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May is Mental Health Awareness Month and an opportunity to promote mental health resources to support student, staff, and family wellness.

May is a great time to foster open conversations about mental health through community events, sharing information, and highlighting resources available to your students and families at your schools. Here are some events and resources that educators may benefit from being aware of:

Resources

  • Live On Utah Playbook is one of the best toolkits for suicide prevention in schools.
    • Discussion Guide for Educators: This guide will give you the tools and talking points to educate youth about preventing suicide.
    • Student Worksheet pairs with the discussion guide, it is for students to complete.

Events

  • Bingham Walk 4 Hope
    May 4 at 9am
    Help Bingham High School’s Hope Squad promote healthy minds, healthy bodies, and to highlight the fact that together we are “A Force of 1”! Start at Bingham High and will make a loop with stops at SoJo Middle and Jordan Ridge Elementary. Resource tables with information about mental and physical health will be available for families at each stop.
  • NAMIWALKS — A WALK TO FUEL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
    Saturday May 18th, 2024
    Veterans Memorial Park
    1985 W. 7800 S
    West Jordan, UT 84088
    https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month/

SafeUT and HMHI Offerings (and recordings!)

Use this link for more information

  • SAFEUT: SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES DURING “ANY SIZE CRISIS”
    May 5 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm (via Zoom)
  • CHILDREN, TEENS, AND MENTAL HEALTH: WHERE AND WHEN TO SEEK HELP
    Thursday, May 12 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm (via Zoom)
  • HEALING OUT LOUD: UNMASKING MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA
    Thursday, May 19 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm (via Zoom)

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URS Retirement is Real FlyerAmid rising inflation and economic uncertainty, a secure retirement is becoming further out of reach for most Americans.

But, thanks to the substantial retirement benefit your employer funds on your behalf every paycheck, you’ve got a huge advantage.

Your URS benefits can be a gamechanger for your future. They far exceed what most workers in the private sector receive and are richer than even what most other states offer.

For perspective, nearly all public pension plans in the U.S. require employees to contribute out of their own pocket. The average employee contributions are 6.3% for employees with Social Security benefits and 9.0% for those without.

Stay engaged with your employer’s retirement benefits – they’re too valuable to neglect!

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Paycheck iconMemorial Day Recess
May 27, 2024

Critical Days
Licensed & ESP - May 24 & 28

As Per DP335B and DP335NEG:  Licensed and ESP employees using an Annual/Personal leave day on Critical Days will be docked (Licensed $156 or ESP 40% of their daily rate) unless the leave reason and the policy exception are written in the time off description box.

Please refer to policy links above, or use the Critical Days FAQ for further clarification.

Last Five Days of School
May 29 - 31

As per DP335(B) and DP335 NEG:  Annual/Personal leave shall not be taken during the last five days that students are in school unless listed as an exception in policy.

  • Payroll Due: May 2
  • Direct Dep Changes by May 9
  • View Paycheck: May 22
  • Pay Day: May 24

True Time Deadlines
Date Range Apr 1 – May 5
*True Time should be submitted and approved weekly

  • Employee Submittal: May 8
  • First Approval: May 10
  • Final Approval: May 14

Important - Last Day of School
If May 31 is an employee's last working day, all True Time must be submitted and approved by the end of the day.

Substitute Deadlines

Date Range  Due Payday
April 16-30 May 1 May 10
May 1-15 May 16 May 24

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Teachers, administrators, and psychologists who began LETRS training in 2021-22 should have completed all unit classes and online bookwork on or before May 24, 2024. Those interested in receiving the stipend will need to have completed the required classwork and online bookwork and submitted this Google Form by May 24, 2024. After May 24, 2024 stipends for this cohort will no longer be available.

Teachers, administrators, and psychologists who began LETRS training in January 2024 should have completed all in person classes and online book work for units 1-4 by May 24, 2024. Those who have completed these requirements will receive their stipend on the June payroll. No further action will be required for this cohort.

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(This does not effect employees on the URS Tier 1 plan or Tier 2 Defined Contribution plan)

URS Tier 2 HandoutYou’ll be required to make a member contribution equal to 0.7% of your salary to fund your benefit in 2024-25.

As a member of the Tier 2 Public Employees System who has chosen the Hybrid Option, your employer pays the equivalent of 10% of your salary to fund your benefit.

If the yearly, actuarially determined cost to pay future benefits – the pension contribution rate – is less than 10%, you get the difference in the form of an employer-paid 401(k) contribution. This has been the case since the system was created by the Utah State Legislature in 2011.

The system was also designed so that if the pension contribution rate exceeds the employer contribution, the member must contribute from their paycheck to help fund the benefit.

*Effective July 2024, the pension contribution rate will increase into the range to require a member contribution equal to 0.7% of your salary.

This means you will have to pay a small amount from your paycheck to fund your Tier 2 Public Employee Hybrid Option benefit beginning July 2024. Your employer will automatically deduct this contribution each paycheck.

Example of What You’ll Pay Out-of-Pocket
These examples provide a perspective on how much you’ll contribute after-tax to help fund your benefit. Compare that small cost to the potential lifetime monthly benefit you could receive.

Sample Salary Amount deducted each paycheck if paid biweekly Amount deducted each paycheck if paid monthly For perspective, your potential lifetime monthly benefit*
$40,000 $10.77 / biweekly $23.33 / monthly $1,750 monthly benefit
$60,000 $16.15 / biweekly $35 / monthly $2,625 monthly benefit
$80,000 $21.53 / biweekly $46.67 / monthly $3,500 monthly benefit

*For illustrative purposes only. This example assumes a 35-year career and yearly 3% salary increase.

Who is impacted by this change?
This change applies to members in the Tier 2 Public Employees System in the Hybrid Option. You’re in the Tier 2 system if you were hired on or after July 1, 2011 without previous URS service credit. Check with your employer or log in to myURS at www.urs.org to find out which system is yours.

Your benefit is the Hybrid Option if you elected it, or were defaulted into it, after your 12-month decision period following your hire date. Because of state and federal law, you are unable to change your election after 12 months. Members who chose the 401(k) Option (Defined Contribution Plan) aren’t impacted.

What do I need to do to pay my contribution?
Nothing. Your employer will automatically deduct this contribution from your paycheck.

When will I begin contributing?
The 0.7% member contribution will be automatically deducted after-tax from your first paycheck on or after July 1, 2024. If you’re a school employee with a contract that starts September 1, the contribution will go into effect on your first paycheck after September 1, 2024.

Why are member contributions now required in my system?
This system was designed to require member contributions if costs to fund projected future benefits exceed a certain level. The projected costs have increased substantially recently, largely due to greater than expected salary increases among Utah public employees after 2020. Because the amount of your retirement benefit is tied to your salary, bigger raises will lead to larger monthly payouts in retirement. To ensure that your benefit is well-funded, URS, in consultation with our actuaries, increased the pension contribution rate (www.urs.org/rates) above the amount that employers are required to pay each pay period to fund your benefit. Contribution rates are re-evaluated yearly and may change from year-to-year, depending on the projected costs of future benefits. To better understand contribution rates and their impact on your retirement benefit, go to www.urs.org/rates.

Webinar
URS is offering a free webinar will explore how the Tier 2 system is designed to ensure adequate funding and why member contributions will be required.

June 13 at 10 a.m. | July 16 at 2 p.m.
Register at www.urs.org/ratesfaqs

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2024 Salt Lake Bees Teacher Appreciation NightOn May 11, the Salt Lake Bees are are holding an appreciation night for teachers, staff and faculty. All JSD employees who present their ID badge at the box office will receive two free tickets and 50% off additional tickets (up to 6 additional tickets). For those who want to redeem this offer online go to beesgroups.com/teacher and use the promo code: INSPIRE

The Bees will be playing against the Sacramento River Cats on Saturday, May 11 at 6:35 p.m. at Smith's Ballpark.  We hope to see you there!

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The following are new administrative assignments:

New Assignments and Transfers effective for the 2024-25 school year:

  • Lisa Jackson, assistant principal at Fort Herriman Middle assigned principal at Oquirrh Hills Middle.
  • Ann Pessetto, principal at Silver Crest Elementary assigned principal at Westland Elementary.
  • Patty Bowen, principal at Copper Canyon Elementary assigned principal at Silver Crest Elementary.
  • Bobbie Nixon, principal at Herriman Elementary assigned principal at Copper Canyon Elementary.
  • Laurie Goodsell, principal at Westland Elementary assigned principal at Herriman Elementary.
  • Michelle Putnam, assistant principal at Bingham High assigned assistant principal at Mountain Ridge High.
  • Rufine Einzinger, assistant principal at Copper Hills High assigned assistant principal at Bingham High.
  • Janilee Mullen, assistant principal at Riverton High assigned assistant principal at Copper Hills High.
  • Kyrstin Wingert, administrative intern at Mountain Ridge High appointed assistant principal at Riverton High.
  • Britnee Eng, administrative intern at Herriman High appointed assistant principal at Valley High.
  • Mindy Lokey, assistant principal at Valley High assigned assistant principal at Fort Herriman Middle.
  • Jennifer Jarrard, assistant principal at Oquirrh Hills Middle assigned assistant principal at South Hills Middle.
  • Joshua Ricks, assistant principal at South Jordan Middle assigned assistant principal at Oquirrh Hills Middle.
  • Brian Rambadt, assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle assigned assistant principal at South Jordan Middle.
  • Joshua Stott, assistant principal at Joel P. Jensen Middle assigned assistant principal at Sunset Ridge Middle.
  • Karen Moore, administrative intern at Joel P. Jensen and South Jordan Middle appointed assistant principal at Joel P. Jensen Middle.
  • Sharra Palmer, administrative intern at Bluffdale Elementary appointed assistant principal at Kauri Sue Hamilton School.
  • Aubri Moench, assistant principal at South Hills Middle assigned assistant principal at Juniper Elementary.
  • Amber Allen, assistant principal at Bastian Elementary assigned assistant principal at Butterfield Canyon Elementary.
  • Kasey Dahl, assistant principal at Ridge View Elementary assigned assistant principal at Bastian Elementary.
  • Jarom Airhart, assistant principal at Jordan Ridge Elementary assigned assistant principal at Midas Creek Elementary.
  • Thyme Meleisea-Vea, assistant principal at Oak Leaf Elementary assigned assistant principal at Jordan Hills Elementary.
  • Trudy Jack, assistant principal at Majestic Elementary assigned assistant principal at Hayden Peak Elementary.
  • Veronica Holyoke, assistant principal at Oakcrest Elementary assigned assistant principal at Bluffdale Elementary.
  • April Thompson, assistant principal at Riverton Elementary assigned assistant principal at Oakcrest Elementary.
  • Shauna Worthington, administrator returning from sabbatical leave assigned assistant principal at Riverton Elementary.
  • Heather Handy, assistant principal at Bluffdale Elementary assigned assistant principal at Aspen Elementary.

New Administrative Intern Assignments effective for the 2024-25 school year:

  • Daniel Call, teacher at Summit Academy assigned administrative intern at Copper Hills High.
  • Megan Daly, counselor at Hidden Valley Middle assigned administrative intern at Mountain Ridge High.
  • Ivie Erickson, teacher at West Jordan Middle assigned administrative intern at Bingham High.
  • Travis Foster, teacher at West Jordan High assigned administrative intern at Riverton High.
  • Markie Harper, counselor at Copper Hills High assigned administrative intern at Herriman High.
  • Derek Winder, counselor at Copper Mountain Middle assigned administrative intern at West Jordan High.
  • Andrea Call, CTE teacher at Bingham High assigned administrative intern at West Hills Middle and West Jordan Middle.
  • Rachelle Smith, teacher at Oak Leaf Elementary assigned administrative intern at Joel P. Jensen Middle and South Hills Middle.
  • Stacie Thompson, teacher at Golden Fields Elementary assigned administrative intern at Hidden Valley Middle and Sunset Ridge Middle.
  • Aimie Rizzuto, teacher at Aspen Elementary assigned administrative intern at Jordan Ridge Elementary.
  • Megan Hamilton, teacher specialist in the Teaching and Learning Department assigned administrative intern at Blackridge Elementary.
  • Toni Lasater, teacher specialist in the Teaching and Learning Department assigned administrative intern at Oak Leaf Elementary.
  • Denise White, instructional coach in Canyons School District assigned administrative intern at Majestic Elementary.

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Salt Lake Shred Educator Night FlyerAll Jordan School District employees are invited to the Salt Lake Shred Educator's Night on April 27 the Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman. The Salt Lake Shred is a men's professional ultimate frisbee team that plays in the Ultimate Frisbee Association.

All employees get in free. Just show your District ID badge at the ticket booth. Ultimate frisbee is a fast-paced sport full of incredible athletics feats; if you've never been to a game, this is the game to come to! Shred will be facing out-of-region opponents, the DC Breeze. To learn more about the team, you can visit the link below.

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National School Lunch-Hero Day FlyerJoin us in celebrating our awesome lunch staff on National school Lunch Hero Day on Friday, May 3!
When we say school nutrition professionals are heroes, we mean it! That's why we celebrate them every spring with the National School Lunch Hero Day. Join schools across the country that are recognizing the difference these team members make for every child who comes through their cafeteria.

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WGU Admin Professionals Day FlyerGet Ready for Administrative Professionals Day: The Power-Up Edition! It's our moment to honor the empowerment maestros: executive assistants, secretaries, and all admin pros. They're not just the glue; they're the driving force!

Are you an admin pro ready to flex your muscles and show all that you can do? WGU is offering an exclusive scholarship to amplify your skills and supercharge your career.

Know an admin champion who's a force of nature? Nominate them, and let WGU transform this Admin Pros Day into a celebration of their unstoppable spirit!

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JEF Challenge Obstacle Course Run FlyerThe Challenge Obstacle Run is a family-friendly fundraising obstacle course run open to all ages and created to make a difference in Jordan District Classrooms! Sponsored by local businesses and Jordan Education Foundation, 100% of proceeds go directly toward Classroom Grants benefiting students & teachers in Jordan District!

The Challenge Run is open to the community with participation from all 67 of our schools.

The run begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 11 and ends with a (free), fun family festival with lots of free giveaways. You can participate in any one of the events (Obstacle Run, Festival, Fundraising) or in all three! Bring your family and friends and neighbors for a super fun day!

  • Saturday, May 11
  • 9 a.m.
  • Veterans Memorial Park, West Jordan

Come see what all the fun is about!  For more details and to register online, visit: www.jefchallenge.org

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Spring 2024 Work Based Learning NewsletterWhat's happening in Work Based Learning?  Spring is bursting with Work-Based Learning activity! From CTSO competitions to New programs and teachers, targeted small group field trips, teacher awards and more! There’s so much to celebrate as we wind down another year. Even so, let us know how we can support you whether it’s this year or next. Read on to check it out!  Here's what's inside:

  • ACTE Awards
  • WBL Field Trips
  • 7 Craig Cottle’s Retiring Party
  • CTSO Nationals
  • New Teachers
  • KUTV
  • Upcoming Events
  • Important Dates
  • CTE Social Media Links
  • Contact WBL

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Digital Teaching and Learning is thrilled to announce the launch of Elevate Computer Science: Engaging Utah’s Educators in Preparing Future Leaders. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is offering scholarships to participate in their award-winning professional learning opportunities at no cost for Utah educators. Get ready to revolutionize teaching and learning in your classroom through innovative uses of technology to make learning awesome!

Read more below and complete this short form by April 26, 2024 to launch your professional learning journey! Upon completion, educators can receive stipends of up to $1,000!

Participants will be able to select one (or more!) of the following professional learning experiences:

ISTE Certification

  • ISTE Certification is an internationally recognized credential for educators who have demonstrated mastery of the ISTE Educator Standards and implemented innovative uses of technology to transform learning
  • Complete 40 hours in instructor-led professional learning over 10 weeks, and then will curate your portfolio that includes artifacts and reflections aligned to the ISTE Educator Standards over six months.
  • UT educators will receive a $1,000 stipend for successful completion

ISTE Artificial Intelligence Course

  • Self-paced, instructor-led online course introducing educators to AI for learning and its application in the classroom (15 hour course)
  • UT educators will receive a $65 stipend for course completion
  • Course Dates: 10/07/24 - 12/09/24 or 02/10/25 - 04/06/25

ISTE Computational Thinking Course

  • Self-paced, instructor-led online course designed to deepen your understanding of Computational Thinking and develop strategies for integrating Computational Thinking across subject areas and grade levels (15 hour course)
  • UT educators will receive a $65 stipend for course completion
  • Course Dates: 9/26/24 - 11/16/24 or 01/13/25 - 03/13/25

ISTE Computational Thinking Pathway

  • Open to educators who have completed the ISTE Computational Thinking Course
  • Earn up to three Computational Thinking microcredentials
  • UT educators will receive up to $225 in stipends for completing the CT pathway
  • Pathway Dates: 11/23/24 - 04/06/25 or 03/22/25 - 09/30/25

Take the first step on your professional learning journey today by completing this short application form by April 26, 2024! Please note that completing this form does not guarantee admission. We have a limited number of scholarships and stipends available. We will be making selections and inviting applicants to register for program(s) on or before May 10, 2024.

If you have any questions about the offerings above, please contact James Gurney at jgurney@iste.org or Jared Covili at jared.covili@jordandistrict.org for more information.

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2024 Show Up for Teachers FlyerALL Utah educators are invited to attend the annual Show Up for Teachers conference, held on July 9, 2024 at the Mountain America Expo Center. 2,000 educator attendees will gather to celebrate the power of being a teacher and get access to the latest tools and resources to take care of their personal and professional wellness.

General registration is now open for the 2024 Show Up for Teachers Conference This year's theme is "Thriving Through Connection," featuring inspiring keynote addresses by Dr.Marisa G Franco and Robyn Benincasa, along with entertainment by the talented Will Rubio.

  • 2024 Show Up for Teachers Conference Attendee Registration

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Teachers and other educators whose license will expire on June 30, 2024, are encouraged to begin the license renewal process IMMEDIATELY by going to the USBE website. Reminder letters regarding license renewal information will be sent out this month to individuals with expiring licenses.

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Melanie Dawson and Katie Jarvis, administrators from River’s Edge School will be leading a professional development session on foundational classroom management strategies that make a difference in any classroom. This opportunity is open to elementary and secondary teachers and ESPs in all settings.

It will be held at Herriman High School tomorrow, Friday April 12, 2024 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Please sign up on JPLS for this awesome opportunity!

JBAT Professional Development
Herriman HS- Auditorium
JPLS Info
Course #102021
Section #128091

This is an in-person training only and will not be recorded for viewing at a later time.

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2024 Blomquist Hale Workshop FlyersBlomquist Hale has two workshops coming up in April! See attached for workshop flyers and details outlined below.

  • Topic: 5-Week Anxiety Group
    Date: April 15 – May 13
    Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
    Location: Online!
  • Topic: Monthly Divorce/Separation/Singles Support Group
    Date: April 18 – December 19 (third Thursday of every month)   
    Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. MT
    Location: Online!

To register for any of our upcoming workshops, please visit our website at blomquisthale.com/workshops/

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USBE Survey PageThe USBE Digital Teaching and Learning Grant provides opportunities and tools for teachers in Jordan School District to address and close student achievement gaps through the use of high quality instruction that integrates technology. This survey will help us determine technology needs for the 2024-25 school year.

Use the link below to complete the end of year DTL Survey from USBE. Survey is due April 29, 2024.

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Utah Waterways FlyerCentral Utah Water Conservancy District has partnered with Jordan School District to provide an Inservice that focuses on the connection between water and Utah's ecosystems. During the program educators will explore issues related to the Great Salt Lake, Colorado River, and more.

Friday, April 19, 2024 | 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. | PDC 103 at the Auxiliary Services Building

Recommended Grade Levels: 3rd, 5th, 6th, 8th

Hands-on Lesson Blocks Include:

  • Who Gets The Water - Exploring water law along the Colorado River
  • Will I Get Eaten - Exploring how invasive species affect native species in Utah Lake
  • Safe Salinity - Exploring how the percentage of salt in the water in the Great Salt Lake affects its ecosystems
  • Snacks
  • Enroll on JPLS
    The course #102018
    2 relicensure points
  • Utah Waterways Flyer