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TO:
Elementary Principals
Assistant Principals

FROM:
Megan Cox- Rose Creek Elementary
Garett York- Bastian Elementary
Ronna Hoffman- Oak Leaf Elementary
Bryce Eardley- Mountain Shadows Elementary

Please submit questions to be discussed by the JAESP committee and cabinet by Wednesday, October 7th.

You may submit concerns or questions using this Google Form, OR you may send items to be discussed directly to Megan Cox at Rose Creek, Garett York at Bastian, Ronna Hoffman at Oak Leaf, or Bryce Eardley at Mountain Shadows.

Contact information is optional but will allow a committee member to reach out to you if more information is needed. All items will be discussed anonymously as we work to provide clarification and solutions to concerns of elementary administrators.

 

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TO:
Secondary Principals

FROM:
Lynsey Williams, Secondary Science Specialist
Curtis Jenson, Assistant Director of Teaching & Learning
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning

Principals, please send this out with your next ParentSquare message to parents so they are aware that their students have this opportunity.

Parents,

It’s time to start thinking about the JSD STEM Fair! What’s that? All secondary students in our district are invited to participate in the JSD STEM Fair by working on a STEM-related project and then presenting it to others. Winners will move on and compete at a regional STEM fair. All students in grades 7-12 are eligible, and students can work individually or in a group of up to three members.

What’s the project? Students can base their STEM project on existing classwork or participate with a new project done completely outside of school. Projects can be in any of 11 categories across science, engineering, computer science and math. Students are required to fill out Project Forms at the beginning of the process to ensure they know and meet project criteria; there are specific rules and requirements for students working with people (surveys or tests of any kind) or other living things.

Students must register here for the district fair by Friday, January 8th in order to participate. The District STEM Fair will be held on Thursday, January 28th, and the Regional Fair is on March 18th for those who qualify.

Contact Lynsey Williams for more information. lynsey.williams@jordandistrict.org

 

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DATE:
October 1, 2026

TO:
All Administrators
All Office Staff

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Michael Heaps, Director of Information Systems
Steven Harwood, Assistant Director of Application Development

SUBJECT: Skyward Student System Maintenance

The Skyward Student System, including Family and Student Access, will be unavailable during a system upgrade from 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30th, until noon on Saturday, October 31st.

We appreciate your patience while we perform this system upgrade.

 

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TO:
School Principals

FROM:
Mike Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Lisa LeStarge, Administrative Assistant

REMINDER:
The following must be completed by October 20, 2026:
• Review your current School LAND Trust Plan, implementation of the Prior Year's Plan, and the Teacher and Student Success Act Plan (TSSA).
• Complete the NEW Fall Requirements Form. This form has replaced both the Council Membership Form and Principal Assurance Form and can be found on the State Land Trust website. Instructions can be found here: Fall Requirement Form Guide.
• Update required school website postings.
• Verify that SCC members are listed the same on both the school website and the state website.
Recommended training resources for SCC: Council Elections and Membership Requirements for District Councils (YouTube)

Once you have updated your SCC rosters, please send Lisa LeStarge the names, phone numbers, and email addresses for your SCC Chair and Vice Chair, so an invitation can be sent for an upcoming JPAC meeting.

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DATE:
October 1, 2026

TO:
All Administrators
All Office Staff

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Michael Heaps, Director Information Systems
Steffany Ellsworth, Manager - Support Services, Information Systems

SUBJECT: 
2026 Utah Skyward User Conference

Happy fall, y’all! With fall comes the annual Utah Skyward User Conference. This year, it’s even more exciting as you’ll get a sneak peek at Qmlativ, the new student management system that we will be implementing! Join us on Thursday, November 5th at Canyons School District in their Support Services Center. Please see the agenda for the address and session times. 

This conference is a great opportunity to learn directly from Skyward experts, as sessions are taught by their staff. This year’s lineup includes several outstanding sessions focused on both Qmlativ Finance and Qmlativ Student. This conference is a great chance to preview how the Qmlativ Student system looks, operates, and can make your daily work easier. 

During these sessions, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. However, if you have an issue that may be more timely to resolve, we ask that you contact our helpdesk for assistance. 

We hope this year’s conference will inspire you with new insights, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of what’s possible in Skyward. There is no need to register in advance. For questions about attending the conference, please feel free to call the Help Desk at extension 88737.

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DATE:
September 24, 2026

TO: 
Principals and Assistant Principals

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Buddy Alger, Director of Student Services
Michelle Reyes, CARE Team Specialist

SUBJECT:
Panorama Student Feedback Survey Dates, Opt-In Report & Survey Coordinator Resources

The Panorama Social-Emotional Wellness survey may only be administered to students whose parents have opted-in. Parents are asked to opt-in to the student feedback survey during the yearly school registration process. When the online registration process closes on Oct. 1 schools will need to manually enter the opt-in consent received after that date into Skyward. Attached is a digital copy of the parent opt-in consent from the online registration information.

2026-27 Panorama Survey Windows:

  • Fall- October 5, 2026-November 6, 2026
  • Winter- January 22, 2027 – February 19, 2027
  • Spring- April 19, 2027 – May 11, 2027

Action for Schools

  • School Panorama Survey Coordinators should print out the list of students who have opted-in and provide teachers administering the survey with the list of students in their classes that have opted-in. The student opt-in list can be accessed through Skyward using this data mining report.
    • Most secondary schools use the advisory period teachers to administer the survey and post the link panoramaed.com/utahjordan in Canvas or Google Classroom
    • Most elementary schools share the link panoramaed.com/utahjordan in Canvas or Google Classroom and use grade level teachers to administer the survey

The following information is provided to inform and assist you as you administer student surveys:

  • The list of students who may take the survey (opted-in) will be provided to Panorama before and at mid-window during the administration of the survey by Student Services. Only opted-in students will be able to log in and take the survey. If students are unable to login to take the survey, it is likely that they have not been opted-in. Teachers should refer to the list.
    • If there are students who are on the opted-in list, but are having log-in issues, the school survey coordinator should contact Panorama directly for assistance at support+utahjordan@panoramaed.com. Student Services does not have the ability to manage access to surveys.
  • Survey coordinators and administrators should view the Administering Panorama Survey presentation for information, instructions, and guidance regarding the student feedback surveys.
  • The updated Panorama Dashboard with your school data will be available 7 days after the survey window closes.

Questions? Contact Buddy Alger (buddy.alger@jordandistrict.org) or Michelle Reyes (michelle.reyes@jordandistrict.org) at 801-567-8183.

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TO:
Elementary Principals
Elementary Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Odette Desmarais, Administrator of Schools
Meredith McPhail, 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 by Friday, October 16, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact Shannel Hooper at extension 88204.

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TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Jared Covili, Innovative Coaching, Teaching & Learning

Innovative Coaching 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 attached PDF for more information.

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TO:
Administrators and Administrative Assistant/ All Staff

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Sarah Palmer, Director of Payroll

With the beginning of the new school year comes new pay rates along with new deductions. All employees are encouraged to log in to Skyward Employee Access and review the following:

Salary placement and Hours Per Day (FTE)
• ASSIGNMENTS tile - make sure you are in the 2026-2027 (Current) year at the top of the screen
• Open the assignment by clicking the arrow to view the assignment details

Paycheck - insurance premiums, deductions, name, address, phone, tax exemptions (from your Form W4)
• PAYROLL CHECK HISTORY tile

Paychecks that are not direct deposit will be held in Human Resources for pickup. You can sign up for direct deposit through Employee Access (DIRECT DEPOSIT PRIMARY ACCOUNT tile).

Your actual paycheck is available to view up to two (2) days prior to payday each month in the PAYROLL CHECK HISTORY tile. If you have questions, please contact the following:

Help Desk: 801-567-8737 (Employee Access login & password assistance)
Payroll: 801-567-8154 or email payroll@jordandistrict.org
Insurance: 801-567-8146 or email insurance@jordandistrict.org
Human Resources: 801-567-8150 or email hr@jordandistrict.org

** This information and tutorials can also be found on Payroll’s website at payroll.jordandistrict.org/employee.

• Name Changes (EMPLOYEE NAME CHANGE REQUEST FORM tile)
• Address Changes (EMPLOYEE PROFILE tile - ’Edit by Online Form’ next to
EMPLOYEE DETAILS- CONTACT INFORMATION UPDATE tile)
• View W4 Tax Information (MENU/PAYROLL/TAX INFORMATION)

 

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TO:
School and District Administrators

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Michelle Love-Day, Director LCS

Please enjoy the September Language and Culture Newsletter. In this edition you will find:

Dates for administrator compliance workshops (link)
ELLevation strategies (flyer attached)
Information about our ML Family night (flyer attached)

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TO:
New Administrators & Interns
New School or Department personnel
Administrative Assistants

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Lisa LeStarge, Administrative Assistant

Training will be provided by the Business and Auxiliary Services Departments on October 15, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Auxiliary Services Building Presentation Room. This training opportunity is for new administrators and interns; and new 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.

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TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amy Lloyd, K-12 Math Consultant, Teaching & Learning

Administrators,

On October 2nd, from 1:00 - 3:00, we will be hosting a professional learning session: “The Power of Being: Shifting the Order of Operations in your Math Class.” This session will be held at the ASB in PDC 113.

Many teachers use the same resources but see very different results. Instead of piling on new tools or strategies, this session will invite teachers to rethink the order of operations by focusing on internal shifts that drive real impact. They will discover how leading from the inside out can transform their practice.

Secondary math teachers have received invitations via email, and the information is also available in JEM.

Here is a link to registration information.

Thank you for your support in reminding teachers of this opportunity!

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DATE:
September 24, 2026

TO:
Principals and Assistant Principals

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Buddy Alger, Director of Student Services
Fulvia Franco, Administrator of School Psychology
Stacee Worthen, Administrator of School Counseling
Annie Larson, School Based Therapy Specialist

SUBJECT:
Parent Square Communications and School Mental Health Team Follow-Up

September is National Suicide Awareness Month. Attached you will find a copy of the communications that were sent via Parent Square to all families on 9/22/26. These announcements highlight mental health teams in schools and offer free family resources available throughout Jordan School District, including services through the Jordan Family Education Center and the Cook Center for Human Connection. 

Elementary and Secondary Communication

Action Requested for Schools

Send a Personalized School Follow-Up Letter: Administrators and school leaders are encouraged to send a follow-up letter to families. Attached you will find a sample letter. While district communications outline overall resources, families respond best when they know the specific individuals supporting their children at the school.

This letter would introduce School Mental Health Team Members to your families. You may choose to use the attached sample letter to introduce your School Mental Health Team members by name and job title (e.g., School Counselor, School Psychologist, and School-Based Therapist). or write your own letter so families know how to seek support at your school. 

Sample School Follow-Up Letter

Subject: Meet Your School's Mental Health Support Team

Dear [School Name] Families,

As shared in our recent district communication for National Suicide Awareness Month, safety, connection, and emotional well-being are top priorities at [School Name]. We want to ensure every family knows who is here to support your child and how to reach out whenever help is needed.

Each school in Jordan School District has a dedicated School Mental Health Team ready to assist students with navigating friendships, managing stress, adjusting to routines, or working through challenges.

Meet Your [School Name] Mental Health Team

  • [Staff Name] – School Counselor(s)
    • Contact: [Email Address] | [Phone Number / Extension]
    • Role: Supports academic planning, social-emotional skill building, individual check-ins, and small-group support.
  • [Staff Name] – School Psychologist
    • Contact: [Email Address] | [Phone Number / Extension]
    • Role: Provides cognitive and behavioral evaluations, targeted intervention plans, and specialized student support.
  • [Staff Name] – School-Based Therapist (Secondary Schools)
    • Contact: [Email Address] | [Phone Number / Extension]
    • Role: Offers therapeutic check-ins and mental health support for students needing individual care.

How to Access Support

These services are provided with parent or guardian permission. If you have questions about your child's social, emotional, or mental health needs, please do not hesitate to contact any member of our mental health team listed above, or reach out to your student’s classroom teachers or a principal.

[Principal / Administrative Team]

[School Name]

 

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TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Ami Shah, Jordan Education Access Committee

Date: January 21, 2027

Time: 4:00–7:00 PM

Location: West Jordan Middle

Licensed employees who attend the conference will receive a $175 stipend for their participation. Additional details about the keynote speaker and breakout sessions will be provided with registration information.

Please mark your calendar and watch for more information in the future. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

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DATE:  
September 24, 2026

TO: 
All Elementary 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:   “The Effects of Inter-Class Positive Version of the Good Behavior Game (PV-GBG) on Academically Engaged Behavior and Teacher Stress

Applicant: Haylee Heller, 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.

Thank you for your assistance.

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TO:
Elementary Principals
4th, 5th, 6th Grade Teachers

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Cherie Oliver, JEF

Utah Mammoth STEM Day

Utah Mammoth STEM Day gives students in grades 4-6 the opportunity to combine education, exploration and hockey in an exciting hands-on experience at the Utah Mammoth Ice Center. Students will learn how the concepts of science, technology, engineering and math connect to the game of hockey. Through interactive stations, students will explore topics such as the science of ice, the physics behind skating, hockey statistics, how angles, speed and motion affect a player on the ice and the fundamentals of hockey. These experiences will make learning fun, interactive and memorable while showing students that the skills they learn in the classroom have real world applications. Please complete this form for a chance to have your school selected to participate in a Utah Mammoth STEM Day.

Event Details

    • Where: Utah Mammoth Ice Center
      10450 S State St, STE 2200A, Sandy, UT 84070
    • You Must Be Able to Provide Your Own Transportation
    • Maximum Number of Students Allowed is 50
    • If your school is selected, you will be contacted via email and phone.
    • If you have any questions reach out to community@utahmammoth.com

Nomination Form

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Published on

DATE:
Thursday, September 24, 2026

TO:  
Elementary and Middle School Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning
Ben Jameson, Director of Assessment, Research and Accountability
Kaye Rizzuto, DLI Consultant

SUBJECT:   
DLI STAMP Assessment and Training

School administrators are encouraged to send the following information to their DLI teachers.

Avant’s STAMP assessment is once again contracted with the state to provide DLI testing for the 2026-27 school year

The DLI STAMP assessment window opens on Monday, October 26th and closes on Friday, December 11th.  Of course, students won’t start testing until after fall break.

Assessment, Research & Accountability does not currently have access to Avant’s testing system and we do not know when we will have access or when we will be able to give teachers access.  That said, here is what we know:

The state’s testing ethics policy requires an annual training for all statewide mandated assessments. Thus, the following virtual training dates will be available for STAMP testing.  All DLI teachers or other school personnel who will be administering or assisting with the STAMP will need to attend one of the virtual trainings listed below:

Friday, 10/9 - 8:30 am or 1:30 pm
Friday, 10/16 - 8:30 am or 1:30 pm
Friday, 10/30 - 8:30 am or 1:30 pm
Friday, 11/6 - 8:30 am or 1:30 pm

Trainings will last approximately 45 minutes. All participants can join the virtual training using this Zoom link: https://jordandistrict-org.zoom.us/j/5266134800

Test Preparation: Students

  • The Utah STAMP website may be accessed here.
  • Sample tests are available in a variety of languages. It is strongly recommended that DLI teachers allow ample time for students to practice the STAMP assessment prior to test day.
  • Grades 3-5 students take the 4Se assessment while grades 6-9 take the 4S.
  • There are four subtests in the STAMP assessment: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Grade levels take two of the four assessments each year:

  • There are test taker videos for each subtest that students should watch prior to test day. The grades 3-5 test taker tutorial videos may be found here and the grades 6-9 test taker tutorial videos may be found here.

For questions about this STAMP information or test trainings, please contact Kassidy Towery in Assessment, Research & Accountability.  For questions about DLI, please contact Kaye Rizzuto in Teaching & Learning.

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Published on

DATE:
September 18, 2026

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:  “District-led principal leadership development in Utah: A multi-case study of principal development and support from the perspectives of district administrators and school principals”

Applicant: Momilani Tu’ua

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.

Thank you for your assistance.

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Published on

DATE:
September 24, 2026

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: “The Hidden Engine of Achievement: Examining Central Office Systems and Interdepartmental Coordination”

Applicant: Emily Sutherland

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.

The researcher will contact you about participating in a 60-minute interview.

Thank you for your assistance.

 

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