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Category: Middle School Action Required

Published on

DATE:
June 13, 2024 

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals

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

SUBJECT:
UPDATED: HB182 Compliance Regarding Surveys and Preferred Pronoun Use

Utah Code §53E-9-203 prohibits schools and school employees from administering any “psychological or psychiatric examination, test, or treatment, or any survey, analysis or evaluation” (emphasis added) where the purpose is to cause a student to identify information in one of the following eight areas:

  1. political affiliations or, except as provided under Section 53G-10-202 or rules of the state board, political philosophies;
  2. mental or psychological problems;
  3. sexual behavior, orientation, or attitudes;
  4. illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
  5. critical appraisals of individuals with whom the student or family member has close family relationships;
  6. religious affiliations or beliefs;
  7. legally recognized privileged and analogous relationships, such as those with lawyers, medical personnel, or ministers; and
  8. income, except as required by law.

HB 182, which passed in the 2024 Utah legislative session and takes effect on July 1, 2024, amends the third item in this list to read as follows (emphasis added):

  1. sexual behavior, orientation, gender identity, or attitudes;

To ensure compliance with HB 182 after July 1, 2024, the following guidance for “beginning-of-year” activities or documents should be noted and communicated to staff:

  • Students should not be asked or otherwise surveyed (including questions on “About Me” or “Getting to Know You”-style assignments and activities) as to their sexual or gender identity or preferred pronouns.
  • Documents or disclosure statements that include this type of survey question about gender identity or preferred pronouns should not be approved by administrators when conducting annual reviews and approvals as required by District Policy AA 432 - Student Attendance and Teacher Disclosure Statements. 

Additionally, staff should be reminded that HB182 also establishes a requirement that any survey related to an early warning system (i.e. Panorama), social emotional learning question, or the school climate system requires parental OPT-IN during registration at the beginning of the school year, adding an additional clearance step to the prohibitions listed above. The opt-in information is included in summer registration materials for District-sponsored surveys.

 

Published on

DATE:       
June 6, 2024

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals

FROM:   
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Matt Alvernaz, School Safety Coordinator

SUBJECT:   
Monthly Drill Schedule

This schedule is designed so that our district will remain in compliance with state regulations. The design is set up so the district can help prepare and support each of your schools throughout the year to better implement these drills. This schedule is to be followed throughout the district.

Secondary schools are required FOUR (4) evacuations a year. You may do more if desired.

Elementary schools are required to conduct an evacuation EVERY OTHER MONTH. These evacuations can follow any drill and DO NOT have to be in conjunction with a fire drill. Due to this regulation and the mandated fire drill after winter break, an evacuation drill will need to be conducted in both December and January in order to remain in compliance. This applies only to elementary schools.

Two virtual Drill Preparation trainings will be held back-to-back on the first Wednesday of each month at 3:00 PM and again at 3:30 PM. The ZOOM LINK will remain the same for each session throughout the year. School Safety Specialists and Administrators over safety are expected to attend. Other administrators or interested employees are always welcome as well.

MONTH DRILL TYPE NOTES
August Fire First 10 days of school
September Secure
October Lockdown Evacuation required for elementary schools
November Shelter
December Hold Evacuation required for elementary schools
January Fire First 10 days of school after winter break
February Secure
March Lockdown Evacuation required for elementary schools
April Earthquake Great Shakeout. Evacuation is optional
May Drill of Choice Choose whichever drill appropriate for your school

If there are any questions, concerns, or conflicts please contact the District Safety Coordinator Matt Alvernaz at matt.alvernaz@jordandistrict.org or by phone at (801) 567-8623.

Published on

DATE:  
June 6, 2024

TO:    
Principals
Assistant Principals

FROM:    
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Matt Alvernaz, School Safety Coordinator

SUBJECT:   
School Safety Specialists

53G-8-701.6 which requires each school to designate a school safety specialist from the employees of the campus was updated this last legislative session. The intent of the memo below is to assist in the process of determining who will fill this role at your school. Please take note of what needs to be done to select the individual needed.

Published on

DATE:  
June 6, 2024

TO:   
Principals
Assistant Principals

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

SUBJECT:
Incident Action Plans

Beginning the 2024-25 school year schools are required to create an action plan for each new incident of bullying.

Each action plan must include:

  • A communication plan to keep each parent updated on the implementation of the plan;
  • For the victim of the incident and in direct coordination with the student’s parent:
    • A tailored response that addresses the student’s needs;
    • Accommodations the student may need for decreased exposure or interactions with the offender;
    • Notification of the consequences and plan to address the behavior of the offender;
    • Supportive measures to preserve the student’s access to educational services and opportunities; and
    • Access to other resources the parent requests for the student.
  • For the student who caused the incident and in direct coordination with the student’s parent:
    • A range of tailored and appropriate consequences, with a reasonable effort to preserve access to educational services and activities;
    • A process to determine and provide resources for the underlying cause of the incident;
    • Supportive measures to preserve educational access while protecting the safety and well-being of other students; and
    • A process to remove the student from school.

The action plan may not require the victim to change their educational schedule or placement; or participation is a school sponsored sport, club, or activity. (§53G-9-605.5)

This memo is intended to provide notification only. Resources and training will be provided in the fall regarding action plans and other prevention efforts to help implement and manage this new requirement.

Published on

TO:
All Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Staff Assistant in Teaching & Learning

As principals plan their building schedules they should prioritize attendance for building coaches on these dates. Please share the finalized schedule with current instructional coaches, BYU/UVU facilitators, Title I coaches, digital coaches, and those employees who have been given coaching assignments for the 2024-2025 school year. The ICI will continue to offer assigned coaches job embedded professional development and options to earn the coaching endorsement during the contract day.

Principals, please mark your calendars to attend the Kickoff and Closing sessions with your coach(es).

2024-2025 Elementary Instructional Coaching Institute Schedule

2024-25 Secondary Instructional Coaching Institute Schedule

Published on

TO:
Elementary Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Staff Assistant in Teaching & Learning

FALL Mentor Training will be available online through Canvas August 5 - September 6. Mentor Training will be provided to new mentors based on administrator recommendation. After checking with potential mentors, please complete the Google Form by Friday, August 30, to add names of mentors you would like to have complete mentor training. We have a limited number of seats. Educators will be added first come, first served. You may add up to three mentors per form. Teachers will get paid $150 stipend for completing the mentor Canvas training.

You can access a list of currently trained mentors on your school’s mentor list shared with you via Google sheets and your school coaching plan. If you need help accessing your mentor list, please contact your district coaching specialist.

Google Form Link

Published on

DATE:  
May 9, 2024

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 below need attention as you prepare to close out the 2023-24 school year. Any questions or concerns that arise should be directed to your school’s Teacher Specialist for clarification.

Published on

DATE: 
May 16, 2024

TO:   
Principals
Assistant Principals

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

SUBJECT: 
End of Year SafeUT Reminders

Throughout the summer SafeUT tips will continue to be sent through the Dashboard to all individuals assigned. If there are any needed changes to SafeUt settings over the summer please contact Angie Rasmussen or McKinley Withers. Issues and tips received through SafeUT should continue to be addressed throughout the summer.

It is critical that ALL SafeUT tips are “closed” in a timely manner and your schools SafeUt Dashboard is up to date because:

  • When tips are not closed, it appears that the school did not address or respond to the concern.
  • The data is used for funding decisions.
  • SafeUT uses the feedback to improve how tips are distributed which impacts our work.

Use these steps to close SafeUt tips:

  1. Document in the School Assessment area. MUST select at least one option under each category.
    1. Choose a student action taken for the student that was involved in the tip.
    2. If there was a threat claimed in the tip, was it verified?
    3. Click Save Information.
  2. Document the texter information (this is the information for the individual of concern which is not always the tipster).
    1. Select gender and age range.
    2. Click Save Information.
  3. Add a Disposition Note
    1. There must be at least one (1) disposition note entered prior to closing the tip. This could be about who was involved, what happened, and/or how the tip was resolved.
    2. Click Add Note to save.
  4. Close the Tip (click “Close the Tip” in the upper right corner)
    1. A drop box will appear and you choose the best option from the list and then click close.
    2. Once the tip is closed it will be removed from the school list.

Here is a step-by-step information sheet that includes this process with images.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Angie Rasmussen at angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org

Published on

TO:
Elementary Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Staff Assistant in Teaching & Learning

Admin, please share this information with your teachers.

Many of your teachers are pursuing a STEM endorsement (see our EIP website for a full list of endorsements) USBE WILL REIMBURSE THEM FOR THEIR EDUCATION! This is called the STEM Endorsement Incentive Program (EIP). See the attached flyer and link to our EIP website for more information.

The next round of reimbursement applications is due May 29th, 2024 for teachers who completed STEM courses in Winter 2023/Spring 2024. If you have any questions, please reach out to the content consultant. We would love to talk to you!

Published on

DATE:
May 9, 2024

TO:
Principals
Elementary Administrative Assistants
Secondary Attendance Secretaries

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

SUBJECT:
Entering Attendance in Skyward for the Last Six (6) Days of the School Year

Please see the attached memo.

 

Published on

DATE:
May 9, 2024

TO: 
Principals
Elementary Administrative Assistants
Secondary School Registrars

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

SUBJECT:
Permanent Records - Transfer Processes and Procedures

Please see the attached memo.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Paul Bergera, Director of Transportation

School Administrators,

I received the following letter from State Risk Management. State Risk is witnessing a major increase in reported accidents in and around school bus zones. Regretfully, Jordan School District has experienced several accidents in and around school bus zones this school year. The letter highlights the importance of dedicated school bus zones being used solely for the purpose of school buses and also emphasizes the importance of keeping bus zones free from all vehicles other than school buses. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Jordan School District is more than willing to provide personnel and resources to you as you develop your school's safety plan. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Matt Alvernaz, JSD School Safety Coordinator, at matt.alvernaz@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8623 or Brandon Conti, JSD Risk Management Coordinator, at brandon.conti@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8876. Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.

 

Published on

DATE:
April 23, 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 (SHELTER)

Our monthly drill preparation will be held on May 1st at 3:00 PM with a second session at 3:30 PM. This month we will be covering SHELTER. 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 opened to any staff who may be interested.

Information regarding the SHELTER response protocol can be found in the Jordan School District Safety Manual on pages 20-24. 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.

Published on

DATE:  
April 18, 2024

TO: 
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
2024-2025 School Wellness Representatives

The wellness team is excited to announce the continuation of our Educator Wellness Reps Program that is intended to support employee health and wellness. The Educator Wellness Representatives will primarily be responsible for supporting faculty/staff wellness efforts within your schools.

Educator Wellness Representatives Duties include:

  • Will attend bi-annual in person training on 9/18/24 & 1/8/25
    • **Schools will need to cover the cost of the sub**, administrators are invited to attend with their school representative
  • Promote wellness initiatives at the District and school level
  • Lead and support faculty/staff wellness efforts at your school throughout the year
  • Maintain a connection with District Wellness Specialists
  • Model educator wellness for the school community

Steps to having an educator wellness rep for your school or department:

  1. Consider the following:
    1. Nominees must be a licensed, non-administrative staff member. We highly recommend using a non-mental health team staff member. Also, we recommend they work with a leadership team or social committee at your school.
    2. Principals may work with their current reps to see if they’re interested in doing this important work again for the upcoming school year.
  2. Principal nominates ONE educator wellness representative for each school using this form.
  3. Attend the twice per year training with your representative and cover the cost of the substitute
  • Action Items for administrators:
    • Please nominate your Educator Wellness Representative for the 24-25 school year!

Published on

TO:
Middle School Principals
High School Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Staff Assistant in Teaching & Learning

Principals,

As a principal, you are key to the success of instructional coaching, a powerful and evolving tool in education!

Please mark your calendars to attend our final Instructional Coaching Institute with your coaching team on Wednesday, May 1st from 8:00-11:00 a.m. at the ASB Auditorium. You will be provided time to review your current coaching plan, be given more information about 2025 New Educator Induction, collaborate with other schools on coaching, and begin to discuss plans for next year.

Published on

DATE:   
April 18, 2024

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, 2024. 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)

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Becky Gerber, Administrator of Schools

The BYU School Leadership Program is looking for summer mentors for students pursuing an administrative endorsement. If you are interested in mentoring a BYU administrative intern this coming summer and have some meaningful work for them to do, please take a few minutes to complete this brief form. Thank you!

Link:
Mentor a BYU Administrative Intern this Summer

 

 

Published on

DATE:  
April 10, 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: 
Great Utah Shake Out Earthquake Drill 2024

On Thursday, April 18 2024, at 10:15 A.M. a million Utahns will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in the annual Great Utah Shake Out Earthquake Drill.

All schools are encouraged to participate in this drill, or to conduct an earthquake drill sometime in the month of April. This is an opportunity to incorporate emergency preparedness in classroom lessons and to include proper ways to protect oneself during an earthquake.

The Jordan School District has registered as a whole to participate in the Great Utah ShakeOut. You can find more information at: The Great Utah ShakeOut!

Please review the Jordan School District Safety Manual - Earthquake Action Plan and Standard Operating Guidelines on pages 28-31 for planning, drilling and responding to an earthquake.

For additional information or guidance please contact the District School Safety Coordinator, Matt Alvernaz at matt.alvernaz@jordandistrict.org or by phone at 801-567-8623.

Published on

DATE:
April 10, 2024

TO: 
Principals
Assistant Principals

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Matt Alvernaz, School Safety Coordinator

SUBJECT:  
Safe Routes To School Meeting Sign Up (Riverton Schools ONLY)

The City of Riverton has reviewed the Safe Routes To School (SRTS) forms we submitted and is prepared to meet with each administration to discuss them.

The meetings will be held on April 26th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM over ZOOM. Each meeting will be held in 15-minute increments. Please select a time slot on the SIGN-UP sheet provided. Times are on a first come first served basis. Feel free to work with one another as needed.

If more time is required to discuss an issue in depth, then we will schedule a time with the city soon after to do so.

Take a moment to review your maps on the new website, found at Safe Routes Utah, please ensure the routes are accurate and complete.

For any additional assistance or clarification please contact Matt Alvernaz at matt.alvernaz@jordandistrict.org or by phone at 801-567-8623.

ZOOM Link

SIGN-UP Link

Published on

TO:
School Administrators

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

The USBE Digital Teaching and Learning (DTL) Grant provides opportunities and tools for teachers in Jordan School District to address and close student achievement gaps through the use of high quality instruction that integrates technology. This survey will help us determine technology training and hardware/software needs for the 2024-2025 school year.

Click HERE to complete the end of year DTL Survey from USBE. Survey is due by 4/29/24.