A retirement open house will be held Dec. 10, 3-5 p.m., at the Auxiliary Services Building Auditorium (7905 S. Redwood Road) for:
- Sherry Wasden, Deputy Superintendent for Instructional Services (40 years of service)
- Don Hooser, Lead Electrician (35 years of service)
- Elwin Crandall, General Trades Technician (32 years of service)
- Dianne Hyde, Secretary for the Jordan Education Foundation (21 years of service) ★
Service-learning grant money is available through Student Intervention Services to teachers or schools that would like to do service-learning activities. The activities and/or projects must be connected to core curriculum objectives and will be funded at a minimum of $200, with additional funds available according to the scope of the project. An orientation meeting will be held Dec. 7 at the Auxiliary Services Building (7905 S. Redwood Road) in room 128 from 4-5:30 p.m. The following will be discussed: writing the grant, components of service learning and how to connect a project to the curriculum. For additional details, contact Jeani Mulliner, 801-567-8283, jeani.mulliner@jordan.k12.ut.us. ★
On Nov. 12 the Jazz Bear visited South Jordan Elementary to help celebrate its Road to Success milestone of 1 million minutes read this year. The Bear hosted a school-wide assembly congratulating the students on developing their minds by reading and urged them to continue. He also encouraged them to develop strong bodies through exercise, healthy food choices and avoiding drugs and alcohol. ★
For the 2010-11 school year Jordan School District anticipates at least a $29.2 million shortfall. The Administration has recommended solution options in the areas of: additional personnel cuts, program and service cuts, transfer of expenditures to other programs, compensation, class size, and taxes. The Board has been informed to anticipate additional cuts from the State in the range of 3 to 7 percent.
The Board will review these options in detail over the next several months. To view the presentation to the Board click here. ★
Local TV station ABC 4 recently broadcast a story about the need for proper shoes for children at Majestic Elementary. Within two business days of the story, patrons and community members had dropped off 69 pair of shoes and boots, and donated $410 in cash to the school. In addition, the Fraternal Order of Police, Murray City Fire Department, and the employees of the West Jordan Police Department had committed to assist the school along with businesses Shoe Carnival and Wal Mart. “We are very touched by the generosity of people, especially in these trying economic times,” said Principal Noel Grabl. ★
*As an update to this post, a patron, who insists upon remaining anonymous and who had previously donated $150 to the school for shoes, returned today with an additional $1,000 for the school. He said he wanted to make sure no child had to go through the winter with cold feet.
South Valley’s Greenhouse Program is selling poinsettias for the holiday season. The plants are $8 for six-and-a half-inch pots and $16 for eight-inch pots. Organizations or schools ordering 25 or more will receive free delivery. To view the available colors click here or call 801-565-7167 to place an order. ★
Now is a good time for all employees to check tax withholdings. If your filing status has changed during the year and you haven’t already submitted a new W-4, please consider doing that now. Examples of status change include marriage or divorce, change of name, gain or loss of a dependent, or major change in family income. Anyone claiming exempt must file a new W-4 in order to maintain that status. W-4 forms are available at local schools, from the Payroll Department, or by clicking here. ★
The Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce recently honored Lori Lingwall, work-based learning coordinator for the Bingham and Riverton High feeder systems. Lingwall was recognized with the Distinguished Volunteer/Service Award at the Knight of Heroes Award Banquet. The event is held to thank those in the community who have performed service above and beyond their regular duties. ★
Hayden Peak Elementary students presented a Veterans Day program on Nov. 11 which honored veterans in their community and taught the value of freedom. The program included students giving speeches, presenting poems, and performing musical selections, including two students performing “Taps” at the end of the program. The school also invited Major Paul Rice, a member of the U.S. Army, and a parent at Hayden Peak, to speak to the students. The school invited all parents who are in the military or are veterans to the program. ★
Licensed employees who are planning on retiring on Dec. 15, 2009, are reminded they must have a letter of resignation submitted to Human Resources no later that 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13. According to District Policy, employees must give at least 30 days written notice (see DP318 II. C.) to avoid a $500 fine. Also, if an employee does not submit the appropriate documentation for retirement prior Nov. 13, the employee will not be eligible for the Dec. 15, 2009, retirement date, and would only be eligible for a Jan. 1, 2010, or later retirement date. ★