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Category: Teaching and Learning

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Title: Information Item

Date:                  October 3, 2025

To:                  Grade 7-8 Administrators

From:                 Dr. Candace Penrod, District Science Supervisor

Subject:        Amplify Science 7/8 Implementation and Support

 Summary:

Salt Lake City School District is excited to have Amplify Science materials in all middle school science classrooms.  The district has made a significant financial and curricular commitment to these highly quality instructional materials that support Utah’s Science with Engineering Education (SEEd) Standards middle school science classrooms.  The expectation is that the materials are now in use in all middle school science classrooms with the following district support: The

  1. The District Science Pacing Guide for 7th Grade   supports the systemic implementation of the new Amplify Science materials to support the SEEd Standards.
  2. The District Science Pacing Guide for 8th Grade supports systemic implementation of the new Amplify Science materials to support the SEEd Standards.
  3. A District Science Coach is available to visit your site and assist your teachers in getting started with the on-line and physical materials.  Contact Candace Penrod if you and your teachers would benefit from a site visit.
  4. The monthly Cross-District Middle School PLC meetings for middle school science are designed to support our teachers in the implementation of Amplify Science.
  5. Training sessions with an Amplify Science trainer will be available to support 7/8 grade science teachers with implementation of units, assessments, and assignments. More information will be forthcoming.

Rationale: 

The implementation of high-quality instructional materials is a priority for Salt Lake                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           City School District. Amplify Science for middle school was identified by our MS Science Materials Adoption Committee as a high-quality resource to support the implementation of the Utah SEEd Standards. Amplify Science includes hands-on materials, simulations, support for English Learners, support for Special Education, and opportunities for all students to engage with phenomenon-driven science instruction. The district-wide use of common high-quality materials supports all learners have access to high-quality science instruction.

Additionally, the use of the District Science Pacing Guide is also an expectation, as it provides continuity and support across the district for teachers and students. Our Cross-District Middle School Science PLC will focus on supporting teachers’ instruction and student work aligned with the District Pacing Guide.  It is the expectation moving forward that with the adoption and use of district materials, classroom instruction will be aligned by Strand (topic/unit) across the district according to the District Science Pacing Guide. This will create a more cohesive system of science education to support all learners and District Priorities and curricular goals.

Expectations for Implementation: 

  1. Communication
  • Middle School Administrators will communicate expectations and rationale to teachers regarding the use of the District Science Pacing Guide and the implementation of Amplify Science in all middle school classrooms.
  1. Collaboration: 
  1. Evaluation
  • Number of students using Amplify Materials; RISE scores; PLC data

Keywords: science, seventh grade, eighth grade, pacing guide, Amplify Science, SEEd standards

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Date:                   October 3, 2025

To:                        Middle & High School Administrators

From:                 Dessie Olson, Social Studies Specialist

                                Adam Eskelson, Director, Social Studies

Subject:          Social Studies Curriculum Maps

Summary:

7-12 Social Studies Core Curriculum Maps are in the District Document Center in Teaching and Learning/Social Studies. Core social studies courses include World Geography, World History, U.S. History II, and United States Government & Citizenship. Significant information follows:

  • Social studies curriculum maps are not pacing guides, but maps that unpack the Utah Social Studies Standards to support classroom instruction.
  • The introduction pages of the curriculum map provide further details about the different features of the map and how they can support instruction.
  • Curriculum maps can be used in conjunction with our approved textbooks and primary source documents.

Rationale: 

Curriculum maps serve as the Guaranteed Viable Curriculum for social studie core content courses and can be used to support the work of PLCs.

Expectations for Implementation: 

  1. Communication
  1. Collaboration: 

Keywords: social studies, curriculum maps, world geography, world history, United States History, U.S. History, Unites States Government and Citizenship, 

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Scholarship for Teachers

Are you interested in teaching Concurrent Enrollment classes at your high school but are not qualified? Do you want to take the college classes so you are qualified? What if we pay for the tuition? 

Let's jump in!

We are excited to offer an opportunity to pay for your tuition to take a class (or two, not an entire Master's degree) to become qualified to teach concurrent enrollment. 

Apply Here!

If you don't know if you are qualified or want to have a conversation about offering additional concurrent enrollment classes, please reach out to your CTE Coordinator or the Business Development Coordinator: 

Julianna Wing, CTE Business Development Coordinator 

Anne Martin, CTE Coordinator, East High School 

Emily Grass, CTE Coordinator, Highland High School 

Sarah Wilson, CTE Coordinator, West High School 

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SmartBoard Replacement Information

After a thorough year-long review, including feedback from school administration, teachers, technical evaluation, and cost/benefit analysis, it has been determined that we will move forward with the following interactive devices in the classroom. 

ViewSonic Interactive Boards at the Elementary Level

Deciding Factors

  • Feedback received through visits and teacher survey.
  • We save almost $200-300 per board.
  • We will have a 7-year warranty instead of a 5-year warranty.
  • ViewSonic software will run the Smart Notebook software that many elementary teachers use.
  • ViewSonic boards performed better than the SMART brand.
  • Will support untethered teaching as well

Installation plan

·IT will work with school administration to determine which classrooms are updated first with as little classroom disruption as possible.

·Installation will take a coordination with district electricians and installers. 

·We are currently working on creating that plan with Auxiliary services and will send out that plan once it is finished. 

·Goal is to replace about 150 boards this year

·The rest of the boards are being replaced over the next 3-5 years.

·The goal is to begin installation in October/November.

Budget Needed

·Schools will not need to budget for this as it will be paid out of the district capital technology outlay funds.

Training

·School technicians are being trained within the next few weeks so there is onsite support.

·IT will work with school administration to develop training opportunities as boards are installed in the school

·IT will work with Teaching & Learning and School Leadership and Support to develop a comprehensive training plan going forward.

Epson Interactive Projectors (still in testing phase) at Secondary Level, with optional ViewSonic Interactive Board option

Deciding Factors

  • Feedback received through visits and teacher survey.
  • having more whiteboard space was one of the most frequent requests.
  • The vast majority of secondary classrooms do not use SMART notebook software or use the touch capability
  • The picture will be displayed on the whiteboard, allowing the whiteboard to serve dual functionality.
  • Allows for untethered teaching.
  • If the Epson Projector does not work in the classroom, ViewSonic Interactive boards will be installed 

Installation plan

·These devices have already been installed in some classrooms in the district

·IT has reached out to high school principals to receive the names of a few teachers willing receive these new projectors for additional testing.

·After final testing is completed, installation will take place over the next 3-5 years.

Budget Needed

·Schools will not need to budget for this as it will be paid out of the district capital technology outlay funds.

Training

·School technicians will be trained on the boards for onsite support.

·IT will work with school administration to develop training opportunities as boards are installed in the school

·IT will work with Teaching & Learning and School Leadership and Support to develop a comprehensive training plan going forward.

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

Date: 09/12/2025

To: Elementary, Middle School, High School Administrators

From: Holley McIntosh, Director of STEM and Mathematics

Dr. Tiffany Hall, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning

Subject:           Assigning STEM Action Center Math Digital Learning Student Licenses

Summary:

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

  • STMath
  • IXL
  • Dreambox
  • My Math Academy
  • I-Ready
  • Derivita
  • Math Space
  • Imagine Math
  • Renaissance


Administrators must submit a SLCSD IT helpdesk ticket to inform IT how the licenses are to be assigned in their school no later than October 1.

One exception: High School ALEKs licenses will be managed and assigned by your HS Math Content Area Specialist (coach).

Rationale: 

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

Schools not actively using their licenses by October 30, 2025 run the risk of having the STEM AC reassign their licenses to another school in the state.

Expectations for Implementation: 

  1. Communication

Administrators are responsible to submit a helpdesk ticket.

  1. Device >Device Software
  2. Category
  3. Subcategory > Application you have selected
  4. Item > Add
  5. Subject >Assign math program

Note in the description:

  • 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

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

  1. 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.
  1. Evaluation
  • Administrators are to communicate to IT the appropriate assignment of the awarded licenses.
  • 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.

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Dear Principals,

Thank you for your continued efforts in supporting our students with the NWEA assessments. Attached is the most recent participation chart, which shows where each school currently stands. Our districtwide goal is 95% participation, and the deadline for completion is Friday, September 12, 2025.

Please ensure the necessary arrangements are in place so that all students have the opportunity to participate and we can collectively meet this important target. Your leadership and attention to this matter are greatly appreciated.

SchoolsStudents TestedPercent Complete
Backman7651%
Beacon Heights8363%
Bonneville11363%
Bryant11333%
Clayton58298%
Dilworth5228%
East17810%
Edison11169%
Emerson11462%
Ensign14384%
Escalante8765%
Franklin00%
Glendale29746%
Highland126166%
Highland Park14473%
Hillside39082%
Horizonte4720%
Indian Hills16787%
Innovations00%
Liberty6640%
Meadowlark6232%
Mountain View13769%
Newman4025%
Nibley Park17675%
North Star11484%
Northwest41080%
Open Classroom3323%
Parkview7279%
Rose Park3725%
SLCSE17348%
Uintah16079%
Wasatch8455%
Washington6652%
West129954%
Whittier9644%
Grand Total698353%

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The final day for students to complete credit recovery and graduate with their cohort is Friday, September 26, 2025 (the Friday before October 1). All coursework must be submitted no later than 8:00 PM on that day in order to count toward the student’s cohort graduation requirements.

  • Accessing Canvas for Credit Recovery
    • To ensure students can access Canvas over the summer, counselors must complete the following steps:
      • In PowerSchool, check the box labeled “Will take CR this summer.”
        • Submit a Help Desk Ticket with the following details:
          • Category: Applications
          • Subcategory: Canvas
          • Item: Add
          • Required Information: Student ID number and last name. Also indicate that the box has been checked in PowerSchool.

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As we approach the 10-Day Drop window, please review the following guidance carefully. Our goal is to ensure consistency across schools while supporting students and families through clear communication and outreach.

Board Policy S-4 states:

“School administration and/or their designees will attempt at least one home visit before implementing a 10-day withdrawal. The home visit will be logged in PowerSchool.”

Recognizing the unique challenges at the start of the school year, outreach efforts such as phone calls, emails, and text messages may be documented as interventions in lieu of an immediate home visit. When feasible, a home visit should still be made, but it is not required prior to initiating the 10-Day Drop.

Please follow the updated procedures below:

1. General Education Students

  • Who: Students who registered for this school year but have not attended at all.
  • Action: Drop the student the day after 10 unexcused absences.
  • Drop Deadline: September 2
  • Exit Date to Enter: September 3
  • Requirements:
    • At least one documented intervention is required prior to dropping the student.
    • Acceptable interventions include: phone calls, text messages, emails, or home visits.
    • Document the outreach in PowerSchool.

2. Special Education Students

  • Who: Students with an IEP who have 30 consecutive unexcused absences.
  • Action: May be dropped after 30 consecutive unexcused absences.
  • Exit Date to Enter: Day after the 30th absence.
  • Requirements:
    • Special education teachers must document all attempts to connect with the family.
    • Email documentation to Erin.
    • Fill out the 10-day Ready and Willing Letter FORM document at 10 days of consecutive absences.
    • Complete the SCRAM link on the DDC.
    • Exit the student using code M.

3. Students Who Rolled Over from Last Year (Not Registered This Year)

  • Who: Students who appear on your roster but did not complete registration for the current school year.
  • Action: Drop at date of entry.
  • Exit Date to Enter: First day of school or the listed entry date.
  • Note: No intervention is required. However, please carefully verify that the student truly did not register or attend before proceeding.

Key Reminders

  • Equity and care are central. Our outreach efforts should reflect compassion and the intent to reconnect families to school.
  • Document everything. Whether by phone, text, email, or home visit, please ensure all interventions are logged in PowerSchool.
  • Seek support if unsure. When in doubt, reach out to your supervising director for clarification.

Together, these practices ensure we meet compliance requirements while also extending every opportunity for students to engage with school. Thank you for your continued commitment to students and families as we begin this school year.

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Hello,

I'd like to introduce myself as a new face in SLCSD. My name is Julianna Wing and I'm joining the CTE team with the charge to help connect industry partners with our students. One of my initiatives is to ensure that career exploration opportunities, known as Work Based Learning, are shared with all grades, K-12.  To best share information, I'm compiling a list of the contact person at each elementary and middle school. Please fill out the best contact person (administrator, counselor, etc.) for future Work Based Learning announcements on the spreadsheet below. There are two tabs at the bottom, one for elementary and one for middle school. 

The first event to share with you is the Saturday Academy, hosting by the University of Utah. This is a look into healthcare careers for grades 6-12 on Saturdays, beginning in September. Parents will need to register students on their own and arrange for transportation. See the attached flier to pass along to families. 

As more events come up, I'll be sending them directly to the contact shared on the spreadsheet. We're excited about more opportunities coming for students so stay tuned. 

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Summary:

All SLCSD educators must have an ESL endorsement. Depending on their teaching area, they can have a district modified or state endorsement. New employees must complete their endorsement by their fourth year of employment.

The ESL Endorsement is granted by USBE and can be earned by completing six courses or by taking and passing the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Praxis Exam (5362).

Certain categories of educators – including administrators – in the district can earn a modified endorsement with fewer classes. The classes are determined by the educators’ role and are outlined in the district’s ALS Master Plan. The modified endorsement is only recognized by SLCSD. More information about modified endorsements is on the district’s ESL Endorsement page.

Rationale: 

State and federal law, policies, and regulations provide parameters regarding the education of students who are Multi-Language Learners (MLL) in the United States. School districts must identify students, assess their abilities to understand, speak, read, and write English, and provide comprehensible and content-based instructional programs.

SLCSD designed the program to begin in the spring to support new teachers by not crowding too much into the first semester of their work with students in the district.

Expectations for Implementation: 

  1. Communication
  • Please share this information with your new teachers.
  • Please check with your teachers during your ECAP sessions to ensure they have completed or are on track to complete the ESL Endorsement or Modified Endorsement.
  •  Full information about the endorsement and its requirements can be found on the district’s website. ESL Endorsement Information.
  1. Collaboration: 
  • SLCSD provides an ESL endorsement program designed to provide educators with the knowledge and strategies to support English language learners in their classrooms.
  • ESL Endorsement classes are graduate-level classes offered with university credit, so they will count toward a professional lane change. The complete ESL Endorsement (six classes, earning grade of C or better) is granted by USBE and is recorded on the teaching credential. The modified endorsement is only recorded on your SLCSD record.
  • Cohorts begin every spring. Registration information is sent through the district email system in February and can be found on Clever in KickUp. Classes are online.
  • The district funds the instructor and provides materials. The cost per class is $72 for posting fees.
  • Please contact Dr. Tiffany Hall with questions.
  1. Evaluation
  • All teachers must have the appropriate endorsement, which is dependent on the content and level they teach.

Keywords: ESL Endorsement

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