MAY 2005

District Health Fair
     All Jordan District employees are invited to participate in the District Health and Benefits Fair at West Jordan High June 15, 2-6 p.m. Activities at the fair include the following:
      • Screening procedures will be provided at no cost for bone density, blood pressure, body composition, cholesterol and glucose.
      • Representatives from the Utah State Retirement System and Jordan District Payroll Department will present a seminar on retirement benefits at 4:30 p.m.
      • Representatives from District benefit providers PEHP, Altius, Dental Select, Total Dental Administrators, Educators Mutual, Opticare, Knighton Optical and authorized tax sheltered annuity companies will be in attendance to answer questions about benefit plans.

Insurance Open Enrollment
      The open enrollment period for the next insurance year will be June 1 through July 29 with an effective date of Sept. 1. Any changes in medical, dental, vision, cancer or long-term care plans can only be made during this time unless you have a qualifying event (i.e.: marriage or divorce, addition or death of a spouse or dependent, spouse or dependent involuntarily experiencing a change in health insurance coverage). Changes that can be made during the open enrollment period include:
      • Enroll in a new insurance plan,
      • Change an existing insurance plan,
      • Cancel an existing insurance plan, or
      • Complete a new Flexible Spending Election form. (Participants must submit a new flexible spending election form each year, per IRS guidelines.)
      Please call Insurance Services, (801) 567-8146, with any questions.

First-Year Teacher Awards
      The Jordan Board of Education recognized the following teachers with first-year teacher awards:
      • Bryan Boyd, second-grade teacher at Westvale Elementary
      • Erin Dahl, French and English teacher at Oquirrh Hills Middle
      • Shawn Colyer, special education teacher at Jordan Valley
      • Nathan Justis, physics and math teacher at Riverton High
      Teachers were nominated by principals based on outstanding performance during their first year.

Educator of the Month
      The Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce and Jordan Credit Union honored Mary Barton, resource teacher at Crescent Elementary, as Educator of the Month for May. The award was presented at a luncheon in her honor May 26.

Teachers in Who’s Who
      The following teachers have been nominated for inclusion in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers:
      • Michael Hughes, assistant principal, West Jordan High 
      • Frances Morgan, reading specialist, Altara Elementary
      • Jennifer Osborn, third grade, Midvale Elementary
      • Cathy Wade, second grade, Altara Elementary

“Book Affair”
      The first ever “Book Affair” was held at Valley High May 24. The ten-hour program was designed to introduce the concept of adult literacy to the graduates of Valley High. Guest speakers from the community, as well as members of the faculty and staff, were invited to share with the students their personal reasons for choosing acts of literacy as a recreational and professional activity. More than 30 titles covering every genre imaginable, including historical nonfiction and fiction, children’s literature, fantasy, film adaptation and multi-cultural literature, were presented at the affair. Featured guest speakers included Utah First Lady Mary Kaye Huntsman.

Arts Festival
      Jordan Valley School recently held its annual Arts Festival. Each day of the week, along with Jordan Valley students, visitors came from different cluster classes. Area high school organizations volunteered to help run workshops and interact with students. Each day included visiting artists, workshops and performances. The grand finale was a talent show by both students and faculty.

Farewell Open House
      May 26 was a somber day at Mountview Elementary. The school held a “Goodbye to Mountview” open house. The event featured honors for retiring teachers, videos of past Mountview events, a history of the school and Principal Bill Geist’s band playing familiar jazz tunes. Those in attendance reminisced about attending/teaching at the school. The evening ended with sixth-grade students performing their annual Shakespeare plays one last time.

Vehicle Day
      Students at Copper Canyon Elementary were treated to an up-close view of heavy machinery during the school’s Vehicle Day. Business and community volunteers displayed the oversize vehicles at the school for students to learn about their use and job opportunities.

Retirement Open House
      • Luenna Orr, fixed assets specialist in the Purchasing Department, is retiring after 26 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor June 7, 3-5 p.m. at the Auxiliary Services Building.
      • Linda Zolintakis, speech/language pathologist at East Sandy Elementary, is retiring after 30 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor June 3, 3-5 p.m. in the school's media center.

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

National Board Certification
     All teachers who are interested in pursuing National Board Certification should attend an information meeting June 1, 4 p.m., in Board Room B at the District Office. The meeting will include information on scholarships, the process, the timeline and District National Board for Professional Teaching Standards support classes. For more information contact Pam Su’a, Curriculum and Staff Development, (801) 567-8320.

History Teacher Earns Fellowship
     Lynette Lake, history teacher at Brighton High, is Utah’s winner of the James Madison Fellowship, a scholarship of up to $25,000 that Lake will use to pursue a master's degree with an emphasis in the U.S. Constitution. This is a highly competitive scholarship with only one given in Utah each year.

Chamber Recognizes Riverton Area Teachers
     The Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce celebrated 11 teachers from the Riverton Feeder Area as excellent teachers. The following teachers were recognized by local businesses and the Chamber with a gift bag full of goodies, a framed certificate and a luncheon in their honor:
     Allan LaFleur, fourth grade, Bluffdale Elementary
     Michelle Chavez, resource, Foothills Elementary
     Michele Larsen, first grade, Herriman Elementary
     Jeri Rogers, reading specialist, Riverton Elementary
     Patty Bennett, reading specialist, Rosamond Elementary
     Lori Layne, third grade, Rose Creek Elementary
     Tara Anderson, fifth grade, Southland Elementary
     Jay Stevens, technology, Oquirrh Hills Middle
     Jim Weimer, technology, South Hills Middle
     Celeste Giron, family and consumer science, Riverton High
     Kathy Richins, pharmacy, JATC, West Jordan Campus

Custodian of the Month
     Kevan Sprague, head custodian at Quail Hollow Elementary, was named Custodial Services Employee of the Month for May. He has been with the District since 1993.

Teachers in Who’s Who
     The following teachers have been nominated for inclusion in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers:
     • Marshall Brown, business/marketing, Hillcrest High
     • Renee Beckstead, second grade, Heartland Elementary
     • Marianne Young, retired, Westvale Elementary

Students Set Sail in Annual Activity
     Eighth-grade students at West Jordan Middle attempted to paddle across the school's pool in hand-crafted boats—made from mostly cardboard and duct tape—during the school’s annual “Boat Float” activity. That was only part of the project, however. The activity combined the curricula of history, English, and science. Beginning two months earlier, students in Jenny Witzel’s history classes researched a historical era of their choice. In Tim Brooks’ English classes, they used the information to compose newspaper articles, both factual and fictional, about their chosen time period. And, in Kody Byrd’s science classes, students used the same historical theme to design and build their boats. The students paddled their historic vessels in front of peers, parents and several news photographers. Of the 45 boats built, about half made it the entire distance.

Special Education Sports Day
     On May 20, Jordan High hosted the District’s 25th special education sports day. More than 400 special education students from 15 elementary schools participated in track and field events under the direction of adaptive P.E. teachers Linda Low, Nancy Merrick and Laurie Larson.

Cultural Fair
     Welby Elementary hosted its second annual Cultural/Heritage Fair May 19. Local restaurants provided various ethnic foods, and professional entertainers including Fred Simpson (African-American drummer), Salzburger Echo (German-Austrian band) and the Salt Lake Scotts (bagpipes) performed continuously on two stages. Students displayed their own cultures and also performed. Folk craft demonstrations included origami and Mexican flower making. Lessons leading up to the event taught students understanding of each other and respect.

Full-Time Childcare Available
     The Bingham High childcare lab is seeking three- to five-year-old children for full-time day care. The school follows a traditional school schedule. Four and five year-old students receive preschool with day care. The three year-old students are engaged in activities within the child care facility with students each day, under the supervision of the childcare manager and other adult aides. If you are interested in full-time childcare, please call Laurie deJong, (801) 256-5145, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. school days, for information.

Retirement Open Houses
     • Bobbie Allen, special education teacher at Hillcrest High, is retiring after 27 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor June 2, 3-5 p.m. on the school’s patio.
     • Al Bailey, media specialist at South Hills Middle, is retiring after 36 years with the District. An open house will be held in his honor June 2, 3-5 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Linda Coyle, kindergarten teacher at East Sandy Elementary, is retiring after 11 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor June 3, 3-5 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Kim Dalby, music and band teacher at South Hills Middle, is retiring after 26 years with the District. An open house will be held in his honor June 2, 3-5 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Mike Dorsey, special education teacher at Union Middle, is retiring after 25 years with the District. An open house will be held in his honor May 31, 3-4:30 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Rick Dumont, principal at East Sandy Elementary, is retiring after 30 years with the District. An open house will be held in his honor June 3, 3-5 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Claire Elmont, kindergarten teacher at East Sandy Elementary, is retiring after 16 years with the District. An open house will be held in his honor June 3, 3-5 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Renae Hatfield, campus security at Hillcrest High, is retiring after 27 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor June 2, 3-5 p.m. on the school’s patio.
     • Katherine Hess, study skills teacher at Union Middle, is retiring after 19 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 31, 3-4:30 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Sherrie Ann Jones, head secretary at Canyon View Elementary, is retiring after 27 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor June 1, 3:30-5 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Dee Rich, music and choir teacher at South Hills Middle, is retiring after 14 years with the District. An open house will be held in his honor June 2, 3-5 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Allen Richardson, history teacher at Union Middle, is retiring after 30 years with the District. An open house will be held in his honor May 31, 3-4:30 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Jerry Stott, history teacher at Union Middle, is retiring after 27 years with the District. An open house will be held in his honor May 31, 3-4:30 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Ellen Western, math teacher at Union Middle, is retiring after 20 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 31, 3-4:30 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Shirley Wilson, English teacher at Alta High, is retiring after 16 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 31, 2:30-4 p.m. in the school’s media center.

Summer Pay Arrangements
     Employees at traditional schools who plan to resign or take a leave of absence at the end of the current contract year may receive their summer pay early. To have pay for July and August added to your June check, submit a letter of resignation or leave request to the Human Resources Department and a written request for early summer pay to the Payroll Department prior to June 10. The early pay does not apply to year-round employees since work will not be completed by payday in July. Year-round teachers will receive their final paycheck on July 25. All employees retiring at the end of the contract year will receive their paychecks in June so final earnings records can be forwarded to the Utah Retirement System.
     All employees should make sure the correct address is on your checks or deposit statements in May, since summer paychecks will be mailed.
     If you want to make any payroll changes (401(k) deductions, bank account changes, credit union withdrawals, or W-4 tax exemptions) for the summer, these changes must be in place for the June pay period since changes cannot be made to many employees’ paychecks in July or August. These changes are due by June 10.

Payroll Notice: Extra Checks
     Jordan District employees are paid once a month. IRS regulations require that extra checks have taxes adjusted to the regular paycheck or are withheld at 27 percent federal taxes for other wages. Please note that any employees receiving two District paychecks in July or August will have the second check figured with federal withholding at 27 percent to meet IRS regulations. State taxes are approximately six percent. FICA and Medicare is 7.65 percent. In total, any second checks for July and August will have about 40 percent deducted for taxes.

Summer Employment Opportunity
     Valley High is seeking a biology teacher for its summer school program. The position requires working two, three-week sessions. Contact Principal Don Link for details, (801) 572-7035.

2005 Outstanding Educators
     Ten teachers were recognized as Jordan School District Outstanding Educators of 2005 at the Jordan Education Foundation’s Annual Recognition Banquet May 13. Each of the following winners receives $1,000 from the Foundation and their school receives $500:
     • Ken Broska, resource teacher, Oakcrest Elementary
     • Naomi Damron, fifth- and sixth-grade teacher, Quail Hollow Elementary
     • Tyler Howe, fifth-grade teacher, Cottonwood Heights Elementary
     • Jenicee Jacobson, sociology teacher, Riverton High
     • Donna Johnson, fourth- and fifth-grade teacher, Alta View Elementary
     • Klynn Johnson, sixth-grade teacher, Terra Linda Elementary
     • Bonnie Muir, technology specialist, Lone Peak Elementary
     • Debbie Stewart-Najera, sixth-grade teacher, Oakdale Elementary
     • Sue Slottee, second-grade teacher, Bella Vista Elementary
     • Kristan Warnick, school psychologist, Union Middle
     The Foundation also awarded $1,000 scholarships to nine high school students at the banquet. For more information on the educator and student award winners, see the Recognition Banquet program at www.jordandistrict.org/foundation/banquet_program.pdf. (Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file.)

National Coach of the Year
     Bingham High golf coach Brad Bevan was named National Coach of the Year in golf by the National Federation of High School Coaches. He was chosen from more than 21,000 coaches nationwide.

Outstanding Teacher of the Year
     Jonathan Lawes, math teacher at Bingham High, was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the South Jordan Chamber of Commerce.

Teacher of the Year
     Shauna Jensen, resource teacher at Rosamond Elementary, was named Teacher of the Year by the Jordan Landing Sam’s Club. Jensen has taught in the District for eight years.

Riverton City Choice Award
     CorieAnn Scarbrough, reading specialist at Southland Elementary, received a Riverton City Choice Award for April. She has been with the District since 2003.

District Road-eo Winners
     About 60 drivers and attendants participated in the annual Jordan District Road-eo event April 30, testing driver’s skills in a variety of situations. These winning drivers and others will have the opportunity to represent the District at the Utah State Bus Road-eo May 21 at Alpine School District:
Team Competition
     • First place: Kelli Brown/Pauline Pistorius
     • Second place: Steffanie Orman/Jeanne Pigsley
     • Third place: Karen Anderson/Bryan Burke
Big Bus Competition
Expert Division—
     • First place: Andrea Clarke
     • Second place: Kent Brown
     • Third place: David Brown
Intermediate Division—
     • First place: John Jones
     • Second place: Barbara Helmsin
     • Third place: Bryan Burke
Novice Division—
     • First place: Ray Snow
     • Second place: Glen Higbee
     • Third place: Lucille Blake
Small Bus Competition
Expert Division—
     • First place: Shanon Casaday
     • Second place: David Knapp
Intermediate Division—
     • First place: JoAnn Stradley
     • Second place: Dan Hansen
Novice Division—
     • First place: Rod Sims
     • Second place: Dale Jacobsen

Educators of the Month
     Alicia Schilder, second-grade teacher at Riverside Elementary, and Sandra Taylor, first-grade teacher at Ridgecrest Elementary, were selected as Educators of the Month for May by the Jordan Education Association and the Midvale Kiwanis. The awards will be presented at a luncheon in their honor May 17.

Employee of the Month
     Barbara Hill, area clerk in the Instructional Media Center, was selected as the District Office Support Staff Employee of the Month for May. She began working for the District in 1991.

Students Learn/Teach Concepts
     Seventh-grade students from West Hills Middle spent the past few weeks creating learning games based on concepts from children’s books. On May 13, the students read and presented the children’s books to second- and third-grade students from Hayden Peak Elementary. The middle school and elementary students then played the learning games together. West Hills teachers Heidi Gertsch and Megan Waller spearheaded the project.

Safety First
     March was a safe month for the Custodial Services Department. The custodians and sweepers had a perfect safety record with no accidents reported in the department of more than 1,000 full- and part-time employees.

“Teacher Trouble” was the name of this team representing Jordan School District at the “Race for the Cure” breast cancer awareness event May 7.

Race for the Cure
     A team of educators, administrators and staff represented Jordan School District in the annual “Race for the Cure” event May 7. The team participated on behalf of mothers, daughters, spouses and family members who are currently or who have previously struggled with breast cancer.

Retirement Open Houses Scheduled
     • Jim Anderson, wood shop teacher at Copper Hills High, is retiring after 26 years with the District. An open house will be held in his honor May 26, 2:45-3:45 p.m., on the school’s cafeteria patio.
     • Bev Ashby, principal at Butler Middle, is retiring after 21 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor June 1, 3-4:30 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Ann Bjorklund, technology specialist in the Curriculum and Staff Development Department, is retiring after 26 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 26, 3-5 p.m. in the Auxiliary Services Building Auditorium.
     • Lynne DeLuca, attendance secretary at Eastmont Middle, is retiring after 26 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 25, 3-4:30 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Kathy Damjanovich, sixth-grade teacher at Bluffdale Elementary, is retiring after 25 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 20, 3-6 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria.
     • Peggy Richards, English teacher at Eastmont Middle, is retiring after 19 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 25, 3-4:30 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Ellen Trickler, fifth-grade teacher at Bluffdale Elementary, is retiring after 20 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 20, 3-6 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria.
     • Boyd Wenerstrom, art teacher at Copper Hills High, is retiring after 27 years with the District. An open house will be held in his honor May 26, 2:45-3:45 p.m., on the school’s cafeteria patio.
     • Susan Winger, third-grade teacher at Bluffdale Elementary, is retiring after 15 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 20, 3-6 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria.

Applications for ESL Endorsement
     In Fall 2005, Jordan District will offer ESL Endorsement programs through both Brigham Young University and Southern Utah University. You may obtain information and applications from your principal or online at http://web.jordan.k12.ut.us:16080/als/endorsement0506.html . For more information, contact the ALS Department at (801) 567-8116. Applications are due July 1.

Master’s Scholarships Available
     Western Governors University (WGU) has more than 60 scholarships available for Utah teachers to earn a master’s degree from its online Teachers College. Funding for the $4,000 scholarships came from a federal grant. WGU is the nation’s only accredited, online university that uses a competency-based model where students demonstrate their skills and competency through a series of assessments. Instead of earning credit hours for taking a certain number of courses, students show competency through tests, projects, and portfolios. The scholarships will be credited to recipients at a rate of $800 per six-month term for up to five terms. For more information go to www.wgu.edu/UTteacher or call (866) 225-5948.

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

Kitchens Recognized
     Nutrition Services announced that all 81 Jordan District school kitchens achieved the Five-Star level in the department’s annual kitchen excellence program. The award recognizes excellence in food quality, food display, menu compliance, teamwork, student help, administration, equipment cleanliness and maintenance, building sanitation, food storage, employee sanitation, computers and customer service.

Teacher of the Year
      Associates from Wal-Mart recently honored Sheri Sample, teacher at Albion Middle, in a school assembly as 2005 Teacher of the Year for two Wal-Mart stores (Midvale and Sandy). She was awarded two $50 gift cards and the school received a $1,000 from each store. Sample was nominated by her peers, students, and parents and is now eligible to enter the state competition.

Custodian of the Month
     Brady Bartholomew, head custodian at Copper Hills High, was selected as Custodian of the Month for April. Bartholomew has been with the District since 1984.

Coach Inducted to Hall of Fame
     Thom Crittenden, assistant principal at Albion Middle, was recently inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame for his outstanding coaching record. As South Summit High’s coach, Crittenden won four state football championships and one wrestling title. He also coached at Cyprus High and American Fork High during a 20-year coaching career. He coached 62 all-state football players and 10 individual wrestling champions.

Marathon Winners
     In the last issue of Current, we mentioned Carol Cabanillas, Spanish teacher and track coach at Alta High, who won her division in the Salt Lake Marathon. We have since learned that Mike Johnson, consumer health and careers teacher at Riverton High, also completed the race, winning second place in the wheelchair division.

Honorary FCCLA Member
     Jan Sterzer, assistant principal at Bingham High, was granted an honorary membership in Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). She was nominated by the school’s Family and Consumer Science Department for her dedication to the program and support over many years.

Teachers in Who’s Who
     The following teachers have been selected for inclusion in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers:
     • Suzette Kinzer, language arts and humanities, Riverton High
     • Sandy King, fifth-grade, Edgemont Elementary
     • Vickie Johnston, literacy specialist, Bluffdale Elementary

Physically Fit Schools
     Terra Linda and Welby Elementary Schools were two of only eight schools statewide to receive Gold Medal Plus Phase II Awards from the Utah State Office of Education, the State Department of Health, and Intermountain Health Care. The awards promote a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness. The schools had previously earned the bronze, silver, and gold medals and the Phase One award.

Choir Performs Benefit Concert
      The choir at Lone Peak Elementary was one of 12 choirs selected to perform at the Children’s Museum of Utah Guild 25th Spring Concert at Abravanel Hall. Seventy students in grades K-6 performed two numbers at the concert to benefit the Children’s Museum of Utah.

Dignitaries Visit Schools
     • Sen. Bob Bennett visited second-grade students at Alta View Elementary earlier this month at the invitation of a student—who happens to be the Senator’s granddaughter. Senator Bennett discussed his job in Washington D.C. and explained what elected representatives do as they draft and pass laws for the citizens of our country.
     • Congressman Chris Cannon visited Copper Hills High, speaking to a group of Honors and AP students. Topics discussed included the Terri Schiavo case and immigration issues. After the meeting, students presented Congressman Cannon with a pride pin and Copper Hills ball cap to thank him for his visit and took him on a tour of the school.

Students Set Sail
     Eighth-grade students at West Jordan Middle paddled their way to earning grades in science, history and English during the school’s annual “Boat Float.” The hand-crafted boats—made from mostly cardboard and duct tape—had to hold two students as they paddled from one side of the school’s pool to the other. The Boat Float incorporates cross-curricular learning:
      - Science teacher Cody Byrd teaches Archimedes’ principle of problem solving,
      - History teacher Jenny Witzel teaches historical themes and research skills as each boat must have a historical theme and design, and
      - English teacher Tim Brooks has students write newspaper articles that fit their boat’s time period.

Pennies for Tsunami Victims
     A penny drive sponsored by the Herriman Elementary sixth-grade student council raised $2,700 for tsunami relief efforts.

Retirement Open Houses
     • Linda Fisher, Nutrition Services worker at Butler Elementary, is retiring after 32 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 20, 1:30-3 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Evelyn Sanchez, teacher assistant/secretary at Midvale Elementary, is retiring after 30 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 20, 2-4 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Doris Seamons, reading teacher at Midvale Elementary, is retiring after five years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 20, 2-4 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Thelda Ewell, teacher assistant at Midvale Elementary, is retiring after 32 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 20, 2-4 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Barbara Mila, second-grade teacher at Midvale Elementary, is retiring after 26 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 20, 2-4 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Wayne Spencer, fifth-grade teacher at Midvale Elementary, is retiring after 27 years with the District. An open house will be held in his honor May 20, 2-4 p.m. in the school’s media center.

Special Education Licensure
     Due to an overwhelming response to its undergraduate and post-baccalaureate licensure program this year (with more than 100 applicants for 64 positions), Brigham Young University will offer an additional cohort for Special Education beginning Fall 2005. The deadline for applications is May 13. All courses will be held at 4 p.m. or later to accommodate those who are teaching during the day. For more information and application materials, visit www.byu.edu/cse.

Ceramic Molds Available
     The Jordan Education Foundation received a large number of mixed ceramic molds with various designs. The Foundation is offering these molds free to any elementary school. To order, contact the Central Warehouse at (801) 567-8827.

Seeking Books
     Fifth-grade teachers at Hayden Peak Elementary are seeking one copy of each of the following books: Macmillan (1987) Grade 3 English Practice Workbook, and Stech-Vaughn 1996 Spelling Level 6. If you have an extra copy of either book, please contact Michelle Ketcher or Linda Davis, (801) 565-7172.

Elementary Principals Recognized
     The Jordan Association of Elementary School Principals recently recognized the following award recipients for 2004-05:
     • Distinguished Principal: Denney Berrett, Riverside Elementary
     • Human Resource Developer: Richard Allred, Bluffdale Elementary
     • Special Contributor: Kevin Pullan, Oak Hollow Elementary
     • Innovator of the Year: Shelly Davis, Jordan Hills Elementary
     • Instructional Leader: Laura Finlinson, Peruvian Park Elementary
     • Rookie of the Year: Karen Thomson, Willow Canyon Elementary
     • Community Leader: Susan Callister, Cottonwood Heights Elementary

Teacher Competes in Marathon
     Carol Cabanillas, Spanish teacher and track coach at Alta High, ran in the Salt Lake Marathon—her first ever. She completed the marathon in 3 hours, 7 minutes, winning her age division and placing eighth overall. She was the first Utahn to finish in the women’s category. Carol’s coach and father, Demetrio Cabanillas, teaches Spanish at Copper Hills High.

Teachers in Who’s Who
The following teachers have been selected for inclusion in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers:
     • Susan Hansen, English department chair, South Hills Middle
     • Shelby Rickart, ALPS English teacher, Midvale Middle
     • Deanna Taylor, first-grade teacher, Crescent Elementary

Retirement Open Houses
     • Kathy Allen, social studies teacher at Joel P. Jensen Middle, is retiring after 27 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 12, 2:45-5 p.m. in the school’s media center.
     • Irene Hardman, TLC teacher at Mount Jordan Middle, is retiring after 27 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 19, 3-4:30 p.m., in the school’s media center.
     • Mary Jane Johnson, sixth-grade teacher at Cottonwood Heights Elementary, is retiring after 30 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 20, 2-3 p.m. in the school’s activity center.
     • Bob Marx, math teacher at Mount Jordan Middle, is retiring after 23 years with the District. An open house will be held in his honor May 19, 3-4:30 p.m., in the school’s media center.
     • Brad Meyers, science teacher at Mount Jordan Middle, is retiring after 30 years with the District. An open house will be held in his honor May 19, 3-4:30 p.m., in the school’s media center.
     • Mineke Phelts, history teacher at Mount Jordan Middle, is retiring after 30 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 19, 3-4:30 p.m., in the school’s media center.
     • JoAnn Warr, second-grade teacher at Cottonwood Heights Elementary, is retiring after 26 years with the District. An open house will be held in her honor May 20, 2-3 p.m. in the school’s activity center.
     • Ray Willis, science teacher at Mount Jordan Middle, is retiring after 30 years with the District. An open house will be held in his honor May 19, 3-4:40 p.m., in the school’s media center.

Celebrating 45 Years
     Cottonwood Heights Elementary will celebrate 45 years of serving students during an open house May 20, 3-4:30 p.m. Former teachers, principals and parents are invited to browse through history books and tour the school, which is closing at the end of this school year.

Elementary Film Festival
     The Second Annual Elementary Film Festival, themed The Art of the Golden Rule, was held recently at Heartland Elementary. Ninety entries were received representing the work of more than 330 students. Members of Mary Ann Hess’s Film Class at West Jordan High judged the competition. The winning entries in each category (feature film, documentary, commercial, newscast, animation and special jury award) can be viewed at http://t4.jordan.k12.ut.us/teacher_resources/filmfestival/film_festival_2005.html.

Grant to Build Science/Social Studies Library
     Bluffdale Elementary received a $4,400 grant from the 100% For Kids Utah Credit Union Education Foundation. The grant will allow teachers to build an intermediate social studies and science integrated guided reading library for grade 3-6 teachers to integrate social studies and science into their literacy teaching blocks. Fifth-grade teachers Sue Christensen and Jaime Colemere, fourth-grade teachers Jill Johnson and Martianne White, and grant coordinator Laurel Lee Pedersen wrote the grant. Literacy specialist Vickie Johnston also received a $500 individual grant for non-fiction texts to complement the school’s guided reading library.

American Stars of Teaching Recognition
     The U.S. Department of Education will again honor classroom teachers by recognizing the 2005 American Stars of Teaching. The Department’s Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative is seeking nominations and information about teachers who are improving student achievement, using innovative strategies, and making a difference in the lives of their students. One teacher or team of teachers from each state will be recognized. To learn more or nominate a teacher to become an American Star of Teaching, visit the Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative Web site at: www.ed.gov/teachers/how/tools/initiative/index.html.

Special Education Software Library
     All software checked out from the Special Education Software Library must be returned to Jordan Resource Center, 332 W. Center Street (7720 South), by May 20. Once again the software library was a success and will be open next school year. Please contact Glenna Roundy, (801) 565-7584, with any questions.

Shot Clinics
     Earlier this year, schools identified personnel to receive Hepatitis B vaccinations and all Special Education personnel were notified of their eligibility to receive Hepatitis A/B combination vaccinations. If you are eligible for either of these vaccinations, Community Nursing Services will hold the following shot clinics in May. This is the last shot clinic this school year. Please note the shortened clinic times:
     • May 13, 2-4 p.m., Riverton Elementary, 13150 S. 1830 West, Riverton
     • May 20, 2-4 p.m., Jordan Valley School, 7501 S. 1000 East, Midvale
     For more information, please contact Rita Bouillon, Health Services program specialist, (801) 412-2506.

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.