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TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Scott Thomas, Administrator of Auxiliary Services

Administrators:

It is the time of year to schedule many of our school-based activities. There are always many questions about which activities are permitted in schools. In an effort to assist you in determining whether an activity is approved or not approved, an Approved-Not Approved Activity & Procedural Guidelines folder has been shared with each Administrator on Google Drive. The folder contains a Quick Reference Guide, as well as, supporting guidelines for all approved activities mentioned on the list. All considered activities should continue to be approved through your respective AOS.

Please keep in mind, the list and guidelines may be updated on a regular basis to address other Utah State Risk concerns or considerations.

The Approved-Not Approved Activity & Procedural Guidelines folder can be accessed by the following steps:

Google Drive > Shared with me > Approved-Not Approved Activity & Procedural Guidelines

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DATE:   
Thursday, March 7, 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: Finding Bright Spots: Elementary Teachers Who Learn Science SMK Through Teaching Experience

Applicant: Ryan Nixon, Brigham Young University-Provo

The project has been approved by the District Research Review Committee. The applicant will send a recruitment email to elementary teachers inviting them to participate in a survey. Some participants may also be asked to participate in an interview and up to two science lesson observations by a member of the research team. Teacher participation is at principal 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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DATE:   
Thursday, March 7, 2024

TO:  
Elementary School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
Calculator and Visual Representations Accommodations for RISE Math

Principals are encouraged to follow up with their special education caseworkers about the following RISE accommodation clarifications.

Calculation Devices
When it comes to the use of calculation devices or computation tables as an accommodation on the RISE Math assessment in grades 3-6, school administrators, testing coordinators and special education caseworkers should take note of the following stipulations from the Utah Participation and Accommodations Policy:

“All students are allowed to use the online calculation device when it is embedded during the allowed segments of a math assessment… For students in grade 6, the use of a handheld calculation device or printable computation table is considered an accommodation and may be provided (based on need documented in the IEP) during the allowed segment of the assessment. For students in grades 3-5, the use of a handheld calculation device or printable computation table is not allowed during any segment of the math assessment. If provided, the test must be reported as modified, and the student will receive a score of non-proficient and be considered a non-participant for accountability” (see page 40).

While Embrace allows caseworkers to input a calculator accommodation for students on the Summative RISE Math assessment (with a footnote calling attention to the Utah Participation and Accommodations Policy), it is still not an allowable accommodation on the RISE Math assessment.

The policy also states, “During instruction, it is important to determine whether the use of a calculation device or computation table is a matter of convenience or a necessary accommodation. It is also important to know the goal of instruction and assessment before making decisions about the use of calculation devices or computation tables. In some cases, calculators may be adapted with large keys or voice output (talking calculators). Examples of calculation devices are calculators, slide rules, and abacuses. Examples of computation tables are number lines and multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction charts” (see pages 40-41).

For more information on calculation devices, please see USBE’s guidance document.

Visual Representations
Please note that computation tables are not visual representations as defined in the Utah Participation and Accommodations Policy. Visual representations “are manipulatives such as cubes, tiles, rods, blocks, models, etc. They may be used on all sections of the mathematics assessment if they are included in the student’s IEP or 504 Plan” (see page 55).

Please contact Kassidy Towery in Evaluation, Research & Accountability with questions about RISE accommodations.

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TO:
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
June LeMaster, Administrator of Human Resources

The dates for the Jordan School District High School Graduation exercises for Copper Hills High School, West Jordan High School, and Valley High School are scheduled for Wednesday, May 29, 2024.  Graduation exercises for Bingham High School, Herriman High School, Kings Peak High School, and Mountain Ridge High School are on Thursday, May 30, 2024. Graduation plans and times will vary from school to school.

Principals and Directors are encouraged to provide flexibility to parents or grandparents requesting the opportunity to attend the graduation ceremonies of family members.

Licensed employees are responsible for requesting a substitute through the Frontline Absence Management System, if applicable. In the blue “Notes to Administrator” box, the employee should add “graduation” along with his/her relationship to the graduate.

For additional assistance, please contact the Sub Office at 801-567-8219.

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TO:
All Principals

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Nadine Page, Administrative Assistant

Please take note of the following items:

March 22 – 2024-25 Upcoming LAND Trust Plan and 2024-25 TSSA Plans are due to be completed and submitted. This date is necessary in order to get all of the approvals done and the Plans approved by the Board in order to receive funding for the 2024-25 school year.

Click on this LINK to access the files and information shared in principal meeting and both assistant principal meetings in January. Take a look at the sample plans provided by the State LAND Trust office! Principals using them are finding them very helpful!

  • Hints and Tips:
    • Plans need to be student-centered
    • Be specific in action steps and expenditures
    • Have your SCC sign the signature form at your final meeting when you approve your plan (see the link above for the signature forms we've provided). Send a copy to Nadine Page when your plan is completed and submitted, no later than March 22, 2024. Keep the original in your school for three (3) years.
    • I can't stress this enough------please use the correct categories for the expenditures as you add them to your goals. They need to be distributed correctly. Don't put everything under salaries/benefits. Call Nadine Page (x88182) if you have questions of what category it should go under. 
    • TSSA Plans - click the box at the end to show your plan has been completed.

Please see the links below for everything you need to know about “Land Trust” and "TSSA".

School Land Trust Program

TSSA Program

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TO:
All Principals

FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Nadine Page, Administrative Assistant

Take note of the following monthly newsletters with important communication about the School LAND Trust (SLT) Program.

Please share the February newsletter with your school community council members.

The newsletters are also accessible online on the USBE Website with different language options.

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DATE: 
February 29, 2024

TO:  
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT:   
Social and Emotional Skill Curriculum EXPO – March 5th!!

Don’t miss the Social and Emotional Skill Curriculum EXPO on March 5th at JATC South Auditorium! 

In 2.5 hours you will be able to do a deep dive with up to 7 curriculum and implementation experts. Not even ChatGPT could give you that kind of information in 2.5 hours!

This event is a part of supporting each school’s mandatory prevention efforts as implementing a Tier One, school-wide curriculum is an evidence-based approach to reducing problematic behavior, improving academic outcomes, and most importantly, enhancing student well-being!

There are Two Sessions: 8:30-11:00, 12:30-3:00
This event is a hybrid of an open house and a vendor EXPO. There will be various vendors representing curriculum options and expert insights hosting timed, round-table discussions to help you determine which program best fits your school’s needs.

This format will allow school leaders to maximize their time and gather information with intention as they prepare for the upcoming school year! We intend to support school leaders and teams in meeting their unique social and emotional skill development goals.**Substitutes can be paid for upon request. 

RSVP Here

Please get in touch with McKinley Withers (mckinley.withers@jordandistrict.org) for additional information and questions.

 

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Published on

DATE:   
February 29, 2024

TO: 
All Administrators

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

SUBJECT:  
Mandatory Prevention Plan Updates, Workshops and Support Available!

Throughout March school teams have an opportunity to efficiently update, enhance, and complete their mandatory prevention plans related to suicide, bullying, and violence prevention. Stop by a Prevention Planning Workshop in March to take advantage of the support available.

Dates Available: March 6, 11, 14 (pm only), 15, & 18
All sessions will take place at ASB Presentation Room (entrance C)
Two sessions Each Day (pm session only on the 14th): 8:30-11:00, 12:30-3:00
Choose a workshop time to update and enhance your school’s prevention plan. There will also be targeted support for accessing grant funds that are available for your school’s unique prevention efforts. Substitute costs can be covered so a full team can attend! RSVP for a session here!

Stop by even if you don’t RSVP for support in updating and enhancing your school’s prevention plan.

*As a reminder, each school is required to maintain and update prevention plans annually. These funds and upcoming workshops are meant to support each school’s prevention plan.

The Social and Emotional Skill Curriculum EXPO on March 5th at JATC South is intended to support each school’s prevention plan. A fundamental part of each school’s prevention plan is implementing a Tier One, school-wide social and emotional skill curriculum. Tier One skill building is an evidence-based approach to reducing problematic behavior; improving academic outcomes; preventing suicide, bullying, and violence; and most importantly, enhancing student well-being!

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This is our 3rd meeting of the year. Prior to the 1 p.m. meeting, we have a work group for secondary at 12:30 p.m. and elementary at 3:00 p.m. The sub code is on the attached flyer.

Admin, this meeting is optional for you, but please encourage and support your ELD lead in attending this meeting. We will have the Digital Learning team sharing great information.

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Language & Cultural Services is holding a Newcomer Parent Orientation Meeting & Open House on Wednesday, March 6 from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. at the Copper Mountain Middle School FEC Portable, behind the school.

Please share this flyer with students and parents who are new to our country. They can come and learn what Jordan Schools District can offer their family. There will be information, sign-ups, and community resources, all for FREE!

For more information, please email Ics@jordandistrict.org or visit the L&CS website.

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Calling All Bilingual Teachers, Admin, & Staff! Show your students that being Multilingual is a superpower by earning a Seal of Biliteracy.

Can you speak, read, & write one of these languages?
Arabic, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, Spanish, Swahili ,Yoruba

Language not Listed?
Visit this link below to view other languages & approved tests.

Once you receive your passing test results, apply on the Global Seal website to submit your test scores and proof of proficiency in your first language. From there, the Global Seal Team will handle the rest and mail you your certificate once it is ready

For additional questions, please email info@theglobalseal.com

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DATE:   
February 29, 2024

TO: 
Principals
Assistant Principals
School Safety Specialists

FROM: 
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Matt Alvernaz, School Safety Coordinator

SUBJECT: 
Monthly Drill Preparation (SECURE)

Our monthly drill preparation will be held on March 6th at 3:00 PM with a second session at 3:30 PM. This month we will be covering SECURE. Each School Safety Specialist is expected to attend along with administrations assigned to oversee school safety. All other administrations are welcomed to attend as well. The meeting is also opened to any staff who may be interested.

Information regarding the SECURE response protocol can be found in the Jordan School District Safety Manual on pages 8-11. We will discuss how to implement and execute the drill. This will be an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas amongst the schools.

We will be holding this meeting over Zoom so please join using this link.

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Dustin Jansen, attorney and judge in the tribal court systems and a professor of American Indian studies at UVU, presented on Native communities and cultures last year. Due to popular demand, we are bringing back the recording of that PD on March 7, 2024, in the ASB presentation room (Main entrance, entrance C) from 4 to 6 pm. Professor Jansen will be back in person on April 11th to continue with part II of his last year's presentation. If you missed his first presentation last year, this is an excellent opportunity to watch the recording and prepare for his in-person part II presentation in April. All licensed employees will receive 2 hours of in-service pay and licensure points. Admins are encouraged to attend.

Click here for registration

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The March Assistant Principal meetings will be held on March 14 (8:00-11:00am) and March 19 (8:00-11:00am). All meetings will be held in-person at the JATC-S. All assistant principals and intern assistant principals are invited. A beverage service will be provided, beginning at 7:30 am at each of the meetings. As a reminder you only need to attend one of the sessions offered. Both sessions will provide the same information. Please CLICK HERE and it will take you to the Google Doc to sign up for which day you would like to attend. If you have any questions please call Nadine Page at 801-567-8182 (x88182).

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DATE:   
February 21, 2024

TO:  
Directors, Principals, and Administrative Assistants

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

SUBJECT:   
Independent Contractors and URS

Retirees receiving a monthly benefit from Utah Retirement Services have restrictions when returning to work. Reemployment includes work or service performed as an employee (paid through Payroll) OR on a contract (as a business or independent contractor paid through Accounting) for a participating employer if the retiree is listed as the contractor; owner, partner, or principal of the contractor (business).

Utah code section 49-11-1207(2) states: “If a retiree or participating employer failed to report reemployment in violation of Section 49-11-1206, the retiree, participating employer, or both, who are found to be responsible for the failure to report, are liable to the (URS) office for the amount of any overpayment resulting from the violation.”

Therefore, in order to protect the retiree and the District, it is crucial that the attached URS Post- Retired Verification form is completed by the Independent Contractors along with their W-9’s. Please submit both of these forms to the Accounting Department.

If you have any questions, please email payroll@jordandistrict.org or call the Payroll Department at (801) 567-8154.

Thank you.

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Last fall the Jordan Education Foundation applied for a grant from the Arby's Foundation to go towards student lunch debt in the district. Recently the Foundation was made aware that they were awarded the Arby's grant and our district would receive $103,822.00. This generous donation amount was based off of the 2023 District October First Quarter deficit amount for student lunch accounts.

Clerks have been sent procedures, approved by the accounting department and have been instructed to pay off student debts based on the October 2023 Month End deficit reports for their school.

No donated funds may be used to pay off adult lunch deficits.

For student lunch accounts which have already been paid and are in a positive amount, these funds will be deposited in your school's donated account to be used in the future for payment of student deficits.

If you have questions, touch base with your clerk or Lori at 801-567-8767 in Nutrition Services. Thanks

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