Category: Information Items

Elementary Teacher – Teacher Wellness Focus Group Invitation
Our District’s Health and Wellness Specialist, McKinley Withers, is conducting a research study on teacher wellness through the University of Utah. He is looking for research participants for focus groups to better understand how school leaders can support improved conditions for enhanced teacher wellness.

The Elementary School Teacher Wellness Focus Group will meet on Wednesday, February 20^th   from 4-6pm. If you are interested in participating, please review the information below, and email McKinley Withers for additional information.

Focus group participation for this research will be limited to current elementary school teachers who have 7 or more years of experience as a classroom teacher. If you choose to participate in this focus group, you will volunteer between two and four hours to share your valuable insights and experiences as a classroom teacher–specifically related to how school leaders have, or could, promote your experience of wellness. With an understanding of teacher’s perceptions of what has had a positive impact on their workplace wellness, school leaders will be better equipped to provide meaningful interventions and creative approaches to improve a teacher’s sense of overall well-being.

As a participant you will be asked to respond to a series of questions in a face to face meeting with up to 7 other participants who are also classroom teachers in Jordan School District. These questions will be focused on what school leaders have done well or could do to improve your experience of workplace wellness.

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Middle School Teacher – Teacher Wellness Focus Group Invitation
Our District’s Health and Wellness Specialist, McKinley Withers, is conducting a research study on teacher wellness through the University of Utah. He is looking for research participants for focus groups to better understand how school leaders can support improved conditions for enhanced teacher wellness.

The Middle School Teacher Wellness Focus Group will meet on Tuesday, February 18^th from 4-6pm. If you are interested in participating, please review the information below, and email McKinley Withers, mckinley.withers@jordandistrict.org, for additional information.

Focus group participation for this research will be limited to current middle school teachers who have 7 or more years of experience as a classroom teacher. If you choose to participate in this focus group, you will volunteer between two and four hours to share your valuable insights and experiences as a classroom teacher–specifically related to how school leaders have, or could, promote your experience of wellness. With an understanding of teacher’s perceptions of what has had a positive impact on their workplace wellness, school leaders will be better equipped to provide meaningful interventions and creative approaches to improve a teacher’s sense of overall well-being.

As a participant you will be asked to respond to a series of questions in a face to face meeting with up to 7 other participants who are also classroom teachers in Jordan School District. These questions will be focused on what school leaders have done well or could do to improve your experience of workplace wellness.

Teaching and Learning is excited to introduce Multisyllable Routine Cards for all 3-6 grade teachers. This is a short daily routine that can be implemented similar to Heggerty in K-2 grade.

Please see the attached flyer and pick a date to attend. The first three sessions are already full and the others are filling up quickly so register soon. Teachers will receive all materials needed to implement the program as well as receive in service pay for attending.

Please contact Mandy Thurman (ext: 88119) with any questions.

• Flyer for Professional Development Opportunity

Attention JSD Educators,

Hidden Valley Middle in Bluffdale will open in August, 2020.  Applications are now being accepted for the positions outlined below (Phase A):

• Head Counselor (To begin February, 2020)
• Media Specialist (To begin March, 2020)
• Department Chairs (To begin August, 2020)
  • CTE
  • English
  • Fine Arts
  • Math
  • PE/Health
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • World Languages
• The following department chair positions have been filled at the principal’s discretion:
  • Special Education

The new elementary school in West Jordan will also open in August, 2020.  Applications are now being accepted for the positions outlined below (Phase A):

• Team Leaders (To begin August, 2020)
  • Kindergarten
  • 1^st grade
  • 2^nd grade
  • 5^th grade
  • 6^th grade
  • Special Education
• The following team leader positions have been filled at the principal’s discretion:
  • 3^rd Grade
  • 4^th Grade

Additional compensated work for certain positions may be required prior to the beginning of the contract year.

JSD educators interested in applying for the positions listed above ​must submit ​an application​ using Skyward "Employee Access".  Please see the attached tutorial for application instructions.  External applications will be accepted after JSD educators have been give first consideration.

For information regarding a position advertising schedule, position descriptions and instructions on how to apply, visit the Work At Jordan Job Postings at the New Schools page.

For assistance in accessing Skyward Employee Access, please contact the Help Desk at 801-567-8737.  For questions regarding positions at Hidden Valley Middle School, please contact principal Shawn Mcleod at shawn.mcleod@jordandistrict.org.

• How to Apply at Jordan School District

All employees will need to access the new system to verify dependents, add beneficiary information and elect or waive additional benefits.

Enroll in the following benefits as of  February 2020:

• Life
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Aflac Accident
• Aflac Critical Illness
• Aflac Hospital Advantage

All benefits are offered on a guarantee basis which means no health questions!

Watch for more details.

West Jordan Women in Business is teaming up with That Paint Thing for a night of dining, painting, and prize drawings. 100% of the event proceeds will be donated to Jordan Education Foundation to be used for the Principal's Pantries throughout the Jordan School District.

The event will be held on Feb. 7 from 6 - 9 p.m. at  Jordan Hills Elementary. Use the links below to purchase tickets.  For questions, call the West Jordan Chamber at 801-970-3671

• Dinner and Painting for 1 person $40
• Dinner and Painting for 2 people $60

The following are new administrative assignments:

• Secondary Assignments Effective Jan. 21, 2020
  • Shawn McLeod, principal at South Jordan Middle appointed principal at Hidden Valley Middle.
  • Nicole Johnson, assistant principal at Jordan Hills and Rosamond Elementary Schools appointed principal at South Jordan Middle.
  • Amber Zdunich, assistant principal at Joel P. Jensen Middle appointed assistant principal at Hidden Valley Middle.
  • Jody Deland, CTE teacher at South Jordan Middle appointed assistant principal at Joel P. Jensen Middle.
  • Audrey Fish, assistant principal at Oquirrh Hills Middle appointed assistant principal at Fort Herriman Middle.
  • Jennifer Jarrard, teacher specialist at Kauri Sue Hamilton appointed assistant principal at Oquirrh Hills Middle.
• Secondary Assignment Effective July 1, 2020
  • Raimee Jensen, assistant principal at Fort Herriman Middle appointed assistant principal at Hidden Valley Middle.
• Elementary Assignments Effective Feb. 3, 2020
  • Tami Bird, principal at Rose Creek Elementary appointed principal at the new elementary school in West Jordan.
  • Karen Egan, principal at Bluffdale Elementary appointed principal at Rose Creek Elementary.
  • Cynthia Tingey, principal at Riverton Elementary appointed principal at Bluffdale Elementary.
  • Joel Pullan, principal at Oakcrest Elementary appointed principal at Riverton Elementary.
  • Ken Westwood, principal at South Jordan Elementary appointed principal at Oakcrest Elementary.
  • Beverly Griffith, assistant principal at Fox Hollow Elementary appointed principal at South Jordan Elementary.
  • Nancy Ward, educational support consultant in Teaching & Learning appointed assistant principal at Fox Hollow Elementary.
  • Brenda Anderson, instructional coach at Mountain Shadows Elementary appointed assistant principal at Jordan Hills and Rosamond Elementary.

Remember to submit a new W-4 if your filing status, other income, deductions, or credits have changed or will change for the next year

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The IRS redesigned the Form W-4 to increase transparency and accuracy in the withholding system.  The changes on the revised 2020 Form W-4 are:

1. There are five steps on the W-4 for the employee to complete
   • Step 1:  Personal Information (required)
   • Step 2:  Multiple Jobs or Spouse Works (if applicable) – do one of the following:
     • Use estimator at www.irs.gov/W4App - most accurate withholding
     • Use Multiple Jobs Worksheet on page 3 of W4 – rough estimate of withholding
       You may check the box with only two jobs total – higher withholding
   • Step 3:  Claim Dependents (if applicable)
   • Step 4:  Other Adjustments (optional)
   • Step 5:  Sign and Date (required)
     Employees who only complete the required Steps 1 and 5: When employees only complete Steps 1 and 5, employers will figure withholdings based on the filing status’s (single, married, head of household) standard deduction and tax rates with no other adjustments. 

     Adjustments on Steps 2, 3, and 4 are optional, and will affect withholding calculations:  Employees will need to provide detailed information on their household income.  If employees have privacy concerns, use the worksheets or the IRS’s Tax Withholding Estimator and only provide their total withholding amount in Step 4.

2. No more withholding allowances – Employees will no longer be able to adjust their tax withholdings using allowances.  Instead, employees will provide employers with amounts to increase or reduce tax withholdings.
3. Additional worksheets – The form includes two worksheets (Multiple Jobs Worksheet on page 3 and tables for employees with multiple jobs on page 4).
4. Exemptions – Employees who write “Exempt” on Form W-4 in the space below Step 4(c) shall have no federal or state income tax withheld from their paychecks.
5. Current employees are NOT required to submit a new W-4 form – Employees who are hired in 2020, or wish to revise their W-4 information after December 31, 2019, must use the 2020 Form W-4.

2020 IRS W4 Form

Dear Teachers and Staff Members,

The Jordan School District Board of Education has approved the 2020-21 traditional and year-round school calendars. Over 7,700 calendar survey responses were received, more than any other recent survey. Responses from 2,113 employees gave the current school-year calendar a favorable rating of 93%. The 2020-21 traditional school calendar is similar to the current 2019-20 traditional school calendar and reflects the top priorities for those who took the survey, which are (in order):

1. A two-week winter recess.
2. A one-week spring recess.
3. Close alignment of elementary, middle, and high school recesses.
4. A one week fall recess.

Traditional Calendar Option 3 received the highest favorability rating and has been approved. The 2020-21 Traditional School Calendar can be accessed using this link:

• Planning & Student Services - 2020-21 Traditional Calendar

Year-round Calendar Option 2 received the highest favorability ratings and has been approved. The 2020-21 Year-round School Calendar can be accessed using this link:

• Planning & Student Services - 2020-21 Year-Round Calendar

Thank you to all who participated in the calendar survey.

The following are new administrative assignments. As of January, all elementary schools will have a half-time or full-time assistant principal. We anticipate that administrative appointments for Hidden Valley Middle School and the new elementary school in West Jordan will be announced in January.

• Assignments Effective Jan. 21, 2020
  
  • Brian Rambadt, teacher at Fort Herriman Middle, appointed assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle School, replacing Caleb Olson.
  • Jody DeLand, computer technology teacher at South Jordan Middle School, appointed assistant principal at a location to be determined.
  • Jennifer Jarrard, teacher specialist in Special Education, appointed assistant principal at a location to be determined.
• Assignments Effective Jan. 6, 2020
  • Jay Eads, teacher specialist in Teaching & Learning, appointed assistant principal at Mountain Point & Westland Elementary Schools.
  • Michelle Kilcrease, consultant in Teaching & Learning, appointed assistant principal at Copper Canyon & Mountain Shadows Elementary Schools.
  • Ross Menlove, administrator on special assignment in Teaching & Learning, appointed as a part time assistant principal at Ridgeview Elementary School.
  • Allyson Stovall, administrator on special assignment in Teaching & Learning, appointed assistant principal at Southland & Welby Elementary Schools.
  • Jerri Crawford, assistant principal at Southland & Oquirrh Elementary Schools, appointed as a full time assistant principal at Oquirrh Elementary School.
  • Angela Jones, assistant principal at Golden Fields & Heartland Elementary Schools, appointed as a full time  assistant principal at Heartland Elementary School.
  • Franco Preston, assistant principal at Bastian & Welby Elementary Schools, appointed assistant principal at Bastian & Majestic Elementary Schools.
  • Garett York, assistant principal at Columbia & Westvale Elementary Schools, appointed as a full time assistant principal at Westvale Elementary.
  • Kathryn Crandall, intern assistant principal in Granite School District, appointed assistant principal at Columbia & Golden Fields Elementary Schools.

If you have questions about your Medicare and Social Security benefits, please join us for this important presentation that will give you the facts you need about future benefits.

The presentation will be held on Jan. 8, 2020, 6 p.m. at the Auxiliary Services Building Presentation Room. For questions, please contact the Insurance Department at 801-567-8255.

If you are looking for an opportunity to support the Jordan Education Foundation’s annual “Christmas for Kids,” this is one option.

Jersey Mike's is having a fundraiser to benefit “Christmas for Kids” Monday evening, Dec. 9 from 4-6 p.m.  Patrons can receive a free sub with any donation of $5 or more. All proceeds go toward “Christmas for Kids.”

Use caution before clicking on links you have received through email or instant messenger. Even if the link text looks like a URL, the link could be going somewhere else. Instead, move your mouse pointer over the link without clicking on it. Look at where the link is going in the status bar. If the link is not going where it should be or is pointing to a file (such as a .exe), don’t click on the link.

Valued Licensed Employee:

The Human Resource Department is contacting you with important information regarding upcoming events and opportunities.

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LICENSE RENEWAL
Teachers and other educators whose license will expire on June 30, 2020, are encouraged to begin the license renewal process IMMEDIATELY by going to the USBE website. Personal letters regarding license renewal information have already been sent out. Keep in mind that there is no background cost to the employee.

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EARLY NOTIFICATION (Resignation/Retirement)
Employees resigning/retiring at the end of the current contract year that gives official early notification of resignation/retirement will be eligible for a tiered incentive. To qualify, the notification must be submitted online on or before the following dates:

• Dec. 15, 2019 $500.00
• Jan. 15, 2020 $300.00
• Feb. 15, 2020 $200.00

The incentive will be paid on the last regular paycheck. Notifications of resignation/retirement received after the dates listed above will not qualify for an incentive. The official District resignation/retirement notification form is found in Skyward Employee Access under Task Processes. Please see District policy DP318 for more detailed information regarding resignations. If you do not know your Skyward username or password please contact the Help Desk at 801-567-8737.

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TEACHER TRANSFER FAIRS
The dates of the Teacher Transfer Fairs below are for current Jordan School District teachers seeking a new teaching opportunity! The transfer fair will be combined for both elementary and secondary teachers. Please have copies of your resume available to distribute. Your District ID badge is required. Come explore your options!

Transfer Fair Elementary and Secondary
Feb. 19, 2020
Elk Ridge Middle School (gym)
3659 9800 S,
South Jordan, UT 84009
4:00-6:30 p.m.

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TEACHER HIRING & TRANSFER TIMELINE
Schools who have “hard to fill” or “known vacancies” for 2020-21, may advertise those positions immediately by contacting HR. These positions will be posted for a minimum of five working days before hiring.

• “Hard to fill openings” include math, special education, psychologists, SLP’s, DLI, physics, chemistry, biology, earth systems, integrated science, agriculture, computer programming, health science, auto & diesel technology, Title 1, engineering, and
• Feb. 19 - Feb. 28 Teacher Transfer Fair & Early Transfer Window
• March 2, 2020- General Hiring & Transfer Window

Good news! The STEM Endorsement Incentive Program (STEM EIP) application is now open for ALL remaining applications for the 2019-2020 school year. This includes applications for teachers who plan to take STEM EIP courses during the Spring Semester as well as those who have completed courses between July 1, 2019 and December 30, 2019 who did not already submit an application. This application cycle is OPEN NOW and will close on DEC 4, 2019.

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*Qualifications for educators:

• Public educator on a current teaching contract.
• Course(s) is required for one of the approved STEM Endorsements.
• Course(s) must be at least 3 credit hours from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Submitted course(s) must have a grade of C or better.
• Elementary Endorsement Course(s): Tuition and materials reimbursement of up to $500 per course. If you are pursuing an elementary endorsement, contact your district or charter curriculum director for more information.
• Secondary Endorsement Course(s): Tuition and materials reimbursement of up to $1200 per course.
• Transcript must be attached showing course(s), credit hours, and grade(s).
• Course(s) highlighted on transcript.
• Receipt(s) must be attached showing tuition and material costs.
• Course must be taken during the Spring of 2020 and completed prior to June 30, 2020.*
  *For this application cycle only, you may also apply if you missed the Sept. 27 application deadline and have completed a course AFTER July 1, 2019 or are currently taking a course during the Fall of 2019.

* Please look over the Frequently Asked Questions Document for common questions and answers. If you have additional questions, please contact Jane Harward.

If you want to apply for this STEM Reimbursement, please complete the Google Form.

• Teacher Application

The income tax withheld from bonus income is often more than the income tax withheld from your regular pay. The IRS withholds tax on your bonus income by applying your regular tax rate to your combined salary and bonus income.  Although your regular rate is applied in this scenario, combining your salary and bonus on one check could put you in a higher withholding bracket, causing the tax allocated to your bonus to actually be higher than the regular rate.

IRS Withholding Calculator
Gather your most recent pay stub and use the IRS Withholding Calculator on the IRS website to estimate the number of allowances you should claim.  The calculator asks for an estimate of the federal income tax withheld from your pay to date, including bonuses.  Estimate that the amount withheld from your bonus will be 25 percent.  If the calculator results show you should adjust your W-4 allowances, you’ll see a message with the number of allowances to claim on line 5 of your W-4.

How to Complete Your W-4 Form
The Form W-4 can be downloaded from the IRS or Payroll Department’s website.  Complete sections 1 through 3 with your name, address, Social Security number and marital status, and calculated withholding adjustments.  This form must be turned in to the Payroll Department to take effect.  Please do not email this form.

CAUTION:  If you choose to change your W-4 form for a bonus payment, it is critical that you understand the possible tax implications.  Remember to submit a new W-4 form with your regular withholding allowances after you receive the bonus income.  If you fail to change your allowances back, you could have insufficient withholding for the rest of the year, which could result in a hefty tax bill when you file your next tax return.  Changing your tax withholding for a pay period is always an option, but you should make sure that you have the right information to ensure that your reporting goes as smoothly as possible.  The withholding on the W-4 affects your entire paycheck, not just the bonus.

Please take a moment to share your feedback and preferences regarding proposed Jordan School District calendars for the upcoming school year. The calendars include options for shorter or longer fall, winter, and spring recesses throughout the year as well as different school start dates.

The feedback submitted by you through this survey will be used by the Calendar Committee to help inform the creation of future calendars. The survey will close on Monday, November 18th, at 11:59 P.M.

Please use the link below to access the survey

• www.surveymonkey.com/r/jsdcal20

Additional information about the calendar development process and current school calendars is available at planning.jordandistrict.org/calendars/.

Thank you again for sharing your feedback!

You are invited to share the following information about the upcoming Jordan Parent University.

This event is free and open to the public and is focused on who do you call when issues arise.

• A panel discussion with teachers, counselors, and administrators.
• Receive guidance and resources to help parents with various issues facing students.
• Possible topics include: academics, social emotional, school issues, class credits, nutrition, transportation, etc.

Jordan Parent University will be held Thursday, Nov. 21 from 7 – 8 p.m. at Mountain Creek Middle, 5325 W. Bingham Rim Road, South Jordan.

Teachers, please enjoy short 30-minute modules on PD Bites from ALS! See the attached flyer for details. If you don't see a bite that you want, please let us know what you would like, and we'll cook one up, just for you!

Visit ALS PD Bites at jordanpd.instructure.com and sign up through JPLS.

• Free and easy to use
• Complete at you own pace
• Receive relicensure credit
• SIOP and ESL ideas you may have forgotten
• Go-to strategies and instruction for English Learners and ALL students

Call Tammy Fulmer at 801-567-8306!

In partnership with USBE, the Utah Education Policy Center, and with support from the Governor’s Office of Education, the Utah Teacher Fellows are collecting data on teacher mentoring & retention in Utah classrooms to inform state policy.

To participate, please check your email for one titled, " Utah Educator Career and Pathway Survey Invitation."  The survey will take approximately 15 minutes or less to complete. Your responses are confidential. Your identity will not be disclosed in any oral or written reports.  Your participation in this survey is voluntary. By taking the survey, you will provide essential information that informs policy and practice in Utah.

If you don't see this email, please check the email address listed in CACTUS and make sure it's current: https://www.uen.org/cactus/logon.do. Whatever email address is listed in CACTUS is where the survey went. If you update your email address in CACTUS, a new link to the survey can be sent to you.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Andrea Rorrer or Dr. Yongmei Ni at the Utah Education Policy Center at 801-581-4207 or andrea.rorrer@utah.edu or yongmei.ni@utah.edu.

The following administrative assignments made by District administration:

• Karl McKenzie, teacher specialist in the Special Education Department, appointed assistant principal at Kauri Sue Hamilton School, effective Nov. 4.
• Scott Festin, senior planner/demographics at Wasatch Front Regional Council, appointed Planning & Enrollment consultant in the Student Services Department, effective as soon as possible.
• Garrett York, intern assistant principal at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in Granite School District, appointed elementary assistant principal - assignment to be determined,  effective as soon as possible.
• Caleb Olson, assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle School, be appointed Planning & Enrollment consultant in the Student Services Department, effective as Jan. 17, 2020 or as soon as possible.