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Principals,

As a reminder, underqualified educators who are working towards their Professional License through the Jordan School District APPEL program are required to take the PPAT Assessment, which is offered twice a year, both in the spring and in the fall.  The PPAT registration fee is $300.  Since Principals have the discretion to hire either a qualified or underqualified candidate for open positions, it is the responsibility of the Principal to reimburse the underqualified educator for the PPAT registration fee, once the educator has passed the PPAT assessment.  This is a one-time reimbursement per educator, which implies that if an educator does not pass the PPAT, he/she must retake the PPAT at their own cost until they receive a passing score.  In order for the Principal to reimburse the cost of the PPAT, the educator must provide a PPAT receipt and copy of their passing score to the Principal.  Principals may use In Lieu funds or TSSA funds, if it is written into your plan. Your plan can always be amended to include the PPAT or will be covered under “professional development”. Principals are then to submit an NPO check request to the Accounting Department.

Please feel free to contact Brittany Bauer, HR Specialist – Secondary or Jane Olsen, HR Specialist - Elementary with any questions regarding the PPAT.

Effective May 3, 2023, Utah law now prohibits individuals convicted of child abuse or who have pled guilty or no contest to child abuse from submitting an affidavit for home school to an LEA. In order to comply with this update to the law, a revision to the District's home school affidavit has been prepared and is attached. While schools should not process home school affidavits, any school who keeps copies of the affidavit on hand for patrons should discard previous versions.

"A Better Understanding of Your Native American Students"- An interactive PD opportunity for our teachers and administrators to learn about Native Communities and Cultures, Cultural Appropriation, and insight on teaching sensitive historical topics.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. in the ASB Presentation Room. Please scan the QR code on the flyer to RSVP.

DATE:
April 27, 2023

TO:
Building Administrators
Elementary Administrative Assistants
Secondary Attendance Secretaries
Secondary Registrars

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Caleb Olson, Consultant, Planning & Enrollment

SUBJECT:
Utah’s “Safe at Home” Program & School Enrollment


The State of Utah has created a confidential address program for victims of abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, stalking, or sexual assault. The program, now called “Safe at Home,” is authorized by Utah Code 77-38

Participants in the program are issued a legal substitute address that they may use for any purpose, including receiving mail and school registration, to keep their actual address confidential. The substitute address is the address of a state office building and includes an “apartment number” unique to each participant. It is anticipated that this program will begin in late summer or fall of 2023.

Participants in the program are issued an authorization card that will include their name, substitute address, and contact information for the Safe at Home program. Schools are required under Utah Code 77-38-611 to accept this address and use it for school enrollment. When presented with a card, school staff should call the number of the Safe at Home program on the card. Program staffers will verify for the school that the individual lives within the boundaries of the school but will not release the actual address. School staff should then enter the substitute address as the legal address for the family in Skyward. It will likely be necessary for schools to manually add the “H” permit code to the student’s record to avoid Skyward flagging the student as living outside the school’s boundary. School staff MAY NOT ask or require the program participant to reveal their actual address.

At enrollment, schools may ask if the family lives in the bus eligible areas of the school boundary, when applicable. If the family is bus eligible, the school may assist the family in identifying nearby bus stops, either using a map of current bus stops or by identifying stops by a landmark or other location in the vicinity of the family’s address. 

Schools may not see large numbers of participants in the program, but should prepare all those who process new enrollments to be aware of the program so they can respond appropriately.

Additional information on Safe at Home can be found at https://crimevictim.utah.gov/safe-at-home/

 

DATE:
April 20, 2023

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 & Wellness Specialist

SUBJECT:
Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) Level 1 Workshop Opportunity


Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) is a school violence prevention program. Training consists of two (2) levels and both levels must be completed by all administrators and is recommended for school threat assessment team members.

Structure:  The CSTAG Level 1 training consists of six (6) hour web-based training from Navigate360. 

Target Audience: In addition to administrators, this workshop will benefit teachers, mental health clinicians, school psychologists, school resources officers, and counselors, or any school employee who serves on the school’s threat assessment multidisciplinary team.  

Content: CSTAG level 1 can assist in developing an awareness of threat assessments and use of the CSTAG model at your school. Here are specific descriptions of the six modules that will be taught in the training.

Why: This workshop will increase awareness about school violence prevention, provide procedures/methodology for determining threat levels, assist in determining responses to threats, and will give your school trained educators to include on a threat assessment team. 

Registration: If you are interested in having any staff trained in CSTAG Level 1, please direct them to complete this form. Student services will be funding the tuition for each participant as long as they are registered by the end of this school year. Once registered, the participant will receive an email with information about how to access the training. Those who complete level 1 before June 9th can then register for CSTAG Level 2. 

An upcoming session for the level 2 workshop will be offered as an in-person training on June 9, 2023.  Select the link for JPLS to register for a session of CSTAG Level 2 training. The course number is 101883. Section # 117422

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

DATE:
April 21, 2023
 

TO:
High School Principals, Assistant Principals, Counselors,
and Registrars 

FROM:
C. Brad Sorensen, Administrator of Schools
Stacee Worthen, Secondary Counseling Specialist
Jacinto Peterson, Principal, Valley High School  

SUBJECT:
Critical Dates Regarding 24-credit Diploma through Valley High School 


Counselors and students planning to graduate with a 24-credit diploma from Valley High School need to be aware of the following date/deadlines: 

May 15, 2023
Names of all students planning to graduate with a 24-credit diploma must be submitted to Jacinto Peterson, Principal of Valley High School.

All students who are planning to walk at Valley High School’s graduation ceremony need to contact Jostens at 1-800-JOSTENS immediately to order the Valley High School cap and gown package. If they have previously ordered from their boundary school, Jostens will help them with the cancellation and reorder of Valley High School colors. 

May 22, 2023
Deadline for official transfer of student to Valley High School. All transfer students must have credits complete and transcripts reviewed by their boundary school before transfer is submitted, and student is withdrawn from their boundary school. Valley High School registrar will complete all transfers on May 22nd.  

May 24, 2023
All students who are planning to walk during the Valley High School Graduation Ceremony must attend one of the following meetings at Valley High: 12:30 p.m. OR  4:30 p.m.
Each meeting will be approximately one hour. Students will not be allowed to walk with fellow graduates if they do not attend one of these meetings. Caps and gowns will be distributed at the end of this mandatory meeting. 

May 31, 2023
Valley High School Graduation Ceremony 10:00 a.m.
Real Salt Lake Training Academy
Zion’s Bank Stadium, Real Academy (14787 Academy Parkway, Herriman, UT

June 1, 2023
Students who do not wish to attend the graduation ceremony may pick up their diploma at Valley High School.

Please make note of these important dates and ensure they are communicated to students who are planning to use this option. 

*Attached are instructions and the application for a 24-credit diploma through Valley High School.

Date:
April 20, 2023

To:
Principals and District Administrators

From:
Brad Sorensen, Administrator of Schools

Subject:
Stipend for Department Chairs and Team Leaders


Stipends for Department Chairs and Team Leaders will be paid in May.

● Elementary Schools may pay $300 for 8 Team Leaders.
● Middle Schools may pay $500 for 12 Department Chairs or Team Leaders.
● High Schools may pay $500 for 16 Department Chairs or Team Leaders.

A multiple timesheet roster should be submitted to the Payroll Department by May 2, 2023. All Department Chairs or Team Leaders will be paid out of the same program number from which their salary is paid. Each roster should be clearly marked “Stipend for Department Chair” or “Stipend for Team Leader.”

Kauri Sue, River’s Edge, South Valley, and JATC will be paid as middle schools. If a school houses an additional special education program (cluster program or preschool program), the school will have an additional team leader allocation.

Budget Code
10 xxx xxxx 2216 131
10 xxx 7551 2216 131 (Special Education)

DATE:
April 18, 2023

TO:
All Principals
All Budget Directors

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
June LeMaster, Ph.D., Administrator, Human Resources
Daniel Ellis, Director of Accounting, Budgets, & Audits
Bonnie Brennan, Director of Insurance Services
Michael Heaps, Director of Information Services
Sarah Palmer, Director of Payroll
Kurt Prusse, Director of Purchasing

SUBJECT:
Year-End Processing Deadlines


Please observe the following critical deadlines, listed in the memo below, regarding the financial year-end processes for the 2022-23 year. Please review these dates as they could have a major effect on your location’s ability to operate.

As we approach the end of the 2022-23 school year, it is important to make sure your location has reported all drills, actual emergencies, and related planning and debrief meetings for this school year using the Google Form, link: 2022-23 REPORT EMERGENCY - DRILLS, ACTUAL EVENTS, or MEETINGSPlease include all related details.  

The Board of Education has asked to receive quarterly reports on all drills and actual emergencies throughout the district.  Information submitted using the report form will be used for this purpose. 

For help or questions, contact Facility Operations at Auxiliary Services:
Judy Bird, Administrative Assistant: 801-567-8625, judy.bird@jordandistrict.org
Teresa Lyon, Administrative Assistant: 801-567-8626, teresa.lyon@jordandistrict.org
Jeff Beesley, Risk Management Coordinator: 801-567-8876, jeffrey.beesley@jordandistrict.org
Lance Everill, Emergency Operations Manager: 801-567-8623, lance.everill@jordandistrict.org

Date:
April 17, 2023

To:
Applicable School Principals and Administrative Assistants
All Area Administrators of Schools and Administrative Assistants

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

Subject:
External Audit Visits


The external auditors (Squire & Company, PC) will be visiting the following schools on the dates indicated. They will be reviewing school fees (appropriate amount charged, waivers, etc.) and financial information. Once finished, the auditors will want a few minutes with the Principal. If the Principal is unavailable, an Assistant Principal may meet with them. The auditors are planning on coming to the schools in the order listed. Exact times of arrival will vary depending on length of stay at earlier schools and travel time. If you have any questions or if your administrative assistant will not be available, please call Natalie Grange at (801) 567-8312.

 

May 1, 2022
Mountain Ridge HS
Blackridge Elem
Kings Peak HS (Hidden Valley Middle)
Kelsey Peak MS (Hidden Valley Middle)
Mountain Point Elementary
May 2, 2023
Bingham HS
Riverton HS
Rose Creek Elem
South Hills MS
Ridge View Elem

 

 

DATE:
Thursday, April 20, 2023

TO:
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
Response Counts for the USBE School Climate Survey

________________________________________________________________________________

Principals are encouraged to use the following links to monitor the response rates for the student and adult USBE School Climate Surveys.

As a reminder, all students in grades K-12 should have time scheduled during the school day to take the school climate survey. The survey closes at the end of the day Friday, May 5th.

Response Rate Links:

K-2 USBE School Climate Survey Response Counts

3-6 USBE School Climate Survey Response Counts

7-12 USBE School Climate Survey Response Counts

Parent USBE School Climate Survey Response Counts

Faculty USBE School Climate Survey Response Counts

Survey administration materials may be found in the JAM memo dated February 23, 2023.

Direct links to the surveys may be found below:

K-2 USBE School Climate Survey:
https://jordandistrict.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_55b2xN5kNMbgoGW

3-6 USBE School Climate Survey:
https://jordandistrict.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VEeE9V2KImmy46

7-12 USBE School Climate Survey:
https://jordandistrict.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6MazEzmTiMsaK4m

Adult USBE School Climate Survey (for parents, faculty, administrators and SROs): https://jordandistrict.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3k3rbSvVU5LIxlI

 

We have created training videos for every sweeper route and posted them to our Custodial Website.

You will also find other training videos that will help all of our employees become knowledgeable in their field.

We also have under the Documents/Forms/Logs tab, a link to all the forms the Head Custodian, Lead Custodian and/or Adult Night Supervisor should be using to check on the sweepers and adult custodians to make sure they are getting their jobs done each night.

The following are new administrative assignments:

New Assignments effective July 1, 2023:

  • Jessica Hayes, administrator intern at the Child Development Center appointed assistant principal at the Child Development Center.
  • Thyme Meleisea-Vea, administrator intern at Oak Leaf Elementary appointed assistant principal at Oak Leaf Elementary.
  • Teresa Rossetti, administrator intern at Rosamond Elementary appointed assistant principal at Rosamond Elementary.
  • Angela Solum, assistant principal at Riley Elementary in Salt Lake School District appointed assistant principal at Heartland Elementary.
  • Jessica Wilson, administrator intern at South Valley and South Hills Middle appointed assistant principal at South Valley.
  • Janae Young, administrator intern at Aspen Elementary appointed assistant principal at Silver Crest Elementary.

Transfers effective July 1, 2023:

  • Kim Andersen, assistant principal at West Jordan Elementary assigned assistant principal at Welby Elementary.
  • TJ Davenport, assistant principal at Rose Creek Elementary assigned assistant principal at Daybreak Elementary.
  • Natalie Gleave, assistant principal at Eastlake Elementary assigned assistant principal at Rose Creek Elementary.
  • John Sassman, assistant principal at Midas Creek Elementary assigned assistant principal at Copper Canyon Elementary.
  • Allyson Stovall, assistant principal at Southland Elementary assigned assistant principal at Eastlake Elementary.

New Elementary Administrative Intern Assignments effective July 1, 2023:

  • Holly Bagley, instructional coach at Plymouth Elementary in Granite School District assigned administrative intern at Southland Elementary.
  • Cammie Chang, teacher at Antelope Canyon Elementary assigned administrative intern at Jordan Hills Elementary.
  • Betsy Lopez, teacher at Daybreak Elementary assigned administrative intern at Aspen Elementary.
  • Lauren Nalder, instructional coach at Riverside Elementary assigned administrative intern at Midas Creek Elementary.

DATE: 
April 12, 2023

TO:  
School Psychologists and School Psychology Interns

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

SUBJECT: 
May School Psychologist and School Psychology Interns Meeting


A meeting for school psychologists and school psychology interns has been scheduled for Friday, May 5, 2023, from 12:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Auxiliary Services Building (7905 South Redwood Road). We will start at 12:00 p.m. with a luncheon. Jamison Law, Ed.D., Director of Clinical Education for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at UVU, will provide us with a presentation that addresses Secondary Trauma and Compassion Fatigue.

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

cc:
Principals

Please take a moment to consider nominating a school or educator for this prestigious honor presented annually by the state-wide program Resilient Utah. Each year education organizations and individuals are chosen that have shown exemplary efforts in building resilience in their schools, homes and communities. The Education Tribute Awards will be announced during “Resilient Utah Month” in May 2023.

Deadline to nominate is April 21, 2023

LINK to Nomination Form

DATE:       
April 12, 2023

TO: 
Administrators
All Current or Future Panorama Users

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services

SUBJECT:   
Panorama for Positive Behavior Training Sessions


Training sessions for Panorama’s Positive Behavior have been scheduled to assist all schools using or interested in using the Positive Behavior module in Panorama. The sessions are designed to provide navigational support for teachers and administrators. Each session will include a demonstration from a Panorama product expert and former educator, practice time, and valuable leave behind resources to support immediate action in your daily work.

Please see memo below for dates and times of the training sessions.

The attached document has more detailed information and may also be accessed here.

DATE:     
April 13, 2023

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 & Wellness Specialist

SUBJECT: 
Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) National Study Participation


Thank you for the work you do as a member of your school threat assessment team. Our district is participating in a national study conducted by Dr. Dewey Cornell’s research team at the University of Virginia. As part of the study, you are asked to complete an anonymous survey about your threat assessment team.

Please complete the CSTAG Implementation Fidelity Survey at this LINK

The deadline is 6/2/23.

The survey will take about 20 minutes. Each member of the school’s threat assessment team should complete this survey. If you serve on more than one team, complete separate surveys for each school team.

If you have questions about the survey, please reach out to Angie Rasmussen at angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org.

This survey does not replace documentation for each individual threat assessment done at your schools. Thank you for providing your valuable time and input.

DATE:      
April 6, 2023

TO: 
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
You and your staff are invited to a Wellness Accelerator Event!


You and your staff are invited to a Wellness Accelerator Event at JATC South Auditorium on April 14th, from 1:30-3:30.

The 2023 Wellness Accelerator is an opportunity to learn from passionate educators like you. There will be a variety of topics covered through brief, prepared table-top discussions from educators around Jordan District on strategies for student and staff wellness. Participants should plan on walking away with practical ways to enhance wellness for yourself and others!

Who should attend? You! Jordan School District administrators, school leaders, and staff committed to SEL/wellness initiatives (substitutes can be provided upon request) are invited to attend.

Review the attached flyer and share with those that would benefit from attending.

Please contact McKinley Withers (mckinley.withers@jordandistrict.org) for additional information and questions.