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Category: Middle School Info

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:
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.

Published on

TO:
School Principals
Admin Assistants

FROM:
Paul Bergera, Director of Transportation

The MyView Parent app has not been updated for the 2025-26 school year. We hope to have it operating by Monday, August 25, 2025. Let parents know, if they call, that this is being taken care of and to please have patience with the Transportation Department.

Thank you!

Published on

TO:  
All Administrators

FROM:
Jordan School District Cabinet Members

The Administrative Leadership Conference for administrators is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 2026 and Thursday, August 6, 2026. All administrators should plan to attend on both days. The location is TBD.

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Jordan School District Cabinet Members

This is a mandatory 2-day in-person training for all administrators. To be held at JATC-S. Mark your calendar now and more information will be shared at a later date.

Published on

TO:
Principals

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent

All new principals and new SCC Chairs need to attend one of the SCC Trainings for this year. Two trainings will be held in a Zoom format. For specific questions or topics you would like to have covered, please submit them through email to Nadine Page (nadine.page@jordandistrict.org) before the meeting dates. For any other questions contact Nadine Page, nadine.page@jordandistrict.org or 801.567.8182 (x88182).

November 6, 2025 - 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting     LINK

November 13, 2025 - 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting     LINK

Published on

DATE:    
August 14, 2025

TO:  
Principals
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Jordan School District Nurses

SUBJECT:  
Immunization Policy and Guidelines, Skyward and USIIS Inservice

Jordan School District Nurses will be conducting this inservice on:

Friday, September 19, 2025
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
ASB (Auxiliary Services Building), PDC Room 101

This inservice is open to all office staff and administrators. If you are involved with new student registration this inservice will be of benefit to you.

Class size is limited. Please contact your school nurse if you are planning to attend. See attached nurse assignment list for 2025-26.

 

Published on

TO:
All Administrators
All Admin Assistants

FROM:
Sarah Palmer, Director of Payroll

Regarding All Licensed and ESP Employees

  • Aug. 20-26 - Elementary Schools
  • Aug. 19-25 - Secondary Schools
  • Aug. 19-25 - District Offices & Auxiliary Services

Per District policy, annual or personal leave days may not be used during the first five days of school, unless the leave reason is listed in policy as an exception. If any of the exceptions do apply, you must provide both the leave reason and the policy exception in the time off description. If these exceptions are not applicable, yur annual or personal leave day will be changed to a no-pay day as per policy.

7. Annual leave shall not be taken during the first five (5) days that students are in school except under the following conditions:

  1. To attend the wedding of a near relative including child, father, mother, brother, sister, grandchild, grandparents or same or one's spouse or any other person who is a member of the same household as the employee.
  2. To attend to personal or business matters which require the employee's attendance and scheduling is beyond the employee's control.
  3. First year employees who notify their supervisor in writing that they are ill.