DATE:
September 03, 2026 

TO:
All District Administrators and Employees

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
David Bowman, System & Security Manager, Information Systems

SUBJECT:
New Limit for Emails Sent to Large Groups

---

To help protect district email accounts from evolving security threats, the district is limiting emails sent to individual recipients to no more than 300 people at a time.

If you need to email more than 300 people, please consider using any of the following options:
a) an existing district-created mailing list counts as 1 email, even though it can send to large groups; or
b) JAM or JEM; or
c) ParentSquare; or
d) creating a user-created Google Group.

How to Create a Google Group

1. Open Google Groups: Open the Google apps (waffle) menu and select “Groups.”
2. Select Creat Group: On the Groups page, select “Create group” at the top left.
   
3. Enter Group Information: Enter a “Group name.” Google will automatically use the group name to create the group email address. You can shorten or update the email address if you do not want to use the full group name. Add a description if needed, then select “Next.”
4. Set Privacy & Access: Leave all privacy and access settings at their default values, then select “Next.” There is no need to change any of these settings.

Finish Setup

5. Add Members & Managers: Add the people who should belong to the group in the “Group members.” You can add members by typing in their email address. Add “Group managers” and “Group owners” as needed. Managers and owners can add or remove members in the future.
6. Welcome Message: After adding the group members, you can create an optional “welcome message” to send to new members when they are added or invited to the group.
7. Choose Email Notifications: Leave the subscription setting as “Each email.” This ensures that everyone in the group receives an email for every message sent to the group.
8. Create the Group: Select “Create group.” A confirmation will appear when the group is created.
9. Sending to your New Email Group: Once your group has been created, you can send an email to it just like you would any other email address. In the “To” field, enter the group's email address. The first time you use the group, you may need to type the full email address. After that, Google should remember the address and suggest it from your contact list when you begin typing the group name.

Reminder

• If you have any questions about creating an email group, please contact the Help Desk at ext. 88737. 

 

 

TO:
Directors, Administrators & Administrative Assistants

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Rebecca Eastman, Leaves Specialist

---

If you are a contracted employee and need to take Annual/Personal Leave on a Critical Day before or after Fall Recess for any reason not listed in policy DP335NEG or DP335B, you must submit a request as follows:  

How to Request
During the window, the employee must send the request through email. Please include your name, school, position, and the date you are requesting the leave. Requests left on voicemail or over the phone will NOT be accepted.

Licensed employees submit their request to licensedpersonalleave@jordandistrict.org

Education Support Professionals submit their request to classifiedpersonalleave@jordandistrict.org

The employee will receive an email confirmation within two working days after submitting the request. If the employee does not receive a confirmation email, then Human Resources has NOT received your request and your leave will not be approved.

*Critical Days are the first student attendance days before or after a school holiday. If a non-student attendance day falls before or after a school holiday, the Critical Day is the day before or after that non-student attendance day when students are in attendance.

Licensed
Licensed Annual/Personal Leave Taken on a Critical Day 26-27

ESP
ESP Annual/Personal Leave Taken on a Critical Day 26-27

DATE:
September 3, 2026

TO:
All School Administrators 

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Buddy Alger, Director of Student Services
Angie Rasmussen, Student Services Specialist

SUBJECT:
FREE Mental Health Education for Parents and Caregivers

---

Jordan District has partnered with the Cook Center for Human Connection to provide ongoing mental health education for parents and caregivers. This collaboration offers FREE access to live, virtual educational sessions covering various topics. Student Services will share these links to Parent Square for all JSD school communities to access. Please print, post, and assist families with access as you work with parents in your schools. 

• A calendar for September’s Mental Health Series sessions is attached. Sessions are offered in both English and Spanish. Previously recorded seminars can be accessed through a comprehensive library of sessions and resources for each topic. You can access the library of recorded sessions at any time by visiting this site: https://parentguidance.org/mhsindex. 

• September is Suicide Prevention Month. A topic that is highlighted for parents this month is “What Parents Need to Know about Suicide Prevention.”
  • In this session, parents will gain an understanding of the dynamics surrounding suicide, including its underlying reasons, warning signs, and appropriate responses. We’ll explore what to say, what not to say, and where someone who might be contemplating suicide can go to seek help. By addressing suicide openly and empathetically, parents can de-escalate suicidal ideation and guide their children toward appropriate support and intervention. Unwavering support and understanding are essential in helping children navigate life’s challenges.

• Ask a Therapist live virtual event. This is an anonymous opportunity to ask questions from a licensed family therapist about your child’s mental health. It is a live event on Sept. 29th at 6 pm with access to the recording afterwards. Registration Link: https://cookcenter.info/ATLSept29

• Included in the mental health series is a "Watch Together Series." While the Mental Health Series is designed for parents, these “Watch Together” events are for the whole family, especially teens and young adults. In each episode, you'll meet a new animated character facing real challenges that teens and young adults experience. Together, you and your family can watch their story and learn how to start meaningful conversations at home.

 Should you have any questions please reach out to Angie Rasmussen at angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org.

DATE:
August 27, 2026

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals
School Safety Specialists 

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Buddy Alger, Director of Student Services
Matt Alvernaz, School Safety Coordinator

SUBJECT:
Monthly Drill Preparation (SECURE)

---

Our monthly drill preparation will be held on September 2nd at 2:40 PM, 3:10 PM, and again at 3:40 PM. Each session will last about 20 minutes. This month we will be covering SECURE.  Each school safety specialist is expected to attend.  All other administrators are welcomed to attend as well. The meeting is also opened to any staff who may be interested as well. 

After each monthly training all school staff should be trained by the administrator over school safety and the school safety specialist. After being trained each month, teachers should educate their students on each safety drill. Additionally, schools should communicate with their patrons regarding Standard Response Protocol(s) (SRP) and the drill being conducted each month. Videos, handouts, and other resources can be found at the link(s) below.  

Information regarding the SECURE response protocol can be found in the Jordan School District Safety Manual on pages 8-11. 

We will discuss how to implement and execute the drill.  This will be an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas amongst the schools.

We will be holding this meeting over ZOOM so please join using this link.

TO:
All Administrators & Program Directors

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Lisa LeStarge, Administrative Assistant

---

At we start the 2026-27 school year, we want to remind you about the master calendar for the District. You can find it on mastercal.jordandistrict.org. This calendar is intended to inform principals, administrators & District personnel of district events and due dates (it does not include individual school events).

If you would like to copy anything on this calendar to your personal google calendar, simply click on the “see more details” link and then copy it using the three vertical dot (options) button.

To search for an item in the master calendar, you can use Command+F (Apple) or Control+F (PC). This will bring up a search bar where you can type a few key words to help you find the information you are seeking.

If you would like to add a district event or make a revision to the master calendar, please contact Lisa LeStarge at 801-567-8120 or lisa.lestarge@jordandistrict.org.

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Mike Trimmell, Ed.D., Assistant Director Talent Development

 SUBJECT:
Crucial Policies for New Hires

---

With recent updates with Qmulativ and Vector, we are working through crucial policies for new hires. The Vector course new hires are assigned is based on the new hire sheet submission date. 

New Hire Sheet Submission Date Before 8/10/26: Crucial policies were completed as part of onboarding. The only course that must be completed after onboarding is the “Child Abuse Mandatory Reporting” course in Vector. This single course will be assigned in Vector. 

New Hire Sheet Submission Date After 8/10/26: Crucial policies will be completed through Vector after onboarding. This is for every employee hired after 8/10/26 moving forward.    

Also, please note that due to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employees should be given time to complete crucial policies while on the clock. 

If you have questions regarding Crucial Policies, contact Mike Trimmell, Ed.D. in Human Resources:

Phone: 801-567-8462
Email: michael.trimmell@jordandistrict.org

TO:
Directors, Administrator & Administrative Assistants

FROM:
McKinley Withers, Administrator of Employee Experience & Wellness

SUBJECT:
Support & Planning for Pregnant Employees: “Expecting Jordan” Consultations

---

Dear Employees, 

Navigating maternity leave, insurance changes, and sub coverage shouldn’t feel overwhelming. “Expecting Jordan,” is an initiative led by the Employee Experience and Wellness Team. One-on-one consultation sessions are offered to help pregnant district employees through their leave and transition process. 

What we cover in our consultation:

• FMLA & Leave Applications
• Substitute Coverage 
• Insurance & Dependent Coverage
• District Childcare & Benefits
• Lactation Accommodations and Mental Health Resources
• Other wellness needs and resources

If you are currently expecting and planning your leave, please sign up for a 1-on-1 consultation time with Paige Wightman using our online form. 

Congratulations on your growing family!

Link to flyer: 

TO:
Administrators

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

---

We want to provide you with one place to find the information to support the Language and Culture in your school. Here you will find:
1. Information on commgap
2. How to prepare for Title III compliance
3. Fall Family fair
4. Giraffe club, presentations and other school support.

 

DATE:
August 20, 2026    

TO:
All Administrators    

FROM:
Ian Roberts, Director of Facility Services   

SUBJECT:
2026-2027 Facility Services Contact Updates 

---

Facility Services has a number of updates to personnel for the 2026 – 2027 school year. You  will find the updated contact information and area responsibilities within the facilities department below. Refer to Facility Services web page for any additional information. Please  share these updates with your administrative assistants and custodians.

 

 

TO:
Administrators and Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Sarah Palmer, Director of Payroll

---

Annual Leave During the Contract Days Before School Starts
All Licensed Employees

8/10/26-8/17/26
Licensed employees may not use annual/personal leave during the contract days before school starts. However, they may, through correlation with the principal, arrange to exchange one of these days for another non-contract day.

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

8/19/26-8/25/26 Elementary Schools
8/18/26-8/24/26 Secondary Schools
8/18/26-8/24/26 District Offices Auxiliary Services

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

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 the leave reason does not meet the policy exceptions, Licensed employees will be docked $170 and ESP employees will be docked 40% of their daily rate.

DATE:
Thursday, August 20, 2026

TO:
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
Record of August 11th Professional Learning Day Attendees

---

School administrators may access a Tableau dashboard that contains a record of all educators who signed in using the QR codes for the morning keynote sessions during the August 11th professional learning day.  The dashboard may be accessed here.  Administrators may also filter the list by conference location.

For questions about this dashboard, please refer to Ben Jameson in Assessment, Research & Accountability.

DATE:
August 13, 2026

TO:
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
August 2026: 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.

TO:
Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning

---

In June 2026, administrators across the district shared excellent ideas and strategies for incorporating Portrait of a Graduate characteristics in their schools and departments. Check out these links to individual schools to reflect on the good ideas that were shared and to inspire your team to think intentionally about how POG can become part of your Academic, Behavioral, or SEW systems in your school.

TO:
Principals & Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Katie Bastian, Director of Nutrition Services

---

Spread the word! Let your families know Free & Reduced Meal Eligibility Notification Letters are electronic going forward. Parents will receive their Free & Reduced Eligibility Letter by email and it is also available to view and print in Skyward Family Access. See the attached instructions for assistance. Contact Nutrition Services with any questions.

TO:
Administrators and Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Sarah Palmer, Director of Payroll

---

Annual Leave During the Contract Days Before School Starts
All Licensed Employees

8/10/26-8/17/26

Licensed employees may not use annual/personal leave during the contract days before school starts. However, they may, through correlation with the principal, arrange to exchange one of these days for another non-contract day.

---

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

8/19/26-8/25/26    Elementary Schools
8/18/26-8/24/26    Secondary Schools
8/18/26-8/24/26    District Offices & Auxiliary Services

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

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 the leave reason does not meet the policy exceptions, Licensed employees will be docked $170 and ESP employees will be docked 40% of their daily rate.