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Junior Duck Stamp FlyerFor the last 30 years, the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation Program (JDS) has engaged students from kindergarten to high school seniors in scientific and wildlife observation through the arts. The contest is part of an art- and science-based curriculum teaching wetland and waterfowl conservation. However, students may participate in the art contest only. Please feel free to visit the JDS website for more information, including contest entry and reference forms and rules.

Utah's deadline is March 1, 2024.  This is a great opportunity for students to showcase their talents and learn about North American waterfowl and wetland habitats.

Please remember these important contest criteria. 

  • Entries must be 9” x 12” and less than ¼” thick.
  • Image layout must be horizontal.
  • No signatures, words, writing, or borders on the front.
  • Artwork must be original.*
  • Scenes should depict North American Waterfowl in their natural habitat.
  • Attach (tape) the signed entry form to the back of the entry.
  • Please send entries to Jill Shannon, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, 2155 West Forest Street, Brigham City, UT  84302.

*Please note, as a pilot program in Utah, we are accepting originally created digital artwork this year; however, there are a few extra rules and notes for these types of entries.

  • This is a Utah state level contest only. Entries cannot advance to the National Contest; thus, are ineligible for the scholarship.
  • All students who produce digital artwork must provide references for their works. Please use the reference form provided for Groups 3 and 4.
  • Include the computer program used to create the artwork on the entry form under Medium and Style Used.
  • Artwork must be the student's own creation, not completely computer or Artificial Intelligence generated.
  • Artwork must still be printable to the 9 inch by 12 inch contest standard for judging. PPI/DPI suggestion is 300.

Please see the 2023-24 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program and Art Contest brochure for the complete contest criteria.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Louise or Steve Brown or me via the emails or phone numbers listed below.

We look forward to seeing all the original artwork by March 1, 2024.

Contacts:
Steve Brown | 435-783-2221
Louise Brown | 435-901-1254
Utah Junior Duck Stamp Volunteer Coordinators

Jill Shannon | 435-265-2267
MTA Park Ranger | Utah State Coordinator - Federal Junior Duck Stamp

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Christmas Carol Sing AlongThe Larry H. & Gail Miller Family is excited to welcome the community to the annual free Christmas Carol Sing-Along Event featuring The National Parks. Guests will enjoy performances from national recording artists, The National Parks, and guest emcee, Yahosh Bonner of the Bonner Family. Music will be provided by the West Valley Symphony of Utah, under the direction of Donny Gilbert. Sterling Poulson will be our guest conductor. Santa Claus and the Jazz Bear will also stop by to join in on the festivities.

  • WHEN: Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 at 7 p.m.
  • WHERE: Delta Center | 301 S Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84101
  • WHAT: Larry H. Miller Holiday Concert and Community Sing-Along event | Free to the public | Holiday treats and complimentary gift coupons while supplies last | Song lyrics provided via QR code and displayed throughout the show
  • Delta Center Events | 39th Annual Larry H. Miller Christmas Carol Sing-Along

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Dec. 2023 Teaching & Learning NewsletterCheck out the attached flyer or use the links below for the latest updates from Teaching & Learning for December. Learn tips and tricks, sign up for upcoming PD, and learn about important updates from the T & L team.

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Dec. 2023 Language & Culture Services NewsletterWelcome back to another exciting school year! A lot is happening this quarter. Winter is closely approaching us, along with all the holidays. Daylight savings has made our days seem shorter.We will soon start to see colder weather, and hopefully some rain and snow.

We at LCS hope you and your loved ones can enjoy this holiday season that is quickly approaching us.

The full newsletter can be found at the link below. Stories include:

  • ELLevation Tips and Tricks - Did you know??? If you have an activity that you like, you can choose the Example tab, and select a grade level and content area. It will then give you ideas for incorporating that activity into your lesson!
  • Culture Corner - Teaching about different cultural holidays helps promote awareness, acceptance and diversity in our classrooms. How can you incorporate more culture in your classroom? November: Native American Heritage Month December: Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hannukah
  • Teaching Strategies - Have you ever used the Magic Switch setting on Canva? This allows you to translate a document that was made within Canva by a click of a button. You can choose from 130 different languages. Also, it allows you to translate certain part of your document, while other parts can be in a different language. This really allows educators to translate documents for our ML students easily.
  • Reflective Questions - How much do I really listen to my learners? Do I engage in active observation in my classroom, paying attention to subtle nuances and dynamics among my learners? In my interactions with my learners? Can I describe my own cultural conditioning? For example, what cultural values affect how I behave and communicate with others? What are some of my core beliefs and how have they been culturally influenced?
  • ELD Lead Celebration - Heidi Rivera is a kindergarten teacher & ELD Lead at Riverton Elementary. She works closely with the ML students and helps them develop language proficiency and prepares them for WIDA. She has done a great job of creating a sense of belonging among the ML students and has contributed to a great sense of community and culture among Riverton Elementary.

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The postings for next year's BYU CFA for Elementary are now open.  It is required that you apply for both the internal Jordan School District posting, found on AppliTrack, and the BYU posting on Yjobs.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree required, Master's preferred
  • Public school teaching experience in grades K-6. Experience as a mentor/cooperating teacher to teacher candidates
  • Submit application to Jordan job posting
  • Attach three letters of recommendation
  • Attach a current resume or vita, AND
  • Submit application to BYU Yjobs posting

Applications are due by 5pm on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. For additional information about this position please see the description on BYU Yjobs.

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Don't take the bait! Watch this catchy video to learn how to NOT get caught by a phishing attack!  Here are some helpful hints to avoid getting hooked:

  • Verify the sender's identity with a 2nd method of communication.
  • Remember, phone numbers and email addresses can be spoofed.
  • Report suspicious emails to security@jordandistrict.org or call the help desk at 801-567-8737.

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On Nov. 28, after careful consideration, the Board has reduced the length of the contract requirement following the use of maternity/paternity days.

Retroactive applied to 07/01/2023, an employee using maternity/paternity leave days shall agree in writing to repay compensation at his/her daily rate of pay for maternity/parent leave used or granted if he/she terminates employment with the District for other than medical reasons before completion of the current contract year.  All other provisions listed in the Maternity/Parent Leave Policy still apply.

If you have further questions, please see the updated policy DP380-Maternity/Parent Leave or contact the HR Generalist at rebecca.eastman@jordandistrict.org.

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  • Paycheck iconWinter Recess
    Traditional and 206 contracts Dec. 22 – Jan. 1
    242 contracts Dec. 25 – Jan. 1
    245 contracts Dec. 25, 26 & Jan. 1
    *Work resumes for all employees on Jan 2, 2024
    (Professional Day, no students - If absent, a leave day is required in Skyward)
  • Critical Days
    Licensed Dec. 21 only
    ESP Dec. 21 & Jan. 3

As Per DP335B and DP335NEG: Licensed and ESP employees using an Annual/Personal leave day on Critical Days will be docked (Licensed $156 or ESP 40% of their daily rate) unless the leave reason and the policy exception are written in the time off description box. Please refer to policy for further clarification.

  • Payroll Due: Dec. 4
  • Direct Deposit Changes by Dec. 8
  • View Paycheck: Dec. 20
  • Pay Day: Dec. 22

*The Payroll Dept will be closed at the end of Dec. 22- Jan. 1

True Time Deadlines

  • Date Range Nov. 6 – Dec. 3
    *True Time should be submitted and approved weekly
  • Employee Submittal: Dec. 6
  • First Approva: Dec. 8
  • Final Approval: Dec. 12

Substitute Deadlines

Date Range Due Payday
Nov. 16 - Nov. 30 Dec. 1 Dec. 8
 Dec. 1 - Dec. 15 Dec. 15 Dec. 22

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Holiday Decorations Safety TalkSafety during the Holiday Season
Holiday decorations add a joyous and festive mood to the holiday season, but when holiday decorations are not used properly they can turn from festive to fiery in a split second.

Jordan School District would like everyone to follow a few safety tips when decorating to avoid a tragic holiday and keep everyone safe.

Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

  • All decorations must not exceed the fire code requirements for combustible materials in schools, no more than 20% of the hallways and 50% of the classroom can be covered with combustible materials, with no combustible path from the floor to the ceiling. Three-dimensional decorations (crumpled paper trees, ceiling suspended decorations, etc.) should not be permitted within the school.
  • Do not place decorations in areas where it will obstruct or hinder persons exiting the area in the event of an emergency.
  • Do not use open flame candles, candle warmers, or wax melting devices in JSD buildings.
  • Christmas, string, twinkle lights must be used in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and should not be plugged in when unattended. The use of LED lights is recommended over incandescent bulbs (due to the lack of heat buildup). The lights should also be UL Listed. Lights are to be used on a temporary basis.
  • Inspect all lights, light cords and extension cords before using and replace any frayed or damaged cords and/or worn sets of lights or those with loose connections.
  • Live Christmas Trees and Live wreaths are prohibited. Flame resistant artificial Christmas trees and other decorations are allowed but cannot block or impede emergency egress.
  • Keep all decorations and displays away from ignition sources such as electrical panels, heating services or anything that may produce an open flame or high heat.
  • Maintain an 18” clearance between sprinkler heads and decorations.
  • No decorations or lights may be attached or hung across ceilings, from sprinkler heads, sprinkler system piping, smoke detectors or heat detectors. Decorations may be hung on perimeter walls.
  • Decorations cannot obstruct access to or visibility of exits, exit signs, fire alarm pull stations, alarm panels or fire extinguishers.
  • Decorations must be affixed or mounted in such a way as to prevent damage to doors, ceilings, walls or
    floors.

These are some tips to follow to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

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As an employee of Jordan School District (JSD), you are entitled to take advantage of federal law which allows employees to improve their retirement benefits by voluntarily participating in their own Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) program. With a TSA, you can set aside a certain amount of tax-deferred money each month toward your retirement.

Utah Retirement Systems (URS)
All employees are able to contribute into a retirement savings plan. If you are a contracted employee, a portion of your state retirement plan with the Utah Retirement Systems (URS) is in the form of a percentage contribution paid by the District into a 401(k) account. Also, all employees can increase their retirement benefit by contributing funds into a URS 401(k) account, a URS 457 plan, as well as a post-tax Roth or Traditional IRA. As an employee of JSD, these services are provided free of charge. URS does not endorse any outside financial advisors. Please beware of any financial advisor claiming to be affiliated with URS, or attempting to provide detailed information about URS. Information and forms regarding the 401(k), 457, Roth and Traditional IRA savings plans are available at www.urs.org.

403(b) Plan
You also have the option to begin a 403(b) plan with one of the various companies offering TSA programs. You may visit JSD’s third party administrator, National Benefit Services (nbs), website at nbsbenefits.com/403b for additional information.

Jordan School District does not endorse nor guarantee the performance of any TSA plan or company. Your participation is strictly voluntary and at your own risk.

We understand employees have been receiving emails, phone calls, and even personal visits to schools from individuals claiming to be associated with JSD or URS. As a reminder, vendors are not to solicit business from individuals during contract time. Furthermore, we strongly encourage employees to contact URS with their questions about URS benefits. The safety and security of our employees and their sensitive information is a paramount concern for Jordan School District (JSD). With an uptick in scams, please remember to be on the lookout and take extra precautions before responding to requests for information.

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Plants growing in investment jars401k & 403b, 457 Elective Deferral Limit
$23,000
$30,500 - catch up limit $7,500 (age 50 or over)

Traditional and Roth IRA Contribution Limit
$7,000
$8,000 - catch up limit $1,000 (age 50 or over)

Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution Limit
$4,150 single coverage
$5,150 - catch up limit $1,000 (age 55 or over)

$8,300 family coverage
$9,300 - catch up limit $1,000 (age 55 or over)

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2023-24 Do The Write Thing Challenge - Instructions for Classroom TeachersThe Utah State Board of Education is announcing the 2023-24 Do the Write Thing Challenge, which offers middle school students the opportunity to examine the impact of youth violence on their lives and communicate in writing what they think should be done to change the culture of violence.

The contest is open to middle school students. Please share this information with your middle schools/middle school students. The entry submission deadline is Friday, January 12, 2024.

For more information, including an instructions package on how to participate, classroom planning lessons, and work from previous years, visit the Do the Write Thing Challenge Page or contact Millie Mortensen or Cuong Nguyen.

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Dear Teacher Friends,

During this Thanksgiving season, I want to express my gratitude for the passion, dedication, and service you bring to your profession. The significance of your challenging work and the pivotal role you play in shaping our state’s rising generation cannot be overstated. Not only do you educate, but you also mentor, counsel, and inspire our children. I am deeply grateful for each one of you!

My unwavering goal remains to support your mental health and equip you with the enduring skills you need. Having been a former special education teacher, I understand the demands of your job, and I am committed to ensuring you feel supported and appreciated.

As we approach the 2024 legislative session, I urge you to reach out to your local legislators. Share with them your triumphs, challenges, and your personal stories. At our last Show Up for Teachers conference, we witnessed the power and transformation that arose from conversations between legislators and teachers. Our collective voices can further elevate your profession.

Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving season,
Abby Cox

SAVE THE DATE!
Teachers at conference

Show Up for Teachers Conference
July 9, 2024 | Mountain America Expo Center

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Multiple Federal agencies are investigating numerous fraud schemes targeting the unemployment insurance (UI) programs across the United States.  Fraudsters, some of which are transnational criminal organizations, are using the stolen identities of U.S. citizens to open accounts and file fraudulent claims for benefits, exploiting the unprecedented expansion of the benefits provided in response to economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Many victims of this crime have no knowledge that criminals have applied for UI benefits in their name.  You may only discover that you were a victim of this crime upon seeing the following red flags:

  1. You are told by a current or former employer that a UI claim has been submitted with your information;
  2. You did not apply for UI benefits, but you receive a determination letter from your state or another state regarding a UI claim filed under your name;
  3. You receive a notification that you failed the security verification process for your UI claim;
  4. You file a lawful UI claim and you receive a notice that your claim was rejected because the state has already received a claim under your name.

The District Human Resource department is taking immediate steps to address suspected fraudulent claims.  These include:

  • Contacting current employees to verify if the employee filed a UI claim.
  • Immediately notifying the state agency of confirmed fraud claims.
  • Providing impacted employees steps to follow to report fraud.

For more information or if you believe you may be impacted, please visit the following websites for information on reporting fraud and protecting your credit.

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2023 JATC South Winter Sale FlyerThe JATC South Greenhouse is holding a winter sale on poinsettias and cacti in a variety of colors.  The flowers are available for purchase from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m on days when school is in session, until Dec. 21 or while supplies last.

  • 6” Poinsettias - $7
    Available in Premium Red, Prestige Red, Glitter, Pink, Marble, Ice Punch, White and Winter Rose.
  • 8.5” Poinsettia - $13
    Available in premium red, winter rose, white, and glitter.
  • Christmas Cactus - $4
    Available in pink, red, orange and purple.

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Money IconDue to the District Office closing for Thanksgiving Recess at the end of the day on Wednesday, Nov. 22, and not returning until Monday, Nov. 27, the Payroll Department is making the following recommendations:

  1. If you need to close your bank account, please call Payroll immediately.
  2. If you are a True Time employee, make sure your time is submitted. If you are a True Time approver, please make sure all time is approved. Attached are instructions on how to view your True Time Status and History.
  3. Paychecks are available for viewing in Employee Access on Saturday, Nov. 18. Please review your pay check and call Payroll at 801-567-8155 immediately with any questions or concerns.  Attached are instructions on how to view your paycheck in Employee Access on Skyward. If you need help logging into your Employee Access, call the help desk at 801-567-8737.
  4. Payday is on Nov. 22.

The Payroll Department will resume work on Nov. 27 and will be available if you have any questions.

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2023 JEF Christmas for Kids FlyerThe holiday season is fast approaching!  And with that comes one of the best events of the year!  JEF CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS!

Christmas for Kids provides a little bit of Christmas cheer for students in Jordan District that would otherwise go without during the holiday season.

These deserving students are carefully selected by school counselors, administrators and Jordan School District specialists due to extreme need and personal circumstances.

Please consider giving your time and resources this year to support a deserving middle or high school student in Jordan District!

Visit our website for more information and to register to chaperone or donate.

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Two-Step Verification for your Jordan School District Google account will soon be required. You can take an active role in securing your account by enabling this feature before that time.

How to Enable Two-Step Verification:

  1. Go to Google's Two-Step Verification setup page.
  2. Follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to complete the setup. You can choose your preferred method for receiving verification codes, be it Google prompts on an iOS or Android device, text message, or a voice call.
  3. Complete the verification process the first time you login on a NEW device. Once logged in, it will not be necessary to verify your account unless you login on a new device/browser or clear your cache and cookies.

Why Enable Two-Step Verification Now?

  1. Immediate Protection
  2. Prevent Potential Issues: Minimize loss of access to your Google account BEFORE Two-Step Verification becomes mandatory.

How to Get Support with Two-Step Verification:
If you have any trouble during the setup process or have questions, our help desk is ready to assist you. Don't hesitate to reach out to them at extension 88737.  Below are instructions and a video tutorial to guide you through enabling 2-Step Verification. Lastly, on the day that 2-Step Verification becomes required for your school, there will be support staff from Information Systems at your school to help with those that have not yet enabled 2-Step Verification.

We highly recommend that you enable this important security enhancement BEFORE it becomes mandatory, as you may lose access to your Google account if you haven't enabled it by the required date. This proactive step will not only protect your account but also contribute to the overall cybersecurity of your school.