Category: Information Items

Dear Jordan District Employees,

Below you will find a message from the USBE.  We wanted to share with you the most recent information that has been shared with us.  While there is a disruption to some of the normal processing that takes place in new hiring, renewals, and upgrades in teacher licensing there is still much that can be done with people working at home. If you are trying to do any of these things and are struggling to make progress please let us know and we will see what we can do to help you move forward.  We would encourage you to make what progress you can because when all of these offices are up and running they will be inundated with people trying to get their licenses in good status.  Thank you for your help in moving forward and we hope that you and your families are safe and well!!

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These are unprecedented times in education.  The anxiety related to closures, pending deadlines, and unmet requirements for educator licensing is real.  Testing centers, fingerprinting services, and as of this morning, the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) have all suspended public services.

As you may be aware, this poses significant impacts to educator licensing in Utah.  The following groups of educators with immediate and urgent impacts are the following:

• Educators seeking initial licensure in Utah
  • Recent education graduates
  • New to the profession (Associate Educator License)
  • Out-of-State Applicants
  • International Guest Teachers
• Returning educators with expired licenses
• Educators whose license expires June 30, 2020
• Educators on an SAEP who need to take a content test for license and/or endorsement (SAEPs expire October 1^st)

The licensing staff at USBE is working to identify all the issues at hand and find practical and legal solutions.  Educator licenses will still expire June 30, 2020.  However LEAS  will have until October 31, 2020 an additional two weeks to fully license educators.  This gives additional time for educators to count toward funding in the Legislative Salary Adjustment.  The new licensing requirements are currently scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2020; we are extending the CURRENT educator renewal requirements (R277-500) to October 31, 2020. 

In the table below, we have specified each of the individual solutions for different educator groups with respect to licensure.

Educator Group	Concern	USBE Solution
Educators seeking licensure	Background checks;	Working with Utah BCI to determine a process for background checks
	Content testing;	Content requirement completed before November 1, 2020
License expires 6/30/2020	Background checks	License renewal requirements counted up to November  1, 2020
Need content test for license/endorsement	Content testing	Content requirement completed before November 1, 2020

Hopefully, educators will be able to complete all testing requirements and background checks prior to October 31, 2020.  We are working with Utah BCI to find ways for educators to obtain a current background check.  We are monitoring all activities closely.  It is possible that even these accommodations will need to be adjusted.

We are communicating these adjustments to educators who are directly affected.  Should you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

Sincerely,
Malia Hite, Ed.D.
Educator Licensing Coordinator
Teaching & Learning   |  Utah State Board of Education

In light of the recent pandemic, Blomquist Hale would like to remind you of our video therapy option. Conveniently talk with a therapist via smart phone, computer or tablet using our HIPAA compliant video therapy platform. Scheduling is easy, simply call our offices at 800-926-9619.

While schools are on dismissal, ISC orders may only be taken by phone or email. The ISC employees will be happy to fill orders. Only ISC employees will be permitted to complete projects. After ISC orders are completed, they will be delivered to schools.

The phone number for the ISC is 801-567-8740, and the email address is isc@jordandistrict.org.

All paychecks that are not direct deposited will temporarily be mailed to your address on file in Skyward. This will take effect today, March 13th, until further notice.

To avoid possible delays in receiving your paycheck, please log in to your Skyward Employee Access to verify that your address is correct, or to make any changes to your address.

1. Log in to Skyward Employee Access (call 801-567-8737 for login assistance if needed)
2. EMPLOYEE INFORMATION tab
3. PERSONAL INFORMATION (under Employee Information heading)

Address

• View and/or change your address online:
  • ADDRESS (under Demographic heading)
• View and/or change your address by telephone:
  • Call Human Resources at 801-567-8150

Direct Deposit

• View and/or change your direct deposit online:
  • DIRECT DEPOSIT (under Payroll heading)
• Paper Direct Deposit Authorization form:
  • Call the Payroll Department at 801-567-8154, or email carolyn.bevan@jordandistrict.org
  • Do NOT email your completed Direct Deposit authorization

W-4

• View your W4 information online (you cannot change your W-4 online):
  • W4 INFORMATION (under Payroll heading)
• Paper W4 Form:
  • Call the Payroll Department at 801-567-8154, or email carolyn.bevan@jordandistrict.org
  • Search for 2020 W-4 Form online
  • Do NOT email your completed W4

W-2

• View your W2 online
  • W2 INFORMATION (under Payroll heading)
  • VIEW W2 FORM button
• Paper Copy of W2:
  • Call the Payroll Department at 801-567-8154

All Professional Development classes have been cancelled while schools are on dismissal for the next two weeks.

• Michelle Love-Day, Associate Director in Educational Equity at Granite School District, was appointed Alternative Language Services Consultant in the Teaching & Learning Department.

URS is holding a Tier II seminar for employees to attend on March 31st at ASB.  This seminar is different than the one on one sessions.  A URS representative will discuss all the information regarding Tier II and the savings plans offered by URS.  Any employee can attend.  Please see the flyer below for more information.

Dear Teachers,

It is time to submit applications for the K-12 Math Personalized Learning Software Grant, which is intended to provide schools with access to math personalized learning software programs to improve student outcomes in mathematics literacy. The deadline for the grant is March 27, 2020. This application must be submitted at the school level, but needs to be signed by Amy Kinder, in the Teaching & Learning Department, and an Instructional Technology Specialist. Only ONE submission per school is allowed.

Please work with your administration and technology coach to determine how this grant could be used to provide software licenses to enhance the mathematics instruction taking place in your building. Funding is limited, so the Utah STEM Action Center asks that we are intentional in choosing the product(s) and number of licenses for the product(s) requested.

Please be aware that if the licenses provided through this grant are not used or are under- utilized by a school, they may be revoked. In addition, Jordan School District may be barred from applying for this grant in the future.

To be effective, here are the recommendations for the use of each product:

Provider	Product	Supported	Usage Recommendations
Curriculum Associates	iReady	K-8	30-49 minutes per week plus 70-100% pass rates
Dreambox	Dreambox	K-8	Five lessons per week
McGraw-Hill	ALEKS	3-12	1 hour per week OR 5 topics per week
MIND Research Institute	ST Math	K-8	K-1: 60 minutes per week 2-8: 75 minutes per week
Imagine Learning	Imagine Math	K-Algebra 1/ Geometry	Quarter 1: (Sept-Nov 2016) 5+ lessons completed Quarter 2: (Dec-Feb 2017) 10+ lessons completed Quarter 3: (Mar-May 2017) 15+ lessons completed
Mathspace	Mathspace	3-PreCalculus	30 minutes per week OR 3 subtopics mastered per week

The mathematics personalized learning software has been shown to have a significant impact on student achievement for those students who met the recommended weekly usage.

We are required to choose from the approved vendors and products in the table above. Please contact the vendors with any questions about the products in which you are interested. They are more than happy to assist you and will often offer additional services to your school if they know that you are applying for the K-12 Math Personalized Learning Software Grant.

Here are links to the vendors’ websites with more information about what they are offering:

• • Curriculum Associates - iReady
    Contact - Joel Kongaika
    Email: joelk@cainc.com
    Phone: (801) 319-4832
  • DreamBox - DreamBox Learning Math
    Contact - Allison Mateus
    Email: allison.mateus@dreambox.com
    Phone: (801) 244-7177
  • McGraw-Hill - ALEKS
    Contact - Darlene Messer
    Email: darlene.messer@mheducation.com
    Phone: (210) 439-7527
  • MIND Research Institute - ST Math
    Contact - Dan Tracy
    Email: dtracy@mindresearch.org
    Phone: (859) 240-5186
  • Imagine Learning - Think Through Math
    Contact - Alli Yeager
    Email: alli.yeager@imaginelearning.com
    Phone: (405) 830-3463
  • Mathspace - Mathspace
    Contact - Rhonda Davis
    Email: rdavis@mathspace.com.au
    Phone: (435) 881-1713

Thank you for all that you do for our students. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,
Noelani Ioane, MS
Mathematics Content Teacher Leader

There are several ways you can apply for a teacher transfer in Jordan School District.

Watch this short video to see how it’s done.

• Teacher Transfer Request Tutorial

This is an 8-hour training that is being offered for all employees providing certification.

Youth Mental Health First Aid USA is 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.

• Saturday, March 21, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Jordan School District Auxiliary Services Building, Room 113
• To register, contact Sharon Steadman at 385-235-0322

The Utah Film Center is offering free field trips for K-8 classes to the Tumbleweeds Film Festival.  Funding for busing is available as well. Details on how teachers may apply can be found on the Utah Film Center Website.

If you are interested in learning more about opportunities available in Jordan School District please join us at the Teacher Transfer Fair on Feb, 19 from 4 - 6:30 p.m. in the Elk Ridge Middle gymnasium. Waffle Love will be there taking orders.

This is a reminder for all fifth-grade teachers. Friday, Feb. 14, 2020 is the last day to register for the March 6 social studies professional development "Engaging Students in Social Studies/Civic Engagement" to be held at the ASB auditorium.  You'll receive a stipend and relicensure credits for attending, plus a tub of hands-on materials.  Please email pamela.sua@jordandistrict.org to save a slot.  We encourage 5th grade teams to attend together.

Dear Teachers,

Please find below links to applications for the USTAR Math and Science courses. The deadline for the courses to be offered this summer is Friday February 21, 2020.

If you have any questions please contact Jane Harward or Noelani Ioane.

Thank you for all that you do for our students.

Teaching & Learning - Math & Science

2020-21 Applications

• Applications for Courses to be offered Summer 2020 – due date is Friday February 21, 2020
  • Gearing Up for 7^th Grade Mathematics
  • Gearing Up for 8^th Grade Mathematics
  • Gearing Up for 8^th Grade Honors Mathematics
  • Gearing Up for Secondary Math 1
  • Summer Math or Science Core Course
  • Summer Short Math or Science Course 

• Applications for Courses to be offered during 20-2021 school year – due date is Friday March 27, 2020
  • AP Course Review or Lab
  • Math Counts
  • School Year Short Course
  • Science Olympiad Team
  • STEM Fair Mentoring

 

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.