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48 Register at www.jordan.k12.mn.us/commed or 952-492-6211

JOURNALISTCommunicating information, events, and activities of the Jordan Public Schools for over 38 years

Dear Jordan Parents, Guardians and Community Members,Fall is almost here, and soon we’ll be enjoying the cool, crisp weather! With fall comes another school year and the familiar buzz of a busy campus. Our district’s staff looks forward to reconnecting with all of the students and families we serve, and each year we renew that strong commitment to provide a high quality experience to our constituents. We appreciate the opportunity to serve our education community and community as a whole.In this section of the Journalist, you will find updates about programming and projects from building and district administrators, as well as information about the district’s operating and bond referendum. We’re thankful for our highly qualified staff and their commitment to providing our kids and community with exciting and fulfilling experiences. Please take time to read through our important updates and check out the variety of Jordan Community Education course offerings.To stay current regarding school district happenings or events, and to read about the positive events, exciting learning, and innovative programming occurring at Jordan Public Schools, please visit our website at jordan.k12.mn.us. If you have a smartphone and would like to stay connected with our district please consider downloading the free “Jordan Public Schools” app from your app store. Also, remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram by searching @ISD717.As always, please consider volunteering at one of our schools or getting involved with one of our district’s committees.Sincerely,Matthew M. Helgerson Superintendent

MAIL 500 Sunset Drive, Suite #1 Jordan, MN 55352

ONLINE jordan.k12.mn.us

PHONE 952-492-6200

SOCIAL MEDIA @isd717

MORE ABOUT

OUR DISTRICT!• Summer project updates!

• Referendum 2019 information

• Kick Start to Kindergarten highlights!

• Learn more about our new staff!

SMARTPHONE APP “Jordan Public Schools”

49Register at www.jordan.k12.mn.us/commed or 952-492-6211

SCHOOL DISTRICT PROJECT UPDATES

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL|At our elementary school the second oldest existing boiler plant was removed and replaced with a high efficiency boiler. Additionally, the oldest chiller unit was also replaced. This completes another phase of the heating and cooling work at JES. These new pieces of equipment would work well with all of the other mechanical and structural work planned if question 2 of the upcoming fall referendum is successful. JES also received an annual summer cleaning, new carpet in several classrooms in the kindergarten and first grade wing, and some painting touch-ups.

MIDDLE SCHOOL|The middle school only saw light maintenance, with some outdoor main entry improvements, and annual summer cleaning and painting. Landscaping rocks and concrete were added to the front of the building allowing for additional outdoor seating and learning spaces.

HIGH SCHOOL|Our high school was also the recipient of a thorough summer cleaning and had a number of paint jobs completed. Additionally, another phase of heating and cooling controls/mechanical work will be completed this summer and fall prior to the start of the heating season. The condition of the high school parking lot is not the best. As a result, some blacktop patching was completed. With the passage of question 2 of the referendum, a significant remodel of the high school, elementary, and CERC lots would occur, improving the accessibility, parking, and would address safety concerns. This work would address the significant deferred maintenance that must occur with the high school drive and parking lot. New walk off mats were added in the activities entrance of the building. The gymnasium floor was completely sanded down, repainted and stained with new updated graphics to match our brand. Finally, new athletic banners were purchased, along with some new wall graphics for the gym and south wall of the commons to reflect our brand/logos.

THE CERC| At the CERC, some improvements were made to the front entry landscaping. We also have ongoing maintenance of the exercise equipment. Finally, the lower half of the CERC gyms will be painted prior to the end of summer.

DISTRICT GROUNDS|Around the district’s grounds, dead trees were removed and a lot of mowing occurred. Did you know that it takes around 60 hours to complete all of the mowing and trimming each week throughout the district? Two light poles were added to the north side of the practice soccer and football field. This will allow for night use of this space. The track surface was top coated with a specialty rubberized tar and was re-painted with lines and markings. Late this summer and into early fall, the old softball batting cages will be removed from along Hope Avenue. This will become a sitting area for next spring’s games. A new batting cage will be constructed behind the outfield fence right next to the baseball cage. This will make for a very nice hitting complex.

This summer brought on it’s share of deferred maintenance and capital improvement projects. We’re proud of our campus, it’s buildings and grounds, and our custodial team and contractors spent time during the months of June,

July, and August, maintaining and improving spaces for students.

DISTRICT SUMMER PROJECTS PRIDE IN OUR CAMPUS!


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• Continue to maintain low elementary class sizes.• Continue to expand and improve elective offerings at our middle and high school

to include exciting new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programming, and reduce our rising secondary core class sizes (Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, and Science).

• Retain and attract the very best employees to work with our children.• Provide operating dollars for the new proposed facilities found in Questions 2 and 3.

1Question 1 asks for an operating levy of $300 per pupil unit. With these funds, the following would occur:

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ELEMENTARY RENOVATIONS• Significant renovation and gymnasium addition to our current elementary school, with a major

focus on renovating the 1975 portion of the building.NEW EARLY LEARNING SERVICES BUILDING• New Early Learning Services building on the new property, complete with new classrooms for

preschool and Kids’ Company students, playground area, and youth ballfields.HIGH SCHOOL REMODEL AND SECURE ENTRANCE• Remodel of our high school to build a new secure entry area and STEAM lab to serve the needs of

our kids and prepare them for 21st Century jobs.IMPROVED PARKING AND DRIVES • Improve the function and safety of parking, driveways, walkways, drop-off/pick-up loops at our

elementary school, high school, Hope Avenue ball field area, and CERC. In total, approximately 147 parking spots would be added to the CERC, high school, and elementary area of the campus, and 64 stalls would be added along the south side of Hope Avenue by the new ball fields.

2Question 2 is a bond question for the amount of $24.5 million. The following projects are planned with the proceeds associated with this bond:

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3Question 3 is a bond question for the amount of $15 million. With the proceeds from this bond, the following projects would occur:HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM EXPANSION• Adding approximately 200 seats to our current JHS auditorium, along with new technology and

features such as new sound and light controls, to ensure it continues to be a performing arts space that meets the needs of the school district and community.

MULTIPURPOSE FIELDHOUSE FACILITY ON SOUTH CAMPUS• A large indoor fieldhouse facility with field turf, golf simulator bays, archery simulator bays,

track, and other amenities aimed at serving the school district and entire community as an extension to the district’s athletics programming and CERC membership model. Another goal would be to develop partnerships and rental agreements with other school districts, focused on generating revenue and potentially giving our kids who desire to play lacrosse, hockey, and other activities Jordan doesn’t have, a partner to participate with.


WITHOUT PASSAGE OF QUESTION 1|The District will be forced to make some difficult decisions regarding programming, with the need to reduce expenses by an estimated $200,000. It is likely that the following would occur:

• Elementary class sizes increased.• Elective and exploratory offerings decreased.• Reduction in athletics/activities offerings or a larger increase in fees.• High school class sizes will remain higher and continue to climb.• The loss of good staff to competitive districts.• Innovative programming will be stalled or go backwards (career pathways, etc).

REFERENDUM 2019 INFORMATION

WITHOUT PASSAGE OF QUESTION 2| The following issues would present themselves:

• Ongoing congestion on our North campus.• Not improving the educational footprint of JHS and JES (modeled after JMS).• The JES cafeteria and multipurpose space will continue to be too small for current and our future

projected student body.• JES Phy Ed classes will continue to be crowded due to lack of space due to cafeteria needs and a gym

that was not meant to host two classrooms of students (50 students) at a time.• JES electrical has reached capacity and will have continued capacity issues.• Deferred maintenance issues such as roof replacement, parking lot, drop-off and pick-up loop

improvements, window and door replacement, and mechanical upgrades will continue to be issues that need to be addressed through the use of Long Term Facilities Maintenance levy dollars, meaning that there would be a funding shortfall to address all of the ongoing district needs.

• We will have to return to the voters because we believe the needs are there, and this plan is best for students. Construction costs rise 3-5% annually, which means taxpayers would pay more in the future to do the same amount of work.

WITHOUT PASSAGE OF QUESTION 3|The following would be true:• Continue to have event and assembly challenges at the high school auditorium due to a lack of

adequate capacity.• Be faced with the need to address aging auditorium features and technology with long term facilities

maintenance levy and capital dollars.• Lose out on the opportunity to build partnerships with other school districts who may wish to use

the fieldhouse space in exchange for opportunities for our students to play hockey, lacrosse, gymnastics, and other activities not currently offered by Jordan

• Miss out on the opportunity to provide our students and community with a desirable amenity that would add space to recreate, improve performance, and make our community a more desirable place to live and own a business.


Tuesday, August 20 6:30pm at Jordan Elementary SchoolMonday, September 16 6:30pm at New South Campus SiteTuesday, October 1 6:30pm at Jordan High SchoolMonday, October 21 6:30pm at Jordan Elementary School

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

MARK THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR

LEARN MORE

TAKE PART IN THESE REFERENDUM RESOURCES

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

FOR MORE INFO visit the website www.jordan.k12.mn.us/ref2019

REFERENDUM 2019 INFORMATIONCO

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Excellent staff, quality instruction, strong student achievement, and innovative programming are what make our district desirable. We are focused on responsible, continuous growth of our district. In addition, our community is built on the backbone of our schools. All ages look to the schools for a place to learn, enjoy the arts, take in an athletic contest, have a conversation, or exercise and recreate. We are proud to serve the Jordan community and all resident age groups. Through the following themes, we will highlight how the needs of the District and larger community are being addressed. Find weekly updates on our website, in mailings, and on our district social media over the next months:

Safety and securityInquiry based learningMaintenance and infrastructure

Investing in our communityResponsible approach to future growth

We have established a referendum webpage with many referendum resources. A link will also be provided on the “Jordan Public Schools” smartphone app. Look for the following:

Frequently Asked QuestionsProperty Tax CalculatorReferendum PresentationsSample Ballot QuestionsCampus InformationVoting Information


The district website and our smartphone app will have the latest calendar updates for each school and activities. Events on the calendar often have extra details worth checking out! With questions, contact Kat Pass, Communications and Marketing Director, at [email protected] or 952-492-4408.

DISTRICT COMMUNICATIONS

ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2019-2020


Jordan Nutritional Services is excited to welcome back all of our students for another school year! We have a lot of new products and food choices for this coming year. We are excited to provide once a month a Meatless Monday option for all students. Our students are looking for more plant based product choices that taste good and are good for you. Look for our Meatless Monday options on our menu.New to our high school is a Build Your Own Bar items that we will provide twice a week. Choices include: Taco bar, Build Your Own Sandwich, Asian Bowls and Mac and Cheese Bar. Students love to put their own meal together. Our Build Your Own bar provides this chance for creating your own meal.Again this year we will be providing our Second Chance Breakfast cart at our high school and our snack cart option at the middle school later in the morning. This gives a second chance for students to grab breakfast between classes when they may be feeling hungrier and students still have a few hours before their lunch period.At our elementary school we will be offering a “hot” Kidsable option to our current 4 week menu. One week out of the month we will offer a hot entrée in our Kidsable grab and go option. The options will include: a hamburger, a slice of pizza, chicken patty or a hot dog. We will add other hot options throughout the year. We hope you will come in and join your student for lunch this coming year and see what Nutritional Services has to offer your student. Have a great 2019/20 school year! – Andrea Schaak, Nutritional Services DirectorN

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ESSCHOOL DISTRICT THE LATEST

“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” — Maragret Mead

Creating a Sense of Wonder — Today’s society is constantly changing and evolving. In order to prepare our students for the unknown world that lies ahead, education must change. America’s system of education was built for an economy and society that no longer exists. Educators can no longer rely on a traditional teacher-centered model of learning; instead, we need to offer experiential learning experiences that connect our students to the world around them. Today’s job market requires skills that focus on the 4 Cs: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. Schools in the 21st century must become a place for teachers and students to connect with each other, the community, and the world around them. These relationships are the foundational aspects needed to build an innovative learning environment that meets the needs of a 21st century learner. To do this, educators must cultivate a sense of wonder by building on student’s interests and connect those interests to real-life possibilities. Because educators no longer can predict what the world will look like upon graduation, a primary goal of education is simply to increase curiosity, which will help students become lifelong learners in this ever changing world. The ideal 21st century classroom is a place where kids are excited about going to school, activities are related to personal passions, and learning connects to the outside world. In this type of classroom, students are able to wonder and explore in an environment with the educator there to guide their learning, not force their learning. It is precisely this type of education that Jordan Public Schools continually strives to give our students. – Dr. Erin Hjelmeland, Director of Teaching and LearningTEA

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SCHOOL DISTRICT THE LATESTThe Special Service Department is excited for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year! The Special Services Department continues to update student resources and supports throughout the district. This summer the Special Services Department has updated the elementary playground so students can easily access the large playground equipment, updated the JMS life skills classroom with a sensory space, and purchased the First Step transition resource for our 18-21 year old students at the SOAR Transition Program. Along with our Special Services Department, our English Language staff is also purchasing and updating our curricular resources to meet our English Language Learners needs in grades K-12. The Jordan Special Education Advisory Council or SEAC would like to invite parents of students with special needs to participate in the 2019-2020 SEAC meetings. SEAC usually meets three to four times during the school year. In addition to SEAC, the Jordan American Indian Parent Advisory Council or AIPAC would also like to invite parents of students who are identified as Native American Indian to participate in the 2019-2020 AIEC meetings. This council also usually meets three to four times during the school year. If interested in joining SEAC or AIPAC or just being a part of an email list, please contact Chad Williams, Special Services Director at [email protected] or 952-492-4230. – Chad Williams, Special Services Director

Tracy Eddington – School Psychologist (JES) Tracy has 20 years experience as a school psychologist. She has graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of Saint Catherine and went on to obtain her Masters of Science and her Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Memphis. Tracy has spent the last 8 years in the West Ada School District in Meridian, Idaho as a school psychologist. Previous to that she worked for Minnesota River Valley Special Education Cooperative and Prior Lake School District.

Jamie Burr – School Psychologist (JMS/JHS) Jamie just completed her practicum at Riverview Grade School in Silver Lake, Wisconsin. Tracy graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communication from Northern Illinois University and then obtained her Master of Science in Education School Psychology from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. She is currently in the final stages of completing her Education Specialist in School Psychology from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater.SP

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Jordan Elementary Families,

The staff at Jordan Elementary School would like to welcome you to the 2019-2020 school year! Our JES staff has been very busy over the summer months preparing for a new school year with your children. We are committed to the same hard work and effort that earned us the MN School of Excellence recognition, and will continue to focus on the various areas of learning that will propel our students and staff forward to achieve high levels of success.

In order for students to become strong 21st Century learners, we will focus our attention this year on student engagement, social-emotional learning, and students becoming lifelong learners. Student voice and choice will be at the heart of instruction. Teachers will facilitate learning around the state standards and challenge each student to apply and extend their understanding of grade level concepts. Students will be engaged in meaningful and purposeful lessons, projects, and discussions with the intent of nurturing their interests and passions. Mindfulness practices will be supported in all classrooms, knowing that if students can regulate their bodies and emotions, academic success will follow. Students will walk into numerous learning areas in the fall to find a variety of flexible learning spaces and furniture to meet their unique learning styles. These options will help prepare our students as they move on in their education at the middle and high schools, as well as beyond Jordan Public Schools.

The summer months have also been busy with the custodial staff and summer crew working diligently to get everything ready for the first day of school. We have had multiple areas worked on over the summer; new carpet in three 1st grade and several support staff classrooms in the K-1 wing, mulch added to landscaping around the building and on the playground, heating and cooling systems replaced, and rekeying of all doors in the building ensuring even more safety and security for our students.

Be on the lookout for a school mailing coming home in August detailing important school and district information. For new and returning JES families, please review the articles on the following page about our Back to School Conferences for grades 1-4 and our Kick Start to Kindergarten program that is happening on September 3rd and 4th. The first day of school for grades 1-4 will be on September 5th, with Kindergarteners’ official start date being September 9th.

I encourage you to stop by any time to visit and experience the amazing work and events at Jordan Elementary School. We have fantastic

staff and students and we invite you to share in all of the learning happening throughout the school year!

With warm regards,

Melissa Barnett, Principal Jordan Elementary School [email protected]

FOR DISTRICT AND JES HAPPENINGSVISIT OUR WEBSITE OR APP CALENDARS


MAIL 815 Sunset Drive Jordan, MN 55352

ONLINE jordan.k12.mn.us/jes

PHONE 952-492-2336 ATTENDANCE 952-492-4444

SOCIAL MEDIA “Jordan Elementary”

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL


ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

We are so excited to welcome the following teachers and staff in their new positions for the 2019-2020 school year.Adam Larson – 2nd Grade Teacher Mr. Larson has been a teacher for fourteen years and has taught 2nd grade, 5th grade and Physical Education. He also has a passion for golf and has coached at the varsity level for the past several years in the Tri-City United School District. Mr. Larson received his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education (K-6) and Physical Education (K-12) from University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire and his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary’s University - Minnesota.

Lindsay Johnson – 4th Grade Teacher Mrs. Johnson is no stranger to Jordan. She is a graduate of Jordan HS and is looking forward to teaching in the district she grew up in. Mrs. Johnson has taught 5th grade in Big Lake Schools for most of the eight years she’s been in education. Mrs. Johnson received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education (K-6) from Concordia University-St. Paul and her Master’s Degree in Differentiated Instruction from Concordia University - St. Paul.

Taylor Soine – 4th Grade Teacher Ms. Soine is a recent graduate of Concordia University, St. Paul, where she majored in elementary education and also played volleyball for four years. She has had a busy summer so far in Jordan running volleyball camps for all ages as the new JHS head volleyball coach. Ms. Soine Received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education (K-6) from Concordia University - St. Paul.

Attrea Ferro-Schug – MN Corps Reading Tutor Attrea will be joining our JES staff as a reading tutor working for MN Reading Corps, a branch of the federal program, Americorps. He recently attended Belle Plaine HS and will be working with students in grades K-3 who are in need of extra reading support.

TBD – 1st Grade Teacher

NEW STAFF AT JES!

Breakfast & LunchesKindergarten students being able to eat breakfast free of charge. Breakfasts will be $1.80 and lunches $2.65. Students who were approved for a free or reduced lunch last year will still need to turn in the new application for this school year. Menus, access to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal Food Service, and other pertinent lunch information can be accessed on our website. For your convenience, families can set recurring lunch payments in Infinite Campus. With questions, call the District Office at 952-492-6200.

JES School Supply ListsFor K-4 school supply lists, visit our website or access via the Jordan smartphone app.

Arrival/Dismissal TimesStudents can enter the building between 7:45am-8:10am (breakfast runs from 7:45am-8:05am). Students not eating breakfast will wait in the multi-purpose room until released by school staff. Dismissal is between 2:45pm-3pm. If your child is sick please call before 8am using the student attendance line at 952-492-4444.

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CommunicationsTeachers and school administration communicate frequently through email. Please update your email (as well as phone or address) if you have changes. Submit changes through your Infinite Campus Parent Portal or by contacting the District Office at 952-492-6200.

Lunch Menu and MoreThe JES lunch menu is located on the website in various locations. It can also be conveniently found on the “Jordan Public Schools” smartphone app. To learn more about our meals, lunch balance notifications, auto payments, meal prices, and free and reduced meals please visit the Nutritional Services website. Go to the District website > Departments > Nutritional Services.


• Families will enter and exit via Aberdeen.

• Morning AM drop off for grades K-4 is from 7:45am - 8:10am. Please DO NOT line up in the back prior to 7:30am since supervisors do not start assisting students into the building until 7:45am.

• Afternoon PM pick up for grades K-4 is from 2:45pm - 3:00pm. Please DO NOT line up in the back prior to 2:30pm. Preschool pick up occurs at 2:30pm and we need to keep the loop open for those families to ensure the safety of our youngest students at JES.

• Remain in your vehicles during drop-off or pick-up and make sure your child exits and enters your vehicle on the right-hand side of the vehicle.

• Have your child practice buckling themselves in so we can keep traffic moving forward and we don’t have to wait for adults to stop and buckle students into their seats.

• Stay alert to traffic moving in the back loop. Stay off of cell phones and make sure to move up close to the vehicle ahead of you to prevent a long backup on Aberdeen Ave.

NOTE: If you need to drop off or pick up at any other time during the school day please park in the main lot, enter through the front of the building, and check in at the main office.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLGRADES 1–4 BACK-TO-SCHOOL CONFERENCES/CURRICULUM EVENTBefore school starts in the fall, all students and families in grades 1-4 will meet individually with their teacher to drop off school supplies, discuss grade level expectations and curriculum, pay for lunches, turn in paperwork, and be assessed in reading and math. Kindergarten families will have separate Back to School Conferences during the evening of September 5 and during the day on September 6 (see Kick Start to Kindergarten article).

The JES Back to School Conferences/Curriculum days will be held on Tuesday, September 3 from 12pm-7:30pm and Wednesday, September 4 from 9am-4:30pm. Students and families will meet with their homeroom teacher for approximately 30 minutes (15 minutes in the classroom with teacher and 15 minutes for assessments. Afterwards, students and families will have the opportunity to travel around the building checking in with specialist teachers (Music, Art, Phy. Ed. and Media/Tech), SPED and support staff, school nurses, or office and lunchroom staff. Please remember that in order for students to be enrolled at JES, we need proof of immunizations or a conscientious objection form on file, and highly recommend families supply a copy of their child’s birth certificate. Students will not get their picture taken during this time; instead they will be taken during the school day on September 26.

JES families in grades 1-4 will receive a letter in mid August about the Back to School Conference Days and who your child’s teacher is for the fall. The letter will contain information on how to sign-up online for a conference time on either September 3rd or 4th. Kindergarten families will receive a different letter in early August regarding Kick Start and K Back to School Conferences. If you did not receive a letter, are new to the District, or do not have access to our school website to register for these conferences, please contact the JES office at 952-492-2336. We only have one time slot available for each student to meet with the classroom teacher and complete assessments, so please plan accordingly if you have a dual household.

Say Cheese!Student pictures will be

held during school on September 26

DROP-OFF/PICK UP – SO IMPORTANT!


ELEMENTARY SCHOOLKICK START TO KINDERGARTEN!All JES kindergarten students will experience a unique start to the school year. We are excited for our newest students to join us for our Kick Start to Kindergarten transitional program on September 3rd and 4th. The goals of Kick Start to Kindergarten are:• Build positive relationships and create a strong

community of learners. • Support an academic and social-emotional

learning transition into school, with children experiencing a typical full day in Kindergarten without students in grades 1-4 in the building (hands-on learning activities, specialists, recess, breakfast/lunch, play/social time, etc.)

• Understand each student’s unique needs and place them into classrooms that best support their learning for the upcoming school year.

• Watch for your Kick Start to Kindergarten letter in the mail with more details.

September 3rd and 4th • Kick Start to Kindergarten from 8:10am - 2:50pm

– Breakfast is available from 7:45am to 8:05am.– Busing will be available on regularly scheduled routes. – If families choose to drive your child to school, pick-up and drop off will occur in the back of

the building off of Aberdeen Avenue from 7:45am-8:10am in the morning and 2:45pm-3pm in the afternoon.

– Kids’ Company will only be available AFTER Kick Start (until 6:00pm) on these two days to registered families.

September 5th and 6th• Kindergarten students WILL NOT HAVE SCHOOL on Thursday (9/5) and Friday (9/6) to allow

the staff to prepare for kindergarten classes resuming on Monday, September 9th. – Kids’ Company will be open all day on Thursday and Friday, September 5th and 6th from 6am –

6pm, for Kindergarten families who are already registered for Kids’ Company.• Kindergarten Back to School Conferences on Thursday (9/5) 2pm-8pm and Friday (9/6)

8:30am-2pm.– Meet Principal Mrs. Barnett and Kindergarten teachers. – Participate in individual conferences with your child’s teacher to hear more about grade level

curriculum, J-Town Pride and school and classroom expectations (30 min).– Drop off school supplies, pay fees, deposit lunch money into your Infinite Campus account or

meet with school nurses.September 9th• First OFFICIAL DAY of Kindergarten with assigned teacher.

IMPORTANT KINDERGARTEN DATES

WHAT TO BRING:• Transportation Form • Colored Name Tag (Wear BOTH Days)• Backpack (No School Supplies)• Lunch from home if not eating school lunch


MIDDLE SCHOOL

SOCIAL MEDIA @BenBakeberg

FOR DISTRICT AND JMS HAPPENINGSVISIT OUR WEBSITE OR APP CALENDARS

Jordan Community, Families, and Students,The staff of the Jordan Middle School are excited to begin the 2019-2020 school year! Each member of the school community has spent hours preparing to serve our students, families and colleagues in and out of the classroom. We are excited about the authentic learning opportunities awaiting our students as each student is prepared for Jordan High School and beyond!

The JMS staff continues to implement best practice instructional approaches while researching and developing innovative instructional approaches in order to engage each middle level learner. This past year, fifth grade hosted a Showcases of Learning, sixth grade traveled to Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, the seventh grade Entrepreneurship Project was a hit, and eighth grade held a Festival of Nations as well as a Scale Solar System Project which were very successful. Each of these standards based activities highlighted what could be done when adults take risks and allow students to explore their gifts and talents through project-based learning.

Thursday, August 29th will be an exciting evening at Jordan Middle School. We will be hosting a Back to School Resources Night (Open House) from 3:00pm-6:30pm. Information about the upcoming year will be shared in a variety of avenues with the goal of equipping students and families with the needed information for the school year while connecting all members of the Jordan Middle School

community together in an enjoyable environment. Please plan on joining us!

As a staff , we will continue to work together with students and families to develop and improve the school culture, academic programming,

and opportunities for each member of the JMS community

With warm regards,

Ben Bakeberg, Principal – Jordan Middle School [email protected]

August 21 and 22 Chromebook Distribution Grades 5-12August 22 Grade 5 WEB Day (Jump Start)August 29 Open House Grades 5-8 September 3 First Day of School!

KEY DATES READ ARTICLES AND VISIT CALENDAR FOR DETAILS


MAIL 500 Sunset Drive, Suite #2 Jordan, MN 55352

ONLINE jordan.k12.mn.us/jms



MIDDLE SCHOOL

Breakfast & LunchesThe cost for JMS lunch is $2.75 and for breakfast is $1.80. Students who were approved for a free or reduced lunch last year will still need to turn in the new application for this school year. Menus, access to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal Food Service, and other pertinent lunch information can be accessed on our website. For your convenience, families can set recurring lunch payments in Infinite Campus. With questions, call the District Office at 952-492-6200.

Arrival/Dismissal TimesJMS Students hours are 8:00am - 3pm. Doors open at 7:20am for students (will be supervised). Students allowed in academic pods at 7:55am. Homework help is available from 7:30am - 8:00am for all grades in the Media Center or schedule with classroom teacher. Our school day begins at 8:00am every day. Please be sure to have your child/children here on time. All students who arrive after 8:00am must sign in at the office along with their parent or a note stating the reason for being late. If your child is sick, please call before 8:00am using the student attendance line at 952-492-4477. If your child is leaving during the school day, please send a note with your child to the office by 8:00am to get a pass to leave the building. Doing this will reduce interruptions into the classroom during the academic day.

Drop-Off & Pick-UpWhen dropping off your student, please follow the designated drop off loop. For their safety, do not drop off students down the aisles. There will be no drop off or pick up in the front as this is designated for our buses. If you pick up your child at the end of the school day, please park in the designated parking areas in the large parking lot and wait for your child.

Do not use the CERC parking lot for drop off or pick up. Side doors in the building are locked. Students will need to enter at the front of the JMS building.

JMS School Supply ListsFor 5-8 school supply lists, visit our website or access via the Jordan smartphone app. A mailing will also arrive to your home. Our supply list is also at the Shakopee Target store. When shopping, ask about how you can give money back to the Jordan Middle School.

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Chromebook 1:1 DeviceStudent 1:1 Chromebook devices will be distributed Wednesday, August 21 from 5pm-8pm and Thursday, August 22 from 12pm-8pm at Jordan Middle School for Grades 5-12. Come at your convenience. This is an open house event. Chromebooks not received during these two dates, will be distributed in the first week of school once all parent paperwork is received (all outstanding fees must be paid in advance as well).



MIDDLE SCHOOLBack to School Resource Night

(Open House Night) – Grades 5-8Thursday, August 29 from 3pm-6:30pm at JMS

• Enjoy food from one of the food trucks in bus loop while listening to the DJ! • Visit community and school informational booths • Pick up and complete your “Welcome Back Checklist” including:

– Fall Pictures for all grades– Welcome back and overview of school year video from Mr. Bakeberg– 5th Grade Parent Meeting at 5:00pm– Pick up student schedule, walk classes, and practice lockers– Load your student locker with your supplies– Meet advisory teacher and pick up needed forms– Attend a tech training (Infinite Campus, Schoology, and Study Island)– Visit the technology department for chromebook questions and support

New Programs to Support Students!WIN (What I Need) Time: WIN time is a daily (25 minutes opposite lunch) opportunity for students to receive support and/or enrichment opportunities from staff. Students will either be “locked in” or select from teacher specific options using the Flex Scheduler. Flex Scheduler is a software program that allows staff to create, communicate, and schedule offerings during WIN.

• Students will be “locked in” for the following options: • 8th Grade Band and Choir - Band and Choir teachers will work together to allow students to be in both band and choir. - Having 8th grade band and choir during WIN (12:08pm-12:33pm) allows students to be in band and/or choir and other elective classes during the 8th grade elective hour (2:14pm-3:00pm). • Specific Interventions assigned through the MTSS team. • Students missing work and/or failing classes. • Students needing to take/retake a test or lab.• Student selected enrichment options: • Enrichment for 5th grade students in reading and math. - This is in place of 5th grade honors programming. • Students may sign up for a teacher’s specific offering. • Students may sign up for specific content area for extra support or enrichment. • Students may sign up to work on an assignment or homework.

REACH: REACH is an elective class designed to assist students academically, socially, and/or emotionally during the school day. REACH staff work closely with other professionals, students and families to not only assist students academically but equip students with skills for future success. The REACH program follows a set schedule each week to support students. Below are the items followed on the schedule.

Weekly Check-in/Goals Group • Character Building Exercises • Academic Days

What does REACH stand for?• Relationships - A safe place for students to belong, connect and be supported.• Education - Create positive learning opportunities through academic support and individual assignment modification.• Accountability - A support network with staff committed to help students succeed that nurtures student

accountability with parent support.• Character - Skill building activities that encourage positive academic and personal growth.• Hard Work - Students that rise to the level of expectations


MIDDLE SCHOOL

We are so excited to welcome the following teachers and staff in their new positions for the 2019-2020 school year.Rachel Rydberg – Middle School Social Worker Rachel joins the Jordan Middle School team as a Middle School Social Worker. She comes to Jordan highly recommended from Edina Public Schools where she served as a School Social Worker. Rachel received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Saint Olaf College in Northfield and her Masters of Social Work and Public Policy from the University of Minnesota.

Brandon Arnold – 6th Grade Language Arts Jordan Middle School is excited to have Mr. Brandon Arnold joining the JMS team. Brandon is no stranger to Jordan Public Schools as a previous elementary teacher and district-wide substitute teacher. Mr. Arnold received his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from St. Cloud State University.

Sarah Fritzke – 5th Grade Language Arts Sarah will be bringing a wealth of experience as she moves across Sunset Avenue to Jordan Middle School from Jordan Elementary. Ms. Fritzke received her Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education and Geography from the University of St. Thomas-St. Paul and her Masters of Arts in Teaching and Learning from Saint Mary’s University-Minneapolis.

Kelly Hyer – 5th Grade Math Kelly will be a wonderful addition to the Jordan Middle School team. She brings great perspective from different districts and most recently taught at Jordan Elementary School. Ms. Hyer received her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota and her Masters of Arts in Elementary Education Science from the University of Minnesota.

Gina Goehring Anderson – JMS Academic Interventionist - Reading Gina is joining the Jordan Middle School team as an Academic Interventionist in the area of reading. She comes highly recommended from Robbinsdale Area Schools where she served as a third and fifth grade classroom teacher. Ms. Goehring Anderson received her Bachelors of Science and Masters of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota.

Kacie Rothmeier – Family Consumer Science As our students numbers grow, we feel blessed to have Kacie join the middle school team. Ms. Rothmeier did an outstanding job in her student teaching at Jordan Middle and High School this past year. Kacie received her Bachelors of Science in Family and Consumer Science Education from Minnesota State University-Mankato.

Kelsey Christensen – JMS Language Arts JMS is excited to have Ms. Christensen bring her experience and background to serve the students and families of Jordan. Kelsey comes highly recommended from District 191 (Burnsville/Eagan/Savage) where she taught middle school Language Arts. She graduated with her Bachelors of Arts in Communication Arts and Literature Education from Bethel University in St. Paul.

Alicia Lhotka – JMS Math Alicia is joining the Jordan Middle School team as a math and elective teacher. She comes to Jordan highly recommended following her student teaching placements in the Prior Lake-Savage and Minnetonka Districts. She graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Middle School Mathematics.

Nathan Steele – JMS Teacher Mr. Steele will be a wonderful addition to the Jordan Middle School team. Following a successful year long student teaching experience at Jordan Elementary School, he will be serving our 5th and 6th grade students primarily in math. Nate received his Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education Minnesota State University-Mankato.

Tobias Thietje – JMS Choir Toby is joining the Jordan Middle School team with a rich background in music education. He comes highly recommended from New Prague Area Schools with strong teaching and performing experience. Mr. Thietje (pronounced TG) graduated from The University of West Florida with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Music Performance and Teaching and is about to complete is Masters of Arts and Music Education from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

TBD – JMS Academic Interventionist - Math

NEW STAFF AT JMS!


HIGH SCHOOLJordan Community, Families, and Students,

The staff at Jordan High School looks forward to welcoming our students for the 2019-2020 school year. We have been working hard over the summer to prepare the building, create and revise curriculum, and update supplies. We all strive to provide an education that prepares our graduates for the 21st century. Jordan High School is a small school that offers big opportunities for our students.

We are excited to host our fourth year of Freshman FOCUS, to assist in the transition for our newest students to the high school. All 9th grade students will report to school on Tuesday, September 3rd. We will take the students through an orientation, community building, and walk through their schedule. We find this to be a great day to ease the nerves of students new to JHS. On the same day, September 3rd, our 10th-12th grade students will “Go Remote” and will be responsible for checking in online with their teachers and completing assignments remotely. See more on page 67.

Teachers will again be using Schoology, a learning management system, that will help students organize their calendars and keep track of assignments. Parents will have access to their students’ account and will be able to see what students see when they go into Schoology. Teachers will organize the sites by courses that include folders for each unit. These folders may include presentations, links, videos, assignments and/or quizzes to be completed digitally, curriculum information, the class syllabus with classroom expectations, and other information. Parents will also be able to access a calendar with assignment due dates and test dates. Schoology will help prepare students who choose to attend a two or four year college where learning management systems are common.

During the past five school years, students have become accustomed to working with Google docs and saving their assignments to the Cloud. This allows students to collaborate with each other and their teachers simultaneously. They can access their documents using their Chromebooks or any other device, including their phones, from any location. Storing work on the Cloud means students will never lose their assignments or forget them at home; they can easily retrieve them from home and school. Finally, teachers can respond to student work more quickly as well.

The 2019-2020 Registration Handbook also includes a few new classes. We added many interdisciplinary (course that employs more than one subject area) classes. We are excited about the continued growth of our Summit Academy courses. This year we added a construction trades course for students to get a “real life” experience in the building field.

The beginning of the school year is always exciting. The list above will provide your sons and daughters with the information they need to be successful. We encourage our students to take their education seriously and begin to decide who they want to be and how they are going to get there. As always, the staff at JHS thanks parents for their support and encourages parents to call with questions and concerns.

Jeff Vizenor, Principal – Jordan High School [email protected]


HIGH SCHOOL

JHS SOCIAL MEDIA @JHSPrincipal1

FOR DISTRICT AND JHS HAPPENINGSVISIT OUR WEBSITE OR APP CALENDARS

August 21 and 22 Chromebook Distribution Grades 5-12August 28 Open House Grades 9-12 / Picture Night September 3 Freshman FOCUS (Grade 9) First day - in school Go REMOTE (Grades 10-12) First day - work remotely

KEY DATES READ ARTICLES AND VISIT CALENDAR FOR DETAILS

COUNSELOR SOCIAL MEDIA @JHScounselor717

ACTIVITIES SOCIAL MEDIA @JordanSchoolsAD

NEW OFFERINGS THIS YEAR!Building Trades For grades 11-12. Students are given an extraordinary opportunity to build a custom, single-family home / structure from the ground up. This program will require students to manage time and tools; read and interpret house plans; work independently and in groups; and have a mature attitude towards their learning and experiences. Students will be working on a job site every day in small groups, individually or with an entire class. Students may be able to earn the 10-hour OSHA certification as well as college credit through articulation agreements with educational partners.

Symphonic Band For grades 10-12. The JHS Symphonic Band is a rigorous performing ensemble that capitalizes on skills learned and developed in Concert Band. Students explore a variety of music from all styles, eras, and cultures. Students will also study the elements of music and continue developing their personal musicianship and ensemble rehearsal skills.


MAIL 600 Sunset Drive Jordan, MN 55352

ONLINE jordan.k12.mn.us/jhs


We are so excited to welcome the following teachers and staff in their new positions for the 2019-2020 school year.Elizabeth Beckman – English/Language Arts Ms. Beckman will be teaching English 10, College Writing, and Public Speaking. She comes to us from Eastern Carver County Schools. She is a Jordan graduate and is excited to be back at JHS. Ms. Beckman received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications Arts and Literature (5-12) from Winona State University and her Masters Degree in Teaching and Learning from St. Mary’s University.

Chase Buthe – Special Education Mr. Buthe will be joining us as a DCD teacher. He comes to us from Eastern Carver County Schools. Chase is a native of New Prague and did his student teaching at Jordan High School. Mr. Buthe received his Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin - Stout.

Evan Steele – Chemistry Mr. Steele will be teaching chemistry at JHS. He spent this past year working in science positions as a long term substitute in Apple Valley Schools. Mr. Steele received his Bachelor’s Degree with a Major in Physical Science and a Minor in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota - Duluth.

NEW STAFF AT JHS!


Parking PermitsPermits are $100 for the year, if purchased on or before August 28th and the Parking Permit form must be completed. On August 29th, the fee will increase to $125. Please purchase your permit early! The form can be found on the high school website > Student Life > Student Forms or during open house.

SuppliesThe Course Registration Guide lists required supplies for each class. It can be found on the JHS website > Student Support > Course Registration.

LocksFreshmen and new students will be assigned a locker and lock for the school year. They will be expected to return the lock at the end of the year. Failure to do so will result in a $10 charge for a lock. Other students will not be required to have a locker assigned to them. Students are free to put their supplies in their lockers during Open House or wait until the first day of school.

Open House – New Format!Parents can purchase parking passes, athletic passes, and locks (new students and freshmen only) during the Open House on Wednesday, August 28 at 4pm - 8pm. Along with the academic options, we will have food vendors available for families. During this time, students can walk through their schedule, meet teachers, get school pictures taken, pay for any necessary items for the school year, and enjoy time with friends. Throughout the evening we will have different informational sessions that families can attend.5:15pm Freshmen and new student information (JHS Auditorium)6:00pm Jason Arras will speak on Courageous Parenting (JHS Auditorium)7:00pm JHS Counselors will give an overview on the college planning process (JHS Auditorium)

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Breakfast & LunchesThe cost for JHS lunch is $2.75 and for breakfast is $1.80. Students who were approved for a free or reduced lunch last year will still need to turn in the new application for this school year. Menus, access to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal Food Service, and other pertinent lunch information can be accessed on our website. For your convenience, families can set recurring lunch payments in Infinite Campus. With questions, call the District Office at 952-492-6200.

Chromebook 1:1 DeviceStudent 1:1 Chromebook devices will be distributed Wednesday, August 21 from 5pm-8pm and Thursday, August 22 from 12pm-8pm at Jordan Middle School for Grades 5-12. Come at your convenience. This is an open house event. Chromebooks not received during these two dates, will be distributed in the first week of school once all parent paperwork is received (all outstanding fees must be paid in advance as well).


School PicturesAll students (including seniors) must have their pictures taken during the Open House. Parents may choose not to purchase the picture package but ALL students (to include seniors) must have their picture taken so they have a student identification card which we use for flex period check in.


Freshman FOCUS Orientation InformationFor the fourth year, we will be offering a full day orientation for our incoming 9th grade students. The FOCUS (Freshman Orientation Creating Unbelievable Students) program is designed to assist students in their transition academically, emotionally, and socially. More and more, studies show that if students have a positive experience in their first year of high school, the chance for success increases dramatically. The orientation is dedicated to help freshman students feel welcome and comfortable about their first year of high school. We want to help freshmen discover what it takes to be successful when transitioning to high school. We also want to share our expectations, beliefs, and culture with our newest students. The 9th grade students will be our only students at JHS on Tuesday, September 3, to give them full access to the building and staff without distraction. The orientation will be all day from 8:15am-3pm. The events planned include:

• Welcome from staff and administration• Student panel with upperclassmen• Student expectations/PBIS/JHS PRIDE• Extended lunch with drawings and prizes• Community building activities • Workshops [digital citizenship, academic

planning (grades and transcripts), study tips, stress management, time management, schoology in small group settings]

• Class picture• Shortened classes to meet teachers and

move through their schedules

Grade 10-12 “Go REMOTE” on First DayOn the first day of school our incoming 9th grade students will attend Freshman FOCUS (Freshman Orientation Creating Unbelievable Students). The 9th grade students will be our only students at JHS on Tuesday, September 3, to give them full access to the building and staff without distraction.

So what about students in Grades 10-12? Don’t worry - you will still need to be engaged and accountable on Tuesday, September 3rd. But, you will get to do it a bit differently this fall. Because of PLANIT JORDAN, our 1:1 device initiative, students have the ability to work from virtually anywhere.Students in grades 10-12 are not expected to physically be in the JHS building on September 3rd, but will be expected to check into Schoology and proceed with directions from their teachers. If you do not have wi-fi access, please contact the JHS office for further instructions. If you have any questions, please call the JHS Office at 952-492-4400.

8:15am - 9:15am Meet in auditorium (Welcome, Expectations, Student Panel)

9:15am - 9:55am Class picture and community building

9:55am - 11:30am Workshops

11:30am - 12:15pm Lunch and activity fair

12:15pm - 3:00pm Meet with academic classes (build community) 21 minute classes and 10 minute snap class

Tentative Schedule Tuesday, September 3, 2019

HIGH SCHOOL


The 2019-20 school year will be the final year Jordan High School competes in the Minnesota River Conference before a move to the Wright County Conference in 2020-21. Jordan has competed in the MRC for 60 years, joining the conference back in 1959. It will be bittersweet as we say goodbye to Belle Plaine, LeSueur-Henderson, Mayer Lutheran, Norwood-Young America, Southwest Christian, Sibley East and Tri City United as conference opponents. Jordan Public Schools enrollment growth has us feeling some growing pains, and the time has come to move to a conference with teams our size or larger. After the playoff classifications came out and Jordan found ourselves bumped up a class in just about every activity, it was time to make the move. We look forward to competing with our MRC rivals one last time this upcoming season!

Although our enrollment and participation numbers are not quite large enough to offer every activity sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League, we are doing our best to always explore potential opportunities for our students. We currently offer cooperative sponsorships in (boys & girls) Swim & Dive and (girls) gymnastics

with Prior Lake. We will continue to research and explore ways to provide our students with every opportunity we can. With the amount of interest in our theater program, we have added a fall play at the middle school this fall. We are excited to offer two opportunities a year for middle schoolers to be involved in a school play.

If you are a family with students in grades 7-12, please consider giving a new activity a try this year. It’s never too late to pick up a new skill or hobby, and make new friends along the way. Online registration can be found at www.717activities.com. If you have questions, check the website www.jordan.k12.mn.us and use the activities tab on the top. You may also call the activities office at 952-492-4481 or email [email protected]. Go Hubmen, Jaguars, and Panthers!

Joe Perkl, Activities Director and Dean of Students – [email protected]

ACTIVITIES AND ATHLETICS

ONLINE jordan.k12.mn.us/activities

SOCIAL MEDIA @JordanSchoolsAD


NEW STAFF/HEAD COACHES!Krista Halvorson – Activities Assistant & Facilities Coordinator Krista comes to us with a strong accounting background and a positive attitude! With students in the district, and the treasurer of the newly formed Jordan Football Association, she has a passion for Jordan Activities. She will be a great addition to the Activities Department.

Leah Aamlid – Girls Basketball Head Coach Coach Aamlid has a rich history with Jordan Jaguar basketball. She is a former Jag Bballer, and replaces her father, Greg Dietel as head coach. Leah played in four NCAA tournaments with South Dakota State, and most recently has been a varsity assistant at Jordan.

Ozzie Sand – Football Head Coach Coach Sand has been with the Hubmen football team for the past five years, and just this spring, coached the girls golf team to a 4th place finish at the state meet. He will also be taking over the role of head strength and conditioning coach with the MAX program.

Taylor Soine – Volleyball Head Coach Coach Soine comes to Jordan fresh off her volleyball playing career at Concordia St. Paul where she was a part of two DII National Championships. Taylor will begin her first year teaching 4th grade at Jordan Elementary school this fall.

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