NOVEMBER 2005

• Reading Awards
        Three Jordan District employees received high honors at the annual Utah Council of the International Reading Association Conference Nov. 5:
• Laurie Christensen, first-grade teacher at Daybreak Elementary, South Jordan, was named Utah Reading Teacher of the Year and received a 2005 Crystal Beehive Award for service.
• Ann White, principal at Eastmont Middle, Sandy, was named Utah Reading Administrator of the Year,
• Suzette Johnson, first-grade teacher at Columbia Elementary, West Jordan, received a 2005 Crystal Beehive Award for service.

Excellence in Teaching Award
      Lauren Flygare, band and orchestra teacher at West Jordan Middle, was honored with the R.C. Willey/Utah Education Association Excellence in Teaching Award for significantly impacting a child or group of children in her career. The incident for which she won the award was when she stepped aside at the end-of-year band performance and handed her baton to two severely disabled students in wheelchairs. The two students had the opportunity to direct the band. They had been interested in music but were unable to play an instrument. Flygare volunteered to let the students get involved in class through conducting.  She trained the students to respond to the beat of the music and trained other members of her class to respond respectfully. She has been teaching at West Jordan Middle for more than 25 years.

Featured Speaker
     Rick Bojak, psychology and weights teacher at Riverton High, was a featured keynote speaker at this year’s Utah Education Association Convention. His topic was “Still Smiling after 30 Years,” in which he stressed improving teaching each year.

One Thousand Students
     Oakcrest Elementary, West Jordan, celebrated the arrival of its 1,000th student with welcome posters and donations for Hurricane Katrina relief. An assembly featured the school choir and a presentation of cards and balloons to the 1,000th student. The District now has 10 elementary schools with more than 1,000 students.

• Giving Thanks
        Many elementary schools held events to make Thanksgiving special for students. Here are a few:
• Kindergarten students at Crescent Elementary, Sandy, are having a dessert feast today (Nov. 22). One class dressed up like pilgrims and the other like Native Americans.

• A school bus carrying 42 students was sheared in half by a freight train in 1938, killing 24 and injuring 18. This Date in History       It was nearly 67 years ago that Jordan District would face one of its darkest days. “On Dec. 1, 1938, on a cold, snowy morning, a Jordan District school bus was struck by a train on the railroad crossing at 10200 South and 400 West in Sandy. The disaster, the nation’s worst school bus accident to that date, resulted in the tragic deaths of the bus driver and 23 students…”      In November 1956, debate at Board meetings focused on demographic shifts in school populations at the District’s two high schools, Jordan and Bingham. Overcrowding at Jordan and declining enrollment at Bingham had the Board considering moving students from one school to the other. “Recognizing the rivalry that existed between Jordan District’s two high schools, it was proposed that the names of both schools be changed, with Jordan High renamed East Jordan High and Bingham becoming West Jordan High.”      These incidents, along with many other interesting stories of adversity and success, are described in detail in The First 100 Years: A History of Jordan School District, available in January 2006. Pre-orders are now being accepted at the Office of Communications by phone, 567-8162, or e-mail, donna.spade@jordan.k12.ut.us. Cost for the soft-bound edition is $5, due at the time of delivery.

  At Herriman Elementary, second-grade classes are holding a powwow Nov. 22 and 23. The kindergarten classes are presenting a Thanksgiving program for parents Nov. 23 at Fort Herriman Middle, where 10 sessions of kindergarten are housed this year.
• Silver Mesa Elementary, Sandy, kindergarten students had a powwow Nov. 18, with students participating in activities centered around Native American culture.
• The kindergarten classes at Willow Canyon Elementary, Sandy, and Butler Elementary, Cottonwood Heights, had programs and Pilgrim’s feasts in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

Holiday Poinsettia Sales
      The greenhouse program at South Valley School, West Jordan, has beautiful, florist-quality poinsettias in a variety of colors available for the holidays. All pots come with a decorative pot cover and a protective sleeve. Plants are available now at the greenhouse behind the school, 8400 S. Redwood Road, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. The plants are $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, call (801) 565-7167 or fax (801) 565-7416. See more information at http://web.jordan.k12.ut.us/svs/ (click on “Greenhouse”).

Retirement Open House
      John Gardner, principal at Jordan Valley School, Midvale, is retiring after 34 years in Jordan District. An open house will be held in his honor Dec.16, 2:30-5 p.m. at Jordan Valley School.

Special Education Licensure Opportunity
      The BYU Public School Partnership is offering a program for individuals interested in earning teacher licensure (K-12) in both Special Education and English as a Second Language. The deadline for undergraduates is Jan. 16, 2006, and Feb. 15, 2006, for post-baccalaureate applicants. If you, or anyone you know, are interested in this opportunity, there will be an information meeting held with BYU Partnership representatives at the Jordan District Office, Board Room A, Nov. 29, 4-5:30 p.m. If you have questions please contact Cheryl Hostetter, Special Education Department, (801) 567-8294.

District Creates Juvenile Court for Truant Students
     “To enforce compulsory attendance, Jordan School District established a juvenile court within the District.” In a Board of Education meeting, a juvenile court judge said, “In most cases…a single visit to the home by probation officers is sufficient to bring the desired results, but there is an occasional case where a parent defies school authorities and persistently refuses to send children to school, in such cases drastic measures are necessary.” He then went on to describe the case of one father who spent a night in jail for refusing to send his children to school. Early the next morning, explained the judge, “the man desired to be brought to court. With tears running down his face he promised to have his children in school the next day and treat teachers and others with respect, and has kept his word.”
      This incident from 1907 and other interesting facts are included in The First 100 Years: A History of Jordan School District, available in January 2006. Pre-orders are being accepted until Dec. 1 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.

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. 6. Please submit items for this issue by Dec. 2.

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Students at Columbia Elementary celebrate their first-ever Family Ties Week with an assembly Nov. 7.

Educator of the Month
      The Midvale Kiwanis honored Corie Scarbrough, literacy specialist at Southland Elementary, South Jordan, as Educator of the Month for October. She was recognized at the group’s monthly luncheon.

Math Council Elects President
      Camille Baker, middle school mathematics teacher specialist, was recently elected president-elect for the Utah Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The election was held during the organization’s annual conference.

Family Ties Week
     Columbia Elementary, West Jordan, kicked off its first ever “Family Ties” week with an assembly Nov. 7 featuring West Jordan Mayor Bryan Holladay and Utah First Lady Mary Kaye Huntsman. Students, teachers, performers, parents and dignitaries attending the assembly were invited to wear a tie, representing a “tie” to a family. Other activities during the week were geared toward strengthening family ties such as lunch with family members and reading at night with family members.

Students to Present Musical
     Alta High, Sandy, in conjunction with Music Theatre International, will present the musical, “Singin’ in the Rain” Nov. 17-19 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the school’s main office for $6-8 or at the show for $6.

New Schedule Adopted for Elementary Schools
      Skyrocketing student enrollment forces Jordan District to resort to “creative solutions such as split sessions, extended days, portable classrooms, busing and year-round schedules to manage burgeoning enrollments. Willow Canyon was the first to adopt a year-round calendar in 1985, and during the next 20 years, about half the District’s elementary schools would follow.”
      This and other interesting facts are included in The First 100 Years: A History of Jordan School District, available in January 2006. 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, due at the time of pickup.

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Board Votes to Dust Furniture Daily
     “The (Jordan Board of Education)…concerned with the proper care of the District’s buildings…passed a resolution that all floors be oiled twice a year, all windows be washed once a month (twice in September and October), and all floors be swept and all furniture be dusted daily.”
      Notes from the District’s first Board of Education meeting in July 1905 also indicated that “Rooms were to be kept warm and comfortable in season.” This and other interesting facts are included in The First 100 Years: A Centennial History of Jordan School District, available in January 2006. 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.

More Centennial Pins Available
      A limited number of pins celebrating Jordan District’s centennial are still 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 the pins throughout the 2005-06 school year.

Annual Report Available
      The Jordan District Annual Report for the 2004-05 school year is now available online at www.jordandistrict.org/publications/annualreport05 . The report shows District students exceed state and national averages on Advanced Placement Test passing rates and American College Test (ACT) scores, high school dropout rates declined for six straight years, the number of students has grown by nearly 2,500 since 2003, and much more.

Flu Shots Available Soon
      Following a delay in shipment from the distributor, flu vaccine is now arriving. Doses are received a few at a time, with all requested vaccine scheduled to arrive by the end of the month. Schools and offices will be notified of vaccination dates through principals and directors during the next few weeks. For more information, contact Educational Support Services, (801) 567-8124.

Science and Technology Medal
      Barbara Gentry, secondary science teacher specialist, received a Governor’s Science and Technology Medal from the State of Utah. Medal winners are nominated by peers and selected by a sub-committee of the State Science Advisory Council. The award was presented at a reception and dinner Nov. 3. Gentry has been with the District since 1986.

Educator of the Month
      The Midvale Kiwanis presented its Educator of the Month Award to Melinda Fatani, special education teacher at West Jordan Middle. She will be honored at a luncheon Nov. 15.

Donations for Primary Children’s
      The Elk Ridge Middle National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) recently collected 10 boxes of toys, books, games and coloring supplies for Primary Children’s Hospital. The items will be used to entertain children while they are recuperating in the hospital. Lowe’s also donated wooden kits that the NJHS students put together, making bug boxes, cars and other wood projects for the patients to paint and decorate.

Students to Present Musical
     Jordan High’s Performing Arts Department will present the musical “The Secret Garden” Nov. 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the school’s main office for $5 or at the show for $6.

Substitute Teachers Needed
      Any teachers interested in substitute teaching during their off-track time, please contact JanNeil Allen, teacher substitute clerk, (801) 567-8219.

School Psychology Awareness Week
      This week is School Psychology Awareness Week. Jordan District has school psychologists serving in all schools providing a vast array of services. Each psychologist not only works individually with students to assess learning or behavioral problems and provide individual or group support, but also is available for teacher consultation regarding how best to deal with students. Psychologists are part of the special education team and work with parents as well. Please take a minute to recognize the individual who fills this role at your school.

Women’s Health Update
      The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires that participants in health insurance programs are notified of the following:
      In the case of a plan participant or beneficiary who received benefits under the plan in connection with a mastectomy and who elects breast reconstruction, coverage will be provided for:
•      Reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy was performed;
•      Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance; and
•      Prostheses and treatment of physical complications at all stages of the mastectomy, including lymphedemas.
      These services shall be provided in a manner determined in consultation with the attending physician and the plan participant. Coverage for these medical services is subject to applicable deductibles and co-payment amounts.
 Regular pre-authorization and pre-notification requirements apply. For other related services, consult the policy or call Insurance Services, (801) 567-8146.

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Educational Support Professionals Day
      Nov. 16 is National Education Support Professionals Day, a day to recognize the secretaries, custodians, classroom aides, maintenance personnel, cafeteria workers, bus drivers and others who provide invaluable services to schools and students. Educational Support Professionals Day is part of the American Education Week celebration Nov. 13-19. For additional information on American Education Week and ESP Day, go to
www.nea.org/aew/index.html .

Excellence in Teaching Award
      Lauren Flygare, band and orchestra teacher at West Jordan Middle, was among 10 Utah teachers to receive the Utah Education Association’s Excellence in Teaching Award. The awards, given during UEA’s Superstars in Education banquet, recognize Utah educators who significantly impact a child or group of children. Each award winner received $1,000.

Educators of the Month
      The Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce and Jordan Credit Union honored Brianna Bickley, third-grade teacher at Granite Elementary, Sandy, and Whitney Child, English and language arts teacher at Alta High, as Educators of the Month for October. The awards were presented at a luncheon Oct. 27.
      The Midvale Kiwanis honored Vickie Fuller, language arts teacher at West Hills Middle, West Jordan, as Educator of the Month for October. She was recognized at the group’s monthly luncheon.

Custodians of the Month
      Paul Hansen, head custodian at Altara Elementary, Sandy, was named Custodian of the Month for October. He has been with the District since 2000. September’s Custodian of the Month was Mike Hoover, head custodian at Westland Elementary, West Jordan. Hoover has been working in Jordan District four years.

Donation to Lacrosse Programs
      Local call accounting company Comm One, Inc. recently presented Jordan District with an in-kind donation of phone call tracking software and support for District lacrosse teams. The $36,100 provision of software licenses and maintenance services was made on behalf of the Utah Lacrosse Association, Team Utah and Alta Lacrosse Club. Six District high schools have boys’ lacrosse clubs and four have girls’ programs, according to the Utah Lacrosse Association. The District represents one of the fastest growing areas in the state for participation in lacrosse.

National Film Honors
      Students from the Film Academy at West Jordan High won first place in the nation in Film Technology at the Technology Students Association National Conference. The five students produced, from start to finish, the film that won the top national honors. Students were advised by Mary Ann Hess, West Jordan High Film Academy, and Kim Durfee, technology lab instructor.

Family Ties Month
      At Columbia Elementary, West Jordan, November is “Family Ties” month. Activities begin with an assembly Nov. 7 featuring music by Columbia students that reflect family unity, regardless of family make up. Featured at the assembly will be West Jordan Mayor Bryan Holladay and Utah First Lady Mary Kaye Huntsman.

Donate to Assist Relocated Families
      The Jordan Education Foundation has established a fund to assist Hurricane Katrina families relocated to Jordan School District. Those wanting to make cash donations may send them to the Jordan Education Foundation and earmark them for “Katrina Families in Jordan School District.” For more information, contact the Foundation at (801) 567-8125.

Retirement Open House
      Owen Harrison, Human Resources specialist, is retiring after 25 years at Jordan District. An open house will be held in his honor Nov. 17, 3-5 p.m. in Board Rooms A and B at the District Office.

Students to Present Musical
      Hillcrest High’s Performing Arts Department will present the musical “Bye Bye Birdie” Nov. 16-19 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the school’s main office for $6 or at the show for $7.

Reading Conference
      The Utah Council of the International Reading Association (UCIRA) is sponsoring a reading conference Nov. 4-5 at Snowbird Resort’s Cliff Lodge. The conference includes renown keynote presenters, authors’ breakfasts, breakout sessions, entertainment and more. Special lodging rates are also available. For additional details and registration information, visit www.utahreading.org or contact Jane Roberts, conference co-chair, (801) 557-7294.

Chess Tournament
      Ben Lomond High, Ogden, will play host to the 14th Annual Ogden District Scholastic Open Chess Tournament on Nov. 5. Trophies will be awarded to students in grades K-3, 4-6, middle school and high school. All participants must pre-register by Nov. 3. Pairings will be posted at 8 a.m. with tournaments beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information, see www.jordandistrict.org/chess.html . To register, please e-mail (preferred) or call Douglas Duncan, douglas.duncan@jordan.k12.ut.us, (801) 533-0090, with the following information for each player: name, grade, school and chess rating (USCF or local).

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Employment Opportunities
      See current job openings posted by the Human Resources Department at www.jordandistrict.org/hr

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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.