To: Jordan School District Patrons, Elected Officials and Employees
From: Jordan School District Board of Education
Superintendent Barry Newbold has announced his retirement from Jordan School District effective January 1, 2011.
Between now and December 14, 2010, the Board of Education will be engaged in identifying outstanding individuals for consideration to lead Jordan School District as Superintendent. We desire public input regarding qualifications, characteristics, and areas of focus for the position of Superintendent of Schools.
To receive your input we have scheduled six public meetings. We welcome and encourage your attendance. The remaining meetings will be held as follows:
Tuesday, October 5 Oquirrh Hills Middle School
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. 12949 South 2700 West, Riverton
Wednesday, October 6 Joel P. Jensen Middle School
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. 8105 South 3200 West, West Jordan
Thursday, October 7 West Hills Middle School
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. 8270 S. Grizzly Way (5400 W.), West Jordan
* If you are unable to attend these meetings, please participate through an online survey.
* Superintendent Selection Survey
(This page can be accessed by going to www.jordandistrict.org/board/superintendent/index.html You can go to the district website and on the home page click on Public Meetings for Superintendent Search on the right side of the page towards the bottom at Stay Connected. It brings up a page titled Public Meetings Regarding the Search for a Superintendent. After the meeting schedule it says:
If you are unable to attend these meetings, please participate through an online survey.
Superintendent Selection Survey
Click on this link and it will take you to a survey.)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
New Start and End Times Begin Tuesday September 7, 2010
September 1, 2010
Dear Parents and Students,
Daily, over the past week, various experts from Risk Management, transportation, Riverton city, law enforcement, and district personnel have been observing our student and traffic flow. As a result of their study Southland Elementary School’s start and end times will be changing to better facilitate the safety of our students. The time change will go into effect on Tuesday, September 7, 2010. The schedule is as follows:
Grades 1 – 6
Monday - Thursday
1st Bell: 8:25 a.m.
School Starts: 8:30 a.m.
School Ends: 3:05 p.m.
Friday
1st Bell: 8:25 a.m.
School Starts: 8:30 a.m.
School Ends: 1:25 p.m.
Tardy students are asked to enter their grade level doors and proceed directly to class from 8:30-8:40 a.m. as teachers take roll on the computer in the classroom. After 8:40 a.m. students will need to be escorted by a parent to the office and be checked in at the office.
A.M. Kindergarten
Monday - Thursday
School Starts: 8:30 a.m.
School Ends: 11:10 a.m.
Friday
School Starts: 8:30 a.m.
School Ends: 10:30 a.m.
P.M. Kindergarten
Monday-Thursday
School Starts: 12:25 p.m.
School Ends: 3:05 p.m.
Friday
School Starts: 11:25 a.m.
School Ends: 1:25 p.m.
We are making every possible effort to notify parents of the change in a very short period of time so any help you can give by sharing this information with neighbors would be greatly appreciated.
The new parking lot procedures will continue to be in place. All traffic that turns left into the school will use the north drive through. All traffic making right hand turns will use the south drive through. The drop-off/pick-up areas are designed for thru traffic to the left and immediate drop-off/pick-up along the sidewalk with traffic merging back into the thru lane traffic when safe. Patrons may use any of the parking stalls to park. Students may not be dropped-off/picked-up in the parking area but must be escorted by an adult through the drop-off/pick-up lanes if using the parking area. Please refer to the hand out in your first day packets for more detailed information.
Thank you for kindness, courtesy, and patience as we focus on what is best for students.
Terri Summers
Principal Southland Elementary
Dear Parents and Students,
Daily, over the past week, various experts from Risk Management, transportation, Riverton city, law enforcement, and district personnel have been observing our student and traffic flow. As a result of their study Southland Elementary School’s start and end times will be changing to better facilitate the safety of our students. The time change will go into effect on Tuesday, September 7, 2010. The schedule is as follows:
Grades 1 – 6
Monday - Thursday
1st Bell: 8:25 a.m.
School Starts: 8:30 a.m.
School Ends: 3:05 p.m.
Friday
1st Bell: 8:25 a.m.
School Starts: 8:30 a.m.
School Ends: 1:25 p.m.
Tardy students are asked to enter their grade level doors and proceed directly to class from 8:30-8:40 a.m. as teachers take roll on the computer in the classroom. After 8:40 a.m. students will need to be escorted by a parent to the office and be checked in at the office.
A.M. Kindergarten
Monday - Thursday
School Starts: 8:30 a.m.
School Ends: 11:10 a.m.
Friday
School Starts: 8:30 a.m.
School Ends: 10:30 a.m.
P.M. Kindergarten
Monday-Thursday
School Starts: 12:25 p.m.
School Ends: 3:05 p.m.
Friday
School Starts: 11:25 a.m.
School Ends: 1:25 p.m.
We are making every possible effort to notify parents of the change in a very short period of time so any help you can give by sharing this information with neighbors would be greatly appreciated.
The new parking lot procedures will continue to be in place. All traffic that turns left into the school will use the north drive through. All traffic making right hand turns will use the south drive through. The drop-off/pick-up areas are designed for thru traffic to the left and immediate drop-off/pick-up along the sidewalk with traffic merging back into the thru lane traffic when safe. Patrons may use any of the parking stalls to park. Students may not be dropped-off/picked-up in the parking area but must be escorted by an adult through the drop-off/pick-up lanes if using the parking area. Please refer to the hand out in your first day packets for more detailed information.
Thank you for kindness, courtesy, and patience as we focus on what is best for students.
Terri Summers
Principal Southland Elementary
Friday, March 12, 2010
Chinese Immersion Program 2010/2011 School Program
Next school year Southland Elementary will begin a Chinese Dual Immersion Program. It will start with next year's First graders. A parent meeting explaining the program will be held at Southland Elementary School on March 17, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Media Center. Three other Jordan School District schools will be beginning programs as well. If you are unable to attend the parent meeting at Southland you can attend a meeting at one of the other schools. If you are unable to attend any of the meetings please contact Terri Summers at 801-254-8047 or terri.summers@jordan.k12.ut.us
We will begin accepting applications on March 17, 2010. Admission into the program will be a random computer generated drawing after the application deadline. I will post applications and information letters about the program on the blog.
PARENT MEETINGS
March 16, 7:00 - Eastlake Elementary - Jan Tanner - 4389 W. Isla Daybreak Rd. (10790 S.) South Jordan
March 17, 7:30 - Southland Elementary - Terri Summers - 12675 S. 2700 W. Riverton
March 25, 6:30 - Monte Vista - Thomas Little - 11121 S. 2700 W. South Jordan
STUDENT APPLICATION
SOUTHLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Chinese Dual Immersion Program Registration Form
2010-2011 School Year
______________________________________ _________________________
Student’s Name Entering Grade Level
______________________________________ __________ __________
Parents (Guardians) Home Phone # Cell #
______________________________________ _________________________
Address Student’s Birthdate
Do you live within the boundaries of Southland? _____Yes _____No
Please list the names and grade levels of other children attending Southland:
_________________________________ _______________________
_________________________________ _______________________
_________________________________ _______________________
Name Teacher/Grade Level
What language did your child first learn to speak?______________________
What language is primarily spoken in your home?_____________________
Does either parent speak Chinese? Mother_____ Father_____ Both_____ Neither____
Do you know anyone who speaks Mandarin Chinese ? _____________________________
Would they be available to volunteer? _______________________________________
Are there any concerns or comments you have about this program or your child you would like to share?
COMPLETED APPLICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR A RANDOM SELECTION BASIS BEGINNING MARCH 17, 2010
PARENT COMMITMENT FORM
For Chinese Immersion Placement
Parent Name__________________________________Date____/____/____
Child’s Name__________________________________Grade Level_________
I am requesting that my child be enrolled in the Chinese Immersion Program at Southland Elementary. I understand that the enrollment of my child is conditional on my understanding of and commitment to the following, along with space availability:
1. Children enrolled in the Immersion Program will remain together in
first grade through sixth grade.
2. I understand that parents need to read to their child at home 20-30 minutes daily in English.
3. I intend to support my child in the Immersion Program grades one - six.
4. I understand attendance is of key importance and commit to having my child arrive at school on time and attend school except for illnesses and family emergencies.
5. I will consult with teachers and administration for additional strategies to support my child to increase success in the Immersion Program.
6. I understand that the dual immersions model will be implemented in each class. English instruction will include, Language Arts, with reinforcement in Math and content areas, Chinese instruction will include math and Chinese literacy. P.E. art, health, and music will be taught in both languages.
7. If my child, once enrolled in the Immersion Program is discovered to have learning problems in their first language which makes success in the program very difficult, I agree to have him/her evaluated and consider reassignment to a regular classroom situation.
Parent Signature:________________________________Date:___/____/___
Parent Signature:________________________________Date:___/____/___
INFORMATIONAL LETTERS
Southland Elementary Chinese Immersion Program
Dear Kindergarten Parents,
You may have already heard about an exciting new program starting at Southland Elementary in the 20010-2011 school year. Beginning next year, we will offer a Chinese Immersion Program for our first graders that will continue into sixth grade. Each year we will add a class to the program until we have an immersion class for every grade here at Southland Elementary. Our district is totally committed to this world language program and will provide additional Chinese language classes at the secondary level.
What is an immersion program?
Immersion means a student will be totally immersed in the second language during half of their school day. The teacher will speak only Chinese to them (except in cases of emergency). Our state has chosen to go with a 50/50 model. That means the students will be taught for 50% of the day in English and 50% of the day in Chinese. The students will be taught reading, writing, and language skills in English. Math and other content area subjects will be taught in Chinese, some of which will be reinforced in English. Students will complete their elementary years learning all of the Utah core curriculum as well as learning a second language.
The immersion model has proven to be the most effective model for learning a second language. Studies have shown that students who are in immersion programs score as well as or better than their peers on English standardized tests. In the next several weeks we will be sending home information weekly to inform you about the benefits of the program, how to sign up for the program, and answer questions you may have concerning our immersion program.
If you have additional questions or want to get your name on the list, please contact the school office.
Sincerely,
Terri Summers
Letter 2
Southland Elementary Chinese Immersion Program
Why should I choose immersion for my child?
There are several benefits to learning a second language-- social, educational, cognitive, cultural, and economic to name a few. Immersion has proven to be the most effective way to become proficient in a second language.
In CAL digest, April 2006, it states that “a growing number of U.S. parents view bilingualism as a laudable family goal. The reasons for this trend include a desire to maintain ties to the parents’ heritage language and culture, to provide children with academic and cognitive advantages, and to promote cross-cultural understanding and communication.”
The younger a child is, the easier it is to acquire a second language. By starting your child in 1st grade, he will have an advantage over students starting their 2nd language in junior high and high school. Mastering a second language makes learning a third language even easier. Many students who have participated in immersion programs go on to acquire a third language when they reach high school.
There are many studies that show students in immersion programs outperform students in all-English schools on a variety of English language tests—reading, writing, listening, etc. This may seem counterintuitive; however, students who know another language gain insights to understanding their primary language better.
Proficiency in another language can also open up job prospects in business, politics, tourism, or communications. In the global marketplace there are plenty of jobs that call for bilingual proficiency. “Individuals with multilingual competence are able to take professional roles that cross linguistic boundaries. Cultural and national boundaries around the world are coming down in increasing numbers.” (Cloud, Geness, Hamayan, Dual Language Instruction, 2000)
We invite you to consider the Chinese Immersion Program for your first grader.
Sincerely,
Terri Summers
Letter 3
Southland Elementary Chinese Immersion Program
Dear Kindergarten Parents,
Several parents have asked why Southland Elementary chose Chinese for their immersion program.
First, we are starting this dual immersion program with funds from a state grant. The state awarded grants to schools for specific languages. Each school applied for the language they felt their community would support. As Chinese dual immersion language programs have been implemented statewide, more and more parents in our area have requested information and expressed an interest in such a program. When the opportunity came to receive funding, we were willing to apply!
We know how important it is as members of a global society to learn another language, especially Chinese. Culturally and economically, knowing Chinese and English will open multiple opportunities for our students throughout the United States and the world. More people know and speak Chinese in the world than any other first language.
There are a lot of possibilities for jobs in business and economic areas that will be more easily obtained by students who know Chinese. New job opportunities are becoming available to Chinese speakers in education, business, retail, marketing, news media, politics, and finance. As our state competes for a place in our global economy, we will continue to see additional business enterprises relocating to communities where the work force is prepared to service a growing international clientele. The possibilities that exist for speakers of Chinese are available and will continue to grow.
This is a great time to take advantage of an opportunity to have your student learn a second language that will prove incredibly useful and practical in the future.
If you are interested in enrolling your student in the Chinese immersion program or would like more information, we look forward to your attendance at a Parent Meeting, which will be held March 17, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Media Center.
Sincerely,
Terri Summers
We will begin accepting applications on March 17, 2010. Admission into the program will be a random computer generated drawing after the application deadline. I will post applications and information letters about the program on the blog.
PARENT MEETINGS
March 16, 7:00 - Eastlake Elementary - Jan Tanner - 4389 W. Isla Daybreak Rd. (10790 S.) South Jordan
March 17, 7:30 - Southland Elementary - Terri Summers - 12675 S. 2700 W. Riverton
March 25, 6:30 - Monte Vista - Thomas Little - 11121 S. 2700 W. South Jordan
STUDENT APPLICATION
SOUTHLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Chinese Dual Immersion Program Registration Form
2010-2011 School Year
______________________________________ _________________________
Student’s Name Entering Grade Level
______________________________________ __________ __________
Parents (Guardians) Home Phone # Cell #
______________________________________ _________________________
Address Student’s Birthdate
Do you live within the boundaries of Southland? _____Yes _____No
Please list the names and grade levels of other children attending Southland:
_________________________________ _______________________
_________________________________ _______________________
_________________________________ _______________________
Name Teacher/Grade Level
What language did your child first learn to speak?______________________
What language is primarily spoken in your home?_____________________
Does either parent speak Chinese? Mother_____ Father_____ Both_____ Neither____
Do you know anyone who speaks Mandarin Chinese ? _____________________________
Would they be available to volunteer? _______________________________________
Are there any concerns or comments you have about this program or your child you would like to share?
COMPLETED APPLICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR A RANDOM SELECTION BASIS BEGINNING MARCH 17, 2010
PARENT COMMITMENT FORM
For Chinese Immersion Placement
Parent Name__________________________________Date____/____/____
Child’s Name__________________________________Grade Level_________
I am requesting that my child be enrolled in the Chinese Immersion Program at Southland Elementary. I understand that the enrollment of my child is conditional on my understanding of and commitment to the following, along with space availability:
1. Children enrolled in the Immersion Program will remain together in
first grade through sixth grade.
2. I understand that parents need to read to their child at home 20-30 minutes daily in English.
3. I intend to support my child in the Immersion Program grades one - six.
4. I understand attendance is of key importance and commit to having my child arrive at school on time and attend school except for illnesses and family emergencies.
5. I will consult with teachers and administration for additional strategies to support my child to increase success in the Immersion Program.
6. I understand that the dual immersions model will be implemented in each class. English instruction will include, Language Arts, with reinforcement in Math and content areas, Chinese instruction will include math and Chinese literacy. P.E. art, health, and music will be taught in both languages.
7. If my child, once enrolled in the Immersion Program is discovered to have learning problems in their first language which makes success in the program very difficult, I agree to have him/her evaluated and consider reassignment to a regular classroom situation.
Parent Signature:________________________________Date:___/____/___
Parent Signature:________________________________Date:___/____/___
INFORMATIONAL LETTERS
Southland Elementary Chinese Immersion Program
Dear Kindergarten Parents,
You may have already heard about an exciting new program starting at Southland Elementary in the 20010-2011 school year. Beginning next year, we will offer a Chinese Immersion Program for our first graders that will continue into sixth grade. Each year we will add a class to the program until we have an immersion class for every grade here at Southland Elementary. Our district is totally committed to this world language program and will provide additional Chinese language classes at the secondary level.
What is an immersion program?
Immersion means a student will be totally immersed in the second language during half of their school day. The teacher will speak only Chinese to them (except in cases of emergency). Our state has chosen to go with a 50/50 model. That means the students will be taught for 50% of the day in English and 50% of the day in Chinese. The students will be taught reading, writing, and language skills in English. Math and other content area subjects will be taught in Chinese, some of which will be reinforced in English. Students will complete their elementary years learning all of the Utah core curriculum as well as learning a second language.
The immersion model has proven to be the most effective model for learning a second language. Studies have shown that students who are in immersion programs score as well as or better than their peers on English standardized tests. In the next several weeks we will be sending home information weekly to inform you about the benefits of the program, how to sign up for the program, and answer questions you may have concerning our immersion program.
If you have additional questions or want to get your name on the list, please contact the school office.
Sincerely,
Terri Summers
Letter 2
Southland Elementary Chinese Immersion Program
Why should I choose immersion for my child?
There are several benefits to learning a second language-- social, educational, cognitive, cultural, and economic to name a few. Immersion has proven to be the most effective way to become proficient in a second language.
In CAL digest, April 2006, it states that “a growing number of U.S. parents view bilingualism as a laudable family goal. The reasons for this trend include a desire to maintain ties to the parents’ heritage language and culture, to provide children with academic and cognitive advantages, and to promote cross-cultural understanding and communication.”
The younger a child is, the easier it is to acquire a second language. By starting your child in 1st grade, he will have an advantage over students starting their 2nd language in junior high and high school. Mastering a second language makes learning a third language even easier. Many students who have participated in immersion programs go on to acquire a third language when they reach high school.
There are many studies that show students in immersion programs outperform students in all-English schools on a variety of English language tests—reading, writing, listening, etc. This may seem counterintuitive; however, students who know another language gain insights to understanding their primary language better.
Proficiency in another language can also open up job prospects in business, politics, tourism, or communications. In the global marketplace there are plenty of jobs that call for bilingual proficiency. “Individuals with multilingual competence are able to take professional roles that cross linguistic boundaries. Cultural and national boundaries around the world are coming down in increasing numbers.” (Cloud, Geness, Hamayan, Dual Language Instruction, 2000)
We invite you to consider the Chinese Immersion Program for your first grader.
Sincerely,
Terri Summers
Letter 3
Southland Elementary Chinese Immersion Program
Dear Kindergarten Parents,
Several parents have asked why Southland Elementary chose Chinese for their immersion program.
First, we are starting this dual immersion program with funds from a state grant. The state awarded grants to schools for specific languages. Each school applied for the language they felt their community would support. As Chinese dual immersion language programs have been implemented statewide, more and more parents in our area have requested information and expressed an interest in such a program. When the opportunity came to receive funding, we were willing to apply!
We know how important it is as members of a global society to learn another language, especially Chinese. Culturally and economically, knowing Chinese and English will open multiple opportunities for our students throughout the United States and the world. More people know and speak Chinese in the world than any other first language.
There are a lot of possibilities for jobs in business and economic areas that will be more easily obtained by students who know Chinese. New job opportunities are becoming available to Chinese speakers in education, business, retail, marketing, news media, politics, and finance. As our state competes for a place in our global economy, we will continue to see additional business enterprises relocating to communities where the work force is prepared to service a growing international clientele. The possibilities that exist for speakers of Chinese are available and will continue to grow.
This is a great time to take advantage of an opportunity to have your student learn a second language that will prove incredibly useful and practical in the future.
If you are interested in enrolling your student in the Chinese immersion program or would like more information, we look forward to your attendance at a Parent Meeting, which will be held March 17, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Media Center.
Sincerely,
Terri Summers
Monday, January 18, 2010
Jordan School District Board of Education Survey
Jordan School District Board of Education is anxious to get input from parents and taxpayers on their online survey concerning budget reductions for 2010-11. To take the online survey with your preferences and suggestions for the budget go to Jordan School District's homepage http://www.jordandistrict.org The survey is listed on the front page. If you do not have access to a computer contact the school at 801-254-8047.
Parent Math Day
Thursday, January 21st from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Maggie Cummings, Jordan School District Math specialist, will be hosting a meeting in the Kiva to discuss math instruction. She will be talking about the new state math core, the impact this will have on students at all grade levels, activities and ideas to help your child, and expectations parents should have. Time for questions and answers will also be provided. This is a repeat of the three sessions held on November 18th. Parents who attended the previous sessions found it to be very informative and helpful. We encourage all who can to attend. If you have questions please contact the school at 801-254-8047.
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