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Category: Elementary Schools

Published on

TO:  
All Administrators

FROM:
Jordan School District Cabinet Members

The Administrative Leadership Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, 2025, and Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Fort Herriman Middle School. Please make note of the information listed below.

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

  • Event: Jordan District Administrative Leadership Conference
  • Time: Breakfast at 7:30 AM, Conference begins at 8:00 AM
  • UPDATED Location: Fort Herriman Middle School, 14058 S. Mirabella Dr (6200 W), Herriman

Thursday, August 7, 2025

  • Event: Principal Level Meeting
  • Time: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
  • UPDATED Location: Fort Herriman Middle School, 14058 S. Mirabella Dr (6200 W), Herriman

AND

  • Event: Leadership Workshops
  • Time: 8:15 AM - 11:15 AM - workshop sessions for all administrators (principals will be in level meeting)
    12:45 PM - 3:30 PM - workshop sessions for all administrators
  • Location: Fort Herriman Middle School, 14058 S. Mirabella Dr (6200 W), Herriman

Administrative Leadership Conference Workshops

See the attached document for workshop descriptions before registering for the sessions you'd like to attend. Please register by June 30th using this Workshop Registration Link.

  • Workshop sessions will be limited to 25 participants. Please register early.
  • Many sessions will require you to bring your own device - a laptop, Chromebook, or iPad
  • Tuesday’s workshops (session 1) will be included as part of the conference schedule.
  • Principals’ level meeting will be held on August 7th from 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM. 
  • Principals will be available to attend 3 workshops after the principal meeting (Sessions 3, 4, 5).
  • All Administrators are invited to attend the workshop sessions 2-5 on Thursday.

Keynote Book Order Information

Just a reminder, the keynote address will feature a speaker from the Arbinger Institute, focusing on the book Leadership and Self-Deception. If you would like a copy of this book in your preferred format, please use the attached Google Form to place your order by June 20, 2025.

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

DATE:
Thursday, June 12, 2025

TO:
Elementary Principals
Middle School Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator, Teaching & Learning

SUBJECT:
2025-26 K-8 Grade New Teacher Math Training

Principals,

We are pleased to offer math training sessions for our newly hired 2025-26 K-8 teachers in August before the beginning of school. Teachers will be compensated with a stipend for attending the training.

Kindergarten-5 Grade Elementary New Teacher Open Up Math Training

K-5 teachers will receive two days of training:

  • Day 1: Monday, August 4th
  • Day 2:
    • Thursday, August 7th: Kindergarten and 1st Grade
    • Wednesday, August 6th: 2nd and 3rd Grade
    • Thursday, August 7th: 4th and 5th Grade
  • New teachers can register through Canvas Catalog: K-5 SIGN-UP LINK
  • See the attached flyer for more information.

6-8 Grade Illustrative Mathematics/IL New Teacher Training

  • Wednesday, August 6th: Dedicated training for new 6th-8th grade teachers
    • 8:30-3:30 at the ASB, Room 102 Entrance B
  • New teachers can register through Canvas Catalog: SIGN-UP LINK
  • See the attached flyer for more information.

Please share this information with any newly hired K-6 grade teachers and 7-8 grade math teachers for the 2025-2026 school year.

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

TO:
Elementary Administrators

FROM:
Michelle Lovell, Consultant in Teaching & Learning

On May 22nd, a JAM was sent to inform schools about the available funding for literacy software programs for the 2025-26 school year. If you have not yet completed the form, please do so by June 13th. If you have already completed it, there is no need to resubmit. Please note that failure to submit the form will be taken as a decision not to request a literacy software program for the 2025-26 school year.

Early Intervention Software Program Link

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:
Monthly Drill Schedule

This schedule is designed so that our district will remain in compliance with state regulations.  The design is set up so the district can help prepare and support each of your schools throughout the year to better implement these drills.  This schedule is to be followed throughout the district.

Secondary schools are required to have FOUR (4) evacuations a year.  You may do more if desired.

Elementary schools are required to conduct an evacuation EVERY OTHER MONTH.  These evacuations can follow any drill and DO NOT have to be in conjunction with a fire drill.  Due to this regulation and the mandated fire drill after winter break, an evacuation drill will need to be conducted in both December and January in order to remain in compliance.  This only applies to elementary schools.

Two virtual Drill Preparation trainings will be held back-to-back on the first Wednesday of each month at 3:00 PM and again at 3:30 PM.  The ZOOM LINK will remain the same for each session throughout the year.  School Safety Specialists and Administrators over safety are expected to attend.  Other administrators or interested employees are always welcome to attend as well.

If there are any questions, concerns, or conflicts, please contact the District Safety Coordinator Matt Alvernaz at matt.alvernaz@jordandistrict.org or by phone at (801) 567-8623.

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 administrators

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

SUBJECT:
Summer SafeUT Expectations & CLOSE ALL TIPS

Administrators,

Throughout the summer, SafeUT tips will continue to be sent through the Dashboard to all individuals assigned. Issues and tips received through SafeUT should continue to be addressed throughout the summer (notifications are not urgent unless otherwise specified and can be addressed within normal working hours). After-hours and urgent notifications will follow regular protocol.

As staff members change at each of your schools, it is important to keep our SafeUT Dashboard up to date. We will automatically add any changes for your school’s administrators, counselors, school psychologists, and school-based clinicians to your school’s dashboard starting July 1st. If you have additional updates, changes, or would like to add or remove individuals, you are encouraged to reach out with any requests.

Please email McKinley Withers or Angie Rasmussen for any SafeUT changes or updates outside of the known updates mentioned above. In your email, include the staff member’s name, email address, and title in your email. For any individual who would like text message notifications, please include a cell phone number. Non-administrative individuals may also request to remove text message alerts.

Please keep in mind that it is critical that ALL SafeUT tips are “closed” in a timely manner and your school's SafeUT Dashboard is up to date because:

  • When tips are not closed, it appears that the school did not address or respond to the concern.
  • The data is used for funding decisions.
  • SafeUT uses the feedback to improve how tips are distributed, which impacts our work.

Here are some helpful tools for this process:

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Angie Rasmussen (angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org) or McKinley Withers (mckinley.withers@jordandistrict.org).

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

TO:
Elementary Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator, Teaching and Learning
Norman Emerson, Consultant, Teaching and Learning

The Annual BTS Principal Luncheon will be held on August 8, 2025, from 10:30-12:00 in the Tech Atrium at Juniper Elementary. Join us for a "Thriller" experience.

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 the opportunity to host Kelly Stewart, our Wit & Wisdom trainer, for a special professional development designed specifically for principals and assistant principals on July 22nd, with the option of a morning session or an afternoon session. Kelly will share practical insights and proven strategies to help school leaders ensure successful implementation in their schools. Please complete the attached form with your availability by Friday, June 13th.

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.