– January 18, 2008–
Accolades for Horizonte
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center recently received an impressive six-year accreditation review, the highest score available. The Accreditation Report administered by the Northwest Association of Schools and of Colleges and Universities, was presented in November 2007 to a team of academic and administrative professionals including Co-Chairs, Ted Lovato, former high school principal and now consultant, Stephen Jolley, Itineris Early College High School, and also Mitch Wilcox, Principal of Washington High School in Ogden, and Joe Kelly, Principal, Landmark High School in Spanish Fork. The Accreditation Site Team noted Horizonte's outstanding achievement in the empirical data reporting students success in academic performance and high school graduation completion. The teachers and staff were lauded for their personal commitment to the school's student centered philosophy and the continual implementation of school goals for improved reading, writing, math, parental participation, and the positive behavior support program.
Keeping Track of the 2008 Legislature
2008 could be a pivotal year for public education in Utah. After a vigrous debate surrounding vouchers, public education is squarely in the sights of many lawmakers and most of the public. Below are a few links desgined to help keep you informed.
Utah State Office of Education web site (http://www.schools.utah.gov/law/leg2008/usoeleg2008.htm)
- Check out the USOE Tracking Sheet for a list and short summary of all education bills
Utah State Legislature web site (http://www.le.state.ut.us/)
Find your senator and representative (http://www.le.state.ut.us/maps/amap.html)
Search for bills by topic or sponsor (http://www.le.state.ut.us/asp/billsintro/index.asp)
American Stars of Teaching
If you know a great teacher who deserves recognition, the U.S. Department of Education's Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative is accepting nominations for 2008 American Stars of Teaching until March 31. Parents, students, colleagues, school administrators and others can nominate an exemplary teacher who they believe has the qualities to be an American Star of Teaching.
They are seeking nominations of teachers across the United States who are improving student achievement, using innovative strategies in the classroom and making a difference in the lives of their students. Teachers across all grade levels and disciplines will be honored as 2008 American Stars of Teaching this fall. To nominate a teacher, go to: http://www.ed.gov/teachers/how/tools/initiative/index.html.
Snow Closure/Delayed Start Guideline
Salt Lake City School District schools will be open on all school days unless circumstances create health or safety issues for students and staff. Severe weather conditions may force school closures, delayed starts or early release. The following information details the procedures to be followed:
1. Announcements
Parents and employees should listen to designated media outlets for school closure/delayed start/early release. Authorization will come from the Superintendent or his/her designee.
- KUTV — Channel 2
- KTVX — Channel 4
- KSL — Channel 5
- FOX — Channel 13
- KJAZZ — Channel 14
- KSL — 1160 AM and 102.7 FM
- Metro Networks — 25 Stations
2. The announced messages will be:
Schools will be closed/the following schools will be closed with the day and date.
Schools will be delayed for two hours/the following schools will be delayed for two hours with the day and date.
Schools will be dismissed early/the following schools will be dismissed early with the time, day and date.
3. Length
All school closures/delayed start/or early dismissal are for one day only.
4. Normal Operation
No media announcements means schools are open and regular schedules will be followed.
Grant News
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center received a $35,000 grant from the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation for its Horizonte Scholarship Program. The money will be used to fund ten $3,500 scholarships to exceptional students who have successfully completed their high school graduation requirements, and will be continuing their educational pursuits at the Salt Lake Community College. Students will be nominated and awarded the scholarship by a community selection committee.
Retiring or Resigning?
Are you planning on retiring or resigning? If so please notify Human Resources in writing as soon as possible so we are able to complete the appropriate paperwork in a timely manner. This year’s retirement dinner is scheduled for May 14th at Little America and the district would like to make sure employees retiring are invited to this wonderful event. Human Resources will need to know if you are retiring by May 1st in order to make reservations.
If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources.
Teacher Feature Winner
Congratulations to Cip Petersen, music teacher from Bryant Middle School, for winning the KSL Newsradio Teacher Feature Award. Petersen was honored with a plaque from Zions Bank, an overnight stay at Anniversary Inn, a gift certificate for dinner at the La Caille Restaurant, and a pair of season tickets from Hale Centre Theater.