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DATE:
August 29th, 2024

TO:
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
PBIS Stipend Clarification


Administrators,

This memo is an update to a previous JAM regarding PBIS and Suicide Prevention Funds. There were no other changes to this information other than the stipend amount received, stipends have been amended to account for the benefits cost on our grant. The original Positive Behaviors Plan 2024-2025 form stated a $3000 stipend is available to pay up to three licensed individuals. $3000 is the amount before benefits are deducted. 

 Individuals will receive the following amounts:
You may select one person to receive-$2250.00
You may select two people to receive- $1125.00 each
You may select three people to receive-$750.00 each

The stipends will be paid out in November or March. Please submit the form to Janie Hyde by October 2, 2024, to have the stipends paid on the November paycheck, or please submit it by February 4, 2025, to have the stipends paid on the March paycheck.

DATE:
August 29, 2024

TO:
Building Principals
Assistant Principals
Elementary Administrative Assistants
Secondary Registrars
Secondary Attendance Secretaries.

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

SUBJECT:
Enrollment of Returning Charter School Students


In the February 2022 Principal Meeting, school principals were directed to consult with and receive permission from their AOS before denying enrollment to a student who lives in the school's boundary and wishes to return at any point in the school year from a charter school. This guidance remains in effect for principals and assistant principals at all levels.

This information should be communicated to individuals who have responsibility for enrolling students at each school location.

DATE:
August 29, 2024

TO:
Principals and Assistant Principals

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

SUBJECT:
Attendance Resources for Labor Day


Thank you for your tremendous efforts to warmly welcome our students and families back into our buildings and back to school. Attendance Works notes that these warm, welcoming environments make a big difference with attendance:

“Research and experience shows that attendance improves when a school community offers a warm and welcoming environment that engages students and families and provides enriching learning opportunities. Students are more likely to come to school when they feel safe, know that someone at the school cares about them, and when there are exciting and relevant lessons. Families are more likely to make sure their children are in class every day when they know school staff are looking out for their children’s best interest and when they understand the potentially adverse impact of absences, even just two days a month, on academic success.”

Help families plan ahead and make sure their child is back in school directly following a school holiday by posting alerts using Parent Square, school websites, and social media. Ready-made resources are available in English and Spanish here. If you would like to customize the announcement with your school logo or have any questions, please contact Michelle Reyes at michelle.reyes@jordandistrict.org or (801)567-8205.

We still have FREE banners and stickers available in case you missed it in the last JAM.

DATE:
August 27, 2024

TO:
All Jordan School District Principals (with bus route students)

FROM:
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Paul Bergera, Director of Transportation
Kathy Jones, Transportation Trainer/Risk Coordinator

SUBJECT:
State Required Bus Evacuations and School Bus Safety 2024-2025


State-required semi-annual school bus evacuations have been scheduled for this September. This applies to those students who ride the bus daily to and from school.

The evacuations will be conducted during the week of:
Monday, September 9 through Friday, September 13, 2024

Your school’s regular bus drivers will perform this evacuation as they drop your students off in the morning, one day during that week. This procedure will take place at your school and within the student’s regular bus drop off/pick up zone. All professional school bus drivers who transport students are required to perform evacuation procedures in case of an emergency. Bus evacuation will be through the rear door, side door, front door, or any combination of the three. Students will then, under the direction and supervision of the bus driver, evacuate and meet in a safe place approximately 100 feet away from the bus.

Your assistance is welcome but not mandatory to complete this required evacuation drill quickly, safely, and effectively.

We appreciate all you do to help us safely transport your students.

DATE:
August 29, 2024

TO:
Principals and Assistant Principals

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

SUBJECT:
Attendance Awareness Month Materials 2024 & The Importance of September Attendance


We would like to invite your school to participate with us as we celebrate Attendance Awareness Month to shine attention on the importance of attending school every day. We have chosen Be Present, Be Powerful as our campaign slogan. You can find ready-made resources to help you plan and celebrate here. Teachers can access a teaching attendance toolkit from Attendance Works. Take advantage of Parent Square to send out information. Also included in the resources are attendance motivations and “Did you know?” facts you can share with your school community.

DATE:
August 16, 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 September and October


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

 

DATE:
Thursday, August 29, 2024

TO:
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
Data Gateway Updates and School Report Card Project Release Dates


Data Gateway Updates

The state’s Data Gateway has been updated with 2023-24 RISE, Utah Aspire Plus, DLM, and ACT proficiency results. In addition, student growth (SGPs/MGPs) have also been updated for the 2023-24 school year. Here are some helpful pages on the state’s Data Gateway:

  • Data Gateway Login Page – If administrators don’t have an account or their account is locked or deleted, please contact Ben Jameson in Assessment, Research & Accountability.
  • Student Proficiency – Administrators can see proficiency by test type (RISE, Utah Aspire Plus, or DLM), grade level, district, or school.
  • Compare Schools Report – Administrators can compare both proficiency and growth (MGP or median growth percentile) for demographically similar schools.
  • Student Growth – Administrators can compare proficiency and growth on a scatterplot.
  • Test Scores by Teacher – Found under My Tools once administrators have logged into their account, this report allows them to see RISE, Utah Aspire Plus or DLM data for their teachers’ 2023-24 classes as well as current year students.
  • WIDA ACCESS Reports – Found under My Tools once administrators have logged into their account, this feature allows administrators to download the 2024 WIDA score reports for their currently enrolled English learners.

School Accountability Report Card Projected Release Dates

USBE expects to release school accountability report cards to the public on September 24, 2024. A secure release to school district officials and school administrators is expected to begin on September 5th and conclude on September 18th.

Targeted School Improvement (TSI), Additional Targeted School Improvement (ATSI), and Comprehensive School Improvement (CSI) designations and exits are expected to be released on September 24th as well. As a reminder, schools designated as TSI are eligible for exit annually. The schools designated as ATSI that are eligible for exit were identified in the fall of 2019 or earlier (cohorts 1 and 2).

For questions about the Data Gateway reports, individual administrator Data Gateway accounts, school accountability report cards, or TSI/ATSI/CSI designations, please contact Ben Jameson in Assessment, Research & Accountability.

TO:
All Employees

FROM:
Sarah Palmer, Director of Payroll


URS doesn’t discourage members from using third-party advisors. However, be cautious of any non-URS advisor or financial planner who claims to represent URS or have expertise in URS benefits. URS does not contract with or otherwise outsource investment advising to any third-party for any reason.

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Sarah Palmer, Director of Payroll


Important: Annual or Personal Leave During the First Five Days of School
All Licensed and ESP Employees

8/21/24-8/27/24    Elementary Schools
8/20/24-8/26/24    Secondary Schools
8/20/24-8/26/24    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, your annual or personal leave day will be changed to a no-pay day as per policy.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

DP335NEG-Annual Leave-Licensed
DP335B-Annual Leave-Education Support Professionals

  1. 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 to 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.

TO:
Middle and High School Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Brandee Bergum, Consultant in Teaching and Learning


The first submission deadline for this year’s Secondary Literature Selection meetings is September 4, 2024. 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 2024-25

Book Submission Deadline Middle School Meetings High School Meetings
Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024 Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024 Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2025 Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Wednesday, April 30, 2025

DATE:
August 20, 2024

TO:
District Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
1st Day Enrollment vs. the Estimate for All Schools


Please see the attached document.

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Kaye Rizzuto, Consultant in Teaching and Learning


September has been designated by the Utah State Legislature as American Founders Month in HB 179. All public schools are asked to do something to honor the American Founding Fathers and the Constitution. September 17 is designated by Congress as Constitution Day.

Elementary Teachers have access to resources that fit their social studies standards. All 5th and 6th grade students will receive a “Why I Love America” pamphlet that teachers can use as a resource. One of the lessons on the resource page for 5th and 6th grade teachers is a lesson specifically about the pamphlet.

Secondary social studies also have lessons and activities that they can do during the month. The resources for American Founders Month can be found on the district website.

TO:
Directors
Administrators
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
June LeMaster, Administrator of Human Resources


Check out the information regarding a scholarship opportunity. Valued at up to $2,500! Apply by December 15, 2024.

TO:
All School and District Administrators

FROM:
June LeMaster, Administrator Human Resources


Current JSD administrators are eligible for principal assignment consideration at any time, however Cabinet will conduct an optional interest interview every four years for current administrators in the district.

DATE:  December 3rd
TIME:  To Be Determined
LOCATION:  Executive Conference Room, District Office

Application Window Closes November 15th

See the flyer below for all the details on how to apply.

TO:
Principals

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent


One more training to be held this year. Hope to see you on Zoom!

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).

October 30, 2024 - 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting     LINK

October 9, 2024 - 6:30-7:30 p.m. - Previously held