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Category: Middle School Info

Published on

TO:
All Principals

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent

Please be sure to provide School Community Councils periodic information about their School LAND Trust budget so they may make determinations on using plan amendments to avoid excessive carryover, which is unallowable for the program. Use the video below as a resource to learn how principals complete the amendment form on the School LAND Trust Website.

Remember that an amendment goes through the same process as a plan and requires Board, District, and USBE approval prior to funds being used for the changes.

HOW TO VIDEO FOR AMENDMENTS

When adding an amendment please put down in the comments at the bottom the changes that you made. This makes it easier for those approving the amendment to know what is different and allows for an easier approval process.

Sample Amendment Comment:

Amendment Comment: I met with my SCC on October 10th and we voted on this new amendment. We did not remove any action plans; we just adjusted some estimated cost. I didn't hire as many periods, so teacher budgets changed. I have another grant for my academic tracker. We looked at cost from last year's credit recovery and readjusted. We purchased a different software that cost a lot less. I then was able to add PD, subs for PLC, technology, and travel.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

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

The Language & Culture Services team is happy to have refugee mentors assigned to each feeder system. These mentors will have 25-30 students that will meet them twice a month to follow up with their interests, involvement in school activities, friends, employment, family life, attendance, and grades.

Weekly collaboration to update tracking spreadsheet, share successes, work through student concerns and training/personal development as the opportunities arise. This will assist schools in gaining a better understanding of student needs and learning so that they can be successful in your school.

Please pass out permission slips to get parent permission and we will begin work with you soon.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Michelle Love-Day, Director, Language & 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.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Michelle Love-Day, Director, Language & Culture Services
LaTrill Loveridge, Chair, Jordan Ethnic Advisory Counsel

The Jordan Ethnic Advisory Committee and Language and Culture Services cannot wait to see you at the annual "What I Wish You Knew Conference: In our shoes." This year the conference will be highlighting and celebrating our teachers making a difference in the classrooms everyday.

  • Where: Riverton High High
  • Time: 9 a.m. -12 p.m.
  • Date: Jan.21, 2025
  • What: What is working to enhance student leadership to sustain a culture of belonging in school.

Published on

DATE:  
November 12, 2024

TO:  
Principals and Assistant Principals

FROM:   
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Michelle Reyes, Attendance/Prevention Specialist, Student Services

SUBJECT:  
Thanksgiving Break Resources to Communicate with Families

Emphasizing the Value of Regular Attendance

The 2024-2025 school year is well under way with the holiday season rapidly approaching. Although we are seeing less interruptions from serious illness, than in recent years, schools are still struggling with high levels of chronic absence (missing 10% or more of school for any reason). Some students and families are still redeveloping the routine of regular attendance following the Pandemic, making it more important than ever to support the rhythm of attendance through the holiday season. We can take advantage of every opportunity to emphasize the lifelong value of regular attendance for student’s learning, social and emotional development and achievement while also offering empathy and support to students and families.

Schools that use a series of actions that promote the habit of regular attendance to help students avoid absences leading up to and following our seasonal breaks experience better attendance results. The following actions will assist in your attendance efforts this holiday season:

  • Send out a letter (Spanish) to families prior to Thanksgiving and again in the weeks leading up to the winter recess (Spanish).
  • Let families know the dates for the break and when school will resume. Use the resources below to get the word out using email, social media, school and teacher newsletters, and Parent Square.
  • Plan special events for the last day before the break and/or the first day after the holiday break to welcome students back to school. Utilize teachers to message families on Parent Square and remind them of when school will resume.

Premade Resources to Communicate with Families

Questions? Contact Michelle Reyes at michelle.reyes@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8205.

Chang, H. (n.d.). Holiday messaging. Attendance Works. https://www.attendanceworks.org/resources/messaging/holiday-messaging/

Published on

DATE:    
Thursday, November 14, 2024

TO: 
Elementary School Administrators
Middle School Administrators
High School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
2024-25 Stakeholder Input Survey Response Counts

School administrators may view the response counts for the 2024-25 student, parent and faculty Stakeholder Input Surveys using the links below. Please note that the response counts for each of the links are updated live as survey responses are submitted.

Choose either the Elementary or Secondary document below depending on your school level.

Published on

DATE:
November 14, 2024

TO:
All

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Daniel Ellis, Director of Accounting and Audits
Jaime Barrett, Accounting Administrator

SUBJECT:
2024-2025 Updated Department Budget Code Book

Understanding the proper budget code to utilize when coding payroll for employees has been a struggle for staff. Our current function and object codes are numerous and confusing. In an effort to simplify and streamline our budget codes, Accounting has updated function and object codes. Please see the following attachment:

• JSD Budget Code Book 2024-2025

The attachment is also posted on Accounting’s website:  Click HERE. Please review these adjustments and contact Jaime Barrett (801) 567‐8315 with any questions or concerns.

Published on

DATE:   
November 14, 2024

TO: 
School Psychologists and School Psychology Interns

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

SUBJECT:  
December School Psychologist Guidance Meeting

A meeting for school psychologists and school psychology interns has been scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, from 12:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Jordan Applied Technology Center South (JATC-South) located at 12373 Park Avenue (2080 West) in Riverton. We will start at 12:00 p.m. with a pot-luck lunch. Ben Springer, Ph.D., NCSP will provide us with a presentation titled Optimistic Teaming: Coordination Strategies for the Toughest Student Situations.

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

cc:
Principals

Published on

TO:
Administrators

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

Our new website features a variety of graduation credit services offered to JSD students including: original credit, grade replacement, credit recovery and options to demonstrate competency for credit. Check us out by clicking HERE.

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
JSD Cabinet Members

The Administrator of Schools (AOS) is a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet and is responsible to provide leadership and direction in all matters pertaining to both the District programs and to all schools in the assigned administrative area. The Jordan School District is currently posting two (2) Elementary Administrator of Schools positions and the qualifications to be considered are as follows:

  • A minimum of five (5) years of administrative experience is required
  • Principal experience is required
  • Elementary Principal experience is preferred
  • Current references are required, not letters of recommendation

This application will close at midnight on November 24, 2024 and interviews will be held on December 2, 2024. Both internal and external candidates are encouraged to apply in Frontline at the following link:

Apply Here

Published on

The following is a new administrative assignment:

Transfer effective January 2, 2025:

  • April Gaydosh, elementary level Administrator of Schools, transferred as Administrator in the Human Resources Department, replacing June LeMaster who is retiring.

Two elementary level Administrator of Schools positions will be available as of January 2, 2025. Each AOS will supervise approximately 13 elementary schools. Watch for the application to open next week and interviews will be held on December 2, 2024.

Published on

TO:
All 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 November. Learn Tips and Tricks, Sign Up for Upcoming PD, and Learn about Important Updates from the T & L team.

Published on

TO:
Directors
Administrators
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
June LeMaster, Administrator, Human Resources
Brittany Bauer, HR Recruiting

The Utah State Board of Education Teacher Salary Supplement Program (TSSP) qualifications and application deadlines are available for 2024-2025. The application deadlines are printed below. Information regarding the TSSP program and qualifications is found at the following Utah State Board of Education (USBE) link:

Application Term Dates

An application term indicates a preference of when and how often the educator would like to receive any bonus. Applicants may select one of the following terms before the respective deadline:

Term # of Payments Application Available & Accepted Application Deadline
Trimester 3 Tuesday, October 1, 2024 6:00 AM Friday, November 15, 2024 11:59 PM
Semester 2 Tuesday, October 1, 2024 6:00 AM Friday, January 31, 2025 11:59 PM
Annual 1 Tuesday, October 1, 2024 6:00 AM Wednesday, April 30, 2025 11:59 PM

Please note that the 2024-2025 school year will be the final funding opportunity under the current TSSP. The Utah Legislature has approved the new Salary Supplement for Highly Needed Educators (SHiNE) Program in the 2024 session that will go into effect July 1, 2025.

Published on

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.

 

Published on

DATE: 
October 31, 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 November 6th 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 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 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

TO:
Principals
Administrative Assistants

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

District allocations for individual schools were updated in Skyward on October 29.

Adjustments were made based on the October 1 headcounts. The online schools were not adjusted. Carryforward balances and transfer requests are included in the total allocation. See the following attachments:

1) Estimated District Allocation compared to October 1 adjustment.
2) Student estimate compared to October 1 headcount.
3) Budget Transfer form.

Budget adjustments can be submitted, using the attached form, to Natalie.Grange@jordandistrict.org. Budget transfers must be submitted before February.

Please review these adjustments and contact Natalie Grange (801) 567-8312 with any questions or concerns.

Published on

TO:
All Administrators
All Office Staff

FROM:
Steffany Ellsworth, Support Services Manager, Information Systems

Just a reminder that our annual Utah Skyward User Conference is scheduled for next Wednesday, November 6th. The conference will be held at Jordan School District Auxiliary Services Building. Please see the attached agenda for additional details. We hope to see you there!

This conference is an opportunity to learn about Skyward directly from the source as most sessions are presented by Skyward staff. There are some fantastic sessions being offered this year, including Data Mining for Beginners, Data Mining for Advanced Users, Admin Bootcamp, Skyward Tips & Tricks, Grade Analysis, and Qmlativ Business sessions.

During these sessions, you’re welcome to ask questions. However, if you have an issue that may take more time to resolve, we suggest you call our help desk for additional support.

We hope you make the most out of this year's conference by discovering fresh insights, learning valuable tips and tricks, getting your questions answered, and exploring new possibilities within Skyward. If you have any questions about attending the conference, please feel free to call the help desk at ext. 88737.

Published on

DATE: 
October 31, 2024

TO: 
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
Suicide Prevention Funds & Conference Registration

Administrators,

This memo is an update to a previous JAM regarding PBIS and Suicide Prevention Funds.

Suicide Prevention Grant funds are now available for allowable expenses up to $1,000 per school. Schools may use these funds to pay for HopeSquad or Sources of Strength program renewal fees or to conduct suicide prevention training. These funds cannot be used to purchase supplies or food related to suicide prevention programming (NO T-shirts, incentives, fidgets, etc.). For questions, contact McKinley Withers (mckinley.withers@jordandistrict.org) or Angie Rasmussen (angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org) in Student Services.

As part of this allocation, schools may choose to register relevant staff members (school psychologists, school counselors, clinical support/social workers) for the Rocky Mountain Suicide Prevention Conference and code the P-Card registration fee to the grant.

Schools may register one individual for Elementary, three individuals for middle school, and up to five individuals for high school using the grant. Administrators can code the expense to program 5674 on the P-Card Reconciliation. There will not be District personnel registering school staff this year.  

If school staff have already been registered and your school would like to be reimbursed, contact Carmen Covarrubias (carmen.covarrubias@jordandistrict.org).