We're working to improve our school registration systems and would love input from different members of our school community.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sending out surveys and hosting focus groups with families, school office staff, and district support teams (like McKinney-Vento, Special Education, Counseling, etc.) to learn more about their experiences with registration.
We’d appreciate your help identifying school staff and parents who might be willing to participate and share their feedback.
Here are the upcoming focus group dates:
Parents:
Liberty CLC: October 27 at 4:30 PM
Glendale CLC: October 28 at 4:30 PM
District Support Staff:
In-person meeting with Sam: October 22 at 1:00 PM
School Staff:
Virtual Zoom meeting: October 22 at 3:30 PM
To reiterate: we need the names of potential participants— we’ll take care of sending the invitations.
Please send the names of recommended school staff and families to Sam Quantz, Dr. Bri Conley, Yándary Chatwin, and Dr. Analis Ruiz by October 15, 2025.
Thank you so much — we truly appreciate your support!
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
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.
The monthly Cross-District Middle School PLC meetings for middle school science are designed to support our teachers in the implementation of Amplify Science.
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:
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.
From: Dr. Candace Penrod, District Science Supervisor
Subject: Amplify Science 6 Support & Implementation
Summary:
Amplify Science materials to support the Grade 6 Utah Science with Engineering Education (SEEd) Standards have been shipped to all schools. We are excited to begin our supported launch and implementation. To support all 6th grade teachers, whether at an elementary or a middle school, we offer the follow guidance:
A District Science Coach can 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.
We will be offering Sixth Grade Amplify Science Zoom Support meetings on Friday October 3 from 2:30-3:00 PM and Tuesday October 21 from 3:00-3:30 PM.
Training sessions for each upcoming Strand will be offered so that teachers can meet with an Amplify trainer and prepare for upcoming units. We are working out the specific dates, but do have a general timeframe for each training:
Strand 6.2/Thermal Energy Unit-November TBD
Strand 6.3/Ocean, Atmosphere, and Climate Unit-January TBD
Strand 6.4/Populations and Ecosystems Unit-March TBD
Note: These sessions will be offered during the school day. We are grateful for your support, as we know the first year of any implementation is critical to the success of the implementation.
Rationale:
It is VERY IMPORTANT that your sixth-grade teachers follow the District Pacing Guide, as we will be offering support based on the 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. We seek to build a more cohesive system of science education to support all learners and District Priorities and curricular goals. Thus, we are requiring teachers to teach from the Strand indicated on the pacing guide for the articulated timeframe and do realize that this may be an adjustment for some teachers.
Expectations for Implementation:
Communication
Sixth Grade teachers have also received this information in an email. Principals are responsible for ensuring that sixth grade teachers are aware of the support offered and the importance of adhering to the District Science Pacing Guide for 6th grade science.
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.
Keywords: social studies, curriculum maps, world geography, world history, United States History, U.S. History, Unites States Government and Citizenship,
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:
Thank you to the schools that have already scheduled and implemented regular mental health meetings!
Anti-Harassment/Anti-Bullying Student Training is being facilitated by school counselors now through October 1st. The Procedures for Training and Reporting are in the Document Center.
All Schools will receive $1000 for Suicide Prevention. Admin, please support implementation of the suicide prevention program at your schools and ensure these funds are being utilized to strengthen it.
InsightThe Prime for Life and Guiding Good Choices schedule is now available. To see the schedule and register please click here
Peer Courtbegins on October 6th. Referrals can be submitted here.
Optional Admin/SRO Gun Safety and Active Shooter Training at East High School Library September 26th from 9:00am to 3:00pm RSVP HERE
School Counselors
Student Services Meeting (Virtual) September 17 from 9-12. All Counselors, Social Workers, Nurses and McKinney Staff attend. Admin are always welcome.
Secondary Counselor Program: • All Secondary Counseling Programs will be reviewed by USBE this Spring to ensure adherence to state counseling standards. This program review nets counselor support budgets at secondary schools. • On-Site Review Performance Evaluation Data Project Reports Counselors must present data projects during a staff meeting. If presentations did not occur last Spring, please schedule asap. • Updates and Essentials Training Allsecondary administrators who have not completed this USBE school training within the past six years must complete the course asap. Documentation of completion will need to be provided to the state in March.
District Social Work and Mental Health Partnerships
Social Work Services • We are excited to welcome Andrea Carrizo, Annie Romano, Haref Montalvo, Jessica Carpenter and Yvette Orr to our team! • Social workers are conducting mental health screening at all school sites. • Thank you to the schools that have already implemented and scheduled regular mental health meetings!
Odyssey House • Salt Lake City School District partners with Odyssey House to provide free school-based therapeutic services to students at East, Highland, Horizonte, Backman and Parkview.
Important items this month: • Vision Screening starts on September 16, 2025. • CPR/AED/Narcan training continue to be offered once a month at the district office building. If you would like to be certified or your certification has expired, sign up for a class. -Remember, schools must have at least three front office staff CPR certified to have an AED in the school. --Elementary: Kinder, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and special request. --Middle: 7th grade and any special request.
Important items this month: • Welcome Cisco Ramos our new McKinney Team member • Housing Questionnaire: This form activates supports for qualifying students. Email completed forms to Becky Baskett and Mike Harman - See District Documents Center for translated forms. -See McKinney List in PowerSchool: homeless_code>0 - If students you know qualify and are not on the list, complete the Housing Questionnaire link above • Reminder: McKinney-Vento eligible students can enroll without proof of address, immunization records, and/or birth certificate • Reach out to the McKinney Vento team for student support, questions and/or staff training.
Important items this month: If you need an SRO for any reason: • Call your school assigned SRO (if no response) • Call Sgt. Doug Teerlink 385-228-8072 (if no response) • Call dispatch for non-emergency 801-799-3000 • Call 911 in an emergency • Peer Court •Promising Youth Gang Prevention and Intervention Contact Krystyn Stargel 385-312-3104 regarding referrals or click links below.
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.
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.
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.
Guidance for Implementing Arena Scheduling in High Schools
Effective: Second Semester 2025–2026 and Fall 2026
Dear High School Administrators,
As part of our ongoing commitment to equitable access, student voice, and efficient school operations, we are preparing to implement arena scheduling (class choice registration) for the second semester of the 2025–2026 school year and for Fall 2026. This is the first of what we anticipate will be several communications outlining processes and systems for this process.
Arena scheduling allows students to actively participate in building their schedules by selecting classes during designated windows of time. Research has shown that student involvement in course selection increases ownership over learning, reduces schedule change requests later, and promotes higher levels of satisfaction with school (Morrison, 2018; Levin, 2020). Additionally, when implemented with fidelity, arena scheduling improves balance in class sizes and maximizes staffing efficiency.
To ensure smooth implementation, we will follow a common registration calendar across all high schools.
Arena Scheduling Calendar
Month(s)
Action
Responsible Party
October
All new course requests or course changes submitted by end of fall break
Teachers, Principals
November & December
Course requests
Counselors, Students
January & February
Schools build schedules
School Administration
March & April
Load student requests
School Administration
May
Students modify their schedules (no teachers listed)
Counselors, Students
After July 15
Final schedule load
IT Department
Implementation Notes & Rationale
Promotes Student Agency
Students take greater ownership of their education when they have choice in course selection.
Involving students early supports better alignment between academic goals and personal interests.
Reduces Scheduling Conflicts
By allowing schedule modifications in May, schools can address conflicts before the fall semester begins.
This reduces stress on both families and counselors at the start of the year.
Supports Equity and Transparency
A consistent process across schools ensures fairness in how students access courses.
Clear timelines help families and staff plan ahead.
Improves Operational Efficiency
Earlier submission of requests and course loads gives schools more time to finalize staffing and resource needs.
Fewer last-minute changes means smoother school openings.
Next Steps for Administrators
Communicate this calendar and process to counselors, teachers, and front office staff to ensure alignment.
Support staff in preparing students for the new process by hosting informational sessions or providing resources.
Encourage teachers and counselors to highlight the importance of thoughtful course selection with students.
Thank you for leading this important shift. By implementing arena scheduling together, we are creating a more student-centered and efficient system that benefits our learners, our staff, and our schools.
