OCTOBER 2005

South Valley School, West Jordan, was one of two schools to win the 2005 Five-Star Award for public relations. Five-Star Award Winners The Jordan Board of Education is pleased to announce the winners of its second annual Five Star Awards. The awards honor outstanding employees for the exceptional contributions they make to the District, their schools or their departments. They 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 are honored for outstanding public relations efforts. This year’s honorees receive $2,500 and will be honored at an exclusive recognition banquet Nov. 4. Elementary Teachers Michelle Griner, resource, Willow Canyon (traditional)      “There are lots of heroes in the world but my favorite is Mrs. Griner…She’s like a soldier because she is always fighting for us. She’s like an explorer searching for a new way to help us learn. She’s like a policeman arresting and locking up our negative thoughts and feelings about ourselves. She may not be any of these heroes, but she’s my hero.”             Aubrey Goodell, student, Willow Canyon Elementary Patricia Drake, kindergarten, Hayden Peak (year-round)       “Pat is dedicated to her profession, loving and patient with her students and an immeasurable benefit to our faculty. However, it is her dedication to learning itself that distinguishes Pat as an outstanding educator…She is an inspiration to teachers throughout our District to continue their own learning throughout their careers for the sake of their students’ learning.”       Jennifer Bowen, first-grade teacher, Hayden Peak ElementaryMiddle School Teacher Nancy Ward, special education cluster, Indian Hills Middle       “As a parent, I am grateful for the association that Mrs. Ward has with my daughter. I am impressed with her teaching abilities, her genuine concern for her students and her pleasant, gentle attitude. She is respectful and professional in her approach…She is providing a very positive influence on (my daughter) in these critical, formative, teen-age years.”       Kristen Seethaler, parentHigh School Teacher Craig Cottle, technology education, Hillcrest High       “Craig is the kind of professional educator every principal dreams of having in his/her school. He has a genuine love and respect for his students and in return his students have a genuine respect and love for him…Students adore (him) and fondly comment on the fact that his class is challenging yet rewarding and they must work hard to reach the high standards of excellence established in his classroom.”       Susan Malone, principal, Hillcrest HighCertificated At-Large Becca Day, physical therapist, Jordan Valley       “Becca is always helpful to everyone who needs her…She accomplishes amazing things with children who can do little for themselves. Without Becca, many of our severely disabled children would be without wheelchairs and other therapy equipment. (She) is the best advocate for students that I have ever seen.”       Hanne O’Brien, Occupational Therapist, Jordan ValleyClassified Employees Gayla Barker, non-inventory clerk, Custodial Services       “Gayla’s motto is “service with a smile” and she demonstrates this daily…She is beyond a doubt an outstanding, hardworking employee and a shining example to her coworkers in both the good times and the bad…She is a great example of striving to do her job to the best of her abilities and providing wonderful customer service to those she works with.”       Sallie Shelton, secretary, Custodial Services Peggy Christensen, northwest area coordinator, Nutrition Services       “Peggy has a natural gift for managing a multifaceted job. She can always be counted on to do her job in a professional manner and to help those around her with whatever they need. One of my students said it best, ‘Mrs. Christensen is the bomb. Our cafeteria is cool. The food is awesome!’”       Marce Weibel, sixth-grade teacher, Bluffdale Elementary Lance Everill, instructional assistant, South Valley School       “Lance has a tremendous impact on students. Although we have over 150 students in our school, he knows everyone by name and is in the front hall every morning to greet them…He treats everyone with the utmost respect and kindness—even the students who have challenging behaviors. He is an inspiration to all who know him.”       Kathy Foulks, teacher Nedra Perkins, administrative assistant, Curriculum and Staff Development       “In my carefully considered view, Mrs. Perkins’ impact on the District has been without peer…She is a people-centered secretary, concerned about the needs of students, teachers, patrons and other secretaries. Her extraordinary efforts are valued and recognized by peers and administrators in our department and other District departments as well.”       Brenda Hales, executive director, Curriculum and Staff DevelopmentAdministrator Janice Sterzer, assistant principal, Bingham High       “Jan…has been the catalyst for more constructive change than any administrator I have ever worked with…(She) doesn’t believe that a problem can’t be solved. She is dedicated, motivated and she puts the needs of the kids first. Jan has had a positive impact in every arena with which she has been involved. There isn’t a more effective administrator in the District.”       Janice Voorhies, English teacher, Bingham HighSchool Public Relations South Valley School       ”South Valley is graduating students that are living fulfilling and meaningful lives by being employed in their communities, learning how to access the UTA/Trax systems to get around, and giving back to their community through volunteer service…The facility, staff and administration are number one in the Salt Lake Valley as far as transitional schools are concerned.”       Mary Clark, parent, South Valley School Willow Canyon Elementary       ”Willow Canyon Elementary has shown outstanding performance in customer service…Parents have come to know an appreciate a principal and faculty that do everything they can to say ‘yes’ and don’t make excuses for why they can’t do things. Communication and trust like this are not easily established. Willow Canyon has built great trust in the community.”       Susie Steenblik, parent, Willow Canyon Elementary

Centennial Notes

• More Pins Available Soon: A limited number of pins celebrating Jordan District’s centennial are available for District employees. Some 1,000 pins have already been given to employees who read about their availability in the Oct. 11 online issue of Current. Because of the high demand, additional pins have been ordered and will be available approximately Nov. 1. If you would like a complimentary pin, please pick one up after Nov. 1 at the Office of Communications, in Room 201 at the District Office. Employees are encouraged to wear the pins throughout the 2005-06 school year.
• District History Available at Year-End: Living the Legacy: A Centennial History of Jordan School District, written by local author and Bingham High history teacher Scott Crump and compiled and illustrated by the Office of Communications, will be available for purchase in January. Pre-orders are now being accepted at the Office of Communications by phone, (801) 567-8162, or e-mail donna.spade@jordan.k12.ut.us. Cost for the soft-bound edition is $5.

Flu Shots Available
      Jordan District nurses are once again providing flu immunizations to employees and their families (children over age 10). Vaccine will be available the last week in October. Immunizations will be offered at District schools, the Auxiliary Service Building and the District Office. Dates and times will be announced once a final vaccine delivery date is confirmed. Cost is $18 per shot.

School Open House
      Sandy Elementary will hold a community open house Oct. 27, 6-8 p.m. to celebrate its reopening this school year. The school underwent major renovations following a fire Nov. 4, 2004, that resulted in extensive smoke and water damage. Sandy Elementary spent most of last school year divided among six nearby schools.

All-USA Teacher Team
      Jon Van Wagoner, eighth-grade reading teacher at Eastmont Middle, Sandy, earned a spot on the honorable mention All-USA Teacher Team. USA Today named 20 winners and 20 honorable mention members to its eighth All-USA Teacher Team, honoring them as representatives of all outstanding teachers in the nation’s schools. USA Today’s All-USA Teacher Team winners were selected by a panel of judges from nominees across the country. Teachers could be nominated by school administrators, students, parents, colleagues or family members.

Bard Honors
      The Drama Department at Brighton High, Cottonwood Heights, under the direction of Phaidra Donaldson, won first place sweepstakes at the Utah High School Shakespeare Competition. In addition, Brighton students placed second in both ensemble scenes and movement/choreography. Several students also placed first and second in individual categories. More than 2,500 students from 84 schools in five states participated in the competition.

Volunteers Tidy School
      More than 120 volunteers, including many from the school’s partner Comcast, met at Majestic Elementary, West Jordan, Oct. 8 to spruce up the school. Labor and products, such as benches, sod and paint, were donated to the students and staff of Majestic. The school’s bird sanctuary was refurbished, new four-square play areas painted, parking areas painted, the fish tank cleaned and brightened up, and much more.

Retirement Seminar
      The District Payroll Department is offering a retirement class Nov. 1, 4-6 p.m. in the District Office, Board Room A. A representative from Utah Retirement Systems will present pension information and representatives from Payroll will present information about current Jordan District benefits. Seating is limited, so please call the Payroll Department, (801) 567-8154, to reserve a space. No one will be admitted without a reservation. Additional classes will be offered throughout the year.

Katrina Families
      A new fund has been established for the Hurricane Katrina families who have relocated in Jordan School District. Those wanting to make cash donations may send them to the Jordan Education Foundation and earmark them "Katrina Families in Jordan School District."

Pan Sale
      The Nutrition Services Department is hosting a pan sale in the Auxiliary Services Building, 9150 S. 500 West. Hours for the sale are Oct. 26, noon-6 p.m., and Oct. 27-28, 1-6 p.m.

Administrator Positions Available
      The Department of Human Resources is currently accepting applications for school- and District-level administrative positions. Those who are not current administrators in Jordan School District must be prepared to participate in a full-day interview on Dec. 2 or Dec. 5. Candidates must apply by Nov. 4 to be considered. School-level openings will be determined in the spring, with positions effective July 1, 2006. Candidates must have five years of previous full-time licensed teaching and/or administrative experience. A full-time internship, either as a teacher or as an administrator, will count toward one of the five qualifying years. Candidates must hold a current Utah Administrative/Supervisory License. A copy of the license, or a letter from a university stating that the applicant will have completed requirements for licensure by July 1, 2006, must accompany the application. Applications (which include specific instructions) are available in the Department of Human Resources or can be printed from the District Web site at www.jordandistrict.org. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 4. Current District administrators who wish to apply for a change in assignment should refer to the memo attached to the application previously sent to each of them. Applications for current administrators are due Oct. 24.

No Current Next Week
      Due to the UEA Recess, there will be no online issue of Current next week. The printed monthly summary issue will be available on payday as usual. The next electronic issue of Current will be sent by e-mail and available online Nov. 1. Please submit items for this issue by Oct. 30.

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Centennial Pins Available
      A limited number of pins celebrating Jordan District’s centennial are now available for District employees. If you would like a complimentary pin, please pick one up at the Office of Communications, Room 201 at the District Office. Employees are encouraged to wear these pins throughout the 2005-06 school year.

October is Ribbon Month
      During October, schools are encouraged to participate in Ribbon Month campaigns to increase awareness for drug and violence prevention—red ribbons for anti-drugs and purple for anti-violence. Some schools may designate a week, others a few days. The national campaign takes place the last week of the month. Schools should choose any time during October to promote these activities. Student Intervention Services purchased red wristbands for all District students. Imprinted on the band is the slogan “Safe and Drug Free.” Each school also has a Ribbon Month Idea Book. Please direct any questions to Jeani Mulliner, Student Intervention Services, (801) 412-2953.

Custodian of the Month
      Brent Gabbitas, head custodian at Oquirrh Hills Middle, Riverton, was named Custodial Services Employee of the Month for August. He has been with the District since 1987.

Funds Redirected to Assist Those in Need
      Students and staff at Copper Hills High, West Jordan, raised a large sum of money last year during the school’s Sub-for-Santa program. After making Sub-for-Santa donations, students decided to donate leftover money to help fellow students and others in need due to recent events: $1,200 went to Jordan Education Association’s Hurricane Katrina student relief fund, $2,800 was donated to the Louisiana Department of Education to help students hurt by the hurricane, $500 helped displaced/injured animals in the hurricane region, and $100 went to assist the family of a student killed at Hunter High.

Quilts for Katrina
      Hurricane Katrina hit hard in the French-colonized Louisiana area. French classes at Joel P. Jensen Middle, West Jordan, decided they wanted to help. Students decided to conduct a silent quilt auction and donate the money earned. They gathered pieces of fabric from home and created 18 quilts that were sold during the school’s parent-teacher conferences. The French classes earned $353 for the Red Cross relief efforts.

High School Pride Day
      Administration, students, faculty and staff at Riverton High recently worked together sprucing up the school for “Silverwolf Pride Day.” With the coordination of Principal Steve Park and head custodian Kelly Jones, assignments were made to clean the school inside and out. Projects included pulling weeds, digging up flower beds to be replanted and picking up litter. The activity will be repeated in the spring.

Students and staff at Altara Elementary, Sandy, participate in planting a tree during the school’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Anniversary Celebration
      Midvale Middle will hold its 50th Anniversary celebration Thurdsay at 6:30 p.m. All Jordan District faculty, staff and administration are invited to join in the celebration. The program will feature a student-produced documentary highlighting the students, faculty, staff and community members who have made Midvale Middle great.

Administrator Positions Available
      The Department of Human Resources is currently accepting applications for school- and District-level administrative positions. Those who are not current administrators in Jordan School District must be prepared to participate in a full-day interview on Dec. 2 or 5. School-level openings will be determined in the spring, with positions effective July 1, 2006. Candidates must have five years of previous full-time licensed teaching and/or administrative experience. A full-time internship, either as a teacher or as an administrator, will count toward one of the five qualifying years. Candidates must hold a current Utah Administrative/Supervisory License. A copy of the license, or a letter from a university stating that the applicant will have completed requirements for licensure by July 1, 2006, must accompany the application. Applications (which include specific instructions) are available in the Department of Human Resources or can be printed from the District Web site at www.jordandistrict.org. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 4. Current District administrators who wish to apply for a change in assignment should refer to the memo attached to the application previously sent to each of them. Applications for current administrators are due Oct. 24.

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Employee of the Month
      The District Office Support Staff selected Shelly Axtell, secretary in the Special Education Department, as Employee of the Month for September. Axtell has worked for Jordan District since 1994.

Grant Supports Charitable Projects
      CTX Mortgage, in partnership with the Esther Foundation, presented a Charitable Investment Community Grant of $1,000 to the student council at Alta View Elementary, Sandy. The grant will be used for humanitarian projects including providing school bags for children in need.

Fall Flower Sale
      The greenhouse program at Jordan Applied Technology Center, Sandy Campus, has pansies in a variety of colors available for fall. Plants are now available at 825 E. 9085 South, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday. Flats of 48 plants are $10.

Charitable Giving Campaign
      The annual Jordan District charitable giving campaign will be Oct. 10-Nov. 11. Each principal and department director should have distributed packets with brochures describing the three participating organizations: Community Health Charities, Community Shares and United Way. Member agencies and their goals are listed in the brochure. Employees may donate to any or all organizations or individual member agencies. Donations may be made by cash, check, credit card or payroll deduction. This year, payroll deductions will be accepted for up to 12 months beginning Jan. 1, 2006. A separate pledge form must be submitted for each organization. Please forward all donations to Educational Support Services by Nov. 11.

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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.