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TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Jared Covili, Digital Teaching and Learning

As previously mentioned, in order to make the most of the available features in our district-wide Canva deployment, we are migrating to a new Canva structure on Friday 9/26. No content has been lost; as part of this migration you have been added to one or more new Canva teams, corresponding to the school(s) with which you’re associated (or a “Staff & Admin” team, for staff not based at a school).

Here’s what you need to know:

We have re-labeled our existing district team to “Archive: Jordan School District”. You’ll always be able to access this content by toggling between teams. You’ll also be able to access your new school-based team by toggling in the same way. See attached guide for information on switching between teams.

We recommend you copy your content from this Archive team over to your new school-based team. You’ll get the best Canva features in these new teams, and will best able to collaborate in your school team with the students and staff associated with that school. View attached guide for instructions on how to copy Canva content to your new team.

District-wide staff: you may not have been automatically added to your new Staff & Admin team. Please log out and log back in to Canva in order to be added to this team.

If you encounter any other issues with Canva, please contact our Digital Teaching and Learning Team or the Canva Support team.

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Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Director Teaching & Learning
Kaye Rizzuto, Social Studies Consultant

As we approach America 250, the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, we have a unique opportunity to engage students in meaningful learning and memorable celebrations throughout the 2025-2026 school year.

Activities and Engagement
We encourage each school to incorporate America 250 into the curriculum and school culture, making this milestone year unforgettable for all students.

Student Award Opportunity
Students also have the option to participate in a special America 250 Award program, designed to recognize student engagement, research, and creativity related to the anniversary. Details and how to participate can be found HERE.

Let’s work together to make America 250 a vibrant and inclusive celebration in every school. Thank you for your leadership and support in creating memorable learning experiences for our students.

If you have questions or want to share your school’s plans, please reach out.

Kaye Rizzuto
Social Studies Consultant
Carolyn Gough
Director Teaching & Learning

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Published on

DATE:
September 25, 2025

TO:
Principals and Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Cody Curtis, Administrator of Schools
Brad Sorensen, Administrator of Schools

SUBJECT:
Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences for Secondary Schools

The dates for Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences for secondary schools are Wednesday, September 24, 2025 and Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Here is the schedule that the schools will follow:

    • Middle Schools:
      • Wednesday, September 24, 2025 - In person
      • Thursday, September 25, 2025 - Virtual
    • High Schools:
      • Wednesday, September 24, 2025 - Virtual
      • Thursday, September 25, 2025 - In person

 

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Published on

DATE:     
Thursday, September 25, 2025

TO:    
Elementary School Administrators

FROM:    
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Assessment, 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: Cross-Curricular Practices in Teacher Preparation to Improve Special Education and General Education Teacher Efficacy and Collaboration

Applicant: Andrew Goodman, Utah Valley 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. 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.

A survey will be sent to classroom teachers regarding their pre-service training and instructional supports of students with disabilities.

Thank you for your assistance.

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Published on

DATE:   
Thursday, September 25, 2025

TO: 
All School Administrators

FROM: 
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Assessment, 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: General and Special Education Teachers’ Literacy Survey: Opinions, Practice, Training, and Confidence

Applicant: Kristie Calvin, East Tennessee 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. 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.

Teachers who choose to participate will take a survey that asks about their training, knowledge, and practices in the areas of reading and literacy.

Thank you for your assistance.

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DATE:    
Thursday, September 25, 2025

TO:   
Middle and High School Principals

FROM: 
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Assessment, 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: Secondary Administration of Dual Language Immersion Programs in Utah: Program Implementation, Fidelity, and Leadership

Applicant: Beth McGarry, 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. 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.

Principals of secondary DLI schools will be asked to participate in an interview regarding their experience implementing the DLI program.

Thank you for your assistance.

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Published on

DATE:  
Thursday, September 25, 2025

TO:  
All School Administrators

FROM:  
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Assessment, 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: Caregiver – School Collaboration Throughout the IEP Process

Applicant: Kayleigh Brennan, University of Utah

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. 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.

Special education service providers, such as teachers, school psychologists, and speech language pathologists may be asked to complete a survey on the IEP process and the factors that contribute to stronger collaboration and partnerships with families.

Thank you for your assistance.

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Published on

DATE: 
Thursday, September 25, 2025

TO: 
All School Administrators

FROM: 
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Assessment, 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: Talking Teaching for Change: How Productive Teacher Collaborations Contribute to Teacher Efficacy Beliefs

Applicant: Joy Zhang, Brigham Young 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.  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.

Participating teachers will take a survey about their collaboration experiences, structural components of their collaboration, perceived sense of collaborative culture, and their perceived efficacy beliefs regarding instruction.

Thank you for your assistance.

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Published on

DATE:    
September 25, 2025

TO:   
Principals
Assistant Principals

FROM: 
Mike Anderson, Assistant Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Melanie Dawson, Program Administrator of Behavior
Amanda Bollinger, T&L Associate Administrator
Brian King, Assistant Director of Special Education
McKinley Withers, Health and Wellness Administrator
Michelle Love-Day, Director of Language and Culture Services

SUBJECT:
MTSS/PBIS Teacher Specialists

We are excited to announce a new team of MTSS/PBIS teacher specialists dedicated to supporting school-wide implementation of positive behavior supports. Please see the attached flyer to see which of the following specialists is assigned to your school.

  • Cammie Chang
  • Taryn Cox
  • Christina Jacobs
  • Stephanie Johnson
  • Amy Slack

The primary role of these specialists is to support school-wide implementation of positive behavior supports. Some of their key roles and responsibilities include:

  • Collaborating with leadership teams to ensure research-based behavior practices are consistently in place at the universal (Tier 1) level across all areas of the school.
  • Guiding and supporting school teams as they identify and implement targeted (Tier 2) behavior supports.
  • Assisting school teams in monitoring schoolwide data to drive ongoing improvement of behavior support systems.
  • Identifying behavior training needs and collaborating with school teams in providing relevant professional development.

For classroom-specific concerns, please collaborate with your instructional coach. For individual student concerns for those on an IEP, reach out to the Jordan Behavior Assistance Team (JBAT).

We look forward to a successful year of SWPBIS implementation in your schools! Should you have any questions please reach out to Melanie Dawson at melanie.dawson@jordandistrict.org.

 

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TO:
Office and Administrative staff of schools and District departments

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator

The agenda for the optional Zoom training session for office and administrative staff of schools and District departments is attached. The October 9 session will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. This meeting is a refresher course that will go over any changes in district departments this year, offer clarification on broad-based issues, and general reminders.

If you would like to participate, please send an email to Lisa LeStarge at lisa.lestarge@jordandistrict.org. Attendees of each session will receive an email the day prior to the training with instructions for connecting to the Zoom meeting.

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Published on

TO:
New Administrators and anyone who wants a complete overview of Business and Auxiliary Services department information

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator

Training will be provided by the Business and Auxiliary Services Departments on October 7, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Auxiliary Services Building Presentation Room. This training opportunity is for school or department personnel including principals, assistant principals, administrative assistants, clerks, aides or others with responsibilities correlating with the Business or Auxiliary Services Departments. The draft agenda is attached.

If you would like to participate in this session, please send an email to Lisa LeStarge, at lisa.lestarge@jordandistrict.org. The total number of participants in this session will be capped at 60 (plus presenters). Attendees will be provided with a link to hand-outs provided by the presenters so they can be viewed during the training or downloaded for future use.

We hope you will take advantage of this training opportunity.

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TO:
Elementary Principals
Elementary Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Odette Desmarais, Administrator of Schools
Meredith Doleac, Administrator of Schools
Becky Gerber, Administrator of Schools
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools

Please find your school tab in this Google sheet and complete the Elementary Parent/Teacher Conference Reporting Form within two weeks of your conferences. If you have any questions, please contact Shannel Hooper at extension 88204.

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DATE:  
September 25, 2025

TO:   
All Secondary Principals

FROM:    
Administrators of Schools
Carolyn Gough, Administrator, Teaching and Learning Department
Norman Emerson, Instructional Support Services/Fine Arts Consultant

SUBJECT:  
Utah Symphony Performance for Secondary Students

We are thrilled to announce a new, optional opportunity for secondary students in the Jordan District. The Utah Symphony will be performing specifically for our secondary students for the first time on March 4, 2026.

Concert Details:

  • Location: West Jordan High School
  • Date: March 4, 2026
  • Time: 9:45 a.m.
  • Performance Duration: 45 minutes

Logistics:

  • Student Participation: Each school is allowed to send up to 60 students.
  • Supervision: Each school must ensure sufficient adult supervision, with a minimum of one adult chaperone per 30 students.
  • Funding: School-based budgets will cover the cost of substitute teachers (if needed), while the Teaching and Learning Department will handle busing fees.

Action Required:

  1. Google Form Submission: To participate, complete the attached Google Form by October 15, 2025.
  2. Transportation Request: Your school’s administrative assistant should submit a transportation request via Skyward. Include the number of teachers and chaperones in your school's final count. Ensure your bus request includes the correct group name (e.g., South Hills, 115 Curr) to facilitate coverage of the bus fee by the Teaching and Learning Department.

Preparation: Utah Symphony will provide study materials to help prepare students and enhance their experience. We strongly encourage utilizing these resources to maximize the educational value of the performance.

For any further information or assistance, please feel free to reach out. We look forward to your school’s participation in this enriching musical experience.

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Published on

DATE:
September 25, 2025

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Steffany Ellsworth, Support Services Manager, Information Systems

SUBJECT:
Introducing the iBoss Parent Portal App for Parents/Guardians

As we settle into the 2025-26 school year, Information Systems is excited to announce a new tool for our families: the iBoss Parent Portal App. This application is designed to give parents and guardians more control and visibility over their student’s internet use on their school-issued Chromebook. The application can be downloaded from either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, simply search for “iBoss Parent Portal” to find it.

The iBoss Parent Portal App will allow parents to guide their student’s internet use in two primary ways:

  1. View Browsing History: Parents will be able to review their student’s browsing history on the school Chromebook.
  2. Scheduling Internet Access Outside of School Hours: The app allows parents to set specific schedules to restrict internet access on the device during designated times. This feature is particularly useful for establishing “no-screen” time overnight.

Attached to this memo, you will find a copy of the iBoss Parent Portal Quick Start Guide. This guide will be sent to parents from the office of Communications in the coming weeks. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with this guide.

Should parents have questions, they should be instructed to contact the school directly. For any questions you are unable to answer, please contact the Information Systems help desk at (801) 567-8737 or extension 88737. You can also reach out to your school’s assigned tech for assistance with the app. We are here to support you in helping our families with this new tool.

 

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Published on

TO:
School Administrators

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

Digital Teaching and Learning wants to help your teachers become Big Six certified this year. Nominate ONE teacher (preferably someone where technology is an area of growth) to participate this year. Our program includes stipends as teachers complete various steps in working with Big Six tools in their classrooms. As they complete each step in order, your teacher will receive that stipend.

Click on the PDF for more information

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Published on

TO:
Elementary Administrators

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

Get ready to create! The new JSD Innovation Lab at Juniper Elementary School is a digital makerspace filled with exciting tools like 3D printers, ChompSaws, and stop-motion cameras. Here, your classroom becomes a creative hub where students can develop critical thinking skills to bring their ideas to life. Although the new lab is located at Juniper Elementary, it is available to fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade students district-wide. Sign up to get your school on the schedule!

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TO:
Administrators
Counselors

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

Language and Culture Services will be hosting two additional sessions of Addressing Discriminatory Language in Schools, a two-hour training for administrators and counselors. If you were unable to attend one of our May sessions, we encourage you to join us on one of these dates:

September 29th from 9:00 to 11:00, ASB in PDC 101
(https://pd.jordandistrict.org/browse/lcs/courses/addressing-discriminatory-language-in-schools---92925)

October 2nd from 1:00 to 3:00, ASB in PDC 101
(https://pd.jordandistrict.org/browse/lcs/courses/addressing-discriminatory-language-in-schools--10225)

Please review the attached flier for additional details and pre-survey link.

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Published on

DATE:  
September 18, 2025

TO:     
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
September 2025: Data Privacy and LearnPlatform Chrome Extension

See the attached memo for how this extension will be rolled out to staff at individual schools.

 

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Published on

DATE:  
September 18, 2025

TO:  
Elementary School Administrators
Middle School Administrators
High School Administrators

FROM:     
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Stacee Worthen, School Counselor Consultant

SUBJECT:  
October 2025 School Counselor Training and Professional Development

October school counselor training and professional development opportunities. Please direct any questions to Stacee Worthen, School Counselor Consultant, at 801-567-8309.

Wednesday Oct. 1 - CSCP Steering Meeting, District Office, Room 129
All Secondary Lead Counselors
8:00 am - 12:30 pm

Thursday Oct. 2 - BRISC Monthly Call, Zoom
All School Counselors (optional)
10:00 am - 11:00 am

Thursday Oct. 2 - Herriman Feeder Meeting, Herriman HS
Herriman Feeder Counselors K-12
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Thursday Oct. 9 - Bingham Feeder Meeting
Bingham Feeder Counselors K-12
8:30 am - 10:00 am

Friday October 10 - CSCP OCT SEC PLC, JATC-South, Auditorium
Secondary School Counselors
7:30 am - 9:00 am

Friday October 10 - CSCP OCT ELEM PLC, JATC-South, Auditorium
Elementary School Counselors
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

 Wednesday Oct. 15 - CSCP New Counselor Training, JATC North & South (Tours)
All New Counselors and Interns
8:00 am - 1:00 pm

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Published on

DATE:  
September 18, 2025

TO: 
All Administrators & Threat Assessment Teams

FROM:  
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
McKinley Withers, Health and Wellness Consultant
Angie Rasmussen, Student Safety and Wellness Specialist

SUBJECT:   
Upcoming Threat Assessment (CSTAG) Training

Threat Assessment (CSTAG) training consists of two (2) training levels, and both levels must be completed by all administrators and threat assessment team members. Level 2 training is for all who have completed Level 1 training (the web-based training from Navigate360) and builds upon your knowledge of threat assessment by providing practical application and implementation of the CSTAG process in your school.

Administrators and threat assessment team members are invited to repeat Level 2 for a practical refresher of CSTAG protocols. Select one of the two (2) session links below to register:

If you would like additional staff or threat assessment team member to receive CSTAG level 1, please email the request with the person’s name, title, and email address to Angie Rasmussen (angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org). CSTAG Level 1 is web-based through Navigate 360 and the training costs $100 per person. A request for reimbursement will be sent to the school after the staff member has been added.

For a school-wide training you can share the following brief message and video with your staff:

Violence prevention for all staff (7 minutes)
The importance of reporting: See, Hear, Care, Share
Promote a culture at your school that is safe to report any concern. This will help prevent an incident before it happens. We cannot predict violence in schools, but we can prevent it. Once an incident is reported, a threat assessment can take place. Without open, safe reporting among students and staff, school teams will be less equipped to assess threats preventatively. Students should be encouraged to see, hear, care, and share; and should never be punished for reporting a concern even if it seems strange or unreasonable.

We would love to hear about the violence prevention efforts and threat assessment practices at your school, or support your school with any specific training needs. Reach out to Angie to schedule a time to meet at angie.rasmussen@jordandistrict.org!

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