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DATE: 
February 29, 2024

TO:  
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT:   
Social and Emotional Skill Curriculum EXPO – March 5th!!


Don’t miss the Social and Emotional Skill Curriculum EXPO on March 5th at JATC South Auditorium! 

In 2.5 hours you will be able to do a deep dive with up to 7 curriculum and implementation experts. Not even ChatGPT could give you that kind of information in 2.5 hours!

This event is a part of supporting each school’s mandatory prevention efforts as implementing a Tier One, school-wide curriculum is an evidence-based approach to reducing problematic behavior, improving academic outcomes, and most importantly, enhancing student well-being!

There are Two Sessions: 8:30-11:00, 12:30-3:00
This event is a hybrid of an open house and a vendor EXPO. There will be various vendors representing curriculum options and expert insights hosting timed, round-table discussions to help you determine which program best fits your school’s needs.

This format will allow school leaders to maximize their time and gather information with intention as they prepare for the upcoming school year! We intend to support school leaders and teams in meeting their unique social and emotional skill development goals.**Substitutes can be paid for upon request. 

RSVP Here

Please get in touch with McKinley Withers (mckinley.withers@jordandistrict.org) for additional information and questions.

 

DATE:   
February 29, 2024

TO: 
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
Mandatory Prevention Plan Updates, Workshops and Support Available!


Throughout March school teams have an opportunity to efficiently update, enhance, and complete their mandatory prevention plans related to suicide, bullying, and violence prevention. Stop by a Prevention Planning Workshop in March to take advantage of the support available.

Dates Available: March 6, 11, 14 (pm only), 15, & 18
All sessions will take place at ASB Presentation Room (entrance C)
Two sessions Each Day (pm session only on the 14th):
 8:30-11:00, 12:30-3:00
Choose a workshop time to update and enhance your school’s prevention plan. There will also be targeted support for accessing grant funds that are available for your school’s unique prevention efforts. Substitute costs can be covered so a full team can attend! RSVP for a session here!

Stop by even if you don’t RSVP for support in updating and enhancing your school’s prevention plan.

*As a reminder, each school is required to maintain and update prevention plans annually. These funds and upcoming workshops are meant to support each school’s prevention plan.

The Social and Emotional Skill Curriculum EXPO on March 5th at JATC South is intended to support each school’s prevention plan. A fundamental part of each school’s prevention plan is implementing a Tier One, school-wide social and emotional skill curriculum. Tier One skill building is an evidence-based approach to reducing problematic behavior; improving academic outcomes; preventing suicide, bullying, and violence; and most importantly, enhancing student well-being!

This is our 3rd meeting of the year. Prior to the 1 p.m. meeting, we have a work group for secondary at 12:30 p.m. and elementary at 3:00 p.m. The sub code is on the attached flyer.

Admin, this meeting is optional for you, but please encourage and support your ELD lead in attending this meeting. We will have the Digital Learning team sharing great information.

Language & Cultural Services is holding a Newcomer Parent Orientation Meeting & Open House on Wednesday, March 6 from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. at the Copper Mountain Middle School FEC Portable, behind the school.

Please share this flyer with students and parents who are new to our country. They can come and learn what Jordan Schools District can offer their family. There will be information, sign-ups, and community resources, all for FREE!

For more information, please email Ics@jordandistrict.org or visit the L&CS website.

Calling All Bilingual Teachers, Admin, & Staff! Show your students that being Multilingual is a superpower by earning a Seal of Biliteracy.

Can you speak, read, & write one of these languages?
Arabic, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, Spanish, Swahili ,Yoruba

Language not Listed?
Visit this link below to view other languages & approved tests.

Once you receive your passing test results, apply on the Global Seal website to submit your test scores and proof of proficiency in your first language. From there, the Global Seal Team will handle the rest and mail you your certificate once it is ready

For additional questions, please email info@theglobalseal.com

DATE:   
February 29, 2024

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 (SECURE)


Our monthly drill preparation will be held on March 6th at 3:00 PM with a second session at 3:30 PM. This month we will be covering SECURE. Each School Safety Specialist is expected to attend along with administrations assigned to oversee school safety. All other administrations are welcomed to attend as well. The meeting is also opened to any staff who may be interested.

Information regarding the SECURE response protocol can be found in the Jordan School District Safety Manual on pages 8-11. 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 21, 2024

TO:  
Directors, Principals, and Administrative Assistants

FROM: 
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Sarah Palmer, Director of Payroll
Daniel Ellis, Director of Accounting

SUBJECT:   
Independent Contractors and URS


Retirees receiving a monthly benefit from Utah Retirement Services have restrictions when returning to work. Reemployment includes work or service performed as an employee (paid through Payroll) OR on a contract (as a business or independent contractor paid through Accounting) for a participating employer if the retiree is listed as the contractor; owner, partner, or principal of the contractor (business).

Utah code section 49-11-1207(2) states: “If a retiree or participating employer failed to report reemployment in violation of Section 49-11-1206, the retiree, participating employer, or both, who are found to be responsible for the failure to report, are liable to the (URS) office for the amount of any overpayment resulting from the violation.”

Therefore, in order to protect the retiree and the District, it is crucial that the attached URS Post- Retired Verification form is completed by the Independent Contractors along with their W-9’s. Please submit both of these forms to the Accounting Department.

If you have any questions, please email payroll@jordandistrict.org or call the Payroll Department at (801) 567-8154.

Thank you.

Last fall the Jordan Education Foundation applied for a grant from the Arby's Foundation to go towards student lunch debt in the district. Recently the Foundation was made aware that they were awarded the Arby's grant and our district would receive $103,822.00. This generous donation amount was based off of the 2023 District October First Quarter deficit amount for student lunch accounts.

Clerks have been sent procedures, approved by the accounting department and have been instructed to pay off student debts based on the October 2023 Month End deficit reports for their school.

No donated funds may be used to pay off adult lunch deficits.

For student lunch accounts which have already been paid and are in a positive amount, these funds will be deposited in your school's donated account to be used in the future for payment of student deficits.

If you have questions, touch base with your clerk or Lori at 801-567-8767 in Nutrition Services. Thanks

The following optional virtual trainings are open for ANYONE in your school. Please share this information with your staff.

Using Data in an Early Warning System
February 26th | 3 PM MT

Using Data to Support Student Attendance
February 27th | 3 PM MT

Using Data to Support School Safety
February 28th | 3 PM MT

Register Here

DATE:    
February 21, 2024

TO: 
School Psychologists & School Psychology Interns

FROM:  
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Fulvia Franco, Program Specialist – Guidance

SUBJECT:   
March School Psychologists & School Psychology Interns Meeting


A meeting for school psychologists and school psychology interns has been scheduled for Friday, March 1, 2024, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cassie Helferich, LCSW, from Wasatch Behavioral Health, will provide us with a presentation on brief interventions for a school-based setting.

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

cc:
Principals

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 will be gathered during “Resilient Utah Month” in March 2024. All nominations need to be completed online no later than Thursday, March 28, 2024. For Questions text Barbara Smith 801-560-6511 or email baarbaarasmith@gmail.com

Nomination Website

Nomination categories include:
Outstanding High School
Outstanding Middle School Outstanding Elementary School
Outstanding Parenting Organization
Outstanding Secondary School Teacher
Outstanding Elementary School Teacher
Outstanding Wellness Professional
Outstanding Administrator

Awards will be announced and delivered to each school location by a member of the ResilientYOU Board in April. The recipients will be announced on KUTV Channel 2, in addition to being publicized through social media and educational networks.

Recipients will also be honored on May 9th at the event, “Utah Prevention Day with the Salt Lake Bees” at Smith’s Ballpark during the Opening Ceremony in front of 10,000 students and teachers. Award recipients will receive an honorary plaque.

The Move Money Process is now in Skyward Finance. Please use this process in Skyward to initiate a move money process to move payroll. This process enables payroll, accounting and the initiator to track the move money from through the process and provides a notification when payroll posts the adjustments. Please communicate this through your school or office. See the instructions attached.

The Jordan Ethnic Advisory Committee is holding an Open House for staff, students, and families. Come and meet our student leaders in our multicultural clubs. Bring your ideas of what is working in JSD and celebrations of what is going well in your school.

  • When: March 6, 2024
  • Where: JATC South
  • Time: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
  • Come and meet our student leaders in our multicultural clubs.
  • Bring your ideas of what is working in JSD and celebrations.

We are a committee successfully educating, supporting, and empowering the Jordan School District community by moving the ‘equity work’ from theory to practice, and developing district policies with a strong equity lens.  Questions or concerns?  Send us a message at JEAC@jordandistrict.org.

DATE: 
February 15, 2024

TO: 
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
Social and Emotional Skill Curriculum EXPO – Tuesday March 5th!!


School leaders and teams are invited to the Social and Emotional Skill Curriculum EXPO on March 5th at JATC South Auditorium! 

The 2024 Social and Emotional Skill Curriculum Expo is a part of the 2024 Prevention Palooza. At the core of prevention are our intentional efforts to build students’ essential social, emotional, and life skills.

Implementing a Tier One, school-wide curriculum is an evidence-based approach to reducing problematic behavior, improving academic outcomes, and most importantly, enhancing student well-being!

There are Two Sessions on Tuesday March 5, 2024: 8:30-11:00, 12:30-3:00
This event is a hybrid of an open house and a vendor EXPO. There will be various vendors representing curriculum options hosting timed, round-table discussions to help you determine which program best fits your school’s needs. Come for an hour and visit a few tables you are interested in or stick around and explore several options! Information on each curriculum vendor will be shared beforehand including simple guides to key components of each of these curriculum vendors.

This format will allow school leaders to maximize their time and gather information with intention as they prepare for the upcoming school year! We intend to support school leaders and teams in meeting their unique social and emotional skill development goals.**Substitutes can be paid for upon request.

RSVP Here
Review the attached flyer and share with those who would benefit from attending. Please get in touch with McKinley Withers (mckinley.withers@jordandistrict.org) for additional information and questions.

DATE:   
February 9, 2024

TO:  
Principals
Assistant Principals

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Sharon Jensen, Consultant Student Support Services
Michelle Reyes, Prevention Specialist, Student Support Services

SUBJECT: 
Attendance Message Notifying Families of the Upcoming President’s Day Recess


When students miss school for any reason, they miss out on opportunities to become better prepared for upcoming assessments. Evidence shows that when schools communicate with families about school recesses and breaks it frequently helps inform them when their students have days off from school and when they should return to school.

Included you will find resources to share with families about the upcoming President’s Day Recess and compensatory day for middle and high school students. A tip sheet for morning announcements to promote attendance in a positive way is included as well. Communicating with students that they belong and are an integral part of the school community is an effective strategy for increased attendance.

Should you have any questions or would like copies you can edit, please contact Michelle Reyes at michelle.reyes@jordandistrict.org or 801.567.8205.

 

DATE:     
Thursday, February 15, 2024

TO:   
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
2024 Educator Engagement Survey Administration


USBE board rule R277-325 requires that school districts administer the Educator Engagement Survey every other year opposite the USBE School Climate Survey (last administered in the spring of 2022-23).

The survey will be distributed by Evaluation, Research & Accountability to all licensed school-based educators (with the exception of administrators) in elementary, middle and high schools. The survey opens Monday, February 26th and closes Friday, March 29th. USBE anticipates that the survey will take educators about 20-30 minutes to complete. USBE hopes to gather information about educator’s engagement in education and their perspectives related to the quality of their job experiences. The survey is confidential and the results will be reported in the aggregate.

School administrators don’t need to do anything to distribute the survey, but principals are encouraged to notify their faculty that the survey is coming.

Survey results will be published for each school in Tableau after the survey closes.

If you would like to preview the survey questions, you may do so here or you may view the pdf copy attached with this JAM memo.

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

DATE:   
February 14, 2024

TO: 
Principals
Assistant Principals
School Financial, Main, Attendance, and Counseling ESP’s
Registrars

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Sharon Jensen, Student Support Services Consultant
Vickie Barker, YIC Teacher Specialist
Carolyn Curran, YIC Coordinator

SUBJECT: 
Youth in Care (YIC) Enrollment Process


YIC students are those that are, in some manner, considered to be in State Custody (Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS), Juvenile Justice and Youth Services (JJYS), or Department of Health and Human Services (DSPD) and include students in foster care.

YIC students should not be enrolled at the school until cleared and authorized by the YIC Coordinator in Student Services. Prior to enrollment schools will be contacted and receive the YIC student’s Intake Forms after they have been processed by the YIC Coordinator in Student Services. Intake forms are found on the Student Support Services website here. When YIC enrollment is sought at the school without prior notification from the YIC Coordinator, the school should inform them that they cannot be enrolled at this time and provide them the contact information below to obtain the clearance to enroll.

DCSF, JJYS, DSPD, or foster care guardians should be referred to Carolyn Curran, the YIC Coordinator in Student Services at 801.567.8328 or carolyn.curran@jordandistirct.org if prior authorization has not been received by the school.

Should you have any questions or require any help or clarification please contact one of the following:

Carolyn Curran, YIC Coordinator
801.567.8328
carolyn.curran@jordandistrict.org

Vickie Barker, YIC Teacher Specialist
801.567.8351
vicki.barker@jordandistrict.org