Jordan School District

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. ★

Jan. 24, 2012 Board Meeting Update

admin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:59 +0000

The Jan. 24 Board meeting summary is now available and can be viewed at www.jordandistrict.org/board/meetings/summary/2012-01-24/. ★

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:

Herriman Student Success at Fair

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:56:49 +0000

Students from the Herriman High FFA compete at the Fair.

Herriman High Future Farmers of America (FFA) students did exceptionally well at this year’s Salt Lake County Fair. Bailey Hayward won Senior Lamb Showmanship and had the grand champion lamb. Kayla Peel had the third-place lamb and placed third in Senior Lamb Showmanship. Sydney Bartnicki placed fifth in Senior Lamb Showmanship. Danielle Webb was the grand champion of Senior Hog Showmanship. Cycle Jones and Aaron Bowman both showed market steers and each made it to the star round. ★

A Day Made Better

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:54:31 +0000

Majestic Elementary and West Jordan Middle each had teachers recognized by Office Max as part of their “A Day Made Better” promotion. Majestic Elementary 2^nd-grade dual immersion teacher Christian Soto and West Jordan Middle special education teacher Karen Preece were each presented with a certificate of appreciation and $1,000 in school supplies. Someone in their school nominated each of the teachers for this award because of their dedication to the students. ★

Stockings for Soldiers

admin — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:40:12 +0000

South Hills Middle student body officers and PTSA members display some of the stockings for soldiers.

South Hills Middle students began a giving campaign when school started that would last the entire year. The theme chosen was “A Time to Care and Share.” Coming off a highly successful food drive, the student body is now accepting donations for soldiers and their families. For Christmas, the students are raising funds for a sub-for-Santa for the families of deployed soldiers, as well as care-package stockings for the soldiers themselves. So far, the school has more than 500 stockings to send overseas. They will begin shipping stockings on Dec. 2. The fundraiser will continue through Dec. 21, and will culminate with a check presentation to the Utah National Guard in a public ceremony. Businesses and families interested in participating or donating may contact the school directly, 801-412-2400. ★

Employee Leave Requests for 2012-13

admin — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:31:56 +0000

For the 2012-13 academic year, the Board of Education has authorized two sabbatical, two educational leaves and reinstated the employee Leave of Absence (LOA) provision. District employees are encouraged to refer to the following policies for application details and instructions.

DP333NEG – Leave – Sabbatical
DP332NEG – Educational Leave
DP336NEG – Leave of Absence (1 year) – Licensed
DP336B – Leave of Absence (1 year) – Classified

Please direct any questions regarding employee leaves to the Human Resource Department feeder secretaries. ★

Student Artwork at District Offices

admin — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:10:02 +0000

Sample of art displayed by students from Fort Herriman and South Hills Middle.

Student artwork is being rotated in the Jordan School District offices throughout the school year. The works are visible in the Board room and the hallway outside the Board room at the Auxiliary Services Building (7905 S. Redwood Road).

Projects from Elk Meadows Elementary students.

The rotation will be on a monthly basis and will host elementary, middle, and high schools. The featured school for this month is Elk Meadows Elementary. Last month the display was
courtesy of Ft. Herriman and South Hills Middle Schools The current pieces will be up
through Dec. 14. ★

Architectural Award for River’s Edge School

admin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 23:32:22 +0000

Engineering News Record, a popular architecture and engineering publication, recently selected the River’s Edge School as the best new building in K-12 education in the Intermountain West. The article highlights the abundance of natural daylight, student gardens, along with the efficiencies of the building with its 234 solar panels, three wind turbines, thermal wall system and geothermal heat pumps. Awards of merit went to Middleton High in Middleton, Idaho and Ben Lomond High in Ogden, Utah. ★

Winter Concert

admin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 23:30:11 +0000

The Jordan Youth Symphony, along with the Canyons Jr. Youth Symphony and the combined Jordan/Canyons Symphony Orchestra will host a winter concert on Monday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m. The free event will be held at Bingham High, but donations are … Continue reading →

Presentation for Legislators

admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:39:41 +0000

Legislators listen to the Board presentation

Superintendent Johnson and the Board of Education recently hosted a meeting intended to open dialogue among the legislators who represent patrons in Jordan School District. The presentation highlighted successes, opportunities and goals the District has for its students, while giving legislators the chance to ask questions and share their thoughts about progress in public education.

Senator Howard Stephenson commended the Board on giving a unique presentation focused on the direct needs of the students in the District. The Board asked for help with legislation and funding that will assist the District to meet its student achievement goals. It also promised to track all results so the legislature can clearly see how the goals are being achieved. Those in attendance included Representatives Jim Bird, Merlynn Newbold, Ken Ivory, Wayne Harper, as well as Senators Howard Stephenson and Aaron Osmond.

Maintenance Employee of the Month

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:26:30 +0000

Maintenance Department employee Roger Rostrom, who works in the Trades Shop as a glazer for the Maintenance Department, was voted by his peers as the November employee of the month. ★

Helping Students with Reality Town

admin — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:17:46 +0000

Volunteers assist Sunset Ridge Middle students with their required purchases at Reality Town.

Work-Based Learning Coordinators, as part of the Career and Technical Education Department (CTE), help to host a Reality Town for all ninth-grade students in the District throughout the year. Reality Town is a hands-on opportunity for students to get a brief glimpse of living as adults, with adult jobs and expenses. Students are given a job based upon their GPA. The higher the GPA, the better the job, and higher the pay. Students are then required to purchase items such as a home, car, groceries, clothing and utilities and live within their allotted budget. “Our goal is to teach the children about starting to plan for their futures now,” said Coordinator Shelley Williams. “We teach them the importance of choosing a career, doing well in school and help them to think and prepare for their adult lives.” ★