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With the change in the ELA core approved by the Utah State Board of Education in recent months, the state’s summative assessments will now reflect those changes.  The changes to RISE and the Utah Aspire Plus are highlighted below:

Utah Aspire Plus:

  • The English subtest will no longer be administered. Only the Reading, Math and Science subtests will be administered.
  • USBE, under recommendation from the Assessment & Accountability Policy Advisory Committee, has opted to not go through the standard setting process over the summer as they had originally intended. Therefore, Utah Aspire Plus proficiency reporting will be available within 24 hours after students complete and submit the assessment.  Proficiency reporting, composite scale scores, and predicted ACT scores will be available for Math, Reading and Science.  There will be no ELA proficiency reporting.

Please see the attached Utah Aspire Plus updates document released by USBE for more information.

RISE:

  • The summative RISE ELA assessment and the summative RISE Writing assessment (5th and 8th grades only) have been revised according to the new ELA core. Scores for the summative RISE ELA and summative RISE Writing will not be available until fall 2025.  Automatic scoring for both summative assessments will resume in the 2025-26 school year.
  • Scoring for RISE Math and Science will still be available after students complete and submit the assessment.
  • For RISE ELA and Math, students will see up to one cluster question (see 6th JEM). The RISE Math cluster questions will be field test items.  The RISE ELA cluster questions will be actual questions that count towards students’ scores.
  • RISE blueprints, performance level descriptors, and writing rubrics may all be found on the RISE Portal under the Resources

Please see the attached RISE updates document released by USBE for more information.

For questions about these changes, please contact Ben Jameson in Assessment, Research & Accountability.

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Malinda Jensen shows her Get Away Today VoucherThank you to everyone who participated in the Health and Wellness Day “Wellness Challenge” this year. We hope you enjoyed the experience and have discovered new ways to integrate wellness into your everyday life.

Those who submitted their challenge sheet were automatically entered into a drawing for a Get Away Today vacation. We are happy to announce the winner of that vacation is Malinda Jensen, Administrative Assistant for Compliance and Legal Services!

 Congratulations, Malinda. Enjoy your Get Away Today vacation.

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Native American Professional Development FlyerDATE CHANGE - Jordan Native American Program invites you to attend a PD on 'Exploring Native American History: Lessons Beyond Textbooks' by Darren Parry, on March 27, from 4 - 5:30 p.m., at JATC South.

Darren Parry is the former Chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation. Darren serves on the Board of Directors for Utah Humanities and the PBS Utah. He attended the University of Utah and Weber State University and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. In 2024, he received an Honorary PhD in Education from Utah State University. Darren is the author of “The Bear River Massacre, A Shoshone History” and teaches in the Environmental Humanities department at the University of Utah. He lectures around the country on Native American issues surrounding history and Indigenous views related to sustainability.

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K-5 Math Professional Development Series FlyerK-5 Teachers, 

We have adopted Open Up Resources K-5 Math as our new math curriculum for the 2025-26 school year. Please make sure you have signed up for the math curriculum training.

We are kicking off our new K-5 math adoption of Open Up K-5 Resources with a district-wide Professional Development series. All K-5 and special education teachers (except FA teachers) will engage in 2 full professional learning days with an optional planning day. If you haven’t already, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAYS BY THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2025.

Teachers should sign up for TWO comprehensive professional learning sessions, delving into effective routines, math practices, and student discourse on Day One and focusing on scaffolding, engagement, and rigor on Day Two. These sessions offer evidence-based strategies to enrich your student-centered learning environment and refine lesson structures. 

Additionally, there is an opportunity to sign up for a paid optional 3rd full day of team-based planning to integrate your new insights into the curriculum, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive classroom experience. 

See the flyer below for more detailed information with and sign up for training. 

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There have been some updates in Module 3 of Wit & Wisdom for second-grade. Please see below for details.

2nd Grade Wit & Wisdom Module 3 Options
Wit & Wisdom offers an optional version of 2nd grade Module 3 with revised narrative writing craft instruction.

  • Changes were made to Focusing Question arcs 3, 4, 5, and the End-of-Module task. The content for the modules is the same. It's only the craft (writing) instruction that has changed.
  • Great Minds has provided a Revised Narrative Instruction One-Pager and Crosswalk.
  • The optional module teacher manual is only available digitally.
  • Jordan District will provide resources for both versions on the W&W Toolkit, and Great Minds has digital resources for both.
  • Second grade teachers are encouraged to choose which option works best for their students. To enable collaboration, school teams should choose the same option.

Here is a brief comparison of the two versions:

Original Version Optional Version
  • Digital or print Teacher Edition
  • All student handouts are in paper student books and on district W&W Toolkit.
  • Print assessments (district W&W Toolkit)
  • FQ Tasks 3, 4, 5 and EOM:  narrative writing from first-person perspective of Ruby Bridges or Sylvia Mendez
  • Digital Teacher Edition
  • Will need to print some student handouts (available on the district W&W Toolkit)
  • Print assessments (district W&W Toolkit)
  • FQ Tasks 3, 4, 5 and EOM: autobiographical narrative writing about students' own educational experience.

Screenshots of the affected writing assessments are included in the document below.

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Spring 2025 Work Based Learning NewsletterWhat's happening in Work Based Learning? We are thrilled to announce that Nathan Shields and Corie Johnson have been honored as recipients of the UACTE New Teacher of the Year award in their respective divisions! Read on to check it out!  Here's what else is inside:

  • CTE Month 2025
  • New Construction Management Program
  • Elementary Lessons
  • Kids Market Place
  • YouScience
  • JSD Internship
  • Diesel Day
  • WBL Events

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2025 PD Day - Wit & Wisdom Workshop FlyerJoin us for a special Wit & Wisdom afternoon where a panel of teachers from every grade level will share how they are finding success and making Wit & Wisdom work in their classroom. There will be time for questions and all teachers who attend this training will receive a stipend of $150.00. We look forward to seeing you there!

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March 2025 Important Payroll InformationPayroll Due: March 4
View Your Paycheck: March 21
Payday: March 25

Professional Development Day - March 14
All contracted employees must record a leave day if not in attendance

Grade Transmittal Day - March 31
All 206, 242 & 245 employees must record a leave day if not in attendance

Spring Recess:
Traditional, 206 day contracts - April 1 - 4
242, 245 contracts - April 3 - 4

Critical Days - March 28 & April 7
As per DP335(B) and DP335 NEG: Licensed & ESP employees who have not been approved by HumanResources for using an annual/personal day on Critical Days may be docked (licensed $161 or ESP 40% oftheir daily rate) unless the leave reason is listed as an exception in policy. If applicable, the reason & thepolicy exception must be written in the time off description box. View the Critical Days FAQ here.

Sub Payroll Deadlines
Pay Period: Feb. 18 - 28
Due: March 3
Payday: March 10

Pay Period: March 3 - 13
Due:March 14
Payday:March 25

SCHOOLS: Please ensure Subs are verified weekly

True Time Deadlines
Pay Period: Feb. 3 - March 2
EMPLOYEES: Please submit your timesheets at the end of each work week
APPROVERS: Please ensure you are approving time sheets weekly for accuracyImportant

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Q1 2025 Blomquist Hale NewsletterThe Blomquist Hale Newsletter for the quarter has arrived. In this issue, you will find articles on:

Stay Connected - Many people long for the magic they first experienced early on in their relationship. After time, things evolve and change. Once the kids and career come, there is not much time to do the same things you did early on in the relationship that made it wonderful. It’s easy to get bogged down by our infinite to do lists. Modern day life is hectic. It seems we pride ourselves on how busy we are; we wear being overwhelmed like a badge of honor. In all of the busyness and stress, we often put ourselves and our relationships on the back burner. We then somehow feel surprised that we are disconnected from our partners.

The “Trifecta” of Dating - It is imperative to spend some time enjoying each other’s company with minimal distractions and disruptions. It’s about doing small things often and prioritizing time spent together. How frequently you have a date night is completely dependent on what works best in your relationship. Ideally every week for 2 hours would be great, but if you don’t have the time or resources to make this happen then every couple of weeks or once a month is just fine. The point here is that you make it happen.

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If you are a contracted employee (Benefit eligible) and need to take Annual/Personal Leave on a Critical Day before or after Spring Recess 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
Spring Recess Licensed April 1-4, 2025 March 28 and April 7, 2025 Feb. 16 – Feb. 26, 2025
Spring Recess ESP April 3-4, 2025 March 28 and April 7, 2025 Feb. 18 – Feb. 28, 2025

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2024-25 STEM EIP FlyerAre you interested in or currently pursuing a STEM endorsement? Let USBE PAY FOR YOUR COLLEGE CLASSES! This is called the STEM Endorsement Incentive Program (EIP) and it has been funded again for the 2024-25 school year. See our EIP website for a full list of endorsements.

Reimbursement applications for courses completed after July 1, 2024 are now being accepted. The next round of reimbursements applications is due February 27, 2025  for teachers who completed STEM courses in Fall/Winter 2025.

See the attached flyer and link to our EIP website for more information. If you have any questions, please reach out to your content consultant. We would love to talk to you!

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Licensed employees resigning/retiring at the end of the current contract year, who give official early notification in SKYWARD – EMPLOYEE ACCESS, will be eligible for a tiered incentive. To qualify, notification must be submitted on or before the following dates:

  • Feb. 15, 2025   $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 “Notice of Resignation” 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.

Licensed employees who do not submit an official “Notice of Resignation” form in Skyward Employee Access with at least thirty (30) calendar days’ written notice WILL BE FINED $500, which will be deducted from their final check.  Informing your principal/school administrator either verbally or in writing is not sufficient.  See District Policy DP318 – Resignations - Licensed.

School/District Administrators must submit an official “Notice of Resignation” form in Skyward Employee Access with at least sixty (60) calendar days’ written notice WILL BE FINED $500 in accordance with District Policy DP318A – Resignations-Administrators.

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2024-25 Teacher Transfer Fair PosterThis year, the annual Teacher Transfer Fair is open to all CURRENT JSD teacher/educators AND student teachers, interns and those on a 1-year agreement.  This event is for current Jordan School District teachers/educators seeking a new teaching/assignment opportunity! The transfer fair will be combined for both elementary and secondary teachers/educators.

Please come prepared with:

  • Your JSD ID badge – required to gain entry, AND
  • Copies of your resume available to distribute.

Come explore your options in JORDAN SCHOOL DISTRICT!

Teacher Transfer Process for Licensed Staff
Through the month of February, current JSD licensed teachers and educators may view transfer opportunities for the 2025-26 school year. If you are interested in transferring to another school location within the District, we encourage you to attend the Teacher/Educator Transfer Fair on February 24, 2025 at Bingham High School.

You can also choose to submit a transfer request through the Teacher/Educator Transfer Request located in Skyward Employee Access. Each Monday during February, a Teacher/Educator Transfer Request Report will be emailed to Principals, listing all interested licensed teachers and educators requesting a transfer for the upcoming school year.

Beginning March 1, current JSD teachers and educators can view openings for the 2025-26 school year at employment.jordandistrict.org and must apply through Frontline. Please note that transfer requests will be accepted until August 1, 2025.

For more information, please refer to Policy DP304 NEG – Teacher Transfers.

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URS Retirement Presentation Schedule FlyerLet URS help you understand your benefits and plan a bright future. Whether you're age 20 or 90, whether you have three months or 30 years until retirement... This is for you.

Come learn about your URS benefits. Open to ALL full and part-time employees. Each session will cover URS savings plans along with Tier 1 and Tier 2 pension systems. All sessions will be from 4 – 5:30 p.m. and held in the media center.

  • South Jordan Middle | Thursday Feb. 20, 2025
  • Mountain Creek Middle | Monday March 10, 2025

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Hi, I'm Utah's First Lady Abby Cox. I'm so excited for the Wellness Day coming up on Feb. 7 for Jordan School District.

I am so proud of all of our teachers who have put in the work all year long. You're about halfway, but it's more important to take care of your wellness so that you can be the best you can be for your kids.

Make sure that you're taking care of yourself. You're getting the rest you need. You're getting all the things that you need to be the best teacher you can be for these kiddos as we finish out the year.

We're so proud of everything that you do. You are making a huge difference in the lives of our children. Thank you so much and good luck.

Warmly,
Abby Cox

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Feb. 2025 T&L NewsletterCheck out the links below for the latest updates from Teaching & Learning for February. Learn Tips and Tricks, Sign Up for Upcoming PD, and Learn about Important Updates from the T & L team.

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The JSD Work Based Learning team has been tasked with helping students discover and explore careers at an earlier age.  In response, we have created nine 30 minute Career Exploration lessons that coincide with the CTE Career Spotlight posters located near each school's lunch room.

Each lesson plan includes a slide deck with videos for class discussion and an activity that can be presented by school counselors, teachers, or aides during rotations. Lessons can be accessed at cte.jordandistrict.org under the Educators tab, and will be updated each year with additional careers. Please reach out to jennifer.price2@jordandistirct.org if you need help with implementing these lessons or with career readiness activities at the elementary level, we are happy to help.

Elementary Career Exploration Lessons
Elementary Career Exploration Lessons

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Teaching, Leading, Learning Instructional Leadership Conference FlyerThe Teaching, Leading, Learning Instructional Leadership Conference is a national-quality conference event that will inspire K-12 educators (in any discipline). Learn from the best in the field, connect with peers, and leave with actionable ideas!

The conference will be held on March 20 & 21 at the Utah Valley Convention Center. Principals and Teacher Leaders are invited to attend. Please see the accompanying flyer for the great line-up of speakers and for additional details!

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Feb. 2025 Moreton & Company Health Insights NewsletterHeart Smart Habits
Listen to your heart this February—or at least, read about it in this month’s Health Insights. From the benefits of meatless protein to advice on handling stress, this newsletter comes packed with tips for boosting your heart’s health.

Eating a diet with a higher ratio of plant-based protein to animal-based protein may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD), according to a new study led by researchers at Harvard. According to the researchers, these risk reductions are likely driven by the replacement of red and processed meats with plant proteins.

“The average American eats a 1:3 plant to animal protein ratio. Our findings suggest a ratio of at least 1:2 is much more effective in preventing CVD. For CHD prevention, a ratio of 1:1.3 or higher should come from plants,” said lead author Andrea Glenn.

For questions about this article, please contact the Population Health team at wellness@moreton.com. If you have any other questions, please contact Jordan Insurance Services at 801-567-8146 or insurance@jordandistrict.org.