 Honoring Our 2007 Retirees When Stephen Burnside, principal at Elk Meadows Elementary, began his Jordan District career in 1972, 26,231 students were enrolled in the District’s 28 schools. This year, 89 schools serve nearly 80,000 students. In 1972, the District budget was just over $10 million, compared to this year’s budget of more than $600 million. Burnside is the District’s longest-serving retiring employee with 35 years of service, one of 85 retiring this year. A dinner, sponsored by the Board of Education, was held May 15 to honor retirees for their years of dedicated service. A complete list of this year’s retirees is available online at www.jordandistrict.org/ board/retirement07. Retirees are also being honored at open house events scheduled throughout the District. Information about retiree open houses can be found in the online version of Current at www.jordandistrict.org. |
Summer Schedules
There will be no Current employee newsletter posted June 5 or 19. The final issues of Current for the 2006-07 school year will be e-mailed to employees and available online June 12 and 26. Print editions of Current Monthly Summary will resume in September.
Remember, you can check your District e-mail from anywhere you have Internet access (see “Employee Web Mail” below). You can also receive Current at a home e-mail address by going to www.jordandistrict.org and clicking “Subscribe to Our Newsletter” on the right-hand side of the page.
The District Office will be open regular hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., through June. Summer hours will be 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., July 3-23. Offices will be closed July 4 for Independence Day and July 24 for Pioneer Day. The District Office will return to regular hours beginning July 25.
Employee Web Mail
Employees can access their District e-mail accounts from anywhere they have an Internet connection. From the District homepage at www.jordandistrict.org, click “employees” at the top of the screen then select “Employee Web Mail.” The link will take you to a sign-in screen where you enter your user I.D. (your assigned e-mail name, e.g.: john.smith) and password. If you don’t know your password, contact your building technical support representative or call Information Systems user support, (801) 567-8737. For security reasons, you should change your password after the initial logon. Once logged on, you can access a variety of e-mail options including add a vacation message, forward e-mail, and access any e-mail messages received since you last downloaded e-mail to your District computer.
Quality Growth Award
Jordan District was recognized with a Governor’s Quality Growth Award of Merit for Implementation in conjunction with the Utah Clean Cities Coalition. The Coalition is part of the strategy of the U.S. Department of Energy to reduce dependence on imported foreign oil by promoting alternative fuel vehicles, low-fuel blends, fuel economy, hybrid electric vehicles and idle reduction.
Outstanding Cooperating Teacher
Debbie Nigbur, resource teacher at Herriman Elementary, received an Outstanding Cooperating Teacher Award from the Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education at BYU. The award is given to exemplary teachers who have demonstrated a strong commitment to helping teacher candidates in the Special Education program acquire the skills necessary to become effective special educators.
Jumping Into Fitness
The School Community Council and PTA at Foothills Elementary (Riverton) combined to organize the second annual Foothills Fun Run. Many members of the community ran, jogged or walked a mile. The activity reinforced the school’s fitness theme “Jumping into Fitness.” Part of the money raised was donated to the Jump Rope for Heart Association.
Fantasy Art Contest
Jared Ward, art teacher at Jordan High (Sandy), organized a Fantasy Art Contest for all District high school art students. Fantasy categories included myths and legends, imaginary worlds, technology and three-dimensional art (produced with clay, plaster or other materials). In all, 38 students participated in the half-day event at Jordan High. Funding was provided by the Puffin Foundation through a grant to the Jordan Education Foundation.
Award to Remake Cafeteria
Riverton Elementary lunch manager Audrey Holt entered the “BTFE Foodservice Brand New Room” sweepstakes sponsored by General Mills and was selected as grand-prize winner. She is receiving a $20,000 check to be used for a school lunchroom makeover. The school’s lunch crew has earned the rating of a five-star kitchen for years, and this year they achieved it with 100-percent audits. Holt and her “decorating committee” will now set to work spending the money beautifying the cafeteria.
Middle School Musical
For the first time, Albion Middle (Sandy) will present a musical. Cinderella will be performed May 30, 31 and June 1 at 7 p.m. The musical is presented under the direction of teachers Ann Burt, Kathy Lee, Nicole Marriott and Lee Russell. Anyone is invited to attend.
Book Affair
To promote reading and the love of books, Terry Jensen, reading instructor/specialist at Valley High (Sandy), has organized an array of speakers and books for the school’s third annual book affair. The event will be held 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. May 23. Guest speakers include Third District Court Judge Lindberg, X96 radio's Richie Steadman, Jordan District Board Member Peggy Jo Kennett, Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson and Slugg Magazine's Angela Brown, among others. Valley High's own staff will also participate by presenting some of their favorite books to students/guests.
Perfect Scores for Kitchens
Each spring, the Nutrition Services Department inspects school kitchens and cafeterias, scoring them on following federal guidelines, sanitation issues, customer service, etc. Kitchen staff can earn up to 95 points. They must earn at least 92 to be considered a five-star team. This year, 22 teams earned a perfect 95. The teams were recognized with ice cream parties May 22-23.
Best High Schools in America
Two Jordan District high schools made the list of top 1,200 high schools in America. Hillcrest High (Midvale) ranked 559 and Alta High (Sandy) placed 773. Newsweek Magazine and the Washington Post produce the list using information such as test scores, number of students participating in AP classes and other data provided by schools that choose to participate.
ESL Endorsement Applications
Applications for the 2007-08 ESL Endorsement Program are available from school principals or from the Alternative Language Services (ALS) Web site at http://web.jordan.k12.ut.us/als/endorsement0607.html. The program is open to contracted licensed personnel in Jordan District. This does not include substitute teachers or paraprofessionals. There are still a few spaces remaining. Applicants will be placed as signed applications are received in the ALS office. Applications will be accepted through June 15 or until classes are filled. Please contact Deborah Brey, deborah.brey@jordan.k12.ut.us, with any questions.
Teacher Feature
Jill Putnam, English teacher at Midvale Middle, was recently recognized with a KSL Radio “Teacher Feature” award. She has been with Jordan District since 1997.
Literary Magazine Award
Chasms, Copper Hills High’s (West Jordan) literary magazine, earned fourth place in the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) Pacemaker Awards. Literary magazine adviser Lou Jessop accepted the award at the NSPA conference in Denver.
Art Exploration at Jordan Valley
The Utah Arts Council is sponsoring an exhibit at Jordan Valley School (Midvale) titled “The Cat Project.” The works, which are on display until June 1, represent 23 artists’ creative exploration of “cat” as a theme and their personal attitudes about cats. The Jordan Valley Arts Festival will be held at the school June 21-24. Many performing and visual artists will participate in week-long activities. On May 18, Megan Hallett from the University of Utah Fine Arts Museum will present a workshop for teachers. She will speak about bookmaking, print making and paper pop-up construction. Jordan Valley serves students with severe multiple disabilities.
New Library to Open
Community members donated books and supplies to create the first-ever library Jordan Resource Center (Midvale). Parents, family members and others are invited to attend a ribbon cutting for the new library May 23 at 1 p.m. Jordan Resource Center serves students with severe emotional and behavioral challenges.
Weather Station at School
Nearly $12,000 in community donations allowed South Hills Middle (Riverton) to go into the weather business. The Riverton school will become home to a Weather Bug station this fall. Students will use the station in math, science, geography and other classes, and anyone will be able to access the school’s weather conditions online.
Helping African Children
The Peer Leadership Team at Mount Jordan Middle (Sandy) sponsored a schoolwide fundraising activity for children in Uganda, caught in the midst of a civil war. The school’s Change for Children drive raised nearly $900 for the Invisible Children organization. The money is used to educate children in Uganda.
Health and Benefits Fair
All Jordan District employees are invited to participate in the District Health and Benefits Fair June 19, 2-5 p.m., in the District Office Board Rooms. Screening procedures will be provided for those enrolled in a medical insurance plan at no cost for glucose, cholesterol, osteoporosis and glaucoma. Representatives from District benefit providers PEHP, Altius, Medco, Dental Select, Educators Mutual Dental, Total Dental Administrators, Opticare of Utah, CIGNA Life and Long-Term Disability, AFLAC Cancer Insurance, UNUM Long-Term Care and authorized tax sheltered annuity companies will be in attendance to answer questions about their plans.
Teacher of the Year
Barbara Springer, English teacher at South Jordan Middle, was named 2007 Teacher of the Year by the Utah Council of Teachers of English. The award was presented at a dinner May 5. Springer, who was nominated for the award by a former student, received a plaque and a $500 cash award.
Custodian of the Year
Scott Bateman, head custodian at West Jordan Middle, was named Custodian of the Year by Utah School Employees Association (USEA). The award was presented during the USEA Delegate Conference in St. George. Bateman has 25 years of District service.
Wal-Mart Teacher
Patti Moss, first-grade teacher at Sunrise Elementary (Sandy), received the local Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year award. She receives a $100 Wal-Mart gift certificate and the school receives $1,000.
Providing Smiles
The student council at Edgemont Elementary (Sandy) sponsored a schoolwide fundraiser for Operation Smile. Students raised $4,500 in two weeks, enough to provide surgery for 18 children. Operation Smile helps provide corrective surgery to children with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate.
‘SOS’ for Software
The Utah Augmentative Alternative Assistive Communication and Technology Team (UAAACT) is issuing a “Save Our Software” alert. Anyone who has checked out software through UAAACT, please return it to the Jordan Resource Center, attention: UAAACT team, by May 25.
Elementary Science Fair
The third- and fourth-grade District Science Fair was held April 20 at Monte Vista Elementary. Third-grade students from the following elementary schools earned awards: Alta View (Sandy)-1, Foothills (Riverton)-2, Hayden Peak (West Jordan)-1, Herriman-3, Monte Vista (South Jordan)-1, Quail Hollow (Sandy)-2, Riverton-6, Sprucewood (Sandy)-1 and Welby (South Jordan)-1. Fourth-grade students from the following schools won awards: Alta View (Sandy)-2, Butler (Cottonwood Heights)-9, Daybreak (South Jordan)-3, Draper-1, Herriman-1, Jordan Ridge (South Jordan)-4, Monte Vista (South Jordan)-2, Peruvian Park (Sandy)-2, Quail Hollow (Sandy)-3, Riverton-3, Southland (Riverton)-3, Sprucewood (Sandy)-1 and Sunrise (Sandy)-3.
Celebrating Diversity Through Art
South Hills Middle (Riverton) hosted several guest artists as part of an arts grant from the Utah State Office of Education. The event theme was cultural diversity with students presenting art, poetry and written works to parents during an Art/Cultural Fair on April 18.
Science Writers and Presenters Needed
The elementary science department is in need of science writers and presenters for Kindergarten, first, third and fifth grades. Participants will join an existing team of writers and presenters. If you have a good basic knowledge of science for your grade, good writing skills, feel you can present science concepts to teachers, and want to learn more about elementary science curriculum development, you qualify for this position. For more information contact Paul Nance, (801) 244-6479, or paul.nance@jordan.k12.ut.us.
Five-Star Awards
The deadline for 2007-08 Five-Star Award nominations is May 25. Anyone can nominate an employee in one of six categories: elementary, middle and high school teachers; certificated employees at-large; classified employees; or administrators. In addition, two schools will be honored for public relations efforts. Awardees receive $2,500, are recognized during a Board of Education meeting in October and are honored at a recognition banquet. Criteria and nomination forms are available on the District Web site at www.jordandistrict.org/award. For more information, contact the Office of Communications, (801) 567-8290.
Huntsman Award Winner
Words used to describe chemistry teacher Jan Vanderhooft include “brilliant,” “intense,” “dazzling” and an “interesting character.” The Brighton High (Cottonwood Heights) teacher can now add “Huntsman Award winner” to that list. Vanderhooft was selected as one of ten recipients of the 2007 Huntsman Awards for Excellence in Education. The purpose of the awards is to recognize, inspire and reward the best teachers, school administrators and volunteers in Utah for continually seeking ways to improve the quality of the state’s public school system. Each award winner receives $10,000 and is recognized at a banquet held in their honor.
Educator of the Month
Pam Winfree, fifth-grade teacher at Altara Elementary (Sandy), was named Educator of the Month by the Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce and Jordan Credit Union. She was honored at a luncheon April 27.
Gold Medal School
The Utah State Department of Health selected Lone Peak Elementary (Sandy) as the Gold Medal School of the Month. Students and teachers earned the “gold” level this year by walking the Gold Medal mile, learning about nutrition and participating in several activities that support a healthy lifestyle like Jump Rope for Heart, Red Ribbon Week, National Nutrition Month and Go Red Day. An article highlighting Lone Peak's accomplishment can be found at: www.hearthighway.org/gms/month.html. The goal of the Gold Medal Schools program is to improve students’ academic success through policies and environmental changes that support good nutrition, physical activity and staying tobacco-free.
School Nurse Day
May 9 is National School Nurse Day. Jordan District has seven regular education nurses, two special education nurses and a team of nurses at Jordan Valley School (Midvale). Each regular education nurse serves 12 schools. The special education nurses oversee District preschool and special education students. Jordan Valley nurses serve 262 of the District’s most medically fragile students.
The school nurse acts as a liaison between outside agencies and the District as well as each individual school and its student body to ensure compliance with health regulations, communicable disease prevention and reporting. They also function as an adviser and a support to staff, students and parents regarding any health issues to be addressed at school. School nursing interventions improve student health and impact educational achievement and academic success. For more information, visit the National Association of School Nurses Web site at www.nasn.org.
ESL Endorsement Applications
Applications for the 2007-08 ESL Endorsement Program are now available. The program is open to contracted licensed personnel in Jordan District. This does not include substitute teachers or paraprofessionals. Pick up a three-page document (which includes a memo and an application) from your principal or from the Alternative Language Services (ALS) Web site at http://web.jordan.k12.ut.us/als/endorsement0607.html. There is space for about 100 participants. Applicants will be placed as their signed application is received in the ALS office. Applications will be accepted through June 15 or until classes are filled. Please contact Deborah Brey, deborah.brey@jordan.k12.ut.us, with any questions.
Concurrent Enrollment Instructor of the Year
Rachel Hardy, humanities and Spanish teacher at Jordan High (Sandy), was recognized as a Salt Lake Community College Concurrent Enrollment Outstanding Instructor for 2006-07. She was honored at the annual SLCC Concurrent Enrollment Awards Program April 24. The Concurrent Enrollment Program allows students to earn high school and college credit at the same time.
Drivers Ed/Coaching Awards
Steve Galley, boy’s basketball coach and drivers education teacher at Riverton High, was named Teacher of the Year by the Utah Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association. The award is given annually to three Utah drivers education/safety education teachers. He was also voted by his peers in the Utah High School Basketball Coaches Association as the 5A Boys Basketball Coach of the Year for 2006-07.
Teacher Appreciation
The Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce honored Christine Christensen, fourth-grade teacher at Southland Elementary (Riverton), during a teacher appreciation luncheon April 12.
Educators of the Month
The Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce and Jordan Credit Union honored Pam Winfree, fifth-grade teacher at Altara Elementary, and Heidi Keefer, resource teacher at Indian Hills Middle, as Educators of the Month for April. The awards were presented at a luncheon April 27.
Physically Fit School
For the 11th straight year, Park Lane Elementary (Sandy) was the top-performing school in the President’s Challenge fitness program. The award is presented to the school with the most students achieving the top fitness level, outperforming 85 percent of a norm group’s skills in events such as the half-mile or mile run, sit-ups, stretching and curl-ups.
Media Grant
Kim Moller, media aide at Draper Elementary, has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for “The Pursuit of Happiness” bookshelf program. This book collection is designed to promote knowledge and understanding of American history and culture and will be a permanent part of the school’s media center.
Elementary Science and Engineering Fair
At the Elementary Central Utah Science and Engineering Fair for fifth and sixth grades held at BYU, Jordan District had 14 fourth-place winners, 17 third-place winners, 15 second-place winners, 11 first-place winners, and three grand-prize winners for a total of 60 place winners out of 85 awarded. Jordan District participants also received one tuition scholarship award from the College of Eastern Utah, six special awards, and 12 Discovery Young Scientist Challenge invitations.
Elementary Film Festival
The fourth annual Jordan District Elementary Film Festival will be held May 10 at Heartland Elementary (West Jordan). Screening of all entered films begins at 5:30 p.m. with an awards ceremony following at 7:15 p.m. Awards will be given for the top film in five categories and the best overall film.
Shoes for Orphans
The student council at Southland Elementary (Riverton) organized a fundraising activity for the local charity Bridge of Love. Students raised $820, which will be used to buy new shoes for orphans in Romania.
Middle School Art Show
Joel P. Jensen Middle (West Jordan) recently completed its most successful art show ever. Students from every grade entered art projects in a variety of areas.
Cultural Fair
International dancers and singers, cultural poster presentations and opportunities for students to learn from each other about their cultural backgrounds highlighted a Cultural Fair at Majestic Elementary (West Jordan) April 19. An evening program included Mexican, Tahitian, Brazilian, Hawaiian, Irish, Tongan and Native American performers. Dinner was served to all in attendance, featuring 10 different types of international foods.
Food Fair
On April 27, students from Diane Holland’s fourth-grade class at Daybreak Elementary (South Jordan) had the opportunity to critique school breakfast and lunch selections during the annual multi-district food fair.
Navajo Taco Fundraising Event
The Jordan District Indian Education Parent Committee invites teachers, principals and administrators to a meal of authentic Navajo tacos and Native American entertainment May 12, noon, at Midvale City Park, 455 W. 7500 South (behind Midvale Elementary). The event is a fundraising activity and summer book reading sign up. For more information, contact the Alternative Language Services Department, (801) 567-8116.
Summer Educator Workshops
This year’s BYU Summer Educator Workshops will be held June 4 to July 19. The workshops are specifically designed for teachers of elementary and secondary students interested in teacher recertification, lane-change salary increases, the latest in teaching methodology or a variety of new ideas to use at home or in the classroom. Each workshop is held for two to five days and may be taken for credit or noncredit. Participants may also attend BYU Writing for Young Readers Workshop or the BYU Symposium on Books for Young Readers for credit. Registration for the Summer Educator Workshops is available online at http://ce.byu.edu/cw/cwedwork/. For more information, contact the BYU Division of Continuing Education, (801) 422-2568.
Employment Opportunities
See current job openings posted by the Human Resources
Department at www.jordandistrict.org/hr
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.