HomeNews Archive 2008
December
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December 19, 2008
Winter Recess
All Salt Lake City schools will be closed December 22, 2008, through January 2, 2009. All District offices will be closed December 24, 2008, through January 2, 2009. Normal school and business hours will resume Monday, January 5, 2009.
December 18, 2008
"Artistic License"
The latest edition of "Artistic License", a newsletter from the Fine Arts Department, is now available for your viewing pleasure.
"Artistic License" - Special Edition | Archive
December 12, 2008
Salt Lake Education Foundation - Partnership Spotlight
Eighty Salt Lake City students are seeing more clearly thanks to LensCrafters and Dr. Chad Fellows. As part of LensCrafters’ Hometown Days event, each child was given a free exam and was invited to an open house held on the 2nd of December to receive a new pair of glasses. The students were treated to a fun night of face painting, cookie treats, and a visit from Santa. Students were amazed to walk outside and see the holiday lights with clear vision. A special thanks to Dr. Chad Fellows for giving our students the gift of sight.
December 11, 2008
Physical Education Teacher of the Year
Jackie Parker at Highland Park Elementary School has been named the Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Utah Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.
» More Information
December 5, 2008
"Pathways"
The latest edition of "Pathways", the Career & Technical Education newsletter is now available.
"Pathways" - 2008-2009, Volume #2 | Archive
December 4, 2008
"From Board Meeting"
The latest board meeting report is now available.
"From Board Meeting" - December 2, 2008 | Archive
December 3, 2008
"Fresh Paint"
The latest edition of "Fresh Paint", a bi-monthly newsletter from Facility Services, is now available.
"Fresh Paint" - November/December 2008 | Archive
December 1, 2008
Open Window Enrollment
For the coming school year, students interested in enrolling in a Salt Lake City school who live outside the district or school boundaries may apply for an out-of-resident transfer during the Early Enrollment (Open Window) period from December 1, 2008 until February 20, 2009. Applications are taken in the Student Services Department of the Salt Lake City School District Administration East Building, 440 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah.
» More Information
November top
November 26, 2008
Winter 2008 Community Education Catalog
Feel like finally learning to ballroom dance? How about brushing up on your kung fu skills? You'll find fun and interesting classes for everyone in the new Winter 2008 Community Education Catalog. Registration runs January 5th through January 9th. Most classes begin the week of January 12th.
» Click here for the Salt Lake Community Education - Winter 2008 Catalog
November 25, 2008
Thanksgiving Recess
All Salt Lake City School District schools and offices will be closed Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 for Thanksgiving Recess.
November 21, 2008
"Rachel's Challenge"
Highland High School invites you take part in "Rachel's Challenge." Rachel Scott was the first person killed in the Columbine High School tragedy. She left behind an amazing legacy and simple challenge - treat others with kindness and compassion. On December 1, 2008 at 7:00 p.m., Highland High School will host a community night to explain and encourage participation in "Rachel's Challenge."
November 14, 2008
The Salt Lake City School District Urges Drivers to Use Caution
The Salt Lake City School District is asking all drivers to exercise caution and avoid distracted driving. This call comes after two accidents involving school buses. The accidents occurred within six hours of each other, but in different areas of the city, on Thursday, November 13, 2008.
"We were lucky in both of these accidents, because there were no injuries to the students or the bus drivers," said McKell Withers, Superintendent, Salt Lake City School District. "As a school district, we are trusted to keep the children of Salt Lake City safe while they are in our care. We need all drivers to pay close attention to the road and be aware of the traffic around them, not just near school buses or schools, but at all times."
» More Information
November 11, 2008
High School Musicals
Enjoy an evening of the arts! Attend one or more of our high school musicals!
- East High School - Thoroughly Modern Millie - Nov. 13-18
- Highland High School - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Nov. 20, 22, & 24
- West High School - Footloose - Nov. 20, 21, & 22
November 6, 2008
"From Board Meeting"
The latest board meeting report is now available.
"From Board Meeting" - November 4, 2008 | Archive
November 5, 2008
Election Results for the Salt Lake City Board of Education
Precinct #1
Cliff Higbee - 45.73%
Amanda Thorderson - 53.85%
Precinct #2
Alama Uluave - 98.70%
Precinct #5
Heather Bennett - 65.05%
Maile Kali - 34.59%
Precinct #7
Kristi Swett - 61.30%
Hilary Pembroke - 38.40%
November 4, 2008
"Artistic License"
The latest edition of "Artistic License", a newsletter from the Fine Arts Department, is now available for your viewing pleasure.
"Artistic License" - Fall 2008 | Archive
October top
October 24, 2008
High School Musical 3 Carnival
East High School is hosting a carnival to kick off the opening of HSM3 Senior Year, which was filmed at East. At the carnival you can
- Take a High School Musical tour or buy your own map for one dollar and find Sharpay’s locker on your own.
- Take a photo with some of the Wildcat basketball and volleyball team members.
- Learn a HSM3 dance from a real HSM3 dancer!
The carnival will be held on Monday, October 27, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Costumes are welcome! Tickets are $.50 each. All proceeds go to East High activities.
October 21, 2008
Smart Smiles for Students
The Salt Lake Education Foundation in partnership with Smart Smiles for Students has launched a first-of-its-kind mobile dental clinic. This fully-equipped, 53-foot mobile dental clinic provides exams, cleanings, fluoride, x-rays, sealants, fillings, extractions, crowns and oral hygiene instructions for students and the community. Over 70 guests were in attendance at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on September 23, 2008, to herald the arrival of this new clinic and to celebrate the benefits it will provide to Salt Lake City. Utah’s First Lady Mary Kaye Huntsman, Mayor Ralph Becker, Pamela Atkinson, Dr. Mckell Withers, Dr. Steven Steed, Dr. Hal Whitney D.D.S. and Rose Park Elementary School Principal Rae Louie were the ribbon cutters.
The clinic will rotate approximately every two weeks and will visit schools throughout the Salt Lake City School District.
» More Information
October 8, 2008
"From Board Meeting"
The latest board meeting report is now available.
"From Board Meeting" - October 7, 2008 | Archive
October 7, 2008
2009 Utah Teacher of the Year
Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh at Dilworth Elementary School is the 2009 Utah Teacher of the Year! Gallagher-Fishbaugh was recognized and honored by the Utah State Office of Education in a ceremony last week.
» More Information
October 2, 2008
Computer Outage
The district has scheduled a power upgrade for the district computer/server room. It will occur on Saturday, October 4, 2008.
The resulting power outage will impact eSIS (parent and student assistant), e-mail, and the district's web site The computer systems will be shut
down at 7:00 a.m. We hope to have the power upgrades complete and all
systems up and running by noon.
October 1, 2008
The Little Mermaid at Meadowlark Elementary School
The Salt Lake City Arts Council and the Meadowlark PTA announce the musical production, The Little Mermaid. Approximately 50-60 Meadowlark students will be cast to appear in the show. The performances will be held on Saturday, October 4 at 3:00 and 5:30 and will be presented at the Meadowlark auditorium stage. Adult ticket prices are $5 and children (ages 1-18) are $3.
The Missoula Children's Theatre is a non-profit organization based in Missoula, Montana. The residency in Meadowlark Elementary School is made possible by a grant from the Salt Lake City Arts Council with help from the Meadowlark PTA.
September top
September 30, 2008
Federal AYP Reports
We have received the 2008 Federal Adequate Yearly Progress Reports. These
reports are required by federal “No Child Left Behind” legislation and
provide another way to look at test scores. Rather than presenting
total school scores as other reports do, the reports divide students
within a school into subgroups for evaluation in several different ways.
The subgroups are: Asian, African American, American Indian, Caucasian,
Hispanic, Pacific Islander, Economically Disadvantaged, Limited English
Proficient, and Students with Disabilities.
» More Information
September 26, 2008
Using Music to Teach World Cultures
Kingsbury Hall and Salt Lake City School District hosted a workshop for teachers in August as part of the Kennedy Center Partners in Education Program. Music educator and professional jazz and world musician Imani Gonzales taught the workshop, where teachers learned ways to use music in teaching world cultures. Through songs, rhythms, and musical activities, teachers can help students learn about children in distant countries and come to appreciate the similarities and differences between these cultures and their own. A portion of the workshop was underwritten by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.
Photo courtesy of www.zanganomusic.com.
September 19, 2008
100% For Kids Credit Union Education Foundation Awards $2,500 to Hawthorne
100% For Kids Credit Union Education Foundation awarded Hawthorne Elementary School $2,500 to provide musical instruments for fourth grade students. Hawthorne teacher Michelle Misco plans to purchase 17 violins with the grant. The violins will be used in fourth grade classroom instruction as well as a general music class to help Hawthorne Elementary School meet the Utah State Core Curriculum by adding instrumental performance to the school’s current curriculum.
September 12, 2008
"Fresh Paint"
The latest edition of "Fresh Paint", a bi-monthly newsletter from Facility Services, is now available.
"Fresh Paint" - September-October 2008 | Archive
September 12, 2008
Computer Outage
The district in the process of completing some major power upgrades to the
data center/computer room. Next Friday, September 19, 2008, power will be cut to the data center/computer room. This power outage will affect all district computer networks, including eSIS (parent and student assistant) and the district's web site. The outage will start at approximately 3:00 p.m. and will last for several hours.
September 9, 2008
2009 Utah Superintendent of the Year
The Utah School Superintendents Association todayannounced that McKell Withers, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools for Salt Lake City School District, has been named the 2009 Utah Superintendent of the Year.
» More Information
September 3, 2008
"From Board Meeting"
The latest board meeting report is now available.
"From Board Meeting" - September 2, 2008 | Archive
September 2, 2008
Welcome Back Presentation
Superintendent McKell Withers' presentation from last month's Welcome Back is now available.
» More Information
August top
August 26, 2008
Award Winning Teacher
Congratulations to John Newman from Highland High School for winning the Reba R. Robertson Award from the Children's Theater Foundation of America. The biennial award honors the important work of secondary school theatre/drama and drama teachers in public schools throughout the USA.
The Reba R. Robertson Award features transportation expenses up to $500 for the recipient to travel to the CTFA Medallion Awards Event; two distinctive trophies (one each for the recipient and the school district); $5000 to the honoree to be used as the recipient chooses for the purpose of expanding his/her professional interests (i.e. study with a master mentor, travel, research, development of learning tools); and $750 to the honoree’s school district to enhance the high school theatre/drama program.
August 20, 2008
Looking for tickets to Wicked?
The Salt Lake Education Foundation has them!
The phenomenally successful Broadway musical Wicked is coming to Salt Lake City and demand for tickets is extremely high. Season ticket sales have been at or near record-setting levels. Through the Foundation, you have a chance to buy tickets to the show now, before they go on sale to the general public.
» More Information
August 20, 2008
Fall 2008 Community Education Catalog
Feel like finally learning to play the guitar? How about brushing up on your computer skills? You'll find fun and interesting classes for everyone in the new Fall 2008 Community Education Catalog. Registration runs September 2 through September 12. Most classes begin the week of September 15.
» Click here for the Salt Lake Community Education - Fall 2008 Catalog
August 11, 2008
2008 Welcome Back
All district employees should mark their calendars now and make plans to attend the 2008 Welcome Back on Friday, August 22, at Highland High School. The District Teacher of the Year will be announced, Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker will share his vision and support for our public schools, and Superintendent McKell Withers will highlight some of our successes in meeting the needs of our students and their families.
» 2008 Welcome Back flier
» Job Alike schedule
July top
July 23, 2008
The Living Classroom Project
The Living Classroom Project is bringing science to life in Salt Lake City schools. Funded in part by an $83,000 grant from the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation, the Living Classroom Project is part of the Northwest Quadrant Life Sciences Initiative, a statewide program aimed at increasing the number of students interested in a career in the fields of life sciences and biotechnology. Grant funds will help build 12 greenhouses in select K-8 schools throughout the district and will supplement what students learn in textbooks and classroom discussion with hands-on experience.
» More Information
July 3, 2008
Holiday Schedule
All schools and district offices will be closed for Independence Day. We wish you a happy and safe July 4th!
July 2, 2008
"From Board Meeting"
The latest board meeting report is now available.
"From Board Meeting" - July 1, 2008 | Archive
June top
June 17, 2008
Fire Alarm Testing
A new mandate will have fire alarms ringing in Salt Lake City schools this summer. The mandate says each school fire alarm system must be inspected every year. Part of that inspection includes ensuring all alarm speakers and horns, including speakers and horns located on the exterior of all schools, are working. Inspectors will be sounding the alarms for extended periods of time while they conduct their inspections.
» Testing Schedule
June 17, 2008
Teacher of the Year Finalists
“And the award goes to…” While that announcement may have to wait a few weeks, the five finalists vying for the title of Salt Lake City School District Teacher of the Year have been named. They are Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh, Dilworth Elementary School; Lee Ann Johnson, Clayton Middle School; Mary Hibdon, Mountain View Elementary School; Thomas Kemp, East High School; and Chris Gesteland, Highland Park Elementary School. The Salt Lake Education Foundation awarded each finalist $500.
» More Information
June 12, 2008
Summer Efficiency Schedule
All Salt Lake City School District schools and buildings will be closed on select Fridays in June and July. This modified schedule will save over $50,000 in utility costs, which means more money in the classrooms.
All schools and district buildings will be closed on the following five Fridays:
- Friday, June 13, 2008
- Friday, June 20, 2008
- Friday, June 27, 2008
- Friday, July 11, 2008
- Friday, July 18, 2008
June 3, 2008
Walk on the Wild Side Opens - Schools Garner Ribbons!
A festive atmosphere prevailed at Friday’s opening of the K-12 Student Art Show. The Hogle Zoo Auditorium was filled with fabulous student art, combined with music by “Fortisimo,” string quartet, and plenty of refreshments. The number of schools involved and the admiring crowd were double the size of last year’s. Attendees gathered to celebrate their student’s ingenuity in combining a variety of animal studies with service learning and presenting it through visual art.
» More Information
May top
May 27, 2008
Salt Lake City School District awarded the North American IPM Institute's highest award
The Salt Lake City School District has been awarded the North American IPM Institute's highest award of STAR Certification. This certification is only awarded to districts that have met the highest IPM standards of performance. Only 25 school districts in the United States have achieved this distinction.
» More Information
May 23, 2008
2007 Salt Lake Education Foundation Annual Report
Available for your viewing pleasure is the 2007 Salt Lake Education Foundation Annual Report
» Download the report
» Visit the SLEF Website
May 21, 2008
"Fresh Paint"
The latest edition of "Fresh Paint", a bi-monthly newsletter from Facility Services, is now available.
"Fresh Paint" - May/June 2008 | Archive
May 13, 2008
SLCSD Multicultural Arts Festival
The Salt Lake City School District Fine Arts Department is holding its first District-wide Multicultural Arts Festival on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the South Campus of the Salt Lake Community College and Grand Theater on 1700 South and State Street. This festival has been funded through a Federal Learn and Serve grant managed through the Utah State Office of Education and an “in kind” donation of space and support from the Salt Lake Community College and Grand Theater Company. Students district wide have studied a country or...
» More Information
May 9, 2008
Walk on the Wild Side with Salt Lake Students!
On May 16, at 6:30 PM, a reception at Hogle Zoo will open "Walk on the Wild Side," a show of Salt Lake District student art resulting from a year of study and planning. Students combined their studies of animals with service to the community resulting in projects such as “Koins for Kenya,” and a paring with the Utah Symphony to draw and display animals. Visitors will be able to see a ceramic animal carousel, a multicultural butterfly, sculptures, animal masks, habitat installations, and framed visual art.
» More Information
May 8, 2008
"Artistic License"
The latest edition of "Artistic License", a newsletter from the Fine Arts Department, is now available for your viewing pleasure.
"Artistic License" - Spring 2008 | Archive
May 8, 2008
High School Graduation Dates
| East High | Wednesday, June 4 | 7:00 p.m. | Abravanel Hall |
| Highland High | Thursday, June 5 | 4:00 p.m. | SLCC, Redwood Road Campus |
| Horizonte | Saturday, June 7 | 10:00 a.m. | Huntsman Center |
| West High | Thursday, June 5 | 7:00 p.m. | SLCC, Redwood Road Campus |
May 8, 2008
"In the District" & "From Board Meeting"
The latest editions of the distirct's employee newsletter and board report are now available.
"In the District" - May 8, 2008 | Archive
"From Board Meeting" - May 6, 2008 | Archive
April top
April 23, 2008
Mariachi - Otra, otra¡ “Play it again!”
The resounding cry when good Mariachi tunes strike an audiences’ ear. This call of praise can now be heard at Northwest Middle School and throughout the community. This past year a group of committed Hispanic community leaders, led by Dr. Javier Saenz, of the Salt Lake Education Foundation and volunteers came together with the Salt Lake City School District’s Development and External Relations Office and school leadership to guide and support this new Mariachi program.
» More Information
April 23, 2008
Jazz in America
During the week of March 17th, the Thelonius Monk Jazz Institute of Los Angeles brought students from a Chicago performing arts high school and two world famous Jazz artists, Antonio Hart and Lisa Henry to conduct a week long informance and workshop for our Salt Lake City School District high school students.
» More Information
April 17, 2008
Board of Education Recognizes Pamela Atkinson
On Tuesday, April 8th 2008, Pamela J. Atkinson was honored by the Salt Lake City School District Board of Education for her long-standing support and concern for the students of the District.
» More Information
April 15, 2008
High School Musical
The Salt Lake Education Foundation, in cooperation with Broadway Across America - Utah, will be hosting an exclusive pre-show reception at East High School in conjunction with the national tour of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL! A portion of the purchase price will be used to fund Fine Arts programs in the Salt Lake City School District.
» More Information
April 10, 2008
"From Board Meeting"
The latest board meeting report is now available.
"From Board Meeting" - April 8, 2008 | Archive
April 5, 2008
"In the District"
The latest edition of the district newsletter is now available.
"In the District" - April 5, 2008 | Archive
March top
March 20, 2008
"Fresh Paint"
The latest edition of "Fresh Paint", a bi-monthly newsletter from Facility Services, is now available.
"Fresh Paint" - March/April 2008 | Archive
March 14, 2008
SLCSD Secondary Students Visual Arts Show Photos
Posted are photos from the Salt Lake City School District Secondary Students Visual Arts show which was held Friday, March 7, 2008 at the “pARTnership Gallery,” 534 South 500 West in Salt Lake City.
» More Information
March 6, 2008
"From Board Meeting"
The latest board meeting report is now available.
"From Board Meeting" - March 4, 2008 | Archive
March 4, 2008
SLCSD Secondary Students Visual Arts Show
The Salt Lake City School District Secondary Students Visual Arts show will open this Friday, March 7, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at the “pARTnership Gallery,” 534 South 500 West in Salt Lake City. A reception will be held that evening from 7:00-9:00 p.m. with an awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m. The show extends through March 14, 2008. The gallery will be open weekdays from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday, March 8 from 1-4 p.m. The public is invited.
March 3, 2008
"Pathways"
The latest edition of the "Pathways", the Career & Technical Education newsletter is now available.
"Pathways" - 2008, Volume 3 | Archive
February top
February 27, 2008
Community Education Spring Catalog
The Community Education Spring '08 Class Catalog is now available.
» Check out the Spring '08 Now!
February 22, 2008
Dancing In Their Genes
Fifth-grade students from Lincoln Elementary present "Boost." The U. of U. Marriott Center for Dance presented DNA & Dance Tuesday night in the Hayes Christensen Theater to announce a partnership among Tanner Dance, the College of Education and the College of Fine Arts in establishing an Arts Education Complex. (source: The Salt Lake Tribune)
» View Another Article from Deseret News
February 14, 2008
Charlotte's Web Theatre Workshop
On February 7, 2008 teachers from our district and other districts attended a "Charlotte's Web" theatre instructional workshop. This workshop was sponsored by Salt Lake City School District and its partner Kingsbury Hall through the Kennedy Center's Partners in Education Institute. Here pictured is Nita Sorenson, Salt Lake City School District elementary music teacher as Charlotte in her web.
» More Information
February 8, 2008
Rose Park School Community Center
The Rose Park School Community Center is up and running. The completion of the community center is the realization of a dream that started ten years ago. It will provide a resource for students and parents where school, health, and community services will be offered. The center will give parents access to classes with other adults, provide mentors and resources to create marketable job skills, give parents assistance with their children's school work, and will house health care and daycare services.
» More Information
February 7, 2008
Utah School Spirit: Highland Park Elementary
Highland Park Elementary School in Salt Lake City is one of the first schools in Utah to use a unique method of instruction to teach kids about history and world culture. Students in Mrs. Alvarez's music classes use African drumming to reinforce vocabulary using rhythmic beats. (source: abc4.com)
» Click here to see the full story at abc4.com
February 7, 2008
"From Board Meeting"
The latest board meeting report is now available.
"From Board Meeting" - February 5, 2008 | Archive
February 4, 2008
"Fresh Paint"
The latest edition of "Fresh Paint", a bi-monthly newsletter from Facility Services, is now available.
"Fresh Paint" - January/February 2008 | Archive
January top
January 23, 2008
"Artistic License"
A special edition of "Artistic License", a newsletter from the Fine Arts Department, is now available for your viewing pleasure.
"Artistic License" - Special Edition | Archive
January 22, 2008
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 beautiful La Caille Restaurant, and a pair of season tickets from Hale Centre Theater, West Valley.
» More Information
January 10, 2008
"From Board Meeting"
The latest board meeting report is now available.
"From Board Meeting" - January 8, 2008 | Archive
January 3, 2008
Spirit of the Season
Many Salt Lake City families enjoyed a happy holiday season thanks to the generosity of Salt Lake City schools, students, and our generous business partners. Donations came in from many sources to provide food, clothing, and gifts for those in need. For example, Glendale Middle School ran a successful Angel Tree program. Students and staff donated gifts, which were then given to needy families in the Glendale community. While many Glendale students live in poverty, they were generous enough to give to others who may have less than them.
» More Information
