Superintendent's Newsletter - November 24, 2020

Dear Salt Lake City School District community,

It’s the week of Thanksgiving, and this time of year, many of us take time to consider the things for which we are thankful. While 2020 has been a year of ups and downs, I’d like to share a few things from my list.

• I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve as your Interim Superintendent this year. The job is not always easy, but I get to work with a team of district leaders and administrators who genuinely care about your students.
• I am thankful for our teachers, custodians, bus drivers, classroom aides, Child Nutrition workers, computer technicians, librarians, and all the district employees who show up every day and help keep our schools running. Their dedication is an example to me every single day.
• I am also thankful for you, our students and families. This year has thrown us some curves, and your patience and willingness to make changes have been extremely helpful.

During this Thanksgiving week, some of the services we typically provide will not be available. Our Grab and Go meals for students will not be available on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. These days off are vital for our Child Nutrition teams, who have been working non-stop since March. Our schools and district offices will also be closed on Thursday and Friday.

And don’t forget, Wednesday, November 25, is a Digital Learning Day, which means it is an asynchronous learning day for students. (Asynchronous learning means class will not be held live. Instead, the learning can happen on the student’s own time and at the student’s own pace.) Teachers will provide asynchronous lessons for students on this day. More information can be found on our website.

Finally, as you celebrate this Thanksgiving, remember to do so safely. Almost the entire state is considered a high-risk area for the transmission of COVID-19 right now, and the mandate to wear a mask when out in public or when meeting with people who do not reside in your home is in place for our own health and safety. I strongly encourage you to follow Governor Gary Herbert’s recommendations that people gather only with those in their own households and practice social distancing. We need to do all that we can to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Larry Madden
Interim Superintendent
Salt Lake City School District