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Category: Middle School Info

Published on

TO:
All Adminstrators

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Brittany Bauer, HR Specialist

Salary Supplement for Highly Needed Educators (SHiNE)
We are pleased to announce the launch of the SHiNE program for Jordan School District teachers. SHiNE stipends will be awarded to teachers in designated high-need areas identified by Jordan School District. These areas will be reviewed annually and may change from year to year. The total award amount for each teacher will depend on the number of courses taught in the qualifying subjects and the number of applicants for the grant. Award amounts will be distributed based on the total grant amount received by USBE. Teachers will be notified of their award amounts via email by October 13, 2025.

Please see the information below regarding the qualifying subjects and application process for the 2025-2026 school year.

The application for the Salary Supplement for Highly Needed Educators (SHiNE) will be open August 28, 2025 and will close September 11, 2025. The application will be in Skyward Employee Access. See the attached tutorial.

2025-2026 Qualifying Course Subjects:
Special Education
Deaf Education
Mathematics
Science areas (specifically Physics, Chemistry, and Integrated Science)
Computer Sciences

Eligibility Requirements:
Only teachers are eligible for this funding per Utah Code 53F-2-504.
Teachers must hold a bachelor's, master's, doctoral degree or have taught as a Utah teacher for 10+ years in one of the content areas listed to qualify for the supplement.
Teachers must have a passing JPAS on their last 3 evaluations.
Those working less than full-time in these courses may receive a partial award adjustment.

Payment Information:
The SHiNE award amount will be included in each eligible teacher’s monthly paycheck as a stipend, divided equally across the remaining pay periods for the 2025-2026 school year.
Before submitting an application, please review Policy DP382 regarding program details and qualifications.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

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

The Language & Culture Services team is excited to announce a training on ways to conduct proper home visits. Principals, assistant principals, faculty, or staff are invited to attend. Teachers, please get permission from your principal before signing up. The team wants to ensure families are connected to school and the community. Research shows that home visits are effective ways to get parents active in our schools. Come to this half day training to learn more skills for effective communication.

  • Sept. 3, 2025 | ASB Auditorium
  • Morning Session 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. or Afternoon Session 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
  • Trainer: Dr. Michael Gary from Concentric Educational Solutions

Contact Toni Brown for more information.

Published on

TO:
Administrators
Teachers, Staff, and JSD community

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

The Language & Culture Services team is excited for the annual Fall Family Fair on Thursday, Sept. 18 from 4 - 7 p.m. at the Viridian Event Center in West Jordan. All Jordan District students and their families are invited to come celebrate back to school with us and become familiar with the District and the community.

Come out with your family, enjoy snacks from the food trucks, win prizes, and get to know the District community.

Published on

DATE:  
August 28, 2025

TO:  
All Administrators
School Counselors
School Social Workers
School Psychologists

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

SUBJECT:  
Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Process

Utah Code 62A-4a-403 requires any individual with suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected to report their suspicion to the appropriate authorities. District policy AS70 – Child Abuse-Neglect Reporting by School Personnel further clarifies that employees should make an initial report of their suspicions to their principal/administrator (or designee). The principal/administrator (or designee) and employee should together make contact with the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) and/or local law enforcement to report the suspicion.

If an oral report is made to DCFS via telephone call, there is no longer a need to also send a paper copy of the form to DCFS (note: DCFS has recently introduced an online reporting form; however, school employees are still required by DCFS to make their reports via phone call).

Administrators and employees should understand that reports made in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability. Additionally, the responsibility for proving or verifying the suspicion lies with DCFS and law enforcement; if there is a question about whether or not an incident or situation should be reported, it should be reported.

USBE Board Rule R277-401-3(1) also requires employees to cooperate with investigations relating to charges of child abuse and neglect, to make no contact with the parents or legal guardians being questioned by DCFS or law enforcement about possible child abuse, and to maintain appropriate confidentiality. If a parent contacts a school employee with questions about if their child was interviewed by or reported to DCFS, the parent should be directed to contact DCFS. School employees may not provide additional information.

The process for reporting and documenting suspicions of child abuse and neglect should be as follows (see Policy AS70 for additional details):

  1. When an employee has suspicions of child abuse or neglect, they should report the suspicion to their own immediate supervising principal/administrator or designee.
  2. Together, the employee and principal/administrator or designee should make immediate contact with DCFS or law enforcement.
  3. Within 24 hours, the employee (alone or with the principal/administrator or designee) should complete the Report of Child Abuse or Neglect form. The form should include relevant details, particularly the time and date of all reports made.
  4. When signed by both the employee and principal/administrator or designee, a copy should be promptly sent to Student Services via secure district mail. The original form should be maintained in the principal/administrator’s office (separate from the student cumulative files) through the end of the school year.

The Report of Child Abuse or Neglect form (available at this link) has been updated to clarify this process and to indicate that a paper copy should no longer be sent to DCFS. The updated form is a fillable PDF. Schools may destroy any copies of previous forms.

Published on

DATE: 
August 28, 2025

TO: 
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
Wellness Room Staff PLC

JSD Administrators,

As we begin the new school year, we would like to invite your wellness center staff to attend District Wellness Center PLCs. Our first PLC of the year will be on Friday, September 5th, from 2:00-3:30 pm at Silver Crest Elementary in the Wellness Center. Your Wellness Center staff can RSVP to this link.

The remaining PLCs will be:

  • December 12th from 2:00-3:30 pm
  • March 13th from 2:00-3:30 pm

The Health and Wellness Team looks forward to helping your school with your wellness efforts this coming year. Please share the attached survey with your Wellness Center staff so we can personally invite them to our meetings.

Published on

TO:
Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator, Teaching & Learning
Amy Lloyd, K-12 Math Consultant, Teaching & Learning

Principals,

The state has published a draft of the new math standards for public review and is seeking input from educators. We shared this information with teachers and have encouraged them to review the proposed standards and share their feedback through the survey. The survey window closes on September 17, 2025.

Draft P-12 Utah Core Mathematics Standards

Submit comments in this survey

Their expertise and perspective are essential in helping shape math education in our state. This is a meaningful opportunity to influence the standards adoption process at the state level.

Thank you for your support!

Published on

TO:
Administrators
Teachers

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Kaye Rizzuto, Social Studies Consultant

September brings important opportunities for civic learning and commemoration in Utah’s public schools. This year is extra special as we honor America 250, marking the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. The Utah State Legislature has designated September as American Founders and Constitution Month, asking schools to recognize the contributions of the Founding Fathers and key founding documents throughout the month. In addition, federal law designates September 17 as Constitution Day, and all schools are asked to incorporate instruction on the U.S. Constitution on or around this date.

State legislators have also requested that schools provide age-appropriate remembrance of September 11. Please ensure that students experience meaningful, grade-level-appropriate learning activities to honor this day. To support your efforts, grade-level social studies materials for all of these observances are available at: https://socialstudies.jordandistrict.org/american-founders-month/

Our goal is to foster meaningful reflection, collaboration, and deep understanding of America's founding principles and history. Thank you for your commitment to civic literacy and for making these important experiences impactful for all students. If you need additional support or have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Published on

TO: 
All Principals

FROM:
Dan Ellis, Director of Accounting

Here is an updated sheet showing school programs by most restricted to least restricted. The intent of the sheet is to help with planning the use of funds and provide some general guides on what is allowed in the various programs. If you have any questions please contact Dan Ellis in Accounting 801-567-8389.

Published on

DATE: 
August 21, 2025

TO: 
All Administrators

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Melissa Flores, General Counsel
Travis Hamblin, Director, Student Services
Caleb Olson, Enrollment Consultant, Student Services

SUBJECT: 
August 2025: Responding to Subpoenas and Other Orders

Subpoenas and other court orders received by schools require immediate attention and response. There are legal requirements for responding that must be met, meaning schools cannot respond on their own. When school staff wait to request assistance in responding, even if only by a day or two, the District’s ability to either challenge the subpoena or meet the compliance deadline is hampered.

Please note that a subpoena is different from a record request. Record requests from the parent/guardian or eligible student can be processed by the school. In the event of confusion as to what the request is, contact Caleb Olson.

For subpoenas or other court orders regarding student records:

  • The receiving school staff member should immediately notify the site administrator. Under DP367 - District Records Management, the site administrator bears responsibility for records at each site or location.
  • The site administrator (or receiving staff member, if directed) should send a copy of the subpoena or order to Caleb Olson via MoveIt the day it is received. Caleb Olson will coordinate the District’s response with the site administrator.

For subpoenas or other court orders regarding employees or employee records:

  • The receiving school staff member should immediately notify the site administrator. Under DP367 - District Records Management, the site administrator bears responsibility for records at each site or location.
  • The site administrator should send a copy of the subpoena or order to April Gaydosh (HR Administrator) and Melissa Flores (General Counsel) via MoveIt the day it is received. Further information will be provided to the site administrator.

For other court orders, including search warrants or orders where the staff is unclear as to the purpose, the site administrator should provide a copy of the order to General Counsel Melissa Flores via MoveIt AND should make contact via phone or text as soon as reasonably possible.

Published on

DATE: 
August 21, 2025

TO: 
All School Administrators

FROM:  
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Paul Bergera, Director of Transportation

SUBJECT: 
School Bus Space Available Process

Dear Administrators,

Each year parents must reapply for a space available permit for their student(s). This process will no longer be done by filling out a paper form issued by the school.

All space available permit requests will now be submitted online. Please see the instructions/tutorial on how parents can access and complete this online form.

Space Available Guideline Reminders:

  • Students who live within 1.5 miles of an elementary school and 2.0 miles of a middle or high school are identified as ineligible for transportation.
  • If space is available, students who live too close to the school to qualify for state supported bus service may be allowed to ride from the nearest existing approved bus stop.
  • Space available passes may be withdrawn at any time if an increase in eligible riders reduces the number of seats available.
  • Parents are responsible for the safety of their student(s) traveling to and from the bus stop. Bus stops will not be added to accommodate space available riders.
  • Space Available Passes will be issued within 15 calendar days after the school year begins.

Published on

TO:
Current Directors
Consultants
Assistant Principals

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources

Current JSD Administrators serving as directors, consultants, or assistant principals are eligible for principal assignment consideration at any time; however Cabinet will conduct an optional interest interview every four years for current JSD Administrators.

Eligibility:
Must be a current director, consultant, or assistant principal.
Have not been interviewed for a Principal position in the last four years.
Interested and eligible current JSD Administrators should complete the application in Frontline.

Additional Information:
The application window is from August 15th through October 15th, 2025, at 11:59 P.M.
Selecting a preference for a principal assignment in an elementary, middle, high, special education, or District Office area is required.
Interviews will be held on November 21, 2025

Published on

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Katie Bastian, Director of Nutrition Services

Attached are the following:

  • Updated Meal Deficit Guidelines
  • English and Spanish Principal Deficit Letters
  • Skyward Deficit Collection Checklist Paper Example

-The Skyward Meal Deficit Checklist is live in Skyward now and we will be sending out training very soon!

-Before a student can be sent to the Meal Deficit Liaison for collections, the previous tasks must be completed and documented in full by the Clerk and Principal.

-Funds that have been donated to the school for the purpose of paying off student meal debt cannot be used to pay off a student account and then have that account sent to collections. The purpose of specific Nutrition Services donated funds are to help families that are in the deficit. The school can use any other school funds to pay off student accounts so they can then be sent to collections.

-What to do if a student account already exceeds $100?

The collection process must start from the beginning of the process, but can be accelerated due to the monetary value. Documentation of the entire process is required.

-Clerks need to make 1 phone call and document it.

-Principals need to make 1 phone call and send 1 letter and document it.

-At that point, the principal can choose to send the student’s account to the Meal Deficit Liaison if no payment has been made.

-If the Meal Deficit Liaison is not able to collect payment from parents, meal deficits must be paid in full by the school before the account can be sent to collections. Collection agencies will retain a percentage of funds collected for their services. The percentage will come out of the funds returned to the school.

-Because this process and support position has just been created, and we are in a new school year, schools must help us by documenting the school-based steps prior to submitting the request for collections.

Published on

TO:
All Principals
All Admin Assistants

FROM:
Kurt Prusse, Director of Purchasing

Central Warehouse Reminder: Inventory Order Verification, Returns, and Exchanges

To help the Central Warehouse better serve you and ensure smooth operations, please keep the following in mind when receiving inventory deliveries:

  • Order Verification
    • Verify your inventory order upon delivery to confirm all items are present.
    • If something is missing, please notify the warehouse within three business days from the date of delivery so the issue can be corrected quickly.
  • Returns and Exchanges
    • You have 30 business days from the date of delivery to request a return or exchange.
    • Items may be returned or exchanged if they are:
      • Not needed
      • Ordered in error
      • Defective
    • Proper Storage of Supplies
      • Do not store supplies in boiler rooms or in outdoor storage containers (Conex boxes).
      • Heat and humidity can damage items, especially vinyl binders.
      • Store supplies in a cool, dry location to protect them and extend their use.

For Central Warehouse questions or assistance, please contact:

  • Lisa Costanza: 801-567-8899
  • Mike Fitch: 801-567-8836

 

Published on

DATE:  
August 21, 2025

TO: 
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
BARK Content Monitoring and iBoss Search Monitoring

Now that school is back in session, here is a review of our district-wide content monitoring system which runs through a software/AI system called BARK. BARK monitors all students’ Google accounts across all JSD schools and levels. This is different from iBoss and Lanschool and does not detect student internet searches. Here is a summary of the notification protocols and procedures for this school year.

  • BARK uses an AI to scan student Gmail messages, Google chats, Google documents, and Google slides, regardless of the device or IP address that is used. As long as the student is logged in to and using their Jordan District Google account, the content can be monitored.
  • Notifications and alerts are categorized as non-severe, severe, and imminent.
  • Alerts are monitored primarily by Angie Rasmussen, JSD Student Safety and Wellness Specialist. Some alerts will require additional investigation at that level to determine the context and to filter out false positives.
  • Notifications are primarily sent via email from Angie Rasmussen. Urgent tips will be addressed through a phone call or text message. Email notifications often include administrators, counselors, and other mental health team members who are relevant to the situation–multiple team members are included to ensure follow-up for time-sensitive situations.
  • Notifications that are not considered emergencies or urgent will not be sent after 3pm on a school day to ensure that intervention is reasonable and timely for school personnel.
  • Content alerts are not monitored over the weekend or on days that students don’t attend, but emergency alerts will still be sent when immediate intervention is needed.
  • We will continue to receive after-hours imminent alerts and will continue to work with administrators when immediate intervention is required.

In addition to BARK monitoring students’ Google accounts, students’ Google and YouTube searches will be monitored through iBoss. Flagged searches will be managed by Infosystems, Matt Alvernaz, and Angie Rasmussen. School administrators will be notified if the search content indicates harm to self or others or anything else that may raise concern.

Should you have any questions, please reach out to Angie Rasmussen (angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org, ext. 88197) or McKinley Withers (mckinley.withers@jordandistrict.org, ext. 88245).

 

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator, Teaching & Learning
Jared Covili, Consultant, Digital Learning, Teaching & Learning
Amy Lloyd, Consultant, K-12 Math,Teaching & Learning

Administrators, 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 COLLEGE CLASSES! This is called the STEM Endorsement Incentive Program (EIP).

Applications for the final 2024-25 reimbursement are now being accepted for teachers who completed STEM courses through June 30, 2025. The next round of reimbursements applications is due August 31, 2025 for teachers who completed STEM courses up through Summer 2025.

See the attached flyer and link to our EIP website for more information. If you have any questions, please reach out to the content consultant. We would love to talk to you!

STEM EIP Flyer August 2025

Published on

TO:
Principals

FROM: 
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Brandee Bergum, Secondary Language Arts Consultant

The first submission deadline for this year’s Secondary Literature Selection meetings is September 3, 2025. Any full length novel that a teacher would like to use in the classroom must be on the district’s approved list. Teachers may send submissions to the attention of Brandee Bergum in Teaching and Learning. Submission directions and forms can be found here: Secondary Literature Selection Process Our secondary approved lists can be found here: JSD Approved Literature Lists

Lit. Selection Dates 2025-26

Book Submission Deadline Middle School Meetings High School Meetings
Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026 Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026
Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Tuesday, April 28, 2026 Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Published on

DATE:  
August 18, 2025

TO: 
Elementary School Administrators
Middle School Administrators
High School Administrators

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Stacee Worthen, School Counselor Consultant

SUBJECT:  
School Counselor Training and Professional Development

School counselor trainings and professional development for the month of September.

Training & Professional Development Dates for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs (CSCP)

(9/3) CSCP Q1 In-Service Training, JATC-South, Auditorium

  • All School Counselors attend session 1 or 2
  • Session 1 -- 8:00 am - 10:00 am; Session 2 -- 10:15 am - 12:15 pm
  • Elementary School Counselors – Potential Change
  • Juniper Elementary School Auditorium
  • 8:00 am – 11:00 am

(9/9) Riverton Feeder Meeting

  • Riverton Feeder Counselors K-12
  • 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

(9/12) CSCP SEP SEC PLC, JATC-South, Auditorium

  • Secondary School Counselors
  • 7:30 am - 9:00 am

(9/12) CSCP SEP ELEM PLC, JATC-South, Auditorium

  • Elementary School Counselors
  • 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

(9/16) Copper Hills Feeder Meeting, District Office, Room 129

  • Copper Hills Feeder Counselors K-12
  • 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

(9/17) CSCP New Counselor Training, District Office, Room 129

  • All New Counselors and Interns
  • 8:00 am - 11:00 am

(9/24) CSCP Counselor Collaborative Committee, District Office, Room 129

  • Only School Counselors appointed to this committee
  • 8:00 am - 11:30 am

If you have questions or need clarification, please reach out to Stacee Worthen, Counselor Consultant, at (801)567-8309.