Jordan Employee Memos

Join Digital Teaching and Learning for a blended learning course on Using Al Effectively in the Classroom. Learn how to leverage SchoolAI elements in your classroom to enhance your teaching practice AND student learning.

• The course will be held on either July 29 or Aug. 1 from 8:30 - 4:00 p.m. in the ASB Auditorium
• The blended SchoolAl training includes a $400 stipend*
• This course is limited to first time participants only
• Enroll at pd.jordandistrict.org search for AI
• Using AI Effectively in the Classroom Flyer

* Stipend provided upon completion of both in-person and online coursework

• Payroll Due: June 3
• view Your Paycheck: June 23
• Payday: June 25

---

Memorial Day - May 26
Critical Days: May 23 & May 27
As per DP335(B) and DP335 NEG: Licensed & ESP employees who have not been approved by Human Resources for using an annual/personal day on Critical Days may be docked (licensed $161 or ESP 40% of their daily rate) unless the leave reason is listed as an exception in policy. If applicable, the reason & the policy exception must be written in the time off description box.

View the Critical Days FAQ here.

---

Last Day of School is June 6
Please ensure all True Time & Time Off is submitted on your last working day.

---

Last 5 Days of School June 2 - June 6
As per DP335(B) and DP335 NEG: Annual/Personal leave shall not be taken during the last five days that students are in school unless listed as an exception in policy.

---

True Time Deadlines:
Pay Period: May 5 - June 1, 2025
EMPLOYEES: Please submit your timesheets at the end of each work week
APPROVERS: Please ensure you are approving time sheets weekly for accuracy

---

Sub Payroll Deadlines
Pay Period: May 16- 30 | Due: June 2 | Payday: June 10
Pay Period: June 2 - 6 | Due: June 9 | Payday: June 25

SCHOOLS: Please ensure Subs are verified weekly

Payroll Tip of the Month: Logging into URS is Quick and Easy!
urs.org/MyUrs/Account/Logon
Educate yourself on all things retirement, verify your years of service, check your retirement account balances and more!

---

• Payroll website: payroll.jordandistrict.org email: payroll@jordandistrict.org
• Important Payroll Information - June 2025

If you haven't had time to attend one of the open enrollment meetings throughout the District, take a few minutes and watch the recorded virtual meeting.

Once you have reviewed all of the updates, if you have questions please reach out to Insurance Services at 801-567-8146 or insurance@jordandistrict.org for any questions you may have. We are in the office from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. if you want to come in person. If possible, please don't wait until the last week because it gets very busy and we want to take as much time with you as you need.

Are you interested in or currently pursuing a STEM endorsement? Let USBE PAY FOR YOUR COLLEGE CLASSES! This is called the STEM Endorsement Incentive Program (EIP) and it has been funded again for the 2025-26 school year. See our EIP website for a full list of endorsements.

Reimbursement applications for courses completed after July 1, 2024 are now being accepted. The next round of reimbursements applications is due May 28, 2025  for teachers who completed STEM courses in Winter/Spring 2025.

See the attached flyer and link to our EIP website for more information. If you have any questions, please reach out to your content consultant. We would love to talk to you!

• 2025-26 STEM EIP Flyer

Opt-out option

Based on our Employee-Funded Sick Bank Policy, Employees are automatically enrolled in the sick bank each year through the annual donation of one (1) annual leave day to the sick bank.

More information regarding the Employee-Funded Sick Bank can be found in policies, DP326NEG -Sick Leave-Educational Support Professionals and DP324NEG -Sick Leave-Licensed.

For employees who wish to opt-out of participation in the Employee-Funded Sick Bank, instructions will be sent out in JEM during the month of July. Automatic deductions are taken July 1 at the beginning of each contract year. Those who opt-out of Sick Bank through the process in Skyward will see their day refunded to them around the end of October.

* First Year Educational Support Professionals and hourly employees are not eligible for sick bank; therefore, a sick bank day will not be deducted (if applicable).

What's happening in Work Based Learning? Superintendent Anthony Godfrey interviewed YouScience Utah State Director Kellie Openshaw, Fort Herriman Middle School CTE Department Head Jacob Cope, and students Sylar and Glen about YouScience and its “scientific approach at connecting kids with opportunities.” Read on to check it out!  Here's what else is inside:

• CTSO Winners
• WBL Events
• Middle School Happenings
• CTE Choice Awards
• Elementary Career Lessons
• YouScience
• Social Media Links

---

• May 2025 Work Based Learning Newsletter

Nutrition Services is sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program. This program provides nutritious meals free of charge to children 18 years of age and younger.

• Dates: June 9 - Aug. 1*
  * No service June 16, July 4, July 24 and 25
• Times: Breakfast Service: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Lunch Service: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Locations: Columbia Elementary, Heartland Elementary, Majestic Elementary, Oquirrh Elementary, and Westvale Elementary

Adults can also purchase breakfast for $2.50 or lunch for $4.10. The District assumes no responsibility during the operation of this program. This is an equal opportunity provider.

• Summer 2025 Food Service Program Flyers - English & Español

Jordan District will offer Gifted & Talented endorsement classes during the 2025-26 school year.  Classes are open to all licensed personnel in Jordan District.

---

Gifted & Talented Teaching Endorsement
During the 2025-2026 school year, Jordan School District will offer coursework for a gifted and talented (GT)
teaching endorsement in partnership with Southern Utah University (SUU).

How will a GT teaching endorsement benefit me?

• A GT endorsement will build a knowledge base about an important sector of education.
• A GT endorsement will help teachers build a repertoire of instructional strategies to challenge all students by
  adding depth, complexity, higher-order thinking, and creativity to daily instruction.
• A GT endorsement will help teachers develop differentiation strategies to better meet the unique needs of
  high-ability learners in all classrooms.
• A GT endorsement will qualify educators to teach in an ALPS classroom and to hold other positions in gifted
  and talented programming.

What are the credit requirements for a GT endorsement?

• Four core classes are required for the Endorsement. Two courses are offered each school year.
  • EDUC 5400 3 Credit Hours Learning, Development, and Individual Differences in Gifted Education
  • EDUC 5420 3 Credit Hours Assessment in Gifted Education
  • EDUC 5430 3 Credit Hours Curriculum and Instructional Planning in Gifted Education
  • EDUC 5440 3 Credit Hours Learning Environments for Gifted Students
• A “professional learning activity” is also required for the GT endorsement. Examples of this include participation in an additional class, webinar, or conference specific to gifted and talented education. A wide variety of opportunities at local, state, or national levels will satisfy this requirement.

What are the current costs for a GT endorsement?

• SUU Recording Fees: $23 per credit hour / $69 per 3-hour core class.
  • The GT Department will cover the recording fees for the 2025-2026 classes for JSD participants.
• Books are available for checkout from the Gifted and Talented Department.
  • Participants can purchase personal copies of books if they choose (approximately $50 per class).

What format will be used for instruction? When and where will the classes be held?

• Jordan District instructors provide classes in a combination of live and asynchronous instruction.
• Most live sessions will be in-person (ASB PDC 112 - Entrance D). Some live sessions are held over Zoom.
• Asynchronous sessions are self-paced, and often include practical classroom applications.
• Two courses will be offered during each school year. See the 2025-26 class schedule for complete details.
  How do I register for the classes offered in the 2025-26 school year?
• You can take the classes in any order!
• Participants often begin the classes with EDUC 5420 and EDUC 5440, then take EDUC 5400 and EDUC 5430
  the second year.
• If you would like to participate in the 2025-26 classes, please complete this form to be on the contact list.
• Those on the contact list will be notified when SUU registration opens in early August 2025.

Contact Rebecca Smith with and questions you may have: 801-567-8368 (88368) rebecca.smith@jordandistrict.org

• • 2025-26 Gifted & Talented Endorsement Class Schedule

View your financial future through an informed lens. Learn more about free URS seminars and see location and registration details at www.urs.org/us/seminars.

Early to Mid-Career Seminars - In-Person
July 30 | 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Murray City Hall | 10 East 4800 South, Murray

Early to Mid-Career Seminars - Virtual
October 10 | 9 - 11:30 a.m.

Pre-Retirement Seminars - In-Person
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
May 30 | Orem City Center | 56 North State St., Orem
June 5 | Canyon View High School | 166 West 1925 North, Cedar City
June 13 | Tooele City Hall | 90 North Main St., Tooele
June 20 |West Field High School | 2007 South 4300 West, Ogden
June 25 | Granite Education Center | 2500 South State St., South Salt Lake
June 27 | Wasatch High School | 930 South 500 East, Heber City
July 11 | Cache County School District Office | 84 East 2400 North, Logan
July 18 | Davis County Admin Bldg | 61 S Main St., Farmington
July 31 | Richfield High School | 495 W Center St., Richfield
Sept. 12 | Murray City Hall | 10 East 4800 South, Murray

Retiree Seminars - In-Person
Sept. 26 | 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Granite Education Center | 2500 South State St.

Retiree Seminars - Virtual
Nov. 7 | 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

---

• 2025 URS Seminars Flyer

The University of Utah College of Education offers summer professional development opportunities for paraprofessionals. Participants do not need to be a current University of Utah student to enroll. Participants will receive an email confirming registration once the process is completed. Enrollment is first come, first serve with limited availability for each course. It is strongly recommended that participants register as soon as possible to ensure a space in the workshop. Links and related information will be sent a week prior to the workshop.

A comprehensive workshop designed to equip educators with practical strategies to transform classrooms into calm, productive learning environments. Participants will explore evidencebased techniques to manage student behavior, foster positive relationships, and create a structured yet flexible classroom atmosphere. Gain the confidence and skills needed to handle disruptions effectively and promote a culture of respect and engagement.

This one-day course provides foundational knowledge and skills in individualized behavioral assessment and intervention to support students with persistent challenging behavior, focusing on data collection, analysis, and practical classroom strategies.

Paraeducator/Teacher Teams, will participate in a half-day AI workshop focused on practical strategies and information sharing to support K-12 students with varied needs and abilities, specifically designed for educators working in special education settings.

The U-TTEC Lab Program is a one-day, in-person training designed to support paraprofessionals in building strong student relationships, managing behavior through trauma-informed practices, and prioritizing personal wellbeing. Participants will gain practical tools to foster responsive, and compassionate classroom environments.

• Turmoil to Tranquility: Proven Techniques for Effective Classroom Management
  Instructed by Dr. Sandy Smith
  June 9, 12:30 – 3 p.m.
  June 16, 9 –11:30 a.m. or 12:30 – 3 p.m.
  Free | Virtual via Zoom
  Register for this class
  Note: Content is the same across all sessions. Please register once.
• Tier 3 Interventions
  Instructed by Dr. Natalie Badgett
  June 13, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  Free | University of Utah Campus
  Register for this class
• AI: Paraprofessional and Teacher Teams
  Instructed by Matt Winters
  June 18, 9 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  Free | Virtual via Zoom & University of Utah Campus
  Register for this class
• Supporting Students with Care: A Paraprofessional Series on Relationships, Trauma, Behavior, and Wellbeing
  Lead by Dr. Aaron Fischer
  June 24, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  $50 payment at workshop
  SAEC Room #3151, University of Utah Campus
  Register for this class

Any Questions?
If you have specific questions about these courses, please contact: Kristen Lindsay, 801-581-8221 or kristen.lindsay@utah.edu

• Summer 2025 University of Utah Professional Development for Paraprofessionals Flyer

The USBE Parent Portal, in accordance with Utah Code 53-G-806, outlines the basic structure of Utah’s public education system, some of the rights of parents regarding their children’s education, and opportunities to engage with and support schools at the state and local levels.

Participation at the local level is the most effective way for parents to ensure that their voices are heard, and that their concerns are addressed. USBE welcomes and encourages participation of parents and community members from all backgrounds.

• You can access the portal at schools.utah.gov/parent/.
• USBE Parent Portal Flyer

With generous support from the Community Foundation of Utah, ISTE+ASCD will provide Utah educators with world class professional learning on computer science, computational thinking, artificial intelligence, and innovative strategies for using technology to transform learning at no cost to the district, school, or educator.

ISTE+ASCD is seeking Utah district and school partners to nominate cohorts of educators to participate in one of our incredible professional learning experiences in Fall 2025. 

Transform Computer Science is an amazing opportunity for districts and schools to engage in paradigm-shifting professional learning at scale. ISTE+ASCD is excited to be a catalyst for transforming learning experiences in your school or district through technology and impactful pedagogy to support educator growth.

ISTE Certification

• Internationally recognized credential for educators who have demonstrated mastery of the ISTE Standards and implemented innovative uses of technology to transform learning
• The Utah State Board of Education recognizes ISTE Certification as a competency pathway for the Educational Technology Endorsement. More information can be found here and here.
• To earn certification, educators complete 40 hours live, instructor-led professional learning over 10 weeks, then 40 hours to assemble an e-portfolio that includes artifacts and reflections on their learning over six months
• $1,000 stipend for successful completion ($500 upon completion of professional learning, $500 upon submission of e-portfolio)
• Program Dates: Sept. 24 - Dec. 5, 2025 (professional learning course), Jan. 15 - July 31, 2026 (portfolio)
• Districts and schools may nominate cohorts of 5-15 educators to participate in Certification

If you are interested in being considered for the ISTE Certified Educator group from Jordan, please complete the following form by May 30.

• Transform Computer Science Interest Form

If you have questions, please attend one of the upcoming Open Enrollment meetings or contact Insurance Services 801-567-8146 / insurance@jordandistrict.org.

• Thursday, May 15, 3 & 4 p.m. - West Jordan High School Media Room
• Monday, May 19, 3 & 4 p.m. - Mountain Ridge High School Media Room
• Tuesday, May 20, 4 & 6:30 p.m. - Virtual at: uetn-org.zoom.us/my/openenrollment2025
• Tuesday, May 27, 4 p.m. - District Office (Spanish speaking meeting)
• Thursday, May 29, 4 p.m. - District Office
• Monday, June 2nd, 3 & 4 p.m. - Herriman High School Media Room

---

• 2025-26 Open Enrollment Summary Letter

Happy National Teacher Appreciation Week! We appreciate everything you do to provide incredible opportunities for students and to support each other.

In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week, McDonald's has provided a coupon for a free fountain drink for every employee. We'll be distributing these through schools and departments next week.

Watch the video above to get a glimpse of the Outstanding Educator of the Year at every one of our schools for this year. If you watch, I'll bet you'll find someone who has made a big impact in your life.

Thank you very much for everything you do.

Sincerely,
Anthony Godfrey
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Teachers,

As Jordan School District Board of Education members, we want to take a moment to express our sincere appreciation and admiration for everything you do. We are constantly impressed by your ingenuity, your resilience, your passion, and your strength.

As teachers, you face each day driven by the belief that you can make a difference in the life of a young person. You cultivate curiosity while instilling core values like kindness, compassion, patience, understanding, and teamwork.

You show each student that they matter, that they have potential, that they are cared for, and that they have people who will support them, just as we want to support you.

We know your job is not always easy and the responsibilities placed on you can be overwhelming at times, but you rise to the challenge every single day. Please know we, as Board members, are here for you and are always available to listen, to offer understanding and support.

Thank you, teachers, for giving students your all and for changing lives, making a difference in the communities we serve.

We are very proud to serve as your Board of Education and we are honored to celebrate you today and every day.

Sincerely,
Jordan Board of Education
Niki George, President
Bryce Dunford, First Vice President
Brian W. Barnett, Second Vice President
Erin Barrow, Member
Lisa Dean, Member
Darrell Robinson, Member
Suzanne Wood, Member

---

A Letter of Appreciation from the Board of Education

The Utah State Board of Education honors the dedication, passion, and impact of educators across the state.  Please watch this Teacher Appreciation Week message from Dr. Sydnee Dickson, Utah State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Thank you, teachers, for shaping the future – one student at a time.

Insurance open enrollment for the 2025-26 year will be held from May 15 to June 15 at www.infinityhr.com.

Come learn about this year’s changes at any of these meetings:

• Thursday, May 15, 3 & 4 p.m. · West Jordan High Media Room
• Monday, May 19, 3 & 4 p.m. · Mountain Ridge High Media Room
• Tuesday, May 20, 4 & 6:30 p.m. · Virtual at: uetn-org.zoom.us/my/openenrollment2025
• Tuesday, May 27, 4 p.m. · District Office (Spanish speaking)
• Thursday, May 29, 4 p.m. · District Office
• Monday, June 2, 3 & 4 p.m. · Herriman High Media Room

If you have any questions or issues, please contact Insurance Services / insurance@jordandistrict.org / 801-567-8146

• 2025-26 Insurance Open Enrollment Poster

We are excited to welcome Kelly Stewart, our Great Minds trainer, who will join us via Zoom for our final session. Her years of teaching and coaching Wit & Wisdom have given her a wealth of knowledge to share. Celebrate Year One and look forward to next year! There will be a preview of the 2025-26 pacing guides.

• Thursday, May 15, 2025
  4:15 - 6:15 p.m.
  ASB Room D112
• Register for the Wit & Wisdom Workshop on the JSD Canvas Catalog
• May 2025 Wit & Wisdom Workshop Flyer

The following are new administrative assignments:

New Assignments effective July 1, 2025:

• High School
  • Tom Gatten, assistant principal at Mountain Ridge High appointed principal at Herriman High, replacing Todd Quarnberg who is resigning.
  • Brady Bartholomew, assistant principal at Riverton High appointed principal at Mountain Ridge High, replacing Mike Kochevar who is retiring.
  • Kevin Barton, assistant principal at Mountain Ridge High transferred as assistant principal at Herriman High.
  • Andrew Blanchard, assistant principal at Herriman High transferred as assistant principal at West Jordan High.
  • Tim Brooks, assistant principal at West Hills Middle transferred as assistant principal at Mountain Ridge High.
  • Noelapoomaikalani Ioane, assistant principal at West Jordan High transferred as assistant principal at Copper Hills High, replacing Mark Halliday who is retiring.
  • Jenicee Jacobsen, assistant principal at West Jordan High transferred as assistant principal at Herriman High.
  • Travis Foster, administrative intern at Riverton High appointed assistant principal at Riverton High.
  • Katelyn Jenson, assistant principal at Southland Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Copper Hills High, replacing Julianna Wing who is resigning.
  • Kami Taylor, assistant principal at South Jordan Middle transferred as assistant principal at West Jordan High.
  • Derek Winder, administrative intern at West Jordan High appointed assistant principal at Riverton High.
• Middle School
  • Mike Glenn, principal at Mountain Creek Middle transferred as principal at Sunset Ridge Middle, replacing Audrey Fish who is retiring.
  • Kristie Howe, assistant principal at West Hills Middle appointed principal at West Hills Middle, replacing Cynthia VanderMeiden who is resigning.
  • Glen Varga, assistant principal at Riverton High appointed principal at Mountain Creek Middle.
  • Jarom Airhart, assistant principal at South Hills Middle and Sunset Ridge Middle transferred as assistant principal at South Hills Middle.
  • Andrea Call, administrative intern at West Hills Middle appointed assistant principal at West Hills Middle.
  • Mike Christensen, assistant principal at Copper Mountain Middle transferred as assistant principal at West Hills Middle.
  • Jody Deland, assistant principal at Copper Mountain Middle and Mountain Creek Middle transferred as assistant principal at Copper Mountain Middle.
  • Ivie Erickson, administrative intern at Bingham High appointed assistant principal at South Jordan Middle.
  • Heather Handy, assistant principal at Aspen Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle.
  • Wendy Harmon, assistant principal at Mountain Creek Middle transferred as assistant principal at Hidden Valley Middle.
  • Amy Kinder, math consultant in Teaching and Learning transferred as assistant principal at Mountain Creek Middle.
  • James Maughan, assistant principal at Oquirrh Hills Middle transferred as assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle.
  • Troy Monson, assistant principal at South Hills Middle transferred as assistant principal at Oquirrh Hills Middle.
  • Amber Zdunich, assistant principal at Hidden Valley Middle transferred as assistant principal at Elk Ridge Middle.
• Departments
  • Amy Lloyd, assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle transferred as math consultant in the Teaching and Learning Department.
• Elementary School
  • Megan Cox, principal at Midas Creek Elementary transferred as principal at Rose Creek Elementary, replacing Karen Egan who is retiring.
  • Theresa Christensen, principal at Falcon Ridge Elementary transferred as principal at Midas Creek Elementary.
  • Bryce Eardley, principal at South Jordan Elementary transferred as principal at Mountain Shadows Elementary.
  • Aaron Ichimura, principal at Welby Elementary transferred as principal at Falcon Ridge Elementary.
  • Tina Susuico, principal at Mountain Shadows Elementary transferred as principal at Hayden Peak Elementary, replacing Jennifer Fisher who is retiring.
  • Kasey Dahl, assistant principal at Bastian Elementary appointed principal at Welby Elementary.
  • Beth Pollock, assistant principal at Ridge View Elementary appointed principal at South Jordan Elementary.
  • John Sassman, assistant principal at Herriman Elementary appointed principal at Mountain Point Elementary.
  • Janae Young, assistant principal at Welby Elementary appointed principal at Oakcrest Elementary, replacing Ken Westwood who is retiring.
  • Megan Daly, administrative intern at Copper Canyon Elementary appointed assistant principal at Copper Canyon Elementary.
  • Elizabeth Felt, principal at Mountain Point Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Southland Elementary.
  • Megan Hamilton, administrative intern at Blackridge Elementary appointed assistant principal at Blackridge Elementary.
  • Danielle Hanson, assistant principal at Elk Ridge Middle transferred as assistant principal at Westvale Elementary.
  • Jessica Hayes, assistant principal at the Child Development Center transferred as assistant principal at Herriman Elementary.
  • David Hullinger, assistant principal at Westvale Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Rosamond Elementary.
  • Toni Lasater, administrative intern at Oak Leaf Elementary appointed assistant principal at Oak Leaf Elementary.
  • Rebecca Lee, JPAS administrator transferred as assistant principal at Oak Leaf Elementary and JPAS administrator.
  • Jennifer Manning, assistant principal at Mountain Point Elementary transferred as assistant principal at the Child Development Center.
  • Nathan Price, assistant principal at Mountain Shadows Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Ridge View Elementary.
  • Aimie Rizzuto, administrative intern at Jordan Ridge Elementary appointed assistant principal at Jordan Ridge Elementary.
  • Teresa Rossetti, assistant principal at Rosamond Elementary transferred as assistant principal at South Jordan Elementary.
  • Rachelle Smith, administrative intern at Heartland Elementary appointed assistant principal at Heartland Elementary.
  • Stacie Thompson, administrative intern at Elk Meadows Elementary appointed assistant principal at Elk Meadows Elementary.
  • Denise White, administrative intern at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy appointed assistant principal at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy.
  • Adrienne Yancey, assistant principal at South Jordan Elementary transferred as assistant principal at Mountain Point Elementary.
• New Administrative Internships for 2025-26
  • Kylie Bussell, teacher at Copper Hills High assigned administrative intern at Mountain Ridge High.
  • Cameron Christensen, teacher at Cedar Valley High in Alpine District assigned administrative intern at Copper Hills High.
  • Adrian Ramjoue, teacher at Riverton High assigned administrative intern at West Jordan High.
  • Laura Visaggio, teacher specialist at Herriman High assigned administrative intern at Bingham High.
  • Corey Wales, teacher at Argyle High in Argyle ISD (TX) assigned administrative intern at Riverton High.
  • Jen Arnold, teacher at Lake Mountain Middle in Alpine District assigned administrative intern at Copper Mountain Middle and Hidden Valley Middle.
  • Angela Crawford, teacher at Indian Hills Middle in Canyons District assigned administrative intern at Oquirrh Hills Middle and Mountain Creek Middle.
  • Kathryn Scott, teacher at Kearns High in Granite District assigned administrative intern at West Hills Middle and West Jordan Middle.
  • Kaila Anderson, Instructional Coach at Daybreak Elementary assigned administrative intern at Mountain Shadows Elementary.
  • Jennifer McNees, teacher at Antelope Canyon Elementary assigned administrative intern at Bastian Elementary.
  • Lara Stout, teacher at Southland Elementary assigned administrative intern at Welby Elementary.