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Category: High School Action Required

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Principals:

The course catalog committee will be recommencing on Tuesday, September 26. If you would like to add a new course to the Jordan District Secondary Course Catalog, please complete the “Secondary Course Request Application” and submit it to the Course Catalog Committee for review through the established audit process for Jordan School District. The final Course Catalog Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 21. If possible, please have all new course request applications submitted to Holly Bell before that time. If requests are not received by then, there is no guarantee that we will be able to complete an out-of-committee audit in time to have the course approved and included in the printed edition of the 2018-2019 Secondary Course Catalog.

Included is a file attachment for the committee calendar:
The fillable form for the Secondary Course Request Application link is as follows: http://jordandistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/fgen_Secondary_Course_Request_Application.pdf

It may also be located on the Jordan District website, under Resources/Forms and Documents/General, or at the following link:  jordandistrict.org/resources/forms/general/

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DATE:
September 21, 2017

TO:
Jordan District Contract Employees

FROM:
Dr. Patrice A. Johnson, Superintendent of Schools

SUBJECT:
Change of Schedule for Spring Break

A week-long spring break is scheduled for the 2017-18 school year. Students and teachers at both traditional and year-round schools, as well as staff on a 10-month/206-day classified contract or a 225-day licensed contract, will be out of school Monday-Friday, April 2-6, 2018.

Currently, employees on a 12-month/242-day or 12-month/245-day contract are scheduled to work Monday-Wednesday (April 2-4) and off on Thursday and Friday (April 5-6). With Easter falling on April 1st, we are implementing a change in the employee calendar to accommodate time off closer to the holiday. Employees in these two groups will have Monday and Tuesday, April 2-3, for spring break and will return to work on Wednesday, April 4th and work through Friday.

If anyone in your department has already made plans based on being off April 5-6, please work with them to resolve any hardship this change may cause them.

 

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Attached is a copy of Superintendent Johnson's Power Point from the September 12th Principals' Meeting.

As a reminder, please be prepared to bring an assessment to the November 7th Principals' Meeting.

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Principals:

Please announce this and post in your school and on your website. Share with your School Community Council and PTA members.

Do You Know What's on Your Child's Smartphone?
Thursday, September 28, 2017
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
West Jordan Middle School

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Principals:

Please share the attached flyer with your School Community Council members. As a reminder, new principals and new chairs are required to attend one of these trainings. An online video will be provided for training all other members during a SCC meeting. Watch JAM for information of when the video will be available.

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Administrators:​

Please remember that all JSD schools are required to conduct a fire drill within the first 10 days of the start of school, and then again within the first 10 days after winter recess.  Emergency drills are reported electronically and information compiled on the Compliance Report for our Administrators of Schools and the Risk Management Coordinator.  Attached are instructions, including the link to the report form and also a review of the process and list of other emergency drills requirements.

The report can also be accessed in the shared Google Drive file:  ASB - Website Doc and Forms, Safety/Security, Reports/Forms/Documents.

Below is the link to the Report of Emergency Drills:

https://goo.gl/forms/NAEiaB69QE5B9p712

For questions, please don't hesitate to contact Peggy Margetts at 801-567-8753 or at peggy.margetts@jordandistrict.org.

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Please be reminded that each school, along with the School Community Council, must provide digital citizenship and internet safety training.

Please see attachment for information regarding the rules and regulations.

 

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DATE:
August 24, 2017

TO:  
All Principals

FROM:  
Laura Finlinson, Administrator of Curriculum and Staff Development
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability

SUBJECT:  
Upcoming Changes to UTIPS

USBE has been working to update the UTIPS system to be aligned with the Utah Core.  The item bank for English language arts is 100% updated and aligned with the core, the math item bank is 75% completed, and the science item bank will be updated later this fall.

Teachers will now need to check their assessments on UTIPS to be sure that they are aligned to the Utah Core as well.  The standards bank in UTIPS will be updated in mid-September and all obsolete standards will be removed from the system.  This will affect any teacher-created assessments that are not aligned to the current core.

We ask that all principals pass this information on to their faculties so that teachers may take the appropriate actions to ensure that they will still have access to their assessments on UTIPS and that those assessments are aligned to and assessing the current Utah Core.

If you have any questions, please contact Ben Jameson at 801-567-8243.

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DATE:
August 24, 2017

TO:
All Principals

FROM:
Laura Finlinson, Administrator of Curriculum and Staff Development
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability

SUBJECT:
2017 SAGE Data Release on USBE Data Gateway

Beginning August 25, 2017, the 2016-17 SAGE proficiency results will be released on USBE’s Data Gateway for principals, schools, and districts to review.  The URL for the Data Gateway is https://datagateway.schools.utah.gov/.  The login prompt is in the upper right hand corner of the screen.

We ask that principals log into the Data Gateway and review their school’s SAGE results for accuracy as soon after August 25th as possible.  The intent of the review is to address any data errors before the mid-September public release date.  Please report any concerns or inaccuracies to the Evaluation, Research & Accountability department at 801-567-8185.

It is anticipated that USBE will release accountability data and school report cards in mid-September for principals, schools and districts to review.  While the release date is still tentative, schools will have an opportunity to review their accountability data prior to public release.

If you need assistance navigating the Data Gateway or logging in, please contact Ben Jameson at 801-567-8243.

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DATE:
August 24, 2017

TO:
Secondary Principals

FROM:
Laura Finlinson, Administrator of Curriculum and Staff Development
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability
Pam Su’a, Consultant, Social Studies

SUBJECT:
U.S. Civics Test and UTIPS

In order to facilitate record keeping more easily and lessen the burdens of social studies teachers, we will be administering the U.S. Civics test required for high school graduation (see Utah Code 53A-13-109.5 and Board Rule R277-700-8) via UTIPS.

The plan for administering the U.S. Civics test is as follows:

  • Students will continue to take the test starting in 8th grade as part of their U.S. History course. Seniors will also be given a chance as needed to pass the test through their required U.S. Government and Citizenship course.
  • Social studies teachers of all grades can give the test.
  • Testing results will be entered in Skyward under Educational Milestones so that counselors can continue to track this graduation requirement. A ‘passed’ indicator will then print on student transcripts.  The Evaluation, Research & Accountability department will facilitate this process.  Individual schools and school personnel will no longer need to input Civics test scores into Skyward.
  • The Civics test will be administered online through UTIPS: https://jordan.utips.org/.
  • Students can take and re-take the test as needed in order to pass under a teacher’s direction or in a school computer lab/testing center.
  • If an IEP team determines a student qualifies for an alternate assessment, the teacher can administer a 10-question oral exam where the student only needs to pass 6 questions correctly, following the same process as we have in the past. In this case, that student’s score will need to be entered into Skyward by the school.
  • On January 1, 2018, all graduating seniors become eligible to take a 10-question version of the test with a 60% passing threshold. This 10-question version of the test will be posted and available on UTIPS by January 1st.

Social studies department chairs have already been trained on this updated process.  Teachers have already received updated UTIPS accounts, with demo accounts, so that they can see what the student sees.  They have also received the instructions and materials to administer the Civics test as needed.

Building principals will be receiving an individual email in the near future from the Evaluation, Research & Accountability department with individual UTIPS usernames and passwords.  This account access for principals will allow for another level of completion tracking for this graduation requirement, at each principal’s discretion.

For more information on the Civics test administration, please visit the district’s assessment website under Assessments tab and US Civics Test: http://assessments.jordandistrict.org/assessments/citizenship-test/.

Please call the Evaluation, Research & Accountability department with any concerns or questions you may have at 801-567-8017.

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DATE:
August 23, 2017

TO:
All Principals

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Laura Finlinson, Administrator of Curriculum & Staff Development
Ron Bird, Director of Information Systems
Michael Heaps, Support Services Manager, Information Systems
Mark Sowa, Instructional Technology Consultant

SUBJECT:
Canvas Licenses

Many of you may have heard that Canvas licenses have been purchased by the State for all students in Utah public schools. This is accurate. However, funding has only been committed for the current school year. There is no current plan or guarantee that the State will pay for licenses after this school year.

If you are interested in using Canvas at your school under the current free licensing, please contact Michael Heaps or Steffany Ellsworth in Information Systems (801-567-8140) for more information and instructions on how to begin this process.

You will also want to consider a professional development component to implementation. To discuss this further, please contact your respective Instructional Technology Teacher Specialist.

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DATE:
July 1, 2017

TO:    
Principals
Head/Financial Secretaries
Special Education Teachers (Resource and Cluster)
Speech-Language Pathologists

FROM:  
Laura Finlinson, Administrator of Curric./Staff Development & Special Programs
Lisa Robinson, Director of Special Education
Julie Brown, Program Specialist

SUBJECT:  
Special Education Budget Allocations 2017-18

See attached memo and budget guidelines.

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JPLS Reminder:

Administrators, please remind all administrative assistants to not create default accounts for new teachers on JPLS.  New teacher accounts are created on JPLS within a week of HR updating information on Skyward. If you have questions please contact the JES office at (801) 5f67-8239 or (801) 567-8369. Thank you.

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In compliance with our Employee Immunization policy (DP377) and State Health Regulation #38 (attached), many schools have arranged for Community Nursing Services (CNS) to come to their schools to provide immunizations for their staff. Attached is a list of dates, locations, and times for employee immunization clinics in our district. You may attend a clinic at a location other than your own.

If you are planning to attend, please bring your insurance card with you. You may want to bring proof of immunizations that you have already received, as well. CNS will enter them into the State website for you. These are not immunization clinics for students. If you have questions, contact Educational Support Services for additional information.

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The solar eclipse is an incredible event that many may want to witness. However, because of the dangers involved in viewing it, we have secured guidelines from the National School Nurse Association and from State Risk Management. If you, your classes, or your families plan to view the eclipse, please read and share the information in the two attached documents.

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DATE:  
July 15, 2017

TO:    
All Principals
Elementary Administrative Assistants
Registrars
Attendance Secretaries

FROM:   
Administrators of Schools
Anthony Godfrey, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Planning and Student Services

SUBJECT:  
Enrollment 2017-18

This memo is a reminder of the issues you may face when enrolling students for the upcoming school year.  This should help when assisting patrons in enrollment.

Kindergarten:  The student must be at least 5 years of age on or before September 1,

2017 to enroll in Kindergarten.  Utah State Law 53A-3-402 which states: (6) Except as provided in Section 53A-1-1001, a board may enroll children in school who are at least five years of age before September 2 of the year in which admission is sought.  Active military children are an exception.

Legal Guardians:  Please make sure the child is enrolling with their Legal Guardian.  Check the birth certificate and Identification to make sure the enrolling adult belongs to the enrolling child.  If they are not their legal guardian, either a Durable Power of Attorney needs to accompany the paperwork or legal guardianship through the courts.

Custodial Parents:  Please make sure you obtain legal documentation (signed by a judge) in divorce situations when necessary.  The Court orders parents’ behavior in their enrollment decisions, not schools.

Foreign Exchange:  Students coming from other countries without a legal guardian need to be referred to the Planning & Student Services Department for enrollment.

Please be consistent in your enrollment process with all students.  Ask questions to determine individual situations, show patience and understanding and contact Planning & Student Services for any issues you may need help in resolving.  We know this is a busy time for you and we are here ready to help with individual situations.

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DATE:   
August 3, 2017

TO:  
All Principals

FROM: 
Administrators of Schools
Anthony Godfrey, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Planning and Student Services

SUBJECT:  
FTE and Enrollment Counts

FTE and staffing enrollment counts for the 2017-18 school year will occur on the dates listed below. As a reminder, student enrollment will be taken from Skyward and manual student counts are not needed for this process.

  • 1st Day A, B, C Tracks               Wednesday, July 26, 2017
  • 10th Day A, B, C Tracks               Monday, August 8, 2017
  • 1st Day D Track (A,B,C included)               Wednesday, August 16, 2017
  • 1st Day High School               Tuesday, August 22, 2017
  • 6th Day D Track (A,B,C included),               Wednesday, August 23, 2017
    1st Day Traditional (Elem. & MS)
  • 14th Day Traditional (all schools)               Tuesday, September 12, 2017
    All 10 day/no shows must be entered in by this date.
  • October 2, 2017
  • January 3, 2018

If there have been any changes to your FTE Staffing and Enrollment spreadsheet, please send an updated spreadsheet to Travis Hamblin in Planning and Student Services. Your staffing report and attendance combine to determine your FTE eligibility.

Questions regarding FTE and/or enrollment should be directed to Travis Hamblin or your Administrator of Schools.

Please staff conservatively.

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The process for SLOs and Stakeholder input have changed slightly this year. Instead of reporting SLOs, stakeholder input, and performance as three different weighted components, SLOs and stakeholder input will be included within the JPAS evaluation.  In an effort to add structure to the process, teachers are asked to complete a form as part of their SLOs. A copy of the form, along with a set of instructions is included. Ideally, planning for SLOs will take place with teams as part of the PLC process. Using PLC time will also provide an opportunity for you to approve the SLOs.

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Beginning this new school year, the Payroll Department will no longer accept paper time sheets for current True Time employees.  Using True Time for all of their pay (even for one hour) will:

  • Prevent duplicate pay and overlapping time
  • Avoid lost time sheets
  • Keep personal information secure in the system
  • Track all hours worked as required by Utah Retirement Systems and overtime pay laws
  • Assist in the accuracy and efficiency of budget reporting

Please email keelee.leuluai@jordandistrict.org (preferred), or call Payroll to set up the proper pay code(s) for True Time. Time sheets received in Payroll for current True Time employees during the school year will be returned, and Payroll will assist and train the employees on how to enter the information from the time sheet into True Time (pool hours, testing, playground, etc).

Please let all current True Time employees at your location know of these changes.

Due to reporting requirements, the following currently do not use True Time: insulin shots, Home & Hospital, USTAR, athletic and activity differentials, and Camps & Clinics (high schools).

Please contact Payroll if you have concerns so we can better accommodate your needs.

We appreciate your ongoing support and assistance in paying Jordan District employees.

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DATE: 
July 14, 2017

TO: 
High School Principals

FROM: 
C. Brad Sorensen, Administrator of Schools, Herriman K-12 Feeder

SUBJECT:   
Athletic Trainer ID Badges

Due to the heavy involvement of our athletic trainers at each high school, it has been requested for Athletic Trainers to receive an annual ID badge to have better access in and out of building facilities.  Because they are not employees of the district, cabinet has approved an exception for one athletic trainer per high school to receive an ID badge if the school chooses to grant them access.

The following steps must still be followed in order to obtain an ID badge:

  1. Identify the “one” athletic trainer that will be issued a badge. Please provide my office with the name of your athletic trainer before August 18th.
  2. Fill out the HR Volunteer Information Form. Under the “other” category, write in “athletic trainer”. Both principal and trainer must sign this form prior to submission.
  3. Send athletic trainer with signed form to HR to complete the fingerprinting & background check process. The $37 fee needs to be paid by the trainer; they will be provided a receipt and can then be reimbursed by the school. Fingerprinting is done between the hours of 7:30-4:30.
  4. Picture will be taken at HR and sent to Sandi Abplanalp to create ID badge and send it to the school to distribute.
  5. Hours of access for the badge will be on Monday-Friday from 3:00pm - 10:00pm and Saturdays from 7:00am - 12:00pm. If additional hours are needed for a Saturday game, please notify Sandi at least one week in advance.
  6. This process will need to be completed when a new trainer is assigned. It is the school’s responsibility to retrieve the old badge and notify Sandi Abplanalp to deactivate the badge.