Superintendent's Newsletter - May 13, 2021
Dear Salt Lake City School District community,
You may have heard the announcement today from Utah Governor Spencer Cox that the state will be lifting the mandate on masks for the last week of school. He added that individual school districts could keep the mandate for that last week of school if they felt it was needed.
Since the announcement was just made, I don’t have any specific direction to share at this time. I hope to share more information about our district’s plans very soon. I’m grateful to our families and school communities for all you’ve done to keep our kids and staff safe this year. If you haven’t already done so, I would encourage you to look into getting the COVID-19 vaccine as another measure to help us keep our schools and our community safe.
COVID-19 Testing
The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) is offering free COVID-19 testing every Tuesday and Thursday through the end of May in the Highland High School parking lot (2166 South 1700 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84106). The testing clinic is open 4-7 p.m. You can choose rapid or PCR tests. Anyone older than age 3 is eligible for testing.
UDOH asks that you please pre-register at https://redcap.link.utah.gov-HHS-SLSD.
Emergency Broadband Benefit
The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development has partnered with several state offices and the Utah State Board of Education to announce the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. This temporary benefit will help to lower the cost of broadband Internet service for eligible households during the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrollment for the program is underway now.
The program provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband Internet service for eligible households. Additionally, the benefit provides up to a $100 per household discount toward a one-time purchase of a computer, laptop, or tablet from a participating broadband provider.
You are eligible if at least one member of your household:
- Qualifies for Lifeline telephone/broadband program.
- Receives free or reduced school lunch.
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current year.
- Experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19.
- Participates in an existing low-income internet or COVID-19 program.
More information about the program and a list of local participating Internet service providers can be found on the state’s Emergency Broadband Benefit webpage.
Upcoming Events
- May 18, 2021 – Board of Education Meeting
2020-21 Board Meetings - Salt Lake City School District (slcschools.org) - May 20, 2021 – Milk distribution at the Glendale Community Learning Center
Parents - Salt Lake City School District (slcschools.org) - May 26, 2021 – Community food distribution at the Rose Park Community Learning Center
Parents - Salt Lake City School District (slcschools.org)
Sincerely,
Larry Madden
Interim Superintendent
Salt Lake City School District