination deadline.

Philanthropist Beverley Taylor Sorenson worked tirelessly to promote the arts as an avenue for Utah’s students to develop voice, sustain engagement in school, and evoke reflection and response. Through support from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation, Art Works for Kids, and the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), the Sorenson Legacy Awards for Excellence in Arts Education recognize the essential nature of education in the arts for Utah’s students, distinguish those educators who embrace the arts with excellence in their practice, and ensure that Beverley's legacy will continue on.

Following are several ways you can help us spread the word:

  • Nominate an arts teacher within your district.
  • Post the attached award announcement in your faculty lounge or other communal areas.
  • Include information about the Sorenson Legacy Awards on your district or school website.
  • Share information about the awards at faculty or community meetings.

Administrators, teachers, parents, students, and other community members are all welcome to submit a nomination. Nominees must be licensed and endorsed public school educators. We also encourage re-nomination  of those who may have been previously nominated but not selected. Individuals are not allowed to nominate themselves.

Complete information and a link to the nomination form can be found on the Utah State Board of Education website at: https://schools.utah.gov/curr/finearts?mid=4609&tid=8

Questions? Contact Cathy Jensen, Utah State Board of Education cathy.jensen@schools.utah.gov | 801-538-7793

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On November 10, 2020, Apple Computer Inc., began deployment of computers using their new proprietary M1 chip. Since that time, it has been discovered that this new technology is not compatible with many enterprise and business applications utilized and required by Jordan School District. Because of this, Apple devices that feature the M1 chip will not be able to function within Jordan District’s computing environment.

This incompatibility with major systems has been acknowledged by Apple, and is currently under review. An anticipated resolution date has not been released. Because of the significant nature of the issue, there is no way of knowing when the incompatibilities will be sufficiently resolved.

Until these issues with the Apple M1 chip have been resolved, purchases of Apple devices containing the M1 chip have been discontinued. Please do not attempt to purchase an M1 chip Apple device through alternate means. These devices will not function in the district computing environment.

Alternatively, a dwindling number of Intel chip-based Apple products are available, but they are significantly more expensive than their comparable M1 chip siblings. If you are in immediate need of computers that will function within the district environment, please consider either Window-based computers, or Chromebooks.

Please feel free to contact Information Systems if you have further questions concerning this topic.

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The LAND Trust Plan needs to be a component of your TSSA Plan. Your School Community Council reviews the data and provides comments on the TSSA Plan. Understand what the TSSA Plan is and be familiar with the data.

When presenting the data to SCC present what is in place in your LAND Trust and TSSA Plans. Make it parent friendly with the statements used. Give time for them to ask questions. Make sure they feel comfortable.

When putting together your 2021-22 LAND Trust Plan be a brief as possible in providing all of the necessary information.

Use the Data Review to identify critical academic needs.

Create the Goal: Goals must be – Student Centered, Measurable, and Academic
Focus on student improvement and success
Identify the goal and fit your needs to the goal. Don’t just use it as a shopping list
How do we define success?
What will we do?
What do we need?
If multiple goals are in the same subject combine it into one goal
Keep the amount of goals smaller

GOAL:
One Statement
Such as – “Improve 8th grade science scores from 55% to 59%”

MEASUREMENT:
What is the method of coming up with the assessment? How will we know that goal has been met? “Acadience scores”

ACTION PLAN:
Have it be research based. Every expenditure should be discussed in the Action Plan and matched to the action - so it shows how it all fits together. Use:
* A bullet list or
* Outline

“If we receive more funds” – Be thinking of other things you could do, in current goals as well as additional goals.

Recent changes regarding Behavioral Intervention:
Can be a part of the action plan
No longer has a $ limit
Must be tied to an academic goal
Use data to show how it will support the goal

Regarding the website update
It will be more steam lined
The website should be ready for the final reports to be added by March 5, 2021
The 2021-22 Upcoming Plan can’t be submitted until the final report is done and submitted

Final Reports
Using a copy of the 2019-2020 School Plan as a template, prepare responses to each item (text) in each goal or question entered in the original School Plan and Amendment, as necessary.
Expenditures will not be entered by the principal but will be displayed for response and explanation by the council.
School plan expenditures from 2019-2020 may be obtained from the business administrator.

2021-22 Upcoming Plan
A template from the State LAND Trust website is attached to this JAM
Your school plan is due to your AOS by March 26, 2021
The same deadlines are necessary in order to stay on track with reviews by the AOS’ and the approval by the Jordan School District Board of Education.

Please review the attached Land Trust Guidelines in order to place the expenditures under the correct categories.

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We are excited to announce the JSD Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 from 4:00PM-6:30PM in lieu of the traditional in-person transfer fair.  

Schools are to remain open so teachers may Zoom from their classroom.

All principals can access Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair resources and tools immediately by clicking on the following link: Feb 2021 JSD Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair. Anticipated openings, based on your 2.0 FTE projections, and school Zoom Meeting links must be added to the “JSD Virtual Transfer Fair Links/Openings” Google spreadsheet by February 16th.

Interested licensed employees will have the ability to start uploading resumes and video introductions on February 10th.  Principals can begin previewing these documents by school level (Elementary, Middle, High, Special Ed) in the Form Responses spreadsheet. 2020-2021 Teacher Transfer Fair (Responses) This document will also give you access to a live support Google chat during the JSD Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair on February 17th for any questions or concerns that you may have during your interviews.

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources:

Elementary 
Kim Gibson kim.gibson@jordandistrict.org
Brittany Bauer brittany.bauer@jordandistrict.org

Secondary 
Wyatt Bentley wyatt.bentley@jordandistrict.org
Mark Sowa mark.sowa@jordandistrict.org

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This is a reminder for principals to complete their EARS funding request form. EARS funding provides an opportunity for schools to respond to the needs of their EL (ML) students. As you begin to think of ways to use the money, the Educational Language Services Department can provide training on what great Parent Home Visits look like, how to use the WIDA Can-Do statements, and how to strengthen Tier I instruction. Please reach out to Michelle Love-Day in Educational Language Services for any questions. Please use this link to request the EARS funding for use with your EL(ML) students this year.

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We are preparing for the second year of our Elementary STEM PLC. This program supports elementary STEM rotations by training teachers/instructional assistants to use the tech tools from the JSD STEM Library. This PLC focuses on the T in STEM and provides both training and technology throughout the school year. This program will not provide a full-year of activities, but we will discuss several online tools that can be used at any time and add your school to a rotation to use a variety of tech tools during the year.

During 2020-2021, 13 elementary schools participated in this program. We will be extending this to an additional 13-14 schools in 2021-2022. The feedback so far has been positive, and I am happy to connect you with participating schools if you would like to ask questions.

All costs for tech tools and training are covered by a grant from the STEM Action Center. Participants will spend hours outside their regular school contract/hourly commitment, but they will be paid through the grant.

What does your school need to participate?
A scheduled school-wide STEM Rotation that serves the majority of your students
A commitment to using the tech tools when they arrive at your school
A teacher or instructional assistant who can commit to additional hours outside regular contract time

We will meet a few days in August for hands-on training with the tech tools, the plan is to complete this prior to the start of STEM rotations. We will also meet once or twice a month during the school year to share resources, develop lesson plans, and identify best practices.

If your school is interested in participating, please complete this Google Form. I will add schools as I receive the form responses. The grant is a three-year commitment. If your school does not participate in 2021-2022, you will be invited to participate in 2022-2023.

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The Assistant Principal meetings will be held at the JATC-S this coming Tuesday, February 9th from 8:00-10:30 am; and again on Thursday, February 11th from 1:00-3:30 pm. Both sessions will provide the same information. If you haven't had a chance to sign up for February, please CLICK HERE and it will take you to the Google Doc that has the sign up sheets. A virtual option will be provided for the February 11th meeting. If you have any questions please call Nadine Page at 801.567.8182 (x88182). Thank you!

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In the November JAM, it was announced that any and all websites in the domain of Weebly or Wix would be   blocked in January. This action has been delayed. Wix and Weebly sites will be available through July 15, 2021. This will give individuals additional time to transfer sites to a JSD supported website.

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Mark your calendars! Our next JELL sessions will be in March. The sessions will be through ZOOM. Assigned dates are listed below. T&L will cover the cost of up to 5 substitutes. Please arrange for your substitutes early. The focus of the sessions will be on how proficiency scales drive assessment practices. We will discuss why we assess students and how to organize the data from assessments to focus our instruction.

Tuesday, March 2 Thursday, March 4
April and Lisa Becky and Jill
Columbia Antelope Canyon
Heartland Bluffdale
Majestic Daybreak
Oquirrh Oakcrest
Riverside South Jordan
West Jordan Terra Linda
Westvale Westland
Blackridge Bastian
Butterfield Canyon Elk Meadows
Copper Canyon Falcon Ridge
Eastlake Fox Hollow
Foothills Golden Fields
Herriman Hayden Peak
Jordan Ridge Jordan Hills
Monte Vista Midas Creek
Mountain Point Mountain Shadows
Ridge View Rose Creek
Riverton Southland
Rosamond Welby
Silver Crest CDC

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We are excited to announce the JSD Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 from 4:00PM-6:30PM in lieu of the traditional in-person transfer fair. All principals can access Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair resources and tools immediately by clicking on the following link: Feb 2021 JSD Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair. Anticipated openings, based on your 2.0 FTE projections, and school Zoom Meeting links must be added to the “JSD Virtual Transfer Fair Links/Openings” Google spreadsheet by February 16th.

Interested licensed employees will have the ability to start uploading resumes and video introductions on February 10th. Principals can begin previewing these documents by school level (Elementary, Middle, High, Special Ed) in the Form Responses spreadsheet. 2020-2021 Teacher Transfer Fair (Responses) This document will also give you access to a live support Google chat during the JSD Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair on February 17th for any questions or concerns that you may have during your interviews.

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources:

Elementary - Kim Gibson kim.gibson@jordandistrict.org

Brittany Bauer brittany.bauer@jordandistrict.org

Secondary - Wyatt Bentley wyatt.bentley@jordandistrict.org

Mark Sowa mark.sowa@jordandistrict.org

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DATE:    
February 4, 2021

TO: 
Elementary School Principals

FROM:     
Paul Bergera, Director of Transportation
Kathy S. Jones, Trainer/Risk Coordinator of Transportation

SUBJECT: 
“Safety in the Schools” – Bus Safety Video

Utah State Standards for school buses require students to receive annual bus safety instruction.

This year, bus safety instruction and awareness for students in grades K-6 will come in the form of a video. The video is available at the following link for each individual teacher to present to his or her class.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-xtDcfE5sw&feature=emb_logo

In addition, please require all teachers in grades K-1 to have their students watch the Winnie the Pooh video at the link provided below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF_3MrYXDw4

When every teacher in grades K-6 has shown the video(s) to his or her class, please send a quick email confirmation to tammy.spearman@jordandistrict.org indicating that your school has completed this process.

Feel free to contact Denise Dallin in the Transportation Training Department at (801) 567-8856 with any questions you may have.

We would like to have this completed and turned into the Utah State Office by February 26, 2021.

Thank you for helping Jordan School District achieve “Safety in the Schools”.

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ALPS testing will be conducted at elementary schools during the school day between February 8 – March 8, 2021. Proctors from Evaluation, Research and Accountability will facilitate the testing. Staff from Teaching and Learning will contact principals and head secretaries with dates and information particular to their school. Please contact Rebecca Smith (88368) with any questions you may have.

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The Utah Legislature has allocated funding to the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) to use to incentivize educators across the state to achieve endorsements in the STEM subjects. The USBE will be using these funds to provide reimbursement for applicable STEM endorsement coursework for both elementary and secondary educators for courses. Funding distribution will be on a first come first serve basis until allocated funds are depleted.

Please see information below or click HERE.

 

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Dear Principals:

It is time to order student Math Expressions workbooks for the 2021-2022 school year. Student consumables for K-5th grade were included in the 2019 math adoption. Each school site has already pre-paid for 5 years of these materials.  We are currently in year 2 and the orders placed will be for year 3 of the 5 year purchase. In order to be ready to start the 2021-2022 school year, Mtn. States has asked that we submit the refill orders now with expected delivery prior to the end of the year.  They have given us a firm deadline of February 28.

An administrative assistant from the Teaching and Learning Department will reach out to you next week to confirm your refill orders and student numbers for each grade level. They will have the total number of books ordered for your school for 2020-2021 and the expected enrollment for 2021-2022. We realize these numbers are projected numbers. Please account for growth, understanding that orders surpassing the initial order will still need to be paid for. If you had significant changes to your school population please work with your area administrator to determine how your school budget will reflect those changes.

6th Grade textbooks will not be purchased through the grant, so 6th grade numbers are not necessary.  Teachers have access to PDFs and Word docs for all student materials in the Open Up Resources Program, including Spanish resources.  Additionally, there is a robust Canvas course, including MasteryConnect practice problems, Cool Downs, videos and slideshows for every lesson.  Many lessons also include Desmos, Geogebra, and Nearpod tasks that teachers can adapt and use as they like.  If your school would still like to order student workbooks for 6th grade, we can share the order information with your administrative assistant and they can handle that directly.

In order to facilitate this process, please work with your school administrative assistant to ensure that the numbers are ready to report.  When contacted, each school will need to provide:

  • The number of student workbooks needed for each grade K-5 (please account for expected growth). The refill orders will be submitted at the district level based on the numbers you provide and will be delivered to your school prior to the end of the year.
  • If new teacher orders for K-5 need to be placed, T&L will prepare a buy guide for you that will need to be submitted to purchasing at the school level.

Thank you for your support as we work to have all materials in place for the beginning of the school year.

Sincerely,

Melissa Garber
Elementary Mathematics Specialists
melissa.garber@jordandistrict.org 801-567-8170

Orla Ryan Davis
Elementary Mathematics Specialists
orla.ryandavis@jordandistrict.org 801-567-8668

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This event is for Jordan District leaders and social and emotional learning champions to share ideas and work together to ACCELERATE social and emotional learning in Jordan District.

See flyer below for link to sign up and more information regarding this event.