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URS Checklist & TimelineRetirement Application Checklist

You'll Need the Following:

  • Copy of birth certificate for you and, if married, for your spouse. III
  • Copy of marriage certificate, if applicable. III
  • Bank account number and routing number.
  • Your myURS login information to access the application. IV

Begin Application Process

  • Verify that your contact information is up to date. If the email address on file with URS is a work address, change it to a personal email address prior to retirement.
  • 90 days prior to your retirement date, call the Retirement Benefits Department at 801-366-7770 to begin the retirement application process. On the call, let the representative know if you plan to reinstate prior service or purchase additional service credit.
  • Once approved, access the on line retirement application by logging in to myURS at www.urs.org.IV Once logged in, the application is located in the Overview tab under the Pension section. Click on the green Click to Proceed button to complete and submit your application for retirement.
  • When requesting the application, if desired, you can schedule an appointment with a retirement counselor who can assist you in completing the forms.

Completing the Application

  • The Application for Service Retirement form is where you choose a payout option, elect or decline life insurance coverage, choose or decline a PLSO option (if available), etc.
  • Complete all other retirement forms including PLSO application (if applicable), tax-withholding, direct deposit authorization, post-retirement rules, notice of termination, etc. Service Purchases and Future Service Purchases require additional paperwork and must be paid in full prior to your effective retirement date.
  • Scan or copy birth certificate(s) and marriage certificate and upload with your application. If you've requested a paper copy, send the certificates with the application via normal mail to Utah Retirement Systems, Attn: Retirement Benefits Department, PO Box 1590, Salt Lake City, UT 84110. Or you can drop off your paperwork to the Retirement Benefits Department at 560 E 200 S, Suite 240, Salt Lake City, UT.

Retirement Savings Plans (401 (k), 457(b), and IRAs)

  • Your savings plans can stay at URS indefinitely. They DO NOT have to be rolled over to an outside firm once you retire.
  • If you wish to start withdrawals from your retirement savings plans, log in to myURS at www.urs.org, click the Forms link, and select and complete the withdrawal form that pertains to your plan (e.g., 401 (k) withdrawal application for a 401 (k), Roth withdrawal for a Roth IRA, etc.). Call 801-366-7720 for assistance.

Steps to Retirement Timeline

Within 5 Years of Retirement

Within 3 Years of Retirement

  • Request a pension estimate from the Retirement Benefits Department on line (if available) or call 801-366-7770.
  • Review the Retirement Guidebook applicable to your system or plan, along with the other publications in the Retiring Soon section of the URS website at www.urs.org/us/retiresoon.

12 Months Before Retirement

  • Request an updated pension estimate from the Retirement Benefits Department on line (if available) or call 801-366-7770. This is a prerequisite to receiving your retirement application. The estimate received in an Individual Retirement Planning Session does not satisfy this prerequisite.
  • If you are planning on purchasing Service Credit,I other than Future Service Credit, contact the Retirement Benefits Department at 801-366-7770 for the required forms.
  • Check with your employer regarding health insurance coverage after retirement.

3 Months Before Retirement

  • Contact the Retirement Benefits Department at 801-366-7770 for a retirement application. You can apply if you are within 90 days before and up to 90 days after your last day worked. The Retirement Benefits Department must complete a pension estimate before you will receive your application.
  • If you are planning to purchase Future Service Credit, 11 contact the Retirement Benefits Department at 801-366-7770. (Future Purchases must be completed before you file a retirement application with URS.)

1 Month Before Retirement

  • If you mailed your retirement application and haven't been notified that we've received it, call the Retirement Benefits Department at 801-366-7770.

Important Notes:

  1. The lifetime benefit is paid monthly on the last business day of the month.
  2. It can take up to 90 days from your retirement date with URS to receive your first check. Consequently, your first check will likely be larger than subsequent checks since it is paid retroactively back to your official retirement date.
  3. The first payment may be estimated. Once all service and salary are verified, your estimated benefit will be finalized, and you will receive a letter confirming your final benefit amount. The difference between the estimated benefit and the finalized benefit will be paid to you.
  4. If you selected the Partial Lump-Sum Option (PLSO), it is paid when we issue your first pension check.
  5. If your benefit check is estimated, we will only pay you 80% of your PLSO. At the time your benefit is finalized, we will pay the remaining 20%.
  6. Estimates provided by the Retirement Benefits Department in the 3 years prior to retirement are a prerequisite to receiving your retirement application. They do not project an increase in salary from raises and do not include the last six months of income. This estimate is a "conservative soft audit" of your years of service and income as it has been reported to URS from your employer and can be different than the estimate provided in the Individual Retirement Planning Sessions.
  1. See Purchasing Service Credit brochure.
  2. See Purchasing Future Service Credit brochure.
  3. See your applicable Retirement Guidebook at wwwurs.org/us/retiresoon for a list of all acceptable proof-of-age documents.
  4. If you have forgotten your myURS username and/or password, please call URS at 801-366-7770 or 801-366-7720.
  5. If you prefer, you can request the application be mailed to you, but doing so may delay the application process and the time it takes to receive your first pension check.

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Digital Citizenship PD SampleDigital Citizenship Week is Oct. 16–20, and the Digital Teaching and Learning team is excited to share some resources with you to celebrate six areas of digital citizenship mastery.

  • Positive Online Behavior
  • Using Technology Responsibly
  • Protecting Private Information
  • Using Reliable Sources
  • Passwords that Protect
  • Understanding the Impact of Digital Interactions

DTL has created a new page of resources to help your teachers and students demonstrate appropriate digital citizenship skills.  On our site, you’ll find a level-specific list of short lessons and learning activities that teachers can use each day as part of Digital Citizenship Week.

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CRX International Enrollment PageInsurance Services has partnered with CRX International for prescription medication safety and savings. Sourced in federally-designated countries, brand-name medications are shipped straight to you in their sealed, original packaging. You pay nothing thanks to the exceptional savings CRX International brings to your health plan when you use this optional program. It’s just that simple.

All member copayments have been waived for this program. If you have further questions, please reach out to CRX International directly, visit the Insurance Services website or please call 801-567-8146.

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Opera by Children FlyerThe Opera by Children Teacher Training workshops, as well as the implementation processes and performances, are FREE of cost to schools and provide relicensure points (and/or credit once completing an opera with the class) in professional development from USBE.

  • Participation in OBC requires a full day of creating an original opera and unpacking the process to reveal the core curriculum and fine art curriculum accomplished in this group collaboration process. OBC teaches tools for ease of application of the OBC process and create a plan for our three professional mentors in the genres of Drama, Art and Music to work alongside trained new OBC teachers at the beginnings of each important step in the process within the classroom.
  • OBC also has a Painting Ginormous section that is fun for any teacher interested in providing a larger than life painting experience. This truly allows an OBC trained teacher the ability to understand what is happening and to work side by side with our art mentor while visiting the classroom.

Workshop Schedule

  • Friday, Nov. 3 | 4-7p.m. | Art Paint Ginormous Workshop at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy | Section ID : 114533
  • Saturday, Nov.4 | 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m | Full Opera by Children Teacher Training at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy | Section ID : 114344
  • To set up a workshop in your area contact Pam Gee directly, but teachers who wish to join in any of the settled sessions may register using the Google Form found through this link as they become available on the noted dates:

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Oct. 2023 Fall Break BINGOWhether you’re traveling or staying in town over the break, the Health & Wellness Team invites you to intentionally nurture your well-being during the break.

Join us in playing Fall Break Bingo! Find a way to incorporate different aspects of wellness and mark each activity you try on the Bingo sheet, aiming to get 5 in a row. Doing so will enhance your Fall Break and set you up for more success when you return from the break.

When you get Bingo, scan the QR code to enter our giveaway for EARLY ACCESS to some exciting activities on Wellness Day on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 (some examples of activities are FREE bowling, painting activities, and pickleball!)

Participate by using the links below and share this information with others you work with who may be interested in this opportunity.

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BYU Masters of Education FlyerHave you been considering a master's degree? Meet faculty and ask questions to learn if BYU can help you reach your career goals. This thesis program can help prepare you to improve your practice as a teacher, fill roles for educational improvement in your school or district, understand educational issues and equity, and pursue advanced scholarship.

  • Oct 26 at 5 p.m.
  • zoom meting: 953 0530 4278 | password: 862600
  • rsvp: tedgradsec@byu.edu
  • 2 year, summer intensive thesis program
  • Cohort model
  • Affordable, low tuition
  • Mentoring and networking opportunities
  • Research-based program

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If you are a contracted employee and need to take Annual/Personal Leave before or after Thanksgiving on a “Critical 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
Thanksgiving Recess (Licensed) November 22-24, 2023 Nov. 21 and 27, 2023 Oct. 8 – Oct. 18, 2023
Thanksgiving Recess (242, 245 Contracts) November 23-24, 2023 Nov. 21 and 27, 2023 Oct. 9 – Oct. 19, 2023
Thanksgiving Recess (ESP 180, 184, 187, 206 Contracts) November 22-24, 2023 Nov. 21 and 27, 2023 Oct. 8 – Oct. 18, 2023

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2023 Apple Crunch Day FlyerApple Crunch Day is coming up on Thursday, October 19th. This is a great opportunity for us to increase our students’ exposure to local produce here in Utah. We have purchased fresh apples from Pyne Farms in Payson to celebrate this day and share apples district wide.

As part of the promotion, in addition to fresh apples, our department will provide your kitchen managers with activity pages, fun nutrition facts and a video that can be shared with your teachers and school community. Take this opportunity to make the most of Utah's Apple Crunch Day!

Here are some great apple facts:

  • Apple trees can live 100 years
  • 0ver 2,500 different types of apples are grown in the USA
  • An average apple contains 10 seeds
  • The science of growing apples is called pomology
  • Apples float because they are 25% air
  • On average, a person eats 65 apples a year
  • Apples are a great source of fiber

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Jordan School District Employees are responsible for knowing and adhering to all District policies and procedures. The annual crucial policy review is available to District employees in Skyward through "Online Forms." As a condition of continued employment, all employees, with the exception of minor students, are required to complete the crucial policy review by Nov. 1, 2023.

Employees may access this policy review via their Employee Access in Skyward. If you need assistance in accessing Skyward, please call the help desk at 801-567-USER (8737).

Please see the tutorial below if you need additional assistance in accessing or completing the policy review.

Crucial Policy Review
To complete the required Policy Review, login to your Employee Access account. If you need help with your login ID or password, contact the Help Desk at 801-567-8737.

If you have not completed your Policy Review, you will see the screen below. Click the Policy Review link.
Policy Review Window
The Policy Review can also be accessed by selecting Employee Information/Online Forms.
Online Forms Menu

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Oct. 2023 Teaching & Learning NewsletterCheck out the attached flyer or use the links below for the latest updates from Teaching & Learning for October. Learn tips and tricks, sign up for upcoming PD, and learn about important updates from the T & L team.

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Dear Employees,

We want you to be aware that FEMA and the FCC have scheduled a nationwide emergency alert test for this Wednesday, Oct. 4 beginning at approximately 12:20 p.m. This will impact anyone with a cell phone.

The wireless emergency alerts will appear on all consumer cell phones which are powered on stating the following: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

The cell phone portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of all radio and television providers in Utah and nationwide.

Thank you.

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Insurance Services wants to remind you that there are several required notices that are included in the Master Policy that is posted on the Insurance Services website.  Open Enrollment for Medicare is coming up so if you or your spouse are getting close to 65 or you have a disabled family member that qualifies for medicare, please review the notice that begins on page 70.  Please reach out to Insurance Services if you have any questions.

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Oct. 2023 Blomquist Hale Workshop FlyersBlomquist Hale has four workshops coming up in October! See attached for workshop flyers and details outlined below.

  • Topic: Monthly Divorce/Separation Support Group
    Date: 3rd Thursday of Every Month – Oct.19
    Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m. MT
    Location: Online!
  • Topic: Pre-Marital: Relationship Ins and Out’s
    Date: Oct. 20 
    Time: 12 – 1 p.m. MT
    Location: Online!
  • Topic: 5-Week Relationship Boot Camp (Mondays)
    Date: Oct. 23 – Nov. 20
    Time: 5:30 – 7 p.m. MT
    Location: Online!
  • Topic: Boundaries in the Workplace
    Date: Oct. 26
    Time: 12  – 1 p.m. MT
    Location: Online! 

To register for any of our upcoming workshops, please visit our website at blomquisthale.com/workshops/.

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One way to streamline communication despite language barriers is by showing parents how to translate Skyward into any language. Each user can translate the Skyward site into their preferred language with just a few clicks in Google Chrome. Check out the video below to see how.

*Hint - The translation tool works on other websites too! Be sure to share this link with families and guardians. 

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Paycheck iconPayroll Due Oct. 3
Direct Deposit Changes by Oct. 10
View Paycheck Oct. 21
Pay Day Oct. 25

True Time Deadlines
Date Range Sept. 4 – Oct. 1
Employee Submittal Oct. 4
First Approval Oct. 6
Final Approval Oct. 10

Substitute Deadlines

Date Range Due Payday
Sept. 16-Sept. 30 Oct. 2 Oct. 10
Oct. 1 - 15 Oct. 16 Oct 25

Grade Transmittal Day
Oct. 23
All 206, 242 and 245 employees must record a leave day if not in attendance.

Fall Recess
All Traditional, 206/207 contracts Oct. 24 – 27
All 242, 245 contracts Oct. 26 – 27

Critical Days
All Licensed and ESP employees Oct. 20 and Oct. 30

As Per DP335(B) and DP335NEG: Contracted employees who have not been approved by Human Resources for using an annual/personal day on Critical Days may be docked (Licensed $156 or ESP 40% of their daily rate) unless the leave reason is listed as an exception in policy. An explanation of the exception must be written in the time off description box. Please refer to policy for further clarification.

Parent Teacher Conference
Elementary School Oct. 4 – 5
(Comp Day Oct. 6)
As per DP335(B) and DP335NEG: Annual/Personal leave shall not be used during Parent Teacher Conferences.

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2024 Health & Wellness Day Save the Date FlyerEmployee Health and Wellness Day is back for 2024!  There will be free offers, discounts, in-person, and virtual activities on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.

We are very appreciative of community partners who are supporting our Health and Wellness Day!

More details for Health and Wellness Day will be coming soon.  Watch for updates in JEM!

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2023 Q3 Blomquist Hale NewsletterThe Blomquist Hale Newsletter for the quarter has arrived. In this issue, you will find articles on:

  • Helping Your Child With Stress & Anxiety - All kids and teens feel stressed at times. Stress is a normal response to changes and challenges. And life is full of those, even during childhood. We tend to think of stress as a bad thing, caused by bad events. But upcoming good events (like graduations, holidays, or new activities) also can cause stress. Kids and teens feel stress when there’s something they need to prepare for, adapt to, or guard against. They feel stress when something that matters to them is at stake. Change often prompts stress, even when it’s a change for the better. Stress has a purpose. It’s a signal to get ready.
  • What to Do and Not Do - When children are anxious, even the most well-meaning parents can actually make the youngster’s anxiety worse. It happens when parents try to protect kids from their fears. Here are pointers for helping children escape the cycle of anxiety in a healthy way.
  • Managing Anxiety: Home & School - Anxiety is another word for feeling worried or scared. It’s normal for children and teens to feel anxious sometimes, like before a big test at school or talking in front of a group of people. But if your child’s anxiety gets in the way of normal activities, such as sleeping alone at night, playing outside or going to school, they may need extra support. The good news is that there are things you can do to help prevent your child from feeling anxious and help them handle worries when they happen.

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Jordan School District is bound to provide the life carrier the information that is currently listed in InfinityHR, our enrollment system. As a reminder, you should verify what our records are showing as far as your beneficiary goes each open enrollment period at the minimum. You are able to change this information at any time. Please log into InfinityHR - www.infinityhr.com to verify that you have it set up correctly. Especially if you have had a life event change. You can add both primary and secondary beneficiary(s).

If you have any questions or issues, please contact Insurance Services / insurance@jordandistrict.org / 801-567-8146

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SUU Endorsements FlyerSUU is offering endorsements for free with a USBE Grant if you are currently teaching K-12 In Utah

  • Educational Technology
  • Elementary Stem
  • Elementary Science
  • Elementary Math
  • Elementary Math Specialist

Other endorsements are available for only $300 per class:

  • Gate (6 classes)
  • ESL (6 classes)
  • K12 Literacy Specialist (6 classes)

Ready To Learn More? Join a quick 30 minute Zoom With SUU to learn how to apply and why you should capitalize on this enrichment opportunity.