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Category: High Schools

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Steffany Ellsworth, Support Services Manager, Information Systems

Please be aware of a new DANGEROUS TikTok challenge that we've been experiencing in our schools. Students have learned that putting pencil lead into the USB port will cause a short circuit, causing the Chromebook to smoke and short out. Inserting pencil lead into a USB port can be dangerous. Pencil lead contains graphite, which is conductive, and can cause a fire when inserted in the USB port.

How to identify if this has possibly happened to a Chromebook:

  • The pencil lead will create a short, which may melt the USB port.
  • The Chromebook will likely not power on as it has a short circuit.
  • The USB port stops charging the device, or headphones and other peripherals will not work on the affected port.

What to do:

  • Do not attempt to remove the lead. This is dangerous and could further damage the port or the device.
  • Do not try to charge or use the device. This could worsen the damage or create a fire hazard.
  • Take the Chromebook to your school tech for disposal or repair.
  • Contact your Administrator of Schools if you are considering sending a message to parents.
  • Contact your Administrator of Schools for any questions related to disciplinary action.

 

Published on

DATE:
May 8, 2025

TO:
Administrators of Locations with Employees Paid with Federal Dollars

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Dan Ellis, Director of Accounting
Natalie Grange, Accounting Administrator

SUBJECT:
Federal Program Work Certification

Federal Regulations require the district to certify the payroll of any employee being paid with federal funds. Accounting identifies employees that meet this federal criteria and prepares certification forms by location. Principals and department heads please review the attached instruction memo and look for your payroll certification email the week of May 8, 2025. Certifications are due Friday, May 30, 2025.

Please review your certification ASAP and contact Natalie Grange if you have any questions or concerns. natalie.grange@jordandistrict.org, ext. 88312

Published on

DATE:  
May 7, 2025

TO:  
School Administrators

FROM:   
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Paul Bergera, Director of Transportation
Kitt Soumpholphakdy, Field/Activity Trips Coordinator

SUBJECT: 
Field/Activity Trips Planning for the 2025-26 School Year

The Department of Transportation’s Field/Activity Trips Office is preparing to launch a new software solution for managing field/activity trip requests, approvals and resource allocations.

Schools will continue to use BusHive for all field/activity trip requests for the duration of the 2024-25 school year until June 30, 2025. The new software solution will become activated beginning July 1, 2025.

Therefore, please refrain from scheduling any field/activity trips for the 2025-26 school year after July 1, 2025, until the new software solution has become activated. Requests received by the Field/Activity Trips Office will be denied.

More information will be forthcoming as we prepare to launch the new software solution for field/activity trips.

Contact Mike Westover at michael.westover@jordandistrict.org or ext. 88809 or Michele Yuill at michele.yuill@jordandistrict.org or ext. 88804 with any questions you may have.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

 

Published on

TO:
School Administrators

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources

The College of Education offers summer professional development opportunities for paraprofessionals. Participants do not need to be a current University of Utah student to enroll. Participants will receive an email confirming registration once the process is completed. Enrollment is first come, first serve with limited availability for each course. It is strongly recommended that participants register as soon as possible to ensure a space in the workshop. Links and related information will be sent a week prior to the workshop.

See the flyer below for all the details.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Chris Richards-Khong, Associate Administrator of Teaching and Learning

School-Based Associates Opportunity
The Jordan School District is excited to announce the School-Based Associates (SBA) program for the 25-26 school year. For many years, past CITES/ BYU Public School Partnership Associates participants have asked about bringing the powerful learning experiences within CITES/ BYU Public School Partnership Associates back to their colleagues in the classroom. JSD School-Based Associates will now make that desire a possibility!

The JSD School Based Associates mini grant awards will help schools nurture classroom teacher leaders as they facilitate cohort sessions for their school. The grant funds include a compensation stipend for teacher leaders. School cohorts explore ideas toward gaining a deeper understanding of education and the Partnership Commitments. Associates fosters collegial connections, exchange of viewpoints with one another, and builds lasting relationships.

The mini grant application process has been streamlined into a brief google form. Administrators or teachers can initiate this grant for a school. Use the School-Based Associates Application GUIDE to help you keep things simple. Call Chris Richards-Khong with questions 801-567-8158 or email at christen.richardskhong@jordandistrict.org.

JSD School-Based Associates Grant Interest Form

Published on

DATE:
May 5, 2025

TO:
Principals
School Administrative Assistants

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Dan Ellis, Director of Accounting
Natalie Grange, Accounting Administrator

SUBJECT:
Legislative Supply Envelope Review SY2024-2025

The District Accounting office will be reviewing 100% of schools this year because of the increased amounts distributed to educators through the legislative teacher supply program. Please see the attached memo outlining required documentation and deadlines.

 

Thanks for reading JAM! Be the first person to let Nadine Page (nadine.page@jordandistrict.org) know that you found this hidden message and your office wins a prize. - Prize has been claimed for this week. Try again next week. 

Published on

TO:
All Principals
All Assistant Principals

FROM:
Administrators of Schools

Please share the attached flyer with the future school leaders in your building.

The BYU School Leadership Program invites educators to learn from current school, district, state, and university leaders about becoming a principal. The Academy is a great way to get a taste of school leadership and learn best practices for applying to principal preparation programs and future leadership positions. The district will cover the cost of your substitute teacher, and BYU will award a $1,000 scholarship to any participants who are accepted to and attend BYU’s Masters of School Leadership Program.

APPLY BY AUGUST 29, 2024 - APPLICATION LINK

Published on

DATE:   
May 1, 2025

TO: 
Elementary School Administrators
Middle School Administrators
High School Administrators

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Stacee Worthen, School Counselor Consultant

SUBJECT:  
School Counselor Training and Professional Development

The training and professional development for the month of May are below. We appreciate your support sending in our ongoing training efforts.

Friday, May 2 - Mountain Ridge Feeder Meeting, South Hills MS
Mountain Ridge Feeder Counselors K-12
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Wednesday, May 7 - BRISC Monthly Call, Zoom
All School Counselors (optional)
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Wednesday, May 14 - Steering Meeting, District Office, Room 129
Lead Counselors attend session 1 or 2
Session 1 -- 8:00 am - 10:00 am; Session 2 -- 10:15 am - 12:15 pm

Contact Stacee Worthen at 801-867-8309 or stacee.worthen@jordandistrict.org with any questions or concerns.

Published on

The following are new administrative assignments:

New Assignments effective July 1, 2025:

  • High School
    • Tom Gatten, assistant principal at Mountain Ridge High appointed principal at Herriman High, replacing Todd Quarnberg who is resigning.
    • Brady Bartholomew, assistant principal at Riverton High appointed principal at Mountain Ridge High, replacing Mike Kochevar who is retiring.
    • Kevin Barton, assistant principal at Mountain Ridge High transferred as assistant principal at Herriman High.
    • Andrew Blanchard, assistant principal at Herriman High transferred as assistant principal at West Jordan High.
    • Tim Brooks, assistant principal at West Hills Middle transferred as assistant principal at Mountain Ridge High.
    • Noelapoomaikalani Ioane, assistant principal at West Jordan High transferred as assistant principal at Copper Hills High, replacing Mark Halliday who is retiring.
    • Jenicee Jacobsen, assistant principal at West Jordan High transferred as assistant principal at Herriman High.
    • Travis Foster, administrative intern at Riverton High appointed assistant principal at Riverton High.
    • Katelyn Jenson, assistant principal at Southland Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Copper Hills High, replacing Julianna Wing who is resigning.
    • Kami Taylor, assistant principal at South Jordan Middle transferred as assistant principal at West Jordan High.
    • Derek Winder, administrative intern at West Jordan High appointed assistant principal at Riverton High.
  • Middle School
    • Mike Glenn, principal at Mountain Creek Middle transferred as principal at Sunset Ridge Middle, replacing Audrey Fish who is retiring.
    • Kristie Howe, assistant principal at West Hills Middle appointed principal at West Hills Middle, replacing Cynthia VanderMeiden who is resigning.
    • Glen Varga, assistant principal at Riverton High appointed principal at Mountain Creek Middle.
    • Jarom Airhart, assistant principal at South Hills Middle and Sunset Ridge Middle transferred as assistant principal at South Hills Middle.
    • Andrea Call, administrative intern at West Hills Middle appointed assistant principal at West Hills Middle.
    • Mike Christensen, assistant principal at Copper Mountain Middle transferred as assistant principal at West Hills Middle.
    • Jody Deland, assistant principal at Copper Mountain Middle and Mountain Creek Middle transferred as assistant principal at Copper Mountain Middle.
    • Ivie Erickson, administrative intern at Bingham High appointed assistant principal at South Jordan Middle.
    • Heather Handy, assistant principal at Aspen Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle.
    • Wendy Harmon, assistant principal at Mountain Creek Middle transferred as assistant principal at Hidden Valley Middle.
    • Amy Kinder, math consultant in Teaching and Learning transferred as assistant principal at Mountain Creek Middle.
    • James Maughan, assistant principal at Oquirrh Hills Middle transferred as assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle.
    • Troy Monson, assistant principal at South Hills Middle transferred as assistant principal at Oquirrh Hills Middle.
    • Amber Zdunich, assistant principal at Hidden Valley Middle transferred as assistant principal at Elk Ridge Middle.
  • Departments
    • Amy Lloyd, assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle transferred as math consultant in the Teaching and Learning Department.
  • Elementary School
    • Megan Cox, principal at Midas Creek Elementary transferred as principal at Rose Creek Elementary, replacing Karen Egan who is retiring.
    • Theresa Christensen, principal at Falcon Ridge Elementary transferred as principal at Midas Creek Elementary.
    • Bryce Eardley, principal at South Jordan Elementary transferred as principal at Mountain Shadows Elementary.
    • Aaron Ichimura, principal at Welby Elementary transferred as principal at Falcon Ridge Elementary.
    • Tina Susuico, principal at Mountain Shadows Elementary transferred as principal at Hayden Peak Elementary, replacing Jennifer Fisher who is retiring.
    • Kasey Dahl, assistant principal at Bastian Elementary appointed principal at Welby Elementary.
    • Beth Pollock, assistant principal at Ridge View Elementary appointed principal at South Jordan Elementary.
    • John Sassman, assistant principal at Herriman Elementary appointed principal at Mountain Point Elementary.
    • Janae Young, assistant principal at Welby Elementary appointed principal at Oakcrest Elementary, replacing Ken Westwood who is retiring.
    • Megan Daly, administrative intern at Copper Canyon Elementary appointed assistant principal at Copper Canyon Elementary.
    • Elizabeth Felt, principal at Mountain Point Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Southland Elementary.
    • Megan Hamilton, administrative intern at Blackridge Elementary appointed assistant principal at Blackridge Elementary.
    • Danielle Hanson, assistant principal at Elk Ridge Middle transferred as assistant principal at Westvale Elementary.
    • Jessica Hayes, assistant principal at the Child Development Center transferred as assistant principal at Herriman Elementary.
    • David Hullinger, assistant principal at Westvale Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Rosamond Elementary.
    • Toni Lasater, administrative intern at Oak Leaf Elementary appointed assistant principal at Oak Leaf Elementary.
    • Rebecca Lee, JPAS administrator transferred as assistant principal at Oak Leaf Elementary and JPAS administrator.
    • Jennifer Manning, assistant principal at Mountain Point Elementary transferred as assistant principal at the Child Development Center.
    • Nathan Price, assistant principal at Mountain Shadows Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Ridge View Elementary.
    • Aimie Rizzuto, administrative intern at Jordan Ridge Elementary appointed assistant principal at Jordan Ridge Elementary.
    • Teresa Rossetti, assistant principal at Rosamond Elementary transferred as assistant principal at South Jordan Elementary.
    • Rachelle Smith, administrative intern at Heartland Elementary appointed assistant principal at Heartland Elementary.
    • Stacie Thompson, administrative intern at Elk Meadows Elementary appointed assistant principal at Elk Meadows Elementary.
    • Denise White, administrative intern at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy appointed assistant principal at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy.
    • Adrienne Yancey, assistant principal at South Jordan Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Mountain Point Elementary.
  • New Administrative Internships for 2025-26
    • Kylie Bussell, teacher at Copper Hills High assigned administrative intern at Mountain Ridge High.
    • Cameron Christensen, teacher at Cedar Valley High in Alpine District assigned administrative intern at Copper Hills High.
    • Adrian Ramjoue, teacher at Riverton High assigned administrative intern at West Jordan High.
    • Laura Visaggio, teacher specialist at Herriman High assigned administrative intern at Bingham High.
    • Corey Wales, teacher at Argyle High in Argyle ISD (TX) assigned administrative intern at Riverton High.
    • Jen Arnold, teacher at Lake Mountain Middle in Alpine District assigned administrative intern at Copper Mountain Middle and Hidden Valley Middle.
    • Angela Crawford, teacher at Indian Hills Middle in Canyons District assigned administrative intern at Oquirrh Hills Middle and Mountain Creek Middle.
    • Kathryn Scott, teacher at Kearns High in Granite District assigned administrative intern at West Hills Middle and West Jordan Middle.
    • Kaila Anderson, Instructional Coach at Daybreak Elementary assigned administrative intern at Mountain Shadows Elementary.
    • Jennifer McNees, teacher at Antelope Canyon Elementary assigned administrative intern at Bastian Elementary.
    • Lara Stout, teacher at Southland Elementary assigned administrative intern at Welby Elementary.

 

Published on

DATE:
May 1, 2025

TO:
School Administrators

FROM:
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Paul Bergera, Director of Transportation
Kitt Soumpholphakdy, Field/Activity Trips Coordinator

SUBJECT:
Alternate Field/Activity Trip Options for Schools

The Department of Transportation’s Field/Activity Trips Office is committed to doing its best to accommodate all of the district’s field/activity trip requests. However, there are times throughout the school year, particularly during spring sports season, when the demand for field/activity trips is greater than the supply of bus drivers and school buses. When this happens, schools have alternate options from local charter bus companies to accommodate field/activity trips.

The following local charter bus companies may be able to assist you with your field/activity trips needs when the Field/Activity Trips Office is unable to do so.

RedStar Transportation – https://redstartransportation.com/
Contact: Cate Murphy at cate@redstartransportation.com or 801-685-8560

Right Way Bus Lines – https://www.rightwaybus.com/
Contact: Tea Hafford at office@rightwaybus.com or 385-504-1443

Please keep in mind Jordan School District Transportation’s priorities. The first priority is school routes, the second priority is Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) related trips, and the third priority is all other field/activity trips.

Feel free to contact the Field/Activity Trips Office with any questions you may have.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

 

Published on

DATE:
May 1, 2025

TO:
Principals
All Certified Special Education Staff

FROM:
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education

SUBJECT:
Year-End Checkout for Special Education

The items listed in the attached memo need attention as you prepare to close out the 2024-25 school year. Any questions or concerns that arise should be directed to your school’s Teacher Specialist for clarification.

Published on

DATE:
May 1, 2025

TO:
All administrators

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

SUBJECT:
May 7th Ask a Therapist LIVE!

In partnership with the Cook Center for Human Connection, our customized May Mental Health Series calendar is now available.

Access to the ENGLISH / SPANISH May Mental Health Series Calendar
What’s Included:

  • Key Dates: Schedule of live webinars for May, with each event starting at 5 & 7 PM MT.
  • Topic Highlight: District-selected focus topic tailored to the needs of your students, families, and staff.
  • Access Details: Instructions on how to join live sessions.

You are encouraged to share this calendar with parents, staff, and members of your community. Especially the upcoming Ask a Therapist LIVE event on May 7th at 6:00 pm (MST), which is part of the Mental Health Series platform. This event takes place once a month and offers a unique opportunity for parents to engage directly with a licensed family therapist. Parents can ask questions anonymously and receive personalized answers in real-time.

Please utilize the following to promote the Ask a Therapist LIVE on May 7th event.

Should you have any questions, please reach out to Angie Rasmussen at angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org or Mckinley Withers.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Jared Covili, Consultant in Teaching & Learning

Check out the attached PDF for the latest updates from Teaching & Learning for the month. Learn tips and tricks, sign up for upcoming PD, and learn about important updates from the T & L team.

Published on

DATE:
April 30, 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 (Drill of Choice)

Our monthly drill preparation will be held on May 7th at 3:00 PM with a second session at 3:30 PM. This month, each school will conduct a drill of choice.  Administrators may choose to conduct any one of the safety drills previously covered throughout the year.  The training will be an overview of conducting drills and the use of SRP.  Each School Safety Specialist is expected to attend, along with administrators assigned to oversee school safety.  All other administrators are welcome 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 Standard Response Protocol and other emergency procedures can be found in the Jordan School District Safety Manual.  This will be an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas among the schools.  Consider your school’s identified deficiencies and needed areas of improvement when determining which drill to select.

We will be holding this meeting over ZOOM, so please join using this link.

Published on

DATE:
May 1, 2025

TO:
All School Principals
School Administrative Assistants
Administrators of Schools

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator

SUBJECT:
Monetary Donation Protocol

If a monetary donation is made directly to a school, the school should give the donor a written receipt. If a school needs help printing a receipt from Skyward, please contact Information Systems or Accounting for assistance. Donations of $250 or greater where the donor receives no benefit, such as advertising on a banner, require that the donor receive a written acknowledgement of the donation for IRS purposes.

Please remember to contact Lisa LeStarge in Business Services at lisa.lestarge@jordandistrict.org so a letter can be written to acknowledge and thank the donor. When requesting this letter, schools should specify that no goods or services were given to the donor in exchange for the donation.

Published on

DATE:
April 30, 2025   

TO:
Secondary Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Teaching and Learning Department Administrator
Norman Emerson, Fine Arts/Instructional Support Services Consultant 

SUBJECT:
Library Materials Review

District Policy AA440 outlines a process through which parents, teachers, administrators, students, or Board members may request sensitive materials reviews of library materials. A recent review resulted in the following books being categorized as “objective sensitive materials” and are in the process of being removed from school library collections: 

  • Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
  • Story of A Girl by Sara Zarr

Under the same policy, book removal decisions may be appealed. The policy states, “The Jordan School District Board of Education will review the appeal and vote in a public Board meeting to decide the outcome of a sensitive material review appeal. The appeals process for these titles is now underway. 

The District’s teacher librarians have been instructed to remove the books from their shelves and secure them until the appeal has been completed. Language arts department chairs have also been notified.  

You will be informed when the Board makes a decision.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Michelle Love-Day, Director, Language and Culture Services

This endorsement program is open to K-12 contracted licensed personnel in Jordan School District. This does not include substitute teachers or paraprofessionals who are licensed.

IMPORTANT: As of August 2024, the JSD ESL Endorsement program has been updated to a competency based endorsement that aligns with TESOL standards and USBE requirements. This means the endorsement has undergone some changes and is formatted differently than in previous years. You will earn an endorsement with the Utah State Board of Education. A university credit option through SUU is available at your own expense. Language & Culture Services will not be paying for university credit.

NOTE: Your employee email that ends with "@jordandistrict.org" will be used for ALL correspondence.

Applicants will be placed in the order in which applications are received.

You can sign up for the endorsement using the link below. For more information, please contact your Language Teacher Specialists.

Request for Participation in the ESL Endorsement