District Newsletter – May 18, 2023
Dear Salt Lake City School District families and community,
It’s nearing the end of the school year, and our students have been taking end-of-year tests. Thank you to all you parents, guardians, and loved ones who have helped students prepare for these tests. And thank you also to our teachers for their tireless work to help students learn all that they can.
As you know, the Board recently appointed Dr. Elizabeth Grant as our incoming superintendent, which means my time with Salt Lake City School District is coming to a close. Dr. Grant has experience as a teacher, and she served as an elementary school principal and assistant principal in the Salt Lake City School District. She has also worked in the U.S. Department of Education and will be leaving a position as a professor in The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Education to come to Salt Lake. She has knowledge of best practices in school districts across the country, but she also knows who we are here in Salt Lake City, because she is one of us. I know our district will be in good hands. Dr. Grant will assume the role of superintendent on July 1, 2023.
As we approach the end of the school year, I want to share a few important reminders:
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The SafeUT app is an important resource, and I encourage parents, guardians, and students to download it right now to all your mobile devices. This app is a statewide service that provides 24/7 crisis intervention and mental health support to youth through texting, phone calls, online chat, or an anonymous tip program. It also allows community members to submit tips anonymously to their school – whether that relates to school safety or a student in crisis. And if a student is feeling threatened, bullied, or harassed in any way, they can use SafeUT to report this immediately to a school administrator or teacher. Make sure you have this important resource downloaded; you never know when you, or someone you care about, may need support.
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At the end of a school year, our attention may turn to practical jokes or pranks. While we all like a little fun, please remind your students to not bring anything that can be used to deface or cause damage to property. And certainly, remind them to never bring weapons to school (even fake, toy/plastic, or recreational weapons like Airsoft guns).
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Remember to finish strong! The hustle and bustle of the school year is almost done, and staying strong in academics until the end will yield great rewards.
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Take time to celebrate. Your student has accomplished so much this year. Take to celebrate their wins – big and small.
Looking forward to celebrating student wins with you these next few weeks.
Sincerely,
Martin W. Bates, Ph.D.
Interim Superintendent
Salt Lake City School District
Population and Boundary Study Community Meetings
A few weeks ago, due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to delay some of the community meetings for the Board’s Population and Boundary Study of all district elementary schools. We are happy to report that those meetings have now been rescheduled. All community members are welcome at these meetings. Spanish translation will be available, and translation into other languages can be requested by calling (801) 578-8378.
Monday, May 22 @ 5:30 p.m. – Glendale Public Library (1375 South Concord, SLC, UT)
Tuesday, May 23 @ 5:30 p.m. – Salt Lake City Main Library (210 East 400 South, SLC, UT)
Thursday, May 25 @ 5:30 – Clayton Middle School (1470 South 1900 East, SLC, UT)
Thursday, June 1 @ 5:30 p.m. – Northwest Middle School (1730 West 1700 North, SLC, UT)
The purpose of these meetings is to explain the study process and timeline, as well as get your feedback. Your input is an essential part of this process, and we thank you in advance for your courteous participation as the Board studies this important issue.
Board Meeting
The Board of Education held its latest meeting on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. In that meeting the Board heard a report about a proposed name change for South Park Academy, an update on the Board’s Inclusive Schools Resolution, an update on the district’s use of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, and an in-depth review of the 2023-24 proposed budget and the 2022-23 revised budget.
For more information, you can read the Board Meeting Report on the district website or watch the entire meeting on the district’s YouTube channel.
High School Graduations
The end of the school year is coming quickly, and we can’t wait to honor and celebrate with our graduating seniors, the Class of 2023. A listing of the dates, times, and locations for our schools’ graduation ceremonies can be found on the district website.
Middle School Summer Learning Programs
Are you the parent or guardian of a middle school student (or a student who will be in a middle school next year) and looking for a way to avoid the summer slide? Our middle school summer learning programs still have plenty of space available. The programs seek to promote positive learning experiences with a focus on hands-on learning. You can find more information and sign up online on our Community Education website.