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TO:
Administrators

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


On May 29th, Panorama is partnering with Dr. Robert Balfanz, Principal Investigator and Researcher at Everyone Graduates Center, for a webinar titled, "Supercharge Your Early Warning System with Relationships." This webinar is free and open to all educators - We hope to see you there! Please feel free to share with your districts/networks! It's going to be a great panel!

Registration Link

Session Description:

An Early Warning System (EWS) is highly effective at helping districts flag issues in attendance, behavior, and coursework (the ABCs). But to go beyond identification and truly impact outcomes, districts must consider their students’ relationships with adults, peers, and school staff. According to Dr. Robert Balfanz, Principal Investigator and Researcher at Everyone Graduates Center, “By focusing on connectedness first, schools have helped many [identified] students rebuild academic and social habits, and they are able to target more extensive academic and behavioral interventions on the remaining students who need them most.”

Join us to learn how to build strong student relationships and supercharge your district’s EWS.

Together, we will:

  • Hear the research on how a traditional EWS can benefit from a relationship-centered approach.
  • Identify how school policies and practices can stop or slow the decline of students starting to slide off track.
  • Learn how to fine-tune data collection to correctly identify root causes for problems like attendance and behavior.
  • Explore evidence- and research-based interventions that build supportive relationships between adults and students who have become disengaged.

The following are new administrative assignments:

New Assignments and Transfers effective for the 2024-25 school year:

  • Lisa Jackson, assistant principal at Fort Herriman Middle assigned principal at Oquirrh Hills Middle.
  • Ann Pessetto, principal at Silver Crest Elementary assigned principal at Westland Elementary.
  • Patty Bowen, principal at Copper Canyon Elementary assigned principal at Silver Crest Elementary.
  • Bobbie Nixon, principal at Herriman Elementary assigned principal at Copper Canyon Elementary.
  • Laurie Goodsell, principal at Westland Elementary assigned principal at Herriman Elementary.
  • Michelle Putnam, assistant principal at Bingham High assigned assistant principal at Mountain Ridge High.
  • Rufine Einzinger, assistant principal at Copper Hills High assigned assistant principal at Bingham High.
  • Janilee Mullen, assistant principal at Riverton High assigned assistant principal at Copper Hills High.
  • Kyrstin Wingert, administrative intern at Mountain Ridge High appointed assistant principal at Riverton High.
  • Britnee Eng, administrative intern at Herriman High appointed assistant principal at Valley High.
  • Mindy Lokey, assistant principal at Valley High assigned assistant principal at Fort Herriman Middle.
  • Jennifer Jarrard, assistant principal at Oquirrh Hills Middle assigned assistant principal at South Hills Middle.
  • Joshua Ricks, assistant principal at South Jordan Middle assigned assistant principal at Oquirrh Hills Middle.
  • Brian Rambadt, assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle assigned assistant principal at South Jordan Middle.
  • Joshua Stott, assistant principal at Joel P. Jensen Middle assigned assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle.
  • Karen Moore, administrative intern at Joel P. Jensen and South Jordan Middle appointed assistant principal at Joel P. Jensen Middle.
  • Sharra Palmer, administrative intern at Bluffdale Elementary appointed assistant principal at Kauri Sue Hamilton School.
  • Aubri Moench, assistant principal at South Hills Middle assigned assistant principal at Juniper Elementary.
  • Amber Allen, assistant principal at Bastian Elementary assigned assistant principal at Butterfield Canyon Elementary.
  • Kasey Dahl, assistant principal at Ridge View Elementary assigned assistant principal at Bastian Elementary.
  • Jarom Airhart, assistant principal at Jordan Ridge Elementary assigned assistant principal at Midas Creek Elementary.
  • Thyme Meleisea-Vea, assistant principal at Oak Leaf Elementary assigned assistant principal at Jordan Hills Elementary.
  • Trudy Jack, assistant principal at Majestic Elementary assigned assistant principal at Hayden Peak Elementary.
  • Veronica Holyoke, assistant principal at Oakcrest Elementary assigned assistant principal at Bluffdale Elementary.
  • April Thompson, assistant principal at Riverton Elementary assigned assistant principal at Oakcrest Elementary.
  • Shauna Worthington, administrator returning from sabbatical leave assigned assistant principal at Riverton Elementary.
  • Heather Handy, assistant principal at Bluffdale Elementary assigned assistant principal at Aspen Elementary.

New Administrative Intern Assignments effective for the 2024-25 school year:

  • Daniel Call, teacher at Summit Academy assigned administrative intern at Copper Hills High.
  • Megan Daly, counselor at Hidden Valley Middle assigned administrative intern at Mountain Ridge High.
  • Ivie Erickson, teacher at West Jordan Middle assigned administrative intern at Bingham High.
  • Travis Foster, teacher at West Jordan High assigned administrative intern at Riverton High.
  • Markie Harper, counselor at Copper Hills High assigned administrative intern at Herriman High.
  • Derek Winder, counselor at Copper Mountain Middle assigned administrative intern at West Jordan High.
  • Andrea Call, CTE teacher at Bingham High assigned administrative intern at West Hills Middle and West Jordan Middle.
  • Rachelle Smith, teacher at Oak Leaf Elementary assigned administrative intern at Joel P. Jensen Middle and South Hills Middle.
  • Stacie Thompson, teacher at Golden Fields Elementary assigned administrative intern at Hidden Valley Middle and Sunset Ridge Middle.
  • Aimie Rizzuto, teacher at Aspen Elementary assigned administrative intern at Jordan Ridge Elementary.
  • Megan Hamilton, teacher specialist in the Teaching and Learning Department assigned administrative intern at Blackridge Elementary.
  • Toni Lasater, teacher specialist in the Teaching and Learning Department assigned administrative intern at Oak Leaf Elementary.
  • Denise White, instructional coach in Canyons School District assigned administrative intern at Majestic Elementary.

DATE:
April 23, 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:
Monthly Drill Preparation (SHELTER)


Our monthly drill preparation will be held on May 1st at 3:00 PM with a second session at 3:30 PM. This month we will be covering SHELTER. Each School Safety Specialist is expected to attend along with administrators assigned to oversee school safety. All other administrators are welcomed to attend as well. The meeting is also opened to any staff who may be interested.

Information regarding the SHELTER response protocol can be found in the Jordan School District Safety Manual on pages 20-24. 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.

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

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

 

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.

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!

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.

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

 

 

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.

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

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.

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