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Oct. 2025 DHH NewsletterThe JSD Teachers for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Team has created a monthly newsletter.  The full newsletter for this month 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 notetaker, 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.

  • Important Payroll Information - Oct. 2025Payroll Due: Oct. 2nd
  • View Your Paycheck: Oct. 20
  • Payday: Oct. 22

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES - ELEMENTARY - Oct. 1-2
COMP DAY - Oct. 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.


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY - SECONDARY - Oct. 3 (no students)


GRADE TRANSMITTAL DAY - Oct. 20 (no students)
All 206, 242, 245 employees must record a leave day if not in attendance


FALL RECESS
All Traditional, 206, 207 Contracts - Oct. 21 - Oct. 24
All 242, 245 Contracts - Oct. 23 - Oct. 24


CRITICAL DAYS
All Licensed and ESP Employees - October 17 & October 27
Please familiarize yourself with the Critical Day Policy. If applicable, the reason & the policy exception must be written in the time off description box.


Sub Payroll Deadlines
Pay Period: Sept. 16 - Sept. 30
Due: Sept. 30
Payday: Oct. 10
Pay Period: Oct. 1 - Oct. 5 Due: Oct. 15
Payday: Oct. 22
SCHOOLS: Subs should be verified weekly


True Time Deadlines
Pay Period: Sept. 1 - Oct. 5
EMPLOYEES: Timesheets should be submitted weekly to be paid on time
APPROVERS: Timesheets should be verified and approved weekly


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 at 801-567-8146 or contact Medicare directly 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,

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).

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Opportunities FlyerUSBE will be hosting multiple YMHFA trainings in 2025-2026 in which 7.5 USBE relicensure hours are available. This training establishes a foundational understanding of mental health. This is an excellent way to learn helpful gatekeeping skills when working with youth.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a curriculum that focuses on how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. YMHFA is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people, such as teachers, parents, and school staff. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.

Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

To learn more, download the Mental Health First Aid for Youth one-pager.

This training establishes a foundational understanding of mental health. It is important to note that school-based mental health specialists may possess advanced training that extends beyond the scope of this particular program.

  • WHO: Any school staff that work with students.
  • WHEN: Choose from several dates
    • Friday, Sept. 26, 2025
    • Friday, Oct. 24, 2025
    • Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025
    • Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026
    • Friday, Feb. 13, 2026
    • Friday, March 13, 2026
    • Wednesday, April 15, 2026
  • WHERE: Virtually, via Zoom
  • ACTION: Register in MIDAS

JEM Title: STRESS-LESS Seminars - PD Day Wellness OfferingsThe Wellness Team is excited to invite JSD employees to optional PD-day workshops designed to help you unwind, recharge and learn new skills to be Stress-LESS. 

Each PD Day afternoon from 1:30-3 p.m. there will be workshops with practical skills for managing stress in four key areas:

  • Money: Take control of your finances to reduce stress.
  • Mind: Find inner calm with mindfulness and mental health strategies.
  • Movement: Re-energize your body with physical activity.
  • Maintenance: Learn how to prioritize self-care and maintain a life that fosters wellness.

Expect practical tools and time to practice for each offering!

The following workshops are on Friday, Sept. 26 for Elementary PD Day and, again on Friday, Oct. 3 for Secondary PD Day:

Money Mind Movement Maintenance
Reducing Financial Stress and Navigating Credit with Cyprus Credit Union Cultivating Inner Peace to Reduce Stress Restorative Yoga for Stress Relief Time Management Tips for Stress Reduction
Reserve your spot on Eventbrite:
Sept. 26
Oct. 3
Register for the class and receive reminders. Reserve your spot on Eventbrite:
Sept. 26
Oct. 3
Register for the class and receive reminders. 
Cyprus Credit Union will offer an in-person seminar about managing your credit with prizes, swag, snacks and important information.  Attend an introspective virtual stress-reducing experience to help in navigating a turbulent world, presented by McKinley Withers. Join us for an in-person restorative yoga session for all experience levels, led by Annie Larson. Learn time management strategies with Michelle Reyes to help you find more balance and intention with your routines in a virtual class.
Cyprus Credit Union in Jordan Landing 3876 Center View Way, West Jordan, UT 84084 On Zoom South Jordan Middle School Yoga/Dance Portable10245 S 2700 W, South Jordan, UT 84095 On Zoom

Location changes or any other necessary information will be sent to those who register for classes. We kindly ask any participants who change their plans to please cancel your Eventbrite registration so waitlisted employees may attend. 


Google Workspace for Education Plus FlyerWe've recently upgraded to a Google Enterprise District, meaning there are several new tools to explore and implement in your classroom.  Digital Teaching & Learning is holding a training on Oct. 3 at Juniper Elementary to help you learn about the new Google  tools and how you can use them with students.  Please RSVP if you would like to attend the training.

  • Date: Oct. 3, 2025
  • Location: Juniper Elementary Tech Atrium
  • Time: 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Celebrating America 250 FlyerAs we approach America 250, the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, we have a unique opportunity to engage students in meaningful learning and memorable celebrations throughout the 2025-26 school year.

Activities and Engagement
We encourage each school to incorporate America 250 into the curriculum and school culture, making this milestone year unforgettable for all students.

Student Award Opportunity
Students also have the option to participate in a special America 250 Award program, designed to recognize student engagement, research, and creativity related to the anniversary. Details and how to participate can be found below.

Let’s work together to make America 250 a vibrant and inclusive celebration in every school. Thank you for your leadership and support in creating memorable learning experiences for our students.

If you have questions or want to share your school’s plans, please feel free to reach out to Kaye Rizzuto at 801-567-8320 or kaye.rizzuto@jordandistrict.org.

Jordan Innovation LabGet ready to create! The new Jordan Innovation Lab at Juniper Elementary School is a digital makerspace filled with exciting tools like 3D printers, ChompSaws,  and stop-motion cameras. Here, your classroom becomes a creative hub where students can develop new skills and bring their ideas to life. Although the new lab is located at Juniper Elementary, it is available to fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade students district-wide.

Use the link below to express your interest in taking a class to the Jordan Innovation lab.

iBoss Parent Portal Quick Start GuideAs we settle into the 2025-26 school year, Information Systems is excited to announce a new tool for our families: the iBoss Parent Portal App. This application is designed to give parents and guardians more control and visibility over their student’s internet use on their school-issued Chromebook. The application can be downloaded from either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, simply search for “iBoss Parent Portal” or use the links below to find it.

The iBoss Parent Portal App will allow parents to guide their student’s internet use in two primary ways:

  • View Browsing History: Parents will be able to review their student’s browsing history on the school Chromebook.
  • Scheduling Internet Access Outside of School Hours: The app allows parents to set specific schedules to restrict internet access on the device during designated times. This feature is particularly useful for establishing “no-screen” time overnight.

Below you will find a copy of the iBoss Parent Portal Quick Start Guide. This guide will be sent to parents from the office of Communications in the coming weeks. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with this guide.

Should parents have questions, they should be instructed to contact the school directly. For any questions you are unable to answer, please contact the Information Systems help desk at 801-567-8737 or extension 88737. You can also reach out to your school’s assigned tech for assistance with the app. We are here to support you in helping our families with this new tool.

Paycheck 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 Direct Deposit Setup 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:


Secondary Math Teachers,

Unlock the power of your math classroom with upcoming professional development opportunities. Please see the attached flyers for additional details and instructions on how to register for the course. We have extended our registration until Sept. 29, 2025.

  • Math Brilliance: Unleashing Student Strengths: Dive into asset-based teaching inspired by Transform Your Math Class Using Asset-Based Teaching.
  • Sparking Engagement: Turning Talk into Action: Discover research-backed strategies to spark student engagement and rich conversations.
  • BTC Next Level: Collaborate and Create: Collaborate with peers to design dynamic BTC lessons that deepen student thinking.

Join us to elevate your impact, foster inclusivity, and ignite a culture where all learners thrive. Don’t miss this opportunity to reimagine math education together!

Ballet West is pleased to offer a FREE First Look opportunities to students and teachers in Jordan School District.

First Look targets Jr. High and High school students, and educators, offering them a unique sneak peek into Ballet West's ongoing productions. Prior to the public opening, students attend pre-performance offerings, gaining insights into ballet's inner workings.

The program aims to familiarize students with ballet's evolution by showcasing complete ballets and repertory programs. Ballet West grants students an exclusive view of a performance's final dress rehearsal. A member of the Ballet West education staff lead pre-presentation discussions and intermission chats which enable students to recognize audience attributes, evaluate authenticity, substance and excellence, and engage in aesthetic activities.

Digital study guides align with the content of shorter school-hour performances, enriching students' experience. Overall, First Look enhances students' understanding of ballet, fostering aesthetic appreciation and personal growth through intimate exposure to the art form's intricacies.

We have the ability to accept groups as small as one or two students, teachers attending on their own, or large groups attending together. Parent chaperones are welcome as well. We’re very flexible. This must be arranged through the teacher of any particular group. Please share this opportunity with other faculty members who may be interested in taking advantage of this unique event for their students and themselves. You may request attendance at multiple offerings as well.

All Performances are at the Jesse Quinney Eccles Capitol Theater, 50 West 200 South, SLC, Utah

Reserve early – seating is limited. To reserve seats or for questions, please contact us at 801-869-6911 or at pchristie@balletwest.org

Groups of 40 or more may request a student/teacher workshop to supplement their attendance at a Ballet West First Look presentation. Availability is limited.

We would love to hear from you with any questions or comments regarding our programs, or for information, you can reach us at pchristie@balletwest.org or by calling us at 801-869-6911.

PDF available here: Ballet West First Look 2025-26

Romeo & Juliet
Timeless Shakespearean Tragedy! Romeo & Juliet featuring rebuilt sets and costumes, creates a visceral, immersive experience with dramatic sword fights, passionate pas de deux, and Prokofiev's memorable score. Choreographed by the acclaimed Michael Smuin, this theatrical production showcases why the narrative ballet has endured the test of time since its 1930 premiere.

  • Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, 6:30 p.m.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Mendelssohn’s enchanting score in the comedic adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream blends seamlessly into a magical forest filled with mischievous fairies and a comedic love story. Stravinsky’s dramatic arrangement sets the stage for the powerful masterwork of Les Noces, a revolutionary work by Bronislava Nijinska, one of the few prominent female choreographers of her era who empowered women and challenged cultural norms.

  • Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, 6:30 p.m.

Peter Pan
Soar into Neverland! This enchanting reimagining of Peter Pan features spectacular aerial choreography set to Sir Edward Elgar's sweeping score while delving into the adventurous story where shadows dance, mermaids enchant, and pirates entertain, all sprinkled with a magical layer of pixie dust. With costumes from Broadway great Jeanne Button, imaginative sets, and ethereal lighting, this spellbinding adventure will captivate audiences of all ages.

  • Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, 6:30 p.m.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
A new Family Classics Production! Witness the thrilling tale of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow come to life on stage in this family-friendly performance, complete with narration and running just over an hour.

  • Thursday, Mar 26, 2026, 6:15 p.m.

West Side Story: Broadway and Beyondz
Broadway on Stage with Legendary Choreographers! This captivating program brings legendary choreographers Jerome Robbins and Christopher Wheeldon paired with beloved musical scores that will stir the soul. From the theatrical West Side Story Suite to the heart-warming Carousel (A Dance) and mesmerizing gems of Antique Epigraphs and After the Rain Pas de Deux, comes a diverse evening of dance.

  • Thursday, April 9, 2026, 6:30 p.m.

*All performances are subject to change

**Romeo & Juliet: Principle Artists Katlyn Addison & Jordan Veit, The Dream: Artists of Ballet West, Peter Pan: Demi Soloist Lexie McCloud & Corps Artist William Lynch, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: Artist of Ballet West II, West Side Story Suite: Artists of Ballet West, and Photography by Beau Pearson

Teachers,

Unlock the power of your math classroom with upcoming professional development opportunities. Please see the links below for additional details and instructions on how to register for the course. Please note that registration closes on Sept. 22, 2025.

Math Brilliance: Unleashing Student Strengths: Dive into asset-based teaching inspired by Transform Your Math Class Using Asset-Based Teaching.

Sparking Engagement: Turning Talk into Action: Discover research-backed strategies to spark student engagement and rich conversations.

BTC Next Level: Collaborate and Create: Collaborate with peers to design dynamic BTC lessons that deepen student thinking.

Join us to elevate your impact, foster inclusivity, and ignite a culture where all learners thrive. Don’t miss this opportunity to reimagine math education together!

Mobilizing Math Instruction FlyerK-5 Teachers,
Join our professional development session on Sept. 26 from 1 - 3 p.m. at the ASB. Our training will focus on using iPads to teach the Open Up curriculum. Discover how to make your math teaching mobile, collect student work, and display and discuss student work in real time. Empower your students and transform your instruction. Please use the link below to register for the course.

We look forward to learning and growing with you!

Sept. 2025 Work Based Learning NewsletterWhat's happening in Work Based Learning?
Doc Brown and Marty McFly stopped by to kick off the Professional Development Day for the 2025-26 school year. The audience was encouraged to take "Back To Their Future" to heart and guide students towards meaningful work based learning experiences. Read on to check it out!  Here's what else is inside:

  • PD Day: WBL
  • CTSO Summer Comps
  • Junior Livestock Show
  • Internships
  • Teacher Resources
  • Curriculum/Training
  • Elementary Lessons
  • WBL Activity
  • YouScience
  • CTE Events
  • Social Media Links

Schools who are using UFLI this year are invited to join Teaching & Learning for a special UFLI collaboration meeting. Teachers and coaches will be able to connect with other educators throughout the district to share effective strategies for UFLI instruction. Reserve your spot by signing up at pd.jordandistrict.org.

  • Date: Sept. 26
  • Location: Auxiliary Services Building
  • Times: Grades K-1: 1:15-2:15 p.m. or 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Grades 2-3: 1:15-2:15 p.m. or 2:30-3:30 p.m.

UFLI Collaboration Meeting Flyer

PEHP Explanation of Benefits FlyerWhen you are using the health plan, the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is the most important document when it comes to the billing side of your care.  You either receive the EOB in the mail or you have access to them through the PEHP online portal. You elect how you receive this document.

Once you receive this document, match it up with a bill you receive from your provider and pay what PEHP states is "Your Responsibility".  It may not match what your provider's bill is showing but your provider receives the same information from PEHP.  If there is a portion that is not being covered it could be that PEHP needs additional information or your provider needs to write off the balance.

  • Billed Amount - The medical provider’s (e.g., doctor, hospital, or clinic) bill for your service.
  • Allowed Amount - The maximum fee allowable for a given procedure, test, device, or medication established by PEHP and accepted by In-Network Providers. Also referred to as “In-Network Rate.”
  • Amount Eligible - This is PEHP’s In-Network Rate. This is the most we allow in-network providers to charge for this service. However, out-of network providers may charge more than the In-Network Rate. Avoid paying more by using only providers in your network (go to www.pehp.org).
  • Deductable - The set amount you pay for eligible charges in a plan year before cost sharing takes place.
  • Coinsurance -  The percentage of the cost you must pay under your plan. You may already have paid this amount when you received services. If so, the provider’s bill may be lower than what’s shown on the EOB.
  • Copay - The fixed dollar amount you must pay under your plan. You may already have paid this amount when you received services. If so, the provider’s bill may be lower than what’s shown on the EOB.
  • Plan Payment - The part of the bill PEHP paid.
  • Claim Number - Keep this number as reference if you call PEHP about your claim.
  • Your Responsibility - The amount of the bill the provider expects you to pay. This is between you and the provider.

Please contact Insurance Services with any questions or concerns 801-567-8285 or insurance@jordandistrict.org

Evernorth Express Scripts websiteExpress Scripts is the pharmacy benefit manager or administrator of our drug benefit program. Evernorth is the parent company of Express Scripts. You may start seeing the name Evernorth more often. Nothing is going to change as far as the way you access your pharmacy benefit.   We simply want to make you aware so when you start seeing the name Evernorth you won't be confused.

If you have any questions, please contact  Insurance Services at insurance@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8146 and we will be happy to assist you.

Sample CardsThe open enrollment and migration to PEHP's new system should now be complete.  There have been many challenges and thank you so much for your patience.  Many employees received multiple PEHP Member ID Cards.  The Member ID Number should be the same on all cards.  If you received a set of cards that does not match the plan you enrolled in, please log into PEHP and verify the correct plan is showing in their system.

If for some reason you see it is not correct, please contact Insurance Services / 801-567-8285 / insurance@jordandistrict.org.

Years of Service Pins websiteJordan School District takes great pride in your work and the role you play in education. We are pleased to continue honoring you for your time spent working in the District with “Years of Service Pins.”

As you reach your next employee milestone, please visit the Years of Service Pins website to request the pin representing your completed years of service. Employees can receive a different pin for every five years of service up to 50 years. Remember to include part-time and full-time years!

All employees can request their next pin using the link below.  Here are the guidelines:

  • Full or part time employee years are eligible, but not as a volunteer or a student.
  • Every employee can request a first pin after they are hired. As you complete every five years of service, you are eligible to receive another pin.
  • If you have problems with the form, please send an e-mail to pins@jordandistrict.org.