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Category: Equity & Access

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Last year we piloted the Sherpa AI absence tracking tool with 11 schools, free of charge. The pilot generated strong interest across the district and many schools are eager to use the tool to support attendance efforts. 

However, because the cost of implementing Sherpa AI exceeds $50,000 we must go through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. This ensures transparency and gives qualified vendors the opportunity to submit bids for the services we are seeking such as timely and improved communication with families regarding student absences, robust data tracking, and more.

This RFP process typically takes about 10 weeks to complete. During this time, please continue your efforts to connect with families of absent students. If you need support, I would be happy to join you and your attendance team in a meeting to generate ideas to continue to improve attendance efforts at your sites. 

In the coming days, I’ll also be showing you how to access your attendance data on PowerSchool Analytics and Insights. This will allow you and your attendance team to begin identifying students who are chronically absent and to start developing targeted interventions. We’ll also begin thinking about systems and supports that can be put in place to better serve the student groups most impacted by chronic absenteeism.

As always, if you have any questions, please reach out any time.

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Summary:

During the annual Administrator Institute in July 2025, all administrators received an update on legislative changes, including new requirements related to toilet training.

The updated guidance is:

  • Schools must provide educational services to any student removed from school because of toilet training while they are at home.
  • Students may return to school for their Special Education minutes during the time they are working on toilet training at home.

During the elementary session, administrators asked the following questions. Responses are summarized below:

  • What if a student has a documented medical issue on a 504 plan, or toilet training concerns are part of an IEP?
    The student would not be removed from school. Appropriate accommodations would be made.
  • Can students have a goal on their IEP for toilet training?
    Toilet training goals can be written into an IEP if the toileting issue is directly related to the student’s disability and is necessary for their access to education (often as a functional or transition goal).
  • Can a student qualify for an IEP if they are not toilet trained?
    No. Toilet training by itself is not a disability. A student cannot have an IEP with a goal that is only toilet training.

If toileting concerns are developmental (a child is simply late in training) but not tied to a qualifying disability or medical condition, then it would not meet the threshold for IEP elibility.

In these cases, general education strategies and family support would be the avenue, not a formal plan.

Rationale:

H.B. 233 — School Curriculum Amendments prohibits local education agencies (i.e., public schools) from using or allowing health-related instruction or materials provided by entities that perform elective abortions. That includes materials created, funded, or donated by those providers, as well as any instruction delivered by their employees or volunteers.

SLCSD had approved several presentations from providers that are no longer permissible. The new Health curriculum will help support teachers in designing their instruction in Health I and Health II.

Expectations for Implementation: 

  1. Communication: 
  • Please make sure appropriate teachers and staff are aware.
  1. Collaboration: 
  • Contact Erin Anderson with questions.

Keywords:  Toilet training 

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Principals,

Each year you should designate one member of your faculty to act as your school's Positive Behavior Specialist. This person will oversee your school's Positive Behavior Plan to address the causes of student use of tobacco, alcohol, electronic cigarette products, and other controlled substances as required by Utah law. This person should be a school counselor or teacher-leader as they qualify for a stipend to compensate them for this work. 

Please submit the name of your school's PBS to Alli Martin (allison.martin@slcschools.org) by August 22, 2025.

Thank you,

Alli

Alli Martin, Ed.D. (she/her/hers)

Director of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Prevention Services

Salt Lake City School District

Office: 801.578-8137 

www.slcschools.org 

Follow the district: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter  

Excellence and Equity: every student, every classroom, every day

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As shared during Admin Institute, our district is joining the Utah State Board of Education’s (USBE) attendance initiative, Every Day Counts, for the 2025–2026 school year. This initiative directly supports our District Board Goal to reduce chronic absenteeism from 28% to 10% by 2029.

To support this important work, USBE has provided a variety of resources through their Absenteeism and Truancy Prevention page, including:

  • Flyers to display throughout your schools
  • Attendance Handouts for Parents
  • Monthly social media templates and themes to promote attendance on your school's platforms

USBE is actively working to translate these materials to ensure accessibility for all families. If the Attendance Handout for Parents is not available in translated form by mid-next week, we will collaborate with our Communications Department to ensure it is translated and ready for distribution.

Our Communications Department will also continue developing additional tools throughout the year to reinforce this message.

Back to School Night is a great opportunity to introduce the challenge to families. Please emphasize that improving student attendance is a district priority, and we are committed to supporting families in every way possible. Families in need of support can reach out to their school counselors, who are ready to assist with accessing resources and meeting basic needs.

Please also encourage your teachers to join us in promoting the Every Day Counts message. It’s just 180 days and we’re making each one count.

Let’s ensure families know it takes a village to improve attendance, and we can’t do it without them. Their partnership is essential to helping every student succeed.

As we look ahead, please keep in mind that September is Attendance Awareness Month. We’ll be resharing ideas and strategies to help promote it and build momentum. Since our goal is to bring awareness every month, this is a great time to start thinking about how your school can participate.

We are equally committed to supporting you in this work. If you have any questions about the attendance challenge or need support with anything related to attendance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m available and happy to assist in any way I can.

I’m excited for what we will accomplish together this year!

In solidarity,

Bri Conley, Ed.D. 

Director, Educational Equity and Access

Salt Lake City School District

Office: 801-578-8281

slcschools.org

Follow the district: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter   

Excellence and Equity: every student, every classroom, every day

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Dear High School Team,

Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to creating positive, safe, and inclusive school environments. As we begin the new school year, I would like to reaffirm and formally document our shared expectations related to Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) implementation across our high schools.

These expectations have been reviewed and communicated previously through written correspondence and in multiple meetings. The following practices are essential components of our districtwide efforts to build a consistent and supportive culture across all secondary campuses:

  1. Hall Pass Protocols: Teachers will keep hall passes behind their desks so they are not immediately accessible to students.
  2. Classroom Dismissal: Teachers will not dismiss students early from class.
  3. Visual Expectations: Schools will hang visual behavior expectations in common areas to reinforce positive norms and support clarity for all students.
  4. Active Supervision: Teachers will be present in hallways during passing periods to promote school safety, foster positive interactions, and support a welcoming school climate. 

In addition, a small team comprised of school and district administrators will begin conducting PBIS walk-through observations to gather implementation data. These visits are intended to provide formative feedback and highlight areas of strength and opportunity. The observation tool is currently being finalized and will be shared with you in advance of any scheduled walk-throughs. Our collective goal is to ensure that expectations are being applied consistently and effectively, aligned with our district’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and student well-being.

Thank you once again for modeling the leadership and professionalism that make Salt Lake City School District a great place for students to learn and thrive. Should you have any questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Please integrate the following tasks to your Day One Ready List. We will be sure to get these on the master list in the future. Thanks!

July/August/September Priorities for student services include:

*Secretaries at Training August 4th-Do not schedule it as a registration day.

*Secondary Counselors have 195 day contract—determine the start date for counselors.

*Set up SSC/Counselor meeting to review students with tier 3 needs, cross check schedules, supports, consider parent meeting or home visit prior to school. 

*Set-up weekly Counselor Meetings, discuss Counselor Corner for staff meetings, discuss possible staff presentation for PD days.

*Set up your anti-harassment and bullying training dates for students

*Set up Mental Health Screening dates with social workers and counselors

*Set-up regular (weekly suggested) Mental Health Meetings with your district social worker.  Schedule a staff presentation.

*Set up a meeting with your school nurse to discuss CPR trained staff requirements, fall staff training, and vision screening

*Secondary set up a meeting with your SRO and PYP advocate.

*Set up a McKinney Meeting with Becky Baskett or Mike Harmon

Tasks for SEL and Prevention Services:

  1. Assign School Safety and Security Specialist, give name to Dr. Allison Martin, Allison.Martin@slcschools.org,
    1. Must be an assistant principal unless you have a split AP (split APs should be the SSaSS at one of their schools and the other one should assign the position to a counselor or teacher.
  2. Set standing day/time (at least once per week) for SSC meetings

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On May 6, 2025, the Board approved our new Written Agreement with several changes from the past. Because Student Services Councils (SSCs) are part of the Written Agreement, I wanted to take a moment to highlight the changes as well as remind you of our practices regarding MTSS and student support.

Resources for SSCs are housed in a district Canvas page that can be accessed by anyone in SLCSD using this link: https://slcschools.instructure.com/enroll/JX8N6L

Schools should follow the flow chart below when addressing students with behavioral concerns that do not rise to a district-level safe schools violation:

  1. A student who has been identified as in need of additional supports, should receive classroom level interventions prior to being brought to SSC. 
  2. If a teacher needs help developing or collecting data on these interventions, they should reach out to their PLC and/or the Behavior Specialist Office Hours for support.
  3. If the classroom-level interventions tried do not result in improvement, the student should be presented to SSC.
  4. A referral form should be used for all SSC referrals. Schools may develop their own or use a sample found on the Canvas page.
  5. SSC should provide additional guidance for Tier 2 supports and interventions based on the information presented to them.
  6. SSC should regularly follow up on students they have addressed.
  7. If, after 2-4 weeks of intervention, the student has still not made improvements, the SSC should develop next steps which may include a referral to the Behavior Specialist team or Special Education.
  8. If SSC determines that the appropriate next step is a referral to a Behavior Specialist, the SSC chair (principal or assistant principal) should complete the referral form found on the Canvas page or linked here.

15.4.8 Student Services Council.

15.4.8.1 Purpose. A Student Services Council shall be established in each school to collaborate and recommend appropriate services, interventions, and strategies for students whose needs are not being met and to assure that due process rights are protected.

Council Members
Elementary SchoolMiddle/Intermediate SchoolHigh School
Principal (chair)Special Education teacherCounselor/Social WorkerGeneral Education teacherPrincipal(chair)Assistant Principal(alt chair)Counselor/Social WorkerGeneral Education teacherPrincipal (chair)Assistant Principal(alt chair)Counselor/Social WorkerGeneral Education teacher

15.4.8.5 Additional Participants by Invitation.  Additional participants may be invited to provide input and support to best serve students. serve as members of the Student Services Council. 

5.4.8.6 Council Determines Procedures. The council shall meet weekly, or more frequently, if business dictates. The chairperson shall be the principal or assistant principal. The operating procedures of the council shall be determined by the council in compliance with the district policies

15.4.8.7 Agenda. Students to be discussed during the council meetings shall be placed on an agenda by the chairperson so council members can be notified in advance. Individual members of the council will provide data/documentation pertaining to the placement and/or services of the student being discussed.

15.4.8.8 Minutes Required. Minutes of decisions made at each council meeting shall be recorded and shared in a secure manner by school administration with those who have a legitimate interest. The chairperson shall maintain copies of all minutes saved on the district electronic network.

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STUDENT SERVICES NEWS

Newsletter May 2025
  1. May 7th is National School Nurse Day: Please join us in recognizing SLCSD nurses for National School Nurse Day. Nurses play a critical role in supporting the health, wellness, and academic success of our students. Please show our nurses how much they are appreciated!
  2. Ask a Therapist Live on May 7th: Parents with questions about parenting, relationships, or their child's well-being can anonymously submit questions to receive thoughtful, personalized answers from family therapist, Dr. Kevin Skinner via our ParentGuidance.org Mental Health Series Webinars
  3. Ask counselors about their Transition Report Form:One counselor from each school enters transition activities conducted to support students needing extra support as they transition from elementary to middle or middle to high school.   
  4. Please be sure all SafeUT tips for your school were assigned prior to the end of the year. Close every tip. SafeUT Administrator Portal Training

May Student Services Newletter

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Dear Salt Lake School District Team,

We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to provide guidance regarding HB 77 – Flag Display Amendments, which was recently passed by the Utah Legislature and will take effect May 7, 2025. This legislation outlines specific regulations regarding which flags may be displayed on or within government property, including public school campuses.

For years, Salt Lake City School District has been known for our commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students and staff, and we remain committed to this goal and the values underlying that commitment. We also appreciate the pride and passion many of our students and staff feel in their beliefs and causes. While this law imposes certain limitations, we will continue to foster school environments where all students feel seen, supported, and valued.  In order to understand and implement this legislation, we are providing the following protocols for our schools.

Key Provisions of HB 77

HB 77 defines “display” as placing a flag in a prominent location where the flag is easily visible. A “flag” is defined as a usually rectangular piece of fabric with a specific design that symbolizes a location, government entity, or cause.

To ensure district-wide compliance, please note the following flags are permitted for display:

  • The official United States Flag
  • The official Utah State Flag
  • The current and official flag of another country, state, or political subdivision (e.g., another school district or city)
  • A flag that represents a city, municipality, county, or other political subdivision within Utah
  • A flag representing a branch, unit, or division of the U.S. military
  • The National League of Families POW/MIA flag
  • A flag that represents a recognized Indian tribe
  • An officially licensed college or university flag
  • A historic version of the U.S., Utah, or other state/national flags
  • An official public school flag
  • An official flag of the U.S. Olympic/Paralympic Committee, International Olympic/Paralympic Committee, or a specific Olympiad/Paralympiad that occurred or will occur
  • A flag of an organization authorized to use space within a public school, during the time they are using the space

We understand that some of you may feel inclined to demonstrate your support for various causes, groups, and beliefs by displaying items that do not meet the definition of flag and thus do not violate the new law. While we support you in your goal of signaling a welcome environment, there is additional information that you should consider in displaying items. In addition to HB 77, the Utah State Board of Education (“USBE”) issued a letter on April 10,2025, reminding educators of Utah Admin. Code R277-217(25), Educator Standards, that states that an educator may not “through instruction, materials, or symbols . . . endorse promote, or disparage” a particular viewpoint. The letter also indicated how the public may report violations of this section. We are providing you with this information not as a threat of district action, but as an awareness that USBE, as the licensing authority for Utah educators, has indicated that compliance with these rules and laws is not only expected but vital.  

Action Steps for Schools

  • Review all flags currently displayed in your school or on your school property, including in classrooms, hallways, and offices.
  • Remove any flags that do not fall within the categories listed above by the end of school onMay 6, 2025, to ensure full compliance with the law upon its effective date.
  • When in doubt, please consult with the General Counsel before displaying a new flag to confirm it meets the legal criteria.
  • Ensure that flags displayed during temporary use by authorized organizations are removed promptly after their use of the space ends. 

The Office of the State Auditor is tasked with overseeing compliance with this legislation and may impose fines for violations. As such, we must be diligent and proactive to ensure our flag displays align with this new legislation.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued leadership in ensuring our schools remain compliant, welcoming, and student-centered.

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Stakeholder Feedback Surveys

SLCSD stakeholders will begin to receive notices of their access to the stakeholder survey. All surveys must be completed by May 2. Please encourage everyone to participate.

In case any questions arise, here is the information you should know:

  1. This survey is OPTIONAL, no one should feel compelled to take it. However, it is incredibly useful feedback, and we strongly encourage all our stakeholders to participate.
  2. This survey is CONFIDENTIAL, and participants should be encouraged to complete it at a time and location where they feel comfortable giving honest feedback.
  3. Survey links will be sent out to adults via EMAIL. If they do not see the link, they should check junk/spam folders or reach out to jeffrey.lutz@slcschools.org.
  4. Students can access the survey through Clever. To increase response rates, we encourage you to work with your teachers to provide time for students to do their surveys while they’re in school.
    1. Students may see more than one survey when the go into Clever. There is the USBE Stakeholder Survey and the Teacher Feedback Survey. Please encourage them to complete BOTH.
     Parents/Students
  5. A student must have been enrolled for at least 40 days to receive a survey.
  6. Students and parents will be asked to provide feedback on each individual course/teacher they have as well as the administrators in their building.
    1. They may skip any sections they wish
    2. Parents with multiple children in the district may receive separate survey emails for each child.
  7. Class information is pulled from PowerSchool so if a student is in an afterschool program or a class that they know by a different name than what is in PowerSchool, please help them determine which class that is (i.e. After School might be Chess Club).

Alli Martin, Ed.D. (she/her/hers)

Director of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Prevention Services

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