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K-5 Teachers,

If you have not received training on the Open Up Math curriculum. Please sign up for our final training of the year using this link.

Training Details:

  • Day 1: Oct. 29, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
    ASB Presentation Room (Entrance C)
    Lunch will be on your own.
  • Day 2: Nov. 10
    (Half-day, grade-level sessions; details coming soon)

In these sessions we will dive deeper into evidence-based practices in mathematics, explore high-quality instructional mathematics materials, and gain strategies to strengthen your own student-centered learning environment.

We look forward to learning together and continuing to build a strong mathematics community!

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Don’t Stop Believin’ – Strong Passwords & MFA Keep Hackers Out
This week, we’re crankin’ up the synths and spotlighting Password Strength & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Just like a hit song from the 80’s, your password should be unforgettable — but not predictable. And with MFA backing you up, even hackers can’t remix their way into your account. 🎶

 👉 Watch the video here.

🎤 Password Hits of the 80’s (What Makes a Strong Track)

  • Make it long: At least 12 characters. The longer, the stronger.
  • Mix it up: Use uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols — like layering tracks in a song.
  • Avoid repeats: Don’t reuse the same password across accounts. One hit wonder? Great. One password everywhere? Not so much.
  • Skip the obvious: No birthdays, pet names, or “Password123.” That’s like playing the same three chords over and over.

🎶 MFA: The Backup Vocals That Save the Show

Even the strongest password can fall flat without backup. That’s where MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) comes in:

  • Something you know (your password).
  • Something you have (your phone or a verification code).
  • Together, they make your login as solid as an 80’s power ballad.

Turn it on for your Google account and any other service that offers it.

So before you hit “login,” think like a pop star: make your password strong, let MFA sing backup, and keep the hackers off your stage. 🌟

Don’t stop believin’… in cybersecurity!

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PEHP is doing their part to assist us to keep our claim costs down. This will help the District maintain the best medical plan possible and limit premium increases. If you participate in this program it saves both you and our plan money. PEHP has made updates to a program so you can either get cash back or pay a minimal $45 copay for high cost services. If you have met your out-of-pocket maximum the cash back is still available.

PEHP recently launched the Cash Back/Copay map to help members quickly identify where to go for the best value. It’s based on common surgeries and imaging procedures that can be done outside of a hospital facility, such as knee surgeries, colonoscopies, MRIs, and more. This new program runs alongside existing benefits to reward employees for making smart choices with their healthcare.

Here’s how it works when a member gets service at a facility included in this program:

Traditional Plans
(Automatic — No application needed)

  • Pay no more than $45 copay for all services — no deductible, no hidden fees.
  • Always earn cash back for certain preventive services (e.g., colonoscopy) at select locations.
  • After reaching Out-of-Pocket Maximum, additional cash back may be earned.
 High Deductible Plan 
(Application required)

  • Starts with cash back, once deductible is met, pay no more than a $45 copay until out-of-pocket max is met.
  • After reaching Out-of-Pocket Maximum, additional cash back may be earned.
  • Always earn cash back for certain preventive services (e.g., colonoscopy) at select locations.

To access the Cash Back/Copay Map, log in to your PEHP account and look for it under the Find Providers & Costs menu.

If you have any questions, please reach out to PEHP directly 801-366-7555 or Insurance Services at 801-567-8146 or insurance@jordandistrict.org.

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Fall 2025 DTL Big Six Winter Classes FlyerDigital Teaching and Learning wants to help teachers become Big Six certified this year. Preference will be given to first time DTL participants. The deadline apply for participation this year is Oct. 12. Our program includes stipends as teachers complete various steps in working with Big Six tools in their classrooms. As they complete each step, in order, teachers will receive that stipend.  Stipends are available for completing each step of the program (up to $600).

  • Multiple Part Program (Online Classes and In-Person Activities)
  • Online class begins: Oct. 13, 2025
  • Signup by: Oct. 12

Step 1-Complete the Big Six Certification Course
Our Big Six Certification Course provides teachers with an overview of each tool and helps participants demonstrate classroom application for each. Teachers must complete all assignments and submit them in Canvas to qualify for the stipend ($100). This seven-week course begins on Oct.13, 2025.

Step 2-Earn a Certification for One Big Six Tool
Starting in Jan. 2026, complete the JSD technology course for one of the Big Six tools and pass the certification requirement for that tool. Connect with your Digital Learning Specialist to develop a tech-enhanced lesson using an activity with the digital tool from your course. These lessons should be reviewed by the specialist and submitted in Canvas along with a reflection about your teaching experience ($350).

Step 3 - Teach your peers in a Tech PD Training
The final step in your technology journey involves teaching your colleagues in a PD in-service. Share your technology knowledge by leading a Tech Training in your building about the skill(s) you developed this year. Work with your Digital/Instructional Coach to coordinate your presentation and submit your assignment/reflection in Canvas ($150).

For questions about the program, please contact Jared Covili, Digitial Teaching and Learning Consultant, at jared.covili@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8191.

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Oct. 2025 Wellness Offerings FlyerComplete the survey to offer Wellness Classes
The Wellness Team is looking for employees who might be interested in offering wellness classes to our employees this year. These could be group fitness classes (Pilates, dance, Yoga, etc.) or hobby/creativity classes (sourdough, cooking, knitting, pottery, etc.). We are open to YOUR unique interests and skills and would love to create opportunities for you to share them with your colleagues!

Please fill out this brief form to apply to offer wellness classes to District employees.

We are hoping to provide a broad variety of wellness offerings throughout the year, including on Wellness Day (Friday, Feb. 6), PD Day afternoons, before and after school, and even during breaks. Complete the form indicating your preferences and needs to offer the class, and the Wellness Team will be in touch with you!

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Fall 2025 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 held in the media center.

  • West Jordan Middle | Thursday, Oct. 16 | 4 - 5:30 p.m.
  • Fort Herriman Middle | Thursday, Nov. 13 | 3:30 - 5 p.m.

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Teachers,

Thanks so much to everyone who joined in the October Mastery Connect Practice Assessment! It’s been awesome to see how much your classes are growing and to hear about all the fun things happening across the District. We’re excited to highlight some top-performing schools and classes.  You can check out the results in the digital newsletter and on the paper copy coming in District mail.

Next up, the November benchmark assessment is required for all teachers. If your class meets the Nov. 7 goal, you’ll get a special visit from some surprise guests and a Planet Kindergarten Prize Pack! Also, principals whose schools hit the goal will also be celebrated at the principals’ meeting.

If you have any questions, check out our FAQ or just reach out.  We would love to support you to reach this goal in any way we can.

Thanks for everything you do!

The Literacy Team

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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. 26-28, 2025 Nov. 25 and Dec. 1, 2025 Oct. 12 – Oct. 22, 2025
Thanksgiving Recess
(ESP)		 Nov. 27-28, 2025 Nov. 25 and Dec. 1, 2025 Oct. 13 – Oct. 23, 2025

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National Board Certification is a powerful and rewarding journey that recognizes and validates your expertise in the classroom. This is more than a credential; it's a commitment to professional excellence and an opportunity to lead and inspire.

We invite you to a special orientation meeting to learn how you can pursue this incredible distinction. This cohort is for anyone new to the journey AND those who have already started. We'll demystify the process and ensure you don't have to go it alone. Our district offers a supportive candidate cohort that provides a community for you to learn, share, and grow together. With your peers, you'll be able to work through challenges and celebrate every success.

You will leave this meeting with a clear, personalized plan for success. It's time to chart your path and take the next step.

  • When: Oct. 13 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
  • Where: ASB Auditorium

In this orientation, we will:

  • Dive into the 4 components of NBCT
  • Develop a plan for your NBCT journey
  • Receive access to the JSD NBCT Canvas Resources
  • Discuss requirements for applying for your own Professional Learning Facilitator (mentor)

Before attending this orientation, we recommend reviewing these NBCT Homeroom Session 1 materials to make the most of your time:

Questions? Contact:  Amy Wood, NBCT JSD NBCT District Facilitator at amy.wood@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8136.

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Verify but Trust – Protect Data and Privacy in Google Drive
This week, we’re droppin’ the beat and focusing on Data Protection & Privacy. Before you hit “Share” in Google Drive, make sure you’re sharing smart. Just like in rap — every word matters, and once it’s out, you can’t take it back. 🎶

👉 Watch the video here


🎧 Rappin’ Rules for Keepin’ Data Tight
When you’re about to share a doc, slide, or sheet, remember the golden phrase:

“Verify but trust.” 🎤

  • Who really needs this file? Verify it.
  • Do they need editing rights or just view-only? Verify it.
  • Is “Anyone with the link” turned on? 🚫 Stop the beat — verify it.
  • Are you sharing outside the District? Double-check — verify it.

If you can’t verify it, don’t trust it.
🔒 How to Lock Down Your Flow

  • Check your audience: Use the Share button to see who’s in the crowd.
  • Pick the right role: Viewer, Commenter, or Editor — not everyone deserves the mic.
  • Stick with District accounts: Keep collabs inside the Jordan School District whenever possible.
  • End the session: Remove access when the show’s over — old invites shouldn’t linger backstage.

Your files are like your verses — once they leak, you can’t take ‘em back. So before you drop that link, pause and say it with us:

🎶 Verify but trust, verify but trust. 🎶

Protect privacy, respect the data, and keep our District info safe.

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Oct. 2025 Teaching & Learning 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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Oct. 2025 Multilingual Family Night FlyerLanguage & Culture Services wants to celebrate our 2025 WIDA graduates. Our students work hard and we want to celebrate their linguistic greatness in reaching level 4.2 overall and level 3.5 on the speaking section in WIDA.

Come and watch our students receive awards and see them perform. Find out about parent resources, information about WIDA and get a free dinner.

Please come out and celebrate with your students and their families.

  • When: Oct. 16 | 6 - 8 p.m.
  • Where: West Jordan Middle

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STRESS-LESS: Credit Demystified with Cyprus Credit Union FlyerCredit can feel as confusing as deciphering student handwriting — but it doesn’t have to be! Taught by the experts at Cyprus Credit Union, “Credit Demystified” takes the mystery out of your credit score and gives you clear, simple steps to set yourself up for success. All participants will receive:

  • Expert guidance on navigating credit
  • Individual Swig drink, ordered upon arrival Swig Cookies
  • A small gift from Cyprus Credit Union
  • A fun raffle!

Register on Eventbrite using the link below.

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Jordan School District Employees are responsible for knowing and adhering to all District policies and procedures. The annual Crucial Concerns and Policy Review is now available to District employees in Skyward through "Online Forms." As a condition of continued employment, all employees, with the exception of minor students, are required to complete the review by Nov. 1, 2025.

Employees may access this policy review via their Employee Access in Skyward. If you need assistance in accessing Skyward, please call the help desk at 801-567-USER (8737).

Please see the attached Tutorial if you need additional assistance in accessing or completing the review.

We thank you for your prompt attention to this required training

Crucial Policy Review
To complete the required Policy Review, login to your Employee Access account. A link to the login page can be found at jordandistrict.org, select Faculty and Staff, then select Employee Access (Skyward). If you need help with your login ID or password, contact the Help Desk at 801-567-8737.
Employee Access MenuIf you have not completed your Policy Review, you will see the screen below. Click the Policy Review link.
Policy Review Link
If you have not completed your Policy Review, you will see the screen below. Click the Policy Review link. The Policy Review can also be accessed by selecting Employee Information/Online Forms.
Online Forms Link

Begin the Policy Review by clicking the link for each step. A PDF or video will open. When completed with each step, click on the next step, or click the Next button at the bottom of the page. At any time you may select Close and Finish Later to complete the Policy Review at a later time.Policy Group A WindowOn the next to the last step, you are required to provide your electronic signature, acknowledging you have reviewed the policies. Select Yes in the required boxes, then enter the date you are completing the form. Click next to go to the final step.Crucial Policies AcknowledgementCheckmark the box indicating you have completed the Policy Review, then click the Finish button.Completed checkmark and Finish Button

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Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Because this is a team effort, we want to increase everyone’s awareness around this topic. In each weekly JEM throughout the month of October we will feature brief articles discussing methods we can all implement to improve security for ourselves and for our students.

This week, we’re turning up the twang and focusing on Recognizing and Reporting Phishing. Jordan School District is pleased to present this toe-tapping video that shows you what to look out for when it comes to phishing — delivered in true country style. 🎶

🚩 A Few “Country Clues” for Spotting a Phish
When that email comes rollin’ in, ask yourself:

  • Is it tryin’ to rush ya? (“I’m stuck in a meetin’, send me your password real quick!”)
  • Is it askin’ for things nobody should ever ask in an email (like personal info, money transfers, or gift cards)?
  • Is it written rough — with misspelled words and bad grammar?
  • Is it vague as a tumbleweed blowin’ across the prairie?
  • Did it come from a shady address that just doesn’t sit right?

If any of these sound familiar, partner, you may have a phishing email on your hands.

🛡 What To Do When the Phish Come Knockin’

  • Look for the orange bubble: That means it came from outside Jordan School District.
  • Heed Google’s warnings: A big yellow or red banner means “slow down, this ain’t right.”
  • Use the Stop Sign: Report it as spam right in Gmail — let Google wrangle it.
  • Call for backup: Forward it to security@jordandistrict.org so our team can take a closer look.

No one will fault you for being cautious. Just like the song says — don’t get hooked. 🎣 Think Before You Click! And remember, if you’ve got any doubts, holler at Information Systems for help.

You have some great tools available to help prevent this. Check them out below.

Inbox Sample

If the email came from an address outside of Jordan School District, the email will have this orange bubble. Suspicious emails will also have a large yellow or red banner, depending on how suspicious Google thinks the email is.

If the email is something you never want to see again, you can click the ‘Stop Sign’ next to the trash can to report the email as spam. Gmail will take care of it from there. You could also forward the email to security@jordandistrict.org to have the email scanned and verify if it is malicious or not.

No one will fault you for being cautious with emails.

Think Before You Click! and reach out to Information Systems at 801-567-8737 for help if you have any doubts about the legitimacy of an email.

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Teachers, School Counselors, and Aides...

The JSD Work Based Learning team was tasked with helping students discover and explore careers at an earlier age. Here's what we created! Nine 30-minute Career Exploration lessons that coincide with the monthly CTE Career Spotlight posters (near most of your lunch rooms) with K-3 grade options and 4-6 grade options. Lesson plans include:

  • Slide Deck with videos for class discussion
  • Fun Activity that is easy to present

We've also created exciting new math worksheets and career-based story problems for your elementary students, directly related to the CTE Career Spotlight posters. You can find this month's lesson and all future ones by visiting the Elementary Career Exploration Lessons page at cte.jordandistrict.org. Please reach out to jennifer.price2@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!

October's Spotlight: Forensic scientist

Forensic Scientist Graphic

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In order to make the most of the available features in our Districtwide Canva deployment, we migrated to a new Canva structure on Friday, Sept. 26. No content has been lost; as part of this migration you have been added to one or more new Canva teams, corresponding to the school(s) with which you’re associated (or a “Staff & Admin” team, for staff not based at a school).

Here’s what you need to know:
We have re-labeled our existing district team to “Archive: Jordan School District”. You’ll always be able to access this content by toggling between teams. You’ll also be able to access your new school-based team by toggling in the same way. See this guide for information on switching between teams.

We recommend you copy your content from this Archive team over to your new school-based team. You’ll get the best Canva features in these new teams, and will best able to collaborate in your school team with the students and staff associated with that school. View the guide below for instructions on how to copy Canva content to your new team.

District-wide staff: you may not have been automatically added to your new Staff & Admin team. Please log out and log back in to Canva in order to be added to this team.

If you encounter any other issues with Canva, please contact our Digital Teaching and Learning Team or the Canva Support team. If you have any questions, please contact Jared Covili, jared.covili@jordandistrict.org.
Switching Teams and Copying to Another Team Flyer

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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.

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  • 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