Teaching and Learning – Administrative Memos

CogAT Testing in Elementary Schools

Leeson TaylorAugust 28, 2026

Title: CogAT Testing in Elementary Schools

Date: August 28, 2026

To: Elementary Principals

From: Dr. Garret Rose, Advanced Academics Supervisor

Subject: Annual Testing Dates and Expectations

Background

SLCSD’s Magnet and Advanced Academics and Mentoring Program (AAMP) provide advanced learning opportunities for students who demonstrate gifted characteristics and high academic potential.

The Magnet program offers full-day advanced instruction for eligible students in grades 1–6. Students learn with academic peers through grade-level and accelerated instruction that emphasizes depth, complexity, creativity, and critical thinking. Magnet opportunities continue in middle school through advanced core classes.

AAMP is a part-time, school-based program for eligible students in grades 4–6. Students receive up to three hours of advanced instruction each week while remaining in their neighborhood school. AAMP helps students strengthen critical-thinking skills, develop their academic identity, and prepare for continued advanced learning opportunities.

Students qualify for these programs through an identification process that includes the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), a group-administered aptitude assessment used by schools to measure reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Summary
Fall Testing:
Beginning August 24 through September 4, AAMP teachers and staff are testing any new students in grades 1-2 and 4-6 as well as students in those grades that may not have been tested previously with the CogAt assessment. Assessments in grades 1 & 2 should take approximately 1 hour; grades 4-6 require two 90-minute sessions (about 180 minutes in total). AAMP teachers will work with classroom teachers to schedule these assessments, being mindful of WIDA screening and Acadience testing happening in the same window.

Fall Testing Schedule: August Cogat Schedule.docx

January Testing:
January 6 through January 19, AAMP teachers and staff will be testing Kindergarten and grade 3 students. This screening is used to identify students who qualify for magnet classes or for AAMP programs. A comprehensive schedule will be sent out to all elementary principals with the testing dates and times at each school later in the fall. Kindergarten testing will take approximately one hour and grade 3 testing will take three hours in two sessions.

This is an exhaustive and massive undertaking, so we kindly ask the following:

Prioritze computer lab time for testing as outlined on the schedule.
Work with your compter tech to ensure computers are updated in the labs.
If no computer labs are available, ensure student laptops are updated and bandwidth is available.
Understand our need for flexibility for unexpected intangibles (lagging Wi-Fi, power outages, absent students, etc.).
Communicate to staff:
- The dates (January 6-19) and expectations for student testing; and
- Post the schedule for labs when it is sent out so teachers are aware.

Expectations for Implementation

Communication
Principals are responsible to ensure the steps above are implemented
Thank you for helping us provide opportunities for our students!
For any further clarifications, please contact any of the following:
Dr. Garret Rose, Advanced Academics Supervisor; 801-578-8285; garret.rose@slcschools.org
Karen Holman, Identification and Advocacy Specialist; 801-578-8358; karen.holman@slcschools.org
Maggie Nickerson, Administrative Secretary; 801-578-8573; maggie.nickerson@slcschools.org

Keywords: Magnet, AAMP, CogAT, assessments, Advanced Academics

Botvin LifeSkills Training and Materials

Leeson TaylorAugust 28, 2026August 28, 2026

Title: Botvin LifeSkills Training and Materials

Date: August 28, 2026

To: Elementary Principals

From: Katie Lowery, PE Specialist

Adam Eskelson, Extended Learning

Subject: Ordering Materials for Classrooms from USBE

Background

Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) is an evidence-based substance-use and violence-prevention program that helps students develop skills for making healthy and responsible choices. Lessons address decision-making, communication, managing stress, resisting peer and media pressure, building positive relationships, and understanding the risks of alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and other drugs. SLCSD uses the elementary program with fifth-grade students as part of its health and prevention instruction.

Utah Code §53G-10-406 requires public schools to offer the state’s Underage Drinking and Substance Abuse Prevention Program to students in grade 4 or 5, grade 7 or 8, and grade 9 or 10. Utah Administrative Rule R277-910 establishes the criteria for selecting the program and requires it to be evidence-based, taught over multiple lessons, include opportunities to practice skills, and align with Utah’s academic standards. The Utah State Board of Education currently identifies Botvin LifeSkills Training as the state’s approved provider for this required program.

In SLCSD, we incorporate the Botvin training in grade 5, Health I, and Health II. In secondary, the materials are incorporated into our health textbooks and do not need to be ordered.

Elementary teachers or counselors using the program must complete a state-created training. At this time, they only need to complete it once. A $210 stipend is available for educators who complete the training outside of contract hours. THIS STIPEND IS FROM USBE, and directions will be provided during the course registration process. Participants will also receive relicensure points in the state system (Altitude). If you have questions about who has already completed this training, please contact Katie Lowery.

Ordering Materials

To order materials for your students in grade 5, you must:

Determine if you have any materials left over from last year, and how many.
Calculate how many guidebooks for students you need this year.
Complete your order for all grade 5 students.
Submit your order to Amy Burris in the Teaching & Learning Department BY

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 using the following link: Botvin Order Form

Materials will be delivered to your school 3-4 weeks after September 11.

Expectations for Implementation

Communication
Principals are responsible for coordinating with their teachers and head secretary to complete and submit the order forms for needed materials. We will send in one order for all schools.
Principals are responsible for checking with their teachers to ensure they have completed the one-time Botvin LifeSkills training. If you have questions about your teachers, contact Katie Lowery.
1. Required Botvin LifeSkills Teacher Training Registration
1. Training is online and will take 5-7 hours. It must be completed within one week. Training dates are:
  1. Elementary: September 22 – September 28
For any further clarifications, please contact any of the following:
Katie Lowery, PE Specialist; 801-578-8208; katie.lowery@slcschools.org
Amy Burris, Administrative Secretary; 801-578-8273; amy.burris@slcschools.org
If you would like additional information regarding the Botvin LifeSkills Training program and requirements, please review Underage Drinking and Substance Abuse Prevention Program.

Keywords: Botvin, LifeSkills, Health

Action Item: Assigning STEM AC Math Digital Learning Student Licenses

Leeson TaylorAugust 26, 2026

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

Date: 08/28/2026

To: All School Administrators

From: Holley McIntosh, STEM Director

Dr. Tiffany Hall, Executive Director of Teaching & Learning

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

Summary:

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

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

Rationale:

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

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

Expectations for Implementation:

Communication

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

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

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

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

Collaboration:
Contact Holley McIntosh if you have questions about your school’s STEM AC grant award.
Work with the District Math Coach/CAS assigned to your school if you have questions about how to match these licenses with student needs.
Evaluation
Administrators communicate the appropriate assignment of the awarded licenses to IT.
Administrators ensure the licenses are used appropriately and as a supplement to our adopted core programs.
See the conditions of the STEM AC grant for more information.

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

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

Botvin LifeSkills Training

Leeson TaylorAugust 19, 2026

Principals,

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

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

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

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

See the highlighted links below for TEACHER MANUALS AND RESOURCES

Teacher Manuals

Teacher Resources

BOTVIN Form Helps:

LEA: Salt Lake City School District

CONTACT PERSON: *Principal Name

PHONE: *Your School Phone number

SCHOOL NAME: __________________

ADDRESS: Mailing address for school

Check YES for receiving packages

CONTACT PERSON: Head Secretary or Counselor doing BOTVIN

PHONE of Contact Person

EMAIL of Contact Person

Check the Box for 5^th Grade

Quantity: Number of students coming into 5^th grade

Administrator ESL Endorsement Information

Leeson TaylorAugust 19, 2026

Date: August 21, 2026

To: All Administrators

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

Subject: ESL Endorsements

Summary:

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

Endorsement Options

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

The state ESL endorsement may be earned by:

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

Rationale:

This is a district requirement outlined in your employment contract.

Expectations for Implementation:

Communication
The next cohort will begin in April 2027, and registration information will be emailed to all educators in February 2027.

For additional information, including district-modified endorsement requirements, please visit the SLCSD ESL Endorsement webpage.

Collaboration:
Please contact Tiffany Hall with questions.

Keywords:

ESL Endorsement

Letters for Leadership v.7, e.5

Leeson TaylorAugust 14, 2026August 14, 2026

Attendance-Based Grading Under HB 502 Guidance

Leeson TaylorAugust 13, 2026August 14, 2026

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.

Letters for Leadership v.6, e.5

Leeson TaylorAugust 6, 2026August 6, 2026

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.

Title I Updates for Start of 26.27 School Year

Leeson TaylorAugust 4, 2026

Dear Title I Principals,

I hope you are off to a great start to the new school year. Thank you for your continued commitment to ensuring our Title I programs provide meaningful opportunities for family engagement and remain fully compliant with federal requirements.

To support a successful beginning to the 2026–2027 school year, 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.

1. Plan and Hold Your Annual Title I Parent Meeting

For most schools, this meeting is held in conjunction with your Back-to-School Night.

Please ensure that:

The meeting date and time are posted on your school's website calendar as soon as possible.
Your presentation includes all required Title I information for families.
You customize the district : Title I Presentation Template by adding your school's name and any school-specific information.
Your completed presentation is posted on your school's Title I webpage on or before the day of the meeting.

For reference, you may also review the Backman Elementary 2024–2025 Title I Presentation as an excellent example.

Website Calendar Resources

Managing Calendars (Video Guide)
- Managing Calendars and Events Extended (Video Guide)
- Add Event to a Smart Sites Calendar (Help Article)

2. Update Your Parent-School Compact

Please review and update your school's Parent-School Compact to ensure all dates and information are accurate for the current school year, including:

Parent engagement events
SEP/Parent-Teacher Conferences
Grading periods
Other school-specific information

You may use last year's compact as a starting point or begin with the district Parent-School Compact Template.

Once updated:

Post the compact in the Title I section of your school's website.
Share the compact during your Title I Parent Meeting and through other communication methods.
Encourage parents, staff, and students to provide feedback throughout the year.
Please note that signatures from parents, staff, or students are not required.

3. Review Your Parent and Family Engagement Policy

Please review your school's Parent and Family Engagement Policy to ensure it is current and accurately reflects your school's practices.

If revisions are needed:

Update the document.
Post the final version in the Title I section of your school's website.

Additional Information

All required templates and supporting documents are available in the District Document Center under the Title I folder.

Beginning August 27, our office will begin reviewing school websites to verify that these requirements have been completed. Please ensure all required materials are posted and finalized by Friday, August 28, 2026, to ensure compliance before the Labor Day weekend.

Thank you for your partnership and for the tremendous work you do each day to support students and families. Your efforts are critical to building strong school-home partnerships and ensuring the success of our Title I programs.

If you have any questions or need support, please don't hesitate to reach out.

I appreciate your leadership and wish you a successful start to the 2026–2027 school year.

Letters for Leadership v.5, e.5

Leeson TaylorAugust 3, 2026

Announcements

SLCSD Priorities 2025-26 - Our top priorities highlighted from our strategic plan for student success. (Revision coming soon!)
Common Expectations – Administrative guiding document for 26-27 school year.

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.
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:
  - 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.
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.