Category: Parent Square

Welcome back, SoJo! We know it’s a little early to be sending out school information, but we get a lot of questions as school gets closer, so here’s a rundown of things you’ll see in this Skylert:

• Important Back-to-School Dates
• Registration Information
• Schedule Changes
• New Administrator
• Back-to-School Night Information
• First Days of School Schedules
• Bell Schedules
• Dress Code Reminders
• Community Council Nominations
• Frequently Asked Questions (Schedules, Lockers, School Tours, etc.)
• 7th Grade Immunization Requirements

Important Dates

• August 9:  Immunization Clinic, 10:00 am to Noon in the Attendance Office
• August 10: Registration Opens / Schedules Available
• August 11: All Incoming 7th grade immunizations need to be turned in
• August 17: Back to School Night, 4 – 6 pm 
• August 21: First Day for 7th Graders, 8 am – 12 pm
• August 22: First Day for All Students, 8 am – 3 pm
• August 31: School Picture dates (Makeup Pictures October 5th)

Registration Information (August 10th)

Online registration for the 2023-24 school year opens on August 10th on Skyward, and this is also the day that class schedules will be available. Registration must be completed prior to school starting, including required immunizations for 7th graders. Online registration includes a variety of information and consent forms from the school and district, payment of registration fees, and the option to add lunch money to your student’s account, purchase a memory book, pay course fees (coming soon), etc.

Note: If you need assistance with fees, please contact an administrator. 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 Available August 10, Once Registration is Complete

Once you finish registration and pay your registration and class fees, you’ll be able to view your schedule in Skyward. We have done our very best to get you as much of what you requested in the spring as possible. 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.

Also, please be sure to recheck your schedule before the first day of school. We’ll remind you, but there are rare instances where staffing changes require minor schedule adjustments and it’s always a good idea to check in again on Skyward the day before we start to make sure there are no surprises.

New Administrator

For the first time in a long time, there are no leaving administrators. However, we are lucky to have a part-time administrator joining us this year: Karen Moore. Karen joins us from West Jordan Middle School, and has a wealth of instructional leadership experience both as an instructional coach and as an administrator. 

Back-to-School Night / School Open House (August 17th, 4-6 pm)

Back-to-School Night is your chance to come and tour the school, meet your teachers, ask questions, and try finding classes and opening your locker. You are not required to come, but it’s a great chance to relieve anxiety about coming to a new school. We’ll also have time for our PTSA to propose their budget for the year and discuss opportunities to serve. If you need to have a personal conversation about the specific needs of your student, please contact the teacher and set up a meeting at another time.

7th Grade Orientation / First Half Day of School (August 21st)

This day is set aside just for 7th graders. We’ll run through all 7 classes, talk about common questions new students often have, and make sure you can find all of your classes.

• 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Buses will pick up and drop off students, and no breakfast or lunch will be served

First Day of School for All Students (August 22nd)

This is our first full day of school with all students, and will run on our normal schedule – 8 am to 3 pm. Students will go directly to their 1st period class, and we’ll have lots of adults in the halls to help them find it.

Bell Schedules

We have all seven classes every day, and a late start schedule on Fridays. Monday through Thursday, we also have PROWL, which is an intervention time for students to get help in specific areas. The bell schedule can be found here.

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.

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 on Back-to-School Night or 7th Grade Orientation.

Can I come in and tour the school before school starts? Yes! On the Back-to-School Night, August 17th, the school will be open for students and parents to tour the school, meet teachers, find classes, and try out/decorate your locker.

What are your summer hours? We’re open daily from 8 am to 3 pm for new registrations, questions, etc. If you’re wanting to tour the school with your student, find your classes, decorate lockers, and meet your teachers, please plan on Back-to-School Night.

How do I keep up on what’s going on at SoJo? Skylerts 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.

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.

What immunizations are required? 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.

Parents and students,

Recently, it came to our attention that next year’s student schedules were inadvertently released prematurely. This has now been corrected and schedules are no longer visible. Schedules will be viewable starting on August 10th. 

Many changes can occur to the master schedule throughout the summer and it is for this reason that schedules aren’t released until we are confident that more changes will not occur. If your student did see their schedule, please understand that changes may occur until schedules are officially released. 

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

We’re almost at the end of the school year. Please make sure you aren’t surprised by your grades at the last minute, and note that most work is due by the end of this week. 

Year-End Important Dates

Thursday, May 25 – Chromebook Return

Each student was assigned a Chromebook and Chromebook Charger at the beginning of the year. Fees will be assessed for any damage to the Chromebook. The Chromebook must turn on and be free of damage. PLEASE talk with your student now and have them make sure their Chromebook is clean and charged. Chromebooks are $265 and a Chromebook Charger is $25. 

Monday, May 29 – Memorial Day – No School

Wednesday, May 31 – Memory Book Signing

The bell schedule will be modified to allow for school-wide yearbook signing in the afternoon. Please check the school calendar for details.

Memory Books will be distributed during 1st Period on Wednesday, May 31. 

*** Reminder*** 

Please check Skyward Family Access to pay any outstanding fees/fines. All SJMS library books, textbooks, Chromebooks and chargers need to be returned to school or the fine paid prior to Memory Book distribution. Please and thank you!

Thursday, June 1 – Lagoon Day/Field Day – Last Day for 7th Grade Students

The bell schedule will be modified to allow for Field Day Activities in the afternoon. Please check the school calendar for details. June 1 is the last day of school for 7th Grade Students.

Lagoon Day for our outgoing 9th graders will be Thursday, June 1st. Students will come to school that day for our end-of-year slideshow and some fun, and then will board the bus and go to Lagoon. All of the information about purchasing tickets, departure and pickup times, etc. can be found here, and hard copies of the permission slip will be available in the main office.

There will be no charge to ride the bus, but the permission slip must be signed in order to ride with the school. Tickets must be purchased in advance on the Lagoon website, and the discount code can be found in the information packet. Lagoon will be open to the public that day, and won’t close until 9 or 10 pm. However, buses will return at 5 pm.

Friday, June 2 – Last Day for 8th & 9th Grade Students

Please note – school starts at 8:00 AM on June 2. There is no late start and no lunch will be served. The school will only be open between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM. If your student chooses not to attend on June 2, it will not negatively impact their academic or citizenship grade. Due to end-of-year staff activities, no students will be allowed in the building after 12:00 PM. For those students who ride a bus, bus transportation will be available for the 8:00 AM drop off and 12:00 PM pick up. If you plan to pick up your student, please know they will be waiting outside with no access to a school phone.

Counseling Center Survey for Parents

Every few years, counselors survey parents and students about the counseling program in order to improve how we serve you. Your feedback is crucial! Students will be taking the survey in their PROWL class this Thursday. A link to the parent survey is below. It is available in English or Spanish. If you have 5-10 minutes to fill out this survey within the next two weeks we would really appreciate it! The more people we hear from the better!

Parent Survey Link:  https://www.ctesurveys.com/CTESurvey?PointerId=646&SchoolId=162

Final Panorama Survey of the School Year

This Thursday students will be taking our district’s Panorama SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Survey. This survey will be given to students during the PROWL period 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. This survey:

• Is not a curriculum
• Is not a mental health screener
• Has nothing to do with 2nd Step
• Has nothing to do with Critical Race Theory (CRT)

Thank you so much for your support at home. 

The last month of school is an exciting time with a lot of exciting events taking place. Make sure you check our calendar for events like concerts and performances, as well as things like a school dance and Lagoon day. 

In this Skylert, you’ll find:

• School Dance Info (Friday, May 19th)
• Lagoon Day Info (Thursday, June 1st)
• Chromebook Return Info
• Memory Book Purchase Info
• Memory Book Cover Contest Info

Sneaker Ball Important Information (Friday, May 19th)

Our PTSA is hosting a Sneaker Ball (wear whatever, as long as you wear sneakers – and it fits in the dress code) at the end of the day on Friday, May 19th. There are a few things you need to know:

• We Can’t Check Students Out After 2 pm
  • Students get to choose which activity they go to (dance, movie, or game rooms), so by the time we find where they went, it’ll probably be 3 pm.
  • If you know you’ll need to check your student out beforehand, please use this prior release form and have your child bring it with them to 7th period on Friday. 
  • This form will allow them (at 2 pm and not before) to turn in this form to be checked out to you. You won’t need to come into the school if you have completed the form.
  • This form must be filled out prior to school on Friday. We’ll have a limited number of copies in the attendance office all week for students who can’t print one at home. 
• Alternate Activities
  • We’ll have a movie in the KIVA (Puss in Boots: The Last Wish) and some game rooms. If you have a video game (school appropriate, of course) that you want to play, you’ll need to bring it on Friday. If you bring your own game or Nintendo Switch, you’re responsible for its care and any loss or damage.
• Behavior Expectations
  • We’re not filtering who can attend the dance based on citizenship, so we would love your help emphasizing proper behavior from home.
  • If we have to pull your child out of an activity due to their behavior, it may affect their ability to participate in other end-of-year activities like the field day, Lagoon, or memory book signing.

9th Grade Lagoon Day (Thursday, June 1st)

Lagoon Day for our outgoing 9th graders will be Thursday, June 1st. Students will come to school that day for our end-of-year slideshow and some fun, and then will board the bus and go to Lagoon. All of the information about purchasing tickets, departure and pickup times, etc. can be found here, and hard copies of the permission slip will be available in the main office.

There will be no charge to ride the bus, but the permission slip must be signed in order to ride with the school. Tickets must be purchased in advance on the Lagoon website, and the discount code can be found in the information packet. Lagoon will be open to the public that day, and won’t close until 9 or 10 pm. However, buses will return at 5 pm.

Chromebooks, Chargers, and Loaners OH MY

We are nearing the end of the school year and fees are being added to Skyward for missing Chromebooks. Each student was assigned a Chromebook and Chromebook Charger at the beginning of the year. Some students have also borrowed what we call Loaner Chromebooks and Loaner Chromebook Chargers. Students who have a Loaner Chromebook will be charged $265 along with $25 for any Loaner Chromebook Charger. Fees will also be assessed for any damage to the Chromebook. PLEASE talk with your student now and have them return any loaned items. ALL items must be returned by May 25th. 

Memory Book

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!

• You may purchase a Memory Book on Skyward Family Access or in the Main Office for $35.00. Online and in person sales end May 19th (or while supplies last).
• Please pay any fines/fees BEFORE May 31st. Students who are missing library books, textbooks, or have Chromebook fines will have their Memory Book held until the item is returned or the fine is paid.
• Memory Books will be distributed Wednesday, May 31st. (No books will be released early.) There will be a table for CASH ONLY SALES at the signing party for $35.00. 

Any Memory Books not picked up that day will be available in the Main Office!

Design Next Year’s Memory Book Cover!

Calling all SOJO student artists! The Memory Book Staff wants you to create the cover for next year’s book. For the first time, there will be a student cover art contest. The theme is “Paws for the Moment.” The art needs to include the snow leopard and show school pride. Students can work individually or in groups. There are a lot of important specifications for submissions, and this flier has all of the information you need. A hard copy can also be picked up in the Main Office, and found on the PTSA and SJMS social media sites.

Entries need to be submitted both digitally and physically by Thursday, May 18th. Email any questions to sojoyearbook@gmail.com. Memory Book advisors are PTSA volunteers and cannot receive or reply to student JSD email addresses, so do not use your school account.

We have such talented students and are very excited to see what they create.

Calling all SOJO student artists! The Memory Book Staff wants you to create the cover for next year’s book. For the first time, there will be a student cover art contest. The theme is “Paws for the Moment.” The art needs to include the snow leopard and show school pride. Students can work individually or in groups. There are a lot of important specifications for submissions, and this flier has all of the information you need. A hard copy can also be picked up in the Main Office, and found on the PTSA and SJMS social media sites.

Entries need to be submitted both digitally and physically by Thursday, May 18th. Email any questions to sojoyearbook@gmail.com. Memory Book advisors are PTSA volunteers and cannot receive or reply to student JSD email addresses, so do not use your school account.

We have such talented students and are very excited to see what they create.

Welcome back from mid-spring recess! Nothing says 4-day week like a block schedule and end-of-year testing. You can check out our block schedule for this Thursday and Friday here. For more information on the purpose and things we get out of testing, check out this post here.

Memory Books are Going Fast!

This week is our PTSA’s final Memory Book Sales Drive. All students who purchase a memory book before Friday the 28th will be entered into a drawing. Prizes include candy, Chick-Fil-A, Target and Nike gift cards, and a pair of AirPods. 

The Main Office will keep an updated list of students who have purchased their books on the glass this week. If your student’s name is on the list, they are in the drawing. If not, purchase their book in the Main Office or on Skyward. There are a limited number of unsold books available. Once we are sold out, we cannot order more. The drawing will be held on April 1st.

How Does Buying a Memory Book Support the School/PTSA?

Did you know that the PTSA’s Memory Book funds all of their programs? The PTSA provides our students and teachers with programs and support that make our school great. They provide grants to teachers who want to innovate in their classrooms, socials and spirit nights for our students, meals for our teachers when they need to work extended hours, and so much more. Their programs would not be possible without Memory Book sales.

April is flying by! Now that we’re getting closer to the end of the year, there are a few things coming up to note:

No School on Friday, April 21 or Monday, April 24

Friday is a professional development day for teachers, and Monday is Mid-Spring Recess.

Memory Book Purchases

There are a limited number of extra memory books. If you haven’t already purchased one, you can do so in the main office, or on Skyward under Fee Management.

Resources for Parents

Parenting is hard! There are many resources to help. One resource the district has partnered with is ParentGuidance.org. They offer free virtual courses on a variety of topics such as anxiety, depression, bullying and more. They also offer free coaching with trained professionals who can give you feedback and ideas on your specific situation. 

School Community Council Meeting

We’ll be meeting tonight at 4 pm for our final community council meeting of the year. Feel free to join us!

End of the year testing update:

Dear Parents/Guardians,

End of the year testing is approaching.  The assessments that your child will be given are determined by the grade they are currently in.  Our 7^th and 8^th grade students will take the RISE Assessment, and our 9^th grade students will take the Utah Aspire +.

RISE Assessment (grades 7^th and 8^th):

Subjects Tested: English Language Arts (ELA), Science, Math, Writing (only assessed in grade 8)

Assessment dates: 4/27-5/12- Teachers administering the RISE assessment are given a window to complete the assessment.  It is up to the individual teacher as to when they will be giving their assessment within the window. 

How testing data is used: This assessment is based on state standards and gives teachers immediate feedback as to how students are doing.  Teachers can use the RISE assessment as a grade in Skyward if the grade helps the student.  If the grade on the RISE assessment will lower a student’s grade in the class, then the RISE assessment cannot be used for a student’s grade in Skyward.  Because this assessment covers the class’s standards, many classes choose to use it in place of a class final.  In the event of extenuating circumstances that prevent a child from participating in the assessment, teachers can give an alternative assignment (usually an end of year review of all standards for the course) and the student may still have to take a final for the course depending on the course expectations. In such cases, the student will remain in the classroom and work on an alternative assignment while their class tests. 

Utah ASPIRE + (grade 9):

Subjects Tested: English, Reading, Math, and Science

Assessment Dates: 4/27 and 4/28- Students will follow a block schedule to take this exam.

English Test: will be taken in ELA 

Reading Test: will be taken in World Geography

Math Test: will be taken in Math

Science Test: will be taken in Science

How assessment data is used: This exam (if all 4 sections are taken) will give students and parents a predictive ACT score and helps evaluate secondary program preparedness.  This exam is written by the same company as ACT, and serves as a great practice for students that will be taking the ACT their junior year.  Results are sent to parents over the summer.  ACT can be used as a college entrance exam, and many programs use ACT scores to determine a student’s college scholarship eligibility. 

Because this exam will take place during 2 block schedule days, all classes will be held including those classes that are not tested subjects.  Students who are unable to participate in the assessment due to extenuating circumstances will stay in their classroom during testing, and no classroom instruction will take place.  In such cases, students will NOT be allowed to use computers, phones, or any other technology in order to keep the testing environment secure.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to your students’ counselor!