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Category: Other Administrators

Published on

DATE:
April 10, 2024

TO:
School Psychologists and School Psychology Interns

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

SUBJECT:
May School Psychologist & School Psychology Interns Meeting

A meeting for school psychologists and school psychology interns has been scheduled for Friday, May 3, 2024, from 12:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Auxiliary Services Building (7905 South Redwood Road). We will start at 12:00 p.m. with a luncheon. Julia Connelly, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist will provide us with a presentation that addresses Pathological Demand Avoidance.

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

cc: Principals

Published on

DATE:
April 25, 2024

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals

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

SUBJECT:
Guidance on Preferred Pronoun Surveys and Questions

Utah Code §53E-9-203 prohibits schools and school employees from administering any “psychological or psychiatric examination, test, or treatment, or any survey, analysis or evaluation” (emphasis added) where the purpose is to cause a student to identify information in one of the following eight areas:

  1. political affiliations or, except as provided under Section 53G-10-202 or rules of the state board, political philosophies;
  2. mental or psychological problems;
  3. sexual behavior, orientation, or attitudes;
  4. illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
  5. critical appraisals of individuals with whom the student or family member has close family relationships;
  6. religious affiliations or beliefs;
  7. legally recognized privileged and analogous relationships, such as those with lawyers, medical personnel, or ministers; and
  8. income, except as required by law.

HB 182, which passed in the 2024 Utah legislative session and takes effect on July 1, 2024, amends the third item in this list to read as follows (emphasis added):

c. sexual behavior, orientation, gender identity, or attitudes;

In light of this change, principals should communicate the following guidelines to all school staff:

  • Students should not be asked or otherwise surveyed (including through questions on a beginning of the year “About Me” or “Getting to Know You”-style assignment) as to their sexual or gender identity.
  • Students should not be asked or otherwise surveyed (including through questions on a beginning of the year “About Me” or “Getting to Know You”-style assignment) as to what pronouns they would prefer to use in the class setting.
  • District Policy AA 432 - Student Attendance and Teacher Disclosure Statements requires building administrators to approve teacher disclosure statements and documents. Documents or statements that include survey questions about gender identity or preferred pronouns should not be approved.
  • Staff may respect a student’s request to use a variation or alternate form of the name on record in Skyward or a request to call the student by a different name entirely; however, staff MAY NOT change an official record in Skyward without the written consent of the parent or guardian.
  • Staff may respect a student’s request to be identified by pronouns that do not conform with the gender identity on the birth certificate and found in Skyward. Staff with concerns about these complying with these requests should speak with their building principal.
  • Staff may not intentionally withhold information from parents about a student’s requested name, preferred pronoun, or communicated gender identity. If a student indicates concerns about repercussions from the parent or guardian (to and including threats of abuse or violence) becoming aware of the requested name, pronoun, or identity, the student should be referred to building administration for additional support.

Additionally, staff should be reminded that HB182 also establishes a requirement that any survey related to an early warning system (i.e. Panorama), social emotional learning question, or the school climate system requires parental OPT-IN during registration at the beginning of the school year, adding an additional clearance step to the prohibitions listed above.

Published on

DATE:
April 25, 2024

TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals

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

SUBJECT:
Summer 2024 Discipline Trainings

Please mark your calendars for the following discipline trainings in July 2024. Watch for sign-up information to come in June:

Additional trainings may be scheduled if needed. School teams may also contact Caleb Olson for assistance on specific areas of concern or assistance.

Discipline Basics for New Administrators
When: Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 9-11 AM
Where: ASB Auditorium
This training is intended for new administrators and district-placed administrative interns to learn the basics of discipline logging and processing.

Newly assigned administrators and interns will receive an email invitation to attend this training in late May or early June.

Discipline Refresher
When: Thursday, July 18, 2024, 9-11 AM and 1-3 PM
Where: ASB Auditorium
This training is intended for existing administrators to review the discipline logging process and to hear updates to logging for the 2024-25 school year.

Published on

DATE:  
April 18, 2024

TO: 
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
2024-2025 School Wellness Representatives

The wellness team is excited to announce the continuation of our Educator Wellness Reps Program that is intended to support employee health and wellness. The Educator Wellness Representatives will primarily be responsible for supporting faculty/staff wellness efforts within your schools.

Educator Wellness Representatives Duties include:

  • Will attend bi-annual in person training on 9/18/24 & 1/8/25
    • **Schools will need to cover the cost of the sub**, administrators are invited to attend with their school representative
  • Promote wellness initiatives at the District and school level
  • Lead and support faculty/staff wellness efforts at your school throughout the year
  • Maintain a connection with District Wellness Specialists
  • Model educator wellness for the school community

Steps to having an educator wellness rep for your school or department:

  1. Consider the following:
    1. Nominees must be a licensed, non-administrative staff member. We highly recommend using a non-mental health team staff member. Also, we recommend they work with a leadership team or social committee at your school.
    2. Principals may work with their current reps to see if they’re interested in doing this important work again for the upcoming school year.
  2. Principal nominates ONE educator wellness representative for each school using this form.
  3. Attend the twice per year training with your representative and cover the cost of the substitute
  • Action Items for administrators:
    • Please nominate your Educator Wellness Representative for the 24-25 school year!

Published on

TO:
Administrators
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Jason Skidmore, Director of CTE

Spring is bursting with Work-Based Learning activity! From CTSO competitions to New programs and teachers, targeted small group field trips, teacher awards and more! There’s so much to celebrate as we wind down another year. Read on to hear all the buzz!

Published on

TO:
Administrators

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

Digital Teaching and Learning is thrilled to announce the launch of Elevate Computer Science: Engaging Utah’s Educators in Preparing Future Leaders. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is offering scholarships to participate in their award-winning professional learning opportunities at no cost for Utah educators. Get ready to revolutionize teaching and learning in your classroom through innovative uses of technology to make learning awesome!

Read more below and complete this short form by April 26, 2024 to launch your professional learning journey! Upon completion, educators can receive stipends of up to $1,000!

Participants will be able to select one (or more!) of the following professional learning experiences:

ISTE Certification

  • ISTE Certification is an internationally recognized credential for educators who have demonstrated mastery of the ISTE Educator Standards and implemented innovative uses of technology to transform learning
  • Complete 40 hours in instructor-led professional learning over 10 weeks, and then will curate your portfolio that includes artifacts and reflections aligned to the ISTE Educator Standards over six months
  • UT educators will receive a $1,000 stipend for successful completion

ISTE Artificial Intelligence Course

  • Self-paced, instructor-led online course introducing educators to AI for learning and its application in the classroom (15 hour course)
  • UT educators will receive a $65 stipend for course completion
  • Course Dates: 10/07/24 - 12/09/24 or 02/10/25 - 04/06/25

ISTE Computational Thinking Course

  • Self-paced, instructor-led online course designed to deepen your understanding of Computational Thinking and develop strategies for integrating Computational Thinking across subject areas and grade levels (15 hour course)
  • UT educators will receive a $65 stipend for course completion
  • Course Dates: 9/26/24 - 11/16/24 or 01/13/25 - 03/13/25

ISTE Computational Thinking Pathway

  • Open to educators who have completed the ISTE Computational Thinking Course
  • Earn up to three Computational Thinking microcredentials
  • UT educators will receive up to $225 in stipends for completing the CT pathway
  • Pathway Dates: 11/23/24 - 04/06/25 or 03/22/25 - 09/30/25

Take the first step on your professional learning journey today by completing this short application form by April 26, 2024! Please note that completing this form does not guarantee admission. We have a limited number of scholarships and stipends available. We will be making selections and inviting applicants to register for program(s) on or before May 10, 2024.

If you have any questions about the offerings above, please contact James Gurney at jgurney@iste.org or Jared Covili at jared.covili@jordandistrict.org for more information.

Published on

DATE: 
April 18, 2024

TO: 
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
FREE Parent Coaching available for all families

Administrators,

In partnership with the Cook Center for Human Connection, Jordan District offers FREE parent coaching to ALL District families in Spanish and English. Instructions on how families can access these services are in the attached flyer.

The Health and Wellness Team will be delivering posters and promotional materials for schools to use to inform families of this service. Please promote these services when possible. Thank you!

 

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Katie Bastian, Director of Nutrition Services

When we say school nutrition professionals are heroes, we mean it! That's why we celebrate them every spring with the National School Lunch Hero Day. Join schools across the country that are recognizing the difference these team members make for every child who comes through their cafeteria.

Published on

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Mike Haynes, Director of Jordan Education Foundation

THE CHALLENGE OBSTACLE RUN is a family-friendly fundraising obstacle course run open to all ages and created to make a difference in Jordan District Classrooms! Sponsored by local businesses and Jordan Education Foundation, 100% of proceeds go directly toward Classroom Grants benefiting students & teachers in Jordan District!

The Challenge Run is open to the community with participation from all 67 of our schools.

The run begins at 9 am, Saturday, May 11th and ends with a (free), fun family festival with lots of free giveaways. You can participate in any one of the events (Obstacle Run, Festival, Fundraising) or in all three! Bring your family and friends and neighbors for a super fun day!

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Rebecca Smith, Consultant in Teaching & Learning

Jordan District will begin a new GT Endorsement cohort in August 2024. Classes are open to all licensed personnel in Jordan District. Please see the flyers for detailed information and a class schedule. Contact Rebecca Smith (88368) with question you may have.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Becky Gerber, Administrator of Schools

The BYU School Leadership Program is looking for summer mentors for students pursuing an administrative endorsement. If you are interested in mentoring a BYU administrative intern this coming summer and have some meaningful work for them to do, please take a few minutes to complete this brief form. Thank you!

Link:
Mentor a BYU Administrative Intern this Summer

 

 

Published on

DATE:  
April 10, 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: 
Great Utah Shake Out Earthquake Drill 2024

On Thursday, April 18 2024, at 10:15 A.M. a million Utahns will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in the annual Great Utah Shake Out Earthquake Drill.

All schools are encouraged to participate in this drill, or to conduct an earthquake drill sometime in the month of April. This is an opportunity to incorporate emergency preparedness in classroom lessons and to include proper ways to protect oneself during an earthquake.

The Jordan School District has registered as a whole to participate in the Great Utah ShakeOut. You can find more information at: The Great Utah ShakeOut!

Please review the Jordan School District Safety Manual - Earthquake Action Plan and Standard Operating Guidelines on pages 28-31 for planning, drilling and responding to an earthquake.

For additional information or guidance please contact the District School Safety Coordinator, Matt Alvernaz at matt.alvernaz@jordandistrict.org or by phone at 801-567-8623.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
June LeMaster, Administrator of Human Resources

Administrative Professionals do amazing work – often just outside the spotlight. Western Governors University recognizes the unique skills of Administrative Professionals during the month of April. In honor of Administrative Professionals, WGU is offering two great opportunities this month.

This year, Administrative Professionals Day is April 24th. To help recognize the important work these professionals do in YOUR organization, I invite you to nominate a colleague who embodies the qualities of an outstanding administrative professional: engaging, organized, and driven. By filling out this short, nomination form, your colleague will be eligible to receive a $200 Tango gift card. The deadline for nominations is April 30, 2024.

WGU is also making Administrative Professionals Day extra special – and helping to unlock full potential in the workplace! To celebrate, WGU is proud to offer the Administrative Professionals Scholarship. We will award multiple scholarships – each valued up to $4,000 – to motivated executive assistants, secretaries, receptionists, and other administrative support professionals ready to achieve the dream of a university education. Scholarship applications are being accepted now through June 30th.

Help us say thank you to Administrative Professionals for their hard work and tireless efforts! Make a difference today by nominating a colleague for a Tango gift card and by sharing the news about WGU’s Administrative Professionals Scholarship.

Thank you!

Melissa
Melissa Jensen, MSML
Strategic Partnership Manager - Utah
Western Governors University
C: 801-310-2339
melissa.jensen@wgu.edu

wgu.edu

Published on

TO:
Administrators
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Bonnie Brennan, Director of Insurance Services

Volunteer reports need to be submitted to Insurance Services.

Worker's Compensation insurance costs are based on numbers submitted by schools. It is important that this information be accurate and complete.

PTA Figures must be separate from other volunteer hours.

Attached is a copy of the Volunteer Report for the period December 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. Please complete this form and return it to Insurance Services by April 26, 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact Emily Nkele 801-567-8146 / Emily.nkele@jordandistrict.com or Bonnie Brennan 801-567-8285 / bonnie.brennan@jordandistrict.org

Thank you.

Published on

DATE: 
April 11, 2023

TO:   
All Principals / Department Directors / School Administrative Assistants

FROM: 
June LeMaster, Administrator of Human Resources
Brittany Bauer, HR Recruiting, Licensing & Hiring

SUBJECT:  
Requests for 2024-2025 Special Calendars – Licensed Only

Your assistance is requested, as the Human Resource Department is preparing special calendars for the 2024-2025 academic year for licensed employees. Special calendars are essential to ensuring appropriate contract pay, time entry, emergency protocols and temporary employee tracking. Employees who meet certain criteria, as listed below, should have a special calendar on file with the Human Resource Department.

A list of licensed employees at your school/department location who are currently on a special calendar for the 2023-2024 contract year will be emailed to you for review on Monday, April 15, 2024. If needed, please make all appropriate additions, corrections, or other changes by submitting an online Hire/Change form in Skyward to the Human Resource Department. Please follow the additional instructions below.

Criteria for determining if an employee requires a special calendar:

  • 187 Modified/207 Modified-educator who is less than a 1.0 FTE working a schedule that is modified by hours per day or number of days during the wee (i.e. .50 FTE working 8 hours every other day, for example)
  • Multiple Location Employees- employees split between two or more locations.
  • Elementary Job Shares

If you have an employee you would like to review to determine if they may need a special calendar, you may contact the Human Resources Department, HR Assistant Seniors, for assistance. If a list is not included, there are currently no employees on a special calendar at this location. However, if you anticipate a special calendar for a licensed employee, please follow the instructions below.

Instructions for Special Calendar Requests:

  1. Principals set up a meeting with employee(s) who meet the criteria for a special calendar. Attached is an optional email template that can be modified to fit each employee; however essential information should remain unchanged.
  2. Collaborate with each employee and complete the appropriate calendar for any/all licensed employee(s) on a special calendar found on the HR Connection These calendars are fillable and will self-calculate.
  3. Print the completed calendar, sign and obtain signatures from the employee(s).
  4. Return the original calendar to the Human Resource Department by May 3, 2024 for processing.
  5. If a licensed employee will not continue on a special calendar, an online change form must be completed at the school/department and submitted to the Human Resource Department in Skyward.

Important Reminders:

  • Special Calendars may only be changed twice per contract year. Revisions must be pre-approved and signed by the principal/director.
  • Special calendars must be followed as outlined. If a calendared day is missed, the appropriate allocated leave time must be entered in Skyward for that day. (The calendar has a calculator to assist with time entry.)
  • Trade days are problematic and require a change to the employee’s special calendar, written approval by the supervisor, and notification to an HR Administrator, prior to taking leave or modifying their calendar.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. Failure to follow these procedures may cause an employee to be paid incorrectly. Any questions about this procedure or completing a special calendar should be directed to Julie Sharp, HR Senior Asst Elementary, at (801) 567-8230 or Lisa Garner, HR Senior Asst Secondary, at (801) 567-8226.

JL/bb

Published on

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
June LeMaster, Administrator of Human Resources

If you are a contracted employee (Benefit eligible) and need to take Annual/Personal Leave on a Critical Day before or after Memorial Day 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.

School Holiday Date of Holiday Impacted Days Window
Memorial Day May 27, 2024 May 24 and 28, 2024 April 12 – April 22, 2024

Licensed Annual/Personal Leave Taken on a Critical Day 2023-2024

ESP Annual/Personal Leave Taken on a Critical Day 2023-2024

Published on

DATE:
April 4, 2024                      

 TO:
Jordan District Administrators, Directors

 FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
 Administrators of Schools

SUBJECT:
 Time Schedule for the Last Day of School  

Please review this memo carefully for your school dismissal time, and convey this information to your students and parents.