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Computer Update PromptOur third Cybersecurity Awareness tip concerns computer updates. Computer updates are incredibly important. Cyber attackers are always pushing and pulling at the limits of what computers and applications can do, and what vulnerabilities might exist. The longer a version of software is available to the public, the more likely it is to have been “hacked” and used for nefarious purposes. Attackers will use the vulnerabilities in programs or computers to achieve their goals.

We have all seen those pop-up messages, “This program has an update” or “Your computer needs an update.” Many times these updates include security “patches” or fixes. Many of us have schedules that do not permit us to run updates immediately upon notification, but we should update as soon as possible thereafter. Computers and programs that are left unpatched are like wide open front doors that allow attackers access to our computers and the data stored thereon. The longer a program or computer is left unpatched, the more likely  that open door will be used by an attacker. If you need help running an update, or if you have questions, please feel free to contact your local IT technician and they will help you with your updating needs.

In our second week of Cybersecurity Awareness, we are going to cover the use of strong passwords and passphrases. Creating a strong password is based upon two key concepts:

  • Length
  • Complexity

The more characters a password has, the harder it is to guess, crack, or break into. We can see in the chart’s column on the left, as the number of characters increases, so does the time it takes for a computer to guess the password. Given enough time, any computer could crack our passwords. However, our goal is to make passwords complex enough that computers, and the hackers behind them, cannot reasonably decipher them.

At Jordan, we focus particularly on password length to help us all stay secure. Using Passphrases is the key to secure passwords with length requirements. Passphrases help users to create and remember long passwords with excellent password strength without writing the password down, something that should never be done. An example of a passphrase would be Applebannanapineapple.

We also recommend password manager programs. Some good options are 1Password, LastPass, Bitwarden, or Dashlane. These are programs and browser extensions that work independently from your Google or browser account. These programs will create randomly generated passwords and manage what sites and accounts each password belongs to.

It may be tempting to reuse the same passwords used previously. We should avoid doubling back on previously used passwords or using passwords for other applications and sign-ons. If an attacker learns one of your passwords for your various logins, and you have used that password before, they will try that password across multiple applications and logins. If you use the same password on other applications, it will give the attacker access to as many applications that use that login. Under no circumstances should you share any passwords with students or staff members.

Number
of Characters
Lowercase
Letters
Only
At least one
uppercase
letter
At least one
uppercase
letter + number
At least one
uppercase letter + number + symbol
1 Instantly Instantly
2 Instantly Instantly Instantly
3 Instantly Instantly Instantly Instantly
4 Instantly Instantly Instantly Instantly
5 Instantly Instantly Instantly Instantly
6 Instantly Instantly Instantly Instantly
7 Instantly Instantly 1 minute 6 minutes
8 Instantly 22 minutes 1 hours 8 hours
9 2 minutes 19 hours 3 days 3 weeks
10 1 hours 1 month 7 months 5 years
11 1 day 5 years 41 years 400 years
12 3 weeks 300 years 2,000 years 34,000 years

JEAC Open House FlyerThe Jordan Ethnic Advisory Committee (JEAC) is hosting an employee open house on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at JATC South from 3:30 - 5 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Come share your ideas, solutions and celebrations. Your voice is important.

Can't make the meeting? Your suggestions are always welcome. Please contact jeac@jordandistrict.org.


Oct. 2022 Be Well NewsletterCheck out the Oct. 2022 Be Well newsletter from EMI. Stories include:

  • The Power of Friendship - Friendships make living more fulfilling. They play an enormous role in our lives. We turn to our friends for emotional support and companionship as well as sources of joy and fun.
  • Don’t Forget Fish - It’s easy to choose meat or poultry for weeknight meals, but why not add fish to your rotation?
  • De-Clutter - Do you have times when your mind is juggling too many thoughts, making it hard to focus and process? Researchers estimate humans have about 60,000 thoughts each day. And many of those thoughts involve thinking the same things repeatedly.
  • Keep Children Drug Free - Keeping kids away from drugs is crucial for mental and physical health. It plays an important role in how well children do in school, too. But even the most caring parents can struggle with how to prevent youngsters from using drugs.

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


Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Because this is a team effort, we want to increase everyone’s awareness around this topic. In each weekly JEM throughout the month of October we will feature brief articles discussing methods we can all implement to improve security for ourselves and for our students. This week we are focusing on recognizing and reporting phishing. Jordan School District is pleased to present the following video that covers what to look out for with phishing, as well as a few other Cybersecurity tips.

A few things to keep in mind while looking out for phishing emails:

  • Is the email urgent? For example, is someone stuck in a meeting and cannot be contacted via phone or in-person?
  • Is the email asking for personal information or other unusual requests?
  • Is the email riddled with poor grammar or spelling?
  • Is the email vague, generic or ambiguous?
  • Did the email come from an invalid, unverifiable, or otherwise suspicious email address?

If any of these statements are true, then you may have a phishing email on your hands. What do we do with it?

You have some great tools available to help prevent this. Check them out below.
E-mail header sample

  1. If the email came from an address outside of Jordan School District, the email will have an orange bubble. Suspicious emails will also have a large yellow or red banner depending on how suspicious Google thinks the email is.
  2. If the email is something you never want to see again, you can click the ‘Stop Sign’ next to the trash can to report the email as spam. Gmail will take care of it from there. You could also forward the email to security@jordandistrict.org to have the email scanned and verify if it is malicious or not

No one will fault you for being cautious with emails, Think Before You Click! and reach out to Information Systems for help if you have any doubts about the legitimacy of an email.

Jordan Journey Podcast PlayerIn our inaugural Jordan Journey podcast, join the Digital Teaching and Learning team as we discuss the role of educators as change agents. We're talking with two instructional coaches from Jordan School District’s fully virtual elementary school, Rocky Peak. Change Agents Kasey Chambers and Ami Anderson share how they inspire educators and leaders to use technology to create equitable and ongoing access to high-quality learning.

Blomquist Hale Workshop FlyersBlomquist Hale has two events scheduled for the month of October! See attached for workshop/group flyers and details outlined below.


Supercast Album ArtWe invite you to join us each week for a new episode of Superintendent Anthony Godfrey’s “Supercast” podcast.

You can find all of the episodes at supercast.jordandistrict.org or listen to the most recent episode featuring Salt Lake Community College President Deneece Huftalin. Find out how the college is making higher education affordable in ways you may not have imagined and how JSD students can benefit from a brand new SLCC campus in Herriman.


Men of Promise FlyerThe Men of Promise Conference will be held Oct. 6 at the Zions Technology Center, 159 W. Center Street in Midvale for students in grades 9-12. If you are looking for an opportunity in growing leadership within our young males, particularly, the young males of color, the Black Success Center (through the Black Chamber of Commerce) is focused on programming to develop and connect this part of our future.

The Men of Promise (MOP) conference inspires students by speaking to their hearts and providing them with professional experiences designed to shift their life trajectories. The conference’s approach encourages students to change their path by shifting their habits and disciplines, thus helping them to help themselves…to achieve goals. Another aspect of the conference was to connect students with role models to help them develop their VISION, DISCIPLINE, and CHARACTER.

2022-23 PE PLC FlyerAll teachers who facilitate elementary physical education are invited to the first 2022-23 PLC that will be held Oct. 14  in the Terra Linda Elementary Gym at 1:30 p.m.

  • Topics include:
    • Activity & Lesson sharing
    • Classroom Management tips
    • Skill Based Games
    • Warm Up Games
    • Classroom Brain Break Ideas
  • Zoom Participation Available
  • Sign up via Google Form for updates

*Compensation & participation is a site-based decision

Upcoming PLCs will be held on the following dates:

  • Nov .11
  • Dec. 9
  • Jan. 13
  • March 10
  • April 14
  • May 12

Literacy Matters Issue 2The Literacy Matters newsletter contains helpful information for teachers and administrators.  This newsletter includes:  

  • A Q & A from Literacy Launch
  • A Planet Kindergarten feature
  • LETRS information for Starting and Continuing Teachers
  • Information on Teacher Night Out
  • Kindergarten Updates
  • Growth Measure Assessment
  • Lexia
  • RGR
  • Walk to Read Canvas Course

For September 2022, substitute teachers with NO CANCELLATIONS and who qualify as outlined below, will be paid on October 10, 2022.  The September tiered substitute teacher bonus incentives are as follows:

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

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

Thank you again for your service to Jordan School District.

All NEW teachers received an invitation to the New Teacher Induction (NTI) CANVAS course via your district email. This course will provide you with important information regarding your employment. The expectation was that you complete this course prior to the start of school for students. If you have not completed this required training, please complete it as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact the HR Department if you have questions or concerns.

Please take note of the following clarification on the difference between "Grade Transmittal Days" and "Professional Development Days."

Grade Transmittal Days are scheduled three times per year (Oct. 21, Jan. 17, March 27) as required in District Policy D207 - Calendar Development. These days occur each year in the Jordan School District. Payment for these days is built into the base teacher salary. Students do not attend. In-person work by teachers is not required; however, schools are open and teachers may use time on this day for finalizing and submitting grades.

Professional Development Days are three days throughout the year (Sept. 16, Nov. 4, April 21) where the Board of Education and District Administration have converted a student instructional day to a professional development day, as allowed by Utah Code 53F-2-102(d). These days are authorized on a year-to-year basis. These days are included in the 187 days of the standard teacher contract. Students do not attend. Principals may use up to three hours of each day for required professional development activities. The remainder of the contract day is to be used by teachers for planning and preparation.

The level and teacher calendars have been updated to clarify this change:

Blomquist Hale has three events scheduled for the month of September! See below for details outlined below.

  • Topic: Goal Setting – Focus & Vision
    Date: Sept. 6 | 2 – 3 p.m. MT
    Location: Online!
    Register at: blomquisthale.com/workshops/
  • Topic: Relationship Group – Building Thriving Relationships
    Date: Sept. 6 – Oct. 4 (5-Week Group, Every Tuesday) | 7 – 8:30 p.m. MT
    Location: Online!
    Register at: blomquisthale.com/workshops/
  • Topic: Anxiety Group
    Date: Sept. 19 – Oct. 17 (5-Week Group, Every Monday) | 5:30 – 7 p.m. MT
    Location: Online!
    Register at: blomquisthale.com/workshops/
  • Topic: Parenting – Helping an Anxious or Highly Sensitive Child
    Date: Sept. 20 | 2 – 3 p.m. MT
    Location: Online!
    Register at: blomquisthale.com/workshops/

The Jordan School District Board of Education is seeking public input on possible revisions to Administrative Policy D200 Philosophy of Instruction. This policy is being merged with AA410 Controversial Issues.

The Board will hold an open house to receive input on Tuesday, August 30, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Riverton High in the school’s tech atrium. Riverton High School is located at 12476 S. Silverwolf Way (2700 West).

If you have a timesheet for participation in LETRS training done off contract time, the last day to submit for payment will be Sept. 15, 2022. 

Please note that as of Aug. 18, 2022, teachers will no longer be paid out of ESSER funding for doing virtual LETRS training off contract hours. Substitutes will be provided for those who are taking the training on contract days. Teachers will still receive the $500.00 stipend for completing each unit. After completing the book work for each unit and attending the full day virtual training, teachers will complete the Unit Course Complete Form found here to receive the stipend.

Dear JSD Classroom Teachers,

You are invited to apply to be a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Teacher Leader for the 2022-23 school year! SEL Teacher Leaders will be primarily responsible for supporting student social and emotional learning efforts for our District. Please refer to the information below for specifics:

Social Emotional Learning Teacher Leaders - 10 per level (elementary, middle, high) 

  • Support student social and emotional learning
  • Apply by completing this brief form
  • Will meet quarterly with District SEL Specialists (meeting times TBD)
    *Sub will be provided for workday meetings

Duties include: consult on social and emotional learning implementation districtwide, develop website content, review curriculum options, support classroom lesson planning

How are they selected? Teachers are invited to apply by completing this form. Ten teacher leaders will be selected for each level. 

There are 30 SEL Teacher Leader positions available, 10 per level (elementary, middle, high). Please complete this brief form to submit your application by Sept. 2, 2022

Teachers can work with a JSD Cohort to complete the Professional Level USBE Programming & Software Development Endorsement. You can join our existing CS Endorsement Cohort with classes beginning August 29th for Fall 2022. Some of the endorsement requirements are waived through working in this cohort. Plan is approved by USBE and USU. One college course will be taken per semester, with the Professional Level Endorsement completed by Summer 2024. Tuition costs may be reimbursable through the STEM Endorsement Incentive Program.

Interested teachers should complete the Cohort Survey Link to Survey

If you need more information or have questions, please reach out to Traci Rindlisbach, traci.rindlisbach@jordandistrict.org, 801-567-8621.