NOVEMBER 2004

Nov 9 | Nov 16 | Nov 23

Long-Time Board Member to Retire in December
      Jane Callister, currently the longest-serving member of the Jordan Board of Education, will retire at the end of her term Dec. 31 after 24 years.

Before and after: Jane Callister, who joined the Jordan Board of Education in 1981 (left), will retire from the Board after 24 years (right).

Newly elected Jordan Board of Education member Sherril Taylor will take office Jan. 1.

New Board Member Elected
      In a race that was initially “too close to call,” Sherril Taylor emerged victorious and was certified as a newly elected member of the Jordan Board of Education, representing Precinct 4. He will begin his four-year term on Jan. 1, 2005. Taylor spent 32 years working in Jordan District, first as a teacher and later as assistant principal, middle school principal and staff assistant. He retired from the District in 2002. Taylor will be sworn in during the Board’s regular meeting Jan. 4.

Board Member Retirement
     An open house for retiring Jordan Board of Education member Jane Callister will be held Dec. 8, 3-4:30 p.m., in Board Rooms A and B at the District Office. First elected to the position in 1981, Callister is currently the Board's longest-serving member. Her term expires Dec. 31.

Sabbatical Leave Meeting
     The deadline for submitting applications for sabbatical or educational leave is Feb. 1, 2005. Teachers interested in taking a leave in the next year are invited to a meeting Jan. 12, 4:30 p.m., or Jan. 27, 4:30 p.m., in the curriculum conference room at the District Office. Application packets are available from the Human Resources Department. For more information call Nedra Perkins, Curriculum and Staff Development Department, (801) 567-8367. The policy provisions are outlined in DP332 NEG (www.jordandistrict.org/policymanual/p.php?id=62) and DP333 NEG (www.jordandistrict.org/policymanual/p.php?id=106).

Holiday Poinsettia Sales
     The greenhouse programs at South Valley School and Jordan Applied Technology Center, Sandy Campus, have beautiful, florist-quality poinsettias in a variety of colors available for the holidays. Poinsettias can be purchased at the following locations. All pots come with a decorative pot cover and a protective sleeve.
     South Valley School: Plants are available now at the greenhouse behind the school, 8400 S. Redwood Road, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. The plants begin at $8 for 6 1/2” pots and $16 for 8” pots. Free delivery can be arranged for quantities of 25 or more. To place an order for 25 or more, call (801) 565-7167 or fax (801) 565-7416. See more information at http://web.jordan.k12.ut.us/svs/southvalleyschool.htm (click on the Greenhouse box).
     JATC, Sandy Campus: Plants will be available beginning Nov. 30 at 825 E. 9085 South, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Plants in 6” pots are $6. Larger sizes are also available. Stop by or call to order at (801) 256-5745.

Educators of the Month
     The Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce and Jordan Credit Union honored Nancy Newton, second- and third-grade teacher at Alta View Elementary, and Annette Alley, third-grade teacher at Altara Elementary, as Educators of the Month for November. The awards were presented at a luncheon Nov. 18.

Greeting Cards Needed
     As one of its many community service projects, the Jordan Alternative Middle School (JAMS) program at Midvale Middle continues to provide cards and bookmarks to veterans at the Veterans Administration Hospital. JAMS is once again asking for donations of new or used greeting cards (written-on cards are OK) to make these items for the upcoming holiday season. Please send cards to JAMS at Midvale Middle School.

Literacy Programs Recognized
     Gov. Olene Walker presented literacy awards to two Jordan District elementary schools at her annual Literacy Summit Nov. 16 at the South Towne Exposition Center. Five schools were recognized statewide, including Midvalley Elementary for its “Next Steps” and writing workshop programs, and Herriman Elementary for its “For Reading Out Loud” program. Principals Karen Kezerian and Garth Anderson, with their teacher teams, were on hand to receive the awards.

School Wins Networking Equipment
     Riverton High School will receive $1,000 in D-link networking equipment as prizewinner in a contest sponsored by CDW Government, Inc. and Discovery Channel. The school was selected for the prize from more than 59,000 entries. Additional information about the award is available at www.cdwg.com/webcontent/InsideG/press/pressG062204b.asp.

Reality Town
     Eighth-grade students at Joel P. Jensen Middle participated in Reality Town Nov. 12. Students were given occupations based on GPA (the higher the grades, the higher the salary), virtual families, checkbooks and a budget to spend on housing, transportation, food, taxes and insurance. After visiting each booth, students had a more realistic idea of budgeting and living expenses, all incentives to do well in school. More than a hundred volunteers and special visitors, including West Jordan City Mayor Bryan Holladay, helped make it a rewarding activity. Reality Town was coordinated by Mark Stanley, assisted by Jen Morrison, Jim Jackson and Wendy Bartlett.

Celebrating Reading
     To help celebrate reading, Bella Vista Elementary students and their parents were invited to come to school early Nov. 16 for “Bagels and Books.” The crowd of readers that attended exceeded expectations, filling the cafeteria and gym and overflowing onto the steps of the stage. Students spent the 20 most important minutes of their day reading with their parents.

No Current Next Week
    Due to the Thanksgiving recess, there will be no Current next week. The next issue of Current will be sent by e-mail and available online Dec. 7. Please submit items for this issue by Dec. 3.

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

Check Tax Withholding
      Year-end is a good time for employees to check tax withholdings. If your filing status has changed during the year and you haven't already submitted a new W-4 form, you should consider doing that now. Examples of status change include marriage or divorce, change of name, gain or loss of a dependent, or major changes in family income. If you have been claiming exempt, you must file a new W-4 in order to maintain exempt status. W-4 forms are available at your local school offices or at the Payroll Department.

District Folders Available
      The Central Warehouse has a supply of folders with the colored District logo embossed on the front. The folders can be used by schools, administrators, teachers, etc., and are great to for meeting or presentation handouts. The item number is #510-2785 and cost is $118.60 for 250. View the folder on the warehouse’s Web site at http://jsd.warehouse.jordan.k12.ut.us/warehouse/other_supplies.cfm#folder, or contact Central Warehouse, (801) 567-8825, for a sample.

American Education Week
      Nov. 14-20 is American Education Week, an annual observance meant to focus attention on the importance of education. Nov. 17 will be a day to honor Education Support Professionals—the secretaries, paraprofessionals (classroom aides), maintenance people, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and others whose services to schools are invaluable. Nov. 19 is Substitute Educators Day, a newly designated day to appreciate the educators who are called upon to replace regularly employed teachers and other school employees who are on sick or other leave.

Physics Teacher Honored
      Nate Justis, first-year physics teacher at Riverton High, has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy to have his research paper reviewed for publication. As part of this honor, he was invited to present his research to The American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, D.C.

Students to Present Les Miserables
      Alta High, in conjunction with Music Theatre International, is presenting Cameron Mackintosh's Les Miserables School Edition. The show runs Nov. 18-20 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the school's auditorium. Tickets are $6 to $8 and available at the Alta High Main Office.

Dance Concert
      About 140 students at Albion Middle will be performing in an Autumn dance production Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. Various dance styles have been researched and will be presented by the students under the direction of dance teacher Georgia Wing.

100% For Kids Awards
      The 100% For Kids Education Foundation awarded a grant of $4,200 to Copper Canyon Elementary during a presentation Nov 15. The grant will go toward a technology program called Smartboard that will be integrated into the core curriculum, and focuses on creativity, critical thinking and problem solving techniques.
      The 100% For Kids Foundation has awarded $34,675 to schools in Jordan District this quarter for technology supplies, books and other learning materials including:
      - $3,000 to Foothills Elementary for books to improve reading ability and comprehension.
      - $7,950 to Hayden Peak Elementary for the AlphaSmarts program to help children with their writing and reading ability.
      - $3,998 to Monte Vista Elementary for a computer on wheels that will move from classroom to classroom, and laptop computers for each classroom.
      - $1,000 to Oak Hollow Elementary for laptop computers for students.
      - $7,447 to Rosamond Elementary for the AlphaSmarts program.
      - $4,080 to South Hills Middle for growing native Utah plants in its greenhouse.
      - $3,000 to Sunrise Elementary to build the guided reading library.
      Additional information and grant applications are available at www.100percentforkids.com.

“Newsbyte” Teaching Resource Available
      KSL-TV, the Deseret Morning News and Utah Education Network have teamed up to create "Newsbyte," a free teaching resource that helps educators bring current examples and visuals to their classrooms. Newsbyte provides a weekly topic that includes video, newspaper articles and classroom activities, all tied to the state core curriculum. An archive allows teachers to go back and use the material when they need it. Check out Newsbyte weekly at www.uen.org (click on the Newsbyte logo), or sign up for regular e-mail on the upcoming topic.

Dietitian Available to Teach
      The Nutrition Services Department has a dietetic intern available to teach nutrition education in elementary and secondary schools. The intern, Serena Heiner, is a recent graduate of BYU, is currently working with Utah State University and will finish in December as a registered dietitian. She can be scheduled to teach until Dec. 17 by calling Nutrition Services, (801) 567-8760.

Reading Conference
      All teachers in grades K-12 are invited to attend the annual Reading Conference sponsored by the Utah Council of the International Reading Association (UCIRA). The conference, held at the Salt Palace Nov. 19-20, includes renown keynote speakers, invited presenters, authors and sessions for all levels and strands of literacy. For additional information and registration forms go to UCIRA’s Web page at www.utahreading.org. Jane Roberts at Columbia Elementary, (801) 280-3279, can also provide details. On-site registration will be accepted.

Music Composition Contest
      The elementary school orchestra directors are once again sponsoring a music composition contest for high school students. All entries must be submitted to the high school music theory teacher by Dec. 1. Prizes will be awarded to the top compositions. The winner’s composition will be featured in the May 2005 Monster Concert. For more information contact Susie Johnson, Quail Hollow Elementary orchestra director, (801) 571-1471.

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

Sandy Elementary Fire
      A fire at Sandy Elementary on Thursday caused extensive smoke and water damage, necessitating relocation of the school's students, teachers and staff. Appreciation goes to the administration and staff at Ridgecrest Elementary, Peruvian Park Elementary, Mountview Elementary, Copperview Elementary, Silver Mesa Elementary and Mount Jordan Middle for welcoming these students to their schools. For now, Sandy Elementary administration will be housed at Mount Jordan Middle. A complete list detailing the grades housed at each school can be found at www.jordandistrict.org/general/news/sandyelementary_update.htm. The Transportation, Nutrition Services, Curriculum, Auxiliary Services Departments, and many others are also to be commended for their swift reaction to this crisis. It is not known how long it will be before students can return to Sandy Elementary, although preliminary estimates indicate it may be several months or longer.

Jordan Recognized as National Clean Bus Leaders
      The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) recognized Jordan District and Salt Lake Clean Cities Coalition as National Clean Bus Leaders for 2004. Jordan and Salt Lake Clean Cities were recognized jointly and join just five other organizations honored nationwide for leadership in promoting clean buses for 2004. Earlier this year, Jordan received 10 compressed natural gas (CNG) school buses to increase its total to 30. The District is also beginning to implement an alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) curriculum into its drivers education program. More information, including the case study for Jordan District and Salt Lake Clean Cities Coalition, is available on the National Clean Bus Leadership Recognition Program’s Web site at www.eesi.org/programs/cleanbus/leadership/index.htm.

JATC Spotlighted in National Publication
      The career and technology education programs at Jordan Applied Technology Center, Sandy Campus, were the focus of a front-page spotlight in the October 2004 issue of Network Monthly, a newsletter for Successful Practices Network members. The leading-edge programs, many developed in cooperation with industry partners, are a model for school districts around the country.

Educator of the Month
      The Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce and Jordan Credit Union honored Nancy Ward, resource teacher at Indian Hills Middle, as Educator of the Month for October. The award was presented at a luncheon Oct. 27.

Auto Dealer Supports Reading
      The Gus Paulos Dealerships donated 1,500 Livestrong bracelets from the Armstrong Foundation to reward South Jordan Middle students who achieved their Accelerated Reader goals. The dealership also provided a banner encouraging students to reach their reading goals.

Off-Track Teacher Academy
      Applications for the elementary Off-Track Teacher Academy for tracks B, C and D are due by Nov. 15 to Sandra Dahl-Houlihan, West Jordan High. Teachers will attend a three-week daily academy and receive a stipend. All materials will be provided to participants. The academy is sponsored by the Jordan District Teaching American History Grant. Applications are available from principals or at www.jordandistrict.org/depts/curriculum/socialstudies/index.htm.

Holiday Poinsettia Sales
      The greenhouse programs at South Valley School and Jordan Applied Technology Center, Sandy Campus, have beautiful, florist-quality poinsettias in a variety of colors available for the holidays. Poinsettias can be purchased at the following locations. All pots come with a decorative pot cover and a protective sleeve.
      South Valley School: Plants are available now at the greenhouse behind the school, 8400 S. Redwood Road, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. The plants begin at $8 for 6 1/2" pots and $16 for 8" pots. Free delivery can be arranged for quantities of 25 or more. To place an order for 25 or more, call (801) 565-7167 or fax (801) 565-7416. See more information at http://web.jordan.k12.ut.us/svs/southvalleyschool.htm (click on the Greenhouse box).
      JATC, Sandy Campus: Plants will be available beginning Nov. 30 at 825 E. 9085 South, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Plants in 6" pots are $6. Larger sizes are also available. Stop by or call to order at (801) 256-5745.

County Libraries to Close
      All Salt Lake County Libraries will be closed for a computer system upgrade Dec. 2-4. The libraries will reopen Dec. 6. The county is concerned about the impact the closure may have and ask teachers to consider the closure when making assignments. Although library patrons will be unable to physically access the buildings or check materials in or out, they will be able to access the information databases available through the libraries' Web site at www.slco.lib.ut.us.

School Psychology Awareness Week
      This week is National School Psychology Awareness Week. Jordan District is unique in its approach to serving students as all elementary, middle and high schools have guidance personnel based at the school. School psychologists offer a variety of services including working individually with regular-education students in crisis, helping special-needs students and providing services for special programs, offering information to teachers and parents regarding behavioral interventions or psychological disorders, providing resources, collaborating with other professionals and providing a retreat and empathic ear to discuss problems.

Online Master’s Degree Offered
      Grand Canyon University is offering regionally accredited master's degree programs for teachers online. Some benefits include: no entrance exam requirement, attend class 24/7 at your own convenience, assignments are submitted to professors via the Internet, no thesis, and teachers in Title I schools may be eligible for loan cancellation benefits through the Federal Stafford Loan Teacher Cancellation Program. Several online master's programs are available. For more information, go to www.gcu.edu or contact Cameron Gardner at (866) 849-8051, cameron.gardner@mastersonline.com. Grand Canyon University offers group discounts and will waive application fees through Nov. 30.

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.