By popular request, we created an updated parking lot map. This has been updated on our website as well. There’s a lot more information and backstory on our parking lot below if you’re curious about the right-turn only rule.
Right Turn Only Context
It’s the start of a new school year, and we are all learning new routines to help things run smoothly. There have been a few questions about how we navigate the parking lot – specifically, why we require you to turn right if you are exiting the parking lot during drop-off and pick-up.
Morning Drop-Off Times: 7:45-8:15 am
Afternoon Pick-Up Times: 3:00-3:30 pm
If you ride a bus or are already turning right when you leave the parking lot, feel free to stop reading now. If getting out of the parking lot affects you because you want to turn left, read on!
The Background
A parking lot redesign started in 2014 based on feedback from our school community and community council, and was finally approved by the school board and completed during the summer of 2024. The main purpose of the redesign was not to add additional parking, although that was a benefit. The main purpose was to make it possible for every student to load into a bus or vehicle from a sidewalk.
The Limitations
During the redesign process, we evaluated a variety of options to help get you out of the parking lot as quickly as possible; this was already an issue with the old parking lot setup and we knew it would be an issue with a redesign. We worked with traffic engineers, South Jordan City, and the South Jordan City Police Department to work within code to maximize ways to get you out quickly. We also looked at the design at Oquirrh Hills Middle School in Riverton, which has the same basic parking lot design and also exits onto 2700 W.
At the end of the day, we were limited largely by three things: 1) Most of our boundary is to the south of the school, meaning most people enter and exit south. 2) There is a busy road and traffic light at 10400 S near the south parking lot, too close for another light to be placed at our parking lot exit. 3) A protected left turn lane similar to the one at Elk Meadows Elementary isn’t possible because of the number of driveways on the other side of the street where it would need to go.
The View From the Sky
Once the parking lot opened, and we had gone a few weeks using it, we sent a drone up to record drop-off and pick-up from above to see what was holding us back. It quickly became apparent that it was people turning left out of the south parking lot. It affected the north lot as well, but not nearly as much.
In essence, each person that turns left takes about 15 seconds on average to find an opening large enough to cross traffic and go left. That doesn’t seem like long to that person, but to the 60 cars behind them, that stacks up quickly into 10-15 minutes of waiting at a near stand-still.
Solutions
Again, we looked at a protected left turn, a traffic light, and other options. All had reasons that we couldn’t implement them. At the end of the day, the only thing we can do is have everyone turn right during busy times.
Yes, this means you may have to go north to go south, heading to 9800 S and going east or west in order to get back to your home. You can also do a U-turn on 2700 W if there is an opening down the road once you turn right. It adds 3-5 minutes to your trip home. But our hope is that you are gaining much more than 3-5 minutes sitting at a stand-still in the parking lot, and are actually faster getting home in the end.
The Catch
This really only works if we all turn right. Our resource officer has been out today helping people follow the posted traffic signs, and will likely do so sporadically as a reminder. But this is one of those ‘let’s come together for the greater good’ moments we want to teach our kids about when we talk about being good citizens. Our SBO’s chose the theme ‘We’re All in This Together’ for the year, and that feels particularly applicable here. Please help the people waiting patiently in line behind you and turn right instead of left.
We had our 7th graders today, and it was a blast. There are a few quick things that have come up this week to remind you about, and we’re excited to have all of our students here tomorrow!
Parking Lot Reminders
Our parking lot is well marked after last year’s remodel. After watching drop off and pick up today with just the 7th graders, there are really only three things we want to emphasize:
During drop off and pick up, the parking lot exits are RIGHT TURN ONLY.
If you turn left, it adds significantly to the time it takes for all of the people behind you to exit the parking lot.
The north parking lot gets much less traffic than the south lot.
The south lot looks bigger, but has the same number of exits as the north lot.
Use the outer lanes to load/unload and the inner lanes to move around the loop.
It’s like airport drop-off and pick-up. But it only works if everyone does it.
Bus Numbers and Bus Stops
More information will be coming soon district-wide, but if you’re looking to check your bus number or bus stop location, use this link.
We also had a few questions about space available permits for buses (meaning you want to see if you can ride a bus even if you live too close to the school). You can fill out that application in Skyward under the ‘Online Forms’ section. However, no decisions will be made for at least two weeks, so that transportation can assess actual ridership before offering seats to those who live closer to the school.
Construction Update
Our remodel is going well, and our cafeteria seating area is complete. We’ll be serving pizza, pretzels and nachos for the next few weeks until the kitchen is finished, so plan accordingly. Our ceramics room and art rooms are completed as well, and the weight room, additional bathrooms and a few other minor things will be completed at various points over the next couple of weeks. We’ll keep you posted, and thank you for your patience. It’s a much-needed update, and it’s looking incredible!
It’s time to start planning for the start of school, and we can’t wait to welcome you (or welcome you back) to SoJo! We have some exciting changes happening in our cafeteria and a few other areas we’ll tell you about below, but here’s what you’ll find in this ParentSquare message:
Registration Opens Tomorrow
Schedules Released Wednesday at 3 pm
Back to School Night – Thursday, August 14
7th Grade First Day Schedule – Tuesday, August 19
All Students Schedule – Wednesday, August 20
Construction Updates & Modified Lunch Menu
FAQ’s & General Information
7th Grade Immunization Information
Immunization Clinic @SoJo Aug 6
Dress Code Reminders
School Community Council Nominations
Memory Book Team Applications
Registration Opens Tomorrow (8/5)
You will be able to log in to Skyward and complete registration any time from tomorrow until when school starts. There are crucial components that must be completed prior to the first day of school, including a chromebook user agreement, important information about school lunch, any funds you want to add to your student’s lunch account, etc., so please make sure to log in and complete registration as soon as possible.
In the past, this was where you would also pay registration fees, which new legislation has removed. Class fees will show up in Skyward about two weeks into school, and you can view those fees here. If you have any questions, please contact the main office.
Note: If you need assistance with class fees, please contact an administrator and fill out this application. If you need help paying for school lunch, see this page for more info, and instructions on completing a free and reduced lunch application.
Schedules Released Wednesday, August 6th @ 3 pm
We’ve worked hard to take your requests from early spring into consideration as we’ve hired teachers and mapped out class schedules. You’ll be able to log into Skyward and see your student’s schedule Wednesday, August 6th at 3 pm. Due to the logistics of balancing the schedules of 1200+ students, we do not make changes to student schedules unless a mistake has been made. If you have questions or feel there is a mistake, please contact your counselor.
Back to School Night & Touring the School
Many of you, especially if you are a 7th grade student/parent, are excited to see the school and find your classes. We also want you to meet our amazing faculty. 7th grade orientation on the 19th is a half day where we will walk your students through their schedules, lockers, lunches, etc. We will also have a back-to-school night on Thursday, August 14th from 5-7 pm. More information will come next week, but it’s typically an open-house style with all teachers and lots of help.
Because we have an open house on the 14th, we ask that you don’t come to tour the school prior to that date. Teachers will just be getting back into their classrooms next week, and we have some fairly major construction happening in parts of the school. If you aren’t able to make it to back-to-school night on the 14th, please check with the main office prior to walking the school with a parent.
7th Grade First Day – Tues, Aug 19
7th Grade students will attend school from 8:00-12:00 on Tuesday, August 19. Buses will be available in the morning and to take students home at noon. The morning bus schedule will be the time listed in Skyward.
The first day is all about learning how to navigate SoJo. Don’t stress about being new – everyone is new and we will spend the time helping you find your way. There will be no breakfast or lunch served on Tuesday, August 19.
Please have 7th grade students bring a pen or pencil and know their first period teacher. That is all they will need. We will hand out a printed schedule to each student in their first period class – as long as they know who their first period teacher is, we will help with the rest.
All Students – Wed, Aug 20
Wednesday, August 20, is the first day all students will be at SoJo. We will run on a regular schedule, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Buses will run on the schedule shown in Skyward.
Construction Updates & Modified Lunch Menu
We are excited to get a fairly extensive renovation for the coming school year. The following areas of the school are being updated and remodeled:
Kitchen
Cafeteria
Ceramics Room
Art Room
NEW – Individual Restrooms near Cafeteria
NEW – Weight Room between Gym and Cafeteria
Construction crews have been working furiously all summer long, and it looks like we’ll be cutting it pretty close. The cafeteria will be open when school starts, but the kitchen will not be finished. With that in mind, we’ll be having a modified lunch menu for the first few weeks of school. Options may include:
Pizza
Pretzels & Sauce
Nachos & Sauce
Deli Sandwiches
Note: Not all options may be available each day, and other options may appear as things progress. Because the situation will be evolving, we’ll update you each week. Here are some pictures of the progress if you’re curious.
FAQ’s & GENERAL INFORMATION
Do I get a locker?
Yes, but you aren’t required to use it. Your locker number and combination will be in Skyward, and we can help you give it a try during 7th Grade Orientation.
How do I keep up on what’s going on at SoJo?
Parent Square updates go out weekly once school starts – usually on Monday afternoons – and will always also be posted on the school website at the same time. We also keep a Google Calendar for important dates, events, and happenings at the school that you can subscribe to on your phone.
Is my student eligible to ride the bus?
The district provides a lookup tool here where you can enter your address and get busing information, including eligibility, stop locations, pickup times, and boundaries.
If you are not eligible for a bus and would like to see if space is available on an existing route, know that those decisions are not made until several weeks into the school year after the transportation department can assess how many students that qualify choose to ride the bus.
Where should my student walk to school?
Each year, we evaluate and update the safest routes for students in our boundaries to use when walking to school. Please visit this page to see the map.
7th Grade Immunization Information
How do I turn them in?
Copies of 7th Grade Immunizations must be submitted by the Friday before school starts. Even if they are up-to-date, we need a copy. Send it via email to torey.carroll@jordandistrict.org, or fax it to 801-412-2930.
What immunizations are required?
We are legally required to have proof of immunization before a student can start 7th grade. The following vaccines are required for students entering seventh grade:
1 TDAP Vaccine
3 Hepatitis B
2 Hepatitis A
2 Varicella (Chickenpox) – A history of disease is acceptable, as long as parent signs a verification statement
1 Meningococcal
TDAP Vaccine Dosage Recommendations:
Adolescents 11-18 years of age who have not received the Tdap vaccine should receive a single dose of Tdap vaccine followed by Td booster doses every 10 years thereafter. Tdap vaccine can be given regardless of when the last tetanus- and diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine was given. Unvaccinated teens or those behind schedule should receive three doses of Td with a one-time dose of Tdap substituted for one of the doses in the series.
For more information on immunization requirements, visit Immunize Utah.
Immunization Clinic Aug 6 @ SoJo
Dress Code Reminders
It’s the time of year that you’re looking at back-to-school shopping, so it’s good to reiterate the district dress code for all Jordan School District schools. A picture is worth a thousand words, so here’s an illustration that makes it easy to see:
Beyond that, we expect students to dress in a way that does not disrupt the learning environment or pose a safety risk to others. More detailed guidelines can be found here.
School Community Council Nominations
Want to get involved? Our school community council plays a vital role in our budgeting, instructional planning, and safety discussions. We meet four to five times a year, and would love to have you join us. Visit our School Community Council page to nominate yourself or someone else to join the team.
The end of the school year is approaching quickly! We sent out a lot of information last week, and here are some additional items and updates that weren’t in the last rounds. The last two weeks are always exciting, and we appreciate your help and support keeping students in class and engaged all the way to the end!
9th Grade Lagoon Day
Tomorrow – Wednesday, May 28 – is the last day to sign up to ride the bus to Lagoon. Permission slips need to be returned to the main office. Lagoon tickets need to be purchased online, in advance. Tickets can be purchased until June 3, but bus sign-ups are due TOMORROW, May 28th.
Check out this document for information, including the discount code for purchasing tickets, bus sign-ups, and park information.
Limited Menu Options for Last Two Weeks of School
Just a reminder that we will have limited lunch options this week and next week. Options/quantities may vary, but the options will likely include:
Pizza
Nachos
Pretzels
Uncrustables
If your student doesn’t enjoy those options, they are welcome to bring lunch from home. Pretzels were super popular today, so we’ll make more tomorrow than we had today. A huge thank you to our cafeteria staff for juggling the construction and serving lunch at the same time!
There will no longer be desserts or Izze drinks available for purchase. Water will be available for purchase as long as it is available.
Locker Cleanout
Students will be cleaning out lockers this Friday, May 30th during the last 5 minutes of the day. Please remind your student to take down any decorations and bring home anything they want to keep. Anything left in the locker will be removed after this Friday.
Get Ahead of Chromebook Fines
Chromebooks will be returned to the school on June 2nd during language arts classes.
Now is the time to check your student’s Chromebook and take care of any damage. If your student has a cracked screen or missing key, there are some repairs that can be made BEFORE June 2. If the Chromebook is returned with significant damage, if the Chromebook will not power on, or if the Chromebook returned is not the one assigned to your student, you will be charged the full $250.
View this video with your student – it will help you check if the Chromebook the student has is the Chromebook they are supposed to have. Power the Chromebook on and make sure the screen works. If there are any issues, have your student talk to the school tech BEFORE June 2.
Evacuation Drill
We will be holding our last evacuation drill of the year on Tuesday, June 3rd.
Memory Books Still Available – Order Online Today!
Memory book prices have gone up, but they’re still available! Ordering online now helps simplify the pickup process. A limited number of books will be sold at the cash table (exact change only) on Memory Book Signing Day, June 5—while supplies last.
SoJo’s 9th Grade students are invited to attend Lagoon Day on Wednesday, June 4. We are aware it is the same day as Bingham High School’s graduation ceremony. Students can arrange their own transportation to and from Lagoon if they want to attend both activities.
Check out this document for information, including the discount code for purchasing tickets, bus sign-ups, and park information.
Limited Menu Options for Last Two Weeks of School
We are getting some much-needed upgrades to our school kitchen and cafeteria, as well as a new weight room over the summer. In order to finish before school starts in the fall, construction will be started in the kitchen next Monday, May 26th. Our wonderful kitchen staff are still committed to providing a great lunch to your students for the final two weeks of school. At the same time, options will be limited. Students will be able to choose from:
Pizza
Deli Sandwich
Uncrustables
There may be a few other options as the situation allows, but if your student doesn’t enjoy those options, they are welcome to bring lunch from home. We look forward to a much-improved setup for lunches next year, and are excited to offer weights as a class as well.
Memory Book – Late Purchases
There is a list posted by the Main Office of all those who have purchased a Memory Book. If your student wants a Memory Book, please have them check the list to make sure their name is on it!
A limited number of memory books will still be available for $40 online while supplies last, but if you make a purchase from today forward, you must bring in your receipt in order to pick up your book. Your book will not be delivered with the other books, but will be available for pickup the same morning as everyone else on June 5th.
We will also sell any remaining books for exact cash ($40) on Memory Book Signing Day – June 5. Don’t miss out—order your memory book now!
We are nearing the end of the year, and now is a good time to check if there are any outstanding fines or fees. There are two places to check: 1. Skyward – to see current fines and fees. 2. Destiny – to see items that are assigned/loaned to each student.
If you will be ending the year early for a vacation or other reasons, please turn in your Chromebook before you leave to avoid any charges for an unreturned Chromebook.
All students will return their Chromebooks on Monday, June 2. Fines will be assessed for Chromebook damage and for missing charging cords. Please check Skyward for any fines before and after June 2. If a student returns a Chromebook that is not theirs, the full cost of a lost Chromebook will be assessed. Chromebook mix ups happen more often than you might think. If there is more than one JSD student in a household or if students complete homework together, they can pick up someone else’s Chromebook. Here is a video to help you check if the Chromebook the student has is the Chromebook they are supposed to have.
June 4 – Lagoon Day (9th), Field Day (7th & 8th)
9th graders will attend Lagoon. We will have shorter classes for 7th and 8th graders, followed by Field Day organized by our SBOs at the end of the day. There will be activities where students might get wet, although getting wet will not be required. The school dress code still applies to all activities.
NOTE: Students who are repeatedly tardy to class or skip class altogether may lose the ability to attend Lagoon Day or Field Day. Similar consequences may be given for repeated or severe behavior incidents.
June 5 – Last Day for 7th Grade and Memory Book Signing
The last day for 7th Grade students is Thursday, June 5. Students will attend the full day from 8:00-3:00. Memory Books will be distributed on Thursday, June 5. If your student is not in attendance, they can pick up their Memory Book in the main office beginning Friday, June 6. We will not distribute Memory Books before June 5.
June 6 – Last Day of 4th Quarter, Last Day for 8th and 9th Graders
The last day of the 2024-2025 school year is June 6. 8th and 9th Grade students will attend on a half-day schedule. School will be held from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Breakfast will be served. Lunch WILL NOT be served. Students will not be allowed in the building after 12 pm so that we can have our end-of-year faculty meeting.
As the end of the school year approaches, please review your student’s lunch account balance. Negative balances need to be resolved by May 31st, even if the student is on free or reduced lunch. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Lunch Clerk by phone at 801-412-2918, or email at suzanne.darby@jordandistrict.org.
Free Mental Wellness Screening, In-Person & Virtual Appointments Available
On Wednesday, April 30, Jordan School District will host a free mental wellness screening for students and families. Screenings can be conducted in person at Riverton High School. Appointments occur every 45 minutes starting at 3:45 p.m. and ending by 7:30 p.m. In-person and virtual options are available. We do not have Spanish speaking therapists available this night!
Students will complete a brief screening and a licensed therapist will review results. Recommendations will be offered to student’s families for follow-up. We look forward to supporting your family’s mental wellness.
It’s time to look back on what we’ve learned with end-of-year assessments. Here are the assessments and dates by grade:
9th Grade – ASPIRE+, April 24 & 25
8th Grade – RISE, Writing April 24 & 25, Science, Math & Reading May 12-16th
7th Grade – RISE, Science, Math & Reading May 12-16th
The tests are completed online using the student’s Chromebook. Please help your students be prepared by charging their Chromebooks each night and bringing them to school each day. Please have students bring their own earbuds as well.
All students will be on a block schedule for April 24 & 25. This schedule change impacts class start and end times, and can also impact lunch assignments. School will begin and end at the same time and bus schedules are unchanged. If your student has a partial schedule, please look closely at the Block Schedule and Lunch Assignments. These documents can also be found on the SoJo Calendar.
End-of-year testing gives the students and teachers a lot of very important information about what they’ve learned and how to improve going forward, and we appreciate any and all reinforcement from home to give the assessments their very best!
BHS Arena Scheduling
9th Graders will be able to view their 10th grade schedule beginning on April 22 at 3:00pm. Arena Scheduling will open April 30 at 4:00 pm and end May 1 at 11:59pm. Bingham counselors will be available to help both in-person and via Zoom on April 30 between 4:00 and 5:00pm. To access help through Zoom, click on this link: https://uetn-org.zoom.us/j/88256896497?pwd=XsUA419jqyGqZ72CTfiOKhu15kltGQ.1#success
Meeting ID: 882 5689 6497
Passcode: 806563
Panorama Survey Next Week
Students will be taking our district’s Panorama survey next Tuesday during their science classes. This is the same surrey given in the fall, winter and spring each year. This survey gives us insight into how students feel about school and helps us drive change for our school culture. The survey will only be administered to students whose parents gave permission for the survey during registration. This survey will be given to students during class and should only take about 15-20 minutes. Students will be asked how they think and feel about school. Here is a link to some of the questions that your student may be asked.
This data will be used alongside academic, behavioral, and attendance records in order to support the whole child. By using Panorama, our school will be able to act on data and plan solutions at the school, classroom, and student level. Thank you so much for your support at home. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact your student’s school counselor.
Come support Inclusion Week at SOJO! The purpose of this week is to be inclusive and supportive of everyone here at South Jordan Middle School. You can participate by dressing up or participating during lunch time activities! Let’s go SOJO!
MONDAY, 3/3 – “Marvel”ous Monday! Wear something with Marvel on it.
TUESDAY, 3/4 – Team Sports Tuesday! Wear your favorite sports jersey.
THURSDAY, 3/6 – Gamer Thursday! Wear some gamer gear.
FRIDAY, 3/7 – Fairytale Friday! Channel your inner prince or princess.
Inclusion Week is sponsored by Special Olympics and Unified Sports, and we love to see so many of you participate!
What Did My Student Get for Lunch?
Did you know that you can see what meal choices (and treat choices) your student makes? Just go to Skyward under Food Service. To the right of that screen, you can not only see what they buy, but you can also put a limit on ala carte options if you’d like to do so.
Digital Hall Pass
We’re in the early stages of using our new digital hall pass, and that includes getting the process to the point where we can call for a student and have all of the moving parts connect. We mentioned the ability to schedule your student to be ready for appointments, and we aren’t able to launch that until we can get the bugs worked out. Once it’s ready to roll, we’ll put it out in a ParentSquare message. Thanks for your patience!
8th Grade Career Day
Parents,
We need your help on Wednesday, April 9th at our 8th grade Career Day! If you love your job and would be willing to tell our 8th graders about it, please let us know. We are looking for a large variety of jobs to be represented. Parent volunteers would offer two 20-minute presentations to eighth graders. If you are available from 1:00-2:15 on Wednesday, April 9, please fill out the form below. We would love to hear from you!
