Category: Information Items

Come join Utah Retirement Systems for an informational webinar on your retirement benefits.  The following webinars are available in November, and December for URS members to attend:

Tier 2 Choice
If you’re within the first year on the job, you’ve got a big decision for your financial future. This webinar will help you understand your retirement choice between the Tier 2 Hybrid Retirement System and the Tier 2 401(k) Option.
November 12, 2:00 p.m. » Register Now

Tier 2 401(k) Option
This is an overview of your benefit if you have selected the Tier 2 401(k) Option and have more than one year of service.
December 5, 11:00 a.m. » Register Now

Do you have skills as a Jordan School District employee that you would like to improve or develop? The Classified Professional Improvement Committee (CPIC) can help.

Read more information about CPIC at the Teaching & Learning website.

You can also join us for classes from:

• Fred Pryor
• Skill Path
• SLCC ed2go

Youth Mental Health First Aid USA is an 8-hour training for adults to teach how to help adolescents and young adults who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it helps trainees identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

Date: Oct. 21, 2019
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Jordan School District Auxiliary Services Building,
Room 113, 7905 S Redwood Road, West Jordan
Cost:  FREE!

To register: contact Sharon Steadman
sharon.steadman@jordandistrict.org or 385-285-0322

Jordan School District is offering offering free free Social & Emotional Wellness Screening for Students (Ages 10-18) on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Heartland Elementary, with appointments every 30 minutes between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• At each event, licensed professionals will:
  • Discuss possible mental and behavioral health needs for your child.
  • Connect students and families to community resources.
• These screenings are by appointment only. Space is limited.
  • Screening process takes approximately 60 minutes to complete.
  • Interpreters will be available upon request.
  • Food & drinks will be provided.

Visit calendly.com/jordanhealthandwellness/mental-health-screening to schedule an appointment or contact Holly Todd at 801-567-8194 or holly.todd@jordandistrict.org.

Getting the Forecast Right Can Bring More Sunshine Into Your Child’s Life
How can parents help manage the fear and uncertainty that comes with a new school year, new environments and new friendships?

Superintendent Anthony Godfrey sits down with JSD Health and Wellness Specialist McKinley Withers to talk about managing change in our child’s life and offers some ways to help overcome the social health crisis we are seeing in students today.

• Episode Info & Show Notes for Episode 3: The Happiness Forecast
• Previous episodes can be found at supercast.jordandistrict.org

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• Subscribe to the Jordan Supercast on Apple Podcasts
• Listen to the Jordan Supercast on Google Podcasts
• Subscribe to the Jordan Supercast on Spotify
• Subscribe to the Jordan Supercast via RSS Feed

The Educational Technology Endorsement Program (ETEP) is provided by the Jordan School District in partnership with the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), Utah Education Network (UEN) and Utah Valley University (UVU). The program consists of 18 credit hours of courses which leads to an endorsement in Educational Technology.

Most participants take about 2 years to complete all requirements, though it can be done in a single year. You have 3 years to complete the program. Credit earned in the program can also be used for salary lane changes.Coursework can be applied towards a Master degree program from UVU.

The ETEP requires nine (9) credits from UVU and nine (9) credits from a variety of blended learning and technology courses. These courses can be completed through Jordan District or UEN. Attendance at an EdTech conference is also required.

In order to earn an educational technology endorsement, a participant must complete courses totaling 18 credits.

You can find additional information about course offerings and Frequently Asked Questions on our Digital Learning Website.

The Educational Technology Endorsement comprises a blend of evening face-to-face sessions and online learning in which teachers explore ways to leverage classroom technology in a constructivist, student centered approach to increase instructional effectiveness and student achievement. Registration for 2020 cohort begins October 1, 2019.

To Register for the 2020 Cohort, please visit digitallearning.jordandistrict.org/endorsement-registration/.

K-3 Can Google Too!
You know what you can do with G Suite for Education and what students in grades 4-6 can do. What about our little learners. G Suite for Education is for them too. In this course we will learn that even students in grades K-3 can use the features of Google Classroom, Docs, Slides, Forms, and Drawing. Google Classroom is an easy file management system that students can easily access and teachers can place assignments.

Each module will have a brief review of the Google App and then we will focus on how you can use these tools with our littlest learners. Creating interactive drawings, interactive math manipulatives, interactive posters, etc. It just takes a little creativity, time and patience to move these little learners into the digital age.

1 USBECredit or Relicensure Credit available | Appropriate for grades K-3

• Sign up for this course in the Jordan Professional Learning System (JPLS):
• Class Time: 4:30 - 6:30
• Location: Computer Lab at t he Auxiliary Services
• Building, 7905 South Redwood Road
• Class Dates: October 9, 16, 30 and November 6

The Center for STEM and Digital Learning is proud to offer opportunities for teachers to distinguish themselves as  advanced users of digital tools in the classroom. 

Certificates are comprised of learning workshops that are intended to build skills to implement tools into regular core instruction. Each certificate is a learning opportunity that allows teachers to dive deeper into STEM and digital tools. 

Teachers have the opportunity to earn certificates in Google, Canvas, MasteryConnect, Nearpod, Adobe, and Common Sense Media. Each certificate is eligible for a $200 stipend and 1 USBE credit that can be used as an elective toward the Ed Tech Endorsement.

These programs are funded by the Digital Teaching and Learning Grant. Apply  now!

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Google Certified Educator
If you're an educator who knows how to use Google tools in the classroom, Google certifications prove your proficiency. Through our certification courses, Jordan District teachers can work toward Google Educator certifications. Google Certifications begins September 17, 2019, and runs through December 31, 2019. Course can be taken online with optional workshops Tuesday evenings. 

• Apply Now for Level 1
  
• **Level 2 by invitation**

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Canvas Certificate
This certificate is designed for Jordan educators to show competency in Canvas.  The final project will be to create a Canvas classroom that includes blended learning activities.  Course is held Wednesday evenings.

Sept. 11 - Oct. 30, 2019

• Sign up now

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Nearpod Certificate
Distinguish yourself as a Nearpod Certified Educator. Here you will learn all the basics of Nearpod and the final project will result in your being name a Nearpod Certified Educator. 

Course can be taken online with optional workshops Tuesday evenings. 

Oct.1 - Nov. 12, 2019 

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Common Sense Certificate
Common Sense Media certification is available in order to promote and support the safe and appropriate use of digital tools within Jordan School District.  

This program will be under the direction of school Digital Teacher Leaders

Center for STEM and Digital Learning Newsletter

A trending topic is something everyone is talking about and sharing views on. Innovative learning through STEM and digital learning tools can turn regular classrooms into #TrendingClassrooms.

The #TrendingClassroom program is designed for teachers to prepare to initiate, engage and transform digital learning in the classroom.

This program is available for up to a $1500 stipend and  3 USBE credits that can be used toward the Ed Tech Endorsement.

The program begins October 8, 2019, and must be completed by May 15, 2020. This is blended opportunity with face to face options approximately once a month on Thursday evenings.

Applications will be accepted through September 20, 2019.  Apply now! Contact ross.menlove@jordandistrict.org  with questions.

This is exciting news from USBE and a great opportunity to assist educators in earning mathematics (and other STEM) endorsements.

Teachers must meet the qualifications and have either taken a summer course that finished AFTER July 1, 2019 or will be taking a course Fall of 2019. Please note, this round is only for courses that will be completed between July 1, 2019 and Dec 30, 2019. Another application will come out in November for Spring 2020 courses.

Deadline for applications is Sunday, Sept. 15 at midnight.
(Confirmation of funds will be provided early in October)

Qualifications for teachers

• 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 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(s) must be completed after July 1, 2019

Please look over the Frequently Asked Questions for common questions and answers.

Complete the application form!!

Jordan School District Teacher Application

This is a reminder that contracted employees should enter their own time off using Skyward's Employee Access whenever possible.

Here are instructions and guidelines.

1. Go to jordandistrict.org. Pull down the Faculty & Staff menu. (Or go to the Skyward Gateway page.)
2. Click Jordan Employee Access. Enter your login and password.
3. Click Time Off, then My Requests.
4. Click the Add button.
5. Select the Time Off Code.
6. Select the Reason.
7. Enter a Description, if needed.
8. Select the Type of absence.
9. Select the Start Date (or enter dates for a range of days).
10. Enter portion of Day you will be absent.
11. Enter a Start Time: (optional).
12. Check the “Sub Needed” box if you need to go to AESOP (for teachers only).
13. To notify others, click Select Employee(s): & an email will be sent.
14. ***Click SAVE***

Any questions, call the Information Systems User Support Help Desk between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 801.567.8737.

Portion of the Day Percentages & Notes

8 Hours = 1.0	6 Hours = 0.75	4 Hours = 0.5	2 Hours = 0.25
7.5 = 0.9375	5.5 = 0.6875	3.5 = 0.4375	1.5 = 0.1875
7.0 = 0.875	5.0 = 0.625	3.0 = 0.375	1.0 = 0.125
6.5 = 0.8125	4.5 = 0.5625	2.5 = 0.3125	0.5 = 0.0625
			0.25 = 0.03125

• Make sure you enter a “relationship” in the description for Bereavement and Family Sick.
• Can request a previous day.
• Can delete a current or future date if not already approved.
• Can do a “negative day” to reverse a day not taken.
• For FMLA, contact HR.
• If “Sub Needed” box is checked, you will be linked to the AESOP login page when you click “Save” on your request. You will then need to login to AESOP to complete your substitute request.

Utah Retirement Systems will be available for one-on-one retirement planning sessions at the Jordan School District Office Building in the Payroll conference room on Friday, September 27, 2019 and Thursday October 10, 2019.

Advanced registration is required so please see the instructions below to register for an appointment on the URS website.  Appointments fill quickly so don’t delay.  However, counseling sessions are available at other locations that are also listed on the URS website.

1. Go to www.urs.org.
2. Log into your myurs account by clicking on LOGIN in the upper right corner of the screen.
3. Click on the Education Tab.
4. Click on “Individual Retirement Planning Sessions”.
5. Find the session that works best for you.  Select the session to reserve your appointment.
6. Please be sure to bring your estimated annual salary (if close to retirement include your 3 or 5 highest years), any retirement plan balances outside of URS, and your Social Security statement (get yours at www.ssa.gov).

The Utah Council for the Social Studies annual fall conference will be held Saturday, Nov. 2 at South Jordan Middle School from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• Register through Eventbrite

Registration options include: Individual registration $30, You & a friend $50, Social Studies Department or grade level team $100.  Lane change credit will be given and breakfast and lunch provided.

The keynote speaker is a former POW, held in a Vietnamese prison.  For details on other sessions, see attached flyer.

During the 2019-20 school year, the Department of Teaching and Learning, in partnership with Southern Utah University, will sponsor classes for a Gifted and Talented Teaching Endorsement.

How will a GT teaching endorsement benefit me?

• A GT endorsement will build a knowledge base about an important sector of education.
• A GT endorsement will help teachers build a repertoire of strategies to challenge all students by adding depth, complexity, higher-order thinking, and creativity to daily instruction.
• A GT endorsement will help teachers develop differentiation strategies to better meet the unique needs of high-ability learners in all classrooms.
• A GT endorsement will qualify educators to teach in an ALPS classroom and to hold other positions in gifted and talented programming.

What are the credit requirements for a GT endorsement?

• 16 semester hours of graduate-level course work is required for a GT endorsement.
  • Twelve semester credit hours earned in four core classes:
  • 5400 3 Credit Hours Education of the Gifted and Talented & Practicum
  • 5420 3 Credit Hours Identification/Evaluation in Gifted Education & Practicum
  • 5430 3 Credit Hours Curriculum/Materials in Gifted Education & Practicum
  • 5440 3 Credit Hours Social and Emotional Needs of the Gifted & Practicum
• 4 semester hours of elective credit:
  • Elective credit can be obtained in a variety of ways, including conference attendance, credit earned in another endorsement, an optional class in creativity, and more.

What are the current costs for a GT endorsement?

• SUU Recording Fees: $23 per credit hour / $69 per 3-hour core class.
• Books: $50.00 (approximate) per core class.
• Elective Credit: Fees will vary depending upon the type of class(es) used for credit.
• Please note: These fees are set by outside entities and are subject to change.

What format will be used for instruction? When and where will the classes be held?

• Jordan School District instructors will teach classes in a blended format with two sessions each week:
  • One session will be held in a traditional face-to-face (F2F) format.
  • One session will be a virtual/online (V) session and will include practical applications.
• Face-to-Face classes will be held on Tuesdays from 4:30-7:30 in the PDC classrooms at the Auxiliary Services Building (ASB) on 7905 South Redwood Road.
• Each core class will last approximately eight weeks. Using a hybrid of face-to-face and virtual/online format, the four core classes can be completed in one school year.

Are you interested in joining the 2019-2020 GT Endorsement cohort?

• Please complete the online form
• Please contact Rebecca Smith at 801-567-8368 with any questions you may have.

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The Youth Mental Health First Aid Course will be held at Fort Herriman Middle School on Sept. 18 from 4 – 8 p.m.

You must register to take this course by emailing sharon.steadman@jordandistrict.org.

Ballet West is again providing free presentations of the following ballets in the Capitol Theater:

• Story Ballet: The Song of the Nightingale (Grades 2-12)
• Fairy Tale Theatre: Snow White (Grades 1-120
• The Nutcracker (Grades 1-12)
• Giselle (Grades 3-12)
• The Dream (Grades 1-12)

Each hour-long program begins with an educational introduction and is followed by a portion of the repertoire currently being performed for the general public.

Please refer to this spreadsheet for the dates, times, and Jordan District seating allotments of the performances. If any of your teachers are interested in having their classes attend any of the performances, please have them contact Verlene Jensen at 801-567-8296.

Please be aware that Ballet West will not be covering the costs of transportation.

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

This event is free and open to the public and will help parents and students prepare for the future after high school. A wide variety of resources will be available at this open house to help guide you on a path to success for your student.

Jordan Parent University will be held Thursday, Sept. 19 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at JATC South, 12723 South Park Ave, Riverton.

The following new administrative assignments will be effective starting in September (as indicated below). An application for the consultant in Planning & Student Services position (currently held by Travis Hamblin) will be posted at workatjordan.org in the near future. Additional information regarding changes that have been made to the organizational structure will be shared soon.

• New Assignments effective Sept. 16:
  • Cody Curtis, principal at Copper Mountain Middle School, appointed Middle School Level Administrator of Schools.
  • Stacy Evans, staff assistant in Teaching & Learning, appointed staff assistant in Equity & Compliance.
  • Travis Hamblin, consultant in Planning & Student Services, appointed director of Student Services. 
  • Amy Kinder, achievement coach in Canyons School District, appointed administrator on special assignment in Teaching & Learning.
  • Christen Richards-Khong, principal at Bingham High, appointed staff assistant in Teaching & Learning.
  • Rodney Shaw, administrator on special assignment in Teaching & Learning, appointed principal at Bingham High School.
  • Lauren Peacock, assistant principal at Fort Herriman Middle, appointed principal at Copper Mountain Middle School.
  • Raimee Jensen, teacher specialist in Teaching & Learning, appointed intern assistant principal at Fort Herriman Middle School.
• New Assignments effective Sept. 27:
  • Michelle Kilcrease, assistant principal at West Hills Middle, appointed administrator on special assignment in Teaching & Learning.
  • Marni Davis, achievement coach in Canyons School District, appointed assistant principal at West Hills Middle School.

Here are the presentation materials from educator and author, Tim Kanold.

Mr. Kanold was the keynote speaker at last week's Professional Development Day for teachers, administrators and classified employees.

Slide & Note Handout Sheets for Tim Kanold's Presentation

District Policy regarding hours of work (DP343 NEG) has two changes for Classified Employees. Nothing else has changed for comp time except:

• Comp time will only be tracked in Skyward’s Employee Access, not by any other mechanism or on paper (trade time is not comp time, and is not tracked in Employee Access).  Instructions on how to enter comp time in Employee Access are attached.
• Comp time will be used during the next two successive pay periods.

Classified now reads as follows:

Classified employees who fall under the guidelines of the Fair Labor Standards Act (personnel included on the classified master salary schedule) must be paid at one and one-half times the regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a work week or receive compensatory time off during the two successive pay periods (first to last day of the month in which work is done) at the rate of one and one-half times the actual overtime worked during any workweek.  Only compensatory time will be considered hours worked for the purpose of calculating the 40-hour work week.  All compensatory time earned must be pre-approved by the appropriate director, principal or supervisor.  The tracking of such earning and using of compensatory time will be done through Skyward Employee Access. 

Employees and supervisors should work together in a professional and reasonable manner when dealing with comp time and trade time.

Entering Comp Time in Employee Access