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Our Wonderful Utah Educators,

Letter from Superintendent DisksonIt is astounding that we are approaching the one-year mark since the COVID-19 pandemic ushered our schools into “soft closures.” I do not believe any of us knew in those early moments that the way we were reimagining education for our children during the pandemic would carry-on for this long. I want to thank you for the way you have adjusted and adapted to each and every challenge as it has come your way. I also appreciate the concerted efforts extended by so many education stakeholders to support our children’s physical, emotional, and academic well-being.

In addition to your extraordinary efforts, it has been remarkable how quickly and decisively our policy makers responded to the challenges of our day by adjusting or waiving requirements and repurposing funding as possible. For example, the Utah State Board of Education waived 13 rules in 2020-2021 to provide increased flexibility for educators and schools. In addition to these waivers, the Board is seeking relief from using the 2020-2021 state assessments for federal and state school accountability requirements.

Some have asked, “why aren’t we also seeking a waiver on the administration of state assessments?” Some even may worry about the time and logistics required to administer the RISE and Utah Aspire Plus tests to our students and question if continuing forward is in the best interest of our students and schools. These concerns have been discussed and thoughtfully considered by many, including the Board and its assessment and accountability advisory councils, which include assessment directors, superintendents, teacher and parent organizations and technical experts. Ultimately, given the broader purpose of state assessments (beyond accountability), which includes providing parents, educators, administrators, and policymakers with an additional tool to plan and target necessary resources, I am supportive of the decision to continue with the administration of our state assessments to the greatest extent feasible.

Perhaps there has never been a greater need for data to understand more fully, not just the impacts of the pandemic induced disruptions, but to identify and promote some of the foremost innovations that will emerge through the burden of necessity that each of you have carried on behalf of your students.

We are taking steps to ensure all 2021 data are protected from misuse and appropriately interpreted. One of these steps includes providing the opportunity for students to report information on their experiences this year to contextualize and interpret the assessments.

By collecting this valuable data, we will be able to work collaboratively to resource and support your efforts as we move into future academic years. Again, I appreciate you and all you do to ensure the academic and emotional well-being for our Utah students. You are always my heroes, especially this year.

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

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Community Nursing Services (CNS) is offering COVID-19 vaccine to educators and school staff by appointment only.  Please follow the instructions and guidelines below:

These appointments can also be used by individuals who were unable to attend their second boost appointment provided by Community Nursing Services due to uncontrollable events. We ask for your honesty in using this accommodation appropriately.

Note that vaccine availability is only for individuals (educators and staff only) who have secured an appointment through this link. It is NOT appropriate to attempt to attend without one. A confirmation email will be received and need be shown prior to clinic entry. Those scheduling should be sure to CORRECTLY input their own email address for confirmation. Confirmation emails should be printed out or be ready to show on an electronic device as this will be required as proof of appointment.

Before attending your scheduled appointment, please consider the following:

  • Please be prepared to show a printed or electronic copy of your confirmation upon clinic entry
  • Moderna Vaccine will be available at you appointment though will only be administered to eligible individuals 18 years of age and older. A 2nd dose will be needed at least 28 days after the 1st dose is given (2nd “boost appointments” to be scheduled following your appointment)
  • Though there is no out of pocket cost to receiving this vaccine, those with insurance are EXPECTED to bring their insurance card and present it at time of service
  • Please bring an ID
  • If possible, please bring your own pen (due to volume of people at the clinic and to avoid sharing)
  • Consent forms will be filled out at the time of service
  • ONLY those with an appointment should be attending
  • It is expected that you wear a facial covering
  • Because this is a first in a lifetime vaccine, a common area will be provided where you will be asked to remain for 10-15 minutes following the administration of vaccine for observation
  • Individuals with a history of life threatening allergy will be referred to their provider for vaccination
  • Please come dressed appropriately for your vaccine to administered in your shoulder (do not wear long sleeve shirts that cannot be rolled up). We do not provide screens. Short sleeve or loose items are best
  • Every participant will be given a CDC Record card (white) and a pink copy of the consent form

Use the link below to schedule your appointment. Note the appointment type listed below for which you need to select.

Appointments are available now…if unused, they will be transitioned to general public this week. Please act now while the vaccinations are available.

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South Jordan City has two programs to help employees afford housing in their city.

  1. Down Payment Assistance - A successful workforce-housing inventory requires long-term commitment and consistent administration through periods of economic downturn as well as economic growth. South Jordan City is anticipated to remain a highly desirable place to live even as housing costs outpace local wages. The purpose of the Housing Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) is to improve the quality of life for families and the quality of the community, by helping low- and moderate-income households who qualify to purchase housing in South Jordan City. The program seeks to give assistance to households who otherwise would not be able to become homeowners, while ensuring home ownership as a long-term successful goal. Program funding is provided as a loan which converts to a grant if all terms of the program are met. The Housing Down Payment Assistance Program is administered by the South Jordan Redevelopment Agency (RDA).
  2. Government Employee Housing - Ivory Homes has partnered with South Jordan City and the affordable housing initiative, to announce beautiful Townomes in South Jordan! Bingham Court is located on 11400 S and 1300 W. This community is being released in segments but will eventually have a total of 24 cottage home lots ranging from 5,070 - 6,378 sq. ft. and 26 townhome lots ranging from 1,518 - 2,720 sq. ft. Space is very limited and going fast. If you are interested, call Jace Moysh at 801-864-1068.

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March 2021 Be WellCheck out the March 2021 Be Well newsletter from EMI. Stories include:

  • Immunity Support on Your Plate - If you’ve read a headline that mentions immune boosting, don’t believe the hype. The idea of boosting the immune system with supplements or specific ingredients is misleading and scientifically inaccurate.
  • Plant-Based: What Does It Mean? - Plant-based eating is a lifestyle where you choose to eat mostly whole foods that come from plants. The plan involves replacing highly processed foods with lots of vegetables, fruit, grains, beans, soy, lentils, nuts and seeds. Plant-based diets are good for human health and also for our planet.
  • Avoid Doom Scrolling - Repeatedly checking out bad news can be unhealthy. Of course, the internet and social media are popular ways to stay informed about things that can potentially impact your safety or that of your region: a pandemic, hurricanes or earthquakes. But doom scrolling (also known as doom surfing) — searching for and reading article after article filled with bad news — isn’t healthy.
  • Recipe for Laughter - The ability to laugh easily and often is seriously good medicine. Laughter appears to strengthen immunity and cardiovascular health, improve attitude and memory, and ease pain and distressing emotions.

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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The Payroll Department will no longer email “Important Payroll Deadlines” to employees.

Please refer to monthly dates and deadlines on the Payroll web page found at payroll.jordandistrict.org.

Individual Retirement Planning Sessions

Utah Retirement Systems are scheduling extra sessions throughout March for Retirement Planning.  These sessions are a free valuable service where URS calculate where employees will be in retirement.

URS Tier I Virtual Presentation

Please join us for a URS Tier I Virtual Presentation on Friday, March 11, 2021 from 4:00pm-5:00pm via Microsoft Teams Meeting

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Locations selected for testing this week include:

TestUtah sites:

  • Herriman High School, 11917 S Mustang Trail, Herriman (drive-through), Wednesday, 3/3 and Thursday, 3/4 – 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (both days)
    Register at testutah.com
  • West Jordan City Hall, 8000 S Redwood Rd., West Jordan (drive-through), Friday, 3/5 – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, 3/6 – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    Register at testutah.com

Results of tests from TestUtah sites will be emailed with a link to the patient portal where results can be accessed. For issues with accessing TestUtah results, please call (801) 683-0790.  

UDOH/National Guard mobile test team sites:
Testing at UDOH/National Guard mobile test team sites is limited to individuals age 5 and older.

  • Cannon Health Building, 288 N 1460 W, Salt Lake City, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register here.
  • Utah State Fair Park (building #51), 155 N 1000 W (Enter through the northwest corner at 300 N and 1200 W), Salt Lake City, Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Register here.
  • Corner Canyon High School, 12943 S 700 E (in front of the Commons area), Draper, Monday, 3/1 –  3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 3/6 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register here.
  • Salt Lake Community College – Taylorsville Campus, 4408 South Redwood Road, Salt Lake City (parking lot V at the northeast end of the Taylorsville campus), Monday, 3/1 – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Register here.
  • Salt Lake Community College – Jordan Campus, 3491 W 9000 S, West Jordan, (drive-through in the parking lot on the north side of the Jordan campus, Friday, 3/5 – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Register here.

Test results from these locations will be emailed to you in an encrypted file from CV19result@utah.gov 30 minutes to several hours after your test is done. If the testing location is extremely busy, it may take a while to process your results. If you don’t see an email in your inbox, look in spam or junk mail.  Or try to open the email on a non-app browser (chrome, firefox, etc.) and on a computer or non-phone device. If you have trouble opening the email or it doesn’t come within a few hours, call (385) 273-7878 for assistance.

The following location is offered through the Salt Lake County Health Department. Rapid antigen testing is limited to individuals with COVID-19 symptoms. Exposed and asymptomatic individuals will be offered a swab PCR test that will provide results within 2-3 days.

  • Maverik Center, Lot D, 2050 W 3100 S (the corner of 3100 South and Decker Lake Drive) West Valley City, Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register here. (This testing is sponsored by the Salt Lake County Health Department. Visit SaltLakeHealth.org, or call 385-468-4082 for more information.)

For other testing locations visit: coronavirus.utah.gov/covid-testing-locations-list.

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The Utah Department of Health as issued an updated State Public Health Order.  The COVID-19 School Manual and School Manual Summary have also been updated.

  • English
    • COVID-19 School Manual Summary (Print Version - English)
    • COVID-19 School Manual (Print Version - English)
    • COVID-19 School Manual (online version at coronavirus.utah.gov)
  • Español

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The following are new administrative assignments:

New Assignments effective as soon as possible:

  • Staci Moore, assistant principal at Jordan Ridge and Majestic Elementary appointed assistant principal at Majestic Elementary.
  • Jayme Gandara, Facilitator in Provo School District appointed assistant principal at Jordan Ridge and South Jordan Elementary.
  • Kimberly Ranney, assistant principal at Rose Creek and South Jordan Elementary appointed assistant principal at Rose Creek Elementary.
  • Jared Covili, Product Manager/Instructor at Utah Education Network appointed Consultant, Digital Teaching and Learning.

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Insurance Change ReminderPlease Remember!
You have 30 DAYS to make changes if you have a life event:

  • NEW BABY
  • Marriage or change in number of dependents;
  • Change in employment status of employee, spouse, or dependent that causes loss of eligibility;
  • Dependent ceases to satisfy eligibility requirements;
  • Change in residence that causes loss of eligibility;
  • Significant changes in company benefit plan(s), including cost change, significant coverage curtailment, additional or significant improvement of company offered benefits;
  • Change in coverage under another employer plan (including mandatory or optional change initiated by your spouse’s employer or a change initiated by your spouse);
  • Loss of coverage from government plans/programs or educational institution;
  • COBRA qualifying event (termination/reduction of hours, employee death, divorce/legal separation, ceasing to be a dependent);
  • Other changes resulting from a judgment, decree, or order; Medicare or Medicaid entitlement; or FMLA leave of absence;
  • Divorce or legal separation (60 Days Notification);
  • Loss of CHIP or Medicaid eligibility; gaining CHIP or Medicaid subsidy eligibility (60 Days)

If you have questions, please refer to the Master Policy found online at the Insurance Department page or contact them at  801-567-8146.

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The 2021 nomination and application cycle for the Sorenson Legacy Awards for Excellence in Arts Education is now open. The nomination deadline is April 2, 2021.

Philanthropist Beverley Taylor Sorenson worked tirelessly to promote the arts as an avenue for Utah’s students to develop voice, sustain engagement in school, and evoke reflection and response. Through support from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation, Art Works for Kids, and the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), the Sorenson Legacy Awards for Excellence in Arts Education recognize the essential nature of education in the arts for Utah’s students, distinguish those educators who embrace the arts with excellence in their practice, and ensure that Beverley's legacy will continue on.

Administrators, teachers, parents, students, and other community members are all welcome to submit a nomination. Nominees must be licensed and endorsed public school educators. USBE also encourages re-nomination of those who may have been previously nominated but not selected.  Individuals are not allowed to nominate themselves.

Complete information and a link to the nomination form can be found on the Utah State Board of Education website.

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Thank you to all teachers (licensed employees) who participated in the Virtual Teacher Transfer Fair! We hope it was a valuable experience for you. To help continually improve future fairs, we would appreciate teacher/licensed feedback by participating in a survey. The survey link will be sent out through JSD email.

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Park ranger conducting a virtual presentionBryce Canyon National Park is offering a program where you can see virtual offerings and schedule a lesson. They present virtual programs to individual classrooms, whole grades, and entire schools. In addition to the published programs, NPS staff members are always happy to honor special requests for any grade and subject. They are currently building other educational content which will include complete lesson plans, pre-recorded content/demonstrations, on-site field trip experiences (currently suspended due to COVID), and more. The site will be updated as these additional opportunities become available.

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Jordan School District will no longer offer COVID-19 testing to Jordan District employees at the Auxiliary Services Building on Friday afternoons. Due to low demand, the testing is cancelled as of this Friday, February 19.

Employees who would like to be tested can participate in testing twice a week at two locations within the District:

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From the Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission January 2021 Newsletter

Maintaining appropriate boundaries between educators and students has always been tricky. Sometimes it's difficult for educators to know when they have crossed the line from "friendly" to "friend." The prevalence of electronic communication can make this tightrope even more difficult to traverse, since it's easier to forget about appropriate boundaries when communicating electronically. At the same time, because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many educators find themselves communicating electronically with students more often, if not exclusively. With the stars thus aligned we, your friendly UPPAC staff, would like to take the opportunity to remind educators of the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries with students, even-perhaps especially-when communicating electronically.

UPPAC has seen a growing concern with cases of boundary violations that have a digital component to them. In fact, the Utah State Board of Education recently updated its definition of "boundary violation," to include "exchanging personal email or phone numbers with a student for a non-educational purpose or use;" and "interacting privately with a student through social media, computer, or handheld devices." Utah Admin. Rule R277-10-2(5)(b).

Educators should remember that the fundamental student-teacher relationship does not change simply because you're communicating electronically. You still need to watch your language, discuss only appropriate topics, and otherwise communicate professionally. A good rule of thumb, whether you're speaking to a student in-person or electronically, is to only say things to your students that you would say in front of their parents.

We encourage educators to avoid one-on-one electronic communication whenever possible. When we communicate electronically, we can't hear a person's tone or see a person's facial expressions. It's much harder to detect sarcasm. It's generally harder to discern a person's meaning. As a result, electronic communication, more than in-person communication, is susceptible to misunderstandings. Including at least one other person in your communications with students, whether it's a parent, an administrator, or other students, makes it far less likely that you will be misunderstood and run into problems. It also makes it less likely that a student will say something that might chip away at the boundaries that keep everyone safe.

One benefit of electronic communication is that it allows us to read over what we just typed before clicking "send." We encourage educators to take advantage of this to make sure that your messages come across the way you intend. If you find that your message is unclear or could be interpreted in different ways, consider different wording to make sure your meaning is clear. And because humor sometimes doesn't come across the way we intend, we recommend saving your brilliant sense of humor for the classroom, rather than attempting to make your students laugh through electronic communication.

It has been a challenging year, and we have been amazed by the hard work and adaptability of Utah's educators. We encourage you to remember your role as educators and be careful to avoid violating boundaries with your students, so you can continue to be a positive influence in their lives. Thank you for all you do.

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Feb. 2021 Town Hall Meeting FlyerYou may win $100 just for attending! PEHP Director Chet Loftis will share a few insurance tips and answer your questions. Topics include:

  • How to use PEHP Cost Tools and find cash back
  • An overview of your COVID-19 benefits (testing, treatment, and vaccine)
  • How to prevent common healthcare billing traps to avoid balance billing
  • How to stay healthy with your PEHP wellness benefits (and get paid!)
  • And much more!

Register at www.pehp.org/townhall for the following sessions:

  • February 23 12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • February 24 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
  • February 25 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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Simplifying Medicare FlyerDon’t tackle these alone. You have a team of experts ready to remove obstacles, answer questions, and help you through Medicare & Social Security enrollment... for free.

Medicare & Social Security 101
Come with questions, leave with answers. Attend this 90-minute virtual Medicare & Social Security webinar for an interesting way to learn about these two benefits.

Most common Medicare Questions

  • How much does Medicare cost?
  • Who is eligible and when do I apply?
  • How does it work with Social Security?
  • What are Parts A, B, C, & D?
  • What are the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans?

Join us for the webinar on Feb. 11th from 6 - 7:30 p.m. | Attend via Zoom Videoconferencing

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Free Rapid COVID-19 testing will be available on a limited basis in the auditorium at Joel P. Jensen Middle School. The testing will take place on the following dates and times:

  • Tuesday, Feb. 9 and Wednesday, Feb. 10, 4 -7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Feb. 16 and Wednesday, Feb. 17, 4 – 7 p.m.

Testing is being administered by "Test Utah" and the Utah Department of Health Mobile Testing Teams.

Test results will be reported to the Utah Department of Health and to the local health department in the health district where the individual lives.

Please complete the online form prior to the event if possible.

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An employee receives the vaccineJordan School District is being allocated a limited number of additional doses of the Moderna vaccine for all employees 18 and older who would still like to participate in the first round of COVID-19 vaccinations. If you have not received the first dose, we invite you to sign up now to be vaccinated this Friday, February 12. Please sign up by Wednesday, February 10 at 4 p.m. We don’t know how many more opportunities there will be to receive the first dose through the district, so we highly encourage you to take advantage of this if you wish to be vaccinated. 

If you received your first dose of the vaccine on Friday, January 15 and have not signed up to participate in the second round of vaccinations also taking place this Friday, February 12, sign up now using the link sent to you last week. Please bring your vaccination card with you.  If you have questions contact nadine.page@jordandistrict.org 

The vaccine will be available at the following locations: 

  • Copper Mountain Middle (12106 South Anthem Blvd., Herriman)
  • Oquirrh Hills Middle (12949 South 2700 West, Riverton)
  • South Jordan Middle (10245 South 2700 West, South Jordan)
  • West Hills Middle (8270 South Grizzly Way, West Jordan)

Please be aware of the following:

  • You must sign up to be vaccinated using the link below. Vaccinations are not required.
  • We highly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity if you wish to be vaccinated. 
  • Select a time slot and location.
  • Please sign up by 4 p.m. Wednesday, February 10 to receive a first dose. 
  • Anyone who has insurance, whether through the District or not, is expected to bring their insurance card and present it at check in. There is no cost to employees.
  • Please bring ID (preferably a District ID Badge).  
  • Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your assigned time. Do not come earlier, as there is limited parking at all sites.
  • The lines will move faster if everyone is appropriately dressed to receive a shot in the shoulder. Do not wear long sleeve shirts that cannot be rolled up. We do not provide privacy screens. Short sleeves are best.
  • You will not be required to take time off to be vaccinated.
  • We have been allocated the Moderna vaccine which requires a 2-shot series. When you sign up, you will be committing to return at a later date to receive your second dose. Please plan accordingly. You will receive reminders for both appointments.
  • If you have had COVID-19, you are still eligible to receive the vaccination if you are no longer in isolation or quarantine.
  • We are only authorized to vaccinate employees, not spouses, children or other non-employees.
  • Specific questions regarding your health circumstances should be addressed to your personal physician. If your doctor indicates you should not receive the shot and you have signed up, please contact us to cancel your appointment so another employee can receive the vaccination.

Please use this link to sign up for your first dose.

Thank you for your support and patience as we work through this process.