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TO:
All Administrators

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


The Jordan Ethnic Advisory Committee and Language and Culture Services cannot wait to see you at the annual What I Wish You Knew Conference. This year, the theme is "Our Stories Matter."

This year the conference will be highlighting and showcasing leadership from our wonderful District departments. Please come to learn from our Keynote from author, Kyle Reyes, Author of Lenses of Humanity.

  • Where: West Jordan Middle School
  • Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Date: Jan. 20, 2026

TO:
School Principals

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


LCS will be hosting an additional Zoom session of Addressing Discriminatory Language: Resources for Administrators on December 3rd from 2:00 to 2:45. Administrators will receive access to Nearpods and other resources that can be used with students in one-on-one settings to help teach them the impact of discriminatory language.

Please review the attached flyer for more details and the registration link.

This is a repeat session of the Zoom sessions held on November 6 & 7.

TO:
Administrtors

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


Language & Culture Services will be starting new ESL Endorsement cohorts in Jan. 2026. It takes one school year to complete (Jan. -  Dec. 2026, not including summer break) and is competency-based.

  • Format: Hybrid - virtual modules with one in-person session per month.
  • Credit options: USBE credit (free) or SUU credit ($69 per course). Both credit options can be applied towards a lane-change. Participants will receive 15 credits (3 per course) and 1 more USBE Credit upon completion of a Capstone Portfolio.

TO:
Administrtors

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


Due to popular demand, and in accordance with Title III laws and policy, Language & Culture Services would like to hold another interpreter training to get staff and paraeducators certified. LCS will provide this free training if there is enough interest. LCS is considering a March 6 training, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants will receive 7 relicensure points.

Please fill out the form at the link below by Dec. 12, so that LCS can plan accordingly.

DATE:    
November 19, 2025

TO:       
School and Department Administrators

FROM:         
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Paul Bergera, Director of Transportation
Kitt Soumpholphakdy, Field/Activity Trips Coordinator
Brad Godfrey, General Education Route Coordinator
Stephanie Erickson, Special Education Route Coordinator

SUBJECT:   
A Few Transportation Items


There are a few items regarding transportation services that we would like to bring to your attention.

Bus Accidents During Field/Activity Trips:

On rare occasions during field/activity trips, the bus may be involved in an accident. By law, if the accident involves another vehicle, we’re required to wait for police to investigate and submit an accident report. In addition, whether the bus is involved with another vehicle or another object, it may result in the bus being classified as “out of service”, which would require students and coaches/advisors/teachers to board a different bus. In either of these cases, additional time may be required.

Please ask your staff to be patient if a bus is involved in an accident during a field/activity trip and not to pressure the driver to move along. The Field Trip Office will work expeditiously with the driver to determine if the bus is “out of service” and if police need to be involved.

Notification of Student Conduct Violation Forms:

Our bus drivers try their best to manage student behavior on the bus. Many of you have provided invaluable assistance with addressing behavior by talking with students, assigning seats and/or working with the driver on strategies to support a school behavior reward/incentive program. For this, we are extremely grateful.

When a driver submits a Notification of Student Conduct Violation form to your office staff, please try your best to address the issue(s) with students and parents as quickly as time allows. Feel free to reach out to the Route Coordinators or Director with questions. Your support and partnership in this endeavor are appreciated.

 

TO:
All Administrators

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


Are you currently in, or have completed, a School Leadership licensure program and would be interested in a one-year placement as an Paid Administrative Intern in Jordan School District?

The application window is opening soon! See the details below, or visit our website at this LINK

APPLICATION WINDOWS:

  • January Interviews: Application opens December 8th, 2025 and closes December 22nd , 2025 at 11:59 P.M.
    • Interview Date: January 30th, 2026
  • February Interviews: Application opens January 5th, 2026 and closes January 16th, 2026 at 11:59 P.M.
    • Interview Date: February 23rd, 2026

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Be enrolled in a university administrative and/or leadership program, OR
  • Have a current in-state or out-of-state administrative license.

STEP 1: Complete the current Administrative Full-Time Paid Internship application in Frontline                 

  • In the application, you are required to provide 3 references, which must meet the following criteria:
    1. Current Administrative Supervisor
    2. 2nd Administrator with whom you have worked with in the last 5 years
    3. A professional reference with whom you have worked with in the last 5 years
      • Your application will not be processed until all 3 required references are completed and returned.
      • All your references will receive an email from Mailbot@applitrack.com requesting they complete our Administrative Reference Form on your behalf. It is important you personally notify them to complete and submit the Administrative Reference Form ASAP.
  • The video portion of the application is required. Please make certain links can be viewed by anyone who has the link.

STEP 2: Invitation to Interview. Administrative Internship applicants may be invited to an interview in January or February. This is a mandatory, in-person interview with the Administrative Cabinet. These interviews will be held on either Monday or Friday to accommodate travel plans for any out-of-state applicants.

Offer and Placement of Successful Candidates: These notifications will be made by phone from a member of the Administrative Cabinet. Candidates who receive a 1-year internship assignment will be eligible for administrative appointment during their internship school year.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

  • Administrative Internships are intended to be a one-year placement
  • Administrative Internships are a 187-day contract on the Teacher Salary Schedule
    • Elementary placements receive 20 additional days
    • Secondary placements receive 10 additional days
  • Internal JSD candidates chosen as an intern will have the right to return to a licensed position for which they are qualified at the conclusion of their intern year if not selected for an Administrative placement. They will also be eligible to apply for the Administrative Pool to be considered for future openings.

 

DATE:   
November 17, 2025

TO: 
School Psychologists and School Psychology Interns

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

SUBJECT:  
December School Psychologist Guidance Meeting


A meeting for school psychologists and school psychology interns has been scheduled for Friday, December 5, 2025, from 12:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Jordan Auxiliary Services building located at 7905 South Redwood Road in West Jordan. We will start at 12:00 p.m. with a pot-luck lunch. You have the option of participating in our pot-luck luncheon, or bringing lunch for yourself if that’s your preference. Dan Lathen, Ph.D. will provide us with a presentation that addresses screen-induced harm.

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

cc:
Principals

TO:
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


Attached is the Special Ed Newsletter for November 2025.

TO:
Principals and Administrative Assistants

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Daniel Ellis, Director of Accounting and Audits
Natalie Grange, Accounting Administrator


District allocations for individual schools were updated in Skyward on October 30. Adjustments were made based on the October 1 headcount. Carryforward balances and transfer requests are included in the total allocation.

Please review these adjustments and contact Natalie Grange (801) 567-8312 with any questions or concerns.

The following is a new administrative assignment:

New Assignment effective October 31, 2025:

  • Rich Nielson, former administrator in Granite School District, appointed assistant principal at Mountain Creek Middle, replacing Michael Wilkey who is resigning.

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

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


Valued Licensed Employees:

The Human Resource Department is notifying you of important information regarding the upcoming timeline and incentive approved by the Board.

LICENSED EARLY NOTIFICATION (Resignation or Retirement)
Licensed employees resigning/retiring at the end of the current contract year, who give official early notification in SKYWARD – EMPLOYEE ACCESS, will be eligible for a tiered incentive. Informing your principal/school administrator either verbally or in writing is not sufficient. To qualify, notification must be submitted on or before the following dates:

  • Dec. 15, 2025 - $500.00
  • Jan. 15, 2026 - $300.00
  • Feb. 15, 2026 - $200.00

The incentive will be paid on the last regular paycheck. Notifications of resignation/retirement received after the dates listed above will not qualify for an incentive. The official District “Notice of Resignation” form is found in Skyward Employee Access under “Task Processes”. Please see District policy DP318 for more detailed information regarding resignations.

If you do not know your Skyward username or password please contact the Help Desk at 801-567-8737.

Licensed employees who do not submit an official “Notice of Resignation” form in Skyward Employee Access with at least thirty (30) calendar days’ written notice WILL BE FINED $500, which will be deducted from their final check. Informing your principal/school administrator either verbally or in writing is not sufficient. See District Policy DP318 – Resignations - Licensed.

School/District Administrators must submit an official “Notice of Resignation” form in Skyward Employee Access with at least sixty (60) calendar days’ written notice WILL BE FINED $500 in accordance with District Policy DP318A – Resignations-Administrators.

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

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


Valued Paraprofessionals:

Utah Valley University has developed a 2-year program designed for working paraprofessionals to obtain a Special Education Professional Educator License. Courses would be in the evening or during the summer to accommodate working paraprofessionals and scholarships are available.

If you are a paraprofessional interested in becoming a Special Education educator here in Jordan this is one of many opportunities for you to explore.

Please review the attached flyer for details.

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

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


Valued Educators:

Please see the information below and the attached flyer regarding Ph.D. programs available to you through Utah State University. Your continuing education is valued in Jordan School District. To see how investing in a Ph.D. would impact your salary, please review the current salary schedule: JSD Educator Salary Schedule

Utah State University’s School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) invites applications for our doctoral programs, the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Both doctoral degree programs are designed for educators who aim to deepen their expertise, apply research methods, and expand their impact.

Our Ed.D. in Teacher Education and Leadership is a 46-credit, Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED)-aligned professional doctorate designed degree for working educators and leaders. The program is practice-driven, allowing participants to address real-world “problems of practice” while maintaining their careers. Learn more here: Ed.D. Program Details.

Our Ph.D. in Education is a 60-credit, research-intensive program focused on theory and academic scholarship. Through coursework, professional experiences, and research, participants are prepared for higher education, curriculum designers, and researcher, with concentrations in cultural studies, school leadership, literacy education, mathematics education, and science education. More information is available here: Ph.D. Program Details.

Applications are due December 1

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Rebecca Eastman, HR Generalist


If you are a contracted employee and need to take Annual/Personal Leave on a Critical Day before or after Winter 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.

School Holiday Date of Holiday Critical Days* Window
Winter Recess
(Licensed)
Dec. 22, 2025 - Jan. 2, 2026 Dec. 19, 2025 and Jan. 5, 2026 Nov. 7 – Nov. 17, 2025
Winter Recess

(ESP)

Dec. 24, 2025 - Jan. 2, 2026 Dec. 19, 2025 and Jan. 5, 2026 (245 works Dec 29, 30, 31) Nov. 9 – Nov. 19, 2025

*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 Annual/Personal Leave Taken on a Critical Day 2025-2026

ESP Annual/Personal Leave Taken on a Critical Day 2025-2026

DATE:  
November 6, 2025

TO:  
All School Administrators

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

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. Please share the following resources with your school community:

  • A calendar for November’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. 
  • 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 November 11th at 6 pm with access to the recording afterward. Registration Link
  • Included in the mental health series is a "Watch Together Series" to highlight for families. While the Mental Health Series is designed for parents, these “Watch Together” events are for the whole family, especially teens and young adults. In this series, each month, 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.
    • November Event: Together, teens and parents will watch the animated story about Kyle. Kyle is a teen masking the pain of bullying, withdrawal, and alcohol use. His story helps families understand the hidden emotional impact of bullying and the importance of asking direct, compassionate questions like, “Have you thought about taking your life?” In this interactive session, parents and teens will learn about warning signs of emotional distress and how to create space for honest conversation and connection.
    • Wednesday, November 12th | 6 pm MT REGISTER NOW

Please share the attached flyers/resources with your school communities. Should you have any questions, please reach out to Angie Rasmussen at angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org.

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Brandon Conti, Risk Management Coordinator


Storing combustible materials is prohibited in boiler, mechanical, electrical equipment, and fire command rooms to reduce fire risk, as these areas contain potential ignition sources and crucial building systems.

Check out all the information in the document below.

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services
Brandon Conti, Risk Management Coordinator


57% of fall victims were holding objects with one or both hands. Use a tool belt!

See the attached document for more ways to follow safe work practices when using a ladder.

TO:
School Principals

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


All administrators are invited to one Zoom session next week, November 6th at 9:00 or November 7th at 2:00, to learn about facilitating conversations with students related to discriminatory language. Administrators will receive access to Nearpods and other resources that can be used with students in one-on-one settings to help teach them the impact of discriminatory language.

DATE: 
October 3, 2025

TO:   
All Administrators
All Office Staff

FROM: 
Steffany Ellsworth, Manager - Information Systems

SUBJECT:  
2025 Utah Skyward User Conference


Happy fall, y’all! With fall, comes the annual Utah Skyward User Conference. This year, it’s even more exciting as we’ll be previewing Skyward’s new Qmlativ Finance and Student systems! Join us on Thursday, November 6th at Canyons School District in their Support Services Center. Please see the agenda for the address and session times.

This conference is a great opportunity to learn directly from Skyward experts, as sessions are taught by their staff. This year’s lineup includes several outstanding sessions focused on Qmlativ. Many sessions offer a side-by-side comparison of Qmlativ and our current finance and student system, SMS.

Our district will be live on Qmlativ Finance on May 4th, 2026 (see Qmlativ JAM for more info), so this conference is a chance to preview how the system looks, operates, and can make your daily work easier. You’ll also find Skyward student sessions that will demonstrate how to use both SMS and Qmlativ, giving you a chance to compare processes in both systems.

During these sessions there will be an opportunity to ask questions. However, if you have an issue that may be more timely to resolve, we ask that you contact our helpdesk for assistance.

We hope this year’s conference will inspire you with new insights, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of what’s possibly in Skyward. There is no need to register in advance. For questions about attending the conference, please feel free to call the help desk at extension 88737.