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Category: School Leadership

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Dear Team. 

While this does not indicate any endorsement by the District, we wanted to pass this opportunity on to any interested school.

FranklinCovey has partnered with multiple foundations hoping to see the Leader In Me become affordable and accessible to more Utah schools. The total school investment, because of these funding partners, is around $10-11 dollars per student. 

They understand how important it is to bring meaningful change to your school without overwhelming your team. They also understand what time of year you are hearing about this opportunity. That’s why they want to emphasize one of the most valuable aspects of the Leader in Me process: it's fully adaptable to your school’s unique pace and priorities.

Whether you're looking to take small, strategic steps or you're ready to build momentum quickly, Leader in Me is designed to meet you where you are. You can begin with what feels manageable and build from there. Many schools appreciate that they can focus on creating impact while maintaining a sustainable rhythm for their staff.

Schools that implement Leader in Me report up to a 50% reduction in discipline referrals and consistent gains in academic proficiency. Teachers and parents describe a noticeable shift in school culture—where students take ownership, staff feel more united, and leadership becomes part of everyday learning. One principal shared, “For the first time, we have a common language and vision for student success that’s truly moving us forward together.”

Links: 

Utah Impact Report SLC: 

This document is included in response to the three focuses you shared with us yesterday: College and Career Readiness, Literacy, and Attendance. This attachment showcases the evidence & impact of how we address all three of your priorities. I am particularly excited about what we are doing with student leadership credentials, which would complement your strategic plan Goal 3: Access to expanded learning opportunities Objective 3 

Utah Research Overview:

Overview of the Leader In Me process and the impacts a school can expect through implementation in Leadership, Culture, and Academics.

Leader In Me Secondary Information: 

Overview of the Leader In Me process for Secondary schools. Send this attachment to Secondary Schools

Leader In Me K-8 Information:

Overview of the Leader In Me for Elementary & Middle.

Videos Showcasing Leader In Me Impact: 

Personal Teacher/Student Impact of Leader In Me:

Being Seen Video: players.brightcove.net/1302165881001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6368724457112

District Impact of Leader In Me: 

Jones County District Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbweU2mleOY

School Impact of Leader In Me:

Lightning in a Bottle Video:

 Oak Grove Story HIghlights_HR.mp4

If you are interested for your site, please inform your Area Director.

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Summary:

In 2020-21, the district provided ​Newsela, a K-12 online instructional content platform offering articles at five different reading levels with quizzes and writing prompts, to all schools to support online learning while we were remote. We continued to provide Newsela using ESSER funds through the end of the 2024-25 school year. Newsela is a supplement to core materials.

Our district-wide contract expires at the end of this year. If you would like to continue using Newsela at your school, the cost is:

If you have questions about usage at your school, please click hereto see your school’s use and which teachers are using the program so you can speak with them about it.

If you would like to continue with the program at your school, there is an order form on Tab 3. The district will place one order to get the legacy partner discount. If you do not want to continue with Newsela, please indicate “decline” to stop any further follow-up.

Expectations for Implementation:

  1. Communication:
    • If you are going to purchase Newsela, please fill out the order form by MAY 16, 2025.

       
  2. Collaboration:
    • Tiffany Hall, 801-578-8406

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A gap in our assessment capability has existed in our ability to prepare for WIDA testing: both the students’ ability to practice the assessment in a meaningful way and in teachers’ ability to progress monitor students to adjust instruction to maximize effectiveness.

There are now a few companies providing this capability. The two programs receiving the highest reviews are Flashlight 360 and Summit K12. Of the two existing programs, we believe Summit K12’s Connect to Literacy program to be the better choice. The big reason for me is the ability to progress monitor all 4 WIDA domains and Flashlight 360 only monitors speaking and writing. We also believe the lesson supplements in Summit K12 are higher quality. However, for an official adoption, we will need to go through a formal Request for Proposal document, which will take more time than we have before the school year ends. Another new factor for consideration: I recently learned from Ellevation that they are currently in program creation and plan to release a program next spring, which is of interest due to our current use and satisfaction of their existing programs. While I am excited to see what they release, I also want to be responsive to the request I have received from several of you for a progress monitoring tool. For this reason, we have come up with a plan.

If you would like to purchase Summit K12, understanding it might only be for one year, we want to support you in that purchase. I will cover the cost of teacher licenses and training, and you will cover the cost of student licenses at $29.95 per student. If I am able to cover more of the costs once I know how many we anticipate participating this year, I will let you know the reduced cost. If you are an elementary or middle school and have not yet spent your Title 3 funds, this would be a great way to use it!

My recommendation: if you and your staff have been discussing the need for this type of product, especially if you have already reached out to our department asking about such a thing, I recommend you try it for the 2025-2026 school year. If this is a new consideration for you and your staff, I might encourage you to wait until we do an adoption in case something better comes along.

Regardless of your decision, please take a moment to answer this short survey by Friday, May 9. This will help me know that all schools have had an opportunity to consider it. https://forms.office.com/r/urB65XEru2

Below you will find information on the Summit K12 Connect to Literacy program. If you have additional questions, please reach out to Monty Eyink or me.

About Summit K12

From English learners, multilingual students, bilingual students and dual language learners who are struggling to read or write, Summit K12’s online, standards-based supplemental curriculum will close gaps and ensure growth for all students.

About Summit K12’s Connect to Literacy

Connect to Literacy (C2L) is a cutting-edge solution designed to enhance English language proficiency by leveraging the strengths of an online curriculum. A supportive online environment designed to fast-track English language learning, aid in quicker reclassification and vocabulary growth, and accelerate speaking, listening, reading, and writing development.

Designed Outcomes of the Connect to Literacy program:

  1. Empower all multilingual learners (MLLs) to grow at least one proficiency level per year or your money back
  2. Accelerate the reclassification of MLLs, including long-term ELs
  3. Support every newcomer student with Language Foundation Skills and support of over 30 home languages

AI Auto-Scoring for Speaking and Writing

  1. Years of intensive research and development and the analysis of thousands of actual teacher-rated English learner recordings and constructed response writing items
  2. Dynamically evaluates 112 linguistic speaking dimensions
  3. Rates student recordings by using artificial intelligence (AI)
  4. Streamlines scoring of speaking and writing item types

3 Progress Monitoring ELD BENCHMARKS

Success with C2L is centered around the 3 ELD Progress Monitoring Benchmarks students take throughout the year which generate 3 corresponding Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs) and class grouping reports.

Personalized Learning Plans

The PLPs are divided into four domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Each PLP is designed to focus on the specific concepts and skills that each student needs the most. Students can progress through their PLP assignments at their own pace.

Each PLP contains:

  1. Video lesson models, guided practice, assessments and model exemplars
  2. Scaffolded and linguistically accommodated instruction
  3. AI auto-scoring for Speaking and Writing item types
  4. Comprehensive progress-monitoring and reports for teachers

Year-Round STATE ELD Assessment Readiness

C2L’s content is based on ELD Standards Framework, consisting of four components: ELD Standards, Key Language Uses, Language Expectations, and Proficiency Level Descriptors. Through accounting for all of these components and the three difficulty tiers, C2L’s program contains more than 1,400 unique items leveled to all grade-level clusters: K, 1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

Learn more at: https://www.summitk12.com/wida/

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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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Data Request Form Instructions

Please adhere to the following guidelines when requesting data from the Assessment & Evaluation Team:

  • Log in with your credentials if prompted
  • If you receive an error message, please contact Brenda Wiebe or Jeffrey Lutz
  • Read each question carefully before responding
  • Note that the following fields are mandatory and must be completed:
    • Contact information
    • Data question
    • The due date field
  • You will receive a confirmation message once your submission is successful
  • You may receive follow up emails from the data team for further clarification 

Important Reminders

  • Please allow a minimum of a week for data requests and reports and 48 hours for ad hoc requests. Depending on the nature of the requests, some projects may take longer. The data team will reach out and inform you if this is the case.
  •  
  • Principals and assistant principals can only request aggregate level data from their schools
  • Teachers and counselors can only request aggregate level data from their classrooms
  •  
  • If more information is needed, email Jeffrey Lutz or Brenda Wiebe, and we will determine whether requests can be fulfilled on a case by case basis
  • For technical assistance, please contact the data team

The request site can be found here – 

https://saltlakedistrict.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1NsNhCOwA1JGFi6.

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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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Dear Principals,

As we continue to prioritize student safety and manage risk responsibly across our district, we want to clarify our position regarding the use of inflatables and requests for field trips to trampoline parks.

Due to risk management and liability concerns, Salt Lake City School District does not permit the use of inflatable structures (such as bounce houses, inflatable slides, etc.) for school-sponsored events. Similarly, field trips to trampoline parks will not be approved and will be denied upon submission.

While we understand the desire to provide engaging and enjoyable experiences for students, we must ensure all activities align with district safety protocols and minimize unnecessary risk.

Thank you for your understanding and for your ongoing commitment to providing safe, enriching opportunities for our students. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance identifying alternative options for student activities.

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Summary:
 

In 2020-21, the district provided Newsela, a K-12 online instructional content platform offering articles at five different reading levels with quizzes and writing prompts, to all schools to support online learning while we were remote. We continued to provide Newsela using ESSER funds through the end of the 2024-25 school year. Newsela is a supplement to core materials.
 

Our district-wide contract expires at the end of this year. If you would like to continue using Newsela at your school, the cost is:
 

If you have questions about usage at your school, please click here to see your school’s use and which teachers are using the program so you can speak with them about it.
 

If you would like to continue with the program at your school, there is an order form on Tab 3. The district will place one order to get the legacy partner discount. If you do not want to continue with Newsela, please indicate “decline” to stop any further follow-up.
 

Expectations for Implementation:
 

  1. Communication:
    If you are going to purchase Newsela, please fill out the order form by MAY 16, 2025.
     
  2. Collaboration:
    Tiffany Hall, 801-578-8406

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Summary: 

We are excited to announce that the Science Materials Committee has completed a review of available curriculum and resources to adopt for grades 6-8. After reviewing all the submitted programs, the committee has selected two finalists. There will be a public open house for any educators or parents interested in previewing the materials.
 

The review committee included science teachers from grades 6-8, parents, and content area specialists.
 

  • What:  Science Programs for 6-8th Grades Open House
  • When:  Monday, May 5, 2025, from 3:00-7:00 PM
  • Where:  Riley Elementary School, 1410 South 800 West
  • Why:   Materials under recommendation from the 6-8 Science Materials Committee will be available to the public for viewing. After the open house, the cost of both programs will be scored and a final decision on one program will be made. It is anticipated that the materials will be in classrooms at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.
     

Expectations for Implementation:


1.  Communication:

  • The information has been sent to all 6th grade teachers and middle school science teachers.
  • The district will send this information to parents.

2.  Collaboration:

  • Candace Penrod, District Science Supervisor, 801-578-8301

3.  Timeline:
 

  • The Open House will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025.

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Dear Athletic Directors and those who submit field trip requests,

As we approach the final six weeks of school, I wanted to send a reminder regarding field and activity trip requests. Due to the high volume of submissions, many of which are coming many weeks in advance, we are quickly reaching the limits of what our department can support.
Please note that the following dates have already exceeded our transportation and logistical capabilities and are therefore blocked out for any additional trips:
 

April: 18, 23, and 29
May: 01, 07, 21, and 22
 

To help us manage resources effectively, please adhere to the following trip request guidelines:

  • Requests must be submitted at least 10 school days in advance.
  • Without special consideration, trips will only be scheduled during the following timeframes:
    o    9:00 AM - 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM Monday through Friday

I would also like to remind you that when a bus arrives at a school for a trip pickup, it is imperative that student/athletes get on the bus at the scheduled time. This has been especially problematic with athletic trips when we are trying to get teams to their competitions before afternoon bus routes. When the teams arrive late to the bus, that bus will also be late picking up students to return home after school. This turns into a domino effect now making that bus late for their second school.
 

Transportation will contact the school 5-minutes after scheduled departure time to inform them the bus has been waiting and will leave at 7-minutes after scheduled time. At the 7-minute mark transportation will contact the school to inform them the bus is leaving without the students due to late arrival.
 

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we work to support all programs equitably during this busy time. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification.

Respectfully,

Ken Martinez Transportation Director

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