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The T&L department has ordered a full set of Geode decodable readers from Great Minds for each school. The set includes three levels (K, 1, 2) and there are 64 titles with 6 books of each title. Geodes will match the lessons in Really Great Reading and they can be used in whole group or small group instruction. The books should be stored in a place in the school that will allow all teachers to have access to them. These books will be good for students receiving tier 1 instruction in grades K-3 and they can be used as a support for all students in grades K-6 who are receiving intervention in phonics. The books have been delivered to the warehouse at the ASB and they are being prepared to send to schools. T&L is also looking at additional decodable readers for upper grade students as well. More information will be coming as it is available.

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DATE: 
Thursday, July 1, 2021

TO: 
Elementary School Administrators
Middle School Administrators

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

SUBJECT:   
Unofficial RISE Data Available on Tableau

RISE data downloaded from TIDE are now available on school administrator Tableau Viewer accounts.  The dashboards contain RISE proficiency data for ELA, math and science for both the 2021 test administration as well as longitudinal SAGE/RISE data as far back as the 2013-14 school year.  Included in the dashboard are demographic filters (i.e., socioeconomic status, EL, minority and special education status) that will allow administrators to interact with the data to look at individual student group performance.  Dashboards that contain student level data are included as well.

With the 2021 RISE test administration, there are some key things to remember:

  • Grades 4-5 science data are not currently available. Because the core changed, the test also changed.  USBE staff and educators from across the state will be working this summer on standard setting and validation.  Science grades 4-5 data with proficiency cut scores will be released later this fall.
  • The assessment data on these Tableau dashboards are not the official state data and cannot be shared with the general public. The dashboards will be updated with official state data and can then be released to the public later this fall.  However, school administrators may use the data to target student groups for extra support as well as allocate personnel and resources where needed.
  • Student growth will not be calculated for the 2020-21 school year. Thus, for the time being, the dashboards contain only proficiency data.

School administrators will note that, in general, proficiency scores decreased from previous years across the board.  Administrators are encouraged to exercise caution as they analyze their school’s 2021 RISE data.  There are some mitigating factors that make the 2020-21 school year unique in nature and our proficiency scores, along with most LEAs across the state, reflect that.  There is still much to be done to mitigate unfinished learning in the coming year and the 2021 RISE scores are simply a snapshot of where we are in that effort.

School administrators may access RISE data at the following links:

  • District RISE Report – Explore > RISE > RISE Data Review and Analysis > 1 – District Report, RISE, 2014 – Present
  • School RISE Report – Explore > RISE > RISE Data Review and Analysis > 1 – School Report, RISE, 2014 – Present
  • RISE Student Level Data – Explore > RISE > RISE Data Review and Analysis > 1 – 2021 RISE Student Level Data > [Your School] 2021 RISE Student Level Data

Tableau dashboards containing official and final RISE data will be released this fall along with the Opportunity to Learn survey results that students took at the end of their RISE math test.  The OTL survey questions will help frame the relationship between the unique learning environments students and teachers experienced and student achievement on the RISE test and will help school administrators further address unfinished learning during the 2021-22 school year.  A copy of those OTL questions are included with this memo.

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DATE:     
June 23, 2021

TO:  
Principals

FROM:  
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent

SUBJECT: 
Fee Waiver Materials 2021-22

The annual Certificate of Compliance report will be due October 31, 2021. October 1st of each year the Local Board Chair, District Superintendent, and each Principal will receive an email containing a personalized link to complete the Certificate of Compliance. The email will be titled Utah State Board of Education School Year 2021-2022 Certificate of Compliance. Each individual will have 30 days to complete the certificate. Click here to access a sample Certificate of Compliance.

All USBE School Fees Notices and School Fee Waiver Applications can be found by clicking HERE.

Forms can be found under Grades K-6 and Grades 7-12 in multiple languages. The Fee Waiver Application, for both elementary and secondary was revised 3/24/2021. Use the current form when having parents fill out the application.

Attention:  Students who previously showed verification of eligibility do not need to resubmit documentation. It may be necessary for the principal (or designee) to contact the previous school of transferring students for verification of fee waiver status. Kindergarten students coming into the school, new students to the District, and students with extenuating circumstances will still be required to submit documentation.

 

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DATE:   
June 17, 2021

TO:  
Elementary Principals

FROM: 
Shelley Nordick, PhD, Teaching and Learning Administrator
Norman Emerson, Instructional Support Services Consultant

SUBJECT: 
2021-22 Elementary Area Library Media Specialist School Assignments

Please see document below for information and school assignments.

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Due to the recent approval of changes made to BP178 – Purchasing Provisions, the Accounting and Purchasing Departments would like to announce the following changes. Effective July 1, 2021, the Purchasing Guidelines will have increased spending thresholds at each level, which will also include Pcard and eCheck purchases. Most notable in the changes is the increase of the individual procurement item threshold (single item) from $1,000 to $5,000. There will not be a distinction under the Level 1 purchase threshold of a single item purchased and a single procurement aggregate (multiple items purchased from one source at one time) purchase. They will both be $5,000 and will not require any additional quotes.

This also means that the maximum one-time charge that can be made using the district Pcard is $5,000. Because some administrators may not be comfortable with their employees having a higher limit on the Pcard, all cardholders will remain at current levels. A new application needs to be filled out with an acknowledgement for the higher dollar amount authorization must be signed by the cardholder and their supervisor. That form will be made available on the Purchasing website beginning July 1st. The Purchasing Card Manual has also been updated and must be read and understood before making any credit limit increases.

Attached is the updated and revised Purchasing Guidelines. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Purchasing Department with assistance with future purchases that will be affected by these changes.

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DATE:  
Thursday, June 24, 2021

TO: 
Elementary School Administrators

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

SUBJECT: 
Acadience Reading Dashboard and Data Analysis Protocol

Acadience Reading assessment data have been added to administrator Tableau Viewer Accounts.  School administrators may view longitudinal data from 2015 through 2021 for the entire district as well as any elementary school. Dashboards include proficiency and growth (Pathways Achieved) data as well as grade level measure performance. In addition, for the 2020-21 school year, there is also a dashboard that analyzes performance based on form of instruction (in-person vs. online).

These dashboards may be found here:

  • Explore > Acadience Reading & Early Literacy > School Acadience Reading Analysis, 2015-2021 > Acadience Reading Analysis, 2015-2021

School administrators may also view student and teacher level data for their school.

Student and teacher level dashboards may be found here:

  • Explore > Acadience Reading & Early Literacy > School Acadience Reading Analysis, 2015-2021 > [Your School Name] – 2021 Acadience Reading Student Level Data

To help you make sense of and analyze your Acadience Reading assessment data in terms of core instruction and tier II interventions, a data analysis protocol has been included with this memo.

Please contact Ben Jameson in Evaluation, Research & Accountability with questions about the dashboards or data analysis protocol.

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Whereas previous to this announcement all Kajeet mobile hot spots were turned off for the summer, special accommodations have been worked out with Kajeet to turn on smaller numbers of devices that may be needed by select students for school work over summer break. If you are aware of such a need, please contact Mark Sowa (801-567-8392 or mark.sowa@jordandistrict.org) before the end of the June to make necessary arrangements. Otherwise, all existing Kajeet devices will remain off until the beginning of the next school year in August.

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DATE:     
June 22, 2021

TO:  
All School Administrators

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

SUBJECT: 
Behavior Survival Training for Administrators – MAKE UP SESSION

As you are aware, a required training was scheduled for all administrators that provided, 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.

A make-up session has been scheduled for all who were unable to attend one of the June training sessions.

The make-up session will be:

Date:                     Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Time:                    8am-12pm
Location:             Jordan School District Offices, Room 129
                              7387 S Campus View Drive

Please reach out to Travis (travis.hamblin@jordandistrict.org or 801.567.8439) with any questions.

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DATE:    
June 17, 2021

TO:   
All School Administrators

FROM: 
Anthony Godfrey Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
Administrators of Schools
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Planning & Student Services

SUBJECT: 
Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) Training

CSTAG training provides a critical foundation for successful threat assessment responses to ensure a climate of safety, respect, and support for students and staff. Through a restorative/social-emotional foundation this training will provide the processes and tools to help keep our schools safe. CSTAG training is conducted in two (2) levels – Level 1 & Level 2.

CSTAG Level 1 training is provided online and is highly interactive. Level 1 training will take about eight (8) hours to complete and is designed to be completed in sections or segments of time and remembers where you left off at any given point. The training may be completed in one sitting as well.

  • Student Services will enroll every school level administrator that did not completed the CSTAG Level 1 training this last winter (2020-2021 school year).
  • You will receive a username/password from NAVIGATE360 via your district email account after you are enrolled (in the next week or so). You must have the email invitation in order to begin the training. If you do not receive an email from NAVIGATE360 in the next five (5) to eight (8) school days please let Travis know @ hamblin@jordandistrict.org.
  • Every school will receive a CSTAG Level 1 manual later this fall.
  • Principals may include other staff members (counselors, team leads, specialists, etc.). Any additional Level 1 trainings (beyond the administrator(s)) must be paid by the school ($85 each). (Contact Travis in Student Services)
  • All school level administrators will need to complete the Level 1 training prior to the Annual Administrators Conference August 4, 2021.

CSTAG Level 2 training is an in-person training. Multiple opportunities will be provided for you to attend. Dates and times for the Level 2 training will be communicated in the next couple of weeks.

Should you have any questions please contact Travis in Student Services (801.567.8439) or travis.hamblin@jordandistrict.org.

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Schools need to update budget codes for personnel who will be covered through ESSER II funds. Please complete a New Hire/Change Form and code ESSER II Budget #7215 for the following:

  • High Schools 1.0 FTE for a tracker
  • Middle Schools 0.25 FTE for a tracker
  • Elementary Schools 25-hour assistant to support intervention

All CARES (COVID) budgets are closed. If any personnel remain coded to a CARES (COVID) budget, other than ESSER II, an existing school budget will be charged.

Please record the individual name(s) in your school ESSER II Worksheet in Google drive.

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The 12-Week Virtual Camp Adventure

Capstone Reading has created the “Virtual Camp Adventure,” in which students may stay connected to reading, writing, and creative experiences throughout the summer. Enrollment is free, and further information is available at https://vanmeterlibraryvoice.blogspot.com/2020/05/its-time-for-12-week-virtual-camp.html.

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Information Systems would like you to be aware that as of tomorrow, June 11, 2021, all Kajeet devices throughout the district will be disabled for the summer. They will be re-enabled on August 16th. If you have any questions, please contact Mark Sowa at 801-567-8392.

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The following are new administrative assignments:

New Assignments effective July 1, 2021:

  • James Groethe, assistant principal at Copper Hills High appointed assistant principal at Bingham High School, replacing Kenneth Damron who resigned.
  • Sterling Hunt, assistant principal at West Jordan High appointed assistant principal at Copper Hills High, replacing James Groethe who was transferred.
  • Noelapoomaikala (Noelani) Ioane, teacher specialist in Teaching & Learning appointed assistant principal at West Jordan High, replacing Sterling Hunt who was transferred.
  • Josh Sullivan, assistant principal at Channing Hall, appointed assistant principal at Bluffdale and Antelope Canyon Elementary.
  • Aubri Moench, teacher at Fox Hollow Elementary, appointed assistant principal, on an open contract, at a location to be determined.
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Date:
June 10, 2021

In consideration of our extraordinary drought conditions and the Governor’s third drought Executive Order dates June 8, 2021 (see attached), we are implementing the following procedures:

  • All school irrigation clocks are being adjusted to water only two days per week. Some larger schools require two days to rotate through all of their stations, so people may see the sprinklers on every day, but each station will only be watering two times per week.
  • We will only be watering during the evening and night time hours. On occasion, sprinklers may be running a brief test cycle during the day to check for broken heads or to make spray pattern adjustments.
  • New sod and seed areas will continue to be watered according to recommended schedules.
  • The Custodial Department will continue to work with individual schools to assist with broken sprinkler heads and to correct spray pattern issues.
  • We continue to encourage schools to submit work orders to repair leaking faucets, toilets and drinking fountains.
  • We will continue to follow this drought issue closely and plan to comply with any other State, County or local restrictions.
  • All principals and custodians will be informed of these changes and our plans moving forward.
  • Please continue to call or email us with any water issues that are brought to your attention and we will dispatch our employees to address them.

We hope that this helps you answer questions and demonstrates our commitment to responsible water use during these extreme conditions.

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Instructions for Summer School Summary

Please follow the steps below to complete required reporting documentation for summer school.

    1. Record all teachers participating in summer school on your school’s ESSER II worksheet tab called “Summer School Timesheet - Licensed.”
    2. Record all assistants, office help, etc.  (ESPs) participating in summer school on your school’s ESSER II worksheet tab called “Summer School Timesheet  -  ESP.”
    3. Record a summary of summer school results on your school’s ESSER II worksheet on “Credit Recovery Form,” “Pre/Post Form,” OR create your own form.
  • Secondary schools include, at minimum, the number of students served and the number of recovered credits. 
  • Elementary schools include, at minimum, the number of students served and a summary of results (assessment scores, pre/post test, lesson completion, etc.)
    1. Record the name of your ESSER personnel on your school’s ESSER II worksheet tab called “ESSER Personnel.”: 
  • High Schools: 1 FTE for a tracker
  • Middle Schools: 0.25 FTE for a tracker
  • Elementary Schools: 25-hour assistant for intervention support 

More detailed instructions, if needed.

  • Worksheets are located in a folder labeled “School Name ESSER II” 
  • Open Google Drive and Search in Drive for “ESSER.”
  • Open “School Name ESSER II Worksheets.” 
  • Use the bottom tabs to open the appropriate spreadsheet
    • Record participating teachers  on “Summer School Timesheet-License” tab.
      • If teachers have completed their own timesheets OR have used True Time, fill in Location and First and Last Name
      • If you’re printing this timesheet to turn into payroll, fill in all highlighted areas, print, sign, and turn into payroll.
    • Record participating ESP on  “Summer School  Timesheet - ESP” tab.
      • Fill in Location and First and Last Name. (All ESP should use TrueTime to track hours worked.) 
    • Record a summary of summer school results on “Credit Recovery Report Form” tab or Pre/Post Report Form” tab or create your own tab.
    • Record ESSER Personnel on “ESSER Personnel” tab.

Please feel free to call Shelley Nordick with any questions (ext 88122).

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