I'd like to extend an extra special welcome to all new administrators joining SLCSD this year. I am an education specialist in HRS, and the focus of my job is pre, new, and early educators. This email is to explain the process regarding pre-educators that spend time in our district.
We LOVE hosting student teachers, practicum students and interns! Especially since we have wonderful educators and students to learn from. SLCSD receives requests from several of our state colleges and universities as well as some online programs to place their students in our schools. HRS has worked with these institutions in developing MOUs and a placement process to ensure the success of all involved with this collaborative effort.
The placement process starts in HRS with receiving requests from mostly placement coordinators. I also get requests from instructors, cohort leaders, and students themselves. This all depends on our arrangement with each institution. When you receive a placement request for observations, practicum or field hours, or student teaching, please direct the requester to contact me directly. After the details of the placement are reviewed, I will facilitate that placement with a school administrator before anything is confirmed.
For internships, usually in school counseling or administration, there is an application and screening process. This would include anyone interested in fulfilling internship requitements for licensing, even current employees of SLCSD. You can also direct those individuals to me and I will provide them with next steps.
If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help! I look forward to collaborating with each of you this year in various capacities.
Kellie May, M.Ed. (she/her/hers)
Education Specialist - Mentors/Alternative Pathway to Professional Educator License (APPEL) / Grow Your Own (GYO) / Pre-service Educators
All instruction related to sex education must take place within the context of Utah State Law (53G-10-402) and Utah State Board of Education rule (R277-474). New legislation has added topics beyond health class which require parent notification and permission.
Any course which involves "Sex education instruction" [now includes] any course material, unit, class, lesson, activity, or presentation that, as the focus of the discussion, provides instruction or information to a student about:
In accordance with Rule R277-474-7-4, teachers may answer student questions or correct inaccurate statements as long as the answer is consistent with state law and the approved instructional materials. Educators may also direct students to parents.
Teachers will be sentthis survey and are required to indicate if they cover any of the listed topics. All teachers must respond by September 30, 2025.
The parental Consent Form is included in all student registration and information is available to teachers regarding the parent’s option for instruction.
Rationale:
Utah Code 53G-10-402 states:
That “parental consent requirements of Sections 76-7-322 and 76-7-323 are complied with”
And, “require a student's parent to be notified in advance and have an opportunity to review the information for which parental consent is required under Sections 76-7-322 and 76-7-323.”
“An LEA governing board shall provide appropriate professional development for the LEA governing board's teachers, counselors, and school administrators to enable the teachers, counselors, and school administrators to understand, protect, and properly instruct students in the values and character traits referred to in this section and Sections 53E-9-202, 53E-9-203, 53G-10-202, 53G-10-203, 53G-10-204, and 53G-10-205, and distribute appropriate written materials on the values, character traits, and conduct to each individual receiving the professional development.”
To facilitate compliance, each secondary teacher is required to complete theform to let SLCSD know which topics they are and are not teaching.
USBE guidance states:
“Health, CTE, science, and psychology teachers should [acquire parental permission and complete this training] if they teach eligible courses like Health, Child Development, Health Science, Medical Anatomy, Human Development, Genetics, or any course with instruction on sex education as defined in Utah Code 53G-10-403.”
Expectations for Implementation:
Communication:
Administrative memo will be sent to all building administrators to share with faculty.
Link to required form will be sent to all educators with the deadline of September 30, 2025, for completion.
The Canvas course required for all teachers who present an effected topic (listed above) will be provided once the USBE creates the course after July 1, 2025.
2. Collaboration:
Contact Katie Lowery, Content Specialist over Health and Physical Education, for assistance.
3. Evaluation:
The district will check for the completion of the required form by due date. If it is not complete, the assistance of building administrators will be requested.
The district will keep a current record of all teachers who have completed the USBE Canvas course.
Keywords: Human sexuality, health education, Utah Code 53G-10-402
Leading Healthy Schools (LHS) is a free, year-long professional development and coaching program for school administrators to help them gain the knowledge and skills necessary to lead a school that prioritizes student health and wellness. Participants engage in collaborative learning experiences and coaching that are flexible to their school’s context and relevant to their role as a school leader.
Interested in learning more about the program before you register? Sign up using the link above to attend an information session with LHS Program Director Kaitlyn Gaddis Thompson and hear from members of the 2024 and 2025 LHS cohorts!
For Administrators: Health textbook adoptions are complete, and we are ready to order for the upcoming year. Please contact Katie Lowery for more information. Each school must complete a requisition.
For Teachers: Deadline to complete the required questionnaire for those who teach HEALTH, or ANY SUBJECT with human sexuality content is September 30th.
All teachers (not just health) who discuss any topic below that they must include a statement in their disclosure for parents to sign and that parents must sign the USBE form as well. Do not just rely on the electronic registration for the 7-12th graders.
Teachers should complete this survey and are required to indicate if they cover any of the listed topics. All teachers must respond by September 30th.
Please integrate the following tasks to your Day One Ready List. We will be sure to get these on the master list in the future. Thanks!
July/August/September Priorities for student services include:
*Secretaries at Training August 4th-Do not schedule it as a registration day.
*Secondary Counselors have 195 day contract—determine the start date for counselors.
*Set up SSC/Counselor meeting to review students with tier 3 needs, cross check schedules, supports, consider parent meeting or home visit prior to school.
*Set-up weekly Counselor Meetings, discuss Counselor Corner for staff meetings, discuss possible staff presentation for PD days.
*Set up your anti-harassment and bullying training dates for students
*Set up Mental Health Screening dates with social workers and counselors
*Set-up regular (weekly suggested) Mental Health Meetings with your district social worker. Schedule a staff presentation.
*Set up a meeting with your school nurse to discuss CPR trained staff requirements, fall staff training, and vision screening
*Secondary set up a meeting with your SRO and PYP advocate.
*Set up a McKinney Meeting with Becky Baskett or Mike Harmon
Must be an assistant principal unless you have a split AP (split APs should be the SSaSS at one of their schools and the other one should assign the position to a counselor or teacher.
Set standing day/time (at least once per week) for SSC meetings
On May 6, 2025, the Board approved our new Written Agreement with several changes from the past. Because Student Services Councils (SSCs) are part of the Written Agreement, I wanted to take a moment to highlight the changes as well as remind you of our practices regarding MTSS and student support.
Schools should follow the flow chart below when addressing students with behavioral concerns that do not rise to a district-level safe schools violation:
A student who has been identified as in need of additional supports, should receive classroom level interventions prior to being brought to SSC.
If a teacher needs help developing or collecting data on these interventions, they should reach out to their PLC and/or the Behavior Specialist Office Hours for support.
If the classroom-level interventions tried do not result in improvement, the student should be presented to SSC.
A referral form should be used for all SSC referrals. Schools may develop their own or use a sample found on the Canvas page.
SSC should provide additional guidance for Tier 2 supports and interventions based on the information presented to them.
SSC should regularly follow up on students they have addressed.
If, after 2-4 weeks of intervention, the student has still not made improvements, the SSC should develop next steps which may include a referral to the Behavior Specialist team or Special Education.
If SSC determines that the appropriate next step is a referral to a Behavior Specialist, the SSC chair (principal or assistant principal) should complete the referral form found on the Canvas page or linked here.
15.4.8 Student Services Council.
15.4.8.1 Purpose. A Student Services Council shall be established in each school to collaborate and recommend appropriate services, interventions, and strategies for students whose needs are not being met and to assure that due process rights are protected.
Council Members
Elementary School
Middle/Intermediate School
High School
Principal (chair)Special Education teacherCounselor/Social WorkerGeneral Education teacher
Principal (chair)Assistant Principal(alt chair)Counselor/Social WorkerGeneral Education teacher
15.4.8.5 Additional Participants by Invitation. Additional participants may be invited to provide input and support to best serve students. serve as members of the Student Services Council.
5.4.8.6 Council Determines Procedures. The council shall meet weekly, or more frequently, if business dictates. The chairperson shall be the principal or assistant principal. The operating procedures of the council shall be determined by the council in compliance with the district policies
15.4.8.7 Agenda. Students to be discussed during the council meetings shall be placed on an agenda by the chairperson so council members can be notified in advance. Individual members of the council will provide data/documentation pertaining to the placement and/or services of the student being discussed.
15.4.8.8 Minutes Required. Minutes of decisions made at each council meeting shall be recorded and shared in a secure manner by school administration with those who have a legitimate interest. The chairperson shall maintain copies of all minutes saved on the district electronic network.
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.”
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
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!
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
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.
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
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.
SLCSD stakeholders will begin to receive notices of their access to the stakeholder survey. All surveys must be completed by May 2. Please encourage everyone to participate.
In case any questions arise, here is the information you should know:
This survey is OPTIONAL, no one should feel compelled to take it. However, it is incredibly useful feedback, and we strongly encourage all our stakeholders to participate.
This survey is CONFIDENTIAL, and participants should be encouraged to complete it at a time and location where they feel comfortable giving honest feedback.
Survey links will be sent out to adults via EMAIL. If they do not see the link, they should check junk/spam folders or reach out to jeffrey.lutz@slcschools.org.
Students can access the survey through Clever. To increase response rates, we encourage you to work with your teachers to provide time for students to do their surveys while they’re in school.
Students may see more than one survey when the go into Clever. There is the USBE Stakeholder Survey and the Teacher Feedback Survey. Please encourage them to complete BOTH.
Parents/Students
A student must have been enrolled for at least 40 days to receive a survey.
Students and parents will be asked to provide feedback on each individual course/teacher they have as well as the administrators in their building.
They may skip any sections they wish
Parents with multiple children in the district may receive separate survey emails for each child.
Class information is pulled from PowerSchool so if a student is in an afterschool program or a class that they know by a different name than what is in PowerSchool, please help them determine which class that is (i.e. After School might be Chess Club).
Alli Martin, Ed.D. (she/her/hers)
Director of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Prevention Services
We are writing to inform you of the finalized school start and end times for the upcoming academic year. Given that this has been a topic of considerable interest and discussion in recent years, we wanted to ensure you had this information in advance, anticipating that questions may arise from members of our community.
We are solidifying a two-tier schedule where every school follows either the Tier 1 start and end times or the Tier 2 start and end times. These tiers specify the bell schedule for each school as well as early dismissal times and Fridays as early dismissal days. The two tiers’ bell schedules are presented below.
Bell Schedule Overview:
Tier 1: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM Early Dismissal: 1:30 PM
Schools: (18 Elementary) Ensign, Emerson, Rose Park, Liberty, Franklin, Meadowlark, North Star, Edison, Indian Hills, Washington, Nibley Park, Mountain View, Whittier, Newman, Parkview, Backman, Uintah, Escalante (5 Middle) Bryant, Clayton, Glendale, Hillside, Northwest
Tier 2: 8:45 AM – 3:15 PM Early Dismissal: 2:15 PM
Schools: (5 Elementary) Bonneville, Wasatch, Beacon Heights, Dilworth, Highland Park (6 High Schools) East, Highland, West, SCORE, Innovations, Horizonte
Key Considerations for Implementation:
SLCSE-Bryant Middle School Schedule Adjustment: SLCSE-Bryant Middle School will transition to Tier 1. This change resolves a key audit finding related to wait times for students at West High School.
Universal Tier Assignment for All Schools: Regardless of current transportation needs, all schools will be assigned to either Tier 1 or Tier 2. This is essential, as transportation services must be available for any student who may require it, including those that may be subject to an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Aligned Early Dismissal Times: Early dismissal dates and times have been adjusted across schools to align with transportation schedules. This alignment will help minimize disruptions to instructional time, ensuring greater efficiency and continuity in the learning process.
We anticipate that seven schools will be adjusting their bell schedules for the upcoming year. SLCSE-Bryant Middle School will transition to the Tier 1 bell schedule, while Uintah, Bonneville, and Escalante will be placed on a designated tier. Meadowlark and North Star will have a revised early release time, and Rose Park Elementary will shift its early release day to Fridays instead of Wednesdays.
We trust that these adjustments will positively impact our schools and the wider community. If you have any questions or would like further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Your school website will soon have a new and improved Safe Walking Routes map. To access your map, try this:
Go to your school website and click on the "OUR SCHOOL" tab near the top of the page.
Click on "Maps & Transportation."
Click on "Safe Walking Route" under "Resources."
Please note the following:
This map allows you to zoom in and zoom out - it is not a pdf.
The tile in the bottom left corner of your map (just click on it) allows you to see it as a FOOTPRINT MAP or as a SATELLITE IMAGE MAP.
The satellite image map is very effective when viewing with your community, SCC, or staff. That's because you can see the actual crosswalks, street widths (these vary a lot around our city), and recently added structures in your community.
Some of you will notice that the footprint map is a bit dated: For example, it may show the location of your old building before rebuild (see Edison as an example). I looked into getting the footprint maps updated but that is proving difficult. The satellite map is much more recent.
We did not include all the features that the Safe Routes UT site had because the icons won't scale down when using the zoom feature; the resulting mess of piled-up icons made the maps too confusing. We went with a more simplified, easy-to-read-and-navigate approach.
Please look over your new map and share any concerns, questions, or necessary changes with me.
Please share this map with your parents/community.
Please do NOT refer parents to the Safe Routes UT website (that site still doesn't have maps that outline our school boundaries).
You can use this map for all sorts of reasons like navigating through your yearly safe walking routes updates or for mapping school walking field trips/fun runs.
