Skip to content

Date:
June 10, 2021

To:
All School Administrators

From:
Shelley Nordick, Ph.D., Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability

Subject:
2021 WIDA Access Results and Dashboard


Results for the 2021 WIDA Access assessment administered in January-March this year are now available on your Tableau Viewer account. School administrators may access the following data:

  • District level data
  • School level data
  • Student level data

School administrators may interact with the data using the following demographic filters:

  • School year
  • Grade level
  • Gender
  • Economically disadvantaged
  • Race/ethnicity
  • Students with a disability

A data analysis protocol has been provided to help school leadership and EL teams examine the assessment data and brainstorm possible responses or implementations to further support the learning of EL students.

As a reminder, if having a group of teachers work with the Tableau dashboards is something principals are interested in, temporary access to the 2021 WIDA Access results may be granted through Tableau. Please contact Ben Jameson for more information.

 

The Teaching and Learning Department will offer GT endorsement classes during the 2021-2022 school year.  Please see the attached documents for detailed information and relay this information to anyone on your staff who may be interested in earning a GT endorsement.

The following are new administrative assignments:

New Assignments effective July 1, 2021:

  • Michael Haynes, JEF Board Member appointed director of the Jordan Education Foundation, replacing Steve Hall who is retiring.
  • Amanda Bollinger, consultant in Special Education appointed staff assistant in the Special Education Department.
  • Kaye Rizzuto, Social Studies teacher at Elk Ridge Middle appointed consultant in the Teaching & Learning Department, replacing Pam Su’a who is retiring.
  • Tamara Rajczyk, teacher specialist in Special Education appointed consultant in the Special Education Department, replacing Shelly Davis who is retiring.
  • Audrey Fish, assistant principal at Fort Herriman Middle appointed principal at Sunset Ridge Middle, replacing Kim Searle who is retiring.
  • Lisa Jackson, principal at Southland Elementary appointed assistant principal at Fort Herriman Middle, replacing Audrey Fish who was transferred.
  • Garett York, assistant principal at Westvale Elementary appointed principal at Southland Elementary, replacing Lisa Jackson who was transferred.
  • Tyler (TJ) Davenport, elementary teacher at Plymouth Elementary in the Granite School District, who was offered open contract in February 2021, appointed assistant principal at Westvale Elementary, replacing Garett York who was transferred.
  • Frank Preston, assistant principal at Herriman and Butterfield Canyon Elementary appointed assistant principal at Herriman and Daybreak Elementary.
  • Jennifer Smith, assistant principal at Foothills Elementary appointed assistant principal at Copper Canyon and Welby Elementary.
  • Michelle Kilcrease, assistant principal at Blackridge Elementary appointed assistant principal at Blackridge and Foothills Elementary.
  • Angela Hamilton, assistant principal at Bastian Elementary appointed assistant principal at Bastian and Butterfield Canyon Elementary.
  • Allyson Stovall, assistant principal at Southland and Welby Elementary appointed part-time assistant principal at Southland Elementary.
  • Kami Taylor, teacher specialist in Teaching & Learning appointed consultant for STEM and Computer Science in the Teaching & Learning Department.
  • Todd Theobald, assistant principal at Daybreak Elementary, part-time, appointed part-time administrator on special assignment in the Teaching & Learning Department.

DATE:  
May 26, 2021

TO:  
All Principals and Administrative Assistants

FROM:
June LeMaster, Administrator of Human Resources
Administrators of Schools

SUBJECT: 
Summer Hours for School Personnel


Please review the schedule of Summer Hours for School Personnel below, with all designated summer school personnel at your location. Extended school office/business hours are acceptable; however, other adjusted schedules are NOT acceptable because they limit public access to school personnel.

In an effort to keep you informed about changes in current technology support, Information Systems is announcing the following:

  • Information Systems is now able to support the new Apple operating system, OS 11, also called Big Sur, for devices that are capable of running it. Upgrading to this new operating system will need to be a technician assisted process. To determine if your computer is capable of accepting this upgrade, and to begin the process where applicable, please contact your building computer technician.
  • The newest generation of Apple computers using the M1 chip are now supported. Please see your building computer technician for further assistance with getting these devices deployed.
  • Information Systems is changing the district's antivirus from Sophos to Trend Micro. If you have any questions about this change, please consult your building computer technician.

DATE:   
May 20, 2021

TO:
Principals
Special Education Teachers (Preschool and School Age)
Speech-Language Pathologists

FROM: 
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education

SUBJECT: 
Updated Extended Year for Special Educator Stipend Days 2020-21


The USBE has set up new guidelines for documenting and reporting Extended Year Stipend Days. A specific group of special educators were allowed to work up to 3.5 additional days for the 2020-21 school year. Eligible staff that have days left to work, and did not work all of their allotted days in the fall, are required to complete a survey to be paid for those days. After you have completed working the days (after your contract ends), simply click on the link below to start the survey. This link will open on June 8, 2021 at 7am.

https://jordandistrict.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3ELRnpb23zVTZbM

Please read the survey carefully, making sure you answer all of the questions listed, as you will be paid according to what the survey generates. Only those that complete the survey will be paid. You are no longer required to submit the worksheet or timesheet after you have worked the days. Any timesheets submitted directly to the Special Ed. or Payroll departments will not be paid. Please note that the window for completing the survey closes June 30, 2021 at midnight.

Please remember you cannot count the days you already worked and were paid for in the fall. You can only count the days you work after your last contract date at the end of the 2020-21 school year. The State Board of Education has discontinued any leniency on dates that you work. You may ONLY work and report the two weeks after your last contract day. Therefore, you will only be paid for dates that are between June 8 to June 21, 2021 and only the number of days you have remaining from the fall of 2020-21.

As you plan for the coming year, keep in mind the legislature will presumably award days for the 2021-22 school year, which you can begin working two weeks prior to your first contract day, August 9, 2021. More information about next year’s days will be forthcoming. If you have questions, or need help with the survey, please contact Amanda Hamblin at amanda.hamblin@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8176.

DATE:
May 19, 2021

TO:
Elementary, Middle, High Schools Administrators

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

SUBJECT:
“NEW Behavioral and Mental Health Crisis Resource”


The Utah Department of Human Services has recently created the Stabilization and Mobile Response Team. This is meant to be an alternative to the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT). This resource is available for children and families from 7am-11pm. This resource can be reached by calling 1-833-SAFE-FAM (1-833-723-3326). This resource is meant for any parent or caregiver that is experiencing any of the following challenges with a child: threatens to inflict harm on self or others, is verbally or physically aggressive, uses substances, destroys or steals property, has difficulty in school, often runs away, bullies or is bullied, demonstrates severe changes in mood, experiences depression or anxiety, is withdrawn from friends and peers.

Here is a brief description of how this team will assist with these challenges.

Mobile Response Services

Provided to you in your home or at school to ease an immediate challenge and provide support.

  • Minimize the impact of the challenge on you and your family
  • Create safety plans
  • Connect you and your family to other helpful resources

Stabilization Services

Short-term services may be provided in addition to mobile response to help ensure your family’s long-term success.

  • Teach skills to improve family functioning
  • Create plans that prepare you for and prevent future challenges
  • Prevent the need for out-of-home services
  • Equip you with ongoing resources and support

For more information visit their website and review the attached flyer.

DATE:   
May 13, 2021

TO:
Principals
All Certified Special Education Staff

FROM:  
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education

SUBJECT:   
Year-End Checkout for Traditional Schools/Year-Round Schools


The items listed in the attached memo need attention as you prepare to close out the 2020-21school year.

Any questions or concerns that arise should be directed to your school’s Teacher Specialist for clarification.

Department Directors:

The Human Resource department is excited to roll out a new recruiting system, Applitrack from Frontline.

This new system provides the following advantages:
- A more streamlined process to recruit and hire new employees
- All positions will be on the same recruiting system
- A fully electronic recruiting process
- The same recruitment system for both licensed and ESP employees

Effective July 1, 2021, all ESP and non-licensed positions will be posted using Applitrack. Effective October 1, 2021, all Licensed positions will be posted on Applitrack.

In preparation of the new system implementation, we will be providing training to administrators and administrative assistants. The training for department administrative assistants will be in person on May 17 and May 19. Administration training will begin June 8 through June 29 and will be through zoom.

We will also make available on HRConnections and AdminOnly the training videos and tutorials.

Please use the links below to schedule a training session. Please send this information to your administrative assistants who are responsible to post positions so they can schedule a time as well.

Contract Brent Burge at #88224 if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
Human Resources

Administration:  https://jordanschooldistricthr.setmore.com/resourcebookingpage/r49a61444332140831/bookclass

Dept Administrative Assistant: http://my.setmore.com/bookingpage/f57956d4-89fa-4c97-a0c8-2c23dae48da6/class/ca73f1e40e7055fa41865a515e6aa4200f40406d6b 

Dear Educators,

We would like to share a new professional learning opportunity with you called Utah Microcredentials. This resource is supported and funded by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and is available to all educators in Utah’s public education system, including teachers, instructional coaches, paraprofessionals, counselors, related service providers, administrators, and other educators.

Microcredentials acknowledge all the different types of professional learning that educators do, both formal, traditional courses and independent, self-directed learning. Realizing that educators are continually honing their craft, Utah Microcredentials provides a way to recognize that learning. Microcredentials represent instructional skills and concepts. A microcredential is competency-based recognition that the holder has demonstrated effective and consistent use of the target skill or concept as a part of their practice. Microcredentials are not earned through seat time, assignments, or tests. They are earned by submitting the required evidence for a specific microcredential on the target skill or concept.

Each Utah Microcredential is worth a 0.5 USBE credit, which may be used for relicensing and for salary changes in certain districts/charters. The cost for each is $20. Earning microcredentials is also a way to demonstrate leadership. Posting earned microcredentials on your webpage, social media, and even outside your door is an invitation to share your skills with others. For more information, you can use these resources:

  • A narrated video that provides an overview of microcredentials,
  • The UEN website for Utah’s Microcredentials,
  • A one-pager of the most frequently asked questions about microcredentials.

You can start earning Utah Microcredentials on MIDAS. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to supporting learning for our Utah students.

Please advise your staff that Insurance Open Enrollment for this year will be May 15 - June 15.  Let your staff know that they need to get a confirmation that they have gone in and updated or verified that everything is correct.   Attached are the Open Enrollment Highlights.

Insurance Open Enrollment May 15 - June 15 for a September Effective Date.

InfinityHR/Arcoro ( https://www.infinityhr.com/login ) will be used for all benefit eligible employees to make benefit elections offered at Open Enrollment and for newly eligible employees. All benefit eligible employees should log into the online system to verify dependents, beneficiaries and benefit elections.  Included in the attached Open Enrollment Highlights are online enrollment instructions.

The following changes may be made during the open enrollment period.

  • Enroll in a new insurance plan
  • Change or cancel an existing insurance plan
  • Add or cancel members from an existing plan
  • Flexible Spending election (new elections must be made each year you wish to participate)

DATE: 
May 5, 2021

TO:   
All School and District Administrators

FROM: 
Administrator of Schools
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Planning & Student Services

SUBJECT:   
Behavior Survival Training for Administrators


A required training is scheduled for all administrators that will provide, within a restorative MTSS framework, background information pertaining to why problematic behaviors occur, basic information about behavioral resources that are available, an understanding of basic behavioral concepts, and strategies for effectively dealing with crisis behaviors.

Positive behavior intervention and supports (PBIS) are a cornerstone of any restorative MTSS culture. This training will provide the background and understanding to adequately and appropriately manage behavior issues in a supportive environment.

The training will take approximately four (4) hours and will be provided on three different days with five (5) different sessions to choose from (you only need to attend one session – all sessions will provide the same content). All sessions will be held in the auditorium at Elk Ridge Middle School (3659 W 9800 S, South Jordan, UT.).

Please select one of the following dates/times to attend:

Tuesday June 8:                7:30-11:30am, or 12:00-4:00pm 

Tuesday June 15:              7:30-11:30am, or 12:00-4:00pm 

Thursday June 17:            7:30-11:30am

Click HERE to register for the Behavior Survival Training for Administrators or go to https://forms.gle/ndFyh1w1kMW1UzkN6

Teachers can work with a JSD Cohort to complete the Professional Level USBE Programming & Software Development Endorsement. Cohort begins May 10, 2021. Some of the endorsement requirements are waived through working in this cohort. Plan is approved by USBE and USU. One college course will be taken per semester, with the Professional Level Endorsement completed by Summer 2023. Tuition costs may be reimbursable through the STEM Endorsement Incentive Program.

Interested teachers should complete the Cohort Survey by May 5th. Link to Survey

If you need more information or have questions, please reach out to Kami Taylor, kami.taylor@jordandistrict.org, 801-567-8621.

Multiple Federal agencies are investigating numerous fraud schemes targeting the unemployment insurance (UI) programs across the United States.  Fraudsters, some of which are transnational criminal organizations, are using the stolen identities of U.S. citizens to open accounts and file fraudulent claims for benefits, exploiting the unprecedented expansion of the benefits provided in response to economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Many victims of this crime have no knowledge that criminals have applied for UI benefits in their name.  You may only discover that you were a victim of this crime upon seeing the following red flags:

  1. You are told by a current or former employer that a UI claim has been submitted with your information;
  2. You did not apply for UI benefits, but you receive a determination letter from your state or another state regarding a UI claim filed under your name;
  3. You receive a notification that you failed the security verification process for your UI claim;
  4. You file a lawful UI claim and you receive a notice that your claim was rejected because the state has already received a claim under your name.

The District Human Resource department is taking immediate steps to address suspected fraudulent claims.  These include:

  • Contacting current employees to verify if the employee filed a UI claim.
  • Immediately notifying the state agency of confirmed fraud claims.
  • Providing impacted employees steps to follow to report fraud.

For more information or if you believe you may be impacted, please visit the following websites for information on reporting fraud and protecting your credit.

Utah Attorney General (https://www.identitytheft.gov/UnemploymentInsurance)

“Unemployment Insurance Fraud Consumer Protection Guide” (https://www.oig.dol.gov/public/Unemployment%20Insurance%20Fraud%20Consumer%20Protection%20Guide,%20Final.pdf)

Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Labor (https://www.oig.dol.gov/public/media/DOL-OIG%20UI%20Fraud%20Alert.pdf)

Administrators & Program Directors:

As we are beginning to make plans for the 2021-22 school year, we wanted 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 3 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 801-567-8186 or lisa.lestarge@jordandistrict.org.

Performance evaluations for part-time ESP employees for the 2020-21 school year are optional. However, the evaluation documents you provide can be crucial in justifying employee terminations and potential unemployment claims.

Please review the included evaluation description memo and the evaluation form for instructions. Please contact Brent Burge at 88224 if you have any questions.