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Category: Middle Schools

Published on

DATE:
February 12, 2026

TO:
School Psychologists & School Psychology Interns

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

SUBJECT:
February School Psychologists & School Psychology Interns Meeting

A meeting for school psychologists and school psychology interns has been scheduled for Friday, February 20, 2026, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Jordan Applied Technology Center Auditorium (JATC South, {12723 Park Avenue (2080 West), Riverton}. Please note the change in location for this meeting. Annie Morgan, RN, Director of Patient Care at Cognitive FX, will provide us with a presentation on clinical implications of traumatic brain injury.

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

Published on

DATE:
February 12, 2026

TO:
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
Schools At Risk for Being Designated for Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI)

When a school has one or more low-performing student groups for two consecutive years, the state designates that school for Targeted Support and Improvement or TSI. The state identifies a low-performing student group by calculating a school accountability report card score for each student group. Low-performing is defined as a student group that accrues a percentage of school accountability report card points that is less than the state’s bottom 5% threshold of Title I schools. In other words, that student group is performing below the bottom 5% of Title I schools from across
the state.

The student groups that can be designated for TSI are as follows:
 • Asian
 • American Indian
 • Black
 • Hispanic
 • Multiple Races
 • Pacific Islander
 • White
 • Economically Disadvantaged
 • Multi-lingual Learner (ML)
 • Student with a Disability

Recently, USBE released TSI calculations for the 2024-25 school year for each student group in every school in the state. A Tableau dashboard contains two views that will help you determine if any of your student groups are at risk for being designated as TSI:

 • A list of schools at risk for a TSI designation in one or more student groups (there are 25 schools).
 • A breakdown of school report card indicator scores for each student group for one school at a time.

While individual report card scores for student groups at each school are not published on the state’s school report card website, the school accountability report card for an entire school population may be found here.

Please contact Ben Jameson in Assessment, Research & Accountability with questions about Utah’s school accountability system or TSI.

Published on

To:
All Administrators

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Jane Olsen, Human Resources Specialist

Your JSD Human Resources Department is pleased to announce this week's new openings for Education Support Professionals (ESP) positions across the district. We will frequently post highlights in JEM.

Please share this information with anyone you think may be interested in these positions. This does not reflect all ESP positions posted within the last week, only a select number of featured positions.

Featured New ESP Positions

Here is a brief ​d​escription ​o​f the new ESP vacancies posted this week:

  • Clerk Fixed Assets FT: Assist with the District fixed assets program, training assistants, monitoring transactions of new equipment purchases and transfers, and travel throughout the District is required.
    • Location: ASB, Redwood Road
  • Custodian Assistant FT: Provide careof grounds, minor maintenance, building cleaning, assist with security, and may direct work of student sweepers.
    • Location: Custodial and Energy Services, ASB, Redwood Road
  • Facility Carpenter FT: Perform carpentry tasks to help in the fabrication, maintenance, remodel and repair of areas in and around the District facilities, including building cabinets, install and matching hardware, trim, molding, countertops, sheetrock, tile and more.
    • Location: ASB, Redwood Road
  • Facility Electrician FT: Performs journey-level duties and responsibilities in the installation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repairs of electrical and high-voltage circuits, systems, and equipment according to specifications and code.
    • Location: ASB, Redwood Road

How to View and Apply

Each posted position has specific criteria and due dates. To see the complete list of vacancies and to ​apply, click this link: Jordan School District - Frontline Recruitment

Thank you for your continued dedication to Jordan School District students and families!

jsd_hr

Jordan School District Human Resources

Jordan School District

 

Published on

TO:
All Administrator

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Michelle Love-Day, Director of Language & Culture Services

Language & Culture Services is providing another opportunity for you to become certified as a District Interpreter. This course is for employees at the school level that have been hired to be interpreters in the front office, classroom, or for conferences. Through HB 302, a legislative bill passed in Utah to strengthen family engagement in education, this bill focuses on the need for schools to effectively communicate with parents and guardians so they can fully participate in their child’s education.

Join us March 6th 8-3 p.m.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Jared Covili, Consultant of Digital Learning

As previously mentioned in principals’ meeting, JSD is looking to open up additional AI tools and opportunities for admin and faculty. There are several different ways for you to share good AI practices in your schools. 

First, we want to provide you with the Jordan School District AI Framework. This document is meant to provide ideas for each member of your school community and how they can use AI responsibly in school. You'll also find quick reference guides that can help your teachers know when it is appropriate to use AI for themselves and for their students.

JSD AI Framework

Second, we have two opportunities for you and your schools to have customized experiences with SchoolAI.  You have the chance to be part of the Admin pilot with features specific to your role and responsibilities.  There are three different options for your involvement.  You can choose any or all of these options.

  1. Access to the SchoolAI Admin Pilot Portal - this provides you with a new interface that allows you to implement AI in your work as an administrator.
  2. Provide feedback as part of an admin user group with SchoolAI - help shape the SchoolAI Admin Portal by providing recommendations and feedback to our partner.
  3. Have SchoolAI visit your school to talk with administrators and teachers about their SchoolAI experiences.

We are looking to provide access to students in a new student portal pilot with SchoolAI.  We are moving forward to explore options for students to have equitable access to AI tools for their learning.  We plan to roster students in a pilot for grades 7-12 and may add upper elementary grades as well. 

These pilots will last through the end of the school year in order to test structured access to AI as part of students’ learning activities.  Please fill out the attached form to indicate your interest in participating in either or both of these pilots. Contact Jared Covili, Admin - DTL, with any questions.

SchoolAI Pilot for Admin and Students Form

Published on

DATE: 
February 4, 2026

TO: 
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
Attendance Newsletter and Resources

Please review the attached newsletter for resources to increase student attendance.

FEB2026 Attendance Resources February 2026 Attendance Newsletter

Published on

TO:
All School Principals

FROM:
Mike Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Lisa LeStarge, Administrative Assistant

As a reminder: School LAND Trust program Final Reports for 2024-2025 are due Friday, February 13, 2026.

Please submit your final report on the State website as soon as possible.

Final Report expenditures will not be entered by the principal, but will be displayed and space will be available for principals to enter an explanation for those expenditures.

The 2026-2027 (upcoming year) Land Trust Plan can be submitted after the final report is completed, submitted, and finalized by the District Office. The due date for submitting 2026-2027 Land Trust and TSSA plans is March 20, 2026. This allows sufficient time for plans to be approved by the Board prior to receiving funds for the 2026-27 school year.

TSSA Plan and Folder LINKS: 2026-2027 School TSSA Plans.

Published on

TO:
Administrators and Club Advisors

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Michelle Love-Day, Director of Language & Culture Services

Save the date for "Color Brave- Learn your story" Middle School Multicultural Conference . The Language and Culture Services department will provide buses for the schools (Flyer attached). Please see this sign up sheet and have your club advisor RSVP for your school.

Language and Culture Services will pay for transportation and the sub code is: 5336

RSVP here

Published on

DATE: 
Thursday, February 5, 2026

TO: 
All Middle School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
Tableau Dashboards for Trustlands and TSSA Planning and Reporting

The following Tableau dashboards may be helpful to school administrators as they plan for the 2026-27 school year Trustlands and TSSA plans.  As you look at each of these dashboards, please remember to change the School Name filter to your school.

Assessments:

RISE ELA Proficiency and Growth

RISE Math Proficiency and Growth

RISE Science Proficiency and Growth

Utah Aspire Plus Proficiency and Growth

WIDA ACCESS Proficiency and Growth

AP Distribution of Scores and Pass Rates

Other Relevant Data

Advanced Course Enrollments Over Time

Attendance

Behavior & Discipline

Demographics

Grades

State’s Data Gateway

School Report Cards

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Chris Richards-Khong, Staff Assistant of Teaching and Learning

The Jordan Teacher Fellows Inaugural Exhibition
Professional Development Day: April 17, 2026
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Jordan Learning Center 3706 West 9800
South Jordan, Utah 84009

This distinctive JSD Professional Development Day session offers a brief Keynote and then features opportunities to engage with each Teacher Fellow educator who will share their action project findings in an exhibition fair style format. Please join us for this signature collegial event; providing time to connect around practice and enjoy refreshments.

The Jordan Teacher Fellows is composed of competitively selected educators who form the first-of-a-kind cohort conducting a deep dive within the 6 Roles of a Utah Teacher Leader. Building from these experiences, the Teacher Fellows have launched action projects which are directed toward benefitting their school or our district.

This opportunity has been provided by the Teaching and Learning Department with the support of The Jordan Education Foundation and the USBE MASTER pilot grant. The Teacher Fellows programming aligns with the pillar of High Quality Instruction within our Jordan School District Strategic Plan. For more information about JSD Teacher Fellows see https://teacherfellows.jordandistrict.org/

Teacher Leader Facilitators:
Brooke Anderson, Jordan Data Scientist
Kierra Beddes, Digital Teaching & Learning
Shlori Daniels, Instructional Coach

Jordan Teacher Fellows:
Tamara Baggett, Riverside Elementary
Jill Bodine, Secondary Math Specialist
Rae Boren, Copper Hills High School
Melissa Brunke, Aspen Elementary
Michael Draut, West Hills Middle School
Amy Geilman, West Jordan Middle School
Jessica Hacking,Foothills Elementary
Christina Jacobs, MTSS Specialist
Kyle Jensen, Copper Hills High School
Lay Kou, Southland Elementary
Xin Lou, Eastland Elementary
Lucia Martin Garcia, Herriman Elementary
Holli Mattingly, Copper Canyon
Haley McCall, Aspen Elementary
Kami Mecham, Jordan Ridge Elementary
Cassen Williams, Antelope Canyon Elementary

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources

Jordan School District is seeking a Director of Special Education to provide strategic leadership and comprehensive program management. This role involves overseeing policy implementation, ensuring Federal/State IDEA compliance, and managing talent and budgets. The Director will also spearhead professional development while fostering strong collaboration between staff, parents, and external agencies.

The successful candidate will have:
- A professional educator license in "School Leadership"
- Prior administration experience preferred
- A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience
- An excellent knowledge of State/Federal rules/regulation related to IDEA

Submit your online application and all required documents by February 15, 2026. Visit https://hr.jordandistrict.org/apply/ to apply. (Job ID 13765)

Published on

TO:
Administrators & Directors

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Chris Richards-Khong, Staff Assistant of Teaching & Learning

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 is a prestigious honor presented annually by the state-wide program ResilientYOU.

The Education Tribute Award nominations need to be completed online no later than March 15, 2026. For Questions text Barbara Smith 801-560-6511 or email baarbaarasmith@gmail.com
Find the nomination form at resiliantyou.org/nominate.

Nomination categories include:
High School
Middle School
Elementary School
Administrator
Secondary School Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Wellness Professional
Parenting Organization
*School nominations are for school-wide programs and efforts. Please don't feature individuals if you are nominating their school.

Awards will be announced and delivered to each school location by a member of the ResilientYOU Board during “Resilient Utah Month” in April 2026. The recipients will be announced on social media, other channels and educational networks. Recipients will also be honored at a special awards event called the ResilientYOU Spectacular in April.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Brad Sorensen, Administrator of High Schools
Jason Skidmore, CTE Director

Follow along as Jordan CTE celebrates Career & Technical Education Month in February 2026.

Throughout February we will highlight our dedicated Jordan School District CTE educators, CTSO's, local industry leaders, and share amazing CTE student stories.

Published on

DATE:
February 5, 2026

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Caleb Olson, Enrollment Consultant, Student Services
Melanie Dawson, Program Administrator of Behavior

SUBJECT:
Emergency Safety Interventions (ESI) Documenting and Reporting

In January there were two different memos sent about how to document an ESI. This information was discussed in the  December principals meeting. Because there is a difference on how to retain documentation for a student in special  education versus a student in general education, it was decided to create one memo for all students. This memo  replaces both previous memos.

In accordance with the rules and guidelines provided in the Least Restrictive Behavior Intervention (LRBI) Technical  Assistance Manual (2023) as well as guidance from the Utah State Legislature (R277-608 and 53G-8-301), the following  is updated guidance on the use and reporting requirements of Emergency Safety Interventions (ESIs), including reporting  requirements in Jordan School District.

What is an Emergency Safety Intervention?
Emergency Safety Intervention or ‘ESI’ is the use of seclusion or physical restraint when a student presents an  immediate danger to self or others. An ESI is not used for disciplinary purposes. ESIs are emergency measures of last  resort to prevent imminent serious harm to an individual in a school setting. Even in these circumstances, ESIs should be  avoided if less restrictive means of managing the student’s behavior and ensuring safety are available.

How do I provide notification of the use of an Emergency Safety Intervention?

  1. Notify your administration within 15 minutes of the beginning of the use of an ESI.
  2. Notify the student's guardian within 15 minutes of the beginning of the use of an ESI. This must be done by email, and includes the required notification that guardians may receive a copy of the student's ESI documentation upon request. Please use the wording in this template email.
  3. In addition to the email notification, you may communicate with guardians by phone or in-person.

How do I submit Emergency Safety Intervention documentation?

  1. Fill out an Emergency Safety Intervention Report to document the event.
  2. Using a district device, submit the information from the ESI Report into the digital database.
  3. Scan a copy of the paper ESI report to jbat@jordandistrict.org (or send a copy to JBAT at River’s Edge School via district mail).
  4. Forward the parent notification email to jbat@jordandistrict.org (or print it and send the hard copy JBAT at River’s Edge School via district mail).
  5. For students with an IEP, all original copies of the Emergency Safety Intervention Report and a copy of the parent notification email should be placed in the student’s special education file.
  6. For all other students, upload these documents to the cumulative folder.
  7. A copy of the email (either printed directly to a PDF or printed and scanned) and the ESI form should be combined into a single PDF file.
  8. The file should be uploaded to the student’s cumulative folder under the category “ESI-Emer Sfty Interv”. The description should include the date and time of the ESI.
  9. Take time to debrief with your team.

Please refer to the Jordan School District Emergency Safety Interventions Manual or contact a member of the JBAT team for more information.

Published on

TO:
Secondary Administrators

FROM: 
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Nate Foster, Health & PE Teacher Specialist

The State Standards writing team has completed the draft of the Limited Health Education Standards Revision to add the Success Sequence to the Utah Core Standards for Health Education as required by H.B. 281 last year. We would like to share the 30-day public feedback survey with all your teams. Public feedback is a critical step in the process of revising standards and we hope to get many voices to help reach the best standard for Utah students as possible.

Please share this information with your secondary health teachers. Thank you for your support in this step of the process.

Health Standards Public Survey Feedback

Published on

TO:
Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Amanda Bollinger, Associate Administrator of Teaching and Learning

We are excited to announce that we've opened up more spots for the T&L New Educator Cohorts! Please share the attached flyer with your new teachers.

Published on

TO:
All Principals

FROM:
Cabinet

Refer to the links below for the Purple Star Schools application process for the 2026 school year. In addition, there is an annual report link for schools to verify that they have met requirements throughout the year. This is in conjunction with R277-929 State Council on Military Children.
2026 Purple Star Schools Application Open from January 15th through March 30th.
2026 PSS Annual Report Required by November 1st  for all PSS.

USBE Purple Star Schools website

For questions or more information, please contact Cassie Hays.

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

The Utah State Board of Education is seeking public feedback to guide their decision on whether to adopt Integrated Secondary Mathematics Standards statewide, to adopt AGA Secondary Mathematics Standards statewide, or to adopt both sets of Standards and allow each district or charter to choose which standard structure they will implement.

This information is being shared with teachers through JEM. Please encourage them to complete the survey and share their input. The survey window closes on February 27, 2026.

Here is the link to the survey.

Thank you for your support!