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Category: Middle School Info

Published on

DATE:  
January 9, 2025

TO:  
High School Administrators
Middle School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
Course Catalog Updates

Information regarding updated Course Catalog courses and how to request course changes and/or new courses is included below. Please contact Stacee Worthen with any questions or concerns.

The Course Catalog can be found at counseling.jordandistrict.org/catalog/

New Course Requests:

  • New Course Requests can be made by filling out the New Course Request Form
  • Please check the course catalog before submitting a new course to make sure that the new course is not already in the course catalog
  • The New Course Request Form needs to be filled out completely to be reviewed by the designated Teaching and Learning Consultants.
  • The process may take several weeks to get a course approved and course number in Skyward
    • An approval/denial email will be sent when process is complete
  • If you have questions about any course, please reach out to the Teaching and Learning Consultants

Course Change Requests

Newly Approved Courses (2024-2025 & 2025-2026) as of 12.18.2024

CTE

  • Individual and Family Relationships (CTE)
  • HTHS 1104 - Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology (CTE)
  • Electric Vehicle Safety & Technology (CTE)
  • Construction Management 1 (CTE)
  • Construction Management 2 (CTE)
  • Construction Management 3 (CTE)
  • Economics CE (CTE)
  • Electrician 1 (CTE)
  • LINUX Fundamentals (CTE)
  • Cyber Forensics (CTE)
  • Careers in Criminal Justice (CTE)
  • CMGT 1100 – Construction Math (CTE)
  • Machining 3 (CTE)
  • Introduction to 3D Print Technology (CTE)
  • Radio Production 1 (CTE)
  • Radio Production 2 (CTE)
  • Influencer and Content Marketing (CTE)
  • EE 2780 (CTE)
  • Fire Science, Safety and Survival (CTE)
  • Fire Science, Introduction (CTE)
  • NET 2300 – Introduction to LAN Management (CTE)
  • NET 1400 – Prin of Cyber Defense & Ethics (CTE)
  • Floriculture, Advanced (CTE)
  • Exploring Work-Based Learning (CTE)
  • Power Motor Sports Repair (CTE)

Digital Studies

  • Braille Literacy and Assistive Technology (DS)

Fine Arts

  • Photography 3 (A)
  • Black & White Film Photography 2 (A)
  • The Science of Comedy (A)
  • Debate 3: Advanced (A, Sr. ELA)
  • Screen Printing (A, CTE)
  • FILM 2200 – Fundamentals of Film Studies (A)
  • Latin Dance (A, ILA)

Language Arts

  • Literature & Storytelling (Taylor’s Version) (Sr. ELA, E)
  • Intro to Public Speaking & Speechwriting (ELA)

Math

  • Data Science/Mathematical Modeling (M)
  • Mathematical Decision Making for Life SPED (M)

World Language

  • Introduction to Spanish - Spanish 1B (E)
  • French 1A (E)
  • French 1B (E)
  • Spanish 5H (E, Sr. ELA)

Social Studies

  • History of Warfare (Military History) (E)

Physical Education/Health

  • Fundamentals of Baseball (ILA)

Science

  • BIOL 1610 – College Biology I (AAF-S)
  • BIOL 1615 – College biology I Lab (AAF-S)

 

Published on

TO:
All Administrators
All Directors
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Dan Ellis, Director of Accounting

The mileage reimbursement rate is based upon the IRS rate. Effective January 1, 2025, the reimbursement rate is $0.70 per mile. Please use the attached form when submitting for mileage reimbursement. All 2024 mileage reimbursement requests should be submitted as soon as possible. Click HERE to access the mileage form online.

Published on

TO:
Elementary Principals
Middle Level Principals
Counselors
Department Chairs
6th Grade Teachers

FROM: 
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning

Principals,

This is a quick update to the 7th Grade Mathematics Information for 2025-26 that we shared with you in the November 2024 principals’ meeting.

Originally the hand-out listed two ways for accelerated 6th grade math students to skip 7th grade math and move directly to 8th grade math: 1) a 7th-grade demonstrated competency assessment or 2) a competency course that could be taken outside of the regular school day. However, upon further research and consideration of the logistical challenges, we have determined that the competency course is not a viable option.

Passing the Math 7 demonstrated competency assessment will allow students to skip 7th grade math and register for 8th grade math. Counselors will be able to sign students up for competency testing in January and February 2025 if families are interested.

Published on

The following are new administrative assignments:

New Assignments effective January 2, 2025:

  • Odette Desmarais, principal at Westvale Elementary appointed elementary school level Administrator of Schools.
  • Angela Solum, assistant principal at Heartland Elementary appointed principal at Westvale Elementary.
  • Rachelle Smith, administrative intern at Joel P. Jensen Middle and South Hills Middle transferred as full-time administrative intern to Heartland Elementary.
  • Meredith Doleac, principal at Ridge View Elementary appointed elementary school level Administrator of Schools.
  • Molly Morgan, assistant principal at Elk Meadows Elementary appointed principal at Ridge View Elementary.
  • Stacie Thompson, administrative intern at Hidden Valley Middle and Sunset Ridge Middle transferred as full-time administrative intern at Elk Meadows Elementary.
  • Jarom Airhart, assistant principal at Midas Creek Elementary transferred as assistant principal at South Hills Middle and Sunset Ridge Middle.
  • Ami Anderson, teacher specialist in Teaching & Learning appointed assistant principal at Midas Creek Elementary.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

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

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.
  • There is a $175 stipend for teachers that attend. In addition, hourly employees can time sheet.

Published on

DATE:   
December 12, 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: 
School Safety Specialist Responsibilities

As a reminder, here are the details describing the roles and responsibilities of assigned School Safety Specialists. By now each School Safety Specialist should have received the Standard Response Protocols training so they are familiar with it. The training is mandatory for all School Safety Specialists and will need to be attended in order to be in compliance with state law.

All School Safety Specialists shall be trained and certified in level 1 Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG). The School Safety Specialist acts as a member of the school’s interdisciplinary CSTAG team. Please make the necessary arrangements to have this completed in a timely manner.

It is recommended that School Safety Specialists should be conducting an inventory and visual inspection of all the safety equipment within his or her school. Items to inspect include the tactical emergency casualty care (TECC) kits in the classrooms and common areas, the reunification crate, fire extinguishers, and AEDs. Other items to consider include wheelchairs and staircase evacuation chairs or commonly known as “rickshaws.” Make sure to maintain a record of drills conducted as well.

Use this link to review the School Safety Specialist roles and responsibilities in detail. If a School Safety Specialist or school administrator is still need of training please contact the district School Safety Coordinator, Matt Alvernaz, at matt.alvernaz@jordandistrict.org or by phone at 801-567-8623.

Published on

DATE:   
December 11, 2024

TO:  
All Principals, Directors and Supervisors

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

SUBJECT:   
DP375 – Vacation Schedule for Administrative Personnel

Clarification of administrator vacation days carryover:

  • Administrators receive 20 frontloaded vacation days on July 1st of each year. These frontloaded days are earned throughout that current year.
  • Administrators may carryover up to 20 earned vacation days from the previous year. Any earned days over 20 not used by December 31st of each year will be forfeited.

Therefore, as of December 31, 2024, any unused vacation days above 40 days will be forfeited. These 40 days consist of the 20 days that were frontloaded on July 1, 2024 for the 2024-25 year, as well as up to 20 unused earned days that were allowed to be carried over from the previous 2023-24 year.

Published on

TO:
Administrators
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Bonnie Brennan, Director of Insurance Services

"All employees and their spouses covered on the Jordan School District PEHP medical plan are eligible to participate in the health incentive program. Each employee and their spouse can earn up to $100 each by participating in one of the free biometric testing sessions, completing a questionnaire and participating in a variety of PEHP wellness activities.

If you would like to schedule a PEHP Healthy Utah testing session for your school, please send an email to Stan Moyle, Stan.Moyle@pehp.org, with PEHP with the date and time you would like to host the testing session. Health Utah is currently scheduling on a limited basis and days fill up fast, so don't delay. Testing sessions can be scheduled between January and April at this time. Please see "First Steps Rebate" on the attached flyer.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Bonnie Brennan, Director of Insurance Services (801) 567-8285.

Published on

TO:
Administrators
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Jason Skidmore, Director of CTE

What's happening in Work Based Learning?

  • New to our Team
  • Elementary Career Lessons
  • YouScience
  • Safety Tips & Tricks
  • Internships
  • WBL Events
  • Social Media Links

Published on

DATE:      
Thursday, December 12, 2024

TO:  
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
New Accountability Indicators Dashboard on the Data Gateway

The USBE’s Center for Continuous School Improvement would like to share this new resource with you. It is a new data dashboard titled "Accountability Indicators" that can be found on the Data Gateway. No login is required to access this dashboard. When you are on the Data Gateway, click on "Accountability Indicators" under Accountability to access the dashboard.

We hope that this new data dashboard is helpful as it shows longitudinal data for schools within each LEA and provides some additional data points. One of its main features is to provide a longitudinal view by student group of school report card indicator points. It allows schools, particularly those that are designated as or at risk for being designated as TSI, ATSI or CSI.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to Megan Tippetts, USBE’s School Improvement Data Specialist (megan.tippetts@schools.utah.gov) or Ben Jameson in Assessment, Research & Accountability if you have any questions about this new resource.

Published on

DATE:  
Thursday, December 12, 2024

TO:   
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT: 
2024-25 Stakeholder Input Survey Results

41,641 students, parents and educators participated in the 2024-25 Stakeholder Input Survey, which was administered in November 2024.

The Stakeholder Input Survey results have been released on Tableau. Those with Tableau accounts will be able to see aggregated responses to each of the question items that were administered to K-3, 4-6 and 7-12th grade students as well as parent and faculty responses.

Those with Tableau accounts may access school and district survey results by clicking here or through the Explore menu: Explore > Surveys > Stakeholder Input Survey.

As a reminder, the Stakeholder Input Survey fulfills state statute (53G-11-507) requiring that LEAs seek for student and parent input (and employee input for school administrators) as part of an educator evaluation program. Printed reports containing school, principal, assistant principal, and individual educator effectiveness ratings will also be distributed to principals in January 2025. Those reports will need to be distributed to educators who may choose to use those results as part of their educator evaluation. It may also be beneficial for principals to meet with individual educators to discuss their results.

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

 

Published on

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Sarah Palmer, Director, Payroll

Please share with your employees.

IMPORTANT DECEMBER PAYCHECK INFORMATION FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

The District Office will be closing for Winter Recess at the end of the day on Monday, December 23rd and will not return until Thursday, January 2nd. To avoid any delays in receiving your paycheck during this break, the Payroll Department is making the following recommendations:

  1. If you need to close your bank account, please call Payroll immediately.
  2. Paychecks are available for viewing in Employee Access on Wednesday, December 18th. Please review your paycheck and contact Payroll immediately with any questions or concerns at (801) 567-8154 or email payroll@jordandistrict.org. Instructions are attached on how to view your paycheck.
    If you need help logging into your Employee Access, please call the help desk at 801-567-8737.
  3. If you are a True Time employee, instructions are attached on how to view your True Time to make certain it has been approved and processed by Payroll.
  4. Payday is on December 20, 2024.

Published on

TO:
Directors
Principals
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources

Please see the flyer and document below for all the details.

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

Attached is the Special Ed Newsletter for December 2024.

Published on

DATE:
December 2, 2024

TO:
All Principals

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

SUBJECT:
Professional Development Opportunities for January and February

Attached is a listing of all the professional development opportunities for Special Education Licensed Staff for January and February. A link to sign up for each training will be sent to all Special Education Licensed Staff Members.

Published on

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

Published on

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Steffany Ellsworth, Support Services Manager, Information Systems

On Friday, December 13th, passwords for all 7th grade student’s Google accounts will be reset, requiring students to set a new password. This change will take effect the first time they log in to their JSD email account.

Please inform your staff about this update so they can assist their students with resetting passwords, as needed. If you have questions, please contact the help desk ext. 88737.

Published on

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Steffany Ellsworth, Support Services Manager, Information Systems

In anticipation of next year's enrollment planning and scheduling, Information Systems will be turning on pre-transfers the afternoon of December 16th. You will be able to start running reports and see your next year's students at that time.

Below are a few reminders about pre-transfers:

  • A pre-transfer is an active student who is currently attending Jordan School District and will be attending next year at a different school within Jordan School District. The student's record will pre-transfer to the student's next year boundary school based on their current address.
  • Once pre-transfers are turned on, the School Path tab shows the current year permits under Previous Reason Code and next year permits under Reason Code.
  • Current permits for 6th and 9th grade students will be removed for next year as of December 16th. This will allow these students to pre-transfer to their new entity for next year.
  • In addition to turning on pre-transfers, the course master will be rolled over for next year's scheduling preparation.

Please contact the help desk (ext. 88737) with any questions or concerns regarding the pre-transfer process.