What's Going on in SLCSD?

Two middle schools in the Salt Lake City School District have been identified as needing improvement by NCLB. They've both received a large amount of money to incentivize teachers to stay and new teachers to join. They have extended the school day and year by nine days. The hope is to create a new academic climate. Northwest also received money to increase the amount of technology in the school. Every teacher will be expected to attend professional development for two years to attain a technology endorsement. This is a very exciting time for both schools. It will be interesting to see how they fair over the next few years. I've attached a few facts about Northwest.










Northwest Middle School is a partnership of students, parents, educators and community members, committed to excellence by educating our youth to be life-long learners in a safe, inviting, innovative and academically challenging environment which celebrates diversity, unity with the world, personal best and a vision for a productive and satisfying future.

Facts About Northwest:

• Multi-culturally diverse school where 29 different languages are spoken representing 31 countries throughout the world.
• A professional development school working in collaboration with the University of Utah as a teacher-in-training facility.
• The largest of the 5 Middle schools in the Salt Lake City School District.
• Offers instruction to 7th and 8th graders while embracing the middle school philosophy of teaming throughout the curriculum.

Northwest Highlights:

• Northwest is one of 11 schools throughout the nation identified as a First Amendment School. Northwest serves as a laboratory of democratic freedom where all voices connected to the Northwest community are heard.
• The Alternative Language Department is a vital part of Northwest. This growing community of Northwest offers a rich opportunity for the students, faculty, staff, and patrons to learn from one another about the diverse cultures that enter the school on a daily basis.
• We are proud that the Salt Lake City School District Volunteer Coordinator of the Year, Ms. Ellie Brady, is the Chair of the Alternative Language Department at Northwest. Her creative efforts to infuse volunteers into the school benefits all members of the Northwest Community.
• Northwest is supported by a dynamic School Community Council and an equally dynamic PTSA. These organizations help the Northwest community make the school a highly efficient and effective institution of learning.

If you are interested in reading the specifics of the program, here is the website:

http://www.slc.k12.ut.us/depts/hr/jobs/licensed/middleschool.php