Skip to content

Category: Middle School Deadline

Published on

District Science Lab/Chemical Clean Up
One-time disposal opportunity!

Principals:

Jordan District is initiating a science lab review, clean up and sign off to ensure the safety of teachers and students as well as mitigating expensive disposal fees.

The district is offering a one-time disposal opportunity for chemicals that are expired and/or no longer used requiring specialized disposal.

Most of the chemicals in schools can be safely disposed of on site as long as appropriate protocols are followed. Understanding that some teachers may not feel comfortable disposing of certain chemicals without some verification and/or support, experienced teachers are happy to help. Simply reach out to Jane Harward and arrangements will be made.

The final deadline for lab review, clean up and sign off is June 11th, 2021. Sign offs can occur anytime between now and then. Early signoff is highly encouraged and appreciated.

Science teams can refer to the following process to guide their work.

  1. Take inventory of all chemicals and ensure they are stored in appropriate/required locations.
  2. Safely dispose of chemicals and materials that are expired or no longer used.
  1. Update SDS books with current sheets.
    • The MSDS books are outdated and need to be replaced with new SDS books and sheets.
    • If you need a new SDS book please email Jeff Beesley.

If chemicals are identified requiring specialized disposal please contact Jane Harward and Jeff Beesley.

When all tasks are complete and the lab is ready for sign off please email Jane Harward and Jeff Beesley.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and help.

Jane

Published on

We are pleased to announce that the 2021 nomination and application cycle for the Sorenson Legacy Awards for Excellence in Arts Education is now open. We would like to enlist your help to increase awareness of this prestigious award to those in your area before our April 2, 2021 nomination deadline.

Philanthropist Beverley Taylor Sorenson worked tirelessly to promote the arts as an avenue for Utah’s students to develop voice, sustain engagement in school, and evoke reflection and response. Through support from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation, Art Works for Kids, and the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), the Sorenson Legacy Awards for Excellence in Arts Education recognize the essential nature of education in the arts for Utah’s students, distinguish those educators who embrace the arts with excellence in their practice, and ensure that Beverley's legacy will continue on.

Following are several ways you can help us spread the word:

  • Nominate an arts teacher within your district.
  • Post the attached award announcement in your faculty lounge or other communal areas.
  • Include information about the Sorenson Legacy Awards on your district or school website.
  • Share information about the awards at faculty or community meetings.

Administrators, teachers, parents, students, and other community members are all welcome to submit a nomination. Nominees must be licensed and endorsed public school educators. We also encourage re-nomination  of those who may have been previously nominated but not selected. Individuals are not allowed to nominate themselves.

Complete information and a link to the nomination form can be found on the Utah State Board of Education website at: https://schools.utah.gov/curr/finearts?mid=4609&tid=8

Questions? Contact Cathy Jensen, Utah State Board of Education cathy.jensen@schools.utah.gov | 801-538-7793

Published on

DATE: 
January 28, 2021

TO:   
All Principals
Department Directors

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

SUBJECT:  
Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG)

The Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) have been adopted by USBE as “the” threat assessment to be used in Utah (R277-403, HB120, §53E-3-401(4)). While there is no implementation deadline, each school will need to have a threat assessment team with at least one (1) CSTAG trained individual. The CSTAG model utilizes multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), positive behavior intervention and supports (PBIS), trauma informed responses, and social-emotional learning (SEL). The focus of the CSTAG model is making decisions within a restorative framework for prevention rather than crisis response.

Student Services has arranged for some initial trainings and there is an opportunity for you or your designee(s) to receive CSTAG training. The training is a ‘trainer of trainers’ model and consists of two (2) levels:

  1. Level 1 – 8 hours of online self-paced training. ($166.00 each participant)
  2. Level 2 – Virtual ‘in-person’ training with Dr. Cornell (the developer of CSTAG) and/or his staff in late March or early April 2021. (Paid by Student Services)

The Level 1 cost per-person is $166 – which the school or department would need to pay. There is also an optional manual that costs $50 each. Each school should consider having at least one manual on hand. Student Services will pay for Level 2 training in March 2021.

Space is limited. If you are interested please email Travis Hamblin (travis.hamblin@jordandistrict.org) with the name(s) and email address(s) of those you would like to receive the training on or before Friday February 4th 2021. After Student Services sets up Level 1 training participants will receive an email with the information to begin. Level 1 training must be completed prior to receiving Level 2 training in late March or early April (date TBD).

Please contact Travis Hamblin (travis.hamblin@jordandistrict.org or 801.567.8439) with any questions.

Published on

DATE:
January 21, 2021

TO: 
Principals
Special Education Staff

FROM:
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Kristin Norris, Teacher Specialist-SLP/A, ESY Coordinator

SUBJECT:  
Extended School Year (ESY) Qualification Procedures and Timelines

ESY packets should be submitted by March 25, 2021. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS BEFORE SPRING BREAK. Guidelines and instructions are included in the memo.

Published on

Elementary and Middle School Principals:

All 2021-22 Safe Routes Utah Plans for elementary and middle schools are DUE TO RISK MANAGEMENT AT AUXILIARY SERVICES BY FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021.

Please refer to the November 19, 2020 JAM for the JSD Safe Routes to School Plan Form 2021-22, Municipal Representatives Contact Info. and the municipal meeting dates for final plan review.

JAM link: https://jam.jordandistrict.org/2020/11/19/2021-22-safe-routes-utah-plan-form/

Published on

Jordan Education Foundation recognizes and honors superior teachers with a track record of improving student achievement, using innovative instructional strategies and making a difference in the lives of their students. These teachers are among a select few highlighted as Outstanding Educators who are making a difference in the classroom. The annual JEF Outstanding Educators Awards publicly honor and recognize educators who raise the bar of their profession.

2020 has certainly brought its share of challenges. We recognize with so many unique educational & life situations, a 2021 JEF Outstanding Educator may look much different as compared to previous years. 

Please reference the new 2021 application questions as a guideline for your 2020-21 outstanding educator nomination from your school, not the rubric from previous years. Recipients can be nominated by a principal, school administrators and/or colleagues. But all nominations must be approved by the school principal.

PLEASE VISIT WWW.JORDANEDUCATIONFOUNDATION.ORG for more information and to nominate a teacher.

Published on

DATE:   
January 5, 2021

TO:   
Secondary School Principals
Secondary School Financial Secretaries

FROM: 
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Daniel Ellis, Director of Accounting, Budgets and Audits
Jason Mott, Accountant/Internal Auditor

SUBJECT:   
School Bank Account Balances for December 31, 2020

Please send the following information for each bank account balance as of December 31, 2020 to Accounting by Friday, January 22, 2021. If you have multiple bank accounts, please list each account separately.

School Name
Name of Bank
Type of Account (checking, savings, money market)
Account Balance

The balance requested is the balance from your December bank statements, not Skyward. This information is required annually and will be used to complete reporting requirements for Utah Money Management Council.

If you have questions or need assistance, please call Jason Mott at (801)567-8388.

Thank you.

Cc:
Brad Sorensen, Administrator of Schools
Cody Curtis, Administrator of Schools

Published on

DATE:   
January 5, 2021

TO:  
Secondary School Principals
Secondary School Financial Secretaries

FROM: 
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Daniel Ellis, Director of Accounting and Audits
Jason Mott, Accountant / Internal Auditor

SUBJECT:
Quarterly School Financial Report for October, November, and December 2020

Each school is asked to report the quarter end account balance and transaction detail with the Apple Volume Purchase Program and return with your bank reconciliation. If your school has no Apple account, please so indicate and return.

Please include the account balance with Apple on the reconciliation sign off form and print a report or screen shot(s) of the balances and quarterly transactions from Apple’s website. If you need assistance, please contact your Curriculum Technology Specialist – Bonnie, Deanna, Nancy, Ross, and Beth.

Please photocopy the selected elements and send to Accounting by Friday, January 22, 2021.

Please include:

  • The signed attached memo to Accounting
  • A copy of your October, November, and December 2020 Reconciliation Worksheets
  • A copy of your October, November, and December 2020 Bank Statements
  • A copy of your October, November, and December 2020 Skyward Balance Sheets
  • A copy of your October, November, and December 2020 Outstanding Check Reports

If you have questions or need assistance, please call Jason Mott at (801)567-8388.

Thank you.

Cc:
Brad Sorensen, Administrator of Schools
Cody Curtis, Administrator of Schools

Published on

Below is information to clarify how full evaluations will be completed. Remember that only provisional teachers will complete a full evaluation.

  • In Class Teacher (In the Building)
    • Two classroom observations
    • No interview
  • Online Teacher
    • Complete teacher specialist evaluation on JPLS
    • Upload evidence into JPLS
    • Include at least 2 video clips as part of evidence
  • Psychologists, Counselors
    • Complete on JPLS
    • Upload evidence into JPLS

Administrators may sign up for a virtual training to help refresh the features of the Perform evaluation system. The trainings will last up to two hours depending on need. These trainings will begin next week. To register search “Administrator Perform Refresher” in JPLS. A Zoom link will be sent out to participants before the training.

Administrators may use the bubble sheet to complete observations and enter the information into Perform. If you need help entering the data, please contact the JES office for assistance.

Teachers who will be evaluated using the Perform system now have access to sign up for the Canvas training through JPLS. Teachers who will be evaluated using the JPLS system (teacher specialists) do not need to complete the training as the training focuses on the in-class observations. Have teachers search “UETS-based JPAS Online Training 2020-2021” in JPLS to register.

Published on

Employees resigning/retiring at the end of the current contract year, that give official early notification of resignations/retirement, will be eligible for a tiered incentive. To qualify, notifications must be submitted online on or before the follow dates:

December 15, 2020 - $500.00
January 15, 2021 - $300.00
February 15, 2021 - $200.00

The incentive will be paid on the last regular paycheck. Notifications of resignation or retirement received after the dates listed above will not qualify for an incentive. The official District resignation/retirement notification form is found in Skyward under "My Access."  Please see District policy DP318 for more detailed information regarding resignations. If you do not know your Skyward username or password, please contact the Help Desk at 801-567-8737.

Published on

The purpose of the Educational Support Professionals Improvement Committee is to encourage, guide, and reward the professional development of education support professionals staff (https://policy.jordandistrict.org/aa421b/). We encourage ESPs to improve their skills and knowledge. As such, ESPs may find development opportunities on the following website:

Educational Support Professionals Professional Improvement!

If there is a course that ESPs would like to take that is within the realm of their position in the Jordan School District, they may submit a request to have the committee pay for the course (up to $300 per year). The committee meets once a month to review and approve requests.

If you would like to take a course, please fill out the following form and submit it to Chris Westra in the Teaching and Learning department:

https://tl.jordandistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2020-21-Classified-Prof-Dev-Form-fillable.pdf

For further questions, please contact Chris Westra in Teaching and Learning at 801-567-8657 or christine.westra@jordandistrict.org.

Published on

DATE:  
December 10, 2020

TO: 
Principals
Assistant Principals
Administrative Assistants
Attendance Secretaries

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

SUBJECT:  
Changes to Marking Attendance for COVID-19

This information supersedes the information given in the August 13, 2020 memo “Marking Attendance for Quarantining or Isolating Students 2020-21”

In most schools this year, there are as many as three instructional models in use:

  • In-Person Classes
  • Virtual Classes
  • Hybrid / Blended Classes (at student discretion, meaning the student is able to decide, on any given day, if they attend class in-person or virtually. A hybrid/blended class may also have mandatory instruction days.)

A student, particularly at the secondary level, may have a combination of in-person or virtual classes throughout the day. The way attendance should be marked will change based on the instructional model of the class the student is participating in at any given moment.

Attendance is a legal requirement to indicate a student’s compliance with compulsory education laws, and it may not be used to determine a student’s academic grade (attendance may impact participation in a course, which can in turn impact a grade, but the attendance marking by itself may not directly influence a grade).

Four attendance codes (E, G, H, and P) come into play when considering the impact of COVID-19 isolation and quarantines on the three instructional models. Other attendance codes continue to be used as warranted based on a student’s attendance and activity. Their usage and meaning is unchanged.

In general, remember the following when marking attendance for COVID-19 related absences:

  • E is an EXCUSED ABSENCE. It does not “count against” a student for average daily membership or for 10-day accounting. Work has – and should continue to be – provided to students marked with an E as requested by the parent. The school determines the process and timetable for gathering and providing work. This code will begin to be used effective December 14, 2020 to indicate certain parent-directed COVID absences (family-related quarantines and confirmed cases).
  • G is a GUARDIAN-EXCUSED ABSENCE. It does “count against” a student for average daily membership and excessive consecutive totals of G absences may result in a 10-day drop. Work has been – and should continue to be – provided to students marked with an G as requested by the parent. The school determines the process and timetable for gathering and providing work. This code will begin to be used effective December 14, 2020 to indicate certain times when a parent is opting their child out of participation in school that are not the direct consequence of a COVID illness or quarantine.
  • H is for HOME AND HOSPTIAL INSTRUCTION. It indicates – as it has always done – that the District is maintaining its obligation to provide instruction to this student. For quarantines at the direction of the Salt Lake County Health Department, this obligation can be met through packets of prepared work, work prepared and available in a digital platform, or synchronous learning activities.
  • P can be used to mean two things, depending on the context and date it is used, as outlined in the table included with this memo.

Published on

Volunteer reports need to be submitted to Insurance Services.

Workers' Compensation insurance costs are based on numbers submitted by schools. It is important that this information be accurate and complete.

PTA figures must be separate from other volunteer hours.

Attached is a copy of the Volunteer Report for the period from August 1, 2020 to November 30, 2020.

Please complete this form and return it to Cheryl Matson, Director of Insurance Services, by December 22, 2020.

Published on

DATE:   
December 1, 2020

TO:
All Elementary, Middle, and Traditional High School Principals

FROM: 
Derek Anderson, Director of Accounting, Budgets, and Audits

SUBJECT: 
December 2020 Budget Transfer Request

If you would like to transfer budget between your postage, supply, textbook, technology supply and equipment budgets, please complete the form below, sign and return to Derek by January 4, 2021. If Derek does not receive this back from you by January 4, 2021, Derek will assume no transfer is requested. The next opportunity to make such a transfer is June 2021.

Published on

Attached is the DLM checklist for all special education teachers who are administering the DLM assessment to any of their students. The completed checklist must be completed and returned to Jen Birrell at the District Office by January 20, 2021.

Please direct any questions to Jen Birrell at 801-567-8905 or jennifer.birrell@jordandistrict.org

Published on

All Elementary and Middle School Principals:

It’s that time of year to start the process of developing your school’s Safe Routes Utah Plan for next school year.  The 2021-22 Safe Routes Utah Plan Form (Word doc) is attached, as well as a PDF form with municipal representatives contact information. Your school’s municipal representative (city engineer) would like to be included in the initial planning process if possible.  As you work with your safety team and school community council, please feel free to invite your municipal representative to the planning/SCC meeting.

The attached 2021-22 Safe Routes Utah Plan Form Word doc must be downloaded to begin working on it.

All 2021-22 Safe Routes Utah Plans for elementary and middle schools are DUE TO RISK MANAGEMENT AT AUXILIARY SERVICES BY FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021.

Due to Covid-19, this year Bluffdale, Herriman, Riverton, South Jordan and West Jordan schools plans will be reviewed in a virtual meeting with each respective city.  The District will schedule an approximate 15-minute virtual appointment with each school administrator for the day of the meeting.

Save the date:
South Jordan City schools will be on Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Riverton City schools will be on Wednesday, February 24, 2021
West Jordan City schools will be on Thursday, February 25, 2021
Bluffdale City schools will be on Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Herriman City schools will be on Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Please contact Risk Management Coordinator Jeff Beesley 801-567-8876 jeffrey.beesley@jordandistrict.org, or Administrative Assistant Judy Bird 801-567-8625 judy.bird@jordandistrict.org, with any questions.

For assistance with the Safe Routes Utah UDOT mapping software, contact Stacy Allen of Penna Powers, sallen@pennapowers.com, 801-487-4800, cell 801-694-7710.  Her contact information is also included on the attached Municipal Representatives Contact document.