Skip to content

Category: Middle School Info

Published on

DATE:   
February 29, 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 (SECURE)

Our monthly drill preparation will be held on March 6th at 3:00 PM with a second session at 3:30 PM. This month we will be covering SECURE. Each School Safety Specialist is expected to attend along with administrations assigned to oversee school safety. All other administrations are welcomed to attend as well. The meeting is also opened to any staff who may be interested.

Information regarding the SECURE response protocol can be found in the Jordan School District Safety Manual on pages 8-11. 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:   
February 21, 2024

TO:  
Directors, Principals, and Administrative Assistants

FROM: 
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Sarah Palmer, Director of Payroll
Daniel Ellis, Director of Accounting

SUBJECT:   
Independent Contractors and URS

Retirees receiving a monthly benefit from Utah Retirement Services have restrictions when returning to work. Reemployment includes work or service performed as an employee (paid through Payroll) OR on a contract (as a business or independent contractor paid through Accounting) for a participating employer if the retiree is listed as the contractor; owner, partner, or principal of the contractor (business).

Utah code section 49-11-1207(2) states: “If a retiree or participating employer failed to report reemployment in violation of Section 49-11-1206, the retiree, participating employer, or both, who are found to be responsible for the failure to report, are liable to the (URS) office for the amount of any overpayment resulting from the violation.”

Therefore, in order to protect the retiree and the District, it is crucial that the attached URS Post- Retired Verification form is completed by the Independent Contractors along with their W-9’s. Please submit both of these forms to the Accounting Department.

If you have any questions, please email payroll@jordandistrict.org or call the Payroll Department at (801) 567-8154.

Thank you.

Published on

Last fall the Jordan Education Foundation applied for a grant from the Arby's Foundation to go towards student lunch debt in the district. Recently the Foundation was made aware that they were awarded the Arby's grant and our district would receive $103,822.00. This generous donation amount was based off of the 2023 District October First Quarter deficit amount for student lunch accounts.

Clerks have been sent procedures, approved by the accounting department and have been instructed to pay off student debts based on the October 2023 Month End deficit reports for their school.

No donated funds may be used to pay off adult lunch deficits.

For student lunch accounts which have already been paid and are in a positive amount, these funds will be deposited in your school's donated account to be used in the future for payment of student deficits.

If you have questions, touch base with your clerk or Lori at 801-567-8767 in Nutrition Services. Thanks

Published on

The following optional virtual trainings are open for ANYONE in your school. Please share this information with your staff.

Using Data in an Early Warning System
February 26th | 3 PM MT

Using Data to Support Student Attendance
February 27th | 3 PM MT

Using Data to Support School Safety
February 28th | 3 PM MT

Register Here

Published on

DATE:    
February 21, 2024

TO: 
School Psychologists & School Psychology Interns

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

SUBJECT:   
March School Psychologists & School Psychology Interns Meeting

A meeting for school psychologists and school psychology interns has been scheduled for Friday, March 1, 2024, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cassie Helferich, LCSW, from Wasatch Behavioral Health, will provide us with a presentation on brief interventions for a school-based setting.

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

cc:
Principals

Published on

The Education Tribute Award is a prestigious honor presented annually by the state-wide program ResilientYOU. Each year education organizations and individuals are selected based upon their exemplary efforts in building student resilience in their schools, homes and communities. The Education Tribute Award nominations will be gathered during “Resilient Utah Month” in March 2024. All nominations need to be completed online no later than Thursday, March 28, 2024. For Questions text Barbara Smith 801-560-6511 or email baarbaarasmith@gmail.com

Nomination Website

Nomination categories include:
Outstanding High School
Outstanding Middle School Outstanding Elementary School
Outstanding Parenting Organization
Outstanding Secondary School Teacher
Outstanding Elementary School Teacher
Outstanding Wellness Professional
Outstanding Administrator

Awards will be announced and delivered to each school location by a member of the ResilientYOU Board in April. The recipients will be announced on KUTV Channel 2, in addition to being publicized through social media and educational networks.

Recipients will also be honored on May 9th at the event, “Utah Prevention Day with the Salt Lake Bees” at Smith’s Ballpark during the Opening Ceremony in front of 10,000 students and teachers. Award recipients will receive an honorary plaque.

Published on

The Move Money Process is now in Skyward Finance. Please use this process in Skyward to initiate a move money process to move payroll. This process enables payroll, accounting and the initiator to track the move money from through the process and provides a notification when payroll posts the adjustments. Please communicate this through your school or office. See the instructions attached.

Published on

The Jordan Ethnic Advisory Committee is holding an Open House for staff, students, and families. Come and meet our student leaders in our multicultural clubs. Bring your ideas of what is working in JSD and celebrations of what is going well in your school.

  • When: March 6, 2024
  • Where: JATC South
  • Time: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
  • Come and meet our student leaders in our multicultural clubs.
  • Bring your ideas of what is working in JSD and celebrations.

We are a committee successfully educating, supporting, and empowering the Jordan School District community by moving the ‘equity work’ from theory to practice, and developing district policies with a strong equity lens.  Questions or concerns?  Send us a message at JEAC@jordandistrict.org.

Published on

DATE: 
February 15, 2024

TO: 
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
Social and Emotional Skill Curriculum EXPO – Tuesday March 5th!!

School leaders and teams are invited to the Social and Emotional Skill Curriculum EXPO on March 5th at JATC South Auditorium! 

The 2024 Social and Emotional Skill Curriculum Expo is a part of the 2024 Prevention Palooza. At the core of prevention are our intentional efforts to build students’ essential social, emotional, and life skills.

Implementing a Tier One, school-wide curriculum is an evidence-based approach to reducing problematic behavior, improving academic outcomes, and most importantly, enhancing student well-being!

There are Two Sessions on Tuesday March 5, 2024: 8:30-11:00, 12:30-3:00
This event is a hybrid of an open house and a vendor EXPO. There will be various vendors representing curriculum options hosting timed, round-table discussions to help you determine which program best fits your school’s needs. Come for an hour and visit a few tables you are interested in or stick around and explore several options! Information on each curriculum vendor will be shared beforehand including simple guides to key components of each of these curriculum vendors.

This format will allow school leaders to maximize their time and gather information with intention as they prepare for the upcoming school year! We intend to support school leaders and teams in meeting their unique social and emotional skill development goals.**Substitutes can be paid for upon request.

RSVP Here
Review the attached flyer and share with those who would benefit from attending. Please get in touch with McKinley Withers (mckinley.withers@jordandistrict.org) for additional information and questions.

Published on

DATE:   
February 9, 2024

TO:  
Principals
Assistant Principals

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

SUBJECT: 
Attendance Message Notifying Families of the Upcoming President’s Day Recess

When students miss school for any reason, they miss out on opportunities to become better prepared for upcoming assessments. Evidence shows that when schools communicate with families about school recesses and breaks it frequently helps inform them when their students have days off from school and when they should return to school.

Included you will find resources to share with families about the upcoming President’s Day Recess and compensatory day for middle and high school students. A tip sheet for morning announcements to promote attendance in a positive way is included as well. Communicating with students that they belong and are an integral part of the school community is an effective strategy for increased attendance.

Should you have any questions or would like copies you can edit, please contact Michelle Reyes at michelle.reyes@jordandistrict.org or 801.567.8205.

 

Published on

DATE:   
Thursday, February 15, 2024

TO:
Middle School Administrators

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

SUBJECT: 
AAPPL for DLI Tableau Dashboards Updated with 2023-24 Results

AAPPL for DLI results have been updated in Tableau. The dashboards contain district, school, and individual student data. In addition, viewers will be able to see results by teacher as well as by individual students. Tableau users may filter data by various demographic and student groupings as well.

  • AAPPL for DLI results may be accessed here:
    Explore Menu > Assessments > AAPPL for DLI Analysis > AAPPL for DLI Analysis, 2017-Present

Please contact Ben Jameson in Evaluation, Research & Accountability with questions about these dashboards.

Published on

DATE:     
Thursday, February 15, 2024

TO:   
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
2024 Educator Engagement Survey Administration

USBE board rule R277-325 requires that school districts administer the Educator Engagement Survey every other year opposite the USBE School Climate Survey (last administered in the spring of 2022-23).

The survey will be distributed by Evaluation, Research & Accountability to all licensed school-based educators (with the exception of administrators) in elementary, middle and high schools. The survey opens Monday, February 26th and closes Friday, March 29th. USBE anticipates that the survey will take educators about 20-30 minutes to complete. USBE hopes to gather information about educator’s engagement in education and their perspectives related to the quality of their job experiences. The survey is confidential and the results will be reported in the aggregate.

School administrators don’t need to do anything to distribute the survey, but principals are encouraged to notify their faculty that the survey is coming.

Survey results will be published for each school in Tableau after the survey closes.

If you would like to preview the survey questions, you may do so here or you may view the pdf copy attached with this JAM memo.

Please contact Ben Jameson in Evaluation, Research & Accountability with questions.

Published on

DATE:   
February 14, 2024

TO: 
Principals
Assistant Principals
School Financial, Main, Attendance, and Counseling ESP’s
Registrars

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Sharon Jensen, Student Support Services Consultant
Vickie Barker, YIC Teacher Specialist
Carolyn Curran, YIC Coordinator

SUBJECT: 
Youth in Care (YIC) Enrollment Process

YIC students are those that are, in some manner, considered to be in State Custody (Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS), Juvenile Justice and Youth Services (JJYS), or Department of Health and Human Services (DSPD) and include students in foster care.

YIC students should not be enrolled at the school until cleared and authorized by the YIC Coordinator in Student Services. Prior to enrollment schools will be contacted and receive the YIC student’s Intake Forms after they have been processed by the YIC Coordinator in Student Services. Intake forms are found on the Student Support Services website here. When YIC enrollment is sought at the school without prior notification from the YIC Coordinator, the school should inform them that they cannot be enrolled at this time and provide them the contact information below to obtain the clearance to enroll.

DCSF, JJYS, DSPD, or foster care guardians should be referred to Carolyn Curran, the YIC Coordinator in Student Services at 801.567.8328 or carolyn.curran@jordandistirct.org if prior authorization has not been received by the school.

Should you have any questions or require any help or clarification please contact one of the following:

Carolyn Curran, YIC Coordinator
801.567.8328
carolyn.curran@jordandistrict.org

Vickie Barker, YIC Teacher Specialist
801.567.8351
vicki.barker@jordandistrict.org

Published on

In order to maintain a professional work atmosphere for students and staff members, respect staff time, and to avoid ethical and fraudulent conflicts of interest with vendors, building administrations are asked to abide by the following:

  1. Vendors are not allowed into District schools/facilities to solicit business from employees during business hours. Building administrations may allow vendors to leave promotional materials (e.g. brochures, business cards, posters, etc.) with the front office and request these materials be placed in an area, such as the employee break room or bulletin board, so staff may view them and take one, if they so choose. Materials may not be placed in staff boxes. Vendors are not allowed to make sales pitches during faculty or staff meetings. Vendors are not to provide a snack, treat, or meal for employees in the break rooms while the vendor remains to solicit business. Building administrations may allow a vendor to leave a snack, treat, or meal along with promotional materials and a note indicating who brought the items and who employees should contact if more information is desired. Employees, including building and district leadership, should never feel like they are required to meet with vendors and hear their sales pitches.
  2. Decision makers are advised to avoid gifts from vendors in order to guard against the appearance of misconduct. A vendor providing a gift or meal for the staff or large groups is a very nice gesture of thanks and support. A vendor providing a special, private gift or lunch to only the decision maker(s) can create an ethical conflict of interest that can influence decision making.
  3. Vendors must follow the same protocol expected of all other visitors to District buildings by checking in at the front office and proceeding beyond the front office only after being invited to do so.
  4. If an employee desires to meet with a vendor at a District location to discuss services the vendor may offer to them personally, the employee and vendor must meet outside of normal business hours for that building. For schools, this means no contact between one-half hour before school starts and one-half hour after school ends, including lunch time and prep time. These hours are considered work hours and must be respected by the employee and vendors.
  5. The District’s finance system is not to be used to pay for employees’ personal business (e.g. mortgage payments, utility payments, insurance payments, donations to churches, credit card payments, etc.). Payroll deductions are not permitted for non-Jordan District purposes unless the funds are tax sheltered through a District-allowed plan (see #6 below). It is not appropriate for the District to engage in employee personal bill pay at taxpayer expense. Any payment arrangements made by employees with vendors should be done using the employees’ personal financial institution.
  6. As a taxpayer funded subdivision of the State of Utah, Jordan School District participates in the Utah Retirement Systems (URS). While employees have the private option of authorizing financial advisers or others to manage their retirement funds, there are inherent risks associated with any investment strategy. Jordan School District and Utah Retirement Systems does not and has not endorsed, contracted out, authorized, advocated, recommended, sponsored, or vetted other entities, including 403b agents, to represent them in these matters. Instead, URS employs retirement advisors, with a URS email and phone number, who will meet with and advise JSD employees free of charge. URS is a nonprofit trust and their advisors never earn commissions. If you want help with URS questions, please contact URS and if you choose to go outside of URS, please compare commissions and fees.
  7. As a taxpayer funded entity, Jordan School District, its departments and schools must only work with businesses that have first gone through the proper procurement process. Competing vendors are to be treated fairly without personal preference or bias.

Published on

Skylert Messaging Protocol:
The Department of Transportation has received calls regarding proper protocol for Skylert messaging when buses are running late due to weather, mechanical failure, traffic delays, etc. As indicated in “FAQ for Administrators/Schools” on the Transportation web page, Transportation will send a Skylert message to all families and schools that may be impacted during the morning route. When a school is notified that buses are running late in the afternoon due to weather, mechanical failure, traffic delays, etc., the Skylert message comes from the school.

Field Trip Requests:
When scheduling your school’s field/activity trip on busHive, please make sure to include details and/or information in the “special instructions” section that the bus driver should be aware of prior to arriving at your school. This includes, but is not limited to, specific pick up or drop off locations either at the home school or the destination, service animals, lunch location request, etc. The more information our bus drivers have in advance of the field/activity trip, the better overall experience for students, staff and parents.

Notification of Special Education Students Who Get Suspended:
When special education students who are bused get suspended from school, please make sure to notify Stephanie Erickson, Special Education Route Coordinator, at stephanie.erickson@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8846 in order for the student’s bus driver to be notified. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Published on

In preparation for upcoming presentations to the Board and making projections for future school years, Planning & Enrollment needs to update records of how rooms are being used at school sites. This is not a formal walkthrough and room-by-room count; this is a verification of how rooms are being used during the current school year. The update will require a brief (10-15 minutes) visit with a principal, assistant principal, or administrative assistant who can answer questions about how rooms are being used. Given the short turnaround time for this project, we will be unable to schedule appointments with schools and ask for your cooperation and time as we make these visits over the next few weeks.

Moving forward, we anticipate a similar verification visit with each school in late summer or early fall each year, with a formal walkthrough and room count occurring every 2-3 years.

If there is a significant conflict in the next few weeks or if you have additional questions or concerns, please reach out to Planning & Enrollment:

• Scott Festin, x88370
• Caleb Olson, x88251

Published on

DATE:    
February 8, 2024

TO: 
Principals
Assistant Principals

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

SUBJECT: 
2024 Prevention Funds Available for Your School!

Jordan District is focused on supporting each student’s well-being. As a part of this ongoing effort, there are funds available for each school’s prevention efforts. Please review the following information:

*As a reminder, each school is required to maintain and update prevention plans annually. These funds and upcoming workshops are meant to support each school’s prevention plan.

Positive Behaviors Plan 2023-2024
E-cigarette and Nicotine Prevention Funds 

Prevention Block Grant Funds

  • $2,000 towards the evidence-based social and emotional skill-building curriculum of your choosing for the 2024-25 school year as part of your school’s prevention plan.
  • Instructions and support for accessing these funds will be offered through the upcoming SEL Expo (3/5) and Prevention Planning Workshops throughout March as part of the Prevention Palooza (See Prevention Palooza JAM for details)!
  • Prevention Plans must be updated to include these funds by March 22nd to receive reimbursement. Unspent funds will be redistributed to schools that have submitted plans after that deadline. Again, instructions and support will be provided in the Prevention Planning Workshops throughout March. 

Annual Suicide Prevention Grant Funds

  • $1,000 towards training staff and students on preventing suicide, which can be part of an evidence-based suicide prevention program (Sources of Strength, HopeSquad, etc.)

If you are looking for support in coordinating and streamlining prevention efforts around common goals, attend the 2024 Prevention Palooza in March!

For questions and more information on these available funds and updating or enhancing your school’s prevention plan, contact McKinley Withers, 88245, mckinley.withers@jordandistrict.org