Category: Information Items

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.

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/.