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Headspace - Recharge your lifeHeadspace 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.

Recharge Your Life - Plug into the power of mindful technology in October
Technology has the power to make our busy lives easier. But it can also keep us distracted from other important things happening around us. Rethink your relationship with technology this month to form healthier habits with your devices, know when to take breaks from using them, and embrace living in the present moment.

  • Putting Down Our Phones - Andy explains why tech can amplify the noise in our minds and seems to stress us out so much. Watch now.
  • Devices and Sleep - Try this mindful exercise during the day to help control the way your devices keep you awake at night. Wind down.
  • Stretch Your Attention Span - Kevin Hart quickly breaks down how being less dependent on technology can have its benefits. Tune in.
  • Take a Tech Break - Build rituals that add meaning and joy to your life with expert guidance from author Casper ter Kuile. Step back.

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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Exciting Scholarship Opportunity for Future Teachers
WGU has deepened its partnership with Jordan School District to now include the Pathway to Become a Teacher Scholarship. This scholarship offers new students or returning graduates the opportunity to further their education at WGU. The scholarship, worth up to $5,000, will help cover some of the costs of tuition to become teachers.

WGU will provide these scholarships to be used exclusively by students who want to continue on their path to becoming teachers in any of WGU's Teachers College degree programs leading to teacher licensure.

We are truly excited about this opportunity and wanted to make sure all employees were aware of it.

For more information, you can visit the WGU Pathway to Become a Teacher Scholarship page.

Best regards,
Human Resources

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WGU Back To School Scholarship Opportunity FlyerConquer Your Future - Special Scholarship Opportunity From WGU
Going back to school doesn’t have to derail your lifestyle or your budget when it’s with Western Governors University. As a new student, you may be eligible for a scholarship which can be applied to WGU’s already affordable tuition.

With our widely respected degree programs in business, IT, education, and healthcare—plus 24/7 access to courses and tests—WGU provides the flexibility and affordability to conquer your future.

Back to School Scholarship - Valued at up to $2,500
Apply by Dec. 15, 2024

Learn More

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2024 WGU Fund My Classroom FlyerNominate A Deserving Teacher - WGU Fund My Classroom
According to AdoptAClassroom.org, teachers spend more than $800 of their own money on classroom supplies. WGU wants to help! WGU is hoping to shine a positive light on teachers and thank them for their selfless efforts in educating our children. The “Fund My Classroom” initiative is aimed at helping teachers throughout Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and Washington expand their curriculum.

WGU Understands The Sacrifices Teachers Make
We know how important educators are to our future. WGU encourages teachers, principals, and school administrators to nominate a deserving teacher by November 4.

Enhanced Learning Environments
With a maximum of up to $300 additional funding, educators can enhance their classrooms with new tools, technology, and materials which can improve the learning experience and engagement for students.

Equity and Access
The Fund My Classroom initiative helps ensure that all students, regardless of their school’s budget, have access to high-quality educational resources. This can help address disparities and create more equitable learning opportunities.

How It Works
K–12 teachers needing funding to support their planned innovative projects are encouraged to submit a proposal at the URL below through November 4. Individuals may also nominate someone other than themselves. Winners will be notified via email.

Learn More

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Jordan School District Employees are responsible for knowing and adhering to all District policies and procedures. The annual Crucial Concerns and Policy Review is now 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 review by November 1, 2024.

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).

Note: The Crucial Concerns and Policies review was significantly reduced for the 2024-25 contract year. See list below.

  • 2024-25 Estimated Time Required
    • Administrator Lic. Time Required 2 HR 41 Min 16 Sec
    • Licensed Time Required 2 HR 37 Min 16 Sec
    • ESP Time Required 2 HR 4 Min 14 sec
    • Sub/Misc Time Required 1 HR 42 Min 48 sec

Please see the tutorial or use the attached PDF 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. A link to the login page can be found at jordandistrict.org, select Faculty and Staff, then select Employee Access (Skyward). If you need help with your login ID or password, contact the Help Desk at 801-567-8737.
Employee Access MenuIf you have not completed your Policy Review, you will see the screen below. Click the Policy Review link. The Policy Review can also be accessed by selecting Employee Information/Online Forms.
Online Forms Menu
Begin the Policy Review by clicking the link for each step. A PDF or video will open. When completed with each step, click on the next step, or click the Next button at the bottom of the page. At any time you may select Close and Finish Later to complete the Policy Review at a later time.
Policy Group A Window
On the next to the last step, you are required to provide your electronic signature, acknowledging you have reviewed the policies. Select Yes in the required boxes, then enter the date you are completing the form. Click next to go to the final step.
Crucial Policies Acknowledgement
Checkmark the box indicating you have completed the Policy Review, then click the Finish button.
Completed checkmark and Finish Button

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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)		 Nov. 27-29, 2024 Nov. 26 and Dec. 2, 2024 Oct. 14 – Oct. 24, 2024
Thanksgiving Recess
(ESP)		 Nov. 28-29, 2024 Nov. 26 and Dec. 2, 2024 Oct. 15 – Oct. 25, 2024

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Oct. 2024 Health Insights NewsletterConnecting to Better Health
As the days get shorter and colder, many of us want nothing more than to curl up under some blankets and wait for spring. But while our homes can be a cozy refuge, studies have shown that isolation damages our physical and mental well-being. This month’s Health Insights explores the importance of building and maintaining connections with those around us, including tips to get you started.

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.

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The Jordan School District Board of Education has approved a new Districtwide cellphone policy, AA453 Personal Use of Electronic and Communication Devices. A video will be shared with parents explaining how the new policy applies to our elementary and secondary schools.

We invite you to watch the video:

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Nutrition Services has purchased local apples from Pyne Farms in Santaquin, Utah to celebrate this day with our District. Check out the Youtube video below for a great 3-minute Pyne Farm tour video and to learn about apples.

This year, Apple Crunch Day falls during National School Lunch Week! The theme for this year is "School Lunch Pirates...Find Your Treasure". Attached are some fun handouts about apples that incorporate the pirate theme.

We hope you enjoy this celebration!

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Oct. 2024 Kindergarten Night Out FlyerJoin us for a special Kindergarten Night Out where we will focus on ways to make Wit & Wisdom successful in the kindergarten classroom on Wednesday, Oct. 16 in the ASB Auditorium, starting at 4:15 p.m.

We will be diving into planning strategies. There will be giveaways and prizes. We look forward to seeing you there!

Please sign up at pd.jordandistrict.org.

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URS Fall 2024 Webinars FlyerExplore topics essential to your financial future from the convenience of your home or office. Come with questions! These interactive presentations will help you maximize URS benefits and retirement planning.

www.urs.org/us/webinars >> See all upcoming and recorded webinars.

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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.

  • Sunset Ridge Middle | Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024
  • South Hills Middle | Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024
  • Joel P. Jensen Middle | Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025
  • South Jordan Middle | Thursday Feb. 20, 2025
  • Mountain Creek Middle | Monday March 10, 2025

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Oct. 2024 Teaching & Learning NewsletterCheck out 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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2024-25 School Based Associates FlierSchool-Based Associates Opportunity
Jordan School District is excited to announce the School-Based Associates (SBA) program for the 2024-25 school year. For many years, past Associate participants have asked about bringing the powerful learning experiences within Associates back to their colleagues in the classroom. School-Based Associates will now make that desire a possibility!

The mini grant application is a streamlined Google form. Administrators or teachers can initiate this grant. Use the application guide to help you keep things simple. Call Chris Richards-Khong with questions 801-567-8158.

Zoom Link Q & A Drop-in Sessions Available

  • Oct. 3, 2024 - 12:15 - 12:50 p.m.|  2:30 - 3:50 p.m.
  • Oct. 4, 2024 - 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

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Information Systems is excited to announce that they will implement Google accounts as a convenient and secure way for users to access Skyward systems. This new method will streamline your login process and enhance the overall security of your Skyward account. 

In the Skyward Finance system, logging in with Google will be REQUIRED for all staff with a JSD Google account on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. In the Skyward Student system, logging in with Google will be REQUIRED for all staff with a JSD Google account on Friday, Nov. 1. 

Two Easy Methods to Login to Skyward Using Google

  • Navigate to the Skyward login screen and select the “Staff Login with Google” button. If you are already logged in to your JSD Google account, you will be immediately logged in to Skyward. If you are not already logged in to your JSD Google account, you will be taken to a Google login screen where you will need to login to your JSD Google account. 
  • After logging in to your JSD Google account, click the waffle menu in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Scroll down and select “Skyward Finance” or “Skyward Student”.

Benefits of Using Google for Skyward

  • Enhanced Security: Google provides a more secure login process by eliminating the need to remember and manage multiple passwords. Also, because you are logging in to your JSD Google account, you will be using multi-factor authentication. 
  • Convenience: With Google, you can access Skyward with a single click, saving you time and effort. 

If you encounter any issues accessing Skyward with your Google account or have questions, please contact the Information Systems help desk at 801-567-8737.

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Oct. 2024 Incidental Learning NewsletterThe JSD Teachers for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Team has created a monthly newsletter.  The full newsletter for this month can be found at the link below. Stories include:

Sightlines - Students function optimally when they can see the interpreter (if they use one) and the speaker in the same line of sight. This saves time and energy from shifting their focus. Especially if the speaker is referencing things visually instead
of orally. This doesn’t mean the student must sit in the front row, just where they have visual access. Please keep this line of vision clear.

Eye Contact - Maintaining eye contact with the class instead of talking while you are turned toward the board, allows students to read lips, see your facial expression, and understand your body language.

Dual-Tasks - DHH students often struggle to complete tasks which require them to rely on their vision for two things
simultaneously, like taking notes while watching captioning, an interpreter, or lip-reading. You can provide accommodations by assigning a note-taker, giving the student a copy of your notes, a copy of the transcript, and/or access to slides.

Direct Communication - Show you value your student as an individual by talking directly to them instead of to the interpreter if they have one.

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

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Oct. 2024 Important Payroll Information FlyerPayroll Due: Oct. 2
view Your Paycheck: Oct.19
Payday: Oct. 23

FALL RECESS:
All Traditional, 206/207 Contracts: Oct. 21 - Oct. 25
All 242, 245 Contracts: Oct. 24 - Oct. 25

CRITICAL DAYS: October 18 & October 29
Applies to all Licensed & ESP Employees
As per DP335(B) and DP335 NEG: Licensed & ESP employees who have not been approved by Human Resources for using an annual/personal day on Critical Days may be docked (licensed $161 or ESP 40% of their daily rate) unless the leave reason is listed as an exception in policy. If applicable, the reason & the policy exception must be written in the time off description box. View the Critical Days FAQ here.

Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences: Oct. 2-3
As per DP335(B) and DP335 NEG: Annual/Personal leave shall not be used during Parent Teacher Conferences.
If Parent Teacher Conference is missed, a leave day (sick or No Pay) should be entered on the Comp Day Oct. 4, 2024.

Secondary Professional Development Day: Oct. 4 - No Students

GRADE TRANSMITTAL DAY: Oct. 28
All 206, 242 & 245 employees must record a leave day if not in attendance

Sub Payroll Deadlines
Pay Period: Sept. 16 - Sept. 30 Due: Oct. 2 Payday: Oct. 10
Pay Period: Oct. 1 - 15 Due: Oct. 16 Payday: Oct. 23
SCHOOLS: Please ensure Subs are verified weekly

True Time Deadlines:
Pay Period: Sept. 2 - Oct.6
EMPLOYEES: Please submit your timesheets at the end of each work week
APPROVERS: Please ensure you are approving time sheets weekly for accuracy

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Money IconWith the beginning of the new school year comes new pay rates along with new deductions. All employees are encouraged to log in to Employee Access and review their salary placement, FTE, insurance premiums, deductions, name and address. This information can all be located under the EMPLOYEE INFORMATION tab.

Checks that are not direct deposit will be held in Payroll for pickup. You can sign up for direct deposit via employee access, here are instructions.

Your actual paycheck is available to view up to two (2) days prior to payday each month in Check History.

If you have questions please contact the following: