FEBRUARY 2005

Five-Star Awards
      Nominations are now being accepted for the 2005-06 Jordan School District Five-Star Awards. The purpose of the Five-Star program is to honor outstanding employees for the exceptional contributions they make to the District, their schools or their departments. The awards are given annually to 10 loyal and dedicated individuals who further the Board’s vision to “provide a quality education for all students.” In addition, two schools will be honored for outstanding public relations efforts.
Last year’s winners were
      • Year-round Elementary Teacher, Sara Andreason, fifth grade, Westland
      • Traditional Elementary Teacher, Jan Givens, first and second grades, Mountview
      • Middle School Teacher, Tiffany Cooke, language arts, West Hills
      • High School Teacher, Richard Minor, career and technology education, West Jordan
      • Certificated At-Large, Cheryl Argyle, registered nurse and special educator, Jordan Valley
      • Administrator, Tom Hicks, principal, Bingham High
      • Classified Employees:
           - Connie Crosby, homeless students liaison, Alternative Language Services
           - Carmen Figueroa, special education paraprofessional, Riverside Elementary
           - Barbara Milne, coordinator, Transportation
           - Kim Walters, instructional assistant, South Valley
      • School Public Relations, Altara Elementary
      Honorees receive $2,500 and are recognized during a Board of Education meeting and at an exclusive recognition banquet. To be eligible, individuals must be full-time employees and have a minimum of five years experience in Jordan District. Nominatons are due May 2. Additional criteria and nomination instructions are available at www.jordandistrict.org/award. Please note that nomination forms not strictly adhering to the guidelines will be disqualified. For more information, contact the Office of Communications, (801) 567-8290.

Custodian of the Month
      Allan Setterberg, head custodian at Mount Jordan Middle, was named Custodian of the Month for January by the Custodial Department Advisory Committee. Setterberg has been with the District since 1990.

Serving Students for 50 Years
      Mount Jordan Middle will celebrate 50 years of serving the Sandy community on April 14. The school is preparing to commemorate its 50th year with a schoolwide assembly and an evening community celebration. The school is searching for Mount Jordan memorabilia that can be used in displays and individuals to interview about the school’s history for a commemorative DVD. If any former teachers or alumni have yearbooks, pictures or other Mount Jordan mementos, please contact Michelle Kiernan in the Counseling Center, (801) 412-2065, michelle.kiernan@jordan.k12.ut.us.

Snowmen for St. George
      Students at Mountview Elementary exchanged quarters for cotton balls to create snowmen as part of a fund-raising activity for the St. George flood victims. The class with the most cotton balls received a party. A total of $830 was donated to the Utah Red Cross.

Dictionaries Donated
      Members of the Fort Union/Midvale Rotary International Club recently presented a Spanish-English dictionary to each Mountview and Sandy Elementary third-grade student. The books were donated to help improve writing and speaking skills.

Teacher Published
      Cynthia Mariaschin Melenson, Ph.D., a science teacher and debate coach at Oquirrh Hills Middle, wrote an article that was printed in the February 2005 edition of “Middle Ground—A Magazine of Middle Level Education.” Her article, titled “Organizing Your Middle Level Classroom,” discussed arranging desks, creating a learning environment, lighting the classroom and staying organized.

Bear Drive
      A wide variety of new, stuffed animals were donated to the Children’s Justice Center by students, teachers, staff, and administrators at Oquirrh Hills Middle during its annual “Bear Drive.” The stuffed animals are provided to comfort children who are victims of abuse. In addition, the school donated $300 in gift certificates for new playroom toys and $400 for interpreters for children who do not speak English.

Neighborhood Awareness Meeting
      Citizens for Families, a coalition of citizens supporting community standards, is sponsoring a neighborhood awareness meeting titled “Safeguarding Our Families in a Sexualized Society.” The meeting will be held March 31, 7 p.m. at Eastmont Middle, 10100 S. 1300 East. Adults and children 12 and older are invited. Speakers include Citizens for Families President Joann Hamilton and Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff. More information is available at www.jordandistrict.org/general/awareness_meeting.htm. The meeting is supported by Region 6 P.T.A.

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

Arch of Fame Award
     Scott Olsen, Career and Technical Education director, was honored by the Utah Association for Career and Technical Education with the Arch of Fame Award. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant impact on the field of career and technical education. Olsen was instrumental in starting the first high school applied technology centers in the region, which are nationally recognized for their strong partnership with Salt Lake Community College. The District and college work together streamlining curricula, articulating programs and providing a smooth transition from secondary to post-secondary education.

Celebrating CTE Week
       Students and faculty in career and technical education programs throughout the state of Utah are celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Week Feb. 13-19. The theme of CTE and the week-long celebration, Giving Students the Edge, emphasizes the role of career and technical education and its business/industry partnerships. These partnerships allow students to step out of the classroom into the real world, where they gain a better understanding of the job skills, which will enable them to be successful in the 21st century.
      According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 18 of the 20 fastest growing occupations within the next decade will require career and technical education. Research shows that high school graduates entering the workforce with a technical education background earn more than those without this advantage. CTE programs provide students with the academic knowledge and workplace skills needed for a successful high paying career. Jordan District currently offers CTE classes in agriculture, business, economics, entrepreneurship and financial literacy education, family and consumer services education, health science and technology education, information technology education, marketing education, technology and engineer education, and trade and technical education.

Tsunami Relief Donation
      Oquirrh Elementary recently presented a check for more than $1,400 to the Red Cross. The donation was the result of a fund-raising drive to assist victims of the Southeast Asia tsunami. Oquirrh’s donation was matched by UPS.

Special Education Master’s Degree
      Brigham Young University is accepting applications for its master’s degree program in special education until March 1. The school is specifically seeking teachers who have an interest in the area of learning and social competence of exceptional children with challenging behaviors. The evening program has just two courses per year to accommodate those who are employed during the day. Students are only admitted into the program every other year. Apply online at www.byu.edu/gradstudies. For more information visit www.byu.edu/cse or contact Tina Taylor Dyches, graduate coordinator, (801) 422-5045, Tina_dyches@byu.edu, or Diane Hancock, graduate secretary, (801) 422-3859, Diane_Hancock@byu.edu.

Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Nominations
      Shoppers at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club can nominate teachers to receive $1,000 educational grants and $50 gift cards for classroom supplies. Nominations will be accepted at store locations through Feb. 27. Winning teachers can also apply for the state and national Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year honors, which come with $10,000 and $25,000 educational grants, respectively.

Please Respond by Today
      We appreciate those who have responded to our Current survey. If you have not yet completed the evaluation, please take a moment to express your opinion. Today (Feb. 15) is the last day survey responses will be accepted.

Wanted: Centennial Logo/Theme Ideas
      The Office of Communications will continue to accept student entries for the District’s 100th anniversary logo and theme through March 1. The logo/theme will be used throughout the 2005-06 school year on flags, printed materials, District and school Web sites, etc. The winning entry will be selected by the Board of Education and will receive $250, compliments of Jordan Credit Union. Entries should be sent to the Office of Communications at the District Office and should include the student’s name, grade and school. For more information call (801) 567-8290 or visit www.jordandistrict.org/centennial.

New Middle Schools Create Job Openings
     The opening of two new middle schools this Fall, in Herriman and West Jordan, will create many new job opportunities. Since department chairpersons, media coordinators, head custodians and nutrition managers in these schools for the 2005-06 school year will require some responsibilities during the current school year, the District is seeking to fill these positions now. Transfer applications are being accepted until Feb. 14. For information on these and other District job openings, visit www.jordandistrict.org/hr.

Teacher Exit Survey
      A teacher exit survey, recently presented to the Board of Education, provides insight into teachers’ attitudes and perceptions over the past five years. Survey respondents indicate the primary reasons they leave the field are moving from the area or raising children. Many educators in the survey believe public education has not kept pace with other industries, and salary and benefits continue to be a main reason teachers leave.
      Perceived strengths of Jordan District include support to meet professional development requirements, accessibility of in-service opportunities, personal growth and development, cooperation of colleagues, support of administration on grades and student discipline, and administrative support with parent conflicts. Perceived areas of needed improvement include increased workloads of teachers who have students with special needs, increased class sizes without more preparation time, compensation not keeping pace with other jobs, not enough time to collaborate with other educators, and not enough time and training to implement new programs, organize classes, plan and deal with discipline.
      Over the past five years teachers believe the District has increased support and information dealing with standards, accountability and professional development.

Buddy, a licensed therapy dog, works at Indian Hills Middle once a week with owner/assistant principal Sandra LeCheminant.

Going to the Dogs
      Ginger
      Ginger is a licensed reading dog. She brings her owner, Debra Arbogast from Intermountain Therapy Animals, to Columbia Elementary every Wednesday to listen to students read. Students love it and get very involved in their reading. Ginger’s presence has been particularly effective with those students who struggle reading out loud. Somehow reading to Ginger removes anxiety.
      Buddy
      Buddy is a licensed therapy dog. He visits classrooms at Indian Hills Middle, wandering up and down the aisles welcoming each student. Buddy is a regular teacher’s aid in the learning disabled, communication disabled (LDCD) room. Students who normally wouldn't sit still while the teacher reads aloud sit quietly on the floor petting Buddy and listening intently. Among other things, Buddy works at Indian Hills once a week, tagging along with owner/assistant principal Sandra LeCheminant. A story about Buddy recently appeared in the Deseret Morning News: www.deseretnews.com/dn/view2/1,4382,600108717,00.html.

Parents Reading Night
      Columbia Elementary recently sponsored a Reading Night for parents. Special guest Nancy Livingston discussed the importance of reading with children and how it can become a very rewarding experience. She also stressed the disadvantages students have when parents do not take the time to read to and with their child on a daily basis. The school will follow up with its annual Literacy Night Feb. 24, where each student will receive a new book.

Elementary Students to Perform Dr. Seuss Play
      Bluffdale Elementary will be the first elementary school ever licensed to perform the Broadway production Seussical the Musical. They will be performing it for the school on March 2 (Dr. Seuss’ birthday) and for the public on March 3-4 at 7 p.m. and March 5 at 1 p.m. The coordinator is fourth-grade teacher Alan LaFleur.

Seeking Math Books
      Brookwood Elementary is in need of at least five Heath Pre-Algebra math books, ©1992. Please contact Monica Rotermund, (801) 944-2962, monica.rotermund@jordan.k12.ut.us.

Open House for Online Master’s Degree
     Teachers interested in Grand Canyon University’s online master’s degree programs are invited to attend an open house information session Feb. 17, 4-7 p.m., at the Auxiliary Services Building (Room 102), 9150 S. 500 West. Grand Canyon University offers regionally accredited master’s degree programs and graduate courses of study for teachers online. Some benefits are no entrance exam requirement, attend classes 24/7 at your own convenience, no thesis, and teachers in Title I schools may be eligible for loan cancellation benefits. Online master’s programs available include:
     • Master of Education Special Education and SpEd Certification
     • Master of Education in Administration
     • Master of Education Curriculum & Instruction in Instructional Technology
     • Master of Education Curriculum & Instruction in Reading Specialization
     • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
     To R.S.V.P. for the open house, send your name, phone number, e-mail address, school, and program of interest to Cameron Gardner, cameron.gardner@earn-your-masters.com. For more information, go to www.gcu.edu or contact Cameron Gardner, (866) 849-8051.

Tom Hicks, principal at Bingham High, was named Utah High School Principal of the Year.

Principal of the Year
     Tom Hicks, principal at Bingham High, has been selected by the Utah Association of Secondary Principals (UASSP) as the state’s High School Principal of the Year. The Principal of the Year program, sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, recognizes outstanding principals who demonstrate success in educational leadership, resolving complex problems, developing self and others, and community service. Hicks was honored at the UASSP conference in St. George last month, will be recognized during a press conference Wednesday, and will attend a national principals’ training workshop this summer. He is also eligible to interview for the National High School Principal of the Year honor.

Educator of the Year
      Nancy Ward, special education teacher at Indian Hills Middle, was selected to receive the Sandy Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year Award for 2004. Ward was honored at an award dinner held Jan. 28 at the South Towne Exposition Center. The event was sponsored by the Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce and Jordan Credit Union.

Employee of the Month
      Luenna Orr, fixed assets specialist in the Purchasing Department, was selected as Employee of the Month for December by the District Office Advisory Committee. Orr has been with the District since 1979.

Peer Mediation Program
      With the assistance and oversight of the school administration, counselors and psychologist, students at Joel P. Jensen Middle are implementing a Peer Mediation Program. Trained student mediators facilitate conflict resolution agreements to help students solve their own problems in getting along with one another. Students benefit from owning and solving their own problems, in addition to learning lifelong skills in conflict resolution.

Clothing for Migrant Workers
      Vynessa Campos’ advisory class at Joel P. Jensen Middle collected clothing and hygiene items in conjunction with SOMOS, a service group affiliated with Qwest. The items were donated to migrant farm workers in Ephraim. With the help of the school, it was the biggest collection ever made by SOMOS for the migrant workers. Campos’ class also collected $1,055 for the American Red Cross to assist tsunami victims.

Bracelets to Help Tsunami Victims
      Jordan Ridge Elementary will be selling red, white, and blue rubber wristbands bearing the school’s mascot to raise funds for the Red Cross tsunami relief effort. The idea was the brainchild of a Jordan Ridge student.

More Tsunami Fund Raising
      The Extensions team at Edgemont Elementary conducted a week-long fund raising drive to assist victims of the Southeast Asia tsunami. Called Operation SAVE (Support Asian Victims Everywhere), the effort raised nearly $1,300.

Retirement Open House
     Sandy Weight, head custodian at Midvale Elementary, is retiring after 22 years with Jordan District. An open house will be held in her honor Feb. 10, 3-5 p.m. in the school’s media center.

Wanted: Centennial Logo/Theme Ideas
      During the 2005-06 school year, Jordan School District will celebrate its 100th year of educating Utah's students. Numerous events are scheduled throughout the coming year to inform students, employees and the community about the District's rich educational heritage. As part of that celebration, the District is asking students to submit ideas for a Centennial logo and theme. The logo/theme will be used throughout the year on flags, printed materials, District and school Web sites, etc. The winning entry will be selected by the Board of Education and will receive $250, compliments of Jordan Credit Union. Entries should be sent to the Office of Communications at the District Office by March 1, and should include the student’s name, grade and school. For more information call (801) 567-8290 or visit www.jordandistrict.org/centennial.

Please Respond by Feb. 15
     If you have not yet had an opportunity to respond to our Current survey, please take a moment to express your opinion at www.jordandistrict.org/currentsurvey. Survey comments will be accepted until Feb. 15.

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.