TO:
All School Administrators
FROM:
Steffany Ellsworth, Support Services Manager
See the attached instructions to disable student access to YouTube.
TO:
All School Administrators
FROM:
Steffany Ellsworth, Support Services Manager
See the attached instructions to disable student access to YouTube.
TO:
All Administrators
Administrative Assistants
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 March 2025.
TO:
Administrators
AP Program Coordinators
FROM:
Carolyn Gough Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Chris Richards-Khong, Associate Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Davis School District sponsors Utah's only College Board endorsed summer training - the Intermountain AP Summer Institute. In 2025 an IN-PERSON institute will be held July 8-11, 8:00am - 4:00pm.
College Board consultants from across the country will be facilitating sessions.
Two hours of graduate credit is offered through Weber State University for only $30.
Session and registration information can be found on the institute's registration website at
https://eventreg.collegeboard.org/event/bc00ba0b-3036-47a4-ab22-a857ce4dd10c/summary
TO:
Administrators
AP Program Coordinators
FROM:
Carolyn Gough Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Chris Richards-Khong, Associate Administrator of Teaching and Learning
In 2025 Davis School District will sponsor an online-institute to be held June 9-12. College Board consultants from across the country will be facilitating sessions. Sessions will be conducted via Zoom and consist of both synchronous and asynchronous instruction and activities.
The Intermountain AP Summer Institute-ONLINE offers 14 sessions. Two hours of graduate credit is offered through Weber State University for only $30. Session and registration information can be found on the institute's registration website at https://eventreg.collegeboard.org/event/f63e4603-a641-4ef5-b321-161e040970a2/home-page
TO:
Elementary Principals
Elementary Administrative Assistants
FROM:
Michelle Love-Day, Director of Language & Culture Services
The goal of the Teacher Recruitment Scholarship is to increase the number of teachers in Wasatch Front schools whose backgrounds could best support underrepresented students in the K-12 school system. This scholarship supports students from a broad range of backgrounds to become teachers and return to their communities as educational leaders and mentors for future generations. Through the Jordan Education Foundation and SLCC, students can receive tuition assistance, books paid for, and funding towards a 4-year university after completing coursework through SLCC. Application deadline is March 31st.
TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants
FROM:
Steffany Ellsworth, Support Services Manager
ParentSquare Pointers are your periodic dose of ParentSquare tips and tricks delivered via JAM/JEM. This first edition is all about ParentSquare ALERTS!
TO:
Administrators
FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Jared Covili, Consultant in Teaching & Learning
Check out the links below for the latest updates from Teaching & Learning for March. Learn tips and tricks, sign up for upcoming PD, and learn about important updates from the T & L team.
TO:
Administrators
FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Jared Covili, Consultant in Teaching & Learning
Need help with Canvas and Mastery Connect as you assess students in your classroom? Digital Teaching and Learning would like to invite you to attend an optional PD training to help you use Canvas and Mastery Connect to its fullest potential.
Please bring your device and your questions to learn along with DTL and Instructure.
What: Assessing Students with Canvas and Mastery Connect: Optional PD Training
When: 1 - 3 p.m. on Mar. 14
Where: Herriman High Tech Atrium
Who: All Teachers Interested in Canvas/Mastery Connect
RSVP: https://forms.gle/W1zgDaUuN69kwex39
TO:
All Administrators
FROM:
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Brandon Conti, Risk Management Coordinator
All chemicals used at work, even “household” chemicals, should be considered potentially hazardous. Always understand the hazards of any chemical that you are using.
See the flyer below for more information.
DATE:
Thursday, March 6, 2025
TO:
Middle and High School Administrators
FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Assessment, Research and Accountability
SUBJECT:
REMINDER: Summative Testing Changes for 2024-25
With the change in the ELA core approved by the Utah State Board of Education in recent months, the state’s summative assessments will now reflect those changes. The changes to RISE and the Utah Aspire Plus are highlighted below:
Utah Aspire Plus:
Please see the attached Utah Aspire Plus updates document released by USBE for more information.
RISE:
Please see the attached RISE updates document released by USBE for more information.
For questions about these changes, please contact Ben Jameson in Assessment, Research & Accountability.
DATE:
Thursday, March 6, 2025
TO:
All School Administrators
FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Assessment, Research and Accountability
SUBJECT:
State Testing Reminders
The following are friendly reminders from the state’s testing ethics policy:
The following additional guidance may help address specific questions that arise from the part of the state’s testing ethics policy quoted above:
Please contact Ben Jameson in Assessment, Research & Accountability with questions.
DATE:
February 27, 2025
TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals
FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Michelle Reyes, Prevention Specialist, Student Services
SUBJECT:
February Attendance Newsletter & Resources
February 2025 Attendance Newsletter
Spring is right around the corner with warmer weather and sunny skies! Although we are all looking forward to warmer weather and longer days, this can make it increasingly difficult to motivate students to attend school. Research by TASC has shown that students are much more likely to miss school during the spring semester. Lessons in the spring tend to be more rigorous and build on groundwork laid in fall semester. Missing spring semester lessons can lead to a more substantial learning loss. Attendance and achievement go hand in hand. Keeping students motivated to attend school through the “Spring Slide” benefits all stakeholders involved in a child’s education.
Spring Slump Attendance Ideas- Supporting Attendance, Engagement & Learning
Included are some ideas to help you reduce the spring attendance slump.
Resources for communicating with families-
Request for Feedback-State Attendance Campaign Slogan Input
The USBE is looking for as much input as they can get on the slogan for a statewide attendance campaign that will launch this summer. Take a minute to fill out a very brief survey to share your input.
Attendance Cohorts-USBE
The USBE is seeking schools interested in being part of an Engagement and Attendance Cohort for the 2025-2026 school year. The Cohort will start in May and will take part in 6 trainings held by the USBE Attendance Specialists. The trainings are collaborative sessions to help develop, build, and implement an attendance system that will work for your school. Reach out to Garrett Russell, garrett.russell@schools.utah.gov, or Megan Menlove, megan.menlove@schools.utah.gov, attendance specialists at the USBE, if you are interested in joining this opportunity.
What’s New: Resource Roundup-
Helpful research and reference articles:
Attendance Works
Attendance Works
Attendance Incentive Ideas
Tier I/Foundational Intervention is vital for combating chronic absenteeism in your schools. Incentives are a great Tier I intervention that reaches all students and can help reduce absences. Here are just a few ideas of ways you can focus on the positive and create incentives that work for your specific LEA.
Attendance Works Incentive Tips from Attendance Works
If you have bright spots with attendance interventions at your school, please share with Michelle Reyes, michelle.reyes@jordandistrict.org.
Upcoming Attendance Training Opportunities/Dates
The Utah State Board of Education will be hosting attendance webinars throughout the year.
Spring Recess Reminder
English-
Facebook Post
Instagram Post
Spanish-
Facebook Post
Instagram Post
Questions? Contact Michelle Reyes at michelle.reyes@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8205.
DATE:
February 26, 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 Preparation (LOCKDOWN)
Our monthly drill preparation will be held on March 5th at 3:00 PM with a second session at 3:30 PM. This month we will be covering LOCKDOWN. Each School Safety Specialist is expected to attend along with administrators assigned to oversee school safety. All other administrators are welcomed to attend as well. The meeting is also open to any staff who may be interested.
After each monthly training all school staff should be trained by the administrator over school safety and the School Safety Specialist. After being trained each month, teachers should educate their students on each safety drill. Additionally, schools should communicate with their patrons regarding Standard Response Protocol(s) (SRP) and the drill being conducted each month. Videos, handouts, and other resources can be found at the link(s) below.
Information regarding the LOCKDOWN response protocol can be found in the Jordan School District Safety Manual on pages 12-14. We will discuss how to implement and execute the drill. This will be an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas amongst the schools.
We will be holding this meeting over ZOOM so please join using this link.
DATE:
February 26, 2025
TO:
All Administrators
FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
McKinley Withers, Health and Wellness Consultant
SUBJECT:
Employee Wellness Booster PD offering on March 14, 2025
On March 14, 2025 the Wellness Team will be hosting a “Wellness Booster” professional development workshop is open to ALL employees on PD Day. Participants will be eligible for professional development credit.
This workshop will be held at Juniper Elementary, in the Tech Atrium, from 1:30-3:00 pm.
In honor of Pie Day (3.14), we will be teaching skills for PIE: Presence, Inner Awareness, and Emotion Regulation. The strategies taught are for employees to use in their personal and professional life. All employee types are invited to this hands-on wellness learning experience focused on cultivating one’s skills. PD credit and dessert pie will be offered!
Please share the attached flyer. A link is on the flyer to register for this PD.
DATE:
February 26, 2025
TO:
All Administrators
FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
McKinley Withers, Health and Wellness Consultant
SUBJECT:
Tier One SEW Curriculum Funds Available!
Our District has been awarded State Prevention Block Grant funds to implement prevention best practices. This award includes $2000 per school for tier one, evidence-based social and emotional wellness (SEW) curriculum implementation for the 2025-26 school year. For information about current curriculum options, concerns regarding curriculum use, or other curriculum questions please reach out to Jodee Packer (jodee.packer@jordandistrict.org).
Each school’s selected SEW curriculum implementation must also be included in each school’s annually updated prevention plan (instructions for this are in the Prevention Plan Update JAM).
To access these funds, school principals must complete this form by March 28th, 2025. Unclaimed funds will be re-distributed to schools that were awarded funds and the total award amount may exceed $2,000 per school after re-distribution. For each school that is awarded funds a new budget code will be created and shared with the school to post the allowable expense. Schools will coordinate the purchase of the curriculum directly with curriculum vendors, including covering any additional costs using other school budgets.
As evidence-based prevention practices are implemented school-wide, schools utilizing grant funds will be expected to schedule a 1-hour professional development with the Wellness Team titled “Fewer Tears, More Tier One.” This professional development is meant for the whole school staff and can occur any time prior to the end of the first quarter (October 17, 2025). This can be during PLC’s, staff meetings, August PD days, or other professional development time at your school’s convenience.
Please note, it is not required that all schools utilize these funds.
For questions, email wellness@jordandistrict.org or contact McKinley Withers (mckinley.withers@jordandistrict.org, extension 88245)
TO:
Administrators
FROM:
Carolyn Gough Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Chris Richards-Khong, Associate Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Jordan Credit Center offers courses to students enrolled in Jordan School District that are designed to meet the diverse needs of students aiming to advance or improve their academic standing. This program offers three distinct pathways: Original Credit, Grade Replacement, and Credit Recovery.
Pricing: Original Credit and Grade Replacement are free of charge. Credit Recovery is $50 for unlimited units during summer term.
Available courses: Participation, Skills, Techniques, Fitness for Life, Individual Lifetime Activities, Health 2, Language Arts 12, Language Arts 11, Language Arts 9, Geography, US History II, US Government and Citizenship, Financial Literacy, Business Office Specialist, Exploring Computer Science, Earth Science, Biology, Secondary Math 1, Secondary Math 2, Secondary Math.
Courses are delivered asynchronously, providing students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace. However, all coursework must be completed within the summer term. The program starts on Monday, June 9th, and concludes on Thursday, August 7th. Please note that the term's end date cannot be extended for any reason.
To enroll, students should contact the boundary school counselor. Student registration requests should be submitted to their counselor before Friday, June 6th.
For more information go to Jordan Credit Center
TO:
Administrators
Directors
FROM:
Carolyn Gough Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Chris Richards-Khong, Associate Administrator of Teaching and Learning
The Education Tribute Award is a prestigious honor presented annually by the state-wide program ResilientYOU. Each year education organizations and individuals are selected based upon their exemplary efforts in building student resilience in their schools, homes and communities. The Education Tribute Award nominations need to be completed online no later than Friday, March 14, 2025.
Find the nomination form HERE
Nomination categories include:
High School
Middle School
Elementary School
Administrator
Secondary School Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Wellness Professional
Parenting Organization
*School nominations are for school-wide programs and efforts. Please don't feature individuals if you are nominating their school.
TO:
Administrators
Administrative Assistants
FROM:
Sarah Palmer, Director of Payroll
Please see the document below.
DATE:
February 19, 2025
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 March, April, and May
See the attached memo for a listing of all the professional development opportunities for Special Education Licensed Staff for March, April, and May. A link to sign up for each training will be sent to all Special Education Licensed Staff Members.
TO:
All Licensed Educators
FROM:
Ami Shah, Jordan Native American Program
Jordan Native Program invites you to attend a PD on 'Exploring Native American History: Lessons Beyond Textbooks' by Darren Parry, on March 27th, from 4-5:30 PM, at JATC South.
Darren Parry is the former Chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation. Darren serves on the Board of Directors for Utah Humanities and the PBS Utah. He attended the University of Utah and Weber State University and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. In 2024, he received an Honorary PhD in Education from Utah State University. Darren is the author of “The Bear River Massacre, A Shoshone History” and teaches in the Environmental Humanities department at the University of Utah. He lectures around the country on Native American issues surrounding history and Indigenous views related to sustainability.