Jordan School District

South Hills Middle Student Tops In Volunteering

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:58:40 +0000

Morgan Barron gardening for the Utah Food Bank.

Her zest for gardening and growing vegetables grew into a passion to help the hungry for South Hills eighth grader, Morgan Barron. That passion led Barron to produce nearly 1,500 pounds of produce last summer, which she donated to the Utah Food Bank. Because of her efforts, Barron was named one of Utah’s top youth volunteers for 2012 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. She will receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., where she will compete with other students from around the country for top national honors. Good Luck Morgan! ★

Skyward Finance Unavailable Friday Evening

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:57:34 +0000

Due to system maintenance, the Skyward Finance system and Employee Access will not be available Friday, Feb. 24 from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. We apologize for any inconvenience. PLEASE NOTE: The Skyward Student System and Student/Family … Continue reading →

Fort Herriman Student Soars After Beating Cancer

admin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:43:42 +0000

Tim Wright has a smile that can light up any classroom at Fort Herriman Middle. The 7^th-grade student recently learned to walk again after doctors had to remove his knee due to cancer. But now Tim is not only walking, he’s flying. Tim’s wish to be a pilot was granted by a fundraiser organized by students from Mr. McCaulley’s business class at Davis High in Kaysville, Utah and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Tim was given honorary wings as a pilot and had the thrill of flying and taking the controls of a super fast jet called the L-39 Albatross. Tim even did some barrel rolls behind the wheel of the plane. Congratulations Tim for your courage in life, and in flight! ★

Congratulations Midas Creek Elementary Art Teacher of the Year

admin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:31:16 +0000

L-R, Superintendent Patrice Johnson, Fine Arts Consultant Doug Allen, Kelleen Leslie, Midas Creek Principal Kevin Pullan, Administrator of Schools Teri Timpson.

Midas Creek teacher, Kelleen Leslie, is the Arts Teacher of The Year for the Jordan School District. Leslie was honored at the 50th Anniversary Awards Gala of A.R.T.S, Inc., for her ability to bring art into the classroom in a unique and inspiring way. Leslie recently participated in a week-long fellowship sponsored by the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. Superintendent Patrice Johnson was a part of the special night to honor Kelleen’s success. Way to go Kelleen –your students, faculty and staff at the district are very proud! ★

Magical Madrigal Moment

admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:39:48 +0000

The West Jordan High School Madrigals delighted donors at the annual Jordan Education Foundation fundraising breakfast. The madrigals received a standing ovation from business leaders, who give generously of their time and money to support “every child every day. “ ★

Early Notification Incentive

admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:36:56 +0000

The Board of Education approved an early notification incentive to assist Jordan School District with the reduction in staff process, wherein seniority may not be used as the deciding factor. This change was made by the legislature during the 2011 legislative session.

The Early Notification Incentive provides contract LICENSED employees (teachers/educators and both licensed and classified administrators) who are resigning at the end of the current contract year a $200 financial incentive upon providing official notification of resignation prior to March 1. Notice must be made in writing to both the school principal/immediate supervisor and the Human Resource Department. This incentive will be paid on the last regular paycheck.

Employees may view these changes to District policies DP318 – Resignations – Licensed and DP318A – Resignations – Administration at: http://policymanual.jordandistrict.org/

The Early Notification Incentive process eliminates the need for Educator/ Administrator Intent to Return letters. ★

Feb. 14, 2012 Board Meeting Update

admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:30:25 +0000

The Feb. 14 Board meeting summary is now available and can be viewed at www.jordandistrict.org/board/meetings/summary/2012-02-14/. ★

Board Approves Boundary Option C

admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:35:35 +0000

After receiving, reviewing and summarizing all patron input, the Board of Education voted to adopt boundary change Option C, between Eastlake and Welby Elementary Schools, to help balance boundary student populations for the 2012-13 school year. There will be no boundary change for Rose Creek and Daybreak Elementary Schools.

Boundary Info for Eastlake and Daybreak Elementary Schools ★

Notice from Payroll

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:01:37 +0000

The District is required to notify all employees to check their withholding status and make any changes necessary to keep their tax-withholding status correct. Employees who have had any changes such as marriage, new babies, divorce, etc., can fill out a new W4 and submit it to the payroll office. If you are claiming exempt status from taxes, that status will expire mid-February. To continue to claim exempt status, employees must fill out a new W4 each year. ★

Maintenance Employee of the Month

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:57:51 +0000

Maintenance Department employee Shaun Macomber, who works with the grounds crew, was voted by his peers as the February employee of the month. ★

Drill Teams Take Top Honors

admin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:53:58 +0000

The drill teams from Bingham and Copper Hills took first and second, respectively, in the class 5A state championships. Copper Hills placed first in the military and dance categories, while Bingham finished first overall. To see more coverage about this visit:

The Salt Lake Tribune
Deseret News ★

Students Meet with Superintendent

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:39:10 +0000

Student body presidents from Jordan’s five high schools recently met with Superintendent Johnson as part of what will become monthly meetings to bring the schools together. The meetings will allow the Superintendent to learn what is happening in the schools. It will also provide opportunities for students to share ideas and collaborate on projects happening in their respective schools. ★

Opera Performance at Monte Vista

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:22:44 +0000

The Utah Opera Company recently performed for the students of Monte Vista Elementary. The assembly brought smiles to students’ faces as they learned about the different singers and terms found in an opera. ★

Year of the Dragon

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:33:38 +0000

Eastlake Elementary celebrated the Chinese New Year, the year of the dragon, as students from the Chinese immersion classes paraded throughout the halls of the school. ★

Retirement Class

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:58:38 +0000

The District Payroll Office will be offering a retirement class on, Feb. 16, 4-6:30 p.m. at the District Offices, 7387 S. Campus View Dr. A representative from the Utah Retirement System will present pension information. Judy Burton and Joy MacKay from the payroll office will present information regarding District retirement benefits and will have a personalized benefit sheet for those signed up for the class. This information is helpful for anyone looking to retire this year or within the next few years. A $20 check will hold your seat and be returned to you at the class. Send your check to Joy MacKay at 7387 S. Campus View Dr. West Jordan, UT 84084. You may also register by e-mail at joy.mackay@jordan.k12.ut.us or 801-567-8211. ★

Eastlake Performs “The Little Mermaid”

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:57:34 +0000

Eastlake Elementary performed “The Little Mermaid” on the days leading up to winter recess. The performance was well attended by parents and a success due to the efforts of employees Margaret VanNess, Jenn Shino and Lori Munk. ★

Feature Story on Superintendent

admin — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:51:59 +0000

Superintendent Patrice Johnson was recently featured in an in-depth article in the Deseret News and on KSL. Read the stories by following the links below.

Deseret News
KSL ★

Sabbatical and Educational Leave Deadline

admin — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:44:06 +0000

For the 2012-13 academic year, the Board of Education has authorized two sabbatical and two educational leaves. The application deadline for Sabbatical & Educational Leaves will be Feb. 1. Applications may be filed with the Human Resource Department or the Local Professional Improvement Committee (LPIC), which is located within the Curriculum Department. District employees are encouraged to refer to the following policies for additional application details and instructions.

Interim Evaluations

admin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:30:48 +0000

Beginning on July 1, 2011, the Utah Educator Evaluation Law (53A-10-101-111) requires career educators be evaluated annually. This year, in order to be in compliance with the Utah Law stated above, educators who are not scheduled to be evaluated with the JPAS this academic year must complete the JPAS interim evaluation. The same is true for administrators who are evaluated with the Jordan Administrator Evaluation System (JAES). This year, in order to be in compliance with Utah Law stated above, administrators not scheduled to be evaluated with the JAES this academic year must complete the JAES interim evaluation.

To locate the JPAS and JAES Interim Evaluation form go to: http://www.departments.jordandistrict.org/curriculum/jpas/ and click on the Evaluations (Login) tab. ★

W-2 Opt Out Winners

admin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:40:06 +0000

The winners from the W-2 opt out promotion have been selected and are listed in the PDF attached below.★

W-2 winners

JHAT Applications Deadline

admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:30:18 +0000

L-R, from Herriman Elementary Michelle Lindsey, and Cathy Sandberg, with Amy Adams from Falcon Ridge Elementary at JHAT 2011.

Jordan History Academy of Teachers (JHAT) Jr. applications are due to Pam Su’a in the district office by Jan. 13. JHAT is a two-week program during the summer, July 2 through July 16 (July 4 off) plus five Saturdays during the school year. Teachers who participate will receive a stipend, an iPod touch, and a field study to Boston and Philadelphia during the summer of 2013. Fourth- and fifth-grade teachers are encouraged to apply. Principals have applications or they may also be found online at: http://departments.jordandistrict.org/curriculum/socialstudies/html/jhat.html

Along with the application, a letter from the principal recommending the teacher or team should also be sent to Pam Su’a by Jan. 13. ★

Maintenance Employee of the Month

admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:13:07 +0000

Maintenance Department employee Sandi Abplanalp, who works as the District card access technician for the Maintenance Department, was voted by her peers as the December employee of the month. ★

Health Incentives Coming

admin — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:53:56 +0000

As part of a wellness program offered by the District, Healthy Utah will be coming to offer free biometric testing. Employees and spouses covered on the medical benefits can each receive $50 by going to a session and completing an online health assessment at https://health.utah.gov/myhu/.

To schedule an appointment please login to www.healthyutah.org/myhu or call 801-366-7555. Anyone attending including spouses are welcome with an appointment. The tests and consultations usually take 20-30 minutes. The Insurance Department can also assist with questions by calling 801-567-8341. ★

Choir Performance at Hockey Game

admin — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:40:41 +0000

The West Hills Middle choir recently performed the national anthem at the Utah Grizzlies hockey game. Video of their performance can be viewed at the West Hills Middle Facebook page. ★

Last Chance for W-2 Opt Out

admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:55:27 +0000

This is the last chance for employees to be rewarded for using Skyward Employee Access. For the second year, employees opting out of the District printing their W2 tax form can be entered into a drawing for prizes. Available prizes include gift baskets, iPod shuffles, Honey Baked hams, and many more. Employees may log into Employee Access and request an electronic copy of their W2 for a chance to win, but this must by done by Dec. 20. Employees who do not know how to log in to Skyward Employee Access may call the help line, 801-567-8737

Utah’s Highest Ranking Soldier Challenges Students

admin — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:23:14 +0000

The Riverton High Madrigals perform at the Utah National Guard Christmas program.

South Hills Middle School student body officers and members of the Parent Teacher Student Association were thanked by the Utah National Guard for their efforts in fundraising on behalf of the Guard.

Students recently completed “Stockings for Soldiers,” where more than 500 Christmas stockings were sent to soldiers deployed in the Middle East. The students are also in the middle of a fundraiser for the Utah National Guard Charitable Trust, a fund set up to assist the families of deployed members if the Guard, who’s family income has decreased because of the deployment. As part of the Guard’s annual Christmas program, the students were invited on stage and recognized for their efforts.

South Hills students on stage at the Utah National Guard offices.

The Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Brian L. Tarbet spoke directly to the students and, upon learning about some of the incentives being offered by teachers and staff at the school, offered an additional incentive to the students. If the students exceed their goal of raising $12,000 by at least $1,500, the Adjutant General for the State of Utah pledged to shave his head also. This pledge brought a round of cheers not only from the students, but also the service men and women in attendance at the program.

South Hills is planning a check presentation assembly for the Utah National Guard on Dec. 20 at the school. The school is currently short of its goal and students will be out in the community asking for donations. Those interested in contributing to the South Hills Middle Sub for Santa program to benefit the Utah National Guard Charitable Trust may contact the school directly at 801-412-2400. ★

Begin License Renewal Now

admin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:28:05 +0000

Utah educators with licenses expiring by June 30, 2012 are encouraged to begin the license renewal process immediately. To obtain a fingerprint authorization form, visit the USOE website www.utah.gov/teachers. The LiveScan fingerprint begins the process for an electronic background check. Jordan School District’s Human Resource Department is a LiveScan site and is available Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Employees may report to the Human Resource Department to complete this process before or after contract hours, on parent/teacher compensation days, or during the winter holiday break (Dec. 27-29) during office hours. ★

Medicare Meeting Jan. 11

admin — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:32:49 +0000

The Insurance Department is hosting a Medicare meeting Jan. 11, 6 p.m., at the Auxiliary Services Building. The meeting will cover costs, who is eligible, how social security works with Medicare, and how gaps in Medicare can be filled. Employees will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to Medicare experts. ★

W-2 Opt Out Reminder

admin — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:13:26 +0000

Don’t forget to opt out of having the district print your W-2 by Dec. 20. Employees will be in the drawing for prizes awarded on Dec. 21. Make sure your phone number is up to date so you can be contacted if you win a prize. Update addresses and phone numbers in Employee Access. Prizes must be claimed by Dec. 23. The Payroll Office will be open to claim prizes on Dec. 21-22, until 5 p.m. and Dec. 23 until 4 p.m. All business for year-end should be finished by Dec. 28. Payroll will be closing all year-end transactions on Dec. 29. Prizes include: Kneaders Gift Baskets, Honey Baked Hams, Digital Cameras, iPod Shuffles, Blu-Ray Players and many more. ★

Utah’s Former First Lady at Oquirrh Hills Middle

admin — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:38:56 +0000

Oquirrh Hills Middle hosted Utah’s former first lady Jacalyn Leavitt as she rolled out the “Generation Safe” campaign, an Internet safety program. In addition to keeping children safe online, the program teaches many lessons including incident response and digital citizenship. Learn more about the program at www.ikeepsafe.org.
News coverage from the event included: