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Holiday Decorations Safety TalkSafety during the Holiday Season
Holiday decorations add a joyous and festive mood to the holiday season, but when holiday decorations are not used properly they can turn from festive to fiery in a split second.

Jordan School District would like everyone to follow a few safety tips when decorating to avoid a tragic holiday and keep everyone safe.

Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

  • All decorations must not exceed the fire code requirements for combustible materials in schools, no more than 20% of the hallways and 50% of the classroom can be covered with combustible materials, with no combustible path from the floor to the ceiling. Three-dimensional decorations (crumpled paper trees, ceiling suspended decorations, etc.) should not be permitted within the school.
  • Do not place decorations in areas where it will obstruct or hinder persons exiting the area in the event of an emergency.
  • Do not use open flame candles, candle warmers, or wax melting devices in JSD buildings.
  • Christmas, string, twinkle lights must be used in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and should not be plugged in when unattended. The use of LED lights is recommended over incandescent bulbs (due to the lack of heat buildup). The lights should also be UL Listed. Lights are to be used on a temporary basis.
  • Inspect all lights, light cords and extension cords before using and replace any frayed or damaged cords and/or worn sets of lights or those with loose connections.
  • Live Christmas Trees and Live wreaths are prohibited. Flame resistant artificial Christmas trees and other decorations are allowed but cannot block or impede emergency egress.
  • Keep all decorations and displays away from ignition sources such as electrical panels, heating services or anything that may produce an open flame or high heat.
  • Maintain an 18” clearance between sprinkler heads and decorations.
  • No decorations or lights may be attached or hung across ceilings, from sprinkler heads, sprinkler system piping, smoke detectors or heat detectors. Decorations may be hung on perimeter walls.
  • Decorations cannot obstruct access to or visibility of exits, exit signs, fire alarm pull stations, alarm panels or fire extinguishers.
  • Decorations must be affixed or mounted in such a way as to prevent damage to doors, ceilings, walls or
    floors.

These are some tips to follow to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

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As an employee of Jordan School District (JSD), you are entitled to take advantage of federal law which allows employees to improve their retirement benefits by voluntarily participating in their own Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) program. With a TSA, you can set aside a certain amount of tax-deferred money each month toward your retirement.

Utah Retirement Systems (URS)
All employees are able to contribute into a retirement savings plan. If you are a contracted employee, a portion of your state retirement plan with the Utah Retirement Systems (URS) is in the form of a percentage contribution paid by the District into a 401(k) account. Also, all employees can increase their retirement benefit by contributing funds into a URS 401(k) account, a URS 457 plan, as well as a post-tax Roth or Traditional IRA. As an employee of JSD, these services are provided free of charge. URS does not endorse any outside financial advisors. Please beware of any financial advisor claiming to be affiliated with URS, or attempting to provide detailed information about URS. Information and forms regarding the 401(k), 457, Roth and Traditional IRA savings plans are available at www.urs.org.

403(b) Plan
You also have the option to begin a 403(b) plan with one of the various companies offering TSA programs. You may visit JSD’s third party administrator, National Benefit Services (nbs), website at nbsbenefits.com/403b for additional information.

Jordan School District does not endorse nor guarantee the performance of any TSA plan or company. Your participation is strictly voluntary and at your own risk.

We understand employees have been receiving emails, phone calls, and even personal visits to schools from individuals claiming to be associated with JSD or URS. As a reminder, vendors are not to solicit business from individuals during contract time. Furthermore, we strongly encourage employees to contact URS with their questions about URS benefits. The safety and security of our employees and their sensitive information is a paramount concern for Jordan School District (JSD). With an uptick in scams, please remember to be on the lookout and take extra precautions before responding to requests for information.

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Plants growing in investment jars401k & 403b, 457 Elective Deferral Limit
$23,000
$30,500 - catch up limit $7,500 (age 50 or over)

Traditional and Roth IRA Contribution Limit
$7,000
$8,000 - catch up limit $1,000 (age 50 or over)

Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution Limit
$4,150 single coverage
$5,150 - catch up limit $1,000 (age 55 or over)

$8,300 family coverage
$9,300 - catch up limit $1,000 (age 55 or over)

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The Payroll Department would like to remind all employees to submit a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate, if your filing status, other income, deductions, or credits have changed or will change for the next year.

Even though the IRS does not require all employees to complete a new Form W-4 and even if your tax situation has not changed, we recommend you perform a “paycheck checkup” to see if you need to make adjustments to your current withholding.

Please note: if you do not submit a new form, withholding will continue based on your previously submitted form, unless you are claiming exempt. If you have been claiming exempt, you must file a new W-4 at the beginning of the year by February 15, 2024 in order to maintain exempt status.

The IRS has also published General FAQs that you may find helpful as you complete the form on the IRS website. W-4 forms can be filed at any time in the Payroll Department and are available on IRS.gov or the Payroll Department’s jordandistrict.org website.

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2023-24 Do The Write Thing Challenge - Instructions for Classroom TeachersThe Utah State Board of Education is announcing the 2023-24 Do the Write Thing Challenge, which offers middle school students the opportunity to examine the impact of youth violence on their lives and communicate in writing what they think should be done to change the culture of violence.

The contest is open to middle school students. Please share this information with your middle schools/middle school students. The entry submission deadline is Friday, January 12, 2024.

For more information, including an instructions package on how to participate, classroom planning lessons, and work from previous years, visit the Do the Write Thing Challenge Page or contact Millie Mortensen or Cuong Nguyen.

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Dear Teacher Friends,

During this Thanksgiving season, I want to express my gratitude for the passion, dedication, and service you bring to your profession. The significance of your challenging work and the pivotal role you play in shaping our state’s rising generation cannot be overstated. Not only do you educate, but you also mentor, counsel, and inspire our children. I am deeply grateful for each one of you!

My unwavering goal remains to support your mental health and equip you with the enduring skills you need. Having been a former special education teacher, I understand the demands of your job, and I am committed to ensuring you feel supported and appreciated.

As we approach the 2024 legislative session, I urge you to reach out to your local legislators. Share with them your triumphs, challenges, and your personal stories. At our last Show Up for Teachers conference, we witnessed the power and transformation that arose from conversations between legislators and teachers. Our collective voices can further elevate your profession.

Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving season,
Abby Cox

SAVE THE DATE!
Teachers at conference

Show Up for Teachers Conference
July 9, 2024 | Mountain America Expo Center

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Multiple Federal agencies are investigating numerous fraud schemes targeting the unemployment insurance (UI) programs across the United States.  Fraudsters, some of which are transnational criminal organizations, are using the stolen identities of U.S. citizens to open accounts and file fraudulent claims for benefits, exploiting the unprecedented expansion of the benefits provided in response to economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Many victims of this crime have no knowledge that criminals have applied for UI benefits in their name.  You may only discover that you were a victim of this crime upon seeing the following red flags:

  1. You are told by a current or former employer that a UI claim has been submitted with your information;
  2. You did not apply for UI benefits, but you receive a determination letter from your state or another state regarding a UI claim filed under your name;
  3. You receive a notification that you failed the security verification process for your UI claim;
  4. You file a lawful UI claim and you receive a notice that your claim was rejected because the state has already received a claim under your name.

The District Human Resource department is taking immediate steps to address suspected fraudulent claims.  These include:

  • Contacting current employees to verify if the employee filed a UI claim.
  • Immediately notifying the state agency of confirmed fraud claims.
  • Providing impacted employees steps to follow to report fraud.

For more information or if you believe you may be impacted, please visit the following websites for information on reporting fraud and protecting your credit.

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2023 JATC South Winter Sale FlyerThe JATC South Greenhouse is holding a winter sale on poinsettias and cacti in a variety of colors.  The flowers are available for purchase from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m on days when school is in session, until Dec. 21 or while supplies last.

  • 6” Poinsettias - $7
    Available in Premium Red, Prestige Red, Glitter, Pink, Marble, Ice Punch, White and Winter Rose.
  • 8.5” Poinsettia - $13
    Available in premium red, winter rose, white, and glitter.
  • Christmas Cactus - $4
    Available in pink, red, orange and purple.

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Money IconDue to the District Office closing for Thanksgiving Recess at the end of the day on Wednesday, Nov. 22, and not returning until Monday, Nov. 27, the Payroll Department is making the following recommendations:

  1. If you need to close your bank account, please call Payroll immediately.
  2. If you are a True Time employee, make sure your time is submitted. If you are a True Time approver, please make sure all time is approved. Attached are instructions on how to view your True Time Status and History.
  3. Paychecks are available for viewing in Employee Access on Saturday, Nov. 18. Please review your pay check and call Payroll at 801-567-8155 immediately with any questions or concerns.  Attached are instructions on how to view your paycheck in Employee Access on Skyward. If you need help logging into your Employee Access, call the help desk at 801-567-8737.
  4. Payday is on Nov. 22.

The Payroll Department will resume work on Nov. 27 and will be available if you have any questions.

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2023 JEF Christmas for Kids FlyerThe holiday season is fast approaching!  And with that comes one of the best events of the year!  JEF CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS!

Christmas for Kids provides a little bit of Christmas cheer for students in Jordan District that would otherwise go without during the holiday season.

These deserving students are carefully selected by school counselors, administrators and Jordan School District specialists due to extreme need and personal circumstances.

Please consider giving your time and resources this year to support a deserving middle or high school student in Jordan District!

Visit our website for more information and to register to chaperone or donate.

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Two-Step Verification for your Jordan School District Google account will soon be required. You can take an active role in securing your account by enabling this feature before that time.

How to Enable Two-Step Verification:

  1. Go to Google's Two-Step Verification setup page.
  2. Follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to complete the setup. You can choose your preferred method for receiving verification codes, be it Google prompts on an iOS or Android device, text message, or a voice call.
  3. Complete the verification process the first time you login on a NEW device. Once logged in, it will not be necessary to verify your account unless you login on a new device/browser or clear your cache and cookies.

Why Enable Two-Step Verification Now?

  1. Immediate Protection
  2. Prevent Potential Issues: Minimize loss of access to your Google account BEFORE Two-Step Verification becomes mandatory.

How to Get Support with Two-Step Verification:
If you have any trouble during the setup process or have questions, our help desk is ready to assist you. Don't hesitate to reach out to them at extension 88737.  Below are instructions and a video tutorial to guide you through enabling 2-Step Verification. Lastly, on the day that 2-Step Verification becomes required for your school, there will be support staff from Information Systems at your school to help with those that have not yet enabled 2-Step Verification.

We highly recommend that you enable this important security enhancement BEFORE it becomes mandatory, as you may lose access to your Google account if you haven't enabled it by the required date. This proactive step will not only protect your account but also contribute to the overall cybersecurity of your school.

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Handling Holiday Stress FlyerMake this season a bright and bountiful one by giving yourself the best present of all: peace of mind. Turn the holidays into a happy, stress-free time by taking care of yourself, bringing balance to your work and home life and not letting holiday worries overwhelm you.

Tips for Coping with Holiday Stress

  • Do not be perfect; be you. One of the quickest ways to holiday burnout is to set high, unrealistic expectations for yourself. Make your plans simple and your activities doable.
  • Create your wish list early. Ask yourself what you want to accomplish this holiday season. Write down your holiday goals, and list out the steps you need to take to reach them. Prioritize what is important, and get organized from the start.
  • Pace yourself. Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s can all be busy times. Remember, the season lasts for several weeks. Break your preparations into small steps so you can accomplish a little each week. Delegate responsibilities with others, and do not be afraid to ask for help.
  • Budget wisely. It is easy to buy on credit and ignore the bills until after the holidays, but spending within your means requires a disciplined approach. Set a holiday budget limit ahead of time, and determine exactly what you can afford.
  • Get into the spirit. Deck the halls. Build a snowman. If you have a tree, decorate it early. Too often adults miss out on the simple pleasures of celebrating the holidays and truly enjoying the moment.
  • Take time out for yourself. Too often the holidays feel rushed and exhausting. Unwind and pamper yourself with a break from the action. Try relaxation techniques, meditation and deep-breathing exercises. Spend one quiet evening a week away from the hustle and bustle of your hectic routine. Do something you really want to do.
  • Give of yourself. One of the best gifts you can give yourself during the holidays is self-sacrifice. Try to find time during the season to volunteer your services at a local community center, soup kitchen or charity organization. Doing things for others can bring a real sense of inner warmth and self-worth that is more valuable than all the presents piled under your tree.
  • Embrace family. Look forward to reuniting with relatives this holiday by sidestepping family pressures. Cherish the time you spend with your loved ones, and make a better effort to be as relaxed, positive and cheerful as you can.
  • Reflect on past holidays. Think back to moments you have treasured during past holiday seasons, and try to recapture the essence of what made those times special.
  • Celebrate safely. One of the keys to holiday happiness is celebrating in moderation. Give your body a gift this year by treating it with respect. Try not to overindulge in sweets and goodies. Know your limits when it comes to alcohol, and never attempt to drive if you have been drinking.
  • Make New Year’s resolutions. Setting goals challenges us to aim for higher fulfillment and self-improvement. Give yourself something to look forward to next year. Stick to these resolutions, and ask others to continue to encourage you to keep your goals.
  • Talk to someone who cares. If you feel bogged down by a case of the holiday blues, do not suffer through the season. Reach out and talk to someone you trust.

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What are Critical Days?
Critical Days are the days before or after a school holiday when students are in attendance.

What if I use an Annual/Personal leave day on a Critical Day?
Employees using annual/personal leave on Critical Days will be docked on their next paycheck as listed below:

  • Licensed - $156, equivalent to 50% of the daily rate of a licensed employee on salary level one.
  • ESP - 40% of the employee’s daily rate.

Will I still be docked if I don’t need a substitute?
Yes, this is not to cover the cost of a sub.

Are there any exceptions in the policy to having my paycheck docked?
Annual/personal leave may be taken on a Critical Day without being docked for the following specific reasons:

  • Observance of religious holidays which fall on a regularly scheduled school calendar workday.
  • Family weddings of near relatives including children, father, mother, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, grandparents, or the same to one's spouse or any other person who is a member of the same household as the employee.
  • Graduations of near relatives as defined in "b." above.
  • Required court appearances.
  • Deaths not covered by DP330 NEG Bereavement Leave - Licensed.
  • Conferences and conventions which relate to the individual employee's work assignment and are not covered by DP339 – Released Time—Professional.
  • To attend to personal or business matters which require the employee’s attendance and scheduling is beyond the employee’s control.
  • First year employees who notify their supervisor in writing that they are ill.
  • Applying for the Critical Days “lottery” during the appropriate time window and being randomly selected as one of the limited number of employees allowed. Employees are only eligible for this exemption once per contract year. More information about this “lottery” request process can be found in JEM and at the HR Annual Leave page.

What if the reason I’m using annual/personal leave on a Critical Day is an exception in policy as listed above?
The specific reason and exception in the policy must be added in the Skyward time off description

Will I still be docked if my supervisor gives me permission and approves my time off request?
Yes, unless the reason and above listed exception is applicable and entered in the time off description

How do I know when Critical Days are?
Information regarding the use of annual/personal leave on Critical Days is posted on the Human Resources Department Annual Leave page and is sent in JEM. The Payroll Department also posts these Critical Days on their website, and sends them in JEM during the applicable months.

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Fall 2023 Work Based Learning NewsletterWhat’s happening in Work Based Learning? What isn’t happening is a better question. We hit the ground running this year and haven’t stopped! We added new staff,organized 7th grade agriculture days,Pathways to Professions, and so much more. Read on to check it out!  Here's what's inside:

  • Pathways to Professions
  • Ag Days
  • New to our Team
  • Teacher/Admin. Recognition
  • Internship Successes and Workshops
  • CTE Website
  • Social Media Links
  • Advisory Board
  • Elementary WBL

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Nov. 2023 Health Insights NewsletterDASH Diet: An Eating Plan For Diabetes Management
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan is an acceptable eating pattern for people who have diabetes. In addition to promoting blood pressure control, this eating pattern has been shown to improve insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and even being overweight/obese. This balanced approach promotes consumption of a variety of foods and is appropriate for the entire family. The appeal of the DASH eating pattern for patients is that it is also practical; it does not require special foods or supplements.

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Nov. 2023 Teaching & Learning NewsletterCheck out the attached flyer or use the links below for the latest updates from Teaching & Learning for November. Learn tips and tricks, sign up for upcoming PD, and learn about important updates from the T & L team.

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The Utah State Board of Education Teacher Salary Supplement Program (TSSP) qualifications and application deadlines are available for 2023-2024. The application deadlines are printed below.  Information regarding the TSSP program and qualifications is found at the following Utah State Board of Education (USBE) link:

Application Term Dates
An application term indicates a preference of when and how often the educator would like to receive any bonus. Applicants may select one of the following terms before the respective deadline:

Term  # of Payments Application Available & Accepted Application Deadline
Trimester 2 Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023 6 AM Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023 11:59 PM
Semester 1 Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023 6 AM Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 11:59 PM
Annual 1 Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023 6 AM Tuesday, April 30, 2024 11:59 PM

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Dear Employees,

ZYIA Active, an active lifestyle brand located in Draper, Utah, is offering FREE brand-new clothing to all employees in Jordan School District. It is ZYIA Active’s way of saying thanks for your hard work and dedication to education.

Here’s what you need to know.

On Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. ZYIA Active is holding a Jordan School District Employee Appreciation Event. All employees are invited to the ZYIA warehouse to choose three FREE new clothing items.

  • Brand new activewear in a wide variety of sizes for women, men, and kids will be available to choose from during this event.
  • A list of clothing available for women, men and kids is on the poster below.
  • You must select your free clothing in-person at the ZYIA Active warehouse in Draper.
  • You must present a valid Jordan School District employee ID badge. Substitutes may obtain a JSD Honorary ID badge from a receptionist at the District Office from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday until Nov. 10, 2023.

WHAT: Each JSD Employee Can Select Three FREE Brand-New Clothing Items from ZYIA Active
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. ***Employee ID Badge Required
WHERE: ZYIA Active Warehouse, 294 W. Life Science Way, Draper

Zyia Employee Appreciation Event Poster

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If you are a contracted employee and need to take Annual/Personal Leave before or after Winter 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
Winter Recess
(All Licensed)		 Dec. 22, 2023 – Jan. 1, 2024 Dec. 21, 2023 Only* Nov. 7 – Nov. 17, 2023
Winter Recess
(All 180, 184, 187, 206, Contracts)		 Dec. 22, 2023 – Jan. 1, 2024 Dec. 21, 2023 & Jan. 3, 2024 Nov. 7 – Nov. 17, 2023
Winter Recess
(242/245 Contract)		 Dec. 25, 2023 – Jan. 1, 2024 Dec. 21, 2023 & Jan. 3, 2024
(245 contracts work Dec. 27-29)		 Nov. 10 – Nov. 20, 2023

*Licensed Only - January 3, 2024 will not be considered a Critical Day for the 2023-2024 school year.