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APRIL 2005
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Kristan Warnick (left), psychologist
at Union Middle, and Bonnie Muir, technology specialist
at Lone Peak Elementary, are two of 10 teachers selected
as Outstanding Educators for 2005 by the Jordan Education
Foundation.
2005 Educators of the Year
Each year the Jordan Education Foundation selects
10 extraordinary teachers to be recognized as Outstanding Educators of the Year.
This year’s award winners each receive $1,000, and their school receives
$500. They will also be recognized at the Foundation’s annual Recognition
Banquet May 13. Following are the 2005 winners and comments from their principal’s
nomination forms:
Donna Johnson, Fourth/Fifth
Grade
Alta View Elementary
“Donna Johnson believes in children. She
has the ability to lift students and foster a desire in them to reach beyond
their initial abilities. She develops habits of excellence and high achievement
that will serve her students throughout their lives.”
Sue Slottee, Second Grade
Bella Vista Elementary
“In the last 17 years, Sue Slottee has developed
a reputation of being a compassionate, creative and dedicated educator. Her classroom
management skills are effective, consistent and promote student time on task
in a warm, nurturing environment.”
Tyler Howe, Fifth Grade
Cottonwood Heights Elementary
“Tyler Howe is the embodiment of enthusiasm.
He has his math students answering questions at the speed of light. He has convinced
each student that they are capable, smart, and that math is the easiest subject
in school.”
Bonnie Muir, Technology Specialist
Lone Peak Elementary
“Bonnie Muir helps students use technology
as a tool to improve learning. (She helps) students develop skills and strategies
to incorporate technology into everyday learning experiences. She also models
for students and teachers the qualities of a lifelong learner.”
Ken Broska, Resource
Oakcrest Elementary
“Ken Broska is one of the hardest working
teachers I've ever seen. He insists that students work hard, but does so in a
manner that is fair and kind. He uses his wide repertoire of skills to individualize
each student's instruction program.”
Debbie Stewart-Najera, Sixth
Grade
Oakdale Elementary
“Debbie Stewart-Najera believes all children
can succeed in math given the correct instruction. She is tough, yet the students
know she cares. She has a winning style of showing the students how much she
cares by how hard she has them work.”
Naomi Damron, Fifth/Sixth Grade
Quail Hollow Elementary
“Naomi Damron is unequivocally a master teacher
in every way. She believes in respect and responsibility. She listens, appreciates
(her students’) ideas and cheers them on. She believes attitudes are contagious
and tries to make hers worth catching.”
Klynn Johnson, Sixth Grade
Terra Linda Elementary
“Klynn Johnson is a true teacher leader.
She is focused not only on making her class a top-notch educational environment,
but is always looking for ways to help other teachers grow. She has a nurturing
teaching style. She has a tender heart that draws students to her.”
Kristan Warnick, Psychologist
Union Middle
“Kristan Warnick is constantly tailoring
behavioral plans for teachers, parents and students, helping students feel confident
in their abilities. She has the amazing ability to calm even the angriest soul
and make them feel they can conquer the hardest problem.”
Jenicee Jacobson, Sociology
Riverton High
“Jenicee Jacobson is the kind of teacher
parents pray for and students never forget. She is a hands-on mentor who asks
thought-provoking questions of her students to bring their thinking to a higher
level.” |
Five-Star Award Reminder
The nomination deadline for the Board of Education’s
Five-Star Award program is May 2. Nominations are being accepted for teachers,
certificated employees at-large, classified employees, administrators
and schools (public relations). Awardees receive $2,500, are
recognized during a Board of Education meeting in October and
are honored at a recognition banquet. The criteria and nomination
forms are available on the District Web site at www.jordandistrict.org/award. Tax Sheltered Annuities
Jordan District does not endorse nor guarantee
the performance of any Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) plan or company. Any 403(b)
company representatives selling in District locations should
not imply that they are employees of, nor endorsed by, the
District. Employees can participate in personal TSA programs,
which set aside a certain amount of tax-deferred money each
month toward retirement. To participate, you must file the
appropriate forms in the Payroll Department on or before the
10th day of the month to be processed for the following month’s
payroll. You may change the amount or the TSA company any time
during the year with the exception of July and August. The
total amount you may tax shelter changes each year. For 2005,
the combined 401(k) and 403(b) limit is $14,000. Another $14,000
can be put into a 457. There is also a catch-up provision allowed
for employees over 50 years old. A list of TSA companies and
sales representatives is available from the Payroll
Department or at www.jordandistrict.org/depts/payroll/index.htm.
More information will be available at a retirement seminar
and benefits fair on June 15 at West Jordan High, 3 to 6 p.m.
The retirement seminar begins at 4:30 p.m.
Direct Deposit
This is a reminder that all District employees are asked to sign
up for direct deposit. The first month after you sign up, you
will still get a check. The second month, your money is deposited
into your account. If you send in your direct deposit information
by May 10, your June check can be deposited directly to your
financial institution.
No paychecks are released early.
Direct deposit allows you to have your money deposited into your
account while you are out of town or on vacation. It also eliminates
waiting for the mail during the summer to deliver your check.
Direct deposit agreement forms are available at www.jordandistrict.org/depts/payroll/index.htm,
from your school office or in the Payroll Department.
High School Graduation Dates and Times
Graduating seniors from Jordan
School District will be honored at ceremonies scheduled for the
following times and locations:
• Alta High, June 9, 3 p.m., Utah Valley State College McKay
Events Center, Orem
• Bingham High, June 9, 10 a.m., Utah Valley State College
McKay Events Center, Orem
• Brighton High, June 9, 2 p.m., E-Center, West Valley City
• Copper Hills High, June 9, 10 a.m., E-Center, West Valley
City
• Hillcrest High, June 9, 6 p.m., E-Center, West Valley City
• Jordan High, June 9, 7 p.m., South Towne Expo Center, Sandy
• Riverton High, June 9, 11 a.m., South Towne Expo Center,
Sandy
• West Jordan High, June 9, 7 p.m., Salt Lake Community College
Lifetime Activities Center, Murray
• Valley High, June 9, 3 p.m., South Towne Expo Center, Sandy
• South Valley School, June 9, 3:30 p.m., Jordan High School
Auditorium, Sandy
• South Park Academy, June 8, 9 a.m., Utah State Prison, Timpanogos
Facility, Draper
Educator of the Month
Pam Keele, resource teacher at Riverton
High, was selected as
Educator of the Month for April by Jordan Education Association
and the Midvale Kiwanis. The award was presented at a luncheon
in her honor.
Employee of the Month
Kristine Wilkes, administrative
secretary in the Compliance
and Special Programs Department, was selected as the
District Office Support Staff Employee of the Month. She began
working for the District in 1978.
Teacher Feature
Mike Miller, math teacher and football coach at Riverton
High,
was featured by KSL Radio and Zion’s Bank on KSL’s
Teacher Feature in April. Miller has taught in the District
since 2004.
Teachers in Who’s
Who
The following teachers have been selected for inclusion in Who’s
Who Among America’s Teachers:
• Jenny Ward, math department chair at South Hills Middle
• Marie Halpin, business teacher at Hillcrest High
• Julie Openshaw, fourth-grade teacher at Hayden Peak Elementary
• Rick Dittman, biology and Spanish teacher at Alta High
Opera Showcase
Third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students from Alta
View Elementary performed A Fox
Went Out On A Chilly Night as part of the fourth
annual Children’s Opera Showcase, sponsored by Utah Opera
and the Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration of Salt Lake
City. The students joined performers from other elementary
schools at the Black Box Theater of the Rose Wagner Center.
Collaborating with local composers and their teachers, the
students wrote original music and stories for each opera.
Donations Help African Students
Student council members from Willow
Canyon Elementary raised
$2,000 to be used to assist students in Africa. The donation
was made to the Ouelessebougou Alliance at a Character
Education is an Action Word assembly April 21. The service
project involved all the students at Willow Canyon and has
been in progress throughout the school year.
Road-eo Tests Drivers’ Skills
The West-Side Transportation
Center, normally quiet on a Saturday,
will be roaring April 30 with drivers competing in the District’s
annual Road-eo event. Representatives from police forces, vendors
and the Utah Highway Patrol will judge about 60 drivers and
attendants, both regular and special education, as they compete
in a skills course simulating various situations. The event
begins at 9 a.m. at 8370 S. 4300 West. Anyone is invited to
watch.
Occupational Therapy Month
As noted in last week’s issue of Current, April is Occupational
Therapy month. Occupational therapists have prepared articles
on handwriting, backpack safety, computer workstation set-up
and ergonomic tips for staff at www.jordandistrict.org/general/occupationaltherapy.htm.
For more information, contact the occupational therapist at your
school or call the Motor Development Team at (801) 565-7189.
Retirement Open Houses
• Ted Lovato, executive director of the Hillcrest
K-12 Feeder System, is
retiring after 30 years with the District. An open house will be held in his
honor May 5, 3:30-5 p.m., at the District Office, Board Room B.
• George Welch, executive
director of Human
Resources, is retiring after
30 years with the District. An open house will be held in his honor May 5, 3:30-5
p.m., at the District Office, Board Room B.
District Calendar
View the District Calendar at www.jordandistrict.org/calendar
Employment Opportunities
See current job openings posted by the Human Resources Department at www.jordandistrict.org/hr Teacher Transfer Opportunities
Positions available for teachers to transfer to
other schools will be advertised on the Human Resources page of the District
Web site at www.jordandistrict.org/hr through June 1. New positions
will be posted each Monday. Teachers must obtain transfer forms
and signatures from their current principal. Forms may be submitted
for advertised positions only and must be received in the Human
Resources Department by the Monday following the date a job
is advertised. To have a second advertised position added to
your transfer form, contact Human Resources at (801) 567-8221
(for elementary) or (801) 567-8227 (for secondary).
Excellence in Mathematics
Jennifer Buttars, second-grade teacher at Columbia
Elementary,
won a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching.
The award, presented in Washington, DC, is the highest federal
honor a teacher can receive in mathematics. Buttars receives
a $10,000 grant from the National Science Foundation and other
gifts, including class supplies and a trip to Walt Disney World
for an education program exploring the science, history and
art behind theme parks.
Instructor of the Year
Natalie Aposhian, mathematics teacher at Brighton
High, was recently
recognized as Jordan District’s Outstanding Concurrent
Enrollment Instructor of the Year by Salt Lake Community College.
Natalie was selected from among the District’s nearly
150 Concurrent Enrollment teachers.
Meritorious Service Award
Marc Hunter, athletic director at Jordan
High, received the Meritorious
Service Award from the Utah Interscholastic Athletic Administrators
Association. Hunter was previously chosen to serve as a member
of the National Federation of State High School Associations’ strategic
planning committee.
Educator of the Month
Diane Pearson, first-grade teacher at Quail
Hollow Elementary,
was selected as Educator of the Month for March by Jordan Education
Association and the Midvale Kiwanis. The award was presented
at a luncheon in her honor.
Jazz Reading Contest
As one of the winning schools in
the Utah Jazz reading contest, Altara
Elementary held an assembly that included Jazz player
Randy Livingston reading stories to the students. He autographed
books and presented them to the school along with an autographed
basketball. All students received an autographed picture and
ice cream. Altara students averaged 1,134 minutes per student
for four weeks.
Read-A-Thon
A Read-A-Thon during February and March at Butler
Elementary included events such as Dads and Donuts,
Moms and Muffins, and after school reading with a fireman and a University
of Utah football player. The student’s reading totals earned
the school a visit from Utah Jazz player Gordan Giricek.
Occupational Therapy Month
April is Occupational Therapy month.
Occupational therapists work in many schools in the District
and provide services to improve handwriting, visual perceptual
skills and to promote independence in everyday life at school.
As a service to students and staff, occupational therapists have
prepared articles that focus on tips to improve ergonomic safety.
Look for handwriting tips, backpack safety, computer workstation
set-up and ergonomic tips for staff at www.jordandistrict.org/general/occupatonaltherapy.htm.
For more information, contact the occupational therapist at your
school, or call the Motor Development Team at (801) 565-7189.
Retiring This Year?
Employees who plan to retire at
the end of the contract year must contact the Utah Retirement
System, (801) 366-7770, and submit a retirement letter to the
Human Resources Department. If you have not met with Judy Burton,
Payroll director, or do not have an appointment, please call
her at (801) 567-8202. The Board of Education will host a retirement
dinner for retirees on May 17. To participate in the dinner,
your retirement letter must be received by May 3.
Technology Teacher of the Year
Jay Stephens, technology and TLC teacher at Oquirrh
Hills Middle,
was recognized by the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology
as the Utah Technology Teacher of the Year for 2005.
Technology Teacher Excellence
Patrick McDonald, technology teacher at Bingham
High, was recognized
with a Technology Teacher Excellence Award from the International
Technology Education Association (ITEA). The award was presented
during the association’s International Conference in
Kansas City. The award is considered the highest honor an ITEA-member
teacher can receive during their career.
Teachers in Who’s
Who
The following teachers have been selected for inclusion in Who's
Who Among America's Teachers:
• Pam Bunderson, fifth-grade teacher at Ridgecrest Elementary
• Suzanne Denney, Spanish teacher at Oquirrh Hills Middle
• Carol Lasson, theater and language arts teacher at Oquirrh
Hills Middle
• Barbara Springer, language arts teacher at Oquirrh Hills
Middle
Financial Reporting Award
The Utah State Office of Education recognized Jordan District
with the 2004 Excellence in Financial Reporting award. Jordan
was one of just 11 of Utah’s 40 school districts to receive
the award. The award was presented at the Utah State Association
of School Business Officials conference in St. George.
Literacy Day
Southland Elementary recently held its first Literacy Day. The
event, called Super Literacy Friday, was organized by literacy
specialist Mary Akagi and reading teacher Corie Scarbrough.
Families registered for classes that dealt with a variety of
literacy themes. Some class titles included Make and Take Literacy
Games, Read Alouds, Professional Storyteller, Reader's Theater,
Intermountain Dog Therapy, Parent Tips, Math and Literacy,
Linking Literacy with Technology, Whimsical Rhymes, and Poetry.
District Calendar
View the District Calendar at www.jordandistrict.org/calendar
Employment Opportunities
See current job openings posted by the Human Resources Department at www.jordandistrict.org/hr
Special Education Awards
Two Jordan District special education employees were presented
statewide honors by the Utah Council for Exceptional Children
(CEC). Debbie Ballard, program coordinator for early intervention
at Jordan Valley, was named Special Educator of the Year. LuAnn
Hill, resource teacher at Edgemont Elementary, was awarded
the Special Education Teacher of the Year. CEC is a professional
organization serving those who provide services to children
with disabilities.
Distinguished Project Award
Pam Su’a, social studies specialist in the Curriculum
Department,
accepted a Distinguished Project Award at the annual meeting
of the Utah Association of Teacher Educators. The award was presented
for the Jordan History Academy of Teachers, an innovative summer
and track-break program focusing on social studies and literacy
strategies. The award recognizes outstanding teacher education
projects that exemplify collaboration between individuals, local
school districts, consortiums and universities in program development.
Teachers in Who’s
Who
The following teachers have
been selected for inclusion in Who's
Who Among America's Teachers:
• Corrie Archuleta, resource teacher at Elk Ridge Middle
• Jean Childs, sixth-grade teacher at Cottonwood Heights Elementary
• Jackie Curtis, fourth-grade teacher at Willow Canyon Elementary
• JoAnn Wilcox, second-grade teacher at Bluffdale Elementary
Serving Students for 50 Years
Mount Jordan Middle will celebrate 50 years of serving the Sandy
community April 14 with a schoolwide assembly and an evening
open house community celebration. The assembly begins at 8:15
a.m. and will include a resolution from Sandy City recognizing
the school’s contributions to the city and guest speaker
Lee Benson, columnist for the Deseret
Morning News and former
Mount Jordan student. The open house runs 6:30-8:30 p.m. and
includes displays, pictures, memorabilia and a Cultural Fair
celebration with dance and musical presentations. The public
is invited to attend all events.
“Empty Bowls” for
Homeless Shelter
Ceramics students at Alta
High organized an “Empty Bowls” event
at Hilltop Methodist Church, with proceeds going to The Road
Home shelter. For a $10 cash donation, students served guests
soup in a handmade ceramic bowl. Guests keep the bowls to remind
them that they helped to alleviate hunger and could choose to
help again. For more information about Empty Bowls, a nationwide
program, visit www.emptybowls.net.
Tsunami Relief Fund Raising
Donations and a bake sale at South
Jordan Elementary raised more
than $2,300 for tsunami relief. Proceeds were donated to the
Red Cross.
Later this month, Brookwood
Elementary students will present
a check for nearly $3,000 to the Red Cross to assist with tsunami
relief. In addition, the students recently donated almost 10,000
items to the Refugee Resettlement Group. This group helps legal
immigrants in Salt Lake City. Items donated included furniture,
household goods, personal hygiene items, books, clothing, bedding,
towels and baby supplies.
Thank-A-Soldier Day
March 19 is now officially recognized by the State of Utah as “Thank-A-Soldier
Day” thanks to the efforts of students at West
Jordan High.
West Jordan High senior Whitney Woolley, assistant principal
Michael Hughes and members of the West Jordan Chamber of Commerce
met with Governor John Huntsman at the State Capitol March 24
to witness the signing of the official declaration. Thank-A-Soldier
Day was an idea inspired by students at West Jordan High, who
are currently promoting the idea of creating a national day of
recognition.
Pioneer Library Available
The State of Utah has made a significant investment to license
the Pioneer Library products for students, faculty and citizens
to access at schools and at home. These resources allow teachers
and students to access a variety of information, including
almanac, animals, art, atlas/maps, authors, auto repair, countries,
culture, government, magazines, multimedia, newspapers, biographies,
photographs, government documents and career.
Utah educators can access Pioneer Online Library from home with
their registered UEN login name and password (register at http://my.uen.org).
Utah students can access Public Schools Pioneer Library from
home using a login name and password provided by their teacher,
school librarian or from a computer
located at any Utah public K-12 school.
Master’s Degree
Scholarships Available
Grand Canyon University is providing an opportunity
to learn about scholarships specifically offered to educators in Jordan District.
An informational dinner will be held April 21, 4:30-6 p.m.
at the Courtyard by Marriott, 10701 S. Holiday Park Drive,
Sandy. To R.S.V.P. for the dinner, contact Cameron Gardner,
1-866-849-8051, cgardner@mastersonline.com.
Grand Canyon University offers regionally accredited master’s
degree programs and graduate courses of study for teachers
online. For more information, go to www.gcu.edu.
Educator Workshops
The Tanner Humanities Center at the University of Utah will present
three workshops for educators this summer. Each course is eligible
for three graduate-level University of Utah continuing education
credits, or provides 24 in-class contact hours.
• America in the 1960s (June 20-24): The
objective of this course is to help students and educators understand the historical,
social, political and economic context and conditions (both nationally
and worldwide) that gave rise to the nation’s dramatic changes
during the 1960s.
• Constitutional History—Ideas and Institutions (July
18-22): The objective of this course is to help teachers develop
effective teaching tools and strategies to engage high-school students
in learning about the U.S. Constitution and its history.
• Interpreting French and Francophone Cultures (Aug. 1-5):
This is a language immersion course. Only French will be spoken
in class. In this workshop a variety of expert instructors from
the University of Utah, Department of Language and Literature,
French section will help teachers maintain their French language
skills, become better acquainted with the current French and Francophone
world, and improve their skills in interpreting these cultures.
All sessions will be held
on the dates indicated at the Tanner Humanities Center, Durham
Seminar Room, 115 Carlson Hall, University of Utah. All three
workshops are offered free of charge and will include all books,
parking permits and meals. There is a $50 registration fee for
educators who want University credit.
For more information or registration contact Rich Tuttle, Tanner
Humanities Center, (801) 581-3732, r.tuttle@mail.hum.utah.edu.
District Calendar
View the District Calendar at www.jordandistrict.org/calendar
Employment Opportunities
See current job openings posted by the Human Resources Department
at www.jordandistrict.org/hr
ARCHIVED
NEWS
To submit an item for Current, send
an e-mail to Michael Kelley at
michael.kelley@jordan.k12.ut.us or
contact him at (801) 567-8337. |
