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Category: Other Admin Info

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

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

Jordan District will offer Gifted & Talented endorsement classes during the 2025-26 school year. Classes are open to all licensed personnel in Jordan District.

Gifted & Talented Teaching Endorsement
During the 2025-2026 school year, Jordan School District will offer coursework for a gifted and talented (GT)
teaching endorsement in partnership with Southern Utah University (SUU).

How will a GT teaching endorsement benefit me?

  • A GT endorsement will build a knowledge base about an important sector of education.
  • A GT endorsement will help teachers build a repertoire of instructional strategies to challenge all students by
    adding depth, complexity, higher-order thinking, and creativity to daily instruction.
  • A GT endorsement will help teachers develop differentiation strategies to better meet the unique needs of
    high-ability learners in all classrooms.
  • A GT endorsement will qualify educators to teach in an ALPS classroom and to hold other positions in gifted
    and talented programming.

What are the credit requirements for a GT endorsement?

  • Four core classes are required for the Endorsement. Two courses are offered each school year.
    • EDUC 5400 3 Credit Hours Learning, Development, and Individual Differences in Gifted Education
    • EDUC 5420 3 Credit Hours Assessment in Gifted Education
    • EDUC 5430 3 Credit Hours Curriculum and Instructional Planning in Gifted Education
    • EDUC 5440 3 Credit Hours Learning Environments for Gifted Students
  • A “professional learning activity” is also required for the GT endorsement. Examples of this include participation in an additional class, webinar, or conference specific to gifted and talented education. A wide variety of opportunities at local, state, or national levels will satisfy this requirement.

What are the current costs for a GT endorsement?

  • SUU Recording Fees: $23 per credit hour / $69 per 3-hour core class.
    • The GT Department will cover the recording fees for the 2025-2026 classes for JSD participants.
  • Books are available for checkout from the Gifted and Talented Department.
    • Participants can purchase personal copies of books if they choose (approximately $50 per class).

What format will be used for instruction? When and where will the classes be held?

  • Jordan District instructors provide classes in a combination of live and asynchronous instruction.
  • Most live sessions will be in-person (ASB PDC 112 - Entrance D). Some live sessions are held over Zoom.
  • Asynchronous sessions are self-paced, and often include practical classroom applications.
  • Two courses will be offered during each school year. See the 2025-26 class schedule for complete details.
    How do I register for the classes offered in the 2025-26 school year?
  • You can take the classes in any order!
  • Participants often begin the classes with EDUC 5420 and EDUC 5440, then take EDUC 5400 and EDUC 5430
    the second year.
  • If you would like to participate in the 2025-26 classes, please complete this form to be on the contact list.
  • Those on the contact list will be notified when SUU registration opens in early August 2025.

Contact Rebecca Smith with and questions you may have: 801-567-8368 (88368) rebecca.smith@jordandistrict.org

Published on

DATE:
April 28, 2025

TO:
Administrators of Schools
Elementary and Secondary Principals

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

SUBJECT:
Student Meal Deficit School Responsibilities

District approved procedural guidelines for meal deficit collection can be found on the Nutrition Services website under the online payments tab.  Click HERE

Per approved guidelines:

  • Inactive students, students transferring within the district and graduating students or students moving up grade levels to another school (i.e. 6th to 7th, 9th to 10th, and seniors) with uncollectable meal deficits, of any dollar amount, are the responsibility of the school and must be paid by the principal at the end of the current school year.
  • All staff meal deficits must be paid by the end of the year.

 

Thanks for reading JAM! Be the first person to email Nadine Page (nadine.page@jordandistrict.org) this week’s word, “Emerald” the birthstone for May, and your office wins a prize - We have a winner for this week! Check back next week. Thanks for reading.

 

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Steffany Ellsworth, Support Services Manager, Information Systems

Please be aware of a new DANGEROUS TikTok challenge that we've been experiencing in our schools. Students have learned that putting pencil lead into the USB port will cause a short circuit, causing the Chromebook to smoke and short out. Inserting pencil lead into a USB port can be dangerous. Pencil lead contains graphite, which is conductive, and can cause a fire when inserted in the USB port.

How to identify if this has possibly happened to a Chromebook:

  • The pencil lead will create a short, which may melt the USB port.
  • The Chromebook will likely not power on as it has a short circuit.
  • The USB port stops charging the device, or headphones and other peripherals will not work on the affected port.

What to do:

  • Do not attempt to remove the lead. This is dangerous and could further damage the port or the device.
  • Do not try to charge or use the device. This could worsen the damage or create a fire hazard.
  • Take the Chromebook to your school tech for disposal or repair.
  • Contact your Administrator of Schools if you are considering sending a message to parents.
  • Contact your Administrator of Schools for any questions related to disciplinary action.

 

Published on

The following are new administrative assignments:

New Assignments effective July 1, 2025:

  • High School
    • Tom Gatten, assistant principal at Mountain Ridge High appointed principal at Herriman High, replacing Todd Quarnberg who is resigning.
    • Brady Bartholomew, assistant principal at Riverton High appointed principal at Mountain Ridge High, replacing Mike Kochevar who is retiring.
    • Kevin Barton, assistant principal at Mountain Ridge High transferred as assistant principal at Herriman High.
    • Andrew Blanchard, assistant principal at Herriman High transferred as assistant principal at West Jordan High.
    • Tim Brooks, assistant principal at West Hills Middle transferred as assistant principal at Mountain Ridge High.
    • Noelapoomaikalani Ioane, assistant principal at West Jordan High transferred as assistant principal at Copper Hills High, replacing Mark Halliday who is retiring.
    • Jenicee Jacobsen, assistant principal at West Jordan High transferred as assistant principal at Herriman High.
    • Travis Foster, administrative intern at Riverton High appointed assistant principal at Riverton High.
    • Katelyn Jenson, assistant principal at Southland Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Copper Hills High, replacing Julianna Wing who is resigning.
    • Kami Taylor, assistant principal at South Jordan Middle transferred as assistant principal at West Jordan High.
    • Derek Winder, administrative intern at West Jordan High appointed assistant principal at Riverton High.
  • Middle School
    • Mike Glenn, principal at Mountain Creek Middle transferred as principal at Sunset Ridge Middle, replacing Audrey Fish who is retiring.
    • Kristie Howe, assistant principal at West Hills Middle appointed principal at West Hills Middle, replacing Cynthia VanderMeiden who is resigning.
    • Glen Varga, assistant principal at Riverton High appointed principal at Mountain Creek Middle.
    • Jarom Airhart, assistant principal at South Hills Middle and Sunset Ridge Middle transferred as assistant principal at South Hills Middle.
    • Andrea Call, administrative intern at West Hills Middle appointed assistant principal at West Hills Middle.
    • Mike Christensen, assistant principal at Copper Mountain Middle transferred as assistant principal at West Hills Middle.
    • Jody Deland, assistant principal at Copper Mountain Middle and Mountain Creek Middle transferred as assistant principal at Copper Mountain Middle.
    • Ivie Erickson, administrative intern at Bingham High appointed assistant principal at South Jordan Middle.
    • Heather Handy, assistant principal at Aspen Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle.
    • Wendy Harmon, assistant principal at Mountain Creek Middle transferred as assistant principal at Hidden Valley Middle.
    • Amy Kinder, math consultant in Teaching and Learning transferred as assistant principal at Mountain Creek Middle.
    • James Maughan, assistant principal at Oquirrh Hills Middle transferred as assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle.
    • Troy Monson, assistant principal at South Hills Middle transferred as assistant principal at Oquirrh Hills Middle.
    • Amber Zdunich, assistant principal at Hidden Valley Middle transferred as assistant principal at Elk Ridge Middle.
  • Departments
    • Amy Lloyd, assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle transferred as math consultant in the Teaching and Learning Department.
  • Elementary School
    • Megan Cox, principal at Midas Creek Elementary transferred as principal at Rose Creek Elementary, replacing Karen Egan who is retiring.
    • Theresa Christensen, principal at Falcon Ridge Elementary transferred as principal at Midas Creek Elementary.
    • Bryce Eardley, principal at South Jordan Elementary transferred as principal at Mountain Shadows Elementary.
    • Aaron Ichimura, principal at Welby Elementary transferred as principal at Falcon Ridge Elementary.
    • Tina Susuico, principal at Mountain Shadows Elementary transferred as principal at Hayden Peak Elementary, replacing Jennifer Fisher who is retiring.
    • Kasey Dahl, assistant principal at Bastian Elementary appointed principal at Welby Elementary.
    • Beth Pollock, assistant principal at Ridge View Elementary appointed principal at South Jordan Elementary.
    • John Sassman, assistant principal at Herriman Elementary appointed principal at Mountain Point Elementary.
    • Janae Young, assistant principal at Welby Elementary appointed principal at Oakcrest Elementary, replacing Ken Westwood who is retiring.
    • Megan Daly, administrative intern at Copper Canyon Elementary appointed assistant principal at Copper Canyon Elementary.
    • Elizabeth Felt, principal at Mountain Point Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Southland Elementary.
    • Megan Hamilton, administrative intern at Blackridge Elementary appointed assistant principal at Blackridge Elementary.
    • Danielle Hanson, assistant principal at Elk Ridge Middle transferred as assistant principal at Westvale Elementary.
    • Jessica Hayes, assistant principal at the Child Development Center transferred as assistant principal at Herriman Elementary.
    • David Hullinger, assistant principal at Westvale Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Rosamond Elementary.
    • Toni Lasater, administrative intern at Oak Leaf Elementary appointed assistant principal at Oak Leaf Elementary.
    • Rebecca Lee, JPAS administrator transferred as assistant principal at Oak Leaf Elementary and JPAS administrator.
    • Jennifer Manning, assistant principal at Mountain Point Elementary transferred as assistant principal at the Child Development Center.
    • Nathan Price, assistant principal at Mountain Shadows Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Ridge View Elementary.
    • Aimie Rizzuto, administrative intern at Jordan Ridge Elementary appointed assistant principal at Jordan Ridge Elementary.
    • Teresa Rossetti, assistant principal at Rosamond Elementary transferred as assistant principal at South Jordan Elementary.
    • Rachelle Smith, administrative intern at Heartland Elementary appointed assistant principal at Heartland Elementary.
    • Stacie Thompson, administrative intern at Elk Meadows Elementary appointed assistant principal at Elk Meadows Elementary.
    • Denise White, administrative intern at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy appointed assistant principal at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy.
    • Adrienne Yancey, assistant principal at South Jordan Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Mountain Point Elementary.
  • New Administrative Internships for 2025-26
    • Kylie Bussell, teacher at Copper Hills High assigned administrative intern at Mountain Ridge High.
    • Cameron Christensen, teacher at Cedar Valley High in Alpine District assigned administrative intern at Copper Hills High.
    • Adrian Ramjoue, teacher at Riverton High assigned administrative intern at West Jordan High.
    • Laura Visaggio, teacher specialist at Herriman High assigned administrative intern at Bingham High.
    • Corey Wales, teacher at Argyle High in Argyle ISD (TX) assigned administrative intern at Riverton High.
    • Jen Arnold, teacher at Lake Mountain Middle in Alpine District assigned administrative intern at Copper Mountain Middle and Hidden Valley Middle.
    • Angela Crawford, teacher at Indian Hills Middle in Canyons District assigned administrative intern at Oquirrh Hills Middle and Mountain Creek Middle.
    • Kathryn Scott, teacher at Kearns High in Granite District assigned administrative intern at West Hills Middle and West Jordan Middle.
    • Kaila Anderson, Instructional Coach at Daybreak Elementary assigned administrative intern at Mountain Shadows Elementary.
    • Jennifer McNees, teacher at Antelope Canyon Elementary assigned administrative intern at Bastian Elementary.
    • Lara Stout, teacher at Southland Elementary assigned administrative intern at Welby Elementary.

 

Published on

TO:
Administrators

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

Check out the attached PDF for the latest updates from Teaching & Learning for the month. Learn tips and tricks, sign up for upcoming PD, and learn about important updates from the T & L team.

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Michelle Love-Day, Director, Language and Culture Services

This endorsement program is open to K-12 contracted licensed personnel in Jordan School District. This does not include substitute teachers or paraprofessionals who are licensed.

IMPORTANT: As of August 2024, the JSD ESL Endorsement program has been updated to a competency based endorsement that aligns with TESOL standards and USBE requirements. This means the endorsement has undergone some changes and is formatted differently than in previous years. You will earn an endorsement with the Utah State Board of Education. A university credit option through SUU is available at your own expense. Language & Culture Services will not be paying for university credit.

NOTE: Your employee email that ends with "@jordandistrict.org" will be used for ALL correspondence.

Applicants will be placed in the order in which applications are received.

You can sign up for the endorsement using the link below. For more information, please contact your Language Teacher Specialists.

Request for Participation in the ESL Endorsement

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

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

Distracted driving is any non-driving activity a person engages in that has the potential to distract him or her from the primary task of driving and increases the risk of crashing. While all distractions can endanger drivers’ safety, texting is the most alarming because it involves all three types of distraction.

See the flyer below for more information.

Published on

TO:
School Principals
Administrators

FROM:
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, 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 of our schools. Teachers can run free by registering with the promo code "Teacher2025."

The run begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 10 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, friends, and neighbors for a super fun day!

  • Saturday, May 10
  • 9 a.m.
  • Veterans Memorial Park, West Jordan
  • A T-shirt is included in registration

Come see what all the fun is about!  For more details and to register online, please visit jefchallenge.org.

Published on

TO:
Middle School Principals
High School Principals

FROM:
Jason Skidmore, CTE Director

It's time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Jordan School District! The "Jordan At-A-Glance 23-24" report showcases impressive graduation rates and highlights the district's robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These initiatives empower students with valuable certifications in fields like Health Science, Engineering, Computer Science, and Digital Media. Dive into this data to see how our Jordan District CTE sets the stage for student success and leads the way in educational excellence.

Published on

TO:
All Administrators
Administrative Assistants

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 April 2025.

Published on

DATE:    
April 7, 2025

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: 
DSPD Training

Special Education is partnering with the Department of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) and the Utah Parent Center to host a virtual information session on April 15, 2025. This event is for anyone with a student that has a disability. DSPD provides community resources to students with disabilities. It is important that students get on the waitlist early!

The training will include information such as: What exactly is DSPD, and why should I be on the waitlist? What are the benefits for people waiting for services? Join us to answer these questions and more! Hosted by Amber Beck, Jordan School District Parent Consultant, and Calleen Kenney, Family to Family Network Coordinator, with guest Anna Dees DSPD Intake Specialist.

Please distribute the attached flyer to your community.

For more information or questions about the event, please contact Ashley Calhoun at 801-567-8208 or ashley.calhoun@jordandistrict.org

 

JSD DSPD Training Flyer - English

JSD DSPD Training Flyer - Spanish

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

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

Awkward postures are deviations of body parts from their neutral position. Working in these postures is a contributing factor to musculoskeletal disorders and can cause discomfort. Please see tips and hints below.

Published on

TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Steffany Ellsworth, Support Services Manager

We're launching a redesigned login site for the Canvas Professional Development instance!

This new design will be implemented on March 28th, 2025. All of your existing course enrollments and progress will remain unchanged.

Published on

DATE:  
March 26, 2025

TO:  
Administrators
School Safety Specialists
Threat Assessment Team Members

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services

SUBJECT:   
Proactive Strategies to Prevent Youth Violence **OPPORTUNITY**

School leaders are facing an alarming rise in violence, threats, and behavioral challenges. The pressure to respond to crises is overwhelming, but reactive measures alone won’t create lasting change.

Join an online training for Breaking the Cycle: Strategies for Youth Violence Prevention on Tuesday, April 15 at 2 PM (ET) to explore how intervention, behavioral threat assessment, and a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework can help you break the cycle of violence.

Gain insights from Michele Gay and Ben Fernandez of Safe & Sound Schools, along with Thom Jones from Navigate360 (who provides our curriculum for CSTAG), as they share actionable strategies to help you:

  • Recognize early warning signs of potential threats
  • Implement sustainable, effective prevention measures
  • Empower your staff with the confidence and tools to act

Click HERE to save your spot.