Skip to content

Category: Student Services

Published on

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

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:  Secondary School Principals and Teachers 
From: Dr. Bri Conley, Director of Educational Equity & Access 
Date:  August 12, 2026 
Subject: Attendance-Based Grading Under HB 502 Guidance 

Purpose 

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. 

Under HB 502, teachers in grades 7–12 may choose to include attendance as a component of a student's final course grade. If a teacher elects to do so, attendance-related grade reductions may account for no more than 10% of the student's final course grade. 

Teachers are not required to use attendance-based grade reductions. Teachers who use participation points or other grading practices related to engagement or classroom participation are not required to adopt the attendance-based grade reduction provisions described below. 

District Guidance 

To promote consistency and equitable implementation, the following expectations apply to any teacher who elects to use attendance-based grade reductions: 

  • Maximum reduction: The maximum attendance-based reduction is 10% of the student's final course grade. Teachers may establish a lower percentage but may not exceed 10%. 
  • Attendance threshold: A grade reduction may be applied only when a student has: 
  • Five (5) or more unexcused absences, OR 
  • Five (5) or more unexcused tardies. 

Absences and tardies may not be combined to reach the threshold. A student must meet the threshold in one category. 

  • Excused absences: Grades may not be reduced because of excused absences. 
  • Course disclosure: Teachers who choose to use attendance-based grade reductions must clearly identify the practice in their approved course disclosure document. The disclosure must specify the percentage reduction that will be applied when a student meets the attendance threshold. 
  • Accurate attendance: All teachers are expected to take attendance accurately every period, every day, regardless of whether they use attendance-based grading. Accurate attendance is essential for student safety, state reporting, communication with families, and appropriate attendance interventions. 
  • Consistent implementation: Teachers who use attendance-based grade reductions must apply the practice consistently and maintain appropriate documentation identifying students who receive a grade reduction. This documentation supports transparency and equitable implementation. 
  • Timing of grade reductions: Parents and guardians have up to one week to excuse an absence. To allow sufficient time for attendance corrections and verification, attendance-based grade reductions should be applied only when quarter or term grades are finalized. 
  • Technology support: Information Technology is developing a standardized report to identify students who meet the attendance threshold. This report is expected to be available before the end of Term 1 and will provide schools with a consistent method for identifying students who may be eligible for an attendance-based grade reduction. 

Administrative Responsibilities 

Principals and school administrators play an important role in ensuring that this process is implemented consistently and equitably. 

Before a teacher implements an attendance-based grade reduction, administrators must ensure that the practice and required language are included in an approved course disclosure document. Administrators are responsible for reviewing and approving course disclosure documents in accordance with Board Policy I-8 and its accompanying administrative procedures. 

We appreciate the care and professionalism our teachers and administrators bring to attendance practices each day. The goal of this guidance is not to require attendance-based grading, but rather to establish a clear and consistent framework for schools and teachers who choose to use the option provided under HB 502. 

Sample Course Disclosure Language 

Student attendance will be used to calculate the final grade for this course. Students with five (5) or more unexcused absences OR five (5) or more unexcused tardies will have their final course grade reduced by ___%. The attendance-related reduction will not exceed 10% of the final course grade. 

Thank you for your continued commitment to accurate attendance, clear communication, and equitable practices that support student success. Your consistency and attention to detail help ensure that our students and families experience a fair and transparent process across the District. 

Published on

ADMINISTRATIVE MEMORANDUM

To:        School Principals and School Administrative Teams
From: Mindi Holmdahl, Director of Student Support Services
Date: August 11, 2026
Subject: 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.

As additional information and guidance become available, the School Leadership & Support Division will continue to provide updates. In the meantime, schools should follow the enrollment guidance outlined below.

Enrollment Guidance

Grades K–2

Students in grades K–2 may be enrolled immediatelyafter student records have been requested. Schools should proceed with the enrollment process once the appropriate records request has been initiated.

Grades 3–12

For students entering grades 3–12, behavior records should be received and reviewed prior to enrollment. Schools should make every reasonable effort to obtain and review the applicable records before completing enrollment.

If the requested records are delayed beyond five days, school administration may use its professional discretion to determine whether to proceed with enrollment.

Students Transferring from Another Country

Students transferring to SLCSD from another country, other than foreign exchange students, should follow the same enrollment guidance outlined above:

  • Grades K–2: Enrollment may occur immediately after records have been requested.
  • Grades 3–12: Behavior records should be received and reviewed prior to enrollment; however, if records are delayed beyond five days, school administration may use its discretion to enroll the student.

Foreign Exchange Students

Foreign exchange students have already been vetted through their respective exchange programs and may be enrolled immediately.

Moving Forward

Our goal is to ensure that schools have clear and consistent guidance while also providing administrators with appropriate flexibility when circumstances surrounding records requests create delays.

Please continue to exercise sound professional judgment, document enrollment-related decisions as appropriate, and reach out to the School Leadership & Support Division if you have questions or encounter circumstances that require additional guidance.

We appreciate your continued partnership and your commitment to ensuring that students and families experience a welcoming, timely, and supportive enrollment process.

Thank you for your leadership and continued service to our students and families.

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
Let’s welcome a new team member!!!!!
Riley Crowford has been selected as the top candidate for Assistant Principal at East High. Riley comes to SLCSD from Granite School District where he currently serves as Dean of Students, and previously as Administrative Intern and High School Teacher with over 10 years of classroom experience.
CELEBRATIONS – Please send to leeson.taylor@slcschools.org or angelina.tovar@slcschools.org by Wednesday at 5:00 PM.
Thanks to everyone that came out to the soccer match Wednesday night!!!
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.
School LAND Trust Updates:  Following the August 1 annual rollover of the School LAND Trust Reporting Website, a new Fall Requirements Form will replace the Council Membership Form and Principal Assurance Form for FY27.
Because August 1 falls on a weekend, there will be a brief delay before the new form becomes available. During the transition period of August 1–4, please do not submit or update information using the Council Membership Form or Principal Assurance Form. Instead, wait for the Fall Requirements Form to become available, which is currently estimated for August 5.
Please refer to this guide for additional information about the new Fall Requirements Form, including step-by-step instructions for completing and submitting the form.
If you have questions, please contact the USBE School Children's Trust team at schoollandtrust@schools.utah.gov.
 INFORMATION ITEMS
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.
Acadience Testing Calendar for each school is available and can be found by clicking here. Reach out to Dr. Jefferies in Assessment & Evaluation with any questions. 
Math Acadience:  If your school has chosen to administer Acadience Math to your K-3 students, you must notify Lynette Peck (lynette.peck@slcschools.org) by Wednesday, August 12th and indicate if you will be using the free manual entry licenses provided by USBE, or if you will be purchasing digital licenses ($2.95 per student) if you would like assistance from the district testing team.  Please be aware that the district will not be printing Computation or Concepts & Applications packets as was done in the past when this was a state-mandated assessment.  Schools are responsible for printing these materials on their own.  Digital files are in the District Document Center and can also be found by following this LINK. 
INCOMING STUDENT DATA: Data for incoming students is now available at https://apex.slcschools.org/apex/r/slcsd/student-performance-reports-teacher-access. This can be report can be run and downloaded any time and it will reflect your currently enrolled students. Reach out to Dr. Jefferies with any questions or to schedule a data consultation. 
KEEP Administration update: One important change is the discontinuation of the five SLCSD Math items. This decision was finalized after testing materials had already been packed. 
When your testing materials arrive over the next week or so, please remove and securely destroy the light blue SLCSD Math Test Administration Manual and the light blue Student Materials. Do not administer these items or attempt to enter data for them.
KEEP scoring access: Anyone who will be administering the KEEP will need access to the data system to enter scores. Please have each individual apply for access via the Employee System Access Application located here: ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus
Training Reminder ---Anyone administering Kindergarten testing must have completed the required trainings: 
Testing Ethics Training – Required annually for all test administrators.
Administrative Guidance for Parking – The intent of this guidance is to support orderly parking practices while maintaining fairness for all staff and visitors and reinforcing a welcoming school environment.
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.
New way to enter incidents in PowerSchool
PowerSchool as updated how we enter discipline incidents into PowerSchool, please see the attached document for steps on creating incidents.
Incident Entry Steps
Helping families with Parent Portal
Families will use their Parent Portal login to complete online registration for returning students.  This document will help you support parents with their ParentPortal login.
Supporting Parents with Parent Portal
Getting technology help
The best way to get technology help is to enter a support ticket: https://helpdesk.slcschools.org
Each school is assigned a technician; however, systems are supported by a number of different people.  Entering tickets allows us to get your request to the right person in an efficient manner.
Requesting technology
Technology for your building is requested through the School Improvement Plan Application in the 'Technology Requests' section.  You will also be able to see an assigned budget based upon your school that is calculated using your school enrollment and staff FTE count. 
Staff are assigned technology based upon their position.  Guidance about requesting technology can be found in this document in the District Document Center:
Capital Technology Guidance
Monthly IT maintenance
To ensure the smooth operation of our IT systems, regular maintenance is necessary. We’ve established a maintenance schedule for the 2026-27 school year to minimize disruptions for staff and students.
Maintenance will occur on designated weekends each month, during which intermittent system outages may be expected. We will send out notifications each month detailing the affected systems.
The planned maintenance window is typically from 5 pm on Friday through Saturday.  Occasionally, maintenance may continue into Sunday.    Critical updates may be applied outside this planned maintenance schedule.
Please review the maintenance dates below and plan accordingly. 
August 28-29
September 25-26
October 23-24
November 20-21
December 18-19
January 22-23
February 26-27
March 26-27
April 16-17
May 14-15
The full maintenance calendar can be found here:
Salt Lake City School District - IT Calendar
USBE Updates
Licensing Newsletter -- These newsletters provide critical updates regarding Utah Educator Licensing for administrators, Human Resource officers, APPEL Directors, university faculty and others.
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

Announcements

CELEBRATIONS – Please send to leeson.taylor@slcschools.org or angelina.tovar@slcschools.org by Wednesday at 5:00 PM.

Thanks to everyone that came out to the soccer match Wednesday night!!!

ALL ADMINISTRATORS – Items for all building level administrators

  • DEADLINES
  • ACTION ITEMS
    • 26-27 Title IX Trainings – Required trainings for Title IX and updating your school's Deputy Title IX Coordinator information.
  • INFORMATION ITEMS
    • 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.
    • Acadience Testing Calendar for each school is available and can be found by clicking here. Reach out to Dr. Jefferies in Assessment & Evaluation with any questions. 
  • Administrative Guidance for Parking – The intent of this guidance is to support orderly parking practices while maintaining fairness for all staff and visitors and reinforcing a welcoming school environment.
  • KEEP administration for Fall 2026-27 addendum – Thank you for the questions and feedback during our recent online meeting. As discussed, KEEP administration has changed following recent SLEA negotiations to ensure that kindergarten teachers are not required to return to work prior to the start of their contract calendar. Below are several important updates and clarifications. The original memorandum from May 26, 2026 is copied in full at the end.
  • SPED Extra 7-1-26.pdf​
  • New way to enter incidents in PowerSchool
    • PowerSchool as updated how we enter discipline incidents into PowerSchool, please see the attached document for steps on creating incidents.
    • Incident Entry Steps
  • Helping families with Parent Portal
    • Families will use their Parent Portal login to complete online registration for returning students.  This document will help you support parents with their ParentPortal login.
    • Supporting Parents with Parent Portal
  • Getting technology help
    • The best way to get technology help is to enter a support ticket: https://helpdesk.slcschools.org
    • Each school is assigned a technician; however, systems are supported by a number of different people.  Entering tickets allows us to get your request to the right person in an efficient manner.
  • Requesting technology
    • Technology for your building is requested through the School Improvement Plan Application in the 'Technology Requests' section.  You will also be able to see an assigned budget based upon your school that is calculated using your school enrollment and staff FTE count. 
    • Staff are assigned technology based upon their position.  Guidance about requesting technology can be found in this document in the District Document Center:
  • Monthly IT maintenance
    • To ensure the smooth operation of our IT systems, regular maintenance is necessary. We’ve established a maintenance schedule for the 2026-27 school year to minimize disruptions for staff and students.
    • Maintenance will occur on designated weekends each month, during which intermittent system outages may be expected. We will send out notifications each month detailing the affected systems.
    • The planned maintenance window is typically from 5 pm on Friday through Saturday.  Occasionally, maintenance may continue into Sunday.    Critical updates may be applied outside this planned maintenance schedule.
  • Please review the maintenance dates below and plan accordingly. 
  • August 28-29
  • September 25-26
  • October 23-24
  • November 20-21
  • December 18-19
  • January 22-23
  • February 26-27
  • March 26-27
  • April 16-17
  • May 14-15
  • The full maintenance calendar can be found here:

USBE Updates

  • Licensing Newsletter -- These newsletters provide critical updates regarding Utah Educator Licensing for administrators, Human Resource officers, APPEL Directors, university faculty and others.
  • Attendance Home – USBE Attendance website.  

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

*Unless otherwise requested, information will run for 2 weeks only.

Published on

May 26, 2026

To:      Elementary School Administrators

Fr:       Erin Anderson, Special Education Director

            Dr. Tiffany Hall, Executive Director

Re:      Placement and Transition for Students Moving to HUB schools

This memo provides guidance regarding the placement and transition of students into Academic Support Units (ASUs) and Behavioral Support Units (BSUs) located at designated HUB schools (Backman, Emerson, and Franklin Elementaries). These programs are designed to provide intensive, specialized instruction and supports for students whose needs cannot be appropriately met through less restrictive services and placements.

HUB schools serve as district centers that offer a continuum of specialized services while maintaining opportunities for inclusion with general education peers to the maximum extent appropriate. Academic Support Units provide highly individualized instruction for students with significant academic and adaptive learning needs. Behavioral Support Units provide intensive behavioral, social-emotional, and instructional supports for students whose behavioral needs require a more structured setting.

Placement

Placement decisions for these programs are made through the IEP team process and are based on individual student needs, data, and consideration of the least restrictive environment. It has been a common practice within the district to state that there are boundaries for HUB schools. However, there can be many factors that determine the placement of a student in a specific location, including student needs, current classroom enrollments, bus routes, etc.

As district programs, the enrollment at the three HUB schools should be relatively similar. The resources for the schools are similar, so none of the schools should have significantly more students than another. This requires oversight at the district level. Transportation is another consideration; we attempt to have students on a bus for 30 minutes or less. In looking at existing bus routes, the decision between two schools could be determined by which school has the most expedient route. We have also dealt with situations where students cannot be at the same school or in the same class. This may require students to be enrolled at locations that might not appear to be the closest or easiest.

To provide greater clarity, the Special Education department will no longer use language such as “feeder pattern” or “boundary school” when talking about placement. As a district, we will use the following priorities to determine location:

  1. Student needs as described in the IEP
  2. Enrollment numbers at HUB schools/classes
  3. Bus routes and ride time
  4. Student restrictions on placement (no contact contracts, etc.)
  5. Student’s potential middle school location
  6. Other considerations

The Special Education division cannot always disclose a reason for that location. To the extent possible, the division will provide context for placement decisions.

Transition

When a student is moving to a HUB school, a thoughtful transition process helps students and families feel welcomed, supported, and confident as they enter a new community. Meeting with teachers and key staff before the first day provides an opportunity to build relationships, share important information about the student's strengths and needs, and answer questions that families may have. These early connections can reduce anxiety and help ensure that appropriate supports are in place from the beginning. A warm welcome and well-planned transition set the foundation for a successful start and promote a strong partnership between the family and school.

To improve communication about transportation and notification for new students, the following protocol has been developed and implemented. Implementation will be monitored and adjusted throughout 2026-27.

If a change in location/placement is indicated by the IEP:

  1. The change in location/placement will be scheduled no earlier than the fifth business day after the IEP meeting (i.e., a change made on a Wednesday will go into effect the next Wednesday, etc.).
  2. Directly after the IEP meeting, the site administrator will send an email with the student’s information and the date of the change to the district Special Education consultant (if the consultant is not in attendance at the IEP). The district SpEd consultant will email:
    1.  the administrative team and head secretary at the sending and receiving schools with student information and the day of transfer. The student will remain enrolled at the sending school until the date of the change.
    1. the transportation routing coordinator for Special Education (cc’ing the SpEd Director and the Transportation Director) with the student’s information and the date of transfer.
  3. The school secretaries will drop and enroll the student (the parent does not need to facilitate the school enrollment change).
  4. The transportation routing coordinator will review and change the bus routes and communicate changes to families on the route. 
  5. The sending and receiving teachers will coordinate a discussion to review the student’s file and any pertantent information.

This process should allow schools and families to prepare for an organized transfer to the new school.

The district is committed to ensuring that every student is welcomed, valued, and provided with a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other applicable civil rights laws. Placement and transition decisions must reflect each student's individual needs, meaningful family participation, and consideration of the least restrictive environment.

By establishing clear communication processes, defined roles and responsibilities, and consistent transition practices across schools, we can strengthen partnerships with families and ensure that students experience a smooth and supported transition into their new educational setting.

Additional training and support will be provided to administrators, teachers, and office professionals to support the implementation of these practices beginning in summer 2026.

Questions: Erin Anderson, SpEd Director

Key words: HUB, placement, transportation, Special Education

Published on

The purpose of this memo is to provide guidance and direction regarding the upcoming end-of-year training and registration preview for school office staff. This training is intended to support a smooth and organized close to the current school year while also preparing office teams for the upcoming registration process.

Training Overview
The training will focus on end-of-year procedures, expectations for closing out the school year, and a preview of the upcoming registration process. The goal is to ensure that all office staff have clear guidance, consistent information, and the opportunity to ask questions in advance of summer preparation and fall registration.

Date
The in-person training sessions will take place on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, April 29
  • Thursday, April 30
  • Friday, May 1

Please indicate your preference by the end of the day on April 15th by completing the survey that can be found HERE.

Session Structure:
In order to provide flexibility and ensure full participation, two sessions will be offered on the selected date:

  • One morning session
  • One afternoon session

Each session will last approximately 2–3 hours and will include time for both training and questions.

Participation Expectations:
Principals are asked to ensure that all appropriate office staff members attend one of the scheduled sessions. This includes staff members who are directly involved in student records, enrollment, registration processes, and end-of-year procedures. Schools should plan coverage accordingly so that all staff are able to participate.

Next Steps:
 

Complete survey ( Survey for Principals – Fill out form)

  • A formal calendar invitation
  • Session times (morning and afternoon)
  • Location details
  • Any materials or information staff should review in advance

Thank you for your continued support in ensuring that our schools are well prepared for both the conclusion of this school year and a successful start to the next. This training is an important opportunity to provide clear direction and consistent expectations for all office staff across the district.

Published on

Date:              03/20/2026

To:                        High School

From:                 Dessie Olson, Social Studies Specialist

                                Adam Eskelson, Director, Social Studies

                                Tiffany Hall, Executive Director, Teaching and Learning

Subject:          Social Studies Graduation Requirements

Summary:

Social studies graduation requirements will increase from 3.0 to 3.5 for students in grade 10 starting in 2026-2027. This will also reduce required elective credits to 5.0 from 5.5. The significant information as of now follows:

New Social Studies Graduation Requirement

  • The new requirement will affect students entering grade 10 starting in 2026-2027.
  • Requirements for graduating students in 2026 and 2027 are unchanged.
  • Standards are being written for a new 1.0 course called American Constitutional Government and Citizenship to meet the new graduation requirement.
  • We will create course offerings and codes once the standards are approved.
  • You may review the USBE FAQ for more information.
  • Updates will be provided as they become available.

Rationale: 

These changes meet the requirements of HB381.

Expectations for Implementation: 

  1. Communication
  2. Principals are responsible to share this information with students, parents, faculty, counselors, and others who are impacted in the school community.
  3. Principals should plan for changes in scheduling and potentially FTE prior to offering the new course when it becomes available.
  4. Additional communication support will be available as we recieve information.
  5. Collaboration: 
  6. Dessie Olson, Social Studies Specialist dessie.olson@slcschools.org
  7. Evaluation
  8. Successful communication with the school community including incoming freshman, current students, parents, and faculty.

Keywords: graduation requirement, social studies, FTE, HB381

YearSocial Studies Credits for Graduation
2026-27No change for Juniors or Seniors – 3.0 creditsAll Freshman and Sophomores will need 3.5 credits
2027-28Seniors – 3.0 creditsAll Freshmen-Juniors need 3.5 credits
2028-29Everyone needs 3.5 credits

Published on

February for Christians, particularly in Roman Catholic and liturgical traditions, is dedicated to the Holy Family and marks the transition from Ordinary Time to the penitential season of Lent. Key observances include Candlemas (Feb 2), the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday (Feb 18, 2026), and numerous feast days for saints. 

Key February Christian Observances & Feast Days (2026)

Month of the Holy Family: February is traditionally dedicated to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, emphasizing family virtues.

  • February 2: Presentation of the Lord / Candlemas / World Day for Consecrated Life: Celebrates the presentation of Jesus in the Temple and Mary's purification. Candles are blessed, symbolizing Christ as the "Light of Revelation".
  • February 3: St. Blaise Day (Blessing of the Throats): Commemoration of St. Blaise of Sebaste, often marked by the blessing of throats.
  • February 11: Our Lady of Lourdes / World Day of the Sick: Feast Day celebrating the apparition of Mary in Lourdes, France.
  • February 17: Seven Founders of the Servite Order: Feast Day.
  • February 18: Ash Wednesday (2026): Marks the start of Lent, a 40-day period (excluding Sundays) of fasting, prayer, and penance leading to Easter.
    • On Ash Wednesday – The day encourages a "turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel".
      • Catholics attend Mass to receive ashes, which symbolize mortality, repentance, and a commitment to follow the Gospel. It serves as a public sign of humility and repentance.
      • Catholics aged 18-59 are required to fast (one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal).
      • Catholics aged 14 and older are required to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent.
    • All Fridays during Lent – Catholics are to abstain from eating meat.
  • February 22: Chair of St. Peter: A feast day celebrating the authority of the Pope.
  • February 23: St. Polycarp: Feast Day of the bishop and martyr. 
Protected By
Shield Security