Skip to content

Oct. 2024 Health Insights NewsletterConnecting to Better Health
As the days get shorter and colder, many of us want nothing more than to curl up under some blankets and wait for spring. But while our homes can be a cozy refuge, studies have shown that isolation damages our physical and mental well-being. This month’s Health Insights explores the importance of building and maintaining connections with those around us, including tips to get you started.

For questions about this article, please contact the Population Health team at wellness@moreton.com. If you have any other questions, please contact Jordan Insurance Services at 801-567-8146 or insurance@jordandistrict.org.

If you are a contracted employee and need to take Annual/Personal Leave before or after Thanksgiving on a “Critical Day” 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
Thanksgiving Recess
(Licensed)
Nov. 27-29, 2024 Nov. 26 and Dec. 2, 2024 Oct. 14 – Oct. 24, 2024
Thanksgiving Recess
(ESP)
Nov. 28-29, 2024 Nov. 26 and Dec. 2, 2024 Oct. 15 – Oct. 25, 2024

The Jordan School District Board of Education has approved a new Districtwide cellphone policy, AA453 Personal Use of Electronic and Communication Devices. A video will be shared with parents explaining how the new policy applies to our elementary and secondary schools.

We invite you to watch the video:

Nutrition Services has purchased local apples from Pyne Farms in Santaquin, Utah to celebrate this day with our District. Check out the Youtube video below for a great 3-minute Pyne Farm tour video and to learn about apples.

This year, Apple Crunch Day falls during National School Lunch Week! The theme for this year is "School Lunch Pirates...Find Your Treasure". Attached are some fun handouts about apples that incorporate the pirate theme.

We hope you enjoy this celebration!

Oct. 2024 Kindergarten Night Out FlyerJoin us for a special Kindergarten Night Out where we will focus on ways to make Wit & Wisdom successful in the kindergarten classroom on Wednesday, Oct. 16 in the ASB Auditorium, starting at 4:15 p.m.

We will be diving into planning strategies. There will be giveaways and prizes. We look forward to seeing you there!

Please sign up at pd.jordandistrict.org.

URS Fall 2024 Webinars FlyerExplore topics essential to your financial future from the convenience of your home or office. Come with questions! These interactive presentations will help you maximize URS benefits and retirement planning.

www.urs.org/us/webinars >> See all upcoming and recorded webinars.


URS Retirement Presentation Schedule FlyerLet URS help you understand your benefits and plan a bright future. Whether you're age 20 or 90, whether you have three months or 30 years until retirement... This is for you.

Come learn about your URS benefits. Open to ALL full and part-time employees. Each session will cover URS savings plans along with Tier 1 and Tier 2 pension systems. All sessions will be from 4 – 5:30 p.m. and held in the media center.

  • Sunset Ridge Middle | Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024
  • South Hills Middle | Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024
  • Joel P. Jensen Middle | Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025
  • South Jordan Middle | Thursday Feb. 20, 2025
  • Mountain Creek Middle | Monday March 10, 2025

Oct. 2024 Teaching & Learning NewsletterCheck out the links below for the latest updates from Teaching & Learning for October. Learn Tips and Tricks, Sign Up for Upcoming PD, and Learn about Important Updates from the T & L team.

2024-25 School Based Associates FlierSchool-Based Associates Opportunity
Jordan School District is excited to announce the School-Based Associates (SBA) program for the 2024-25 school year. For many years, past Associate participants have asked about bringing the powerful learning experiences within Associates back to their colleagues in the classroom. School-Based Associates will now make that desire a possibility!

The mini grant application is a streamlined Google form. Administrators or teachers can initiate this grant. Use the application guide to help you keep things simple. Call Chris Richards-Khong with questions 801-567-8158.

Zoom Link Q & A Drop-in Sessions Available

  • Oct. 3, 2024 - 12:15 - 12:50 p.m.|  2:30 - 3:50 p.m.
  • Oct. 4, 2024 - 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Information Systems is excited to announce that they will implement Google accounts as a convenient and secure way for users to access Skyward systems. This new method will streamline your login process and enhance the overall security of your Skyward account. 

In the Skyward Finance system, logging in with Google will be REQUIRED for all staff with a JSD Google account on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. In the Skyward Student system, logging in with Google will be REQUIRED for all staff with a JSD Google account on Friday, Nov. 1. 

Two Easy Methods to Login to Skyward Using Google

  • Navigate to the Skyward login screen and select the “Staff Login with Google” button. If you are already logged in to your JSD Google account, you will be immediately logged in to Skyward. If you are not already logged in to your JSD Google account, you will be taken to a Google login screen where you will need to login to your JSD Google account. 
  • After logging in to your JSD Google account, click the waffle menu in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Scroll down and select “Skyward Finance” or “Skyward Student”.

Benefits of Using Google for Skyward

  • Enhanced Security: Google provides a more secure login process by eliminating the need to remember and manage multiple passwords. Also, because you are logging in to your JSD Google account, you will be using multi-factor authentication. 
  • Convenience: With Google, you can access Skyward with a single click, saving you time and effort. 

If you encounter any issues accessing Skyward with your Google account or have questions, please contact the Information Systems help desk at 801-567-8737.

Oct. 2024 Incidental Learning NewsletterThe JSD Teachers for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Team has created a monthly newsletter.  The full newsletter for August can be found at the link below. Stories include:

Sightlines - Students function optimally when they can see the interpreter (if they use one) and the speaker in the same line of sight. This saves time and energy from shifting their focus. Especially if the speaker is referencing things visually instead
of orally. This doesn’t mean the student must sit in the front row, just where they have visual access. Please keep this line of vision clear.

Eye Contact - Maintaining eye contact with the class instead of talking while you are turned toward the board, allows students to read lips, see your facial expression, and understand your body language.

Dual-Tasks - DHH students often struggle to complete tasks which require them to rely on their vision for two things
simultaneously, like taking notes while watching captioning, an interpreter, or lip-reading. You can provide accommodations by assigning a note-taker, giving the student a copy of your notes, a copy of the transcript, and/or access to slides.

Direct Communication - Show you value your student as an individual by talking directly to them instead of to the interpreter if they have one.

Closed Captioning - Just a friendly reminder to make sure all videos are accessible by turning on closed captioning or subtitles.

Oct. 2024 Important Payroll Information FlyerPayroll Due: Oct. 2
view Your Paycheck: Oct.19
Payday: Oct. 23


FALL RECESS:
All Traditional, 206/207 Contracts: Oct. 21 - Oct. 25
All 242, 245 Contracts: Oct. 24 - Oct. 25


CRITICAL DAYS: October 18 & October 29
Applies to all Licensed & ESP Employees
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.


Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences: Oct. 2-3
As per DP335(B) and DP335 NEG: Annual/Personal leave shall not be used during Parent Teacher Conferences.
If Parent Teacher Conference is missed, a leave day (sick or No Pay) should be entered on the Comp Day Oct. 4, 2024.


Secondary Professional Development Day: Oct. 4 - No Students


GRADE TRANSMITTAL DAY: Oct. 28
All 206, 242 & 245 employees must record a leave day if not in attendance


Sub Payroll Deadlines
Pay Period: Sept. 16 - Sept. 30 Due: Oct. 2 Payday: Oct. 10
Pay Period: Oct. 1 - 15 Due: Oct. 16 Payday: Oct. 23
SCHOOLS: Please ensure Subs are verified weekly


True Time Deadlines:
Pay Period: Sept. 2 - Oct.6
EMPLOYEES: Please submit your timesheets at the end of each work week
APPROVERS: Please ensure you are approving time sheets weekly for accuracy


Sparking Minds PD FlyerTeaching & Learning is offering an optional, half-day PD for all elementary teachers, and a full-day PD for all middle school ELA and SS teachers: Sparking Minds – Transform your Teaching with Engaging Questions, Socratic Seminars, and Dynamic Dialogue.

Elementary PD Info
The Elementary PD will include supporting information for Wit & Wisdom and will be offered specific to grade bands: K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6. Half-day substitutes will be provided. Please see the flier for details and dates.

Middle PD Info
The middle school PD is specifically for ELA and social studies teachers. Full-day substitutes will be provided. Please see the flier for details and dates.

Money IconWith the beginning of the new school year comes new pay rates along with new deductions. All employees are encouraged to log in to Employee Access and review their salary placement, FTE, insurance premiums, deductions, name and address. This information can all be located under the EMPLOYEE INFORMATION tab.

Checks that are not direct deposit will be held in Payroll for pickup. You can sign up for direct deposit via employee access, here are instructions.

Your actual paycheck is available to view up to two (2) days prior to payday each month in Check History.

If you have questions please contact the following:

Blomquist Hale has two workshops coming up in October! See attached for the workshop flyers and details outlined below.

  • Topic: Grief – The Dance of Loss
    Date: Oct.22
    Time: 12 – 1 p.m. MT
    Location: Online!
  • Topic: Shame Resilience
    Date: Oct. 30
    Time: 2 – 3 p.m. MT
    Location: Online!

To register for any of our upcoming workshops, please visit the BH workshop website at blomquisthale.com/workshops/.

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

If you or your spouse are getting close or already over age 65, this information is very important for you to be aware of.  If you plan on signing up for Medicare in the next 12 months, you will need to print and save a copy of this notice.  This confirms that our plans are considered creditable compared to a standard level of coverage set by Medicare.  What that means to you is that you will not be assessed a penalty for a Medicare Part D (prescription) plan that you elect.

For any employee, you need to be aware of this information once you become Medicare eligible.  We are required to test our plans annually.  If at any point our plan becomes Non-Creditable, you will need to look at your options to AVOID a lifetime MEDICARE premium penalty.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Insurance Services 801-567-8146 or contact Medicare directly 1-800-633-4227.


CREDITABLE COVERAGE DISCLOSURE NOTICE
Important Notice from Jordan School District About Your Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare

Please read this notice carefully and keep it where you can find it. This notice has information about your current prescription drug coverage with Jordan School District Health Plan and about your options under Medicare’s prescription drug coverage. This information can help you decide whether or not you want to join a Medicare drug plan. If you are considering joining, you should compare your current coverage, including which drugs are covered at what cost, with the coverage and costs of the plans offering Medicare prescription drug coverage in your area. Information about where you can get help to make decisions about your prescription drug coverage is at the end of this notice.

There are two important things you need to know about your current coverage and Medicare’s prescription drug coverage:

  1. Medicare prescription drug coverage became available in 2006 to everyone with Medicare. You can get this coverage if you join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or join a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) that offers prescription drug coverage. All Medicare drug plans provide at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare. Some plans may also offer more coverage for a higher monthly premium.
  2. Jordan School District has determined that the prescription drug coverage offered by the Express Scripts is, on average for all plan participants, expected to pay out as much as standard Medicare prescription drug coverage pays and is therefore considered Creditable Coverage. Because your existing coverage is Creditable Coverage, you can keep this coverage and not pay a higher premium (a penalty) if you later decide to join a Medicare drug plan.

When Can You Join A Medicare Drug Plan?
You can join a Medicare drug plan when you first become eligible for Medicare and each year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.

However, if you lose your current creditable prescription drug coverage, through no fault of your own, you will also be eligible for a two (2) month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to join a Medicare drug plan.

What Happens To Your Current Coverage If You Decide to Join A Medicare Drug Plan?
If you decide to join a Medicare drug plan, your current Jordan School District coverage will not be affected. If you join a Medicare drug plan and drop your current Jordan School District coverage, be aware that you and your dependents may not be able to get this coverage back.

When Will You Pay A Higher Premium (Penalty) To Join A Medicare Drug Plan?
You should also know that if you drop or lose your current coverage with Jordan School District Health Plan and don’t join a Medicare drug plan within 63 continuous days after your current coverage ends, you may pay a higher premium (a penalty) to join a Medicare drug plan later.

If you go 63 continuous days or longer without creditable prescription drug coverage, your monthly premium may go up by at least 1% of the Medicare base beneficiary premium per month for every month that you did not have that coverage. For example, if you go nineteen months without creditable coverage, your premium may consistently be at least 19% higher than the Medicare base beneficiary premium. You may have to pay this higher premium (a penalty) as long as you have Medicare prescription drug coverage. In addition, you may have to wait until the following October to join.

For More Information About This Notice Or Your Current Prescription Drug Coverage…
Contact the person listed below for further information. NOTE: You’ll get this notice each year. You will also get it before the next period you can join a Medicare drug plan, and if this coverage through Jordan School District changes. You also may request a copy of this notice at any time.

For More Information About Your Options Under Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage…
More detailed information about Medicare plans that offer prescription drug coverage is in the “Medicare & You” handbook. You’ll get a copy of the handbook in the mail every year from Medicare. You may also be contacted directly by Medicare drug plans.

For more information about Medicare prescription drug coverage:

  • Visit www.medicare.gov
  • Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (see the inside back cover of your copy of the “Medicare & You” handbook for their telephone number) for personalized help
  • Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

If you have limited income and resources, extra help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage is available. For information about this extra help, visit Social Security on the web at www.socialsecurity.gov, or call them at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Remember: Keep this Creditable Coverage notice. If you decide to join one of the Medicare drug plans, you may be required to provide a copy of this notice when you join to show whether or not you have maintained creditable coverage and, therefore, whether or not you are required to pay a higher premium (a penalty).

  • Date: Sept. 24, 2024
  • Name of Entity/Sender: Jordan School District
  • Contact--Position/Office: District Insurance Office
  • Address: 7387 South Campus View Drive, West Jordan, UT 84084
  • Phone Number: 801-567-8146 or 801-567-8341
  • 2024 Creditable Coverage Disclosure Notice

Tired of SPAM? This new feature will give you greater control over the spam emails you receive. 
This summer, we upgraded our email security system to better protect you from malicious emails. We’re excited to announce the upcoming launch of the "End User Digest," which will give you greater control over the spam emails you receive.

You may have noticed some emails with "SPAM?" in the subject line. These emails will no longer appear in your Google inbox; instead, they will be quarantined. Each morning, you’ll receive an “End User Digest” email listing any new quarantined messages.

If you wish to receive a specific email from this list, simply click the “Release” link. To allow future messages from the same sender, select the “Release and Allow Sender” option. If you choose not to act, emails will remain in quarantine for 30 days before being permanently deleted.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Information Systems help desk at 801-567-8737.

Quarantine Message Sample

URS Tier 2 Required Contribution Webinars FlyerIf you choose the Hybrid Option, you’ll be required to make a member contribution equal to 0.7% of your salary to fund your benefit in 2024-25.

As you weigh your retirement benefit decision, be aware of an upcoming change that affects one of your options.

If you choose the Hybrid Option, the yearly pension contribution rate directly impacts your benefit. If it exceeds a set amount, you’re required to contribute from your paycheck to help fund your retirement benefit.

(Go to www.urs.org/rates to learn more about contribution rates, how they’re determined, and how they impact the Hybrid Option benefit.)

*Effective July 2024, the pension contribution rate will increase into the range to require a member contribution equal to 0.7% of your salary.

This means you’ll have to pay a small amount from your paycheck to fund your benefit if you choose the Hybrid Option.

Your retirement system was designed from the beginning to require a member contribution in the event of rising costs. For perspective, nearly all public employee pension plans throughout the country require employees to contribute.

Questions? Consider These Free Webinars:

Tier 2 Choice Overview - Join us if you have questions about contribution rates or want to better understand your Tier 2 retirement choice.

Member Contributions - How the Tier 2 system is designed to ensure adequate funding and why member contributions will be required.