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Dec. 2024 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:

Ambient Noise - You just heard the classroom door close. As a hearing person, you glean information from this. You learn that someone just entered or exited the room. Maybe this means it’s okay to use the restroom… or someone is going home sick… or a service provider has taken a student out of class… What information would you be missing if you never heard this noise?

You hear students whispering in the corner of the room. Perhaps they are telling a joke… maybe sharing answers on the quiz… maybe they are poking fun at someone… What information is being missed if you don’t have access to this conversation?

Incidental Learning - Incidental learning happens any time a student gleans information beyond the learning outcome. Because DHH students don’t overhear conversations, they miss out on a lot of incidental learning. Thus, it is vital that no question be considered inappropriate. You may be the only exposure the student has had to this information.

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

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Each year, the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals (UAESP) gives the Jordan Association of Elementary School Principals (JAESP) the opportunity to celebrate elementary principals for the great work they are doing in their schools. The categories are:

  • Distinguished Principal of the Year
  • Distinguished Assistant Principal of the Year
  • Rookie of the Year
  • Innovator of the Year
  • Community Leader of the Year
  • Student Advocate Principal of the Year
  • Instructional Leader of the Year
  • Principal Mentor of the Year

If you feel that an elementary principal or assistant principal has done exceptional work, we invite you to nominate them for an award by clicking on the link below.

This survey closes on Dec. 11, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

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

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

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

School Holiday Date of Holiday Critical Days Window
Martin Luther King
Licensed & ESP		 Jan. 20, 2025 Jan. 17 and 22, 2025 Dec. 7 – Dec. 17, 2024
  • Licensed Annual/Personal Leave Taken Before or After a Holiday
  • ESP Annual/Personal Leave Taken Before or After a Holiday

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Save the Date! - Show Up for Teachers ConferenceFirst Lady Abby Cox and the Ivory Foundation are dedicated to supporting and advocating for Utah's educators throughout the year. The pinnacle of their efforts is the annual Show Up for Teachers Conference, where teachers come together to empower and celebrate the education community.

The 4th Annual conference, focused on educator mental health and well-being, will be held on July 10, 2025 at the Mountain America Expo Center.

Full-time educators throughout Utah are invited to register beginning on March 3, 2025.

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A Note from Utah First Lady Abby CoxDear Teacher Friends,

Thank you for your incredible dedication in the classroom, our community, and your homes. I deeply appreciate your efforts in every aspect of your lives – not only for your students, but for everyone in your sphere of influence. As the busy holiday season approaches, I hope you find joy and support in your connections with colleagues, family, and friends.

My teacher training has given me a glimpse into the challenges you face daily, and I'm committed to providing you with the support and resources you need to thrive. My goal is to empower you, ignite your resilience, and positively transform the narrative surrounding the teaching profession.

As we look ahead to the 2025 legislative session, I encourage you to reach out to your local legislators and build relationships with them. Share your personal stories, classroom successes, and ideas for how they can support you. By collectively sharing the positive impact educators have on our state, we can forge strong alliances with policymakers and community leaders.

Wishing you a joyful and rejuvenating Thanksgiving season.

Warmly,
Abby Cox

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Important Payroll Information – Dec. 2024Payroll Due: Dec. 3
view Your Paycheck: Dec. 18
Payday: Dec. 20 
The Payroll department will be closed Dec. 24, 2024 - Jan. 1, 2025

Winter Recess
All Traditional, 206/207 Contracts: Dec. 23, 2024 - Jan. 3. 2025
All 242 Contracts: Dec. 24, 2024 - Jan. 1, 2025
All 245 Contracts: Dec. 24 - Dec. 26 & Jan. 1, 2025 (245 works Dec. 27, 30, 31)

Critical Days: Dec. 20, 2024 & Jan. 6, 2025
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.

When Entering Time Off
Please use the date range feature if requesting more than one day off. If you don’t use the date range, please enter only one day per date entry.

REMINDER
Per DP324 Sick leave is only to be used for yourself. If you need to take a day off work for a sick child or spouse, you must use an annual day.

Sub Payroll Deadlines
Pay Period: 11/16-11/30 Due: 12/2 Payday: 12/10
Pay Period: 12/2-12/13 Due: 12/13 Payday: 12/20
SCHOOLS: Please ensure Subs are verified weekly

True Time Deadlines
Pay Period: 11/4-12/1
EMPLOYEES: Please submit your timesheets at the end of each work week
APPROVERS: Please ensure you are approving time sheets weekly for accuracy Important Payroll Information December 2024

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The Payroll Department would like to remind all employees to submit a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate, if your filing status, other income, deductions, or credits have changed or will change for the next year.  Also, employees should submit a new Form W-4 if they made a mid-year change based on their use of the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator available at apps.irs.gov/app/tax-withholding-estimator. These mid-year changes may under or over withhold for the next full calendar year.

Even though the IRS does not require all employees to complete a new Form W-4 and even if your tax situation has not changed, we recommend you perform a “paycheck checkup” to see if you need to make any adjustments to your current withholding.

Please note: if you do not submit a new form, withholding will continue based on your previously submitted form, unless you are claiming exempt. If you have been claiming exempt, you must file a new W-4 at the beginning of the year by February 15, 2025 in order to maintain exempt status.

The IRS has also published General FAQs that you may find helpful as you complete the form at irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-on-the-2020-form-w-4. W-4 forms can be filed at any time in the Payroll Department and are available on IRS.gov or the Payroll Department website.

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Federal Regulations require the district to certify the payroll of any employee being paid with federal funds. Accounting identifies employees that meet this federal criteria and prepare certification forms by location. Principals and department heads please review the attached instruction memo and look for your payroll certification email the week of Nov. 18, 2024. Certifications are due Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.

Please review your certification ASAP and contact Natalie Grange if you have any questions or concerns. natalie.grange@jordandistrict.org, ext. 88312

Federal Program Work Certification

Background:
Per Federal Office of Management and Budget Circular 2 CFR section 200.430 Compensation: entities that accept federal dollars must certify that wages charged against federally funded programs were in fact related to the federal program charged. This certification can be done by a supervisor “having first-hand knowledge” or by the employee.

Instructions:
The District must certify the total wages paid to an employee if the employee was paid with any federal dollars. The attached list by location shows checks issued between May 1, 2024- October 31, 2024 for any employee meeting this criterion. Your list may include an employee not paid with federal dollars at your location but may have been paid with federal dollars at a different location, as we must certify total wages.

Please review the attached list of employees meeting the above criterion at your location. Please verify the employee, account code, and check date for accuracy. If you have “first-hand knowledge” that the listed employees did/do indeed work for the listed federal program, please sign, date, and return to Natalie Grange by Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. If you do not have this “first-hand knowledge,” please ask the employee to verify and sign next to their name.

Employees not on your certification list did not receive any compensation from Federal dollars and are not required to be certified. The list may include former employees so their wages charged to a federal program can be “certified.”

The next certification process will be Nov. 2024 - April 2025 to be done in May 2025.

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The safety of our students, teachers and staff is our #1 priority.  These few slides will remind all of us to slow down, be aware of our surroundings, and how we can all do our part of making the District a safe place to work.

If you have any questions, please call Insurance Services at 801-567-8146 or Brandon Conti in Risk Management at 801-567-8876.

Ice & Snow Safety - Use extra caution this winter

  • Don’t hurry
  • Wear slip-resistant footwear
  • Clean up spills immediately
  • Keep skid-resistant door mats near entrances
  • Anticipate hazards as you are walking
  • Try and keep one hand free to use handrails
  • Keep hand on handle when getting in & out of a vehicle
  • Try avoid climbing ladders in cold weather
  • Look for pathways that are clear of snow & ice

Slips, trips & falls - How to minimize your risk

  • Avoid using your electronic devices when walking
  • Assess the area prior to beginning work
  • Pay attention to outdoor footing after it rains or snows
  • Never jump from any height
  • Practice good housekeeping
  • Wear shoes that have tread for the work surface
  • Do not skip stairs when walking up or down them
  • Use “Wet Floor” signs when floors are slippery
  • If you see an unsafe condition like a broken handrail, report it
  • Slow down and take smaller steps
  • Watch where you are walking for potential trouble spots
  • WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU SEEN?

Ladder Safety Practices

  • Always maintain at least three points of contact with the ladder: both feet and one hand
  • Make sure to tie off extension ladders when required
  • Do not place ladders on slippery or uneven surfaces
  • Do not carry materials in your hands when climbing a ladder
  • Inspect the ladder for missing or broken parts prior to use
  • Your belly button should always be between the side rails of the ladder

Reminder - The first snowfall of the season is more dangerous than subsequent snowfalls

Winter Driving

  • Slow down for wet, snowy, icy conditions
  • Avoid quick braking or acceleration
  • Find out about driving conditions before you go
  • Everytime – buckle up
  • Turn signals, brake lights and windows need to be cleared of snow
  • You should never use cruise control in winter weather conditions

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Jordan School District Board authorizes up to four (4) full-time employees to be selected for leave.

Sabbatical Leave
Sabbatical leave provides a 1-year leave for professional study. Educators who have completed at least seven years of continuous service in JSD may apply. Employees on sabbatical leave receive one-half of their salary. Please read Policy DP333 NEG – Sabbatical Leave for complete information. Applications are reviewed by the Local Professional Improvement Committee and approved by the Board.

Educational Leave
Educators who have worked in Jordan School District for at least three (3) consecutive years may apply for an Educational Leave. Educational leaves are for continued study and must include an outline of studies along with the application. Please read Policy DP332 NEG – Educational Leave for complete information. Educational Leave is without pay.

Applications for 2025-26 Sabbatical and Educational Leaves are due Feb. 1, 2025. Additional questions can be referred to Chris Westra, 801-567-8657.

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Refugee Mentors PosterThe Language & Culture Services team is happy to have refugee mentors assigned to each feeder system. These mentors will have 25-30 students that will meet them twice a month to follow up with their interests, involvement in school activities, friends, employment, family life, attendance, and grades.

Weekly collaboration to update tracking spreadsheet, share successes, work through student concerns and training/personal development as the opportunities arise. This will assist schools in gaining a better understanding of student needs and learning so that they can be successful in your school.

Please pass out permission slips to get parent permission and we will begin work with you soon.

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Language & Culture Services LogoThis endorsement program is open to K-12 contracted licensed personnel in Jordan School District.  This does not include substitute teachers or paraprofessionals who are licensed.

IMPORTANT: As of August, 2024, the JSD ESL Endorsement program has been updated to a competency based endorsement that aligns with TESOL standards and USBE requirements. This means the endorsement has undergone some changes and is formatted differently than in previous years. You will earn an endorsement with the Utah State Board of Education. A university credit option through SUU is available at your own expense. Language & Culture Services will not be paying for university credit.

NOTE: Your employee email that ends with  "@jordandistrict.org" will be used for ALL correspondence.

Applicants will be placed in the order in which applications are received.

You can sign up for the endorsement using the link below. For more information, please contact your Language Teacher Specialists.

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Program Budget Codes Document CoverUnderstanding the proper budget code to utilize when coding payroll for employees has been a struggle for staff. Our current function and object codes are numerous and confusing. In an effort to simplify and streamline our budget codes, Accounting has updated function and object codes. You can view the updated Department Budget Code Book by going to the Accounting department page or by visiting the link below.

Please review these adjustments and contact Jaime Barrett at 801-567‐8315 with any questions or concerns.

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Survey PageFor All School Employees:

We invite you to take Jordan School District’s Faculty Stakeholder Input Survey for your school. This survey includes questions about your school’s learning environment and academic support.  You will have an opportunity to answer questions specific to your principal, assistant principal(s) and licensed support staff such as counselors, instructional coaches, social workers, library media coordinators, cluster leaders, school psychologists, and speech language pathologists. Your responses will give us important information to make our schools even better. We sincerely appreciate your time in taking this survey.

The survey is completely confidential and brief; it contains 50 questions and takes about 9-12 minutes to complete. You can take the survey online by following this link.

Please complete the survey by Tuesday, November 26th.

Questions or feedback about the survey may be directed to Ben Jameson (ben.jameson@jordandistrict.org) in Assessment, Research & Accountability.

Thank you for your time and participation!

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The following is a new administrative assignment:

Transfer effective Jan. 2, 2025:

  • April Gaydosh, elementary level Administrator of Schools, transferred as Administrator in the Human Resources Department, replacing June LeMaster who is retiring.

Two elementary level Administrator of Schools positions will be available as of Jan. 2, 2025. Each AOS will supervise approximately 13 elementary schools. Watch for the application to open next week and interviews will be held on Dec. 2, 2024.

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Jordan Credit Center web pageThe Jordan Credit Center page on the Teaching & Learning website features a variety of graduation credit services offered to JSD students including: original credit, grade replacement, credit recovery and options to demonstrate competency for credit.

Check out the Jordan Credit Center page at tl.jordandistrict.org/secondary/credit/

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Salt Lake County Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Survey FlyerWe Need Your Feedback To Understand Our Community's Natural Hazard Risk

What hazards concern you? Salt Lake County needs your input on the risks from natural, man-made, and technological hazards that could affect the county, and what actions should be taken to reduce those risks.

The information you provide will help shape the updated multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan.

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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.

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