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Nov. 2025 Planet Kindergarten NewsletterPrincipals Note
A huge thank you to every principal, coach, teacher, secretary, and school staff member who participated in Planet Kindergarten! We saw principals become astronauts, aides transformed into aliens, upperclassmen tutoring kindergarteners, secretaries wearing letter stickers, and coaches testing letters and sounds. Achieving this goal wouldn’t be possible without the collective effort of our entire school and district teams.

This year’s kindergarten letter and sound data is higher than it’s ever been! While we celebrate as a team, we know our work doesn’t stop here. We’ve just taken the first step toward our end-of-year goal: having every kindergartner read 20 whole words on Acadience. Please remember, you are not alone on this journey.

To support you, we’ve lined up several more classes to provide instruction and support for your coaches and teachers. You can also reach out to a literacy specialist at any time. In your envelope, you’ll find an invitation to the Sound Explorers class and the latest Planet Kindergarten newsletter. Assistant principals, coaches, and teachers have also received this information. Each of your teachers received a certificate celebrating their success on the November goal, and we’ve included a copy of the certificate for you as well.

If your school would like extra support with letter and sound mastery, phonemic awareness, or with next steps like blending, please reach out to your literacy specialist, explore the Planet Kindergarten Toolkit, review the latest newsletter, or connect with principals from top-performing schools for inspiration.

Thank you to you and your staff for your dedication and hard work helping kindergartners master their letters and sounds this year. There’s a strong movement happening across our district, and it’s exciting to see it grow! If there’s anything else we can do to support you, please let us know. We’re here to help.

With appreciation,
The Literacy Team

We Did It!
Thank you all for your incredible dedication and hard work in pursuing our goal of 100% of your students knowing all their letters and sounds by November 7th! This is a huge accomplishment, and it’s time to celebrate!

We didn’t just meet our goal, we crushed it! We more than doubled the number of teachers who achieved 100%, and even more teachers are now in the 90% range. This outstanding growth will set our students up for reading success and a strong start in first grade. Your efforts are making a real difference!

Let’s keep this momentum going! Check out the upcoming classes below. If you can join us, we’d love to see you.

Sound Explorers - Nov. 14 or 21, 2026 1:30 - 3:30
Join us for an interactive session to help kindergarten students strengthen their phonemic awareness and begin reading CVC words before MOY Acadience. There will be pizza and dessert. All teachers who attend will receive PA games & supplies. Sign up at pd.jordandistrict.org.

Rocket Readers - Jan. 30, 2026 1:30- 3:30
Together, we’ll share strategies, discuss challenges, and develop actionable plans to achieve our end-of-year goal of 20 whole words read. Sign up at pd.jordandistrict.org.

Planet Kindergarten Top Schools and Teachers
To show our appreciation for everyone’s hard work, we’re throwing a pizza party at our Sound Explorers Class with tons of prizes. Don’t miss out on the fun, you’ve earned it!

Next Steps for Students that Haven’t Met the Goal Yet...

  • Review the Planet Kindergarten Toolkit and get some letter/sound ideas from the Classroom Helpers page
  • Attend the Sound Explorers and Rocket Readers classes
  • Try Incremental Rehearsal using alphabet flashcards
  • Email a school or teacher on the above list and ask if you can observe their classroom
  • Create a Tier 3 folder so that student is receiving a double dose of letters and sounds
  • Reach out to a literacy specialist to talk through some strategies

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America First Credit Union Nov. 2025 Offer FlyerAs a partner of the Jordan Education Foundation, America First Credit Union is offering District employees $200* when they become a member, open a checking account, enroll in Direct Deposit and use it to deposit $500 within the first 60 days.

If you're looking for the financial products and services you need to make the most out of every dollar you earn, save, or spend, there's no better partner than America First. Become a member today, get some free cash, and discover all the reasons why America First is one of the top credit unions in nation.

*Membership, eligibility, terms, conditions & creditworthiness apply. Subject to change & requirements. Visit americafirst.com for details. Federally insured by NCUA.

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Christmas for KidsJoin us on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the South Jordan Walmart for a day filled with holiday joy and generosity. This year, more than 500 of our deserving middle and high school students have been selected to participate in this heartwarming event and we need chaperones to help them shop.

Each student will receive $175 (tax-free) to spend on items they need and want. You can help make this day truly special by volunteering as a chaperone, guiding students as they shop while enjoying some holiday cheer.

Time slots are available every 30 minutes starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. Your support will make a lasting difference in the lives of students and help create cherished holiday memories for both students and their chaperones.

Please see the link for more details and to register for a time slot.

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Nov. 2025 Elementary Career Exploration and MATH Lesson FlyerTeachers, School Counselors, and Aides...

November's CTE Career Banner Spotlight is a Social Media Marketing Manager.

You can find this month's CTE Career Exploration lesson and math worksheets, and all future ones, by visiting the Elementary Career Exploration Lessons page at cte.jordandistrict.org.

Please reach out to angie.pommerening@jordandistrict.org if you need help with implementing these lessons or with career readiness activities at the elementary level. We are happy to help. We can't wait to see how you use these fun new resources in your classrooms!

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Information Systems and Teaching & Learning are beginning the process of rostering classrooms for the new Class Tools from Google (Classroom Management System). This will require creating a Google Classroom for each class and populating those classrooms using Clever.

NOTE: We are NOT moving to Google Classroom in lieu of Canvas, rather Google Classroom is the most efficient method for rostering students into Google Class Tools.

As a reminder, Class Tools is a possible replacement for GoGuardian or LanSchool. This tool provides teachers with the ability to control student browsing, create a lockdown browser, and provide students with live captioning or translations.

What you need to know:

  • Each class will have a Google Classroom created and rostered with students.
  • Teachers must accept this Google Classroom for it to be enabled for use. You will receive an email with a link to accept.
  • This Google Classroom will NOT interfere with any existing Google Classrooms a teacher may have created previously.
  • Students will NOT be able to remove themselves from this Google Classroom.
  • New students will automatically be added, and departing students will automatically be dropped from this Google Classroom.

Schools wanting training on Google's Class Tools can contact Digital Teaching and Learning. For more information, check the following article:

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CPR Training is codified as 53G-10-408 and is written into USBE Rule as R277-465. This requires LEAs to provide CPR instruction to all students consistent with the Health Education Core Standards and as required in Subsection 53G-10-408(5).

An LEA shall provide hands-on CPR instruction using the following ratios as closely as possible: a student to instructor ratio of no greater than 15:1; and a mannequin to student ratio no greater than 1:6.

Health students do not need to be CPR certified, but are required to receive CPR training as outlined below. 

There are options for JSD principals and health teachers to choose from to meet the criteria at your school:

  1. Provide training from a licensed and CPR Certified Teacher within your school
  2. Schedule JATC-S to deliver this instruction (Contact Sean Garrett. Sean.Garrett@jordandistrict.org)
  3. Contract with the local EMS for a certified instructor to train students
  4. Contract with a third party who specializes in CPR/AED instruction to provide the Instruction (See attached)

Teaching & Learning will be utilizing a state grant to reimburse the costs of local EMS/Third Party services at a maximum of $6/per student. Contracted teachers are not eligible for this reimbursement. 

Funds from this grant will expire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year.

If you have questions please reach out to Nate Foster, the Jordan School District Health and PE Specialist.

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During the 2025 legislative session, Utah passed HB104, which requires firearm safety instruction to be provided three times in K-6, once in middle school, and once in high school. Jordan School District will meet this requirement by providing firearm safety instruction in 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades, Health I, and Health II, aligned with Health Education standards.

Instruction may be delivered through live lessons, videos, online materials, or as part of health or physical education curricula. Before instruction, schools must notify parents or guardians and offer an opt-out option, with alternative educational activities provided as needed.

For details, resources, and curriculum materials to support this requirement, please review the attached HB 104 Implementation Document and visit the linked resources.

Please reach out to our JSD Health and PE Teacher Specialist, Nathan Foster, with any questions: nate.foster@jordandistrict.org.

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Nov. 2025 T&L NewsletterCheck out the links below for the latest updates from Teaching & Learning for the month. Learn Tips and Tricks, Sign Up for Upcoming PD, and Learn about Important Updates from the T & L team.

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Teacher Tinker Time FlyerWe're excited to welcome Jordan School District teachers to our monthly Teacher Tinker Time sessions!

What is Tinker Time? It's a fantastic opportunity to explore and learn new skills, including:

  • 3D Printing
  • Stop Motion Animation
  • The Engineering Process

This month, we'll be touring the lab and focusing on 3D printing to create fun holiday projects that you can take back to your classroom!

When & Where:

  • Date: Tuesday, Nov. 14
  • Time: 2 – 4 p.m. (Drop-in anytime!)
  • Location: Juniper Elementary

We look forward to seeing you there for some hands-on innovation! For all remaining dates this year, please see the attached flyer.

Questions? Contact traci.rindlisbach@jordandistrict.org or kelli.cannon@jordandistrict.org

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Valued Paraprofessionals:

Utah Valley University has developed a 2 year program designed for working paraprofessionals to obtain a Special Education Professional Educator License. Courses would be in the evening or during the summer to accommodate working paraprofessionals and scholarships are available. 

If you are a paraprofessional interested in becoming a Special Education educator here in Jordan this is one of many opportunities for you to explore.

Please review the attached flyer for details.

UVU Education Advancement and Licensure Opportunity in Special Education FlyerA Special Education License Within Reach! Meet With An Advisor Today!
Are you an experienced paraeducator who would like to earn your special education teaching license?

At UVU School of Education you can:

  • Earn a Special Ed License in 2 years–taking courses in the evening and summers.
  • Earn up to 25 course credits for your prior experience.
  • Scholarships available!

To begin the program you need to have completed your general education requirements and/or have an associates degree. If you are close we can help you figure out how to complete the rest of your classes.

  • ENGL and MATH QL (Math 1050 or Math 2000) courses must have a grade C or higher.
  • GPA of 2.7 or higher
  • General Education and Pre-program coursework
  • Grade of B- or higher in pre-program courses (Math 2010 and 2020 courses C or higher)
  • Pass LiveScan Criminal Background Check
  • Additional courses that you may not have taken: AUTS 250G, MATH 2010, MATH 2020 (these are math for teachers courses). Contact us ASAP so we can help you take these courses right away.

Advisor: sheila.jacklin@uvu.edu
Department Chair: trevor.warburton@uvu.edu

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Valued Educators:

Educator Advancement Opportunity FlyerPlease see the information below and the attached flyer regarding Ph.D. programs available to you through Utah State University. Your continuing education is valued in Jordan School District. To see how investing in a Ph.D. would impact your salary, please review the current salary schedule:

Utah State University’s School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) invites applications for our doctoral programs, the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Both doctoral degree programs are designed for educators who aim to deepen their expertise, apply research methods, and expand their impact. 

Our Ed.D. in Teacher Education and Leadership is a 46-credit, Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED)-aligned professional doctorate designed degree for working educators and leaders. The program is practice-driven, allowing participants to address real-world “problems of practice” while maintaining their careers. Learn more here:

Our Ph.D. in Education is a 60-credit, research-intensive program focused on theory and academic scholarship. Through coursework, professional experiences, and research, participants are prepared for higher education, curriculum designers, and researcher, with concentrations in cultural studies, school leadership, literacy education, mathematics education, and science education. More information is available here:

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2025 W2 Opt Out FlyerPlease be aware that you can opt out of receiving a printed District W-2 form. Instead, an electronic copy will be provided. You can opt out of your District printed W-2  by going to Skyward Employee Access by Midnight on Dec. 9.

  • Choose the electronic W-2 by selecting the “I do not need a printed copy”…
  • Electronic W-2’s will be available in Employee Access for printing/viewing by mid-January.
  • Opt out and win one of many prizes! A drawing for the prizes will be held on Dec. 10. Winners will be contacted.
  • District printed W-2’s will be mailed by Jan. 31.

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If you are a contracted employee and need to take Annual/Personal Leave on a Critical Day before or after Winter Recess for any reason not listed in policy DP335NEG or DP335B, you must submit a request as follows:  

How to Request
During the window, the employee must send the request through email. Please include your name, school, position, and the date you are requesting the leave. Requests left on voicemail or over the phone will NOT be accepted.

The employee will receive an email confirmation within two working days after submitting the request. If the employee does not receive a confirmation email, then Human Resources has NOT received your request and your leave will not be approved.

School Holiday Date of Holiday Critical Days* Window
Winter Recess
(Licensed) 		 Dec. 22, 2025 -
Jan. 2, 2026 		 Dec. 19, 2025 and
Jan. 5, 2026		 Nov. 7 – Nov. 17, 2025
Winter Recess  (ESP) Dec. 24, 2025 -
Jan. 2, 2026		 Dec. 19, 2025 and
Jan. 5, 2026
(245 works Dec 29, 30, 31)		 Nov. 9 – Nov. 19, 2025

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Utah Retirement Systems will be available for one-on-one retirement planning sessions. Scheduling will be available on the Utah Retirement Systems website on Friday, Nov. 7.  Sessions will be held on Nov. 12 and 14 at the Auxilary Services Building. This is a great time to recap, regroup, and focus on retirement planning and financial wellness. Appointments fill quickly so don’t delay.

Advanced registration is required so please see the instructions below to register for an appointment on the URS website.

  1. Go to www.urs.org.
  2. Log into your myURS account by clicking on LOGIN in the upper right corner of the screen.
  3. Click on the Education Tab.
  4. Click on “Individual Retirement Planning Sessions”.
  5. Find the session that works best for you.  Select the session to reserve your appointment.
  6. Please be sure to bring your estimated annual income, retirement account statements (including non-URS), Social Security Statement (get yours at www.ssa.gov) and your investor profile (take the questionnaire at myURS).

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Valued Licensed Employee:

The Human Resource Department is notifying you of important information regarding upcoming timeline and incentive approved by the Board.

LICENSED EARLY NOTIFICATION (Resignation or Retirement)
Licensed employees resigning/retiring at the end of the current contract year, who give official early notification in SKYWARD – EMPLOYEE ACCESS, will be eligible for a tiered incentive. Informing your principal/school administrator either verbally or in writing is not sufficient. To qualify, notification must be submitted on or before the following dates:

  • Dec. 15, 2025 - $500.00
  • Jan. 15, 2026 - $300.00
  • Feb. 15, 2026 - $200.00

The incentive will be paid on the last regular paycheck. Notifications of resignation/retirement received after the dates listed above will not qualify for an incentive. The official District “Notice of Resignation” form is found in Skyward Employee Access under “Task Processes”. Please see District policy DP318 for more detailed information regarding resignations. 

If you do not know your Skyward username or password please contact the Help Desk at 801-567-8737.

Licensed employees who do not submit an official “Notice of Resignation” form in Skyward Employee Access with at least thirty (30) calendar days’ written notice WILL BE FINED $500, which will be deducted from their final check.  Informing your principal/school administrator either verbally or in writing is not sufficient.  See District Policy DP318 – Resignations - Licensed.

School/District Administrators must submit an official “Notice of Resignation” form in Skyward Employee Access with at least sixty (60) calendar days’ written notice WILL BE FINED $500 in accordance with District Policy DP318A – Resignations-Administrators.

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El Pollo Loco Hero Day Nov. 2025 FlyerAs part of the upcoming Veterans Day celebration, El Pollo Loco is thrilled to celebrate the heroes among us! On Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 12 & 13, 2025, they are inviting all first responders, healthcare professionals, teachers, and government officials to enjoy a FREE entrée to say “thank you” for everything you do to keep our communities strong.

Participating heroes can indulge in some of our fan-favorite entrées, including the Pollo Bowl, Classic Chicken Tostada, Burrito, or 2pc Chicken Meal. This exclusive offer will be available at select Utah locations, all day long:

  • El Pollo Loco - 88 N 1200 E., Lehi, UT 84043
  • El Pollo Loco - 3692 W 7800 S., West Jordan, UT 84088
  • El Pollo Loco - 76 E University Pkwy., Orem, UT 84058
  • El Pollo Loco - 10590 S State St., Sandy, UT 84070

“This Hero Day is our chance to serve those who serve us every day,” said Brenda San Juan, District Leader at El Pollo Loco. “We want to celebrate our community heroes with a random act of kindness and with the fresh, flavorful meals they deserve!”

To redeem this offer, you simply need to show your Jordan School District ID badge at the register. Note that this promotion is valid for in-store orders only and cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit one entrée per guest.

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  • Paycheck iconPayroll Due: Nov. 4
  • View Your Paycheck: Nov. 21
  • Payday: Nov. 25

THANKSGIVING RECESS
All Traditional, 206, 207 Contracts - Nov. 26 - Nov. 28
All 242, 245 Contracts - Nov. 27 - Nov. 28

CRITICAL DAYS
All Licensed and ESP Employees - Nov. 25 & Dec. 1

Please familiarize yourself with the Critical Day Policy. If applicable, the reason & the policy exception must be written in the time off description box.

True Time Deadlines
Pay Period: Oct. 6 - Nov. 2

EMPLOYEES: Timesheets should be submitted weekly to be paid on time
APPROVERS: Timesheets should be verified and approved weekly

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Human Resources Badge IconHuman Resources is pleased to announce this week's new openings for Education Support Professionals (ESP) positions across the district. We will be posting weekly highlights in JEM.

Please share this information with anyone you think may be interested in these positions. This does not reflect all ESP positions posted within the last week, only a select number of featured positions.

Featured New ESP Positions
Here is a brief ​description ​o​f the new ESP vacancies posted this week:

  • Position: Service Desk Assistant PT (part-time)
    • Location: Information Systems
  • Position: Office Assistant PT (part-time)
    • Location: West Jordan Middle

How to View and Apply
Each posted position has specific criteria and due dates. To see the complete list of vacancies and to ​apply, use this link:

Thank you for your continued dedication to Jordan School District students and families!

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Sound Explorers for Kindergarten Teachers FlyerKindergarten teachers and coaches are invited to attend “Sound Explorers for Kindergarten” on either Nov. 14 or Nov. 21 from 1:30 to 3:30 in the auditorium at the ASB building.

During this meeting, teachers will learn tips and tricks to help students with phonemic awareness and reading CVC (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant) words. Every teacher who attends will receive phonemic awareness games and supplies.

Teachers can register at pd.jordandistrict.org. Please see the flyer for additional details.