Counselors are still available to help students through email, phone calls, or video conference. Please sign up by using the “Meet with a Counselor” button under the Student drop-down menu or the Parents & Community drop-down menu on the school website.
If you’re having any kind of trouble connecting to your class, check these tips and then send us a message if it isn’t working. This page will be updated as issues arise.
The Place for Class Information
Go to your Canvas course’s landing page for the most up-to-date information. If things happen, your teacher will post assignments, fixes, etc. on that landing page.
iBoss Issues
If you have anything related to iBoss that comes up, make sure that:
Your Chromebook is updated. Typically restarting your device is enough. If that doesn’t work, go to settings and update.
Make sure you aren’t accessing things from a bookmark. If you are going to Canvas, go to gmail.com and get to Canvas via the little waffle icon in the top right corner. Canvas is a tile there. You can also go to jsd.instructure.com.
Zoom Issues
The only Zoom issue we’ve had so far is a request to sign in before joining a meeting. Students can just use the school Google account to sign in and it should work.
Thank you for your patience as we work through yet another COVID-driven change. We are making every effort to keep things as simple and unchanged as we can for students.
While we are learning virtually until Thanksgiving Break, three things are most important:
The Bell Schedule Stays the Same
Students will follow the same bell schedule as they normally would – including lunches.
All Coursework and Videos Can Be Accessed Via Canvas
Even if the course uses another platform, access to video links and any secondary platform will be linked in Canvas.
Exposure Notifications & Quarantines Will Be Sent Via Email
We will continue to have positive cases reported by the health department, and will trace those cases if the student was in school while positive. Notifications will be sent via email, so please check your spam folder. All notifications will come from curtis.jenson@jordandistrict.org
More detailed information on each of those things, including free rapid COVID testing, can be found below. Please also do what you can to slow the spread of COVID in our school community so that we can return to in-person learning as soon as possible.
Musical Announcement
The announcement of this year’s musical is coming tonight! Check this page later this evening to find out what it will be, and thank you to Mrs. Schmidt and her dedication to finding creative ways to ensure our students are able to participate in one of Elk Ridge’s greatest traditions!
Bell Schedule and Attendance
Students will access class at the normal time via Canvas. Attendance will be taken.
Accessing Courses Virtually
All courses will have a link to the video in the actual Canvas classroom at the top of the main page of each class. If you can’t access a class, contact the school. Students should plan to go to their class in Canvas each day for instructions and the link to class video calls. Students know how to do this.
Teachers will be live with class each day at the scheduled time via the video at the regular class time. While the whole time will usually not be in the video call, they will start each class checking in live.
Please be patient the first day of class on Monday as we set up calls and links and work out technical issues. If you have issues, reach out to your teacher or call the school and we’ll help you get connected. Again, students have been trained for weeks in how to access their courses and materials in Canvas and they know where to go and how to get there. If we hit bumps, we’ll work with you to iron them out.
Exposure, Quarantine and Testing
Exposure notifications will be sent via email, but you are welcome to call if you have questions. Information regarding free rapid testing, quarantine protocol, etc. will be included in the notification. If you have any questions about an exposure that happened at school, please let us know. We can’t name the exposure or say which class, but can relay the date and whether or not it was a masked exposure.
Lunch Offerings
Elk Ridge offers curbside lunch for virtual students throughout the districtall year, and that is offered between 11 am and 12 pm on the west side of the school. If students are attending virtual classes, parents are able to pick up meals without the student present.
If your student plans to eat school lunch between now and Thanksgiving, and won’t be able to pick it up between 11 am and 12 pm because they are in class virtually, email holly.taylor@jordandistrict.org to ensure we know to plan another time for pickup. This will mainly apply to students on A or D lunch eating school lunch that plan to walk to school to pick it up. We’ll do whatever we need to do to make sure they can eat.
Staying Sane at Home
The Jordan Health and Wellness team has put together a great bunch of resources to help keep you well while we’re learning from home. Visit the COVID Health and Wellness page for tips, resources, and more!
A dramatic increase in active cases of COVID-19 has been identified within Elk Ridge Middle School.
After discussing the circumstances in an emergency Board meeting, the Jordan School District Board of Education has determined that it is necessary for Elk Ridge Middle School to move to online, virtual learning for two weeks beginning Monday, November 16.
To allow students and staff time to prepare for online learning, there will be no in-person or virtual classes tomorrow, Thursday, November 12. This includes staff, although staff may choose to come into the building as long as social distancing can be observed.
Friday the 13th will be a normal Friday with buses for students who have appointments with teachers. Friday the 20th will be completely virtual.
School will continue for students on a virtual learning schedule Monday, November 16 through November 30, with Fridays continuing to be primarily for instructional activities that build on concepts covered during the week, and focusing on intervention and enrichment.
From now until November 30, Mondays through Thursdays will follow a synchronous schedule. This means students should plan on logging in to class at the normal class time based on our current bell schedule. Students have been taught how to access each class virtually over the past few weeks.
Breakfast and lunch will still be available on a grab-and-go basis on the west side of the school during normal breakfast and lunch times based on the current bell schedule. This may be adjusted in the future depending on demand.
In general, students will not be allowed in the building beginning Thursday, November 12. Exceptions such as Friday, Nov. 13th by appointment may be made as situations arise, but efforts will be made to hold meetings virtually whenever possible.
COVID-19 case counts at all schools and buildings in the District can be found on the Jordan COVID-19 Dashboard. The dashboard can be accessed at movingforward.jordandistrict.org
An increase in active cases of COVID-19 has been identified within the following schools:
Copper Mountain Middle
Elk Ridge Middle
Fort Herriman Middle
Hidden Valley Middle
Mountain Creek Middle
Oquirrh Hills Middle
South Jordan Middle
Sunset Ridge Middle
West Hills Middle
West Jordan Middle
Bingham High
Herriman High
Mountain Ridge High
Riverton High
West Jordan High
According to a plan approved by the Jordan Board of Education when there is a COVID-19 outbreak, board members will hold an emergency business meeting to discuss possible action. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, starting at 5 p.m. Patrons may view the general session online at youtube.com/user/jordanschooldistrict/live.
The Board does not anticipate taking public comments during this meeting. However, they welcome written comments submitted prior to the meeting. If you wish to provide input, please submit written comments to the Board member that represents the area in which you live. Board member email addresses can be found on the Board of Education Members page.
With Halloween on a Saturday, we’ll be celebrating it on the last in-person day of school tomorrow. We are excited to celebrate and want to review the activities and guidelines that will apply. Students should be aware of the guidelines, and we can’t wait to see their costumes!
Activities
A school-wide, live trivia game during 2nd period. Your teachers have the link.
An in-person and virtual costume contest. We’ll have a photo booth at lunch, and a vote via Google Form on Friday. The vote will come through your school email, and you can submit your costume pics here
Face coverings per current governor order required. Full face masks will not be allowed.
Makeup must be done in moderation and not interfere with the wearing of a regularly-required face covering. Avoid fake gore.
If you wear a hat with your costume, it must not get in the way of the learning of others or otherwise create a distraction.
Be tasteful and not extreme or disruptive to the daily school routines
If you’re not sure it’s allowed, it’s probably easiest to just not wear it. If you’re not sure, find an administration
Negative Test Results
If your student is quarantined going forward and wants to return after 7 days from the date of exposure, the following must apply:
The exposure must have been when both students were wearing masks (noted in quarantine email)
The student must have a negative COVID test administered on the 7th day or later from the last date of exposure
The student must bring a printed copy of the results that includes ALL of the following:
Student Name
Date of Test Administration (on 7th day after last exposure or later)
Notice of Negative Result
All negative results will be verified with the health department, but students will be allowed to return with the printout of results while we wait for verification. We are told that screenshots of results are no longer acceptable. More info on the new quarantine procedures can be found here.
Teen Health Summit
Register now for the (virtual) Teen Health Summit! For teens led by teens, sponsored by the Salt Lake County Health Dept. Empowering teens to build resilience and foster healthy community connections through: health and wellness, digital citizenship, and advocacy and activism. Everyone receives a $25 Gift Card for attending! November 7, 14, and 21 from 10:00-1:15. Register at https://slco.org/health/teens/
Invitees: Curtis Jenson, Alishia Huefner, Kelly Adams, Rachel Ferre, Megan Clement, Mindi Allen, Nicole McDermott, and any interested patrons.
Welcome – Curtis Jenson
Formal election of Chair, Co-Chair
Chair: Kelly Adams
Co-Chair: Mindi Allen
Approval of last meetings minutes – Kelly Adams
Megan Clement, Curtis Jenson
Overview of Land Trust and Teacher Student Access Act (TSSA) – Curtis Jenson
Land Trust funding ranges between $70,000 – $140,000.
Tier 1 Instruction
Instructional Coaching
2 teachers split the role of 1 teacher as a coach. Other teachers assist in coaching. All participate in an instructional coaching program.
Coaching assists teachers with meeting the goals set.
Discussed if any special funding considerations needed for COVID restrictions
Choir teacher found high reviewed masks which would cost ~$4,000 and is being reviewed.
Spent money for masks and water bottles for students since wouldn’t have access to drinking fountains.
TSSA
~$137,000
Divided into 3 categories and spending is left up to the school (Professional Development, Other Needs)
Last year money was spent on Chromebooks to get 1:1
Principal Update
Last year made adjustments to hire a PT Teacher for Match Dept to reduce that department class size.
Feedback from attendees:
Students are enjoying the free Elk Ridge gear. Used money normally allocated for School Store and money earned for reward system to align with COVID restrictions.
Parents appreciating involvement with activities such as in-school Orchestra concerts
Counseling Center Update
Shout out to Mr. Jenson for his support and leadership during this uniquely difficult school year.
District has allowed for flexibility for household decisions for education, but has created challenges with scheduling.
Held Suicide Prevention with students. Broke out with each of the grades and had specific topics to differentiate with needs.
Feedback to include these kinds of updates in the weekly Skyalert emails.
Confirm Schedule of Next Meeting – December 2, 2020 at 4:00 PM
First quarter ends tomorrow and Fall Break is next week, October 19th – 23rd. The 26th is also a no-school day for students for grade transmittal. Have a safe, well-deserved break!
Negative Test Results
If your student has been on quarantine and wants to return after 7 days, the following must apply:
The exposure must have been when both students were wearing masks (noted in quarantine email)
The student must have a negative COVID test administered on the 7th day or later from the last date of exposure
The student must bring a printed copy of the results that includes ALL of the following:
Student Name
Date of Test Administration (on 7th day after last exposure or later)
Notice of Negative Result
All negative results will be verified with the health department, but students will be allowed to return with the printout of results while we wait for verification. We are told that screenshots of results are no longer acceptable. More info on the new quarantine procedures can be found here.
Chromebook Sleeves
In order to minimize damage to Chromebooks, all students are being provided a Chromebook sleeve this week during their 1st period class. Virtual students can pick them up tomorrow, October 16th, from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm.
Extra Memory Books for Sale
We have a few extra memory books. If you would like to purchase one, come to the school tomorrow, October 16th for $25.00 between 9:30 am- 12:30 pm There is a limited supply.
Community Council Meeting
Our first community council meeting will be held on October 28th at 4 pm via Zoom. A link will be posted on our website and sent out via Skylert. If you have any questions or topics, please let us know and we’ll make sure it’s on the agenda.
Managing Quarantine Expectations & Opting to Self-Quarantine
We make every effort to keep students caught up when they are out on quarantine, and good communication is at the heart of quarantine success. But it’s definitely not as good as being here or being in a class actually designed for virtual instruction. It is intended to be a short-term solution and not a replacement for in-person or online instruction. Our goal is to lessen how behind a student is when they return, and to include them in the in-person class as much as possible. That said, it’s the splint and not the cast, and your student is still enrolled in an in-person class.
If you are opting to keep your student out for self-isolation longer than a normal quarantine, please keep in mind that quarantine is meant to be a short-term solution, and while we will do what we can to involve them, it’s designed to hold students over and not to replace the in-person class.
Quarantine Schoolwork Point of Contact
If you have been out on quarantine, you probably already know this, but Lisa Hogan is our point of contact for schoolwork help and questions when on quarantine. She can connect you with teachers, counselors and more, and will be keeping tabs on you until you can come back.
Quarantine Process at ERMS
We get a lot of questions about symptoms and quarantine. If you have any questions, feel free to use this tool to see current guidelines we have from the health department and quarantine types specific to your situation. We use a modified version of this tool when determining exposure and length of quarantine. This tool is for your information only and does not collect any data. Please contact the school if you have symptoms or confirmed exposure to a positive COVID case.
Stress and Anxiety Group
Feeling stressed out or anxious? We want to help! Let one of our counselors know and we’ll make sure we connect you with resources and others that can support you.
First quarter ends this Friday and Fall Break is next week, October 19th – 23rd. The 26th is also a no-school day for students for grade transmittal. Have a safe, well-deserved break!
Choir Concert
Our choir students have been working very hard to prepare for their fall concert. Please look for more information, in the form of an email, from Mr. Goodrich to view the concert.
Chromebook Sleeves
In order to minimize damage to Chromebooks, all students are being provided a Chromebook sleeve this week during their 1st period class. Virtual students can pick them up this coming Friday, October 16th, from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm.
Extra Memory Books for Sale
We have a few extra memory books. If you would like to purchase one, come to the school on Friday, October 16th for $25.00 between 9:30 am- 12:30 pm There is a limited supply.
Community Council Members
We needed at least 4 members from the community, and four members were nominated. We’ll confirm their willingness to serve on the council, and let you know when our first meeting will be held ASAP.
Updated Quarantine Protocol
As announced last week, students exposed to coronavirus where both students are wearing masks can return to school with a negative test administered on the 7th day or later. We will notify you if the exposure was with or without masks, and will send you an email confirmation as well. Please don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions. More info can be found here.
Managing Quarantine Expectations & Opting to Self-Quarantine
We make every effort to keep students caught up when they are out on quarantine, and good communication is at the heart of quarantine success. But it’s definitely not as good as being here or being in a class actually designed for virtual instruction. It is intended to be a short-term solution and not a replacement for in-person or online instruction. Our goal is to lessen how behind a student is when they return, and to include them in the in-person class as much as possible. That said, it’s the splint and not the cast, and your student is still enrolled in an in-person class.
If you are opting to keep your student out for self-isolation longer than a normal quarantine, please keep in mind that quarantine is meant to be a short-term solution, and while we will do what we can to involve them, it’s designed to hold students over and not to replace the in-person class.
Quarantine Schoolwork Point of Contact
If you have been out on quarantine, you probably already know this, but Lisa Hogan is our point of contact for schoolwork help and questions when on quarantine. She can connect you with teachers, counselors and more, and will be keeping tabs on you until you can come back.
Quarantine Process at ERMS
We get a lot of questions about symptoms and quarantine. If you have any questions, feel free to use this tool to see current guidelines we have from the health department and quarantine types specific to your situation. We use a modified version of this tool when determining exposure and length of quarantine. This tool is for your information only and does not collect any data. Please contact the school if you have symptoms or confirmed exposure to a positive COVID case.
Stress and Anxiety Group
Feeling stressed out or anxious? We want to help! Let one of our counselors know and we’ll make sure we connect you with resources and others that can support you.
This message was sent to parents on 10/8/2020 regarding changes made at the state level to quarantines due to exposure in schools.
At Elk Ridge specifically, all those currently on quarantine were notified via email today if the change affected them or not based on whether a mask was worn at the time of exposure. All future quarantines will include that information at the time of notification.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The Utah Department of Health, under the direction of Governor Herbert, has approved adjustments to the 14-day quarantine. Students who have been quarantined due to an in-school exposure, while wearing a mask, may return to school if they are symptom-free, and have a negative test result after day 7 of quarantine. The test may be taken on day 7. State officials and medical experts indicate that this new guidance aligns with the best medical practice.
The following are key points provided by the State:
Masks are effective at preventing transmission in classroom settings
This only applies to mask on mask exposure
Only applies to exposures that occurred in school
% of individuals who will develop symptoms do so on:
Day 7 -75%,
Day 9 – 90%
Day 11- 95%
Testing picks up positive cases two days before symptoms onset; therefore, testing on day 7 means there is less than a 10% chance that an individual will contract after day 7
This is for individual exposures, and does not pertain to the threshold recommendations for classroom or school virtual learning
The COVID-19 School Manual will be updated to reflect this change but the change takes effect immediately and applies to students who are currently on quarantine. A student who was exposed at school to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 may return to school or related activities if he or she meets ALL of the following:
The school verifies the student and the person who tested positive were both wearing a face mask.
The quarantined student has a negative COVID-19 test (rapid tests are acceptable, antibody tests are not) at least 7 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive.
The student does not have symptoms of COVID-19.
Additional Information
These guidelines only apply to exposures that occur at school.
If the student does not meet ALL three criteria or chooses not to get tested, he or she should continue to quarantine at home for 14 days from the last day of exposure.
Anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 and comes back to school must continue to watch for symptoms. If students get symptoms, they should isolate at home and call their healthcare provider.
Testing Information
We are working with the Salt Lake County Health Department and other test providers to make additional testing sites available in our communities.
Rapid tests are acceptable
Antibody tests are not acceptable
State Covid Hotline number can provide additional information on testing 1-800-456-7707
