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The following is a member reference guide to URS resources.

If You.. Contact...
Are Retiring Within the Next Three Years* Retirement Benefits Department to request a pension estimate: 801-366-7770 or 800-695-4877
Are Retiring Within the Next Three Months Retirement Benefits Department to initiate application process: 801-366-7770 or 800-695-4877
Have Questions About
• 401(k), 457, Roth IRAs, Traditional IRAs
• investment options » rollovers » loans		 Savings Plans Department:
801-366-7720 or 800-688-4015
www.urs.org/US/savings
Have Questions About Service Credit or Service Purchases Retirement Benefits Department
801-366-7770 or 800-695-4877
Need Help Accessing Your myURS Online Account 801-366-7700 or 800-365-8772
Want to Schedule a Retirement Planning Session
Note: These sessions are comprehensive and provide a projection of retirement income from all sources to help you prepare for your future retirement.
Sessions are applicable for all employees, regardless of proximity to retirement.		 • Go to www.urs.org and log in to myURS
• Click the “Education” tab
• Click “Individual Retirement Planning Sessions”
• Select the session to reserve appointment

* Though online calculators at www.urs.org can be helpful planning tools, employees retiring within three years should contact URS at the number above for an estimate.

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With home tests now being made available to all households through the federal government, Jordan School District is making COVID-19 isolation leave available for all employees who test positive for COVID-19 using a home test.  Any FDA-approved home test will be accepted. 

For more information on isolation leave as well as a summary of steps an employee should take to utilize isolation leave, please refer to this previous JEM post.

Email questions regarding isolation leave to jane.olsen@jordandistrict.org in Human Resources.

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Dear Utah Educators,

Happy New Year CardAs we begin a new year, we know that thousands of you are working to make a difference in the lives of our children and, consequently, Utah's future. You chose your profession because you are passionate about enriching the lives of the students who fill your classrooms.

While this school year has again looked unlike any other, one thing remains the same. You, partnering with parents, are the driving force in equipping our children with the knowledge, skills, and mindsets necessary for success. You have risen to the challenges presented by these unprecedented times. You have quickly adjusted and are providing students with safe, supportive, and welcoming environments throughout the state.

In the coming weeks, the Utah State Board of Education (USBE} will be announcing its newly approved use of COVID-19 relief funding to create a partnership with Donors Choose where teachers apply for and decide how funds are used for their students. We have always known our greatest resource is all of you and are happy to report the passage of this proposal. We can't imagine a better way to start the New Year than by partnering with you, our individual educators, in making your classrooms the best learning environment for each child.

As we head into a new year, we as USBE Leadership, (and also as educators, public school parents, and grandparents,) thank you for the sacrifices you make for our students. We wish you a very happy and successful New Year!

With much appreciation,
USBE Board Leadership:
Mark Huntsman, Chair
Laura Belnap, Vice Chair
Cindy Davis, Vice Chair

  • Happy New Year Card from the USBE Board Leadership

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2022 Healthy Utah Schedule PosterAll employees and spouses covered on the Jordan School District PEHP medical plan are eligible to participate in this health incentive program. Healthy Utah offers a free 30-minute appointment with a professional staff member, which includes these assessments:

  • Cholesterol
  • Diabetes risk
  • Blood pressure
  • Body composition

See the poster for more information on dates, times, locations and how you can set up an appointment to be screened. You can even earn a "Good For You" cash rebate just by participating!

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Dear Employees,

Beginning August 9, 2021, Jordan School District is making additional leave days available for all employees who test positive for COVID-19 and are required to isolate. This additional leave will be available through the end of the school year on June 30, 2022. Below is a summary of steps an employee should take to utilize this isolation leave.

  • The employee stays home due to illness, notifies their supervisor, and requests a substitute as needed.
  • A benefit-eligible employee records their leave time in Skyward.
  • The employee gets a COVID-19 test.
  • If the test is positive, the employee notifies their supervisor and then submits their positive test result to jane.olsen@jordandistrict.org in Human Resources.
  • The employee will receive an email acknowledgement.
  • Leave days previously reported in Skyward from the date of the positive test result going forward will be adjusted to Isolation Leave by the District.

The employee isolates as directed by the Salt Lake County Health Department.

Isolation Leave is also available for the following situations where a positive test result is submitted as indicated above:

  • The employee never had symptoms but tests positive. The isolation period for this situation is up to 10 calendar days from the day they tested positive.
  • The employee is the caregiver of an individual in their household who is required to isolate due to a positive test result and the employee needs to care for the isolated individual.

Isolation Leave ends when any of the following occurs:

  • They are no longer required to isolate OR
  • They have utilized 10 isolation leave days OR
  • Until June 30, 2022

Part-time employees testing positive will have pay adjusted to offset average wages lost for the time they are required to isolate, or up to 10 days.

Home Tests

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During the months of October, November and December, the Jordan School District teacher substitutes worked extra hours to provide coverage for teacher absences!   The willingness of our teacher substitutes to increase the number of days worked during the past several months was remarkable and greatly appreciated.

The teacher substitute bonuses were distributed to the substitutes who qualified.  If there are any questions regarding the teacher substitute bonus, please contact Juli Martin at juli.martin@jordandistrict.org or by phone at 801-567-8219.  

The 2021 teacher substitute bonus was so successful that it is being EXTENDED through the end of the school year, with bonuses announced each month for the following month.   For January, teacher substitutes with NO CANCELLATIONS and who qualify as outlined below, will be paid on February 10, 2022.  The January substitute tiered incentives are as follows:

  • 16 days worked in January = $275
  • 14 days worked in January = $175
  • 11 days worked in January = $100
  • 8 days worked in January = $50

Benefit eligible teacher substitutes working full time at various schools throughout the Jordan School District, DO NOT QUALIFY for the monthly substitute bonus, since they are required to work every school (contract) day.  

Please help us show appreciation to our valued substitutes for their dedication, assistance and service to Jordan School District.  

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Jan. 2022 LETRS Updates

  • Ronna Hoffman is no longer the person to contact with questions regarding LETRS. Bev Griffith is the new person to contact. Her phone number is 801-567-8466.
  • REMINDER: EVERYONE MUST complete the in-person session for Unit 1 by the end of February 2022. If you haven’t signed up for a session, please do so immediately!

Please visit the LETRS Information web page for any questions you may have. It is updated regularly. Access it from the Teaching & Learning Home page or the T&L Literacy Page.

Jan. 2022 Elementary Social Studies Newsletter
Elementary Social Studies Toolbox Newsletter CoverIt is time again for the Elementary Social Studies Newsletter!  This month you can find some resources for the 130th anniversary of Ellis Island, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.  Did you know that last February the Utah State Legislature created a resolution on Holocaust Education in the schools?  They have asked all schools at all grade levels to teach age appropriate material about the Holocaust.  Students should not wait until they are learning about world history to learn about the Holocaust.  This month’s newsletter has a picture book lesson that could be used at all grade levels to begin teaching students about the Holocaust.

You will also find some informational texts that could be used in your Walk to Read Enrichment groups.  You will find: Farmers (1st grade), Saving Money (2nd grade), Recycling (3rd grade), Claire Ferguson: Utah’s First Female Sheriff (4th grade), Trail of Tears (5th Grade), and Johannes Gutenberg (6th grade).

Don’t forget to sign up for the picture book drawing.

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Jan. 2022 Be Well CoverCheck out the Jan. 2022 Be Well newsletter from EMI. Stories include:

  • New Year’s Health Check - Hoping to achieve better wellness in the new year? Move into 2022 by looking forward to strengthening your physical and mental health. This is where an annual exam can be vital for detection and prevention of medical problems.
  • Seasonal Flavors -  It’s a smart idea to add more vegetables and fruit to your diet, yet about 90% of Americans fall below the recommended intake for vegetables, and 80% don’t eat enough fruit. Aim for two and a half cups of vegetables and two cups of fruit per day.
  • Protect Your Online Life - Technology is part of our daily life, but unfortunately, Search for the HTTPS and lock symbol in the web address; it means there are always people who are looking to hack our systems, that the connection between your web browser and the website server are encrypted.
  • Have the January blahs got you down? - Maybe you’re tired after the holidays, you’ve packed on some extra pounds or watched once-enthusiastic New Year’s resolutions disappear. Take heart and take action to avoid the blahs.
  • Relief for Relationship Fatigue -  Keeping relationships vibrant and healthy after several years is not always easy. Stress, whether it comes from separation from one’s extended family, job loss or other changes, can make it even more difficult to keep a relationship humming along smoothly.

To receive the monthly Be Well Newsletter via email and check out back issues, please visit the EMI Hope Health Newsletter page.

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We have four events scheduled for the month of January! See attached for workshop flyers and details outlined below. Please forward this email to your employees.

  • Topic: Technologies & Families
  • Topic: Anxiety Group (Mondays)
    • Date: Jan. 17 – Feb. 14
    • Date: 5:30 – 7 p.m. MT
    • Location: Online!
    • Register at: blomquisthale.com/workshops/
    • Additional Information: Each week, Group #1 and Group #2 will cover the same information. Participants only need to register for one group, but have access to attend either one that week (whichever is more convenient for their schedule).
  • Topic: Addiction & The Brain
  • Topic: Anxiety Group (Fridays)
    • Date: Jan. 21 – Feb. 18
    • Date: 5:30 – 7 p.m. MT
    • Location: Online!
    • Register at: blomquisthale.com/workshops/
    • Additional Information: Each week, Group #1 and Group #2 will cover the same information. Participants only need to register for one group, but have access to attend either one that week (whichever is more convenient for their schedule).

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Here are recent updates to the testing locations in Salt Lake County. These locations can also be found on the Salt Lake County Health Department website and the Utah Department of Health testing map.

South Hills Middle School
13508 4000 W, Riverton, UT 84065
Monday through Friday
3:45 to 6:00 p.m.
Testing in portable by bus circle at south end of the school.

(Due to Winter Break no testing will be done from December 20th to January 2nd)

Salt Lake Public Health Center
610 South 200 East
Monday through Friday
9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
ENTER FROM 200 EAST under "TB Clinic" sign. Park on street or in lot west of building. DO NOT ENTER on west side.

Rose Park Elementary
1105 West 1000 North
Monday through Friday
2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Testing in back room near Intermountain Health Care's Family Health Center. Park on 1000 North and walk in.

(Due to Winter Break no testing will be done from December 20th to January 2nd)

Thomas Jefferson Jr. High
5850 South 5600 West
Monday through Friday
2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Testing in seminary building on NE corner of property. Park in school or seminary lot.

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  • Person inserts coin in piggy bank401k/403b/457 Elective Deferral Limit
    $20,500
    $27,000 - catch up limit $6,500 (age 50 or over)
  • Traditional and Roth IRA Contribution Limit
    $6,000
    $7,000 - catch up limit $1,000 (age 50 or over)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution Limit
    $3,650 single coverage
    $4,650 - catch up limit $1,000 (age 55 or over)
    $7,300 family coverage
    $8,300 - catch up limit $1,000 (age 55 or over)

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The following are new administrative assignments:

  • New Assignments effective January 3, 2022:
    • Carolyn Gough, principal at Riverton High, appointed Administrator of Teaching & Learning, replacing Shelley Nordick who is retiring.
    • Rochelle Waite, principal at South Hills Middle, appointed principal at Riverton High replacing Carolyn Gough.
    • James Groethe, assistant principal at Bingham High, appointed principal at South Hills Middle replacing Rochelle Waite.
    • Frederico Rowe, principal at Northport Elementary in Robbinsdale Area Schools, Minnesota, appointed staff assistant in Teaching & Learning.
    • Beverly Griffith, principal at South Jordan Elementary, transferred to Teaching & Learning.
    • Bryce Eardley, principal of Dugway Schools in Tooele School District, appointed principal at South Jordan Elementary replacing Beverly Griffith.
    • Staci Moore, assistant principal at Majestic Elementary, appointed principal at Bluffdale Elementary replacing Cynthia Tingey who is retiring.
    • Trudy Jack, administrative intern at Ridge View Elementary and Rosamond Elementary, appointed assistant principal at Majestic Elementary replacing Staci Moore.
    • Michelle Kilcrease, assistant principal at Blackridge Elementary and Foothills Elementary, transferred to ALPS at Riverton Elementary.
    • Baylee Lansford, assistant principal at Elk Meadows Elementary and Monte Vista Elementary, transferred to Blackridge Elementary and Foothills Elementary.
    • April Thompson, administrative intern at Aspen Elementary and Terra Linda Elementary, transferred to Elk Meadows Elementary and Monte Vista Elementary.
  • New Assignment effective July 1, 2022:
    • Brandon Larsen, band teacher at Herriman High, appointed assistant principal at a secondary school, location TBD.

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Blomquist Hale Newsletter CoverThe Blomquist Hale Newsletter for the 4th Quarter has arrived.  In this issue, you will find articles on:

  • Prevail Over Your Panic Attacks: Panic attacks are a set of mostly physical symptoms that are triggered by worry, fear or dread. The intensity of the physical symptom adds fuel to an overwhelming sense of anxiety.
  • The Physical Symptoms of Panic: All fears have a common component: The Perception of Threat. When we feel threatened, the hypothalamus, a tiny organ or organelle in of our brain, sends a signal to the autonomic nervous system (ANS) to prepare our body to survive the attack.
  • Panic Attacks...CREATE YOUR OWN!: You can cause physical symptoms of panic in your body by doing this simple exercise: Set a timer for 90 seconds. During the 90 seconds, breathe three times harder or faster than normally. Don’t stop until the end of the 90 seconds. Take a few minutes and scan your body for any of the signs or symptoms of panic attacks.
  • Learn to Control Panic: Fear of experiences is a trigger that is acquired after an initial attack. You can become fearful of having another panic attack, or what you think might happen if you have another attack: choking, dying, or heart attack.

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Check out the Dec. 2021 Be Well newsletter from EMI. Stories include:

  • Helping others helps you, too. - Volunteers make a vital difference in the lives of others. And volunteering your time and efforts can benefit your own health as well — from reducing stress to boosting self-confidence and becoming more content over time.
  • Secrets of Sugars -  Sugar: It’s a word with a bad reputation. But there’s more to know about this sweetener, and the news isn’t all bad. The truth is, Americans do eat too much sugar, and the No. 1 source is sweetened beverages, such as soft drinks, coffee beverages and fruit drinks. Baked goods, candy, ice cream and chocolate are also high in sugar.
  • Stay Positive This Season - The holiday season can be full of cheer — and stress. You probably make lists of everything you need to do, including groceries you’ll need to buy for special meals and gifts for friends and family. Maybe it’s time to also consider a list of strategies for a calmer season.
  • Winter Family Fun - Ready for some fun family pursuits? Don’t let the chilly months and less daylight hold you back. Whatever the size of your family — mom, dad, kids, grandparents, siblings — daytime, night time, indoors or outdoors, take time for a midweek break or weekend family adventure, and have fun together.

To receive the monthly Be Well Newsletter via email and check out back issues, please visit the EMI Hope Health Newsletter page.

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2022 Medicare & Social Security 101 FlyerDuring a 1.5 hour presentation, a Medicare specialist from Senior Benefits Insurance Services and a Social Security expert from Capita Financial Network, will take you through the “must knows” of your future benefits.  Throughout the time together, you will receive answers to important questions regarding how you or loved ones can maximize future prescription/medical benefits and financial wellness.

  • When:  Jan. 12, 2022
  • Time: 6:00 PM
  • Location: Auxiliary Services Building Presentation Room (Entrance C) 7905 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan
  • Questions: Insurance Department 801-567-8255

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Dear Education Community, 

Letter SampleAs we celebrate this season of giving thanks, I want to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to you, the education heroes of Utah public schools. In the spring of 2020, we shuttered our doors to in person learning, and we looked to the future with uncertainty. However, I was certain about one thing; you would all continue caring for our most precious asset, our children. Here we are, 18 months later and still facing uncertainties. Many of you may feel like you are in the first year of your job all over again with so many changes and challenges. We are learning many lessons from the pandemic, and you all continue to lean in and do whatever it takes to keep education happening. 

As we strive to forge a new future for public education, I am buoyed up by the collaboration and support you continue to provide one another on behalf of improving outcomes and opportunities for all students. I love visiting schools and classrooms. It is always apparent that it takes every adult in the school system to provide a quality experience for our students. I have had the opportunity this fall to sit in on powerful learning communities, listen to students talk about their evaluating their own work for improvement, witness the excitement of students with disabilities engaging in athletic competitions with nondisabled peers, and watch students create and perform beautifully in the arts. Our students have many opportunities to unlock their gifts and talents in our Utah public schools. Thank you! 

I am also mindful and appreciative of your efforts to address the safety and mental wellness of our students. Many factors contribute to the challenges of mental wellbeing and the additional stress brought on by the pandemic has exacerbated these needs. Creating safe and caring spaces for all students, regardless of demographics and circumstances, is key to their success. Emotional safety and physical safety are foundational in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Thank you for all you are doing to help students feel safe and cared for. 

We continue to ask much of you as public educators to help all students have opportunities to succeed. I am mindful of what this means for your own mental and physical wellness. We must do better with working conditions to ensure you have the time, resources, and support needed to help you do your best work. I am committed to working with education leaders and policy makers to continue our focus on these issues. I am also committed to the tenets of our Utah Portrait of a Graduate and a more personalized approach to learning including flexibility and opportunities for the adults who serve our students.

I am proud of you, our Utah public education community. I am proud to advocate for you and represent you. I am forever grateful to be a Utah educator and look forward to positive days ahead. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your continuing efforts during these challenging times. 

Sincerely,
Sydnee Dickson, Ed.D.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Utah State Board of Education

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Social Studies Toolbox CoverThis December is the 230th anniversary of the Bill of Rights.  What a great time to teach kids about some of the important rights that we have in this country and to help them develop a love of our country.  We also have the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Older grades can learn about this event and how it impacted our nation and Utah.  This year is also the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize.  This is a great opportunity to talk about how individuals can make a difference to make the world a better place.

This edition of the newsletter has  some informational texts on The North Pole (1st Grade), The Bill of Rights (2nd Grade), Hanukkah (3rd Grade), The Utah War (4th Grade), Rights of the Accused (5th Grade), and the Magna Carta (6th Grade).  The picture books that are highlighted with lessons can be found in your school library or on Sora.  There are some literacy lessons on multiple perspectives and two fun speaking and listening activities.

This month also includes some fun 4th grade social studies activities.