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Superintendent's Newsletter - July 20, 2021

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Dear Salt Lake City School District community, 

I am excited to send my first message as Superintendent of the Salt Lake City School District. My first official day as superintendent was July 1, 2021, but I’ve spent time here in Salt Lake City over the last few months getting to know our community and district during my transition. One of my top priorities is to listen and learn. Your voice and perspective are important to me and will always be considered as we make decisions that impact students and families. You can always reach out to me with feedback or concerns at Timothy.Gadson@slcschools.org.  

I genuinely believe in the strength of community and the notion that “it takes a village to raise a child.” Collectively, we can make a difference for all students in our district and ensure Salt Lake City School District becomes the world-class learning organization that it is poised to be. One that personalizes learning and meeting every child where they are, and one that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. A district that views diversity as a strength and ensures no child is left behind. One where children are prepared for life, learning, and citizenship beyond high school. A district where every adult, parent, community member, teacher, and leader sees children as our primary business.   

Let’s celebrate children and community and commit to being the village upon which all our children can rely. Let’s get to know one another and embrace our diversity and strength. I’ve been thinking a lot about this diversity this week, as our Salt Lake City Muslim families and Muslims around the world come together for Eid al-Adha, a time to celebrate, gather, and commemorate with loved ones. COVID has made it especially hard for many families to gather, and I know many of our own here in Salt Lake have been especially impacted by the pandemic.  

In spite of all we’ve been through, I feel hopeful as I look ahead to the 2021-22 school year and a new chapter for students and families in the Salt Lake City School District. Below, you’ll find information on a few things (including a districtwide Back to School Fair, the launch of Salt Lake Virtual Elementary, and upcoming immunization clinics) that will be important as we get ready to head back to school next month. 

Our city is a mix of cultures, religions, beliefs, and political affiliations—people from across our county and the globe call Salt Lake City home. We honor the diversity of our community. To our Muslim families, we send our heartfelt greetings and wish you Eid Adha Mubarak.    

We also wish everyone a happy Pioneer Day this coming weekend. I look forward to serving you and to meeting many of you in person very soon.   

Educationally, 

Timothy Gadson III, Ph.D. 
Superintendent 
Salt Lake City School District 


BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR 

On Friday, August 20, from 3 to 8 p.m., we will be hosting a Back to School Fair for ALL Salt Lake City School District families. The fair will be held outdoors on the field of Glendale Middle School (1430 Andrew Ave., Salt Lake City, UT 84104), and our new superintendent, Dr. Tim Gadson, will be there to get to know our families and students. We’ll have booths where you can learn about different district programs and educational opportunities, and we’ll also have music, family-friendly activities, and prize drawings! We hope you’ll join us on Friday, August 20. 

SALT LAKE VIRTUAL ELEMENTARY 

For the 2021-22 school year, Salt Lake City School District will have a new elementary school created specifically for online, remote learning. Salt Lake Virtual Elementary will offer an online option for students and families in grades K-6 who have found that home-based online instruction is the right fit for their learning. 

Students at Salt Lake Virtual Elementary will be taught by highly qualified teachers who use the best online engagement and teaching practices. The school will offer an online environment with opportunities to have in-person support and extension activities, and devices will be provided to all registered students. 

To attend Salt Lake Virtual Elementary, families can register their students using the district’s online registration system, http://registration.slcschools.org, and click the button that says, “Register as a New Student.” In-person registration will be conducted in Room 208 at the district office (440 East 100 South, SLC, UT 84111) on: 

  • Monday, July 26, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Tuesday, July 27, 12 - 4 p.m. 
  • Wednesday, July 28, 4 - 8 p.m. 

For more information about Salt Lake Virtual Elementary, visit https://saltlakevirtual.slcschools.org/.  

IMMUNIZATION CLINICS 

This summer, Salt Lake City District School District nurses have been offering back-to-school immunization clinics for students who are entering Kindergarten or 7th grade, or for students who need other required vaccines to attend school. We have one more clinic scheduled for August 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Northwest Middle School (1730 W. 1700 N., Salt Lake City, UT 84116). Please note: the August 3rd clinic will also include an opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for students and community members age 12 and older. 

For more information on the clinic or about the vaccinations required for students, visit https://www.slcschools.org/resources/immunization-clinics-for-kindergartners-and-7th-graders.  

SUMMER MEAL CHANGES 

Starting Friday, July 23, there will be a few changes to how we distribute summer meals. Salt Lake Center for Science Education – Bryant (Bryant Middle School) and Emerson elementary school will no longer offer Grab and Go meal service to the public. Friday meal service will be closed at all designated feeding sites through the end of the summer feeding program (August 20). 

Our drive-through meal service will continue at 16 designated locations throughout the city. Grab and Go meals (lunch for today, breakfast for tomorrow) will be provided Monday through Thursday during the hours of 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for children 18 years and younger. Friday menu items will be included with the Thursday meal service in order to ensure children continue to receive healthy meals for the entire week.    

Summer meals may be picked up by children or their parent/guardian at any participating school during the designated serving times. 

WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK 

Yesterday, you should have received a link to a survey asking for your input to help us decide how to spend the latest allotment of federal dollars thanks to the American Rescue Plan - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds. This survey will be open from July 19 through August 2 and will inform the discussion at the school board meeting on August 3, 2021. If you have NOT received the survey, please check your inbox or spam folder for an email from noreply@qemailserver.com