Skip to content

Published on

DATE:  
August 15, 2024

TO:  
All Principals

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

SUBJECT: 
Providing a Consistent Space for Itinerant Service Providers

As the school year begins, please be mindful that the itinerant service providers assigned to your school require a consistent and viable space to work with the students that they are assigned to in your school. These service providers include OTs, PTs, Hearing & Vision, etc. The services that these professionals provide are required by students’ IEPs and 504 plans and aid in students being able to engage more effectively in instruction and other related activities. These providers serve students in multiple schools each day and have very tight schedules. If they are required to spend time locating a space to serve students each time they arrive at a school, or if they are unexpectedly moved from a space, it can greatly affect their ability to provide these required services to each of the students that they are assigned to.

Please be sure to work with your itinerant service providers at the start of the school year to identify a consistent viable space where they can serve the students at your school. If you need to change that space during the school year, please notify the itinerant service providers well in advance.

Also, as you plan for the year and additional staff to your school, please keep in mind that Speech Language Therapists are an integral part of your faculty and need space to work with small groups and individual students.

We appreciate your support in these efforts.

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Brad Sorensen, Administrator of Schools
Mike Haynes, Director of Jordan Education Foundation

The Jordan Education Foundation would like to thank all of the administrators that helped with the service project on August 8, 2024. Everything turned out amazing. Here are the winners for the drawing. Look for your prizes to be delivered via district mail or in person.

VCBO Backpack Derek Winder West Jordan High
Glenmoor Golf Hat Denise White Majestic Elementary
Glenmoor Golf Hat Mike Glenn Mountain Creek Middle
Glenmoor Golf Hat Daniel Call Copper Hills High
Glenmoor Golf Hat Mike Farnsworth Copper Hills High
Beach Towel Josh Sullivan Fox Hollow Elementary
Beach Towel Jared Covili Teaching & Learning
Beach Towel Jennifer Ludlow Oquirrh Elementary
Beach Towel Ivie Erickson Bingham High
Bose Speaker Karen Egan Rose Creek Elementary
Golf Socks Adrienne Yancey South Jordan Elementary
Golf Socks Andrew Blanchard Herriman High
$100 Top Golf Certificate Lauren Peacock Copper Mountain Middle
Golf Balls Tim Heumann Fort Herriman Middle
Bose Headphones Kasey Dahl Bastian Elementary
Ferrero Rocher Chocolate Brady Bartholomew Riverton High
Fairfield by Marriott - 1 night stay Kimberly Ranney Copper Canyon Elementary
Staybridge Suites - 1 night stay Tyler Jones Hidden Valley Middle
Embassy Suites - 1 night stay Meredith Doleac Ridge View Elementary
Home 2 Suites - 1 night stay Amy Kinder Teaching & Learning
Hampton Inn - 1 night stay Jeramie Velarde ISS/Mail
Forward this Memo

Published on

DATE: 
August 15, 2024

TO:    
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT: 
Suicide Prevention & PBIS Funds Update

Administrators,

For the 2024-25 school year, funding for each school’s positive behavior plan has been renewed through the State’s E-cigarette and Nicotine Prevention Fund. As a reminder these funds can be used for the following purposes:

In addition to this, the State’s suicide prevention fund that has been previously allocated ($1000 per school) has NOT been renewed. These funds are not available for the 24-25 school year. Additional funds may become available through pending grants at which point schools will be notified.

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Natalie Grange, Accountant/CPA

The 2024-2025 School allocations have been provided for your review. See attached file for allocations, your carryover balances, and estimated headcounts.

School allocations will be updated in November after the October 1 headcounts are finalized by the State. Budgets will not be adjusted for the virtual schools.

Budget adjustments can be submitted, using the attached form, to Natalie.Grange@jordandistrict.org.

If you have questions please contact Natalie Grange at 88312 or at Natalie.Grange@jordandistrict.org.

Forward this Memo

Published on

DATE: 
August 12, 2024

TO:   
Principals
Assistant Principals

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Michelle Reyes, Truancy Prevention Specialist

SUBJECT:   
Free Attendance Campaign Banners, Stickers and Back to School Attendance Resources

Back to school is the ideal time to convey the right message about attendance to families, students, and the community. Attendance messaging aids in building the habit and culture of attendance by helping everyone understand why going to school every day is important. The Student Services Department has developed materials for your use to promote attendance in a positive way this school year using the campaign slogan: Be Present, Be Powerful.

Banners, posters, stickers, tracking calendars, and attendance pledge templates are available in English and Spanish here. Back to School Night is a great opportunity to share positive messages with families about attendance.

Student Services has ordered 24, 4’ X 8’, outdoor mesh banners and 2,000 vinyl stickers that are immediately available, free of charge to interested schools. Due to limited supplies, they will be first come, first served using this google sheet. Schools may request 1 banner and up to 100 stickers each until supplies are gone. If you miss the sign up or would like to order more, you can find links to order your own banners and stickers for a very reasonable price on the bottom of the google order sheet.

September is National Attendance Awareness Month. Watch for more information/ideas in an upcoming JAM memo.

Should you have questions or need assistance with attendance, please contact Michelle Reyes @ michelle.reyes@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8205.

Link for ordering Banners
Link for ordering Stickers
Forward this Memo

Published on

DATE:    
Thursday, August 15, 2024

TO:   
Elementary School Administrators

FROM:  
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability

SUBJECT:   
Research Project

The Research Review Committee has reviewed a research project in which your school has been asked to participate.

Project Title: Creating a Formal Mentoring Program for Veteran Teachers: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Applicant: Amy Johnson, Grand Canyon University

The project has been approved by the District Research Review Committee. The applicant has been directed to contact you to discuss the extent of the project and to obtain your permission to conduct the study at your school. Participation in the study is at your discretion. If you have questions or concerns relating to participation, please contact Ben Jameson at 801-567-8243.

The researcher will contacting veteran teachers to participate in interviews and focus groups outside of contract time.

Thank you for your assistance.

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
Administrators
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
June LeMaster, Administrator Human Resources
Rebecca Eastman, HR Generalist

Welcome to the 2024-2025 contract year! As an annual reminder, in accordance with DP326 NEG I. 1. and 2. and DP324 NEG I. 1. and 2., participation in the Employee-Funded Sick Leave Bank requires a contract employee to annually donate one day of accumulated annual leave into the Sick Leave Bank.  The Employee-Funded Sick Leave Bank is not intended to be used for in-and-out absences, elective medical procedures or other medical care that could be scheduled during non-contract time.

Each year, contract employees wishing to opt out of participation in the sick bank must annually complete the appropriate online form in Employee Access no later than September 1 for current employees and October 1 for first-year licensed employees, including administrators. This opt out request must be submitted annually.

Prior to completion of this form, it is strongly encouraged to review all District Leave Policies. See the Opt Out Tutorial below.

Forward this Memo

Published on

DATE:   
Thursday, August 15, 2024

TO:    
All School Administrators

FROM:  
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability

SUBJECT:  
Research Project

The Research Review Committee has reviewed a research project in which your school has been asked to participate.

Project Title: Assessing Administrators’ Perspectives of Trauma-Informed Care in Utah Schools

Applicant: Rebecca Winters and Meagan Coalwell

The project has been approved by the District Research Review Committee.  The applicant has been directed to contact you to discuss the extent of the project and to obtain your permission to conduct the study at your school.  Participation in the study is at your discretion.  If you have questions or concerns relating to participation, please contact Ben Jameson at 801-567-8243.

School administrators will be asked to complete a 15-minute questionnaire.

Thank you for your assistance.

 

Forward this Memo

Published on

DATE:    
Thursday, August 15, 2024

TO:    
Elementary School Administrators

FROM:   
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability

SUBJECT:   
Research Project

The Research Review Committee has reviewed a research project in which your school has been asked to participate.

Project Title: The Heart of the Matter: An Action Research Case Study on Co-creating Observation and Reflection Tools to Provide Effective and Meaningful Professional Development for Sixth Grade Mathematics

Applicant: Nicole Parker, Utah State University

The project has been approved by the District Research Review Committee. The applicant has been directed to contact you to discuss the extent of the project and to obtain your permission to conduct the study at your school. Participation in the study is at your discretion. If you have questions or concerns relating to participation, please contact Ben Jameson at 801-567-8243.

The researcher wants to work with 6th grade math teachers, instructional coaches, and the T&L math department on this project.

Thank you for your assistance.

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Steffany Ellsworth, Support Services Manager, Information Systems

Drumroll, please… Our district is using ParentSquare, the communication superhero your parents have been clamoring for! This tool is your new sidekick for connecting with families, sending a quick text, sharing epic student moments (think adorable pics), and rallying the troops through creative newsletters and posts. It’s already set up - so get ready to level up your parent engagement game, including texting parents in their preferred language!

How Do I Get There from Here?
Getting started is simple - Just visit ParentSquare.com/signin/, login using your Jordan District Google account and you’re officially connected to awesome classroom communication. ParentSquare works its magic on any device, so whether you’re a phone wiz, a laptop lover or tablet-trained, you’re good to go! Download the free mobile app for iOS or Android, or use ParentSquare from a web browser at ParentSquare.com/signin/.

What Can I Do with ParentSquare?
As a teacher, you have the ability to send both Posts and Direct Messages to your classroom’s families. Both options can be sent through email or text and can be translated to the parent’s preferred language. You can include calendar events to a post, allowing parents to quickly add events to their personal calendar, and even rsvp to your events. Parents can access messages via the ParentSquare app, however, those who do not register their account will still receive a text and email with your messages. Parents who do create an account can interact with your classroom by viewing photos, leaving comments on posts (only visible by you), messaging teachers, and managing their communication preferences.

Where Can I Learn More?
Transform yourself into a ParentSquare Pro! Access Teacher Training 101, self-paced modules, that can be completed in under 30 minutes. Be sure to select “Start Course.” After completing this course, you’ll be able to:

  • Login and navigate ParentSquare
  • Make changes to your notification settings and set office hours
  • Add events to the class calendar
  • Create posts and direct messages
  • Access support and training resources

In addition, you can click on the question mark in the upper right corner within ParentSquare to search comprehensive help articles, see what’s new, or connect with ParentSquare’s amazing support team. If you find that your account, classroom, or parent contact data is incorrect, please reach out to the Information Systems help desk at 801-567-8737.

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Mike Heaps, Director of Information Systems
Jeri Gamble, Customer Support in Information Systems

Lunch and Student Fee Web Payments Tutorial for Guardians

Parent instructions (in English and Spanish) on how to make online payments for lunch and student fees are available on the district website, jordandistrict.org.

It can be found by navigating to jordandistrict.org, then go to Parents & Students > Family Access > Lunch and Fee Payments.

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
All Principals
All Assistant Principals

FROM:
Becky Gerber, Administrator of Schools

Please share the attached flyer with the future school leaders in your building. Applications are due soon.

The BYU School Leadership Program invites educators to learn from current school, district, state, and university leaders about becoming a principal. The Academy is a great way to get a taste of school leadership and learn best practices for applying to principal preparation programs and future leadership positions. The district will cover the cost of your substitute teacher, and BYU will award a $1,000 scholarship to any participants who are accepted to and attend BYU’s Masters of School Leadership Program.

APPLY BY AUGUST 29, 2024 - APPLICATION LINK

Forward this Memo

Published on

DATE:   
August 8, 2024

TO: 
Building Administrators
Elementary Administrative Assistants
Secondary Attendance Secretaries
Secondary Registrars

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

SUBJECT: 
Zoom Meetings: Enrollment Q&A and Secondary Enrollment Release

There have been a number of similar questions from schools about enrollment, residency, and digital cumulative folders. Additionally, we have a new process ready in Skyward for secondary schools to enter and track enrollment changes/releases.

To facilitate answering questions on these issues and provide training to secondary registrars/attendance staff about the new enrollment change process, I have scheduled Zoom meetings at the following dates/times:

Friday, August 9, 9:30 AM
Friday, August 9, 3:30 PM
Monday, August 12, 1 PM

Additional dates may be added if needed. All meetings will begin with enrollment Q&A before ending with training on secondary enrollment releases.

All meetings will use the Zoom information below:

Zoom Link: https://uetn-org.zoom.us/j/2819257773?pwd=cTcvcVdGb1FhdVE2aExhcXNkdFc0UT09
Meeting ID: 281 925 7773
Passcode: 5dAycW

School staff may submit questions/issues/concerns in advance, if desired, by sending them to Caleb Olson via email.

Forward this Memo

Published on

DATE:  
August 5, 2024

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: 
Mandatory DLM Training for Self-Contained Teachers

There will be two dates for the mandatory DLM training for all self-contained teachers. Teachers need only attend one of the two days. A link to sign up for the training will be sent to each self-contained teacher.

Option 1:
Date/Time: August 16 8:30 am - 11:30 am
Location: ASB Presentation Room (Room C-100)

Option 2:
Date/Time: August 30 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: ASB Presentation Room (Room C-100)

Please note that if teachers cannot attend the August 16th PD, they will need to get a substitute for August 30th. The Special Education Department will cover the costs of substitutes for licensed special education teachers who attend the August 30th training. Please use budget code 1292.

Forward this Memo

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Bonnie Brennan, Director of Insurance Services

For information regarding legal liability protection for school district employees, please review the following:

Legal Liability Protection  for Public School Employees
You and your public school have broad liability coverage through the State Risk Management Fund, hereinafter the “Fund.” 

Lawsuits are defended by the Litigation Division of the Utah Attorney General’s Office.

FUND COVERAGE SUMMARY
You have coverage through the Fund if a civil claim or a civil lawsuit for damages is brought against you for acts or omissions occurring:

  • during the performance of your duties, 
  • within the scope of your employment, or 
  • under color of authority, 

You may have the following rights under the Governmental Immunity Act of Utah: 

  • to have any lawsuit defended by an attorney at no cost to you, and 
  • to have any settlement or judgment paid on your behalf.

SECURING COVERAGE
To secure these rights you must: 

  • Immediately notify your school of any claim or lawsuit not to exceed 60 days;
  • Immediately forward to your school all legal documents served on you;
  • Make a written request to your school for defense and indemnification within ten days after service of a lawsuit; and
  • Cooperate in the subsequent investigation and defense, including to make an offer of judgment if requested.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED?
Your rights to defense and payment of claims or judgments do not cover acts or omissions involving:

  • Fraud; 
  • Willful misconduct; 
  • Impairment due to your use of alcohol or drugs; or 
  • False testimony under oath.

Criminal and Occupational Defense Protection
The Fund does NOT provide an attorney or pay for attorneys’ fees incurred in defending a criminal case; or occupational licensing matter (i.e. Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission); nor does it cover or pay for any fines, fees, or any other costs assessed in a criminal case or occupational licensing matter.

However, as a public-school employee, you may have the right under Utah Code 52-6 to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs from your employing school if the indictment or information is quashed, dismissed or results in an acquittal, unless it is quashed or dismissed on motion of the prosecuting attorney. This statute applies if the criminal charges are filed against you for acts or omissions occurring during the performance of your duties, within the scope of your employment, or under color of authority,

Additional Insurance Options

Civil Liability Coverages Civil coverage not provided by Governmental Immunity Act Fund Criminal Defense Coverages
State Risk Fund

Coverage for employees is generally consistent with the Utah Governmental Immunity Act and the statutory limitations of liability. Primary coverage includes General Liability; Auto Liability; Employment Practices Liability; Errors & Omissions; Directors & Officers; and Faithful Performance, generally with limits of $10 Million per occurrence.

 N/A No criminal defense coverage.

For additional information about your rights please see the following: The Utah Governmental Immunity Act, Utah Code 63G-7; Reimbursement of Criminal Defense Costs, Utah Code 52-6; Your Risk Manager or Business Official; or The Utah State Division of Risk Management 4315 S 2700 W Taylorsville, Utah 84129 (801) 957-7170

If you have any questions, please contact Bonnie Brennan, Director of Insurance Services, 801-567-8285 or bonnie.brennan@jordandistrict.org

Forward this Memo

Published on

DATE:  
Thursday, August 8, 2024

TO: 
Elementary School Administrators

FROM:   
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability

SUBJECT: 
ALO Acadience Reading Training Options for ESPs and Others

It is recommended that ESPs who will be assessing Acadience Reading measures (either progress monitoring in grades K-6 or benchmark testing in grades 4-6) be trained on test administration procedures on an annual basis.  There are both in-person and virtual training options.  Elementary school administrators are asked to pass this training information on to relevant ESP employees in their buildings as well as any others who may want more Acadience Reading assessment training.

Please see the attached memo for all of the dates and information.

Forward this Memo

Published on

DATE:      
Thursday, August 8, 2024

TO: 
Elementary School Administrators

FROM:  
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability

SUBJECT: 
Student, Teacher, Administrator, and Other Accounts in ALO

Student Rostering:
Rostering of students in ALO will be automated and updated nightly. Rostering data will be extracted from Skyward, sent through the state’s UTReX system, and then uploaded into ALO. The process can take up to 72 hours for newly enrolled students. If students are missing from ALO, please contact Janice Sperry in Assessment, Research & Accountability who will investigate the issue. Students cannot be entered into the system manually.

Classroom Teacher Accounts:
All classroom teachers will be rostered in ALO through the state as a one-time upload. The upload was submitted to USBE as of August 5th. If classroom teachers have been added to Skyward after August 5th or if a teacher is hired during the school year, an account will need to be manually created in ALO. School administrators or their designee should fill out this form to request an account for newly hired teachers.

Classroom teachers should receive a welcome email from ALO on the second or third day of school asking them to set their password. Their username will be their work email address.

Accounts for Other Personnel:
School administrators are asked to fill out this form for other personnel who need ALO accounts. Examples of such personnel would be instructional coaches or classroom aides who will assist with progress monitoring or benchmark testing in grades 4-6. We will add these accounts manually after classroom teacher rostering has occurred. Please allow up to a week for accounts to be added as each person’s account must be created one at a time for all 42 elementary schools.

School Administrator Accounts:
Administrator accounts will be added to ALO manually once rostering for classroom teachers has occurred. There is no need to submit administrator names using the above form.

For questions about ALO, please contact Janice Sperry (janice.sperry@jordandistrict.org) or Ben Jameson (ben.jameson@jordandistrict.org) in Assessment, Research & Accountability.

 

Forward this Memo

Published on

DATE: 
August 5, 2024

TO:  
All School Administrators

FROM:   
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
McKinley Withers, Health and Wellness Consultant

SUBJECT:  
2024-2024 Clinical Support Specialist Calendar

Please be aware of the Clinical Support Specialist (CSS) meeting dates listed below. It is essential that school-based clinicians are allowed to prioritize these meetings to be current on best-practices relevant to their role.

CSTAG Level One and Two

  • All Clinical Support Specialists who have not previously completed C-STAG Level One have been given a training account through Navigate 360
  • All Clinical Support Specialists are invited to attend C-STAG Level Two, the first of which will occur on 9/20/2024

CSS Team Trainings (1pm-3pm)

  • October 4, 2024
  • November 8, 2024
  • January 24, 2025
  • February 28,, 2025
  • April 25, 2025

PLC Meetings (730am-830am)

Purpose of PLC’s: Case staffing and professional consultation

  • September 13, 2024
  • October 11, 2024
  • December 12, 2024
  • January 10, 2024
  • April 11, 2024
  • May 9, 2024

Should you have any questions please reach out to McKinley Withers at mckinley.withers@jordandistrict.org

Forward this Memo