We’d like to make you aware of our latest free virtual online offerings that Ballet West is presenting for Students and Teachers.
We would be very grateful if you were to make the requests for your entire school and share the information and passwords with all your teachers. Or you could pass this message along to your teachers and they could fill out the requests individually. Your school is welcome to request access to all three offerings and keep them in your pocket for use throughout the remainder of the year.
To make this process as easy as possible, and to expedite your ability to gain the passwords you will need, please access the google form at this link to request access to the programs you’d like.
These offerings are offered free of charge and are reserved for teachers and their students exclusively and not the general public.
We will provide study guides, which include follow-up projects and activities which assist teachers in their efforts to incorporate the Utah State Core Curriculum, Life Skills, and Career and College readiness concepts, into their classrooms. These are available for all offerings, and we recommend these for all grades. Additionally, you may have received this email more than once, our intention is simply to ensure you have access to this important information.
Subject: Setting Schedules and Budgets for SY 26-27
Summary:
As you begin your master scheduling for SY 26-27, please regard the following while building the schedule:
ALL elementary schools (with the exception of the Open Classroom) have AAMP services.
AAMP serves students in a pull-out program in grades 4-6 in a student’s neighborhood elementary school for up to 3 hours per week.
DISCOVERY GROUPS
Discovery Groups offer part-time enrichment for skill development in grades K-3.
Please work with your AAMP teacher at the earliest possible time to build into your complex schedule of times that work for all parties involved.
Funding:
Some schools provided additional funding to the legislative funds that AAMP teachers received. Continuing this would be helpful as the AAMP pull-out program is serving more students each year as we are now identifying and serving more students in verbal, quantitative, and non-verbal groups. Understandably, budgets are shrinking, but please be considerate of this program when making decisions.
Rationale:
This is a district-sponsored program; your support helps us to provide specific services to enrich students’ learning.
Expectations for Implementation:
Communication
Principals are responsible to work with AAMP teachers for grade 4-6 pullout times (discovery can be more fluid)
Collaboration:
Teachers, administration, AAMP Supervisor
Evaluation
A working schedule with times incorporated
*Should you have questions and/or concerns, I am available for in-person and/or a Teams meeting at your convenience.
From: Erin Anderson, Director of Special Education
Subject: Additional training times for FOCUS Data training
Summary:
This short session provides Assistant Principals with a clear overview of the Focus Committee’s role in supporting schools as they prepare for IEP meetings that may involve a change of placement.
We will review the types of data required to inform placement discussions, including academic, behavioral, and progress-monitoring information, and will learn how to prepare school teams for effective, compliant, and student-centered IEP meetings. The session emphasizes thoughtful preparation and shared understanding to ensure placement decisions are supported by data and aligned with student needs.
Please find a day and time that works for you to attend the FOCUS data training. The last session will be offered online.
2/11/26 from 3 pm to 4 pm (P211)
2/18/26 from 8:30 am to 9:30 am (P211)
2/24/26 from 8:30 am to 9:30 am (P211)
3/3/26 from 10 am to 11 am on Zoom
Sign-up using Kick-up (Browse events > Seach “Focus”)
Rationale:
At the March DLC meeting, Special Education will continue on with the FOCUS presentations. This training is necessary background knowledge to have prior to the next topic.
The School Improvement Plan (SIP) Review Process is designed to support high-quality planning across all schools while promoting clarity, consistency, and continuous improvement. This process reflects our shared commitment to data-informed decision-making, equitable student outcomes, and alignment with district priorities. By establishing clear expectations and a common rubric, the SIP review process ensures that every school receives meaningful feedback and differentiated support based on plan readiness. Most importantly, the process emphasizes partnership and growth, providing principals and leadership teams with guidance, transparency, and targeted assistance to strengthen implementation and improve outcomes for students.
Purpose
Ensure every School Improvement Plan is clear, data-driven, and aligned to district priorities.
Provide transparent expectations for SIP quality.
Differentiate review and support based on plan readiness.
Annual SIP Timeline
Spring–Early Fall: Schools analyze data and develop SIPs using the district template.
Submission Deadline: Principals submit SIPs to the district.
Rubric Review: All SIPs are reviewed using the District SIP Rubric.
Approval & Feedback: Schools receive approval or revision guidance.
SIP Review Rubric Overview
All SIPs are reviewed using a common rubric to ensure consistency across schools. Each domain is scored on a 1–4 scale.
Rubric Domains
Needs Assessment & Data Analysis
Goals & Measurable Outcomes
Strategies & Action Steps
Equity & Student Support
Implementation Capacity
Monitoring & Continuous Improvement
Scoring Scale
4 – Exemplary: Clear, aligned, and ready for implementation.
3 – Meets Expectations: Solid plan with minor refinements needed.
2 – Approaching Expectations: Key components present but require revision.
1 – Does Not Meet Expectations: Significant gaps requiring support.
Review Pathways
Pathway 1: Area Director Review & Approval
Eligibility: Schools that meet state threshold and meet the district threshold (e.g., 18/24) with no domain below a 3.
Area Director reviews the SIP and provides written feedback and approves plan.
Principals make any minor revisions requested.
Final approval is granted by the Area Director.
Pathway 2: District-Level Committee Review
Eligibility: SIP does not meet the state threshold.
Area Director reviews the SIP and provides written feedback and approves plan.
A district committee conducts a deeper review.
Principals and their leadership teams participate in a presentation to clarify processes, strategies, needs and expectations.
In necessary, specific revisions and timelines are provided, along with district supports.
After revisions, the revised SIP is approved.
Monitoring & Ongoing Support
All schools submit periodic progress updates aligned to SIP goals.
Area Directors monitor implementation and outcomes.
Schools receiving additional support may have scheduled check-ins and targeted coaching.
What Principals Should Expect
Clear expectations and consistent feedback.
Timely communication regarding review status.
Support aligned to identified needs.
A focus on continuous improvement rather than compliance.
SLCSD School Improvement Plan (SIP) Review Process
This process outlines the submission and approval process for the school improvement plans for schools in Salt Lake City School District.
For a plan to have been deemed successful, the school must meet the state established threshold of either an 1% growth as measured by the accountability metrics or the following points on the accountability metrics:
Elementary/Middle School – 43.5% or higher
High School –46% or higher
Flow Chart(s):
School Meets Threshold
School Does Not Meet Threshold
Salt Lake City School District School Improvement Plan (SIP) Rubric
This rubric is aligned to the SLCSD Strategic Plan for Student Achievement (2024–2029) and supports consistent, equity-centered review of School Improvement Plans.
Domain
Strategic Plan Alignment
1 – Needs Revision
2 – Developing
3 – Proficient
4 – Exemplary
Data Analysis & Root Cause
All Pillars; emphasis on Pillar 1 & 2
Goals & Outcomes
Aligned to Pillar Goals and Board Targets
Strategies & Action Steps
Pillars 1–4 as applicable
Equity & Student Support
Pillar 1: Equity, Access, Student Support
Implementation & Monitoring
All Pillars; Continuous Improvement
Overall Score: ______ / 20
Meets Area Director Approval Threshold? ☐ Yes ☐ No
Creating a Supportive Environment for Muslim Staff and Students During Ramadan."
Ramadan is a special time of spiritual reflection, fasting from dawn to sunset, and increased devotion for Muslims. As a school community, it’s important to foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for Muslim staff and students during this period. Here are some helpful guidelines to ensure everyone feels supported:
Understand Ramadan and Its Practices
Fasting: Muslims refrain from eating, drinking (including water), and sometimes taking medications from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). The fast is typically broken with a meal called Iftar.
Prayer: In addition to the five daily prayers, many Muslims also participate in extra prayers called Taraweeh during the evening. This may lead to less sleep, so it’s important to be mindful of its potential impact on energy levels.
Eid al-Fitr: Ramadan concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marked by prayers, family gatherings, and festivities. Muslim staff and students may request time off for this important holiday.
Foster a Flexible and Understanding Environment
Prayer Accommodations: Provide a quiet and private space for Muslim staff and students to pray during the day. Keep in mind that prayer times vary slightly based on the position of the sun.
Flexible Scheduling: Consider offering flexible schedules for fasting staff and students. Whenever possible, avoid scheduling exams, presentations, or physically demanding activities late in the day when energy levels may be lower.
Classroom Sensitivity: When planning classroom activities, such as parties or food-related events, be mindful of students who are fasting and create an environment where they feel comfortable.
Offer Alternatives for Physical Activities
PE Classes: For students who are fasting and may feel tired, allow them to opt-out of physically strenuous activities or participate in modified exercises.
Recess: Younger students who are fasting may prefer to engage in quieter activities during recess. Offer an indoor space where they can rest if needed.
Consider Lunch and Eating Spaces
Respectful Lunchtime Environment: For students who are fasting, offer a quiet space, such as a library or designated room, where they can spend lunchtime if they prefer to avoid the cafeteria.
Staff Breaks: For fasting staff members, ensure they have access to private spaces where they can rest or pray during lunch breaks.
Promote Inclusivity and Awareness
Community Education: Consider offering brief educational sessions or sharing resources about Ramadan to foster understanding and empathy within the school community.
Avoid Assumptions: Not all Muslims observe Ramadan in the same way. Some may not fast due to medical reasons or personal circumstances. Always respect individual choices and allow staff and students to participate as they see fit.
Accommodate for Eid al-Fitr
Time Off for Eid: Make sure Muslim staff and students can take time off to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Encourage them to communicate their needs in advance to plan accordingly.
Schoolwide Acknowledgement: Consider recognizing Eid al-Fitr through announcements or newsletters, promoting inclusivity and respect for religious diversity within the school.
Communicate and Offer Support
Open Dialogue: Encourage Muslim staff and students to share any specific needs or accommodations they may require during Ramadan. Ensure that everyone feels comfortable discussing their needs with teachers and administrators.
Supportive Tone: Lead with a positive and welcoming tone, making it clear that the school is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all religious observances.
By following these steps, the school can create a respectful, supportive, and inclusive atmosphere during Ramadan, showing genuine care for religious diversity and the well-being of all members of the school community.
From: April Reynold, Co-Teaching Administrator on Special Assignment
Dr. Tiffany Hall, Executive Director, Teaching and Learning
Summary:
The SLCSD Co-Teaching Cohort will bring administrators together to build a shared understanding of effective co-teaching models and how they support inclusive, high-quality instruction.
During four sessions of school visits and collaborative discussion, leaders will examine strong co-teaching practices already in place across the district, reflect on scheduling and staffing structures that make them successful, and begin identifying conditions that support effective implementation at their own schools.
The cohort is designed to support thoughtful dialogue, learning from peers, and practical next steps for strengthening co-teaching in SLCSD.
Who should come?
Principals and assistant principals who are interested in learning more about co-teaching models and practices that are working in SLCSD
What is the structure?
Four sessions:
Intro to Co-Teaching Models and Opportunities
School Visit – Scheduling for Success
School Visit – Specially Designed Instruction
Planning and Next Steps
When does it start?
Elementary: February 9, 1:30 –2:30 PM
Secondary: March 3, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Subsequent dates determined at the first meeting
Expect learning sessions to be 60 minutes, school visits 2-2.5 hours
To establish a transparent, data-informed, and equity-driven system through which school leaders may formally request additional resources based on identified student needs and strategic priorities.
Guiding Principles
Alignment with district priorities: SLCSD Priorities 2025-26- Our top priorities highlighted from our strategic plan for student success.
Equity over equality: Resources are allocated based on student need rather than equal distribution (Gorski, 2013).
Student-centered decision-making: Requests should reflect actual enrollment, demographic shifts, and the academic or behavioral needs of students (Leithwood, 2010).
Support for diverse learners: Prioritization is given to schools serving high numbers of multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and those in under-resourced communities.
Transparency and accountability: A collaborative process with stakeholder involvement and clear communication throughout.
Petition Submission Process
Step 1: Review school data that serves as the basis for request
Review current school-level data with your area director:
Academic performance
Behavior trends
Enrollment patterns
Staffing ratios
Facility needs
School Data Point
Who to contact if you have questions about accuracy or need additional clarity
Academic Performance
Dr. Patrick Jefferies, Supervisor, Data & Assessment or Dr. Christine Marriott, Director of Title I and School Improvement
Behavior Trends
Dr. Allison Martin, Director of SEL & Preventive Services
Enrollment Patterns
Sam Quartz, Chief Information Officer
Staffing Ratios
Logan Hall, Executive Director, Human Resources or his designee
Facility Needs
Isaac Astill, Executive Director, Auxiliary Services
Explanation of alignment with school and district strategic goals
Step 3: Area Director review
Schedule a consultation to review your petition with your Area Director.
Revisions or recommendations may be made to strengthen alignment or clarify outcomes.
Once approved by the Area Director, it will proceed to the District Review Process,
District Review Process
Step 4: Cabinet-Level review
After the deadline, a cross-functional Cabinet committee will evaluate requests using the Weighted Resource Allocation Formula (see below) and determine feasibility and alignment with district-wide initiatives.
Step 5: Communication of decision
A formal written response will be provided in accordance with the annual timeline.
If approved, a deployment timeline and point-of-contact will be shared.
If declined, the rationale will be explained and next steps will be offered for support and/or resubmission.
Weighted Resource Allocation formula
To ensure fairness and transparency, each petition will be evaluated using the following scoring system (Total Possible: 100 points):
Factor
Weight
Description
Student Enrollment and Demographics
25 points
Proportion of high-need students (e.g., FRL, ELL, SPED)
Academic & Behavioral Data
20 points
Evidence of gaps in achievement, chronic absenteeism, or behavior challenges
Access Impact
20 points
Degree to which resource addresses disparities or underserved student groups
Alignment with Strategic Goals
15 points
How well the request aligns with district/school improvement priorities
Stakeholder Engagement
10 points
Involvement of parents, staff, and community in needs assessment and planning
Feasibility & Sustainability
10 points
Practicality of implementation and potential for sustained impact
Minimum threshold for consideration: 65 points
Implementation & Monitoring
Step 6: Review & Feedback
Relevant staff will review resource allocation with building staff.
Step 6: Resource deployment
Work collaboratively with the assigned district departments (e.g., HR, Finance, Facilities, SPED) to implement the resource as planned.
Step 7: Evaluation & reporting
Monitor effectiveness using outcome data and feedback tools.
Submit a mid-year and end-of-year report summarizing impact.
Adjustments may be made as necessary for sustainability.
Ongoing support and improvement
School Leadership & Support will maintain a log of all approved petitions for transparency.
Annual reviews of the process will be conducted by Cabinet to assess equity and efficiency.
Principal feedback will directly inform system refinements.
Annual timeline will be distributed by School Leadership & Support by September 15th of each year.
Final Note
We thank you for your dedication to equity, excellence, and innovation. This process is not simply about resource distribution—it is about recognizing the unique stories of your schools and responding with meaningful support. Together, we will ensure every student in Salt Lake City School District receives the opportunities they deserve to learn, grow, and succeed.
For questions or additional support with your resource petition, please contact your Area Director or the Office of School Leadership & Support.
Just a quick note to update you on what is new with RISE, though I did include the new parent resources for our other state required tests. Please share this information with your teachers.
USBE has added Parent Resources to all the USBE Assessment pages
New Cut scores for ELA have been released RISE-Score-Charts_2025_updated.pptx Please note, due to the significant changes in the ELA test, please do not compare last year’s results to this years at a scaled score level.
Please note; All RISE Individual Student reports for ELA, Writing, Math and Science are available to families in the PowerSchool parent portal.
The new writing reporting has 2 categories
Composition (argument/informative): Scale of 1-6
Conventions: Scale of 0.5-3
The two scores are not intended to be added together.
New Writing benchmark modules and ELA interim are available in RISE Test Administration
Most grades have multiple writing benchmarks available with fully automated scoring.
Grade 7 informative writing benchmarks still need more students to participate in the field test before automatic scoring is available. Field testing for 7th grade informative will open again in February.
NEW Feature Update on the RISE calculator in math and science. Students can now copy-paste their answers directly from the onscreen calculator into the response field. This feature is available:
On all Math and Science RISE assessments where calculators are provided onscreen
For all onscreen calculator types (basic, scientific, graphing)
Only for Equation Response items where a student must enter a numerical answer
New Utah Accessibility, Accommodations, and Participation Policy 2025–2026 Check out the Appendixes. There is an Appendix specific to each test which is divided into 2 sections. The first section are the tools and supports available for ALL students, the second section are the additional accommodations allowed for students if they are listed on their IEPs or 504s. Please note, some must be approved by either the state or district before they can be activated for students. RISE is Appendix J, pp 67-69
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Beginning January 7 - January 20, AAMP teachers and staff will be testing Kindergarten and 3rd grade students. This screening helps us identify all students who can qualify for magnet classes or AAMP programs.
A comprehensive schedule will be sent out to all elementary principals for the testing dates and times at each school. Kindergarten testing will take approximately an hour, while 3rd grade testing will take about three hours,. This is an exhaustive and massive undertaking, so we kindly ask the following:
Computer lab times be prioritized and set aside, per the schedule
Ensuring computers are updated in the labs
If no computer labs, that student laptops are updated and proper bandwidth is available throughout the school
Flexibility for unexpected intangibles (lagging Wi-Fi, power outages, absent students, etc.)
Communication to staff about the dates above, schedule (when available) and expectations for pulling students for the testing
Rationale:
This is a district program and in order to ensure students have access, SLCSD completes universal testing at these two grade levels.
Expectations for Implementation:
Communication
Principals are responsible to ensure the steps above are implemented and ready
Thank you for helping us serve all SLCSD students!
For any further questions or clarifications, please contact any of the following:
This instruction must be offered to students at least three times during grades K-6, once in middle school, and once in high school. The instruction must be age appropriate and developmentally appropriate for the students in the class.
In SLCSD, we will provide this lesson in grades 1, 3, and 5 and in middle and high school health classes. The reason we have assigned this to specific elementary grade levels and classes is so that we can track that the required instruction was provided.
This instruction will not include handling a firearm or having a firearm (real or model) in the classroom. The instruction will focus on ensuring students understand appropriate safety around firearms. Materials selected for this instruction are politically neutral and are available for parents to review online.
If parents do not want their student to participate in this lesson, they can opt their student out by completing returning the opt out form. They do not have to opt IN: they only have to opt OUT.
If opted out, the student must be provided with an alternate assignment in an alternate location, and their grade cannot be affected. For elementary, the lesson will probably between 15-20 minutes long. For secondary, the time may depend on what other appropriate health standards you choose to include.
REQUIRED STEPS
Review the materials and video for your level.
Choose a date you will plan to teach the lesson.
At least two weeks before you teach the lesson, send the Parent Information letter home. Include the date you are teaching and the date the opt out must be returned.
Make a plan for an alternate assignment and location in case it’s needed.
Collect all opt out forms. After the lesson, have your administrator store them for the school year.
Teach the lesson.
RESOURCES
Located in the District Document Center > Teaching & Learning > Firearm Safety Resources
Elementary – National Crime Prevention Council (Officer McGruff)
Grade 1: Molly’s Mischief
Parent form (Translations to major languages are currently in process. They will be added to the file as they are completed. Please contact Ms. Lowery if an additional language is needed.)
Video embedded on PPT
Teacher guide
Student activity sheet
Safety poster
Post-lesson recap for parents (currently only in English, TBD for other languages)
Grades 3 and 5: Not Cool, Kyle
Parent form (Translations to major languages are currently in process. They will be added to the file as they are completed. Please contact Ms. Lowery if an additional language is needed.)
Video embedded on PPT
Teacher guide
Student activity sheet
Safety poster
Post-lesson recap for parents (currently only in English, TBD for other languages)
Secondary – Utah Attorney General’s Office
Parent form (Translations to major languages are currently in process. They will be added to the file as they are completed. Please contact Ms. Lowery if an additional language is needed.)
Video embedded on PPT
Teacher Lesson Plan
Student handout (two colors)
Safety poster (two colors)
QUESTIONS
Check with your administrator
Teams or email Katie Lowery, Health and PE Specialist
Teams or email Tiffany Hall, Teaching & Learning
NEXT STEPS
If you would like to suggest a different curriculum, please contact Ms. Lowery and Dr. Hall for district-level review.
