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DATE:
Thursday, September 19, 2024

TO:
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
Research Project


The Research Review Committee has reviewed a research project in which your school has been asked to participate.

Project Title: State of Recess Survey

Applicant: Kimberly Clevenger, Utah State University

The project has been approved by the District Research Review Committee. The applicant has been directed to contact you to discuss the extent of the project and to obtain your permission to conduct the study at your school. Participation in the study is at your discretion. If you have questions or concerns relating to participation, please contact Ben Jameson at 801-567-8243.

The project will involve voluntary participation in a survey about school recess administered to school administrators and teachers.

Thank you for your assistance.

TO:
Principals
Teachers

FROM:
Michelle Love-Day, Director of Language & Culture Services


Language And Culture Services has an opportunity for educators to join us to learn strategies for teaching Multilingual Students. If you missed our summer SIOP workshop, then this is the professional development for you! Please use this link to register: Fall 2024 ML Support PD Signup Form

 

 

DATE:
September 10, 2024

TO:
All Administrators and Financial Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools
John Larsen, Business Administrator

SUBJECT:
Staff Appreciation Funds (formerly known as Staff Discretionary Funds)


A change has been made in Staff Appreciation Funds beginning this year. An additional allocation of up to $50 per staff member (both licensed and ESP) for snacks, meals, etc. in conjunction with Professional Development has been approved. Please see the attached memo for budgeting and other helpful information on utilizing these funds.

TO:
All Principals
All Administrative Assistants

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


All McKinney Vento Aides are required to attend.

Monday, September 23, 2024
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Presentation Room, ASB, Entrance C

See attached flyer.

DATE:    
September 12, 2024

TO:  
Administrators
Administrative Assistants

FROM: 
June LeMaster, Administrator, Human Resources
Brent Burge, Human Resource Administrator, ESP

SUBJECT:
2024 FTE Audits


Once again, we request your assistance to review the 2024-25 FTE Audit report and make necessary changes as soon as possible.  This report will be distributed end of the day on September 16th. This report will include essential details such as faculty/staff verification, FTE, title, and budget code(s). Please read the important information below and refer to the “Instructions” sheet for guidance on completing the audit.

Important Deadlines and Actions:

  • DUE DATE: The FTE Audit Report must be completed and submitted to HR for processing by September 25, 2024.
  • Completion Indication: You must check the “yellow” box on the instructions sheet to complete the audit process.

Corrections and New Hires:

  • All corrections identified on the FTE Audit Report will be made by HR. You DO NOT need to submit change forms.
  • For new hires not listed in the report, please submit a hire sheet to HR through Frontline.

Optional HR Meeting:
If you are a new administrator and/or a veteran administrator and would like to meet with an HR Administrator/Specialist to review or assist you with your FTE audit, a scheduling link is available on the Instructions sheet in your audit documents. You may invite your Administrative Assistant and/or Assistant Principal to this meeting. Please review the audit thoroughly and come prepared with the necessary changes.

Thank you for your time and cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact:
Brittany Bauer - brittany.bauer@jordandistrict.org     x88214
Jane Olsen -  jane.olsen@jordandistrict.org      x88217
Brent Burge  - brent.burge@jordandistrict.org     x88224

DATE:
September 12, 2024

TO: 
All Principals
All Licensed Educators

FROM:
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Melanie Dawson, Program Administrator of Behavior

SUBJECT:
ETT: Cultivating Classroom Management Skills


Seats are limited and fill quickly, so learners need to register on Canvas Catalog as soon as possible. Search “ETT” or use the direct registration link.

Cohort Dates for Fall 2024: Oct. 2nd- Dec. 4th
Register by: Sept. 25th

This course is beneficial for: All general education and special education teachers
Also welcome: Specialists, interventionists, and mental health providers.

Topics include:
Antecedents, behavior basics, class-wide and individual interventions, increasing academic effectiveness, data-based decision making, students with unique needs, and personal wellness

Format:
This 7-week course will be offered online in an asynchronous format. Learners will engage with content and activities via Canvas. *Although pacing is flexible, participants must complete the first module within the first week or their spot will go to someone on the waitlist.

1 USBE credit and a $500 stipend is available to licensed employees who successfully complete the course.

Note for instructional coaches: You can request to be an observer in the course instead of registering as a learner. Please email Melanie Dawson or Katie Jarvis if you are interested. melanie.dawson@jordandistrict.org or katie.jarvis@jordandistrict.org

Please see attached for more information.

TO:
Administrators

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


Our YuJa contract is set to expire on October 1, 2024. As a district, we’ve chosen not to renew the contract as there are many new options available to teachers and students to create screencast learning videos. Here are some of the best options for creating a video:

  • Screencast by Google - This tool has recently been made FREE on any Chromebook device.  The videos save directly into Google Drive and you have unlimited access to create and store videos.  Unfortunately, you can only create ScreenCast videos on a Chromebook device, not using Google Chrome on a Mac or PC. Learn more about creating videos using Screencast.
  • Canva - One of underutilized tools from Canvas is a video creation tool.  You can use AI to help you create some elements of videos and use the Canva collections to add callouts, text, etc. to your projects. Check out a Canva video tutorial.
  • Loom - This tool allows you access to a pro educational account for creating videos.  Simple to use and edit your videos, loom is a great option for teachers using their Mac or PC.  Find out more about Loom.
  • Built in Tools on your Mac or PC - Both Mac and PC provide options for you to create screencast videos.  You can use QuickTime Pro or Command +Shift+ 5 to create a quick video as well.  These must be uploaded into Google Drive or Canvas to share with students. Similar options are available for the PC - here’s an article describing some of your options on the PC.

Please note you can still download any videos from YuJa you need for your classroom.  These must be downloaded by Oct. 1, 2024 to ensure you have access to your video content. Instructions on downloading videos can be found on the YuJa website.

DATE:
September 12, 2024

TO:
All Principals
All Special Education Staff
School Psychologists
Elementary School Counselors

FROM:
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Melanie Dawson, Program Administrator of Behavior

SUBJECT:
ASPEN Training For Special Education Personnel 2024-2025


ASPEN training is required for all licensed special education teachers, SLPs, school psychologists, elementary school counselors, as well as all Education Support Professionals (ESPs) in SEB and Autism self-contained support classrooms who do not have a current Mandt certification. Staff members working in any other special education setting may choose to attend ASPEN at the discretion of their building administrator and at the cost of their school.

Please see the attached memo for more information and class schedules and links.

DATE:
September 12, 2024

TO:
All Principals
All Special Education Teachers

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

SUBJECT:
Changes to Assistive Technology Referrals and New Resource Guide


The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology, and Office of Special Education recently issued a memorandum that highlights the importance of the provision of assistive technology (AT) for students with disabilities. This communication emphasized that it is critical that IEP teams understand how to consider, procure, implement, and evaluate AT services for children with disabilities.

In response to this memorandum, the Jordan Utah Assistive Technology Team (UATT) has created an Assistive Technology Consideration and Resource Guide that will provide a framework to assist IEP teams in the AT consideration process. This resource will also provide examples of AT tools that can be used to support various areas of academic skills and tasks.

Additionally, the Jordan UATT has updated the AT referral process. UATT referrals will now be submitted in a digital format (Google form). In the past, UATT utilized one form to refer students for AT assessments, and another form that allowed special educators with experience supporting assistive technology to request specific tools without an AT assessment. The new digital format collapses those two forms into a single smart form.

Both of these resources can be found on the Jordan UATT webpage on the JSD Special Education website. Questions and inquiries for assistance regarding the Assistive Technology Consideration and Resource Guide, Jordan UATT Referral process, or any other topics related to assistive technology can be directed to the JSD assistive technology specialist, Cheri Blue at Cheri.Blue@jordandistrict.org.

TO:
Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator, Teaching & Learning
Tricia Rojas, Specialist, Health & PE


Principals, it is mandatory for all Health, P.E., and Driver Ed teachers as well as Sports Coaches to have a current CPR/First Aid Certification (every 2 years). Please, share this information with the applicable teachers at your school. Teachers may enroll in the next available course through the Canvas Catalog.

TO:
Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator, Teaching & Learning
Tricia Rojas, Specialist, Health & PE


Principals, it is mandatory for all Health and/or 4th-grade teachers to complete the Botvin Life Skills training. Please share this information with the applicable teachers at your school. See the attached document for upcoming training opportunities and requirements for this curriculum.

TO:
Administrators
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Michelle Love-Day, Director of Language & Culture Services


Language & Culture Services wants to celebrate our 2024 WIDA graduates. Our students work hard and we want to celebrate their linguistic greatness in reaching level 4.2 overall and level 3.5 on the speaking section in WIDA. Please come out and celebrate with your students and their families. Each feeder system has a special date.

  • Sept. 23, Mountain Ridge High, 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 9, Bingham High, 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 30, Herriman High, 7 p.m.
  • Nov.7, West Jordan High, 7 p.m.
  • Nov. 21, Copper Hills High, 7 p.m.
  • Dec. 2, Riverton High, 7 p.m.

You can access your individual feeder system flyer using this link:

DATE:
September 12, 2024

TO:
Secondary Assistant Principals and Campus Monitors

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

SUBJECT:
Campus Monitor Training


This is a reminder that Campus Monitor Training will be held in two sessions on Tuesday, September 17. The morning session will be held in the ASB presentation room from 7:30 am-9:00 am.  The afternoon session will be held in the ASB presentation room from 1:30 pm-3:00 pm.

Assistant Principal meeting is also held on the morning of September 17.  Please coordinate with your team on meeting attendance.  All Campus Monitors are required to attend one session.  Assistant Principals, interns, & administrators are welcome but not required to attend.

DATE:    
September 5, 2024

TO:  
Administrators
Administrative Assistants

FROM: 
June LeMaster, Administrator, Human Resources
Brent Burge, Human Resource Administrator, ESP

SUBJECT: 
2024 Fall Recess Annual-Personal Leave before-after Critical Day


If you are a contracted employee and need to take Annual/Personal Leave on a Critical Day before or after Fall 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
Fall Recess
Licensed
October 21-25, 2024 Oct. 18 and 29, 2024 Sept. 7 – Sept. 17, 2024
Fall Recess
ESP
October 24-25, 2024 Oct. 18 and 29, 2024 Sept. 10 – Sept. 20, 2024

DATE:
September 5, 2024

TO:
All Secondary Principals

FROM:
Steffany Ellsworth, Support Services Manager


In an effort to improve our graduation and dropout statistics at the State Board of Education, it is important that we correctly account for each student’s enrollment. Each school’s current dropout cohort cleanup report will be provided to registrars by Monday, September 9th. The report will come from JSD Information Systems through MoveIT. This is a report of students who are currently counted as dropouts for your school for the 2023-24 Cohort. Registrars review each record on this report to determine whether or not an existing dropout exit code can be changed (thus lowering your dropout rate).

Please connect with your registrars to ensure they are working to enter the corrected information and return the report in the same electronic format as was sent via MoveIT to Carrie Norris (carrie.norris@jordandistrict.org) in Information Systems by September 27, 2024. They should also send a cc copy to Stacee Worthen (stacee.worthen@jordandistrict.org) in Student Services and Brooke Anderson (brooke.anderson@jordandistrict.org) in Assessment, Research and Accountability.

Feel free to contact the Information Systems Help Desk at (801) 567-8737 with any questions as you work through this process. The UTREx system is a great help in locating students. If your registrar doesn’t have access to UTREx, you may request access for them by emailing a request to ishelpdesk@jordandistrict.org.

TO:  
All Administrators

FROM:
Jordan School District Cabinet Members


The Administrative Leadership Conference for administrators is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, 2025 and Thursday, August 7, 2025. All administrators should plan to attend on both days.

DATE:
Thursday, September 5, 2024

TO:
Administrators
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Steffany Ellsworth, Support Services Manager in Information Systems
David Bowman, Systems and Security Manager


Information Systems is excited to announce that on September 12th, we'll be implementing a new email security system to enhance your online safety. This upgrade will reduce the amount of spam and scams you receive. As we fine-tune the system, some emails will have "SPAM?" in the subject line.

If you're expecting an email that hasn't arrived, please don't hesitate to contact the Information Systems help desk at (801) 567-8737. We're committed to providing you with the best possible email experience.

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 September. 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


Teaching and Learning (T&L) is here to help you with your 32 hours of educator-directed learning. You'll find lots of great classes, workshops, and conferences that can provide you with the learning and hours you'll need to meet the 32-hour stipend requirement.

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


Please see the attached newsletter.