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Announcements
SLCSD Priorities 2026-27  - Our top priorities highlighted from our strategic plan for student success. (Draft only!!)
Common Expectations – Administrative guiding document for 26-27 school year.
September Cultural Calendar – Record of cultural observances for September
CSTAG (comprehensive school threat assessment guidelines) is a critical component of school safety. All building administrators must be trained in CSTAG but it is recommended that others be trained as well. If you or your staff are interested in completing CSTAG training, please sign up for our next session offered on Monday, Sept. 14 from 8:30am-4:00pm in room 1055 at the District Office. Registration is available on Kickup or reach out to Dr. Alli Martin with any questions.
CELEBRATIONS – Please send to leeson.taylor@slcschools.org or angelina.tovar@slcschools.org by Wednesday at 5:00 PM.
Attendance and Engagement Meta Network celebration
Salt Lake City School District has been accepted into the National Attendance and Engagement Meta Network, a Gates Foundation-funded initiative focused on improving student attendance and engagement. East, West, and Horizonte will represent the district in this national learning network, collaborating with schools and districts across the country to identify, implement, and refine strategies that reduce chronic absenteeism and strengthen student connection to school.
We appreciate the leadership of the East, West, and Horizonte teams for taking on this work and look forward to sharing lessons learned across the district throughout the year.
ALL ADMINISTRATORS – Items for all building level administrators
DEADLINES
PUBLISHED 2z026 Principal Tackle List.docx
ACTION ITEMS
Administrator ESL Endorsement Information – In the Salt Lake City School District, every educator plays an important role in supporting English learners. As an administrator, you can choose to complete the full ESL endorsement, or just complete three classes for the modified endorsement.
Action Item: Assigning STEM AC Math Digital Learning Student Licenses – The math digital learning student licenses awarded to schools from the STEM AC Math Digital Learning Grant will be assigned by SLCSD IT Department.  Administrators must submit a SLCSD IT helpdesk ticket to inform IT how the licenses are to be assigned in their school.
Attendance Counts for Events Family Engagement
As part of SLCSD's Strategic Plan, Pillar 3, Goal 1, we are entering our second year of collecting attendance data for key family engagement events. Please provide attendance information for the following:
Back-to-School Night (2026)
Two family engagement events during the 2026-27 school year (selected by your school; you may use the same events reported in 2025-26)
Fall and Spring SEP Conferences (2026-27)
We recognize that schools track attendance in different ways. Whether you use exact counts or reasonable estimates, please report the data using the method that works best for your school. Our goal is to establish a baseline and measure growth in family engagement over time.
Once your event dates are submitted, we will add them to the district tracking spreadsheet and the Tackle list so that you, or your designee, can enter attendance data following each event throughout the school year.
Please submit the 2026-27 School Event Attendance Count – Fill out form by Thursday, September 10.
 
 INFORMATION ITEMS
 Attendance Update September 2026.docx​ -this is the September attendance newsletter.
Attendance-Based Grading Under HB 502 Guidance – The Salt Lake City School District is providing the following guidance regarding attendance-based grading under HB 502. This guidance is intended to support a fair, transparent, and consistent approach across our secondary schools while ensuring that students and families clearly understand how attendance may affect a course grade. 
Assessment Plan for SY 2026-27 – This document is the comprehensive overview of assessments. For specific dates of testing windows, questions about administration, or training on administration, please contact Dr. Patrick Jefferies, Assessment & Evaluation Supervisor.
Update: Internal and External Grant Pre-Application Approval Process – This  memo serves as an important reminder that all faculty and staff must use the district’s Grant Pre-Application Approval process before submitting any grant request.
Botvin Life Skills Training – It is now time to fill out the BOTVIN forms for your schools. 
Student Services Newsletter – This is the monthly newsletter from Student Services.
Utah Compose/Scrible update 
USBE retired Utah Compose and will not be available this year. Scrible will be the replacement.  
The platform is currently not rostered or available for teacher use.  
We expect USBE to have it ready by October.
Teachers New to Acadience Reading:
Teachers new to Acadience Reading need to complete the Administration Essentials course provided online by USBE before they conduct any benchmarking.  While not as robust of an option, there is a self-paced Canvas course that covers this information as well.  Teacher should observe and practice testing procedures and follow standard testing procedures to keep the data collected valid and reliable.
Math Acadience License Issues
Acadience Math Digital Upgrades and License Information:
Schools that have requested K-3 manual-entry Acadience Math licenses are all set to use them, but please remember that they are exclusively for K-3 students.  Manual licenses for upper grade students must be purchased, even though it appears that all students have accounts.  This is due to the way the ALO platform rosters.  Upper grade students with Acadience Reading accounts may appear to have Acadience Math accounts.  They do not unless your school purchases them.
For schools that have requested quotes for digital upgrades or upper grade licenses, please complete your purchase as quickly as possible.  These upgrades are given at a district level through ALO.  This means that any school in the district could potentially use it.  To avoid using the upgrades purchased by another school and avoid costly invoices, schools need to clearly communicate the type of licenses they are using to classroom teachers and support staff for Acadience Math.  If the school does not purchase the digital upgrade, all measures need to be administered, scored, and entered manually into ALO.  
Teacher Growth Reports
Teacher growth reports are now available in the DDC>Assessment & Evaluation>Assessment Essentials> [School Folder]>Scores & Reports> Teacher Growth. Reach out to Dr. Jefferies in Assessment & Evaluation with questions.
USBE Updates
School LAND Trust – USBE is excited to announce a new Canvas course designed to support District Principals in administering the School LAND Trust (SLT) program. District principals are vital to ensuring School Community Councils (SCC) are properly formed and funds are used to address critical academic needs.
SEOP Newsletter – August newsletter
USBE September Attendance Newsletter – USBE Attendance information for the month of August.   
 
HIGH SCHOOLS – Items for high school administration
DEADLINES
ACTION ITEMS
 Calculating Added Value GPA -- Additional value is awarded to courses that demonstrate a higher level of academic rigor. This system ensures students are recognized for the commitment they make when enrolling in advanced coursework. 
INFORMATION ITEMS
2026 Cohort Cleanup for High Schools
All graduation requirements for last year's 12th grade students who did not graduate in May must be completed and entered into PowerSchool by September 25.
Registrars must also ensure that an Exit Status Change record is created in PowerSchool for any student who has completed their graduation requirements or for whom new information is available regarding their enrollment status or transfer destination.
Registrars will receive training on this process from IT on August 28.
Monthly Registrar Meetings Reminder and Dates – Monthly Registrar Meetings Reminder and Dates
High School RISE updates – USBE has indicated that RISE blueprints will be available starting Sept 1 for:
ELA 9 & 10
Secondary Math II (Secondary Math I is already posted)
Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, & Physics
Nov 16, 2026: Performance Indicators available
Jan 19, 2026: Benchmarks for ELA 9 & 10, and Secondary Math II available 
 
MIDDLE SCHOOLS –Items for middle school administration
DEADLINES
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS – Items for elementary school administration
DEADLINES
ACTION ITEMS
Botvin Materials and Teacher Training for Grade 5 – Action Required by 9.11.26 – Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) is an evidence-based substance-use and violence-prevention program that helps students develop skills for making healthy and responsible choices.
INFORMATION ITEMS
UEA Support for Readathon – On October 2, 2026 the Utah Statewide Read-A-Thon will take place. UEA applauds the efforts of Governor Cox and first lady Abby Cox in working to build literacy in our state.
UEA supports the Governor’s initiative, and we hope your school district will actively participate so students and educators of all ages can discover, or rediscover, the joy of reading. We also hope that you will work in close collaboration with educators and the community in planning events. UEA and your local association leaders stand ready to help
CogAT Testing – Annual Dates & Expectations -- SLCSD’s Magnet and Advanced Academics and Mentoring Program (AAMP) provide advanced learning opportunities for students who demonstrate gifted characteristics and high academic potential.
Math Acadience Order process for 2026-27: Any school can use manual licenses for K-3 Math Acadience paid for by USBE. Schools can pay $2.95/student with school funds to upgrade to digital licenses and avoid hand entry of data in K-1. For more details, please click here. To order licenses for grades 4-6, email quotes@acadiencelearning.org to purchase.
TRAINING:
Starting now, participants can self-enroll in the Canvas course for the SY26-27 administration and scoring of the Acadience Math assessments. Once they complete the module(s) and submit the survey they will receive a certificate of completion. Self-enroll URL link https://usbe.instructure.com/enroll/C6FRBW
Please reach out to Dr. Patrick Jefferies, Assessment & Evaluation, with questions. patrick.jefferies@slcschools.org
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR SCHOOLS FROM DISTRICT DEPARTMENTS
SPED Scoop – Special Education Newsletter
Student Services Resources
Teaching & Learning
Salt Lake Education Foundation
School Leadership & Support
Administrative Memos
 
*Unless otherwise requested, information will run for 2 weeks only.
 

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TO: Teachers, Area Directors, and Administrators
DATE: Monday, August 24, 2026
FROM: James E. Yapias, Senior Director of Development and Salt Lake Education Foundation
RE: Update: Internal and External Grant Pre-Application Approval Process
Dear Colleagues,
This memo serves as an important reminder that all faculty and staff must use the district’s Grant Pre-Application Approval process before submitting any grant request. This applies to all external grants as well as internal funding opportunities through the Salt Lake Education Foundation. This procedure has been required since April 2018. Note: This does not apply to grants submitted on the Utah Grant portal or federal grants, which continue to require approval from the Business Administrator.
The purpose of this process is to strengthen site and department support, encourage collaboration of resources, and enhance student achievement through a streamlined and coordinated approach. Please submit all proposed grants using the Grant Pre-Application Approval Link: https://apex.slcschools.org/apex/f?p=321.
Utilizing this required process ensures that the district and foundation operate from a clear, shared plan aligned with school improvement goals and community needs. It also allows us to communicate effectively with stakeholders, track reporting requirements, and prevent multiple funding requests that may fatigue our donor base.
Process Overview:
•
School administrators will be notified of any grant submission for their department/school and will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide pre-approval.
•
The foundation will be notified to ensure compliance with the district’s C-6 Fundraising Policy and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt requirements.
Required Pre-Submission Timeline:
•
Approval by impacted schools/departments: 15 business days before the grant application deadline
o
Approval by the Foundation Director: 10 business days before the grant application deadline
▪
All local, state, business/corporate, and foundation grants under $100,000
o
Approval by the Business Administrator: 10 business days before the grant application deadline
▪
All local, state, business/corporate, and foundation grants of $100,000 or more
If you have questions regarding the Grant Pre-Application Approval process, please contact me at James.Yapias@slcschools.org or 801-578-8268.
Thank you for your cooperation and for your continued commitment to supporting our students.
Sincerely,
James E. Yapias
Grant Memorandum Salt Lake Education Foundation
August 24, 2026 Page 2 of 2
406 East 100 South | Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 | Phone: 801.578.8268 | saltlakeeducationfoundation.org
GRANT PRE-APPLICATION APPROVAL GUIDE
Requester: Will auto populate with your name and employee number.
Requester Title/Worksite: Will auto populate with your title and worksite info.
Requester Department: Will auto populate with your department info.
Implementation Site: Where will the program take place?
Name of Grant Opportunity: What is the name of the external funder (external grant) or name of the program for SLEF funding request.
Funding Type: Select local, state, federal, business/corporate, foundation (for SLEF funding requests).
Program Focus: Special Event, Enhancement, After-School, Other
Program Title: What is the name of the program/activity?
Amount Requesting: What is the total dollar amount you are requesting?
Matching Funds: If yes, please list the amount your school or department is contributing in the Program Summary.
Is student data required? If yes, you need to complete a student request form on the information technology website. https://apex.slcschools.org/apex/f?p=151.
Date Grant Application is Due: Enter the date the grant application is due.
Proposed Implementation Date: Enter the date your program/activity starts.
Departments you need support from: Select the department you need support from (e.g., IT, Facility Services, etc.).
Required Support: If you require support from other departments, please detail it here.
Program Summary/detailed budget: Include a brief summary of the program or project for which you are requesting funding. Be sure to include a detailed breakdown of the budget and number of people this request serves.
Contact Information of Funder: For external funding applications, provide the organization’s name, address, phone number, and contact person’s name and email. You will also need to upload a complete copy of your application to the portal.

Published on

Announcements
SLCSD Priorities 2026-27  - Our top priorities highlighted from our strategic plan for student success. (Draft only!!)
Common Expectations – Administrative guiding document for 26-27 school year.
September Cultural Calendar – Record of cultural observances for September
CSTAG (comprehensive school threat assessment guidelines) is a critical component of school safety. All building administrators must be trained in CSTAG but it is recommended that others be trained as well. If you or your staff are interested in completing CSTAG training, please sign up for our next session offered on Monday, Sept. 14 from 8:30am-4:00pm in room 1055 at the District Office. Registration is available on Kickup or reach out to Dr. Alli Martin with any questions.
CELEBRATIONS – Please send to leeson.taylor@slcschools.org or angelina.tovar@slcschools.org by Wednesday at 5:00 PM.
Attendance and Engagement Meta Network celebration
Salt Lake City School District has been accepted into the National Attendance and Engagement Meta Network, a Gates Foundation-funded initiative focused on improving student attendance and engagement. East, West, and Horizonte will represent the district in this national learning network, collaborating with schools and districts across the country to identify, implement, and refine strategies that reduce chronic absenteeism and strengthen student connection to school.
We appreciate the leadership of the East, West, and Horizonte teams for taking on this work and look forward to sharing lessons learned across the district throughout the year.
ALL ADMINISTRATORS – Items for all building level administrators
DEADLINES
PUBLISHED 2026 Principal Tackle List.docx
ACTION ITEMS
Administrator ESL Endorsement Information – In the Salt Lake City School District, every educator plays an important role in supporting English learners. As an administrator, you can choose to complete the full ESL endorsement, or just complete three classes for the modified endorsement.
Action Item: Assigning STEM AC Math Digital Learning Student Licenses – The math digital learning student licenses awarded to schools from the STEM AC Math Digital Learning Grant will be assigned by SLCSD IT Department.  Administrators must submit a SLCSD IT helpdesk ticket to inform IT how the licenses are to be assigned in their school.
Attendance Counts for Events Family Engagement
As part of SLCSD's Strategic Plan, Pillar 3, Goal 1, we are entering our second year of collecting attendance data for key family engagement events. Please provide attendance information for the following:
Back-to-School Night (2026)
Two family engagement events during the 2026-27 school year (selected by your school; you may use the same events reported in 2025-26)
Fall and Spring SEP Conferences (2026-27)
We recognize that schools track attendance in different ways. Whether you use exact counts or reasonable estimates, please report the data using the method that works best for your school. Our goal is to establish a baseline and measure growth in family engagement over time.
Once your event dates are submitted, we will add them to the district tracking spreadsheet and the Tackle list so that you, or your designee, can enter attendance data following each event throughout the school year.
Please submit the 2026-27 School Event Attendance Count – Fill out form by Thursday, September 10.
 
 INFORMATION ITEMS
 Attendance Update September 2026.docx​ -this is the September attendance newsletter.
Attendance-Based Grading Under HB 502 Guidance – The Salt Lake City School District is providing the following guidance regarding attendance-based grading under HB 502. This guidance is intended to support a fair, transparent, and consistent approach across our secondary schools while ensuring that students and families clearly understand how attendance may affect a course grade. 
Enrollment Guidance Related to SB 167 – We recognize that schools have received a number of questions regarding student enrollment requirements and the implementation of SB 167. We appreciate your continued attention to this matter and your efforts to ensure that enrollment decisions are handled consistently and appropriately across the district.
Edia Implementation and Attendance Communication  – See important information regarding our implementation of Edia attendance software.
Assessment Plan for SY 2026-27 – This document is the comprehensive overview of assessments. For specific dates of testing windows, questions about administration, or training on administration, please contact Dr. Patrick Jefferies, Assessment & Evaluation Supervisor.
Transportation Contact Information -- As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we would like to share the Salt Lake City School District Transportation Department contact information to help ensure you can quickly connect with the appropriate staff for transportation-related needs.
UPDATE:  UTA Passes for the 26-27 School Year – UTA is upgrading its fare payment system, which requires new transit cards for staff, guardians, and most students.
Standard Operating Procedures for Zūm Pass Usage, Student Boarding, and   Space-Available (Transportation) – The Salt Lake City School District is implementing consistent procedures for Zūm pass usage, student boarding, transportation eligibility, and space-available transportation requests for the 2026–27 school year.
Botvin Life Skills Training – It is now time to fill out the BOTVIN forms for your schools. 
Student Services Newsletter – This is the monthly newsletter from Student Services.
Utah Compose/Scrible update 
USBE retired Utah Compose and will not be available this year. Scrible will be the replacement.  
The platform is currently not rostered or available for teacher use.  
We expect USBE to have it ready by October.
KEEP –KEEP  Kindergarten Testing ends September 4. Please ensure that all scores are entered and submitted to the Data Gateway by the end of the testing window.
Class Rosters for test tracking should arrive at your schools this week. Please include the completed Class Rosters when returning your testing materials. Refer to the Packing List or Teacher Checklist for instructions on returning materials.
Performance Matters – There  is currently (8/26) an issue with course types in Performance Matters that will prevent most Math and Language Arts testing from being published and distributed.
Course types are required to publish and distribute tests within Performance Matters, and many course types are currently missing. I.T. is aware of this issue.
Missing Students – If students are missing from testing platforms such as Acadience or the Data Gateway, please work with I.T. and your school registrar to resolve the issue. Once the student’s information has been corrected, please allow 24–48 hours for the changes to be reflected in the testing platform.
RISE Interim Testing Update – Please be aware that the RISE testing platform is currently experiencing an issue with rostering in TIDE. At this time, we do not have an estimated timeline for when rostering will be restored. Because students cannot be properly rostered, schools will need to delay Fall RISE Interim testing until this issue has been resolved. We will share additional information as soon as we receive it.
NWEA Participation Dashboard – To To help monitor NWEA participation, we have a new dashboard that shows participation by school. You can find it here: NWEA - NWEA and Acadience Participation Report - Power BI
The dashboard will be updated daily, and you can see when it was last updated. Anyone with Power BI access can use it. This Dashboard will eventually include Acadience participation as well. This is a new product, so please let us know if something looks off or if you have any questions. 
USBE Updates
School LAND Trust – USBE is excited to announce a new Canvas course designed to support District Principals in administering the School LAND Trust (SLT) program. District principals are vital to ensuring School Community Councils (SCC) are properly formed and funds are used to address critical academic needs.
SEOP Newsletter – August newsletter
USBE August Attendance Newsletter – USBE Attendance information for the month of August.   
 
HIGH SCHOOLS – Items for high school administration
DEADLINES
ACTION ITEMS
 Calculating Added Value GPA -- Additional value is awarded to courses that demonstrate a higher level of academic rigor. This system ensures students are recognized for the commitment they make when enrolling in advanced coursework. 
INFORMATION ITEMS
2026 Cohort Cleanup for High Schools
All graduation requirements for last year's 12th grade students who did not graduate in May must be completed and entered into PowerSchool by September 25.
Registrars must also ensure that an Exit Status Change record is created in PowerSchool for any student who has completed their graduation requirements or for whom new information is available regarding their enrollment status or transfer destination.
Registrars will receive training on this process from IT on August 28.
Monthly Registrar Meetings Reminder and Dates – Monthly Registrar Meetings Reminder and Dates
High School RISE updates – USBE has indicated that RISE blueprints will be available starting Sept 1 for:
ELA 9 & 10
Secondary Math II (Secondary Math I is already posted)
Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, & Physics
Nov 16, 2026: Performance Indicators available
Jan 19, 2026: Benchmarks for ELA 9 & 10, and Secondary Math II available 
 
MIDDLE SCHOOLS –Items for middle school administration
DEADLINES
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS – Items for elementary school administration
DEADLINES
ACTION ITEMS
Botvin Materials and Teacher Training for Grade 5 – Action Required by 9.11.26 – Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) is an evidence-based substance-use and violence-prevention program that helps students develop skills for making healthy and responsible choices.
INFORMATION ITEMS
CogAT Testing – Annual Dates & Expectations -- SLCSD’s Magnet and Advanced Academics and Mentoring Program (AAMP) provide advanced learning opportunities for students who demonstrate gifted characteristics and high academic potential.
Math Acadience Order process for 2026-27: Any school can use manual licenses for K-3 Math Acadience paid for by USBE. Schools can pay $2.95/student with school funds to upgrade to digital licenses and avoid hand entry of data in K-1. For more details, please click here. To order licenses for grades 4-6, email quotes@acadiencelearning.org to purchase.
TRAINING:
Starting now, participants can self-enroll in the Canvas course for the SY26-27 administration and scoring of the Acadience Math assessments. Once they complete the module(s) and submit the survey they will receive a certificate of completion. Self-enroll URL link https://usbe.instructure.com/enroll/C6FRBW
Please reach out to Dr. Patrick Jefferies, Assessment & Evaluation, with questions. patrick.jefferies@slcschools.org
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR SCHOOLS FROM DISTRICT DEPARTMENTS
SPED Scoop – Special Education Newsletter
Student Services Resources
Teaching & Learning
Salt Lake City Education Foundation
School Leadership & Support
Administrative Memos
 
*Unless otherwise requested, information will run for 2 weeks only.
 

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STUDENT SERVICES NEWS

Monthly Newsletter | September 2026

OUR WORK SUPPORTS THE DISTRICT PRIORITIES

Student Services supports our district priorities of Literacy, Attendance, and CCR Pathways by removing barriers to learning, increasing student engagement and school attendance, and supporting students’ academic, social-emotional, health, safety, and college and career needs. Through the collaborative work of counselors, social workers, McKinney-Vento staff, nurses, and school resource officers, we help ensure students are present, supported, ready to learn, and prepared for their future.

THIS MONTH'S ACTION ITEMS & UPDATES

School Counselors  
   fcf9eae871ae0d25381fbb344670aa98.png    a5fc0b0ea90e62175505e2e5960899ba.png        ea191efc6b40c746e1c0d95670dd6bdb.png                   District Social Work and Mental Health Partnerships 42aea90bd6be9f928d71153ecedbb6ae.png      Student Services Meetings will be in person here at the district office on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Meeting DatesAll Counselors, Social Workers, Nurses and McKinney Staff attend. Admin are always welcome.  Agendas and resources Helpful Links:   3rd Millennium 

Counselor Handbooks 

Counselor Document Center 

Utah College Application and FAFSA Resources


  Elementary Counselors   Welcome back!Resource: Utah’s K-12 Comprehensive School Counseling Program Elementary Implementation GuideReminder: G19-20 Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harassment training and documentation is due by October 1, 2026. Submit all documentation to this Microsoft Form link.Elementary Counselor 26-27 Task OrganizerIf you have not already completed the College and Career Readiness Certificate, please do so. USBE will begin sending letters of non-compliance in October. See this document for more information.          District Social Workers: Coordinate with the Social Worker on staff mental health presentation and student mental health screenings.Coordinate with Social Worker for regular mental health meetings with counselors and admin. Social Work School Assignments   Odyssey House   Salt Lake City School District partners with Odyssey House to provide free school-based therapeutic services to students at East, Highland, Horizonte, Backman and Parkview.    Helpful Links:   Mental Health Screening 

Parent Guidance Mental Health Series 

Social Work Handbook
Mental Health Resource Guide
Health Services
84245a199306aecbbfda5b9b7a0ba84d.png  CPR/AED/Narcan training Is offered one Friday a month at the district office building. If you would like to be certified or your certification has expired, please sign up.  Remember, schools must have at least three front office staff members CPR certified to have an AED in the school.  Nurses are currently:Creating and updating student healthcare plans.Providing Annual School Health training, including Stop the Bleed, to all faculty and staff.Assisting school secretaries to review student immunization records Helpful Links:   How to access Healthcare Plans 

Sick Room Protocol 

Guidelines for Illness Health Services School Assignments and Resources    
McKinney-Vento 
ecd3fc08480f4d15d74b8638252a5744.png  This year, our McKinney-Vento team is working with fewer staff, making continued collaboration with counselors, administrators and teachers especially important in supporting students experiencing homelessness.   McKinney-Vento Team:Mike Harman | 801-243-8351 (work cell) |  Mike.Harman@slcschools.org Becky Baskett   | 385-518-4818 (work cell) |  Becky.Baskett@slcschools.org   McKinney Vento Updates Training   See McKinney-Vento List in PowerSchool: homeless_code>0 - If students you know qualify and are not on the list, complete the Housing Questionnaire     Other Reminders:   Housing Questionnaire: This form activates support for qualifying students. Email completed forms to Becky Baskett and Mike Harman (See District Documents Center for translated forms)  Rental Assistance: Utah Community Action  801-359-2444   Immediate Shelter: Connie Crosby Family Resource Center CCFRC (formerly the Midvale Family Shelter) Encourage families to call first: 801-569-1201 Reach out to the McKinney-Vento team for student support, questions and/or staff training     Helpful Links:  
McKinney Vento Resources
      
School Resource Officers
   67713622d7759e9d5d4cbecbbab21986.png b81c4ea9303c95b2b6a5cfee42493359.png 101d6e8da2c428350e76968e2119fed1.png    If you need an SRO for any reason:   Call your school assigned SRO (if no response)  Call Sgt. Jonathan Lampshire 801-783-9337 (if no response)  Call dispatch for non-emergency 801-799-3000  Call 911 in an emergency  
Promising Youth & Promising Youth Referral 

Contact Krystyn Stargel 385-312-3104 regarding referrals or questions. Peer Court Referral
Contact Sadie Gomez 801-322-1815 regarding referrals or questions.    Helpful Links:   SRO School Assignments

School Resource Officers

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Title:                   Action Item: Assigning STEM AC Math Digital Learning Student Licenses

Date:                  08/28/2026

To:                        All School Administrators

From:                 Holley McIntosh, STEM Director

                                Dr. Tiffany Hall, Executive Director of Teaching & Learning

Subject:          Assigning STEM Action Center (STEM AC) Math Digital Learning Student Licenses

Summary:

The math digital learning student licenses awarded to schools from the STEM AC Math Digital Learning Grant will be assigned by SLCSD IT Department.

Administrators must submit a SLCSD IT helpdesk ticket to inform IT how the licenses are to be assigned in their school.

Rationale: 

The STEM AC did not have sufficient resources to fund any school’s full grant request for licenses. As only a portion of the licenses you requested were provided, schools need to be strategic in assigning licenses to classes or students that will best use them. The STEM AC tracks student usage to ensure license are being used at appropriate levels.

Schools not using their licenses by October 30, 2026 run the risk of having the STEM AC reassign their licenses to another school in the state.

Expectations for Implementation: 

  1. Communication

Administrators are responsible to tell teachers in their building which grade levels and specific teachers have access to these programs.

Administrators are responsible to submit a helpdesk ticket to the SLCSD IT Department. Note in the ticket*:

  • the name of the math digital learning supplemental program you received from the STEM AC grant
  • which grade levels or specific teachers are to have licenses
  • how many licenses for the grade levels or specific teachers


One exception: High school ALEKs licenses will be managed and assigned by your HS Math Coach/Content Area Specialist.

  • Collaboration: 
  • Contact Holley McIntosh if you have questions about your school’s STEM AC grant award.
  • Work with the District Math Coach/CAS assigned to your school if you have questions about how to match these licenses with student needs.

  • Evaluation
  • Administrators communicate the appropriate assignment of the awarded licenses to IT.
  • Administrators ensure the licenses are used appropriately and as a supplement to our adopted core programs.
  • See the conditions of the STEM AC grant for more information.

Keywords: STEM Action Center, STEM AC, math, digital learning licenses, math student licenses

*Helpdesk Directions:
 First Button > Category: Applications > Subcategory: Your selected program > Subject: Assign Licenses

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Principals, 

It is now time to fill out the BOTVIN forms for your schools.  Below is a picture of that application, and what should be put into the appropriate boxes.  If you are new to this process, Botvin LifeSkills Training is the only approved program that meets the requirements outlined in UCA § 53G-10-406 and R277-910. The program must be offered to all students in grades 4 or 5, 7 or 8, and 9 or 10 (UCA § 53G-10-406).  In Salt Lake City School District, we begin our program in 5th grade.  

All 5th grade teachers must receive the BOTVIN training. If a teacher is new to the district, or has been teaching in another grade, please make sure they get notified to take the training through Clarissa Stebbing.  Required Teacher Training -New Simplified Registration Process

For schools filling out the form, below is a sample of what you should put in the boxes.  If you have questions, please reach out to Katie Lowery or Clarissa Stebbing. 

Please have your school secretaries send the form to AMY BURRIS and we will send in the numbers for our district. Ordering Student Guidebooks

See the highlighted links below for TEACHER MANUALS AND RESOURCES

Teacher Manuals

Teacher Resources

BOTVIN Form Helps:

LEA: Salt Lake City School District

CONTACT PERSON:  *Principal Name

PHONE:  *Your School Phone number

SCHOOL NAME:  __________________

ADDRESS: Mailing address for school

Check YES for receiving packages

CONTACT PERSON: Head Secretary or Counselor doing BOTVIN

PHONE of Contact Person

EMAIL of Contact Person

Check the Box for 5th Grade

Quantity:  Number of students coming into 5th grade

Published on

Date:                  August 21, 2026

To:                        All Administrators

From:                 Dr. Tiffany Hall, Executive Director
                                Teaching & Learning

Subject:          ESL Endorsements

Summary:

In the Salt Lake City School District, every educator plays an important role in supporting English learners. As an administrator, you can choose to complete the full ESL endorsement, or just complete three classes for the modified endorsement. 

Endorsement Options

  • A state ESL endorsement, recognized by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE); or
  • A district-modified ESL endorsement, recognized within SLCSD:
    • Understanding Language Acquisition and Cognition
    • Foundations of Cultural Diversity
    • Family and Community Engagement in ESL Education

The state ESL endorsement may be earned by:

  • Completing five graduate-level courses with a grade of C or better; or
  • Passing the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Praxis Exam (5362); and
  • Submitting your application to the USBE to place the endorsement on your license.

Rationale: 

This is a district requirement outlined in your employment contract.

Expectations for Implementation: 

  1. Communication
  2. The next cohort will begin in April 2027, and registration information will be emailed to all educators in February 2027.
  1. Collaboration: 
  2. Please contact Tiffany Hall with questions.

Keywords:

ESL Endorsement

Published on

UTA is upgrading its fare payment system, which requires new transit cards for staff, guardians, and most students.

Who Needs a New Card?

  • Secondary students using a OneCard: No action needed. Your current OneCard will continue to work.
  • Elementary students: A new UTA card is required.
  • Staff: A new UTA card is required.
  • Guardians with UTA passes: A new pass is required.

Current UTA cards will remain active through September 30, 2026.

Elementary Students

  • New cards will be delivered to schools by the end of August.
  • Students can pick up their card from a designated school staff member.
  • The school designee must enter the new UTA pass number into PowerSchool.
  • Cards will become active overnight after the update.
  • Old UTA cards will stop working on September 30, 2026.

Staff

  • IT will begin printing and distributing staff cards by the second week of September.
  • To receive your new card, please submit an IT help ticket: https://helpdesk.slcschools.org
  • Old UTA cards will stop working on September 30, 2026.

Guardian Passes

  • New guardian passes will be distributed to schools by the second week of September.
  • IT will provide each school with a list of guardians who currently have a pass.
  • IT will notify guardians through ParentSquare when their new pass is ready for pickup at the school.
  • The expiration date for current guardian passes is still being determined.

Questions?

If you have questions about the new guardian passes, please submit an IT help ticket and an IT team member will assist you.

Thank you.

Published on


Announcements
SLCSD Priorities 2026-27  - Our top priorities highlighted from our strategic plan for student success. (Draft only!!)
Common Expectations – Administrative guiding document for 26-27 school year.
Leadership Academy – Moving from the classroom or coaching role into school administration is a major shift. The Assistant Principal Leadership Academy is built to help our 1st and 2nd year assistant principals successfully navigate that transition and grow their leadership capacity. This program gives you direct, hands-on experience with the actual district systems and operational practices that keep a building running smoothly. Over the course of the year, we will dig deep into student services, special education compliance, master scheduling, and
CELEBRATIONS – Please send to leeson.taylor@slcschools.org or angelina.tovar@slcschools.org by Wednesday at 5:00 PM.
Attendance and Engagement Meta Network celebration
Salt Lake City School District has been accepted into the National Attendance and Engagement Meta Network, a Gates Foundation-funded initiative focused on improving student attendance and engagement. East, West, and Horizonte will represent the district in this national learning network, collaborating with schools and districts across the country to identify, implement, and refine strategies that reduce chronic absenteeism and strengthen student connection to school.
We appreciate the leadership of the East, West, and Horizonte teams for taking on this work and look forward to sharing lessons learned across the district throughout the year.
ALL ADMINISTRATORS – Items for all building level administrators
DEADLINES
PUBLISHED 2026 Principal Tackle List.docx
ACTION ITEMS
26-27 Title IX Trainings – Required trainings for Title IX and updating your school's Deputy Title IX Coordinator information.
26-27 Start of School Title I Updates – To support a successful beginning to the 2026–2027 school year, we are asking the principals of Title I schools to please complete the following required Title I tasks by Friday, August 28, 2026. Completing these items early will help ensure your school is well prepared for the year ahead. If you need assistance at any point, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Taylor.
 INFORMATION ITEMS
Attendance Update August 2026.docx​ -this is the first attendance newsletter for the 26-27 school year.
Attendance-Based Grading Under HB 502 Guidance – The Salt Lake City School District is providing the following guidance regarding attendance-based grading under HB 502. This guidance is intended to support a fair, transparent, and consistent approach across our secondary schools while ensuring that students and families clearly understand how attendance may affect a course grade. 
Enrollment Guidance Related to SB 167 – We recognize that schools have received a number of questions regarding student enrollment requirements and the implementation of SB 167. We appreciate your continued attention to this matter and your efforts to ensure that enrollment decisions are handled consistently and appropriately across the district.
Edia Implementation and Attendance Communication  – See important information regarding our implementation of Edia attendance software.
Assessment Plan for SY 2026-27 – This document is the comprehensive overview of assessments. For specific dates of testing windows, questions about administration, or training on administration, please contact Dr. Patrick Jefferies, Assessment & Evaluation Supervisor.
Transportation Contact Information -- As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we would like to share the Salt Lake City School District Transportation Department contact information to help ensure you can quickly connect with the appropriate staff for transportation-related needs.
Standard Operating Procedures for Zūm Pass Usage, Student Boarding, and   Space-Available (Transportation) – The Salt Lake City School District is implementing consistent procedures for Zūm pass usage, student boarding, transportation eligibility, and space-available transportation requests for the 2026–27 school year.
USBE Updates
School LAND Trust – USBE is excited to announce a new Canvas course designed to support District Principals in administering the School LAND Trust (SLT) program. District principals are vital to ensuring School Community Councils (SCC) are properly formed and funds are used to address critical academic needs.
SEOP Newsletter – August newsletter
USBE August Attendance Newsletter – USBE Attendance information for the month of August.   
 
HIGH SCHOOLS – Items for high school administration
DEADLINES
ACTION ITEMS
 Calculating Added Value GPA -- Additional value is awarded to courses that demonstrate a higher level of academic rigor. This system ensures students are recognized for the commitment they make when enrolling in advanced coursework. 
INFORMATION ITEMS
Monthly Registrar Meetings -- Mandatory monthly meetings for high school registrars are essential to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance across the school district. These meetings serve several critical functions:
MIDDLE SCHOOLS –Items for middle school administration
DEADLINES
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS – Items for elementary school administration
DEADLINES
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Math Acadience Order process for 2026-27: Any school can use manual licenses for K-3 Math Acadience paid for by USBE. Schools can pay $2.95/student with school funds to upgrade to digital licenses and avoid hand entry of data in K-1. For more details, please click here. To order licenses for grades 4-6, email quotes@acadiencelearning.org to purchase.
TRAINING:
Starting now, participants can self-enroll in the Canvas course for the SY26-27 administration and scoring of the Acadience Math assessments. Once they complete the module(s) and submit the survey they will receive a certificate of completion. Self-enroll URL link https://usbe.instructure.com/enroll/C6FRBW
Please reach out to Dr. Patrick Jefferies, Assessment & Evaluation, with questions. patrick.jefferies@slcschools.org
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR SCHOOLS FROM DISTRICT DEPARTMENTS
SPED Scoop – Special Education Newsletter
Student Services Resources
Teaching & Learning
Salt Lake City Education Foundation
School Leadership & Support
Administrative Memos
 
*Unless otherwise requested, information will run for 2 weeks only.
 

Published on

ADMINISTRATIVE MEMORANDUM

To:                        Principals, School Administrators, Teachers, and Transportation
From:                 Ken Martinez, Transportation Director, Isaac Astill, Executive Director, Auxiliary Service

Date:                  August 13, 2026
Subject:          Standard Operating Procedures for Zūm Pass Usage, Student Boarding, and   Space-Available (Transportation)

Purpose

The Salt Lake City School District is implementing consistent procedures for Zūm pass usage, student boarding, transportation eligibility, and space-available transportation requests for the 2026–27 school year.

The purpose of these procedures is to strengthen student safety, improve communication with families, provide accurate ridership information, and support effective transportation planning. At the same time, our primary responsibility is to ensure that students are transported safely to and from school.

The 2026–27 school year will begin with a soft implementation of Zūm pass usage. Students are expected and strongly encouraged to use their Zūm passes; however, students will not be denied transportation or left at a bus stop solely because they do not have, cannot locate, or are unable to use their Zūm pass.

These procedures apply to District-operated transportation routes and are intended to provide a clear and consistent approach for school administrators, staff, drivers, students, and families.

I. Zūm Pass Usage and Student Boarding

A. Encouraging Zūm Pass Use

Students who have been issued a Zūm pass should be encouraged to tap their pass when boarding and exiting the bus on every trip.

Consistent pass usage provides valuable information that supports:

  • Parent and guardian notifications;
  • Accurate student ridership information;
  • Transportation route planning;
  • Capacity planning; and
  • Accurate transportation records.

Schools should reinforce the importance of Zūm pass usage with students and families while emphasizing that the pass is intended to support transportation operations and student safety—not to create a barrier to transportation.

B. Students Without a Pass or With a Nonfunctioning Pass

If a student does not have a Zūm pass or is unable to use the pass:

  1. The driver should politely remind the student to bring and use the pass on future trips.
  2. The student should be allowed to board.
  3. The driver should not delay the route or create a confrontation regarding a missing, lost, or nonfunctioning pass.
  4. Repeated concerns should be reported to the Transportation supervisor.

Lost, damaged, or nonfunctioning passes should be addressed through the established replacement process. Students should continue to receive transportation while a replacement is being obtained.

II. Unknown or Potentially Ineligible Riders

There may be circumstances in which a student does not appear on the driver's current rider list, a Zūm pass does not register, or there is a question about whether the student qualifies for transportation.

In these circumstances:

  • The student should be allowed to board for that trip.
  • Drivers should not attempt to resolve transportation eligibility questions with students at the bus stop.
  • When necessary, the driver should record sufficient information to identify the student, including the student's name, school, route, and boarding location.
  • Eligibility concerns or repeated occurrences should be reported to the Transportation supervisor.

Transportation administration will review the student's eligibility and determine whether additional follow-up is necessary.

If a student appears to be repeatedly using transportation services for which they are not eligible, Transportation will work with school administration so that the concern can be addressed with the student and parent/guardian outside of the bus environment.

III. No Turn-Away Expectations

Drivers should make every reasonable effort to ensure that students are safely transported to and from school.

A student should not be denied boarding solely because:

  • The student forgot or lost their Zūm pass;
  • The student's pass does not scan;
  • The student does not currently appear on the driver's rider list; or
  • There is an unresolved question regarding transportation eligibility.

Eligibility questions, repeated misuse, and pass-compliance concerns should be addressed through the Transportation administrative process rather than by the driver at the bus stop.

If there is a safety concern or circumstance that prevents the bus from being operated safely, the driver should immediately communicate with Dispatch or a Transportation supervisor.

IV. Communication with Students and Families

Interactions with students should remain calm, respectful, and focused on safety.

Drivers and school staff should communicate that consistent Zūm pass use:

  • Provides important information and notifications to parents and guardians;
  • Helps the District understand actual ridership;
  • Assists Transportation with route planning and determining available capacity; and
  • Improves the accuracy of student transportation information.

The goal is to remove barriers to transportation while encouraging compliance.

School administrators should reinforce this message with students, families, and staff.

V. Transportation Eligibility and Space-Available Requests

The District recognizes that some students may request transportation even though they do not otherwise qualify under applicable transportation eligibility or distance requirements.

The District's space-available process is intended to provide a consistent method for considering these requests while ensuring that qualified students remain the priority and that actual route capacity is understood before space-available transportation is approved.

A. Qualified and Nonqualified Students

Qualified students are students who meet applicable state and District transportation eligibility requirements, including applicable distance requirements or District-approved safety-related exceptions.

Nonqualified students are students who do not meet the normal eligibility requirements but may request transportation when space is available on an existing route.

Qualified students will always receive priority when determining route assignments and available capacity.

VI. Beginning-of-Year Ridership Evaluation Period

For approximately the first four weeks of the 2026–27 school year, Transportation will evaluate actual student ridership on each route.

During this evaluation period:

  • Students will be strongly encouraged to consistently use their Zūm passes.
  • Transportation will use available ridership information, driver observations, and route data to establish actual route utilization.
  • Space-available and exception requests will generally not be approved until the evaluation period is completed.
  • Transportation will use this information to determine which routes have available capacity after qualified students have been accommodated.

This approximately four-week evaluation period replaces the previous practice of making determinations after approximately 15 school days.

VII. Students Riding During the Interim Period

During the beginning-of-year evaluation period, drivers should not independently remove, deny, or refuse transportation to a student because there is a question regarding eligibility.

If a potentially nonqualified student is already using a route:

  1. The driver should continue transporting the student unless directed otherwise by Transportation administration.
  2. Repeated or questionable use should be reported to the driver's supervisor.
  3. Transportation will review the circumstances and coordinate with school administration when follow-up with the student or parent/guardian is necessary.

The intent is to resolve eligibility concerns administratively rather than leaving a student at a bus stop.

VIII. Space-Available Request Process

Following the approximately four-week ridership evaluation period, a parent or guardian may submit a Transportation Exception or Space-Available Request to the Transportation Department.

Transportation will consider:

  • Actual ridership on the requested route;
  • Bus seating and safe operating capacity;
  • Qualified students assigned to the route;
  • Historical and current ridership trends;
  • Route and stop locations;
  • Operational feasibility; and
  • Whether accommodation would require an additional route, vehicle, stop, or significant cost.

Space-available transportation may be approved when sufficient capacity exists after qualified riders have been accommodated.

IX. Approval and Denial of Space-Available Transportation

A. Approval

Space-available transportation may be approved when sufficient capacity exists and the request can be accommodated without negatively affecting qualified students or District operations.

Families should understand that:

  • Approval is based on available capacity.
  • Approval does not establish permanent transportation eligibility.  It will be considered  on a yearly basis.
  • The accommodation may be modified or discontinued if qualified ridership increases or operational needs change.

B. Denial

A request may be denied when:

  • Available capacity is insufficient;
  • The accommodation would negatively affect qualified riders;
  • An additional route, vehicle, stop, or significant operational expense would be required; or
  • Other operational or safety considerations prevent the accommodation.

Parents and guardians will be informed of the determination.

X. Ongoing Ridership and Eligibility Concerns

When Transportation identifies a student who appears to be repeatedly using services for which they are not authorized, the following process should be followed:

  1. Driver: Report the concern to the Transportation supervisor.
  2. Transportation: Verify the student's eligibility and circumstances.
  3. Transportation: When appropriate, contact school administration.
  4. School administration: Work with the student and parent/guardian to resolve the concern outside of the bus environment.

Drivers should not be placed in the position of confronting students about ongoing eligibility or removing students from transportation services without administrative direction.

XI. School Administrator Responsibilities

Principals and school administrators are asked to support consistent implementation by:

  • Communicating the expectations for Zūm pass usage to students and families;
  • Reinforcing that students should not be stranded because of a missing, lost, or nonfunctioning pass;
  • Directing transportation eligibility questions to Transportation rather than attempting to resolve them at the bus stop;
  • Supporting Transportation when repeated eligibility or ridership concerns require school-based follow-up;
  • Communicating with families in a calm, respectful, and solution-oriented manner; and
  • Helping students understand that Zūm pass usage supports safe and effective transportation planning.

School administrators should work collaboratively with Transportation when concerns arise and avoid placing drivers in the position of making eligibility determinations.

XII. Records and Communication

Transportation will maintain appropriate records related to:

  • Exception and space-available requests;
  • Approvals and denials;
  • Route capacity considerations; and
  • Significant or repeated eligibility concerns.

Schools and drivers will receive updated information as necessary when ridership assignments or transportation circumstances change.

XIII. Key Operating Principles

The following principles should guide implementation throughout the school year:

  1. Student safety comes first.
  2. Students should not be stranded while an eligibility question is being resolved.
  3. Zūm pass usage should be strongly encouraged.
  4. Qualified students receive priority for transportation.
  5. Actual ridership should be established before space-available requests are approved.
  6. Space-available transportation is not automatic and should be reviewed each school year.
  7. Route capacity may change throughout the school year.
  8. Drivers should transport, encourage, report, and communicate—not resolve eligibility disputes at the bus stop.

Closing

Thank you to our principals, school staff, Transportation team, and bus drivers for your partnership in implementing these procedures. A consistent, respectful, and student-centered approach will help us improve transportation operations while maintaining our shared commitment to student safety.

When questions arise, please remember the basic expectation:

Transport. Encourage. Report. Communicate.

Transportation and school administration will work together to address eligibility, repeated misuse, and other concerns through the appropriate administrative process.

Questions or concerns should be directed to Dispatch or the appropriate Transportation supervisor.

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