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Category: Elementary Schools

Published on

DATE:
January 8, 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 January’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 Parent Guidance site.

● 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 January 27, 2025 with access to the recording afterwards.

● 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
     ○ January Event: Together teens and parents will watch the animated story about Dante. Dante feels pressure to fulfill his father’s expectations. This session highlights identity struggles, especially for LGBTQ+ youth, and the emotional toll of being misunderstood or unsupported. Through Dante’s journey, families will learn the importance of validation, how to practice listening without judgment, and how adult mentors outside the home can provide life-changing support. In this interactive session parents and teens will talk through how to encourage empathy and emotional regulation.
     ○ Wednesday, January 14 @ 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.

Published on

DATE:
January 8, 2026

TO:
All Administrators
Elementary and Secondary Administrative Assistants
Secondary Attendance Secretaries
Secondary Registrars
Special Education Staff

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

SUBJECT:
Emergency Safety Intervention (ESI) Documentation in Cumulative Folders

In the December 16, 2025 Principal Meeting, training on an updated process for retaining documentation of Emergency Safety Interventions (or ESIs) was provided. In the training, principals were directed to store a copy of the Emergency Safety Intervention Report and a copy of the email(s) sent to the parent/guardian in the cumulative folder. Please be mindful of the following when retaining this documentation:

1. Retention of the paperwork in the Skyward cumulative folder is in addition to the requirement to submit the same documentation to jbat@jordandistrict.org and to complete the Qualtrics form.

2. Documentation should be promptly scanned and uploaded into the cumulative folder.

3. 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.

4. 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.

Your cooperation with promptly submitting the documentation to the JBAT team and retaining it in the cumulative folder is appreciated.

Please direct questions about the ESI documentation process to Melanie Dawson at River’s Edge. Questions about the cumulative folder in Skyward can be directed to Planning & Enrollment or to the Information Systems Help Desk.

Published on

TO:
All Principals

FROM:
Mike Haynes, Director of Education Foundation

Outstanding Educator Nominations are OPEN. We are excited to recognize an outstanding teacher at your school. Submissions are due by midnight January 20, 2026. The application and additional details can be found on the JEF Website.

If you have questions, contact Carla at extension 88125

Published on

TO:
All Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Brandee Burgum, Secondary ELA Consultant

To support 2026-27 7th-grade registration, please complete mid-year 6th-grade Acadience and Star Reading assessments by Friday, January 9, 2026. This data is vital for our student placement rubrics (attached). Thank you for your patience and for your work in using data to advocate for our students.

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Dan Ellis, Director of Accounting, Budgets, and Audits

The mileage reimbursement rate is based upon the IRS rate. Effective January 1, 2026, the reimbursement rate is $0.725 per mile. Please use the attached form when submitting for mileage reimbursement. All 2025 mileage reimbursement requests should be submitted as soon as possible. Click HERE to access the mileage form online.

Published on

DATE:
January 8, 2026

TO: 
District Employees Who Qualify for Mileage Reimbursement

FROM: 
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Dan Ellis, Director of Accounting

SUBJECT:
Defensive Driving Course Requirement for Mileage Reimbursement

Our insurance carrier, State Risk Management, has asked that every person who receives mileage reimbursement take the Utah Defensive Driving Course. We ask that you complete this free course as soon as possible using the instructions attached to this memo.

A new District Mileage Reimbursement form can be found at this link https://jordandistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/083_MileageReport.xlsx This new form has a box under the title for the individual to enter the completion date of the course. Please note that beginning in January 2026, Accounting will only reimburse mileage that includes the completion date of the Risk Management Defensive Driving Course. The course must be completed every two years. Supervisors approving mileage reimbursement – please remind your employees to complete this course and enter the date at the top of their mileage reimbursement form to avoid delays in reimbursement in January 2026.

The link below provides access to the course in the Utah Learning Portal. Your username is your district email. Click “Sign Up” and fill out the required information. Note that the security key word is Jordan and you may create your own password.

Utah Learning Portal

Once you have passed the course, record the completion date on your mileage reimbursement form and print the certificate. You may use the print option at the top of the final page of the online assessment or print your certificate from the attachment that will be emailed to you. Retain the certificate at your location for audit purposes.

If you have questions regarding the mileage reimbursement form, please contact Dan Ellis, Director of Accounting, Budgets, and Audits at 801.567.8389. If you have questions about the Risk Management Defensive Driving Course, please contact Brandon Conti, Risk Management Coordinator at 801.567.8876.

Published on

TO:
All Licensed Personnel

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning

Jordan School District Board authorizes up to four (4) full-time employees to be selected for leave.

Sabbatical Leave
Sabbatical leave provides a 1-year leave for professional study. Educators who have completed at least 7 years of continuous service in JSD may apply. Employees on sabbatical leave receive one-half of their salary. Please read Policy DP333 Neg – Sabbatical Leave for complete information. Applications are reviewed by the Local Professional Improvement Committee and approved by the Board.

Educational Leave
Educators who have worked in Jordan School District for at least three (3) consecutive years may apply for an Educational Leave. Educational leaves are for continued study and must include an outline of studies along with the application. Please read Policy DP332 NEG – Educational Leave for complete information. Educational Leave is without pay.

Applications for 2026-2027 Sabbatical and Educational Leaves are due February 1, 2026. Additional questions can be referred to Chris Westra, 801-567-8657.

Published on

TO:
All Elementary Principals
All Elementary Assistant Principals
All Elementary Administrative Assistants

FROM:
JAESP

It's time to submit a principal to be recognized!

Each year, the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals (UAESP) gives the Jordan Association of Elementary School Principals (JAESP) the opportunity to celebrate elementary principals for the great work they are doing in their schools. The categories are:

  • Rookie of the Year (a principal in their first 3 years)
  • Innovator of the Year
  • Community Leader of the Year
  • Student Advocate Principal of the Year
  • Instructional Leader of the Year
  • Principal Mentor of the Year

If you feel that an elementary principal has done exceptional work, we invite you to nominate them for an award by clicking on the link below. 

Click Here 2025-2026 Principal Recognition Award Form

This survey closes on Friday, January 30th at 11:59 pm.

Published on

TO:
All Elementary Principals and Assistant Principals
All Middle School Principals and Assistant Principals

FROM:
JAESP

If your school goes beyond academic achievement to foster inclusive, thriving learning communities, it deserved a gold star. Principals and assistant principals, apply by Jan. 31, 2026, to be recognized as a 2026 National Gold Star School.

NAESP National Gold Star School Program

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Mike Haynes, Director of Jordan Education Foundation

Take Note: JEF has a bunch of food and weekend packs in their warehouse.

Do you have students that could use some food over the winter break?

Send a representative from your school over to JLC (3706 W 9800 S, South Jordan) to pick up what your school needs!

Published on

TO:
Principals

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Lisa LeStarge, Administrative Assistant

Please take note of the following timeline items:

Watch the video below to prepare for reviewing the School LAND Trust program requirements.

Mar. 20 – 2026-27 Upcoming LAND Trust Plan and 2026-27 TSSA Plans are due to be completed and submitted. This date is necessary in order to get all of the approvals done and the Plans approved by the Board in order to receive funding for the 2026-27 school year.

Don't forget to add a Backup Plan to each goal. A sample Backup Plan can be seen HERE. School LAND Trust Plans submitted without the Backup Plans will be sent back for revision.

Send your SCC Signature Form to Lisa LeStarge. Keep the original in the school for three (3) years.

Click on this LINK to access the file with the timeline, examples of level specific goals, how to add a Backup Plan, and the council signature form.

  • Hints and Tips:
    • Plans need to be student-centered
    • Be specific in action steps and expenditures
    • Have your SCC sign the signature form at your final meeting when you approve your plan (see the link above for the new signature form template provided by the State LAND Trust office). Send a copy to Lisa LeStarge when your plan is completed and submitted, no later than March 20, 2026. Keep the original in your school for three (3) years.
    • I can't stress this enough------please use the correct categories for the expenditures as you add them to your goals. They need to be distributed correctly. Don't put everything under salaries/benefits. Call Lisa LeStarge (x88182) if you have questions about which category it should go under. 

Please see the links below for everything you need to know about “Land Trust” and "TSSA".

School Land Trust Program

TSSA Program

Published on

TO:
School Administrators

FROM:
Brad Sorensen, Administrator of Schools
Cody Curtis, Administrator of Schools
Odette Desmarais, Administrator of Schools
Meredith Doleac, Administrator of Schools
Becky Gerber, Administrator of Schools
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools

PRINCIPAL MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE JORDAN LEARNING CENTER (JLC - 3706 W 9800 S, SOUTH JORDAN) 

A beverage service will be provided at 7:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Plan on an all-day meeting.

Published on

DATE: 
December 18, 2025

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

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

SUBJECT: 
District Contact for Attendance and Registrars

The district point-of-contact for secondary attendance secretaries and registrars (including overseeing training for newly hired attendance secretaries and registrars and implementing processes to coordinate and standardize District procedure in these areas) is the Enrollment Consultant in Student Services, currently Caleb Olson. Supervision responsibilities will remain with the site-based administrator.

Elementary administrative assistants will also coordinate processes regarding attendance and registration/enrollment with the Enrollment Consultant in Student Services.

Please direct questions to Caleb Olson, caleb.olson@jordandistrict.org or extension 88251.

Published on

DATE:
December 15, 2025

TO:
Elementary School Principals
Secondary School Principals

From:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Jared Covili, Digital Administrator of Teaching & Learning

SUBJECT: LanSchool Classroom Management Software Extension

In cooperation with the JSD Purchasing Department, Teaching and Learning has procured an extension for LanSchool classroom management software for all current subscribers through the end of the school year. No new schools are permitted to purchase LanSchool software during this school year, but all currently subscribing schools will be able to extend their current LanSchool contracts through June 30, 2025. Please reach out to Tonya Hodges in Purchasing for more information about extending your current LanSchool contract.

Teaching and Learning will be conducting a new RFP (Request for Proposal) in Spring 2026 to allow all classroom management software vendors to participate in the process for selecting a district-wide solution. This is necessary to ensure that classroom management software works both in classrooms and computer labs. Once the RFP process concludes we plan to have a solution that will work on all computers throughout the schools.

Published on

DATE:
December 18, 2025

TO:
All Administrators & Threat Assessment Teams

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

SUBJECT: CSTAG Updates

Please review the following information regarding CSTAG training opportunities, including the brief training video:

CSTAG training consists of two (2) training levels, and both levels must be completed by all administrators and threat assessment team members. CSTAG Level 2 training is for all who have completed the Level 1 training (the web-based training from Navigate360). Level 2 training builds upon your knowledge of threat assessment by providing practical application and implementation of the CSTAG process in your school. Administrators are invited to repeat CSTAG Level 2 for a practical refresher of CSTAG protocols.

Virtual CSTAG Level Two Training:
Wednesday, January 28th (ZOOM)
Use the link to register and the zoom link will be emailed the day before.

CSTAG Level One Training:
If you want to train a staff member or threat assessment team member in CSTAG level 1, please email the request with the person’s name, title, and email address to Angie Rasmussen (angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org). CSTAG Level 1 is web-based through Navigate 360, and the training costs $100 per person. A request for reimbursement will be sent to the school after the staff member has been added.

CSTAG Mini-training Video: CSTAG Tips- Understanding the Decision Tree

This brief, targeted training video is designed to provide all threat assessment team members with the knowledge and skills necessary to use the decision tree to aid in assessing and responding to threats. This is the second mini-training video; each is under 5 minutes in duration and will review important components of CSTAG.

CSTAG information, documents, and fillable forms are available online here. Additionally, a survey tool to assist with the assessment and documentation of a threat assessment is available on this webpage. It is recommended that you bookmark or create a desktop link to these resources.

Published on

TO:
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Bonnie Brennan, Director of Insurance Services

Volunteer reports need to be submitted to Insurance Services.

Workers’ Compensation insurance costs are based on numbers submitted by schools. It is important that this information be accurate and complete.

PTA figures must be separate from other volunteer hours.

Please use the link to report your volunteer hours from August 1, 2025 to November 30, 2025. Once you submit this information, insurance services will automatically get your data. Please complete this by Friday, January 23, 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact Insurance Services, insurance@jordandistrict.org, (801) 567-8146.

Thank you and Happy Holidays.

Published on

DATE:
Thursday, December 18, 2025

TO:
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT: Assessment Prep: Tips and Tricks for Administrators and Testing Coordinators

Testing season is nearly upon us! Assessment, Research & Accountability has been working on a few tools to help schools streamline their testing accommodations processes, as well as a couple of guides with tips to help school testing coordinators and assistant principals over testing have a smooth testing season. Whether you are a school with a new testing coordinator and/or assistant principal over testing this year, or you are looking for ways to make the testing season improve from last year, we hope you find these documents helpful:

Testing Accommodations Worksheet 2025-2026

This Testing Accommodations Worksheet tool was designed to help school testing coordinators work with case managers who oversee IEP/504/EL plans at their school to gather and organize the necessary information needed to ensure all students receive the appropriate testing accommodations. Schools are welcome to create a copy of this accommodations worksheet and make it your own that works for your school. Feel free to make edits, or leave as-is, and share it out with anyone who is involved with testing accommodations at your school.

Tips for School Testing Coordinators

This Tips for School Testing Coordinators document was designed to provide school testing coordinators of all levels of experience with ideas and suggestions to implement during all phases of testing.

Tips for Assistant Principals Over Assessment

This Tips for Assistant Principals Over Assessment document was designed to provide assistant principals over assessment with ideas and suggestions for how you can best support your school's testing coordinator in order to run your school’s smoothest testing season yet!

For questions about these tools and recommendations, please contact Kassidy Towery in Assessment, Research & Accountability.

 

 

Published on

DATE:
Thursday, December 18, 2025

TO:
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT: 2025-26 Stakeholder Input Survey Results

32,699 students, parents and educators participated in the 2025-26 Stakeholder Input Survey, which was administered in November 2025.

The Stakeholder Input Survey results have been released on Tableau.  Those with Tableau accounts will be able to see aggregated responses to each of the question items that were administered to K-3, 4-6 and 7-12 grade students as well as parent and faculty responses.

Those with Tableau accounts may access school and district survey results by clicking here or through the Explore menu: Explore > Surveys > Stakeholder Input Survey.

As a reminder, the Stakeholder Input Survey fulfills state statute (53G-11-507) requiring that LEAs seek for student and parent input (and employee input for school administrators) as part of an educator evaluation program.  Printed reports containing school, principal, assistant principal, and individual educator effectiveness ratings will also be distributed to principals in January 2026.  Those reports will need to be distributed to educators who may choose to use those results as part of their educator evaluation.  It may also be beneficial for principals to meet with individual educators to discuss their results.

Please contact Ben Jameson in Assessment, Research & Accountability with questions.

Published on

DATE:
December 18, 2025

TO:
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT: Content Monitoring Over Winter Break

During the winter break, from December 20th until January 5th, content monitoring (BARK, iboss) and safety notifications (SafeUT) will have some temporary changes:

 BARK & iboss Notifications:

  • Content monitoring (BARK) will not be checked while school is not in session.
  • We will continue to receive imminent/urgent alerts and will work with administrators when immediate intervention is required.
  • Notifications that are not considered emergencies or urgent will NOT be sent to school personnel until January 5th. This includes iboss and BARK notifications.

SafeUT alerts - After hours, holidays, and weekends

SafeUT may still send text and email alerts after hours or during blackout periods (winter break) when they are deemed urgent. Most tips and alerts that are deemed non-urgent will be batched for 7 am, January 5, 2026.

When a text/email alert is received after school hours or on a weekend, it should be addressed as soon as reasonably possible. In most cases, SafeUT will call the District’s on-call contact to obtain information immediately. When SafeUT contacts the after-hours staff member, it will be logged in the disposition notes in SafeUT for schools to address as soon as possible. SafeUT may, on occasion, send urgent alerts to schools after hours or during blackout periods without contacting the on-call staff. These alerts are managed by the school.

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