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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.
October Cultural Calendar – Record of cultural observances for October
Friday, September 25 is a non-student day and the annual Office Professionals Conference at Hillside 8:00am-3:00pm. All contract office Professionals should be in attendance.
CELEBRATIONS – Please send to leeson.taylor@slcschools.org or angelina.tovar@slcschools.org by Wednesday at 5:00 PM.
West Student Published in the SL Tribune
West's own Ananya Pallinti had a published editorial in the Salt Lake Tribune recently, sharing thoughts about Utah's Financial Literacy course.  Talented and bright West High Junior!
 
West Unified Sports
Congrats to the students, Coach Haily & Coach Vea for qualifying to play at the Special Olympics State Championships!  Great job!!!!
Bonneville Elementary School
Let’s join the Bonneville Elementary School family in celebrating Kindergarten Teacher Courtney Lee.  She was recently recognized by the Utah Education Association with the Excellence in Education Award.

ALL ADMINISTRATORS – Items for all building level administrators
DEADLINES
Final 26-27 Principal Tackle List-September​
2026-27 October Principal Tackle List-Final​​
ACTION ITEMS
 INFORMATION ITEMS
T&L Instructional Observation & Calibration Walks – Instructional Observation & Calibration Walks will provide principals with regular opportunities to visit classrooms, observe instructional practices, and engage in meaningful professional dialogue with colleagues.
HB 273 Classroom Technology Amendments -- H.B. 273 establishes statewide requirements for balanced classroom technology use and artificial intelligence (AI) in Utah public schools. During the 2026-27 school year, the USBE will create a model policy outlining the allowable use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. When the policy is completed, districts will review their current practices and create their own policies and administrative procedures to ensure compliance. No changes are required in our current school or classroom practices during the 2026-27 school year.
October 2026 Attendance Update Final.pdf – This is the October attendance newsletter.
Roving Substitute Guidelines -- The purpose of this memo is to provide information regarding the current situation and guidance moving forward to address the needs of support staff (specifically, special education paraprofessionals and PE instructors) and the increased substitute expense.
WPAD Order Information – Guidance regarding wearable panic devices.
Student Services Newsletter – This is the monthly newsletter from Student Services.
 CTE September News – Monthly newsletter from CTE.

USBE Updates
USBE School Leadership Update – Update for admin from USBE
School LAND Trust – A message from our friends at the Trust Lands Administration (TLA)—the agency responsible for managing Utah’s trust lands to generate revenue for public school beneficiaries.
SEOP Newsletter – August newsletter
USBE October Attendance Newsletter – USBE Attendance information for the month of October.
 
HIGH SCHOOLS – Items for high school administration
DEADLINES
Faculty sponsors, head coaches, and administrators planning overnight trips for Spring 2027 that were not approved last spring must submit the online I-19D form found here by Wednesday, October 21, 2026 (please note that some trip requests require additional conversation and may not be immediately approved--the sooner you can get them submitted so we can start our review process, the better). Please use our new Overnight / Extended Trip Checklist to guide trip planning and the approval process. The checklist, online I-19D form, and related resources are available on the district’s Overnight and Extended Trips or Activities webpage. Please share this information with staff planning spring trips so they can complete the required steps by the deadlines.
ACTION ITEMS
Updated 2027–28 Master Schedule Timeline – This memo shares the updated timeline for building 2027–28 master schedules. The timeline has two goals: to build master schedules that prioritize students' needs and interests, and to reduce the confusion, frustration, and long waits that students and families have experienced while schedules are finalized in the fall. 
INFORMATION ITEMS
Fundraiser Approval Process — Procedures and Responsibilities – This memo outlines the district’s fundraiser approval process under Board Policy G-27 (Fundraising Activities) and Board Policy I-16 (Clubs), and summarizes each stakeholder’s responsibilities. It applies to every school-sponsored fundraiser, and it includes the additional review step that applies at the high school level. Please share this memo with advisors, coaches, and club sponsors at your school, and route questions about specific requests to your Area Director.
Our BSN Sports / Adidas Partnership: What Families, Coaches, and Boosters Need to Know – Information about the District's partnership with BSN Sports and Adidas America, Inc., and to explain how it affects purchases of team gear, so that everyone has clear, consistent guidance.
High School Physical Education Credit for UHSAA Approved Sports – Students who participate in Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) sanctioned sports, excluding esports, may earn Physical Education (PE) credit through their athletic participation. This includes participation in UHSAA Unified sports, such as Unified soccer and Unified basketball.

MIDDLE SCHOOLS –Items for middle school administration
DEADLINES
ACTION ITEMS
Updates 2027-28 Master Schedule Timeline -- This memo shares the updated timeline for building 2027–28 master schedules.
INFORMATION ITEMS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS – Items for elementary school administration
DEADLINES
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Individualized Reading Plans Available in PowerTeacher – The individualized Reading Plan (IRP) system is now operational and available through PowerTeacher. K–3 teachers can begin using the system to create and maintain IRPs for students who require a plan under SB 241.
Every year, 5th grade students and teachers have the opportunity to travel to Abravanel Hall and hear the Utah Symphony perform.  This year, the dates for those concerts include:
Feb 22 at 10 AM – 1800 seats available
Feb 22 at 11:30 AM – 300 seats available
Feb 23 at 10 AM – 760 seats available
Feb 23 at 11:30 AM – 400 seats available
Please have your 5th grade teachers reach out to Amy Burris with the date your school would like to attend no later than October 15, 2027.  She will arrange and pay for transportation.  This is a unique opportunity for your students because Utah is one of only 17 states with a full-time symphony orchestra in the nation.  Plus, this is completely paid for through our state legislature.  Please contact Amy right away.
If you'd like more information about this opportunity, you can access this link:  https://utahsymphony.org/education/teachers/
Thanks, and Happy Listening 🙂

LEADERSHIP CORNER
SLCSD/School Leadership Alliance(SLA) Overview – Scope & Sequence for this year’s joint sessions for principals.
Educational Leadership Terminology
Quick fixing – Jumping into solutions instead of listening.
Steam Rolling – Monopolizing the dialogue without regard for others’ input.
Box Checking – Going through the motions without genuine care.
Cherry Picking -- Only hearing what confirms your own view.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR SCHOOLS FROM DISTRICT DEPARTMENTS
Assessment Essentials
SPED Scoop – Special Education Newsletter
Student Services Resources
Student Services October Newsletter
Teaching & Learning
Salt Lake Education Foundation
School Leadership & Support
Administrative Memos
CTE_Teachers SharePoint: https://slcsd.sharepoint.com/sites/CTE_Teachers

*Unless otherwise requested, information will run for 2 weeks only.

**We are working on formatting to ease use, add clarity and increase access
 

Published on

Title:                    High School Physical Education Credit for UHSAA Approved Sports

Date:                   October 9, 2026

To:                         High School Administrators

From:                  Katie Eskelson-Ieremia, District Academic Records Specialist

                                Dr. Tiffany Hall, Executive Director

Subject:            Physical Education Credit for UHSAA Approved Sports

Purpose

Students who participate in Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) sanctioned sports, excluding esports, may earn Physical Education (PE) credit through their athletic participation. This includes participation in UHSAA Unified sports, such as Unified soccer and Unified basketball.

Eligible athletic participation may fulfill requirements for Participation Skills and Fitness and/or Lifetime Activities, depending on the student's remaining graduation requirements. Athletic participation does not replace the required Fitness for Life course.

The purpose of this memo is to clarify credit eligibility and establish a consistent process to ensure that all eligible students have equitable access to PE credit earned through athletic participation.

Credit Eligibility

Students may earn PE credit for completing full seasons of eligible UHSAA sports according to the following guidelines:

Athletic ParticipationPE Credit
One complete season of an eligible sport0.25
Two complete seasons of the same sport0.50
Two complete seasons of a second, different sportAdditional 0.50
Maximum credit through athletic participation1.00
  • Students may earn a maximum of 0.50 credit for participation in any one sport.
  • Students must participate in at least two different sports to earn the full 1.00 credit
  • Credit may be applied to Participation Skills and Fitness (PSF) and/or Lifetime Activities (LA), as determined by the student's graduation needs.
  • All students must complete Fitness for Life independently of any athletic participation credit.

Process for Awarding Credit

Traditionally, coaches or athletic directors provide team participation records to school counselors so that eligible PE credit can be added to student transcripts. However, students may not always receive credit when participation records are not submitted or school personnel are unfamiliar with the process.

To ensure equitable access, students may also initiate the credit-awarding process using the Application for Demonstrated Proficiency for Physical Education Credit, available on the district's Physical Education and Health webpage.

Students whose participation has already been verified and credited through the school's established process do not need to submit an additional application.

Step 1: Student Application

The student completes the application, documents the eligible sports seasons, and obtains verification from the coach and/or athletic director.

The completed form must be submitted to the school counselor no later than April 30 of the student's senior year (grade 12). Students are encouraged to request credit as they complete eligible seasons rather than waiting until graduation.

Step 2: Counselor Review

The school counselor will:

  • Review the student's transcript and verified athletic participation.
  • Confirm the amount of eligible credit, ensuring that duplicate or excess credit is not awarded.
  • Determine whether credit should be applied to Participation Skills and Fitness and/or Lifetime Activities.
  • Approve the appropriate credit for the registrar to record.

Step 3: Registrar Documentation

The school registrar will:

  • Record the approved credit on the student's transcript at 0.25 credit per eligible season, using the district's designated course and grade-entry procedures.
  • Maintain a scanned copy of the completed, signed application as part of the student's academic records.

State Rule and District Procedures

Utah Administrative Code R277-700-6(15)(b) permits local education agencies (LEAs) to award up to 1.0 PE credit for team sport or athletic participation, with LEA approval, to replace Participation Skills and Lifetime Activities requirements. The rule limits credit to 0.50 per sport.

SLCSD implements this provision by awarding 0.25 credit per completed season, up to the established maximums described above.

Athletic participation credit does not fulfill the Fitness for Life requirement.

Expectations for Implementation

To ensure consistent implementation across high schools:

  1. School Administrators: Share this memorandum with counselors, athletic directors, coaches, and other appropriate staff.
  2. District Athletic Activities Program Supervisor: Review the process and application with school athletic directors.
  3. School Athletic Directors: Communicate the process to coaches and student-athletes and support verification of athletic participation.
  4. District Counseling Team: Review the process during a monthly counselors' meeting and include the application and instructions in counselor resources.
  5. District Teaching and Learning: Maintain the application on the district's Physical Education and Health webpage.

District Collaboration: Nomani Satuala, District Athletic Activities Program Supervisor

Keywords: Physical Education, PE Credit, UHSAA Sports, Unified Sports, Lifetime Activities, Participation Skills and Fitness, Demonstrated Proficiency

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Title:               HB 273 Classroom Technology Amendments

Date:              October 9, 2026

To:                  K-12 Administrators, District Office Administrators

From:             Sallie Warnecke, Supervisor of Digital Learning                                                                              Holley McIntosh, STEM Director

Subject:        SB 273 Implementation

Summary:

H.B. 273 establishes statewide requirements for balanced classroom technology use and artificial intelligence (AI) in Utah public schools. During the 2026-27 school year, the USBE will create a model policy outlining the allowable use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. When the policy is completed, districts will review their current practices and create their own policies and administrative procedures to ensure compliance. No changes are required in our current school or classroom practices during the 2026-27 school year.

Information for 2026-27:

By December 1, 2026, the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) must post the state’s model policy for balanced technology use and AI in classrooms on their website. This will be the basis for the policies and administrative procedures developed by districts.

After the state model policy is published, districts will create their own policies and procedures that reflect the state model. The policies must be reviewed by the board in an open meeting with opportunities for public comment. The district policy must be adopted by July 1, 2027 for implementation in 2027-2028.

When the model policy is adopted, we will create a group to review the requirements and compare them to our current practices as we create our district policy and administrative procedures for implementation. We will then create school, teacher, and parent-facing information about changes to our current programs. More information will be forthcoming after the USBE has adopted the state policy.

At this time, no changes are required in schools or classrooms. The district has started some initial steps to prepare, such as:

  • Inventorying our devices and software programs;
  • Considering changes to the curriculum review and adoption process for future adoptions to ensure compliance;
  • Creating a committee to review all software program requests;
  • Auditing our  current instructional technology, device distribution, internet filtering, student data privacy, and security to identify any areas that we will need to address in our district administrative procedures.

Questions:

  • Dr. Tiffany Hall, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning
  • Sam Quantz, Chief Information Officer
  • Sallie Warnecke, Digital Teaching Supervisor
  • Holley McIntosh, STEM Director

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Title:                    T&L Instructional Observation & Calibration Walks

Date:                   October 9, 2026

To:                         All Administrators

From:                  Dr. Tiffany Hall, Executive Director

Subject:            Instructional Observation Groups

Purpose

One of our most important responsibilities as instructional leaders is to understand what effective teaching and learning look like in our classrooms and how we can support continuous improvement.

Instructional Observation & Calibration Walks will provide principals with regular opportunities to visit classrooms, observe instructional practices, and engage in meaningful professional dialogue with colleagues.

These groups are designed to strengthen our collective instructional leadership, develop a shared understanding of effective practices, and provide opportunities to learn from the work happening across our district.

Observation Groups

Participants for this year have already been identified, and facilitators will be reaching out to set up the first group meeting. In order to keep the groups small and conversational, not all principals will be able to participate in the same year. In subsequent years, this will extend to assistant principals. Each group will be focused on a specific area of instructional practice.

Instructional FocusGroup Facilitator(s)
K–3 LiteracyChelsea Malouf
K–3 LiteracyAdrienne Kumik
K–3 LiteracyAdrienne Kumik
Dual Language Immersion (DLI)Monty Eyink
Co-TeachingTiffany Hall
HUB SchoolsTiffany Hall / Erin Anderson


Each group will meet once a month from November through April for a 90-minute school visit. Groups will visit different schools throughout the year, providing opportunities to observe instructional practices in a variety of settings.

These visits are intended to be collaborative professional learning experiences, not formal evaluations of teachers or schools. The emphasis is on objective observation and collaborative discussion to develop a shared understanding of effective instruction across the district.

ECAP

ECAP calibration is required for all administrators and will be incorporated into the Instructional Observation groups. The observations and discussions conducted during these sessions will be modified to fulfill the required ECAP calibration activities, eliminating the need for separate ECAP observation sessions.

To ensure all administrators can meet this requirement, two of the observation groups may have additional participants assigned specifically for ECAP calibration.

Administrators participating in these groups will meet their ECAP calibration requirements through the regularly scheduled sessions and will not need to schedule additional ECAP observation sessions.

Next Steps

Principals will receive information about joining an observation group. Facilitators will coordinate the initial school visits and meeting schedules.

We recognize the many demands on principals' time and want these visits to be focused, practical, and meaningful. Our goal is to develop an effective and consistent learning community by working together and sharing our collective knowledge and experience. Thank you for your commitment to instructional leadership.

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To:      Athletic Directors, Coaches, Activities Advisors, and Booster Club Leaders, East, Highland, and West High Schools

From: SLCSD Purchasing Department and Athletics & Activities

Date: 10/9/26

Thank you for all you do to support our student-athletes and activities programs. We're writing to share information about the District's partnership with BSN Sports and adidas America, Inc., and to explain how it affects purchases of team gear, so that everyone has clear, consistent guidance.

About the Partnership

The agreement was awarded through a formal, competitive process led by the Purchasing Department and is governed by State of Utah Contract #MA4120. It began as a proposal from Highland High School's Athletic Director, was shared with the Athletic Directors at East and West, and moved forward only because all three schools agreed.

The agreement brings real benefits to our students and programs, including up to $1,400,000 in BSN/Adidas products or promotional funds over the initial term, annual spend rebates of up to 10%, additional promotional merchandise, and branding, facility, and professional development support. In exchange, the District has committed to exclusive use of BSN/Adidas for team competition gear. When we all follow the guidelines, every school and program benefits.

What Is Required

Competition gear must be purchased through BSN Sports. This applies to any size order and includes:

  • Team uniforms
  • Team travel gear worn to or from competitions, such as bags, warm-ups, hoodies, and sweats
  • Apparel or gear worn or displayed during competition, on the sideline, or on the bench

Teams must wear Adidas during competition. This applies to all varsity and sub-varsity programs. It also applies whenever the District, a school, a booster club, a parent group, or an outside donor provides branded apparel, footwear, or accessories for a team. Lacrosse, hockey, and swim programs may use non-direct-competitor brands for competition uniforms. No other brand's name or logo may appear on competition uniforms or apparel, apart from Adidas, the school or District, or an approved athletic conference.

What Is Encouraged but Not Required

The following items do not have to be purchased through BSN/Adidas, but we strongly encourage it, because those purchases help earn additional gear, uniforms, and benefits for our schools:

  • General team T-shirts and spirit wear for fun runs, 5Ks, and other one-time events
  • Practice gear and workout gear
  • Footwear, unless purchased by the team for use during competition, on the sideline, or on the bench
  • Staff and coach apparel, and items for booster clubs, club sports, and intramural programs

BSN can also provide custom or decorated apparel and footwear from other brands, offered at team discount pricing.

A Few Helpful Reminders

  • Please check before you buy. If you're unsure whether an item is covered, contact your coach, Athletic Director, or SLCSD Athletics & Activities before purchasing.
  • Donations and outside purchases. Before accepting donated or independently purchased uniforms, warm-ups, or spirit wear, please confirm with SLCSD Athletics & Activities that they comply with the agreement. Required competition gear should not be purchased from other manufacturers, local screen printers, or online retailers without prior written approval from Athletics & Activities or Purchasing.
  • Footwear exceptions. These may be considered case by case with prior written approval from Purchasing, so please ask before purchasing.
  • Ordering process. Orders are placed through each school's assigned BSN representative, along with a BSN quote, a School Treasurer's Purchase Request, and an approved Purchase Order. Your coach or Athletic Director can guide you through these steps.
  • BSN Rewards. SLCSD Athletics & Activities manages these funds, so schools should not redeem or apply them independently.

Why Every Purchase Matters

Even small orders count toward the District's exclusivity commitment. Purchases made outside the agreement can reduce the rebates and promotional merchandise available to all three high schools. Following the guidelines helps keep those benefits flowing back to our student-athletes.

We're grateful for your partnership, your generosity, and your enthusiasm for our teams. If you have questions, please reach out to your school's Athletic Director, SLCSD Athletics & Activities, or the Purchasing Department. We're happy to help.

Cc:  Parents and Guardians of Student-Athletes

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TO: Middle School Administrators  

FROM: School Leadership and Support  

DATE: October 9th, 2026 

RE: Updated 2027–28 Master Schedule Timeline  

Purpose  

This memo shares the updated timeline for building 2027–28 master schedules for middle schools. The timeline has two goals: to align scheduling information with high schools and allow schools to identify specific needs of the master schedule and apply those needs using an earlier timeline. 

In addition, the earlier timeline for creating a budget, staff report, and build a master schedule will reduce the number of tasks that are due in February 2027. 

Meeting these goals depends on every step being anticipated and planned for well in advance. Please review the full timeline with your counseling team and front office staff, build these dates into your school calendar now, and plan your communication to students and families around each milestone. 

Key Dates at a Glance  

  • Oct. 8, 2026: IT training on electronic course requests; school setup due by Nov. 15.  
  • Oct. 8 – Nov. 15: High school counselors visit feeder schools. 
  • Jan. 5 – Feb. 26: MS counselors visits to feeder schools. 
  • March 1, 2027: Students complete course requests in PowerSchool.  
  • May 27 – 28, 2027: Students leave school with a tentative 2027–28 schedule.  
  • June 7, 2027: Power Scheduler closes for middle schools.  
  • July 15 – Aug. 13, 2027: Student schedule adjustments during registration.  
Date(s)  Milestone  Lead  
Phase 1: Preparation (September – November 2026)  
Oct. 8 – Nov 15th High schools contact feeder schools to reschedule counselor visits. HS and MS Admin 
Oct. 8, 2026  IT trains school administration on setting up electronic course requests in PowerSchool  IT  
By Nov. 15, 2026  High schools complete electronic course request setup  HS Admin  
Nov. 2, 2026  Enrollment projections and FTE allocations completed  Sam Quantz  
Nov. 30, 2026  All requests for new courses completed  MS Admin  
Nov. 30, 2026  Preliminary budgets released (subject to adjustment)  District  
Phase 2: Student Course Requests (November 2026 – January 2027)  
December Communication out to families regarding upcoming counselor visit dates, processes and schedule choice. MS Admin 
Jan. 5 – Mar. 1, 2027  Counselors visit feeder schools. Students complete course requests using the PowerSchool electronic course request system  Students / Counselors  
By Mar. 1, 2027  Counselors enter all paper course requests (paper requests only in certain circumstances)  Counselors  
Phase 3: Master Schedule Build (January – March 2027)  
Jan. 19 – 22, 2027  Master Build Workshop; high schools begin building (subject to Phoenix Learning Systems availability)  HS & MS Admin / PLS  
Jan. – Feb. 2027  Schools build 2027–28 master schedules  MS Admin  
Feb. 3, 2027  Follow-up enrollment projection to determine whether adjustments are needed  Sam Quantz  
Feb. 26th, 2027  Schools make schedule adjustments based on staffing decisions  MS Admin  
Phase 4: Loading (March – May 2027)  
March – Apr. 23, 2027 (5:00 PM)  Load student requests against schedules and make adjustments MS Admin / Counselors  
Mar. 16 – 26, 2027  Master Schedule Load Open Workshop (Phoenix Learning Systems available for a portion)  MS Admin / PLS  
June 7, 2027  Power Scheduler closes for all schools  MS Admin / Counselors  
Phase 5: Finalizing Schedules (May – August 2027)  
May  Communication out to families regarding schedule for upcoming year MS Admin 
May 27 – 28, 2027  Students leave school with a tentative 2027–28 schedule  Schools  
May 28 – June 7, 2027  Counselors adjust student schedules in PowerSchool  Counselors  
June 7, 2027  Power Scheduler closes  IT  
June 8 – July 14, 2027  IT commits schedules and transitions PowerSchool to the new year  IT  
July 15 – Aug. 13, 2027  Students may adjust schedules during the school registration window  Students / Counselors  

Administrator Action Checklist  

  • Assign the master schedule responsibility to one administrator. 
  • Build all timeline dates into the school master calendar.  
  • Send an administrator or designee to the Oct. 8 PowerSchool training.  
  • Reschedule counselor visits to Oct/Nov. 
  • Submit all new course requests by Nov. 30.  
  • Schedule attendance for the Master Build Workshop (Jan. 19 – 22) and the Master Schedule Load Open Workshop (Mar. 16 – 26).  
  • Assign responsibility for each student and family communication checkpoint.  
  • Coordinate with feeder high schools on the 8th grade ClassChoice window (May 12 – 17).  

Communication to Students and Families  

Clear, early communication is the most effective way to reduce confusion. Each school should plan messages at the beginning of this process. High schools will communicate 9th grade information to your students. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q: We have already scheduled visits to our feeder middle schools to help incoming 9th grade students. What if those dates don't fit this timeline?  

A: Middle school visits may need to be rescheduled to align with this timeline. Please plan visits so incoming 9th grade students receive support during the course request window (Nov. 16 – Dec. 18, 2026) and, as appropriate, their ClassChoice window (May 12 – 17, 2027).  

Q: Our counselors prefer to complete CCRs with students before entering course requests. Can we continue this practice?  

A: Course requests may be entered before a student's CCR meeting. If the CCR conversation identifies needed changes, the student's requests can be updated afterward. This keeps course requests on schedule while preserving the CCR process.  

Q: How can we complete the schedule on time while still meeting our other responsibilities?  

A: Building the master schedule is a priority and should be integrated into regular work tasks rather than treated as additional work. Counselors are encouraged to meet with their administrators to determine whether any current job tasks can be given a lower priority.  

Q: WIDA scores are not available until May. How do we place English language learners (ELLs) in the correct classes?  

A: Schedule ELL students based on the best information available at the time of course requests. Once WIDA scores are released, review placements and adjust schedules as needed, such as during the counselor adjustment window (May 28 – June 4, 2027).  

Q: Staffing will not be finalized until February. How can we build the schedule without knowing who will fill each position?  

A: Build sections for unfilled or undetermined positions with the teacher listed as TBA. Once staffing decisions are made, update those sections with the assigned teachers. The timeline allows time for staffing-related adjustments in March 2027.  

Questions  

Please direct questions about this timeline to your Area Director or Sam Quantz. Thank you for your partnership in building schedules that serve our students well.  

Published on


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.
October Cultural Calendar – Record of cultural observances for October
Friday, September 25 is a non-student day and the annual Office Professionals Conference at Hillside 8:00am-3:00pm. All contract office Professionals should be in attendance.
CELEBRATIONS – Please send to leeson.taylor@slcschools.org or angelina.tovar@slcschools.org by Wednesday at 5:00 PM.
West Latinos in Action (LIA)

 
We are proud to celebrate our Latinos in Action students!
Our students had the opportunity to attend a recent  City Council meeting and represent Latinos in Action as they received a recognition on behalf of the organization, alongside LIA from East High School. Their participation reflects the leadership, commitment, and community involvement that LIA encourages in our students.
Congratulations to our students for representing West High School and Latinos in Action with pride!
Bonneville Elementary School
Let’s join the Bonneville Elementary School family in celebrating Kindergarten Teacher Courtney Lee.  She was recently recognized by the Utah Education Association with the Excellence in Education Award.
ALL ADMINISTRATORS – Items for all building level administrators
DEADLINES
Final 26-27 Principal Tackle List-September​
ACTION ITEMS
 INFORMATION ITEMS
Assessment Essentials
Please look through Assessment Essentials for information on current and upcoming Federal, State, and District required assessments. For questions, please reach out to Dr. Patrick Jefferies, Assessment Supervisor-Assessment & Evaluation (patrick.jefferies@slcschools.org)
October 2026 Attendance Update Final.pdf – This is the October attendance newsletter.
Roving Substitute Guidelines -- The purpose of this memo is to provide information regarding the current situation and guidance moving forward to address the needs of support staff (specifically, special education paraprofessionals and PE instructors) and the increased substitute expense.
WPAD Order Information – Guidance regarding wearable panic devices.
Student Services Newsletter – This is the monthly newsletter from Student Services.
 CTE September News – Monthly newsletter from CTE.
USBE Updates
***USBE School Leadership Conference*** Registration is now open!
Two locations to choose from:
November 9, CEDAR CITY (Courtyard by Marriott): REGISTER
November 12, Salt Lake City (SLCC): REGISTER
Topics will include: School Safety, Special Education, School Improvement, New Leader Training
Fee: $25 (for lunch)
Time: 8:30am - 3:30pm (both locations)
For all school leaders and those who support school leaders!
For more information, contact quinn.kellis@schools.utah.gov
School LAND Trust – A message from our friends at the Trust Lands Administration (TLA)—the agency responsible for managing Utah’s trust lands to generate revenue for public school beneficiaries.
SEOP Newsletter – August newsletter
USBE October Attendance Newsletter – USBE Attendance information for the month of October.
 
HIGH SCHOOLS – Items for high school administration
DEADLINES
Faculty sponsors, head coaches, and administrators planning overnight trips for Spring 2027 that were not approved last spring must submit the online I-19D form found here by Wednesday, October 21, 2026 (please note that some trip requests require additional conversation and may not be immediately approved--the sooner you can get them submitted so we can start our review process, the better). Please use our new Overnight / Extended Trip Checklist to guide trip planning and the approval process. The checklist, online I-19D form, and related resources are available on the district’s Overnight and Extended Trips or Activities webpage. Please share this information with staff planning spring trips so they can complete the required steps by the deadlines.
ACTION ITEMS
Updated 2027–28 Master Schedule Timeline – This memo shares the updated timeline for building 2027–28 master schedules. The timeline has two goals: to build master schedules that prioritize students' needs and interests, and to reduce the confusion, frustration, and long waits that students and families have experienced while schedules are finalized in the fall. 
INFORMATION ITEMS
Fundraiser Approval Process — Procedures and Responsibilities – This memo outlines the district’s fundraiser approval process under Board Policy G-27 (Fundraising Activities) and Board Policy I-16 (Clubs), and summarizes each stakeholder’s responsibilities. It applies to every school-sponsored fundraiser, and it includes the additional review step that applies at the high school level. Please share this memo with advisors, coaches, and club sponsors at your school, and route questions about specific requests to your Area Director.
MIDDLE SCHOOLS –Items for middle school administration
DEADLINES
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
 
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS – Items for elementary school administration
DEADLINES
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Individualized Reading Plans Available in PowerTeacher – The individualized Reading Plan (IRP) system is now operational and available through PowerTeacher. K–3 teachers can begin using the system to create and maintain IRPs for students who require a plan under SB 241.
Every year, 5th grade students and teachers have the opportunity to travel to Abravanel Hall and hear the Utah Symphony perform.  This year, the dates for those concerts include:
Feb 22 at 10 AM – 1800 seats available
Feb 22 at 11:30 AM – 300 seats available
Feb 23 at 10 AM – 760 seats available
Feb 23 at 11:30 AM – 400 seats available
Please have your 5th grade teachers reach out to Amy Burris with the date your school would like to attend no later than October 15, 2027.  She will arrange and pay for transportation.  This is a unique opportunity for your students because Utah is one of only 17 states with a full-time symphony orchestra in the nation.  Plus, this is completely paid for through our state legislature.  Please contact Amy right away.
If you'd like more information about this opportunity, you can access this link:  https://utahsymphony.org/education/teachers/
Thanks, and Happy Listening 🙂
LEADERSHIP CORNER
SLCSD/School Leadership Alliance(SLA) Overview – Scope & Sequence for this year’s joint sessions for principals.
Educational Leadership Terminology
Quick fixing – Jumping into solutions instead of listening.
Steam Rolling – Monopolizing the dialogue without regard for others’ input.
Box Checking – Going through the motions without genuine care.
Cherry Picking -- Only hearing what confirms your own view.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR SCHOOLS FROM DISTRICT DEPARTMENTS
SPED Scoop – Special Education Newsletter
Student Services Resources
Teaching & Learning
Salt Lake Education Foundation
School Leadership & Support
Administrative Memos
CTE_Teachers SharePoint: https://slcsd.sharepoint.com/sites/CTE_Teachers
*Unless otherwise requested, information will run for 2 weeks only.
 

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SALT LAKE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Office of School Leadership and Support

MEMORANDUM

TO:                           High School Administrators (Principals and Assistant Principals)

FROM:                    Office of School Leadership and Support

DATE:                      September 30, 2026

RE:                           Fundraiser Approval Process — Procedures and Responsibilities

This memo outlines the district’s fundraiser approval process under Board Policy G-27 (Fundraising Activities) and Board Policy I-16 (Clubs), and summarizes each stakeholder’s responsibilities. It applies to every school-sponsored fundraiser, and it includes the additional review step that applies at the high school level. Please share this memo with advisors, coaches, and club sponsors at your school, and route questions about specific requests to your Area Director.

Three flowcharts are attached — one each for coaches, club sponsors, and parents or community members — along with the full district checklist they are built from. Coaches and club sponsors should keep their flowchart on hand when planning a fundraiser; front-office staff may find it useful to share the parent version with families who have questions.

THE APPROVAL PATH

Every request moves from the advisor (adult faculty/staff) to the Area Director for final approval, with parents notified twice along the way. At high schools, the Athletics and Activities Supervisor reviews the request before the Area Director grants approval.

1.  Advisor submits in SuccessFund. The teacher, coach, or club advisor identifies why the school is fundraising and exactly what the funds will be spent on, confirms the request is an allowable purpose, and submits the request through SuccessFund.

2.  Principal reviews. The principal checks the request against law, board policy, and school procedures, confirms it does not put students at risk of injury or the school at risk of financial loss, and confirms equitable benefit for male and female student athletes where Title IX applies. If appropriate, then the principal approves.

3.  Athletics and Activities Supervisor reviews (high schools only). This review sits between the principal and the Area Director and applies to every high school request, not only athletics fundraisers. After vetting the request, the Activities Supervisor submits the request to the Area Director.

4.  Area Director give final approval to fundraiser applications. Advisors may appeal a denied or limited fundraiser to the Executive Director of School Leadership and Support (EDSLS), whose decision is final.

5.  Fundraiser runs; evaluation submitted. After the fundraiser ends, the advisor submits Form G-27: Fundraising Evaluation to the principal.

PARENT NOTIFICATION

All parents of participating students are notified twice about the requested fundraiser: At least 30 calendar days before the event, when the fundraiser is proposed, and again at least 15 calendar days before the event, once it is approved, with the type of activity, what the funds will buy, and the estimated time commitment.

SCHOOL AND STUDENT CLUBS (POLICY I-16)

School (curricular) clubs are eligible to use school-sponsored fundraising and a school financial account. Student (noncurricular) clubs cannot take part in school-sponsored fundraising; they may raise funds independently but must state in writing, in all materials, that the club is not school-sponsored. If a fundraiser is tied to club membership, parents/guardians must sign the district-approved parental consent form granting permission for their child to participate.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Set school-specific fundraising procedures and a yearly cap on school-wide or group fundraisers.
  • Review each request for compliance with law, board policy, and these procedures.
  • Confirm the request does not put students at risk of injury or the school at risk of financial loss, and confirm Title IX equity for athletics.
  • Approve, then forward to the Athletics and Activities Supervisor and the Area Director.
  • Give written permission if a group wants to pre-pay for resale merchandise.
  • Review fundraising account balances with each activity’s sponsor every year.
  • Charitable fundraisers: work with the School Community Council on charity selection, confirm the charity is a 501(c)(3) in existence 5+ years, and obtain the superintendent or designee’s approval before any funds are collected. Only one school-wide charitable fundraiser is allowed per year.
  • Clubs: give the School Community Council an annual report on authorized clubs, including additions and drops, and apply bulletin board, PA system, and newspaper access equally to all student clubs.
  • Ensure that the supporting materials are posted via websites, newsletters, other appropriate avenues for access by the school community.

NEVER APPROVABLE

Any of the following is an automatic red flag and should not be approved:

Raffles of any kind — illegal in Utah
Door-to-door fundraising to strangers
Required individual fundraising or fundraising quotas
Funding textbooks, supplies, regular home-to-school transportation, or building or classroom construction
Bonuses, compensation or gifts to coaches or staff from fundraising proceeds
Publicly posting individual student fundraising performance
Unapproved crowdfunding or online platforms
Missing instructional time to fundraise

In addition, if an outside organization is collecting funds from an illegal activity (e.g. a raffle), the school cannot accept funds from that fundraiser.

KEY FORMS AND REFERENCES

Form or PolicyUsed For
Form G-27: Fundraising ProposalSubmitting a new request in SuccessFund
Form G-27: Fundraising EvaluationReporting after the fundraiser ends
District list of approved digital fundraising platformsAny third-party or online fundraising, including crowdfunding
Board Policy G-3 (Wellness)Food-sale fundraisers
Board Policy S-10 (Student Fees and Fee Waivers)Fee-related fundraising
USBE Fundraisers: Guidance Document on School FeesRequired vs. voluntary fundraisers
Board Policy I-19 (Overnight and Extended Trips)Travel fundraising
Board Policy C-4 (Community Use of Facilities)Personal fundraising using school facilities

OTHER LINKS

Questions about a specific request should go to your Area Director. Questions about these procedures generally may be directed to the Office of School Leadership and Support.

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MEMORANDUM 

TO: High School Administrators 

FROM: School Leadership and Support 

DATE: September 29, 2026 

RE: Updated 2027–28 Master Schedule Timeline 

Purpose 

This memo shares the updated timeline for building 2027–28 master schedules. The timeline has two goals: to build master schedules that prioritize students' needs and interests, and to reduce the confusion, frustration, and long waits that students and families have experienced while schedules are finalized in the fall. 

Meeting these goals depends on every step being anticipated and planned for well in advance. Please review the full timeline with your counseling team and front office staff, build these dates into your school calendar now, and plan your communication to students and families around each milestone. 

Key Dates at a Glance 

  • Oct. 8, 2026: IT training on electronic course requests; school setup due by Nov. 15. 
  • Nov. 16 – Dec. 18, 2026: Students complete course requests in PowerSchool. 
  • Apr. 23, 2027, 5:00 PM: PowerScheduler closes for high schools. 
  • Apr. 26 – May 17, 2027: ClassChoice open for students by grade level. 
  • May 27 – 28, 2027: Students leave school with a tentative 2027–28 schedule. 
  • May 28 – June 4, 2027: Counselors adjust student schedules. 
  • July 15 – Aug. 6, 2027: Student schedule adjustments during registration. 

Complete Timeline 

Bolded rows are hard deadlines or student-facing windows that require advance planning. 

Date(s) Milestone Lead 
Current Year: 2026–27 Semester 2 
Dec. 7 – 18, 2026 Students use ClassChoice to fill holes in Semester 2 schedules Students / Counselors 
Phase 1: Preparation (September – November 2026) 
By Sept. 18, 2026 Master Schedule Timeline meeting with high school administration District / HS Admin 
Oct. 8, 2026 IT trains school administration on setting up electronic course requests in PowerSchool IT 
By Nov. 15, 2026 Schools complete electronic course request setup HS Admin 
Nov. 2, 2026 Enrollment projections and FTE allocations completed Sam Quantz 
Nov. 30, 2026 All requests for new courses completed HS Admin 
Nov. 30, 2026 Preliminary budgets released (subject to adjustment) District 
Phase 2: Student Course Requests (November 2026 – January 2027) 
Nov. 16 – Dec. 18, 2026 Students complete course requests using the PowerSchool electronic course request system Students / Counselors 
By Jan. 15, 2027 Counselors enter all paper course requests (paper requests only in certain circumstances) Counselors 
Phase 3: Master Schedule Build (January – March 2027) 
Jan. 5 – 20, 2027 CTC builds its schedule CTC 
~Jan. 19 – 22, 2027 Master Build Workshop; high schools begin building (subject to Phoenix Learning Systems availability) HS Admin / PLS 
Jan. – Feb. 2027 Schools build 2027–28 master schedules HS Admin 
Feb. 3, 2027 Follow-up enrollment projection to determine whether adjustments are needed Sam Quantz 
March 2027 Schools make schedule adjustments based on staffing decisions HS Admin 
Phase 4: Loading and Student Choice (March – May 2027) 
March – Apr. 23, 2027 (5:00 PM) Load student requests against schedules and make adjustments; ClassChoice is configured during this time HS Admin / Counselors 
Mar. 16 – 26, 2027 Master Schedule Load Open Workshop (Phoenix Learning Systems available for a portion) HS Admin / PLS 
Apr. 23, 2027, 5:00 PM PowerScheduler closes for high schools. All counselor/admin changes after this point must be made in ClassChoice. HS Admin / Counselors 
Apr. 26 – 29, 2027 ClassChoice open: current 11th grade Students 
Apr. 30 – May 5, 2027 ClassChoice open: current 10th grade Students 
May 6 – 11, 2027 ClassChoice open: current 9th grade Students 
May 12 – 17, 2027 ClassChoice open: current 8th grade Students 
Phase 5: Finalizing Schedules (May – August 2027) 
May 18, 2027 ClassChoice data pushed back to PowerSchool IT 
May 18 – June 7, 2027 Schools may work in PowerScheduler (no loading) HS Admin 
May 27 – 28, 2027 Students leave school with a tentative 2027–28 schedule Schools 
May 28 – June 4, 2027 Counselors adjust student schedules in PowerSchool Counselors 
June 7, 2027 PowerScheduler closes IT 
June 8 – July 14, 2027 IT commits schedules and transitions PowerSchool to the new year IT 
July 15 – Aug. 6, 2027 Students may adjust schedules during the school registration window Students / Counselors 

Planning for Counselor Work Schedules 

Counselors carry much of the student-facing work in this timeline. Please plan their calendars around the following: 

  • Summer extra days. All high school counselors should plan to use 5 of their 10 extra work days before their contract starts and 5 after their contract ends. Please confirm the specific dates with each counselor this fall, keeping in mind the May 28 – June 4 schedule adjustment window and the July 15 – Aug. 6 registration window. 
  • December overlap. The 2026–27 Semester 2 ClassChoice window (Dec. 7 – 18) runs at the same time as the final two weeks of 2027–28 course requests. Plan for extra counselor coverage and student support during these weeks. 
  • Paper requests. Paper requests should be used only in certain circumstances, and counselors must have all of them entered by Jan. 15, 2027. Build time for data entry into January counselor schedules. 
  • After April 23. Once PowerScheduler closes, all counselor and admin changes must be made in ClassChoice. Make sure counselors are trained and ready before the first ClassChoice window opens on April 26. 
  • Spring windows. ClassChoice runs by grade level from April 26 through May 17. Counselors should be available to assist each grade during its window, and 8th grade students will likely need coordination with middle schools. 

Communication to Students and Families 

Clear, early communication is the most effective way to reduce confusion. Each school should plan messages at the checkpoints below. These are recommended send dates; adjust to fit your school's communication calendar. 

Send by Message to students and families 
Early Nov. 2026 Course requests open Nov. 16 and close Dec. 18. Explain how to access PowerSchool, where to find course descriptions, and whom to contact for help. Remind current students of the Dec. 7 – 18 Semester 2 ClassChoice window. 
Early Dec. 2026 Reminder that course requests close Dec. 18. Share how families can request help if they cannot complete requests electronically. 
Early Apr. 2027 Announce ClassChoice dates by grade level, what students will be able to do in ClassChoice, and how to prepare. 
Day before each grade's window Grade-specific reminder with opening and closing dates for that window. 
Late May 2027 Students receive a tentative schedule May 27 – 28. Explain that it is tentative, that counselors will make adjustments through June 4, and that final changes can be requested July 15 – Aug. 6. 
Early July 2027 Registration window reminder (July 15 – Aug. 6) and the process for requesting schedule changes. 

Administrator Action Checklist 

  • Build all timeline dates into the school master calendar. 
  • Send an administrator or designee to the Oct. 8 PowerSchool training. 
  • Complete electronic course request setup in PowerSchool by Nov. 15. 
  • Submit all new course requests by Nov. 30. 
  • Confirm counselor extra-day schedules for summer 2027. 
  • Schedule attendance for the Master Build Workshop (~Jan. 19 – 22) and the Master Schedule Load Open Workshop (Mar. 16 – 26). 
  • Assign responsibility for each student and family communication checkpoint. 
  • Coordinate with feeder middle schools on the 8th grade ClassChoice window (May 12 – 17). 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: We have already scheduled visits to our feeder middle schools to help incoming 9th grade students. What if those dates don't fit this timeline? 

A: Middle school visits may need to be rescheduled to align with this timeline. Please plan visits so incoming 9th grade students receive support during the course request window (Nov. 16 – Dec. 18, 2026) and, as appropriate, their ClassChoice window (May 12 – 17, 2027). 

Q: Our counselors prefer to complete CCRs with students before entering course requests. Can we continue this practice? 

A: Course requests may be entered before a student's CCR meeting. If the CCR conversation identifies needed changes, the student's requests can be updated afterward. This keeps course requests on schedule while preserving the CCR process. 

Q: How can we complete the schedule on time while still meeting our other responsibilities? 

A: Building the master schedule is a priority and should be integrated into regular work tasks rather than treated as additional work. Counselors are encouraged to meet with their administrators to determine whether any current job tasks can be given a lower priority. 

Q: WIDA scores are not available until May. How do we place English language learners (ELLs) in the correct classes? 

A: Schedule ELL students based on the best information available at the time of course requests. Once WIDA scores are released, review placements and adjust schedules as needed, such as during the counselor adjustment window (May 28 – June 4, 2027). 

Q: Staffing will not be finalized until February. How can we build the schedule without knowing who will fill each position? 

A: Build sections for unfilled or undetermined positions with the teacher listed as TBA. Once staffing decisions are made, update those sections with the assigned teachers. The timeline allows time for staffing-related adjustments in March 2027. 

Questions 

Please direct questions about this timeline to your Area Director or Sam Quantz. Thank you for your partnership in building schedules that serve our students well. 

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Title:                   Individualized Reading Plans Available in PowerTeacher

Date:                  September 10, 2026

To:                        Elementary School Administrators

From:                 Adrienne Kumik, District Literacy Supervisor
Tiffany Hall, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning

Subject:          Individualized Reading Plan System Now Available in PowerTeacher

Summary:

The Individualized Reading Plan (IRP) system is now operational and available through PowerTeacher. K–3 teachers can begin using the system to create and maintain IRPs for students who require a plan under SB 241. Administrators can now also access the IRPs through the applications menu in PowerSchool.

A short instructional video is included with this communication to demonstrate how teachers access, complete, and use the IRP system.

Rationale: 

The PowerTeacher IRP system provides schools with a consistent process for documenting individualized reading plans, student reading needs and supports, family involvement, and ongoing progress. The system is designed to support implementation of SB 241 while keeping the IRP focused on meaningful instructional planning and communication with families.

Expectations for Implementation: 

1. Communication

  • Share the attached IRP instructional video with K–3 teachers and other staff members who support the IRP process.
  • Inform teachers that the IRP system is operational and that they may begin creating and maintaining IRPs in PowerTeacher.

2. IRP Implementation

  • Ensure students who require an IRP have a plan developed and documented in PowerTeacher.
  • Support teachers in using the IRP as an ongoing plan for documenting student needs, supports, progress, and family partnership.
  • Schools do not need to wait for the additional resources described below to begin using the PowerTeacher IRP system.

3. Additional Resources Coming Soon

Teaching and Learning is currently finalizing two additional resources to support consistent IRP implementation:

  • Teacher IRP Meeting Guide – practical guidance and talking points to support productive, family-centered IRP meetings.
  • Administrator IRP Checklist – a school-level tool to help administrators monitor required steps and support consistent implementation of the IRP process.

Both resources are currently being edited and will be shared shortly.

4. Support

Please contact Teaching and Learning with questions about IRP requirements or implementation. If you experience a technical issue accessing or using the IRP system in PowerTeacher, please follow the district process for requesting technical support.

Keywords: SB 241, Individualized Reading Plan, IRP, PowerTeacher, early literacy, K–3, reading intervention

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