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Aug. 2024 DHH Tips for TeachersThe JSD Teachers for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Team has created a monthly newsletter.  The full newsletter for August can be found at the link below. Stories include:

Reverberation - Reverberation is the way sound bounces in an environment. It makes hearing difficult because it smears speech. The chart below gives a visual representation of what hearing sound is like with increased reverberation.

Improving Acoustics - Use FM/audio devices. Close windows/doors. Use sound absorbing items like bookshelves, cork boards, drapes, carpet. Put rubber or tennis balls on chair legs. Good lighting also helps.

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

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ParentSquare for TeachersDrumroll, please… Our district is using ParentSquare, the communication superhero your parents have been clamoring for! This tool is your new sidekick for connecting with families, sending a quick text, sharing epic student moments (think adorable pics), and rallying the troops through creative newsletters and posts. It’s already set up - so get ready to level up your parent engagement game, including texting parents in their preferred language!

How Do I Get There from Here?
Getting started is simple - Just visit ParentSquare.com/signin/, login using your Jordan District Google account and you’re officially connected to awesome classroom communication. ParentSquare works its magic on any device, so whether you’re a phone wiz, a laptop lover or tablet-trained, you’re good to go! Download the free mobile app for iOS or Android, or use ParentSquare from a web browser at ParentSquare.com/signin/.

What Can I Do with ParentSquare?
As a teacher, you have the ability to send both Posts and Direct Messages to your classroom’s families. Both options can be sent through email or text and can be translated to the parent’s preferred language. You can include calendar events to a post, allowing parents to quickly add events to their personal calendar, and even RSVP to your events. Parents can access messages via the ParentSquare app, however, those who do not register their account will still receive a text and email with your messages. Parents who do create an account can interact with your classroom by viewing photos, leaving comments on posts (only visible by you), messaging teachers, and managing their communication preferences.

Where Can I Learn More?
Transform yourself into a ParentSquare Pro! Access Teacher Training 101, self-paced modules, that can be completed in under 30 minutes. Be sure to select “Start Course.” After completing this course, you’ll be able to:

  • Login and navigate ParentSquare
  • Make changes to your notification settings and set office hours
  • Add events to the class calendar
  • Create posts and direct messages
  • Access support and training resources

In addition, you can click on the question mark in the upper right corner within ParentSquare to search comprehensive help articles, see what’s new, or connect with ParentSquare’s amazing support team. If you find that your account, classroom, or parent contact data is incorrect, please reach out to the Information Systems help desk at 801-567-8737.

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Headspace - Enbrace the changeHeadspace offers free access to K-12 (primary-secondary) teachers and supporting staff in the US. Whether you’re feeling inspired to connect more with your students or you’re looking for a new way to bring calm to your classroom, Headspace can help students build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Better focus, less stress, and happier thoughts are just a few minutes away.

Embrace the change - Learn how to navigate it in August
Change can happen in an instant, but how you respond to it makes all the difference. For August, we’re helping you explore different ways to approach changes in your life with acceptance, strength, and the ability to keep moving forward.

  • The Nature of Change - Meditate on how nature evolves and your relationship to it with a sense of ease and well being. Get connected.
  • Fleeting Nature of Life -  Develop a greater understanding of how life changes from moment to moment and feel the freedom that comes from it. Let change in.
  • Approaching Change - Change brings about strong emotions. Use this visualization exercise to help you adapt to it with a wiser perspective. Move through it.
  • Feeling Powerless - Learn to stay focused and grounded when you’re feeling overwhelmed by current events or everyday life. Find your center.

Sign up for monthly live events
Join Headspace for live monthly meditations and quarterly workshops to support mindfulness in your everyday life.

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DP324 NEG- Sick Leave- Licensed and DP326 NEG- Sick Leave- Education Support Professionals

Welcome to the 2024-25 contract year! As an annual reminder, in accordance with DP326 NEG I. 1. and 2. and DP324 NEG I. 1. and 2., participation in the Employee-Funded Sick Leave Bank requires a contract employee to annually donate one day of accumulated annual leave into the Sick Leave Bank.  The Employee-Funded Sick Leave Bank is not intended to be used for in-and-out absences, elective medical procedures or other medical care that could be scheduled during non-contract time.

Each year, contract employees wishing to opt out of participation in the sick bank must annually complete the appropriate online form in Employee Access no later than Sept. 1 for current employees and Oct. 1 for first-year licensed employees, including administrators. This opt out request must be submitted annually.

Prior to completion of this form, it is strongly encouraged to review all District Leave Policies.

  1. Log in to your Skyward Employee Access. (If you do not know your login and/or password, contact the Information Systems Help Desk at 801-567-8737.)
  2. Select “Task Manager” under the Jump to Other Dashboards widget.
  3. Under “Task Processes” select “Sick Bank Opt Out.”
  4. Open the Sick Bank Request form, enter information in all required fields and then click the “Save” button.
  5. Click the “Next” button and enter Notes, as appropriate.
  6. Click the “Next” button past Attachments; no attachments are requested.
  7. Click the “Next” button until you reach the final step “Choose Next Task.” Click the “Submit Sick Leave Bank Opt Out” button to submit the Sick Bank Opt Out Request. An email will be sent to your District email account confirming the Sick Bank Opt Out submission.

Sick Bank Opt Out Processing
Please note that the submission needs to be submitted by Sept. 1 (current employees)/Oct. 1 (for first year employees), but there will be a delay in removing the Sick Bank Donation from your time off, which returns your annual leave day to your available leave balances.

Questions regarding Sick Bank should be directed to the HR Generalist at 801-567-8249.
If you need additional assistance with the completion or submission of this form, contact the Administrative Assistant at your location or the HR Generalist.

*Education Support Professionals who are considered ‘provisional’ as of July 1 and hourly employees (non-contract), are not eligible for sick bank benefits that year, therefore, a sick bank donation will not be deducted (if applicable).  Please be aware that policies and eligibility requirements for Licensed (DP324 NEG) and Education Support Professionals (DP326 NEG) employees are different.  These and other District policies are available for review at policy.jordandistrict.org. 

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If you are divorced but your ex-spouse remains on your insurance, please contact Insurance Services immediately so we can assist you in removing them from your plans.  Once your divorce is final, they are no longer an eligible dependent.  Our plan has IRS guidelines that we need to adhere to so we are able to offer tax-free premiums.

Please feel free to call Insurance Services with any questions 801-567-8146.

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BYU Aspiring Principals Program FlyerWant to be a principal? The BYU School Leadership Program invites educators to learn from current school, district, state, and university leaders about becoming a principal. The Academy is a great way to get a taste of school leadership and learn best practices for applying to principal preparation programs and future leadership positions.

The district will cover the cost of your substitute teacher, and BYU will award a $1,000 scholarship to any participants who are accepted to and attend BYU’s Masters of School Leadership Program.  The application deadline is Aug. 29.

Date of Session Time Where Topic
September
Specific Dates Differ for Each District		 Times Differ for Each District At District Offices Intro to Principal Leadership
UELS 1: Visionary Leadership
Oct. 9 Evening 4-6 p.m. Virtual UELS 2: Teaching & Learning
Nov. 6 Full Day BYU Campus UELS 5: School Improvement
Dec. 4 Evening 4-6 p.m. Virtual UELS 3: Management for Learning
UELS 4: Community Engagement
Jan. 8 Evening Virtual UELS 7 Equity & Cultural Responsiveness
Feb. 5 Full Day BYU Campus UELS 6: Ethical Leadership

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Envelope with Warning MessageInformation Systems would like to take a moment to ask everyone to please be mindful of email phishing scams.

At the beginning of the school year we always see an uptick in these types of scams. In particular groups or individuals may try to take advantage of students, parents, and employees by encouraging the purchase of gift cards.

Please remember that Jordan School District employees will never send emails requesting your login name, password, financial information, or gift cards.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while looking out for phishing emails:

  • Is the email asking for personal information or other unusual requests?
  • Have you used a second method of communication to verify the source of the email like making a phone call?
  • Is the email offering money or asking you to send money?
  • Do you normally email with this person or does it communicate an abnormal sense of urgency?
  • Does it sound too good to be true and are they playing on your emotions?

If any of these statements are true, then you may have a phishing email on your hands. Please report any activity that appears to be a scam or phishing to security@jordandistrict.org

Always think before you click and reach out to Information Systems for help if you have any doubts about the legitimacy of an email.

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For information regarding legal liability protection for school district employees, please review the following:

Legal Liability Protection  for Public School Employees
You and your public school have broad liability coverage through the State Risk Management Fund, hereinafter the “Fund.” 

Lawsuits are defended by the Litigation Division of the Utah Attorney General’s Office.

FUND COVERAGE SUMMARY
You have coverage through the Fund if a civil claim or a civil lawsuit for damages is brought against you for acts or omissions occurring:

  • during the performance of your duties, 
  • within the scope of your employment, or 
  • under color of authority, 

You may have the following rights under the Governmental Immunity Act of Utah: 

  • to have any lawsuit defended by an attorney at no cost to you, and 
  • to have any settlement or judgment paid on your behalf.

SECURING COVERAGE
To secure these rights you must: 

  • Immediately notify your school of any claim or lawsuit not to exceed 60 days;
  • Immediately forward to your school all legal documents served on you;
  • Make a written request to your school for defense and indemnification within ten days after service of a lawsuit; and
  • Cooperate in the subsequent investigation and defense, including to make an offer of judgment if requested.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED?
Your rights to defense and payment of claims or judgments do not cover acts or omissions involving:

  • Fraud; 
  • Willful misconduct; 
  • Impairment due to your use of alcohol or drugs; or 
  • False testimony under oath.

Criminal and Occupational Defense Protection
The Fund does NOT provide an attorney or pay for attorneys’ fees incurred in defending a criminal case; or occupational licensing matter (i.e. Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission); nor does it cover or pay for any fines, fees, or any other costs assessed in a criminal case or occupational licensing matter.

However, as a public-school employee, you may have the right under Utah Code 52-6 to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs from your employing school if the indictment or information is quashed, dismissed or results in an acquittal, unless it is quashed or dismissed on motion of the prosecuting attorney. This statute applies if the criminal charges are filed against you for acts or omissions occurring during the performance of your duties, within the scope of your employment, or under color of authority,

Additional Insurance Options

Civil Liability Coverages Civil coverage not provided by Governmental Immunity Act Fund Criminal Defense Coverages
State Risk Fund

Coverage for employees is generally consistent with the Utah Governmental Immunity Act and the statutory limitations of liability. Primary coverage includes General Liability; Auto Liability; Employment Practices Liability; Errors & Omissions; Directors & Officers; and Faithful Performance, generally with limits of $10 Million per occurrence.

 N/A No criminal defense coverage.

For additional information about your rights please see the following: The Utah Governmental Immunity Act, Utah Code 63G-7; Reimbursement of Criminal Defense Costs, Utah Code 52-6; Your Risk Manager or Business Official; or The Utah State Division of Risk Management 4315 S 2700 W Taylorsville, Utah 84129 (801) 957-7170

If you have any questions, please contact Bonnie Brennan, Director of Insurance Services, 801-567-8285 or bonnie.brennan@jordandistrict.org

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Required literacy classes are now available for registration for new teachers and teachers moving to a new grade level.

If a teacher is moving grade levels and has already taken any of the trainings, they DO NOT need to take them again. If a teacher has completed Wit & Wisdom training for any grade level, they do not need to repeat the training.

To register for classes, go to pd.jordandistrict.org. Classes can be found by searching for the class titles or clicking on the direct links below. Please be sure that all new teachers are aware of the different trainings that they will need for their grade level and the dates that they are being offered. These are currently the only offerings for these classes this year. New teachers should sign up for one date for each training listed under the grade level they will be teaching. In-service rate will be paid for Heggerty and MSRC classes taken outside of contracted hours. Substitutes will be provided for all classes taught during contracted hours. A stipend of $600.00 will be paid to teachers for the completion of the in-person and online book work for LETRS training.

Training for Really Great Reading is not listed because teachers have been emailed a link and that training is completed online. A stipend $300.00 will be provided upon completion of Really Great Reading training.

If you have any questions regarding classes or the registration process, please contact:

Brittney Eldredge
801-567-8161
brittney.eldredge@jordandistrict.org

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For Elementary Teachers Only:  Many elementary schools are moving towards adopting Canvas as their learning management solution (LMS), in lieu of Google Classroom.  To help elementary teachers in facilitating the change in LMS, we will be launching district created templates for elementary classrooms.  These templates are customizable to meet your individual classroom needs and are meant to help teachers have an online classroom option.

For teachers who already use Canvas, you can import your prior course content and overwrite the district templates.  These templates will be launched on Monday Aug. 5th.  Any updates made in Canvas prior to Aug. 5th will be overwritten when the templates are launched, so please wait to move your content into Canvas until after Monday Aug. 5th.  Please contact Digital Teaching and Learning with any questions or concerns.

After Aug. 5 all elementary teachers will be able to import prior content to their Canvas courses.  To help you import your content and remove the district template please watch the video linked here.

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Jordan Health & WellnessCelebrating "Wellness Welcome Week" with three ways to participate:

  • The Wellness Welcome Challenge: The Wellness Team has put together a Wellness Welcome Bingo card to help you stay motivated and kick the year off with your wellness in mind starting with the very first week. Use this link to view the Bingo card.
    • After completing your Bingo card fill out this form to enter our drawing with individual and school/department prizes!  
  • Virtual Lunch n Learns: Build your wellness muscles while you eat lunch! There will be two sessions for each topic, depending on your lunchtime preference. Sessions will repeat each day at both 11:30 a.m.  and1:00 p.m. 
    • Sign up to get a Zoom Link and a reminder or use the link below at the scheduled time.

Aug.14

  • Self-Regulation Strategies for Students (and you too!) - Zoom Link
  • Creating Regenerative Rituals for Personal Wellness - Zoom Link
    • Early Eaters - 11:30 - 12:00
    • Late Lunchers - 1:00-1:30

Aug. 15

  • Conquering Your Calendar - Zoom Link
  • 4 Simple Strategies for Daily Fulfillment - Zoom Link
    • Early Eaters - 11:30 - 12:00
    • Late Lunchers - 1:00-1:30
  • In-person Wellness Experiences: 
    • Yoga: Begin or end your day with mindful movement and relaxing meditation. Sign up to receive a schedule of various yoga offerings throughout the District that will improve your wellness.
    • Quieting Your Mind With Calming Strategies: Visit a wellness center to experience how and why these spaces work and learn how to incorporate these skills into your daily routines. Sign up to receive more information.

We are proud to be part of the Jordan School District and wish you a healing summer vacation. We look forward to starting the year fresh and prioritizing our wellness from the start!

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Sign up for a free educator well-being course and earn re-licensure hours and college credit! Space is limited! Jordan District educators are invited to participate in our 2024 FREE Educator Well-Being Continuing Ed Courses for administrators, teachers, counselors, and specialists. This course is an opportunity for all JSD employees to address their own well-being by exploring practical strategies associated with connection, happiness, self-care, conflict resolution, growth mindset, problem-solving, and more! Participants will collaborate, learn from, and connect with other educators throughout the District as they work towards meeting their own wellness goals. This course is FREE for JSD employees and Winter, and Summer sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited for this great opportunity!Sign up for a free educator well-being course and earn re-licensure hours and college credit! Space is limited! 

Jordan District educators are invited to participate in our 2024 FREE Educator Well-Being Continuing Ed Courses for administrators, teachers, counselors, and specialists. This course is an opportunity for all JSD employees to address their own well-being by exploring practical strategies associated with connection, happiness, self-care, conflict resolution, growth mindset, problem-solving, and more! Participants will collaborate, learn from, and connect with other educators throughout the District as they work towards meeting their own wellness goals.

This course is FREE for JSD employees and Winter, and Summer sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited for this great opportunity!

Participants can earn continuing education, lane-change, and re-licensure hours from SUU (up to 3 college credits).

Sign up using the link below and share this information with professionals in your schools who may be interested in this opportunity.

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Aug. 2024 PD Conference FlyerThe district-wide professional development day is on Aug. 13, 2024.

All licensed personnel are required to select and attend a keynote speaker in the morning and are required to attend a corresponding session to their assignment in the afternoon.

If you haven't already registered for a morning keynote:

  1. Please choose and register for a keynote speaker using this link. Keynote speakers are NOT content specific. The topics and location information for each keynote speaker are included in the registration information. To review your selection, log into your Canvas account or review your confirmation email.

Review Your Assigned Afternoon Grade Level/Content Area Schedule

  1. Please review the following flyer to see the lineup of presenters at your content area location. The afternoon breakout sessions on Aug. 13, ARE specific to content area and grade level. You do not need to pre-register for the afternoon breakouts. You will have time to eat lunch and transition to your content location after the morning keynote.

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Important Payroll Aug. 2024 FlyerPayroll Due: Aug. 2
View Your Paycheck: Aug. 21
Payday: Aug. 23

First Five Days of School:
Aug. 21 - 27 Elementary Level
Aug. 20 - 26 - Secondary Level

As per DP335(B) and DP335 NEG: Annual/Personal leave shall not be taken during the first five days that students are in school unless listed as an exception in policy. If applicable, an explanation of the policy exception must be written in the time off description box.

Welcome New Hires!
Please visit the Payroll website for important information:

TIME OFF:

  • Time Off Information - Employees are allocated new Annual leave days on July 1st each year. At the end of each school year, any unused Annual leave days will rollover into sick days on June 30th. Sick days are to be used for your own personal health reasons unless approved by Human Resources for critical family leave.
  • How to request time off
  • Critical Days

True Time Deadlines:
Pay Period July 1, 2024 - Aug. 4, 2024
Employee Final Submittal: Aug. 7, 2024
First Approval: Aug. 9, 2024
Final Approval: Aug. 13, 2024

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Insurance Services wants to make everyone aware that there is a scam going around that is targeting PEHP clients. If you receive a text from PEHP stating your enrollment has not been completed, please ignore and delete it. These texts are not from PEHP and do not respond in any way.

Thank you and if you have any questions, please contact Jordan Insurance Services at 801-567-8146.

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If you are a contracted employee and need to take Annual/Personal Leave on a Critical Day before/after Labor Day 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
Labor Day Sept. 2, 2024 Aug. 30 & Sept. 3, 2024 July 20 – July 30, 2024

*Critical Days are the first student attendance days before or after a school holiday. If a non-student attendance day falls before or after a school holiday, the Critical Day is the day before or after that non-student attendance day when students are in attendance.

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July 2024 Health InsightsCheck out the July 2024 Moreton & Company Health Insights newsletter. Stories include:

Work-Life Balance - In our rush to “get it all done” at the office and at home, it’s easy to forget that as our stress levels spike, our productivity plummets. Stress can affect our concentration, make us irritable or depressed, and harm our relationships.

The Power of Self-Care - Self-care is the practice of intentionally engaging in activities that positively impact mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It directly correlates to mental health, as selfcare techniques can create healthy coping mechanisms for unavoidable stressors in everyday life.

Health Benefits of Hobbies - A hobby is any activity that you frequently do for pleasure during your leisure time. This could include creative, athletic, and intellectual activities. Giving quality time to activities that you enjoy also helps your performance in your professional life. It improves your creative problem-solving abilities and helps you build better relationships with your coworkers by making you more empathetic.

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July 2024 Important Payroll Info FlyerPayroll Due: July 2
Payday: July 25

Direct Deposit Changes: Submit by July 10
View Your Paycheck: July 20

DIRECT DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED!
If you do not have direct deposit your check will be held in the Payroll Department at the District Office for pickup

To sign up for or update your direct deposit you can do so via Employee Access: Direct Deposit Instructions

True Time Deadlines:
Pay Period June 3 - June 30
Employee Final Submittal: July 3
First Approval: July 5
Final Approval: July 9
Independence Day July 4 - District Offices Closed
Pioneer Day July 24 - District Offices Closed