Jordan Hills Elementary focuses on collaboration and teamwork. We believe that as students, parents, teachers, administrators, and staff work together, we can best meet the needs of our students and provide them with the foundation that will allow them to be successful. We promote a happy, clean, safe learning environment where every student is valued and given the tools they need to reach their potential.
SCHOOL RULE
At Jordan Hills we are respectful and responsible.
RESPECT is a key word at Jordan Hills. We teach our students to respect themselves, others, and school property. We believe that teachers have the right to teach and students have the right to learn in the best learning environment possible. We ask everyone to be respectful of the learning process.
SCHOOL HOURS
School begins at 8:25 a.m. and ends at 3:05 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Friday is short day and school begins at 8:25 a.m. and ends at 12:25. Students should not arrive at school earlier than 8:15 and should not stay at the school after 3:20 Monday through Thursday and 12:40 on Fridays. Supervision is not available any time outside of these times. Please be aware that our crossing guards begin crossing students at 8:00 a.m. We want every child to be safe and in a supervised environment at all times.
Kindergarten AM – Begins at 8:25 a.m. and ends at 11:10 a.m. Monday – Thursday. Kindergarten AM – Friday begins at 8:25 a.m. and ends at 10:15 a.m.
Kindergarten PM – begins at 12:25 p.m. and ends at 3:05 p.m. Monday – Thursday. Kindergarten PM – Friday begins at 10:40 a.m. and ends at 12:25 p.m.
Please don’t send your student(s) to school early. Supervision at the school begins at 8:15 am when teachers begin their morning duties. Students are to go directly to their class lines when the bell rings.
VISITORS
Parents and other adults are appreciated and welcome to visit the school. For the safety of our students, all visitors are required to check in at the main office upon arrival. If parents/visitors wish to enter the school during school hours, they are required to sign in on the computer using School Counter tracker system and wear a visible visitor badge. Students are not allowed to bring friends or relatives to school. Only registered students will be allowed to attend classes and activities or be on school property.
CHECKING IN AND CHECKING OUT
The safety of our students is a top priority. Once students arrive on campus, they will not be allowed to leave except with a parent or a parent designee who’s name is authorized on Skyward. If there is a need to check your student out of school, please come to the front office with a picture ID. You will be asked to sign your child out of school and your child will be called to the front office.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Punctuality and regular attendance are two important factors affecting school success. Research has shown that an important aspect of students’ access to education is the amount of time spent in the classroom. When students are absent from school, cut class, or arrive late, they miss important opportunities to learn.
If your student is ill and you are keeping him/her home, please call the office.
Utah State Law (Public Law 53-24-1) requires that every child between the ages of six and eighteen to be in attendance at school every official school day. The law further states that every parent or guardian has the responsibility of sending his or her child to school. The administration and staff at Jordan Hills are committed to the success of students. Student success can best be achieved when students, parents, teachers, and school administration work together toward a common goal.
In the opening registration packet, each parent signed a Compulsory Education statement indicating it is the parent’s responsibility for his or her student’s regular attendance. It is the parent’s responsibility to contact the school when his/her child is not attending for the day. Student attendance affects learning. It is essential to attend school regularly and be on time. Utah law defines a valid absence as:
- Excused absences
- An illness, verification may be required by school officials (Doctor’s note).
- A family death
- An approved school activity
- An absence permitted by an individual education plan or an educational accommodation plan
- Any other excuse as established as valid by the school and/or school district
- Home and hospital instruction
- Required court appearance
- Unexcused absences
Absences that are not authorized by state law nor by district or school policy but which occur with parental knowledge or consent are considered unexcused. Examples of unexcused absences may be, but are not limited to: “needed at home”, “homework completion”, “car problems”, “babysitting”, “skiing”, etc. - Truancy absence
Absences that occur without school and/or parental approval are truancy absences. A student is considered truant if he/she:- Leaves for school but does not arrive at school
- Arrives at school but does not attend class
- Leaves school without following proper check-out procedures
- Obtains permission to go to a certain place within the school but does not arrive there
- The following actions will take place when unexcused absences occur:
- After 5 unexcused absences a letter will be sent to the home indicating the number of unexcused absences – the letter is for informational purposes and the school will not take action at this time.
- After 10 unexcused absences a letter will be sent via regular mail indicating excessive absences requiring the parent to contact the school.
- After 15 unexcused absences a letter will be sent via Certified Mail to the home, which will require the parent to hold a meeting with school administration.
- After 10 consecutive absences without communication with guardian, students will be unenrolled from Jordan Hills and will need to re-register if they wish to attend. They are not guaranteed re-admittance into their previous class.
- Tardies
- Tardies are marked if the child is not in their seat at 8:30 each morning
EDUCATIONAL LEAVE (VACATION)
A student may receive an excused absence for up to ten (10) days maximum for travel vacation in an entire school year. Prior arrangements must be made at least one (1) week (5 school days) in advance to allow adequate time for the teacher to prepare for the homework packet. The travel must be for a minimum of three (3) days to qualify for educational leave. This procedure allows students to have the educational experience of travel without scholastic penalty. Please note that your child’s attendance will be marked as an excused absence for all days missed upon advanced approval and completion of the educational leave requirements. As stated in the vacation leave form, taking an educational leave from school may disqualify students for receipt of any awards associated with attendance. In addition, the school encourages families to make travel arrangements during non-school days whenever possible.
SAFE SCHOOL POLICY
The following conduct is considered dangerous or disruptive and is prohibited on school property at any time: (as per Jordan School District policy AS67 NEG)
- Possessing to bringing any potentially harmful item (including but not limited to guns, knives, weapons, poisonous items, or flammable materials).
- Possessing or bringing any item that cannot be legally possessed by a juvenile (including but not limited to alcohol, tobacco, vape, drugs, or unauthorized medication).
- Possessing or bringing any facsimile of the items mentioned in #1-2 (including but not limited to toy guns, pocket knives, drug paraphernalia, or items represented as drugs).
- Attempting, threatening, conspiring, or committing any act that could result in harm to others or the school (including but not limited to stealing, vandalism, assault, arson, sexual harassment, or gang related activities). Students who violate the Safe School Policy will face disciplinary action in the form of restitution, suspension, or removal from school.
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
Utah law states that medication may only be administered to a student by school personnel if the student’s legal guardian has provided a current written and signed request by a physician stating that medication must be administered to the student during regular school hours, and that the statement describes the exact method, amount, and time schedule for administration. This means that students are not to bring any type of medication to school. This medication should be brought to the office by the parent. Please see our staff for the required forms that must be on file.
Reminder- students may not have medication in their possession. Therefore they may not share any kind of medication with friends, including over the counter medications such as cough drops or aspirin.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
The following website outlines the immunization requirements for students in Jordan School District. You must have proof of all required immunizations. You may find more information regarding immunization requirements at http://edsupport.jordandistrict.org/nursing/immunization/
Please direct questions to the Educational Support Services department at (801) 567-8124.
FOOD, DRINKS AND GUM
All food is restricted to the cafeteria unless authorized by a teacher for a class activity. Gum is not allowed in school. District policy prohibits the distribution of any homemade foods. All food must be commercially prepared, packaged, and within approved dates. Allergies may be a factor in your child’s classroom. Please check with each individual teacher if/when bringing food items to school.
SCHOOL BREAKFAST/LUNCH
Students are asked to enter the breakfast program through the cafeteria doors and to exit the same doors to their class lines. Breakfast begins at 8:00 and ends at 8:20 to allow students enough time to get to their classes without being tardy.
The Jordan School District policy is that all school meals must be paid for in advance. Families will not be allowed to have a negative balance on their lunch accounts. If your child does not have lunch money in their account they may be given an alternate lunch that is provided at a reduced cost.
Free and reduced applications are available in the main office and applicants must re-apply for the free and reduced program every year. For additional information and for instructions regarding online lunch payments, please visit the following website: http://auxiliaryservices.jordandistrict.org/nutritionservices/payment/
LUNCHROOM CONDUCT
Our lunchroom is designed to be a place where students can come and enjoy a meal with their classmates. Students need to follow these simple rules so all students will be able to enjoy their lunches.
- Students will show respect for supervisors at all times.
- Students will enjoy a quiet conversation without yelling and talking.
- Students will keep the cafeteria clean by picking up all garbage around their table on the on floor.
- Students will not throw food.
- Students will not touch another student’s lunch.
- Students will not share food.
- Students will not run in the cafeteria and will not switch places once they are seated.
- Student will not remove food, milk cartons, straws and other items from the cafeteria.
- Students are to remain seated until they are excused.
RESTROOM CONDUCT
This is an area of our school where each student is expected to show good judgment and proper behavior. Cleanliness and good health habits are very important. Students should always flush the toilet and wash their hands. Restrooms should be left clean. Restrooms are not places to play or where students meet their friends.
SPECIAL PROGRAM CONDUCT
We arrange for special programs and assemblies to come to our school each year. These programs are for the enjoyment and education of all students. Appropriate behavior is as follows:
- Show respect for all performers by being attentive during the program.
- Remain quietly seated.
- Applaud politely (whistling, booing, or yelling out is inappropriate).
- Enter and exit the auditorium quickly and quietly under the direction of the teachers.
DRESS CODE
In alignment with District Policy AA419, the following dress code will be enforced at Jordan Hills Elementary:
- School Dress and Appearance
Appropriate dress and appearance avoids extremes, exemplifies personal cleanliness, promotes an effective learning environment free of unnecessary disruption(s) and increases school safety, security and sanitation factors. There are a variety of clothing styles which may be popular but are inappropriate for the school or school sponsored activity setting.
Dress and appearance standards include (but are not limited to) the following:- General Standards
- Any clothing, jewelry, accessory, footwear, personal item or appearance practice may be prohibited when it:
- Draws undue attention, distracts, disrupts, and/or interferes with the learning environment at school or school sponsored activity.
- Endangers or affects the health, safety and/or welfare of the individual or others.
- May cause damage or harm to individuals, school devices, resources, equipment or facilities.
- Limits the ability to identify the student.
- Appears as an attempt to challenge the intent and scope of policy or the authority of the school.
- Dress and appearance, including clothing, jewelry, accessory, footwear, personal item or appearance practice, shall be in a manner suitable to the day’s activities consistent with the standards of health, safety, and appropriate behavior. School personnel may require students to wear certain types of clothing for health, safety, security, or sanitation factors or in connection with classes, activities or circumstances.
- Clothing, appearance, jewelry, accessory, footwear, and/or personal items shall be free of writing, images, symbols or any other insignias that:
- Are lewd, obscene, vulgar, or profane.
- Advocate, represent or promote racism, discrimination, violence or hate in any form.
- Signify gang affiliation.
- Advocate, represent or promote tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or any illegal substance(s).
- Advocate, represent or promote criminal or illegal activities.
- Infringe on the rights of others.
- Are pornographic or sexually suggestive.
- Any clothing, jewelry, accessory, footwear, personal item or appearance practice may be prohibited when it:
- Specific dress and appearance standards are found at Student Support Services online at https://studentsupport.jordandistrict.org/dresscode.
- School administration may authorize exceptions for health/medical issues, religious beliefs, or safety reasons.
- School dress and appearance enforcement should be reasonable and seek to minimize the loss of instructional time.
- General Standards
PLAYGROUND CONDUCT
The following rules will help keep our students safe and contribute to overall safety and enjoyment for the entire student body:
- Playing will only be allowed in designated playground areas
- Students may participate in organized games but should allow access for any other student to join the game
- Contact games that include tackling, tripping, pushing, and hitting will not be permitted at school
- Snowball and rock throwing are not permitted
- Sliding on the snow, ice, or on the lawns is not permitted
- Respect will be given to everyone
- Students will follow directions from supervising adults
- Fighting is not permitted on the campus. Intimidation, whether physical or verbal, with not be allowed
- Playground materials and equipment must be used safely and appropriately
- Baseball bats are not to be used at recess
- Students are to remain on campus during recess
DISCIPLINE POLICY
Students at Jordan Hills are asked to be respectful, comply when given instructions from adult supervisors, and to keep hands, feet and other objects to self. In the event that a student has a behavior infraction, parents will be notified and the school will work with parents when making decisions regarding student discipline.
REWARDS FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR
Students at Jordan Hills are often rewarded for good behavior. These rewards include recognition from teachers, recognition from the principal, receiving a token from the office to get a prize from the “treasure tower”, and extra privileges. We love to catch our students doing good things!
SAFETY PATROL/STUDENT COUNCIL (Kindness Brigade)
Fifth and sixth grade students may have the opportunity to participate in the Safety Patrol program. Information regarding this program will be sent home with fifth and sixth grade students during the first week of school.
Fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students may have the opportunity to run for Student Council/Kindness Brigade. Information will be sent home with students during the first week of school.
GOLDEN GATE KIDS
Golden Gate Kids is designed to teach, promote, and develop pro-social behaviors with the intent to create pro-social learning environments and help students make authentic connections to school and peers. More information about the Golden Gate Movement can be found at https://goldengatemovement.org/
The Movement’s basic goals are to:
- Include every student
- Welcome new students
- Provide a sense of belonging
- Provide social opportunities
- Build social and soft skills
- Promote and teach prosocial behaviors
- Teach the value of kindness and selfless service to others
BULLYING
Bullying issues will be handled appropriately according to administrative policies and procedures.
Our school will be participating in bully prevention programs and positive school support programs such as Bully Blockers and Prevention Dimensions. All students will learn universal rules and expectations about bullying, as well as learn that bullying includes many different behaviors that are hurtful to students who are targets and witnesses of bullying.
Students will learn that:
- Bullying is one-sided
- It is intentional and repeated
- It happens when someone purposely hurts, frightens, or threatens another
- It happens when someone ridicules, spreads rumors, or makes offensive comments
- It happens when someone purposely and repeatedly excludes others
If you...
YELL at kids
HIT kids
TEASE kids
INSULT kids
PICK ON kids
KICK kids
THREATEN kids
PUT DOWN kids
EXCLUDE kids
STOP IT BEFORE IT SPREADS
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students are allowed to have personal electronic/smart devices at school, but these devices may not be turned on or used during the school day (8:25-3:05). We realize the possible need for technology, but do not wish for these devices to interfere with academic instruction. Students are allowed to call home from the office or classrooms when necessary. All personal electronics/smart devices brought to school are done so at the responsibility of the students, and Jordan Hills cannot be held liable for damage or loss.
ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Parents have the option to enroll their children in a health and accident insurance plan. For more information regarding this plan and for online enrollment visit: www.hsri.com/K12_enrollment
PTA/SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL
PTA and School Community Council would love your support and help! We would encourage every parent to become involved. There are many ways and levels of commitment to accommodate any schedule. If you would like to become a committee member, or donate one-time help with an activity or program, please contact your child’s teacher at 801-280-0238 or contact a member of PTA or School Community Council. Contact information is found under the community tab on this website.
The Jordan Hills PTA is valuable to our school culture. They work together to support students, families, and teachers in establishing a loving and connected learning environment. They meet the 3rd Friday of every month at 12:00 in the faculty room.
School Community Council will meet on September 11t h, November 13t h, February 12t h, and May 13t h from 6:00-7:00 to discuss our school improvement plan, Land Trust Funds, school safety, and various programs and activities used to support our school and community.
We would like to encourage every parent to become involved. There are many ways to do this, we can accommodate even the busiest schedule and benefit from your support.