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TO:
Admnistrators

FROM:
Jared Covili, Consultant in Teaching and Learning


Information Systems has recently purchased MyVideoSpot, an online content management tool that allows teachers to upload and share videos with students from a variety of platforms, including YouTube. This will allow your school to block YouTube for students, should you make that building-level decision. There is no immediate deadline, however, all student YouTube access will be blocked starting in July 2026. You'll need to contact Info Systems to enable the block of student YouTube access.

MyVideoSpot allows teachers to upload important curricular videos from sources like YouTube and create a unique URL that can be shared with students in Canvas, Nearpod, Google Slides, and more. MyVideoSpot removes unwanted ads from YouTube videos and allows teachers to select the start and end times of videos. You'll also find options for screencast recordings of up to 60 minutes. Attached you'll find a Quick Start guide to help your teachers get started with MyVideoSpot. Please contact Digital Teaching and Learning for additional help and to schedule a training.

DATE:    
November 19, 2025

TO:       
School and Department Administrators

FROM:         
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Paul Bergera, Director of Transportation
Kitt Soumpholphakdy, Field/Activity Trips Coordinator
Brad Godfrey, General Education Route Coordinator
Stephanie Erickson, Special Education Route Coordinator

SUBJECT:   
A Few Transportation Items


There are a few items regarding transportation services that we would like to bring to your attention.

Bus Accidents During Field/Activity Trips:

On rare occasions during field/activity trips, the bus may be involved in an accident. By law, if the accident involves another vehicle, we’re required to wait for police to investigate and submit an accident report. In addition, whether the bus is involved with another vehicle or another object, it may result in the bus being classified as “out of service”, which would require students and coaches/advisors/teachers to board a different bus. In either of these cases, additional time may be required.

Please ask your staff to be patient if a bus is involved in an accident during a field/activity trip and not to pressure the driver to move along. The Field Trip Office will work expeditiously with the driver to determine if the bus is “out of service” and if police need to be involved.

Notification of Student Conduct Violation Forms:

Our bus drivers try their best to manage student behavior on the bus. Many of you have provided invaluable assistance with addressing behavior by talking with students, assigning seats and/or working with the driver on strategies to support a school behavior reward/incentive program. For this, we are extremely grateful.

When a driver submits a Notification of Student Conduct Violation form to your office staff, please try your best to address the issue(s) with students and parents as quickly as time allows. Feel free to reach out to the Route Coordinators or Director with questions. Your support and partnership in this endeavor are appreciated.

 

TO:
High School Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator, Teaching & Learning
Amy Lloyd, K-12 Math Consultant, Teaching & Learning


Principals,

On December 12th and January 26th, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., we will be hosting professional learning sessions on “How the Brain Learns Math” in the Presentation Room at the ASB. High school teachers have been invited to attend one of these sessions and substitutes will be covered by the district.

Math teachers have received an email invitation to participate in an engaging workshop with Dr. Amber Gardner focused on how the brain learns math. Your support in reminding teachers about this valuable professional learning opportunity is greatly appreciated. These sessions will provide the opportunity for teachers to collaborate, with a focus on enhancing instruction, increasing student engagement, and improving student achievement.

The link for registration is included here.

Thank you for your support!

DATE:   
November 17, 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:  
December School Psychologist Guidance Meeting


A meeting for school psychologists and school psychology interns has been scheduled for Friday, December 5, 2025, from 12:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Jordan Auxiliary Services building located at 7905 South Redwood Road in West Jordan. We will start at 12:00 p.m. with a pot-luck lunch. You have the option of participating in our pot-luck luncheon, or bringing lunch for yourself if that’s your preference. Dan Lathen, Ph.D. will provide us with a presentation that addresses screen-induced harm.

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

cc:
Principals

DATE:  
Thursday, November 20, 2025

TO:     
High School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:    
2025 Graduation and Dropout Rates


The state recently released a preview of the 2025 graduation and dropout rates as a way for districts and schools to prepare communication with community members. These results are embargoed until the public release scheduled for the first week of December.

Administrators may access graduation and dropout rates over time for the district and each high school in this Tableau dashboard. Viewers may use the filters to view graduation rates for various demographic populations including economically disadvantaged, ML, and minority students as well as students with a disability.

Administrators may also compare graduation and dropout rates by student groups using this student group dashboard.

Finally, administrators may find it useful to examine the various categories within the dropout rate such as the actual dropout rate compared to the withdrawal, pending, adult ed and unknown rates. Thus, administrators are encouraged to check out this line graph.

For questions about these dashboards, please contact Ben Jameson or Brooke Anderson in Assessment, Research & Accountability.

DATE:       
November 11, 2025

TO: 
Principals and Assistant Principals

FROM:   
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
McKinley Withers, Health & Wellness Consultant
Michelle Reyes, Attendance/Prevention Specialist, Health & Wellness

SUBJECT:   
November Attendance Newsletter & Thanksgiving Break Resources


See the attached documents for all the information.

TO:
Principals

FROM:
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Brian King, Ph.D., Assistant Director of Special Education
Mike Trimmell, Ed.D., Special Education Administrator


Attached is the Special Ed Newsletter for November 2025.

TO:
Secondary Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Todd Theobald, Administrator on Special Assignment, Teaching & Learning


Secondary Principals,

The first Secondary Principal PLC with coaches will be Thursday, November 20th from 8:00-11:00 a.m. at Juniper Elementary’s Tech Atrium. The schedule for all Secondary Principal PLCs can be viewed below. T&L will provide a sub for one lead coach (Sub code: 9202).

Secondary Principal PLCs (Lead Coaches Invited)
8:00-11:00 a.m.
November 20th @ Juniper Elementary Tech Atrium
January 8th @ ASB Auditorium
March 12th @ ASB Auditorium

Secondary Principal PLCs are intended to focus on the PLC process including district curriculum initiatives and data dives to support school improvement. Principals should plan on inviting LEAD coaches, not the whole coaching team, to attend the Secondary Principal PLCs.

Please reach out to Amanda Bollinger with any questions.

 

DATE:   
Thursday, November 13, 2025

TO:    
Middle School Administrators
High School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
2025-26 Stakeholder Input Survey Response Counts


School administrators may view the response counts for the 2025-26 student, parent and faculty Stakeholder Input Surveys using the links below. Please note that the response counts for each of the links are updated live as survey responses are submitted.

Response Count Reports

Student Stakeholder Input Survey

Parent Stakeholder Input Survey

Faculty Stakeholder Input Survey

The survey window closes at the end of the day, Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Please contact Ben Jameson in Assessment, Research & Accountability with any questions about the Stakeholder Input Surveys.

TO:
Principals and Administrative Assistants

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Daniel Ellis, Director of Accounting and Audits
Natalie Grange, Accounting Administrator


District allocations for individual schools were updated in Skyward on October 30. Adjustments were made based on the October 1 headcount. Carryforward balances and transfer requests are included in the total allocation.

Please review these adjustments and contact Natalie Grange (801) 567-8312 with any questions or concerns.

DATE:   
November 6, 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 Mini Training Video & Reminders


Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our highest priority. A well-understood threat assessment process is a vital component of a safe school environment.

The link below is the first in a series of "mini" training videos focused on the critical aspects of the school threat assessment process. Each training video is under 5 minutes in duration and will review important components of CSTAG with the goal of increasing the use and benefits of CSTAG with fidelity.

MINI Training Video 1: Understanding Threat Types
This brief, targeted training video is designed to provide all threat assessment team members with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify different types of threats when conducting threat assessments.

Other important CSTAG reminders: 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.

We would love to hear more about the violence prevention efforts and CSTAG practices at your school, or support your school with any specific training needs. Reach out to Angie to schedule a time to meet! Angie Rasmussen at angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org

 

DATE:    
Thursday, November 13, 2025

TO:  
High School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:     
Winter 2025-26 Testing Bulletin


School administrators may view the most up-to-date testing bulletin, complete with test administration and survey administration windows, by clicking on ‘High School’ under the heading Testing Bulletins on the front page of the website for Assessment, Research & Accountability. See the memo for the link and all the details.

The following is a new administrative assignment:

New Assignment effective October 31, 2025:

  • Rich Nielson, former administrator in Granite School District, appointed assistant principal at Mountain Creek Middle, replacing Michael Wilkey who is resigning.

TO:
High School Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Nathan Foster, Health & Physical Education Specialist


Administrators,

CPR Training is codified as 53G-10-408 and is written into USBE Rule as R277-465. This requires LEAs to provide CPR instruction to all high school students consistent with the Health Education Core Standards and as required in Subsection 53G-10-408(5).

Health students do not need to be CPR certified, but are required to receive CPR training as outlined below.

An LEA shall provide hands-on CPR instruction using the following ratios as closely as possible: a student to instructor ratio of no greater than 15:1; and a mannequin to student ratio no greater than 1:6.

There are options for JSD principals and health teachers to choose from to meet the criteria at your school:
1) Provide training from a licensed and CPR Certified Teacher within your school
2) Schedule JATC-S to deliver this instruction (Contact Sean Garrett. Sean.Garrett@jordandistrict.org)
3) Contract with the local EMS for a certified instructor to train students
4) Contract with a third party who specializes in CPR/AED instruction to provide the
Instruction (See attached)

Teaching & Learning will be utilizing a state grant to reimburse the costs of local EMS/Third Party services at a maximum of $6/per student. Contracted teachers are not eligible for this reimbursement.

Funds from this grant will expire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year.

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Brittany Bauer, HR Specialist
Jane Olsen, HR Specialist


Valued Licensed Employees:

The Human Resource Department is notifying you of important information regarding the upcoming timeline and incentive approved by the Board.

LICENSED EARLY NOTIFICATION (Resignation or Retirement)
Licensed employees resigning/retiring at the end of the current contract year, who give official early notification in SKYWARD – EMPLOYEE ACCESS, will be eligible for a tiered incentive. Informing your principal/school administrator either verbally or in writing is not sufficient. To qualify, notification must be submitted on or before the following dates:

  • Dec. 15, 2025 - $500.00
  • Jan. 15, 2026 - $300.00
  • Feb. 15, 2026 - $200.00

The incentive will be paid on the last regular paycheck. Notifications of resignation/retirement received after the dates listed above will not qualify for an incentive. The official District “Notice of Resignation” form is found in Skyward Employee Access under “Task Processes”. Please see District policy DP318 for more detailed information regarding resignations.

If you do not know your Skyward username or password please contact the Help Desk at 801-567-8737.

Licensed employees who do not submit an official “Notice of Resignation” form in Skyward Employee Access with at least thirty (30) calendar days’ written notice WILL BE FINED $500, which will be deducted from their final check. Informing your principal/school administrator either verbally or in writing is not sufficient. See District Policy DP318 – Resignations - Licensed.

School/District Administrators must submit an official “Notice of Resignation” form in Skyward Employee Access with at least sixty (60) calendar days’ written notice WILL BE FINED $500 in accordance with District Policy DP318A – Resignations-Administrators.

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Jane Olsen, HR Specialist


Valued Paraprofessionals:

Utah Valley University has developed a 2-year program designed for working paraprofessionals to obtain a Special Education Professional Educator License. Courses would be in the evening or during the summer to accommodate working paraprofessionals and scholarships are available.

If you are a paraprofessional interested in becoming a Special Education educator here in Jordan this is one of many opportunities for you to explore.

Please review the attached flyer for details.

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Jane Olsen, HR Specialist


Valued Educators:

Please see the information below and the attached flyer regarding Ph.D. programs available to you through Utah State University. Your continuing education is valued in Jordan School District. To see how investing in a Ph.D. would impact your salary, please review the current salary schedule: JSD Educator Salary Schedule

Utah State University’s School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) invites applications for our doctoral programs, the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Both doctoral degree programs are designed for educators who aim to deepen their expertise, apply research methods, and expand their impact.

Our Ed.D. in Teacher Education and Leadership is a 46-credit, Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED)-aligned professional doctorate designed degree for working educators and leaders. The program is practice-driven, allowing participants to address real-world “problems of practice” while maintaining their careers. Learn more here: Ed.D. Program Details.

Our Ph.D. in Education is a 60-credit, research-intensive program focused on theory and academic scholarship. Through coursework, professional experiences, and research, participants are prepared for higher education, curriculum designers, and researcher, with concentrations in cultural studies, school leadership, literacy education, mathematics education, and science education. More information is available here: Ph.D. Program Details.

Applications are due December 1

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Rebecca Eastman, HR Generalist


If you are a contracted employee and need to take Annual/Personal Leave on a Critical Day before or after Winter Recess for any reason not listed in policy DP335NEG or DP335B, you must submit a request as follows:

How to Request
During the window, the employee must send the request through email. Please include your name, school, position, and the date you are requesting the leave. Requests left on voicemail or over the phone will NOT be accepted.

Licensed employees submit their request to licensedpersonalleave@jordandistrict.org

Education Support Professionals submit their request to classifiedpersonalleave@jordandistrict.org

The employee will receive an email confirmation within two working days after submitting the request. If the employee does not receive a confirmation email, then Human Resources has NOT received your request and your leave will not be approved.

School Holiday Date of Holiday Critical Days* Window
Winter Recess
(Licensed)
Dec. 22, 2025 - Jan. 2, 2026 Dec. 19, 2025 and Jan. 5, 2026 Nov. 7 – Nov. 17, 2025
Winter Recess

(ESP)

Dec. 24, 2025 - Jan. 2, 2026 Dec. 19, 2025 and Jan. 5, 2026 (245 works Dec 29, 30, 31) Nov. 9 – Nov. 19, 2025

*Critical Days are the first student attendance days before or after a school holiday. If a non-student attendance day falls before or after a school holiday, the Critical Day is the day before or after that non-student attendance day when students are in attendance.

Licensed Annual/Personal Leave Taken on a Critical Day 2025-2026

ESP Annual/Personal Leave Taken on a Critical Day 2025-2026

DATE:    
November 3, 2026

TO:
All Principals

FROM:  
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Brian King, Ph.D., Assistant Director of Special Education
Mike Trimmell, Ed.D., Special Education Administrator

SUBJECT:
Professional Development Opportunities for Licensed Special Education Teachers - SLD Deep Dive: Gathering the Right Clues to Consider Eligibility


Three half-day options are being offered for teachers who didn't receive this training last year. A link to sign up for each training will be sent to all Special Education Licensed Staff Members. School secretaries can use code 1292 when submitting sub requests.

February 3rd -

Morning Session

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

DO Rm 129

Session A: SLD Deep Dive: Gathering the Right Clues to Consider Eligibility

 

Space limited to 48 attendees

 

February 19th -

Afternoon Session

11:30 am - 3:30 pm

ASB Auditorium

Session B: SLD Deep Dive: Gathering the Right Clues to Consider Eligibility

 

Space limited to 60 attendees

March 3rd -

Morning Session

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

ASB Auditorium

Session C: SLD Deep Dive: Gathering the Right Clues to Consider Eligibility

 

Space limited to 60 attendees