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Superintendent Search Community Survey
2020 Halloween Parade
We will be holding a modified Halloween Parade this year. It will work this way:
- Students will submit a picture and Mr. Jacobson will share pictures during morning announcements.
- Pictures can be of anything from costumes to a pumpkin carving, it is all up to you.
- Mr. Jacobson will review the submissions and start sharing the week or so before Halloween.
Here is the link for the Halloween Parade Submissions:
Facebook link
Click here to see the Ensign Facebook page with morning announcements, photos, and videos: https://www.facebook.com/EnsignSLC
Technical Support
Students and families needing technical support click here: https://www.slcschools.org/schools/remote-learning-resources/studentfamily-technical-support-information/
Canvas How-To Videos
Here are some videos for parents, showing how to use Canvas. They include: overview, account set up, parent mobile app. Captions are available in English or Spanish. https://www.slcschools.org/schools/remote-learning-resources/
SCC Info Video
Watch this video to learn more about our School Community Council (SCC) and how you can participate at Ensign https://spark.adobe.com/video/hnkakrhiOsbGc
Welcome Conference Scheduling
Click on the button above or direct: https://www.canyoncreeksoftware.com/scheduler/ut/slc/index.cfm
Conferences will be held on August 25-September 4
The window for scheduling conferences begins on Aug. 24 at midnight and will stay open until Sept. 3 at midnight. *Please note that the password is ensign.
Click on the picture or underlined link above to book your conference appointment time.
If you have problems, please feel free to contact Dani in the front office at 801-578-8150.
Another Update from Ensign
Hello Families of Ensign Eagles,
I know that the school district has reached out to you regarding our reopening plans for this year, but I wanted to do so personally too. This year we will be starting school on September 8th as opposed to August 25th as planned. Teachers will be working during this time, creating online lessons and planning for the year. These extra days without classroom instruction will also allow us to meet with individual students and families to assess the students, make sure everyone is feeling comfortable with the technology, hand out needed supplies, and start to get to know your scholar. We will be sharing out a plan for this time as soon as possible, I am just waiting for a final decision from the school board on how we will be proceeding. The board is meeting this Thursday to decide how we will begin school, if you have feelings about how the year should start, I would recommend reaching out to the board before Thursday. They can use all the input possible while making this extraordinarily difficult choice.
As we move forward with this unusual start to the school year please know that we are working hard to ensure that we improve our practice in the classroom and virtually. I am excited to see how we can utilize our new tools to engage students and provide them the education that they deserve and need. We are putting in the time and effort to ensure that this year is a great year for you and your student(s).
On a personal note I would like to say THANK YOU to the Ensign staff and community. This has been a summer unlike another and all the support that you have given our school and myself has made a huge difference. I have been constantly reminded of how lucky I am to get to work with you and your student(s). We truly have an amazing group of families, parents, and teachers at Ensign and you all make this school great! This will be a year of new learning for us all, but that what we do at Ensign, because “It’s always a great day to learn something new!”
Have a wonderful day!
Erik Jacobson
Principal, Ensign Elementary
Sign Up for New Student Orientation and Back to School Night
Hello Ensign Families,
This year we will be holding many of our meetings virtually. In order to ensure a safe and secure environment for these meetings I will be using a sign up form for you to register for them and then send out a secure link to your email address. This will allow me to control who attends our meetings. If you are interested in participating in the following events please sign up on the form below:
New Student Orientation, August 12, at 6 pm.
Back to School Night, August 20, at 6 pm
Ensign Elementary School Online Meeting Sign Up
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Erik Jacobson
Principal, Ensign Elementary
New Student Orientation Video
We held our New Student Orientation last night. If you missed out on the fun check out this link to view the recording of the meeting.
Registration is now open
Registration for the 2020-21 school year is now open!
If you have attended Ensign previously you will receive a letter with registration information in it, specifically your pin number, if you are new to Ensign please register as a student without a pin number.
If you have questions regarding open enrollment applications or acceptance into the C & A program please know that we are working as fast as possible to find and fill open spots for students. We will be replying to all requests by the second week of August.
Please register your student using the link below:
After-School Program Sign Up
After-School Program Registration Information
Back to School Update
Hello Families of Ensign Eagles,
I know that the school district has reached out to you regarding our reopening plans for this year, but I wanted to do so personally too. This year we will be starting school on September 8th as opposed to August 25th as planned. Teachers will be working during this time, creating online lessons and planning for the year. These extra days without classroom instruction will also allow us to meet with individual students and families to assess the students, make sure everyone is feeling comfortable with the technology, hand out needed supplies, and start to get to know your scholar. We will be sharing out a plan for this time as soon as possible, I am just waiting for a final decision from the school board on how we will be proceeding. The board is meeting this Thursday to decide how we will begin school, if you have feelings about how the year should start, I would recommend reaching out to the board before Thursday. They can use all the input possible while making this extraordinarily difficult choice.
There have been a few issues with the registration letters. This is my fault and I apologize. You should be receiving your registration email today and a hard copy of the information will be mailed out to you either today or tomorrow. Please let me know if you do not have the needed information by early next week.
As we move forward with this unusual start to the school year please know that we are working hard to ensure that we improve our practice in the classroom and virtually. I am excited to see how we can utilize our new tools to engage students and provide them the education that they deserve and need. We are putting in the time and effort to ensure that this year is a great year for you and your student(s).
On a personal note I would like to say THANK YOU to the Ensign staff and community. This has been a summer unlike another and all the support that you have given our school and myself has made a huge difference. I have been constantly reminded of how lucky I am to get to work with you and your student(s). We truly have an amazing group of families, parents, and teachers at Ensign and you all make this school great! This will be a year of new learning for us all, but that what we do at Ensign, because “It’s always a great day to learn something new!”
Have a wonderful day!
Erik Jacobson
Principal, Ensign Elementary
Back-to-school update from the principal
Good Morning Ensign Families,
I cannot tell you how excited I am for this upcoming school year. We are facing an unprecedented situation, but we have the tools and knowledge needed to make sure that all students are receiving the education that they need and deserve. Whether we are at school in person or not will be determined by school district following the guidelines laid out in an email from Superintendent Madden. I have attached a copy of the information in this link:
2020.07.09 School Restart Summary for Parents (002).pdf
Registration for the next school year will be open tomorrow, please complete the online registration process for your students at https://ensign.slcschools.org/academics/registration
This registration link is for all students, new members of our family and kindergarten included. If you are new to the school please register without a pin number. If you are in kindergarten and have completed a registration packet please fill out the registration form above.
At Ensign we have developed a plan as a school to support your child’s academic and emotional growth. Please know that this plan is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, but I wanted to give you an overview of how we are planning to approach school this year.
Our education plan:
- Lesson plans will be communicated out to parents in advance and all resources will be available on Canvas or from the school via packets and pre-made supply bags.
- All students will receive the same instruction whether school is in dismissal or in person.
- Information and training on how to use Canvas, our learning management system, will be sent out to parents as it becomes available. All of our lessons and classroom information will be posted using Canvas.
- Every day we will have a school wide mindfulness activity in order to promote mental health and self-care, parents will be encouraged to participate in this with their students.
- All instruction will be available for parents on Canvas the day after the material was presented to the students through videos of the lesson and/or recordings of the teacher working through the task.
- All students will have daily interaction with their teacher and classmates in a structured environment.
- Students will continue to receive all their specials instruction on a consistent schedule based on the school’s master schedule.
- We will utilize a classroom schedule that will be communicated out before the start of the week and will consistent at home or at school.
- This schedule will change daily based on specials classes and at teacher discretion but no more than what happens on an average school day.
- Please know that we will do our best to stay consistent but learning is unpredictable, one day a lesson takes five minutes and on another day the same lesson could take a half hour and it is important to allow teachers to have flexibility in how they meet the needs of their students.
- When we do return to in person classes all safety procedures will be taught to students in advance.
- I have started a committee of parents and teachers who will be creating our plan to keep students safe. Once we have this drafted I will hold a virtual meeting to go over the recommendations and take community input on the plan.
- Please look for updates on this meeting in your email.
- I have started a committee of parents and teachers who will be creating our plan to keep students safe. Once we have this drafted I will hold a virtual meeting to go over the recommendations and take community input on the plan.
In addition to this plan we will also be changing how we hold Back to School Night, Kindergarten Orientation, and for the first time we will be holding a new student orientation, which will be open to all Ensign if you’d like to attend. These events will be held live virtually with videos of the orientations posted to our website. If you would like to participate live in any of these events please fill out the form that is linked below to receive a secure link to the meeting:
Kindergarten Orientation: July 29th from 6 pm to 7 pm
New Student Orientation: August 12th from 6 pm to 7 pm
Back to School Night: August 20th from 6 pm to 7 pm
The district will be offering online Canvas training for families before the start of the school year. Notices of these events will be sent out to you when they are scheduled.
As we move forward in these interesting times please know that Ensign welcomes your feedback and concerns. We need to work together to make sure our students get the education that they deserve and to do this it takes a community. I value your thoughts and input and try to incorporate it into all my planning. Please do not hesitate to reach out, we are all here to help and are sincerely missing our students, our community is what makes Ensign great! We can come out of this stronger than before because as you know, at Ensign Elementary it is always a great day to learn something new!
Erik Jacobson
Principal, Ensign Elementary
Kindergarten Orientation Postponed
Kindergarten orientation is postponed until further notice. We will post a new date once there is the ability to meet in person. We are excited to see you all and look forward to the day when we can all be together.
Battle of the Books 2020-21
These are the books that have just been announced as the Salt Lake City School District's twenty books for the annual Battle of the Books. This event each March is when schools meet with a team of four students to answer quiz questions about the books. Let Ms. Parkinson know if you would like to join a book club she is organizing to read as many of the books as possible, and to prepare to compete next spring! The club will be open to next year's 4-6 grade students. The books are available if you look at the collections on Sora.
June Parade Route
We hope to see all of our Ensign students at the parade on the last day of school: Wednesday, June 3, 10 a.m. Ensign staff members will be driving the route, followed by cars with our 6th grade graduates. Wave from a distance that seems safe and comfortable for your family. Find a spot to park along the route if we are not passing your home. We are excited to see everyone!
View Parade Photos
To see photos of teachers, staff and students at the April 2020 parade, go to the top menu, under Our School, the bottom choice is Photo Galleries.
Ensign art page
Access Ms. Fifield’s art page and home learning ideas by clicking here:https://sites.google.com/view/youngartistscreate/art-lessons
Morning announcements 3/30/20
Click here for Mr. Jacobson with the morning announcements and Pledge of Allegience:https://shorts.flipgrid.com/watch/8876882807751676
Parade route
Click here for the planned parade route for Friday, April 17, 1 p.m.: Parade Route
Wave to teachers and staff from your porch or parked car!
You know you've missed it! Here are the morning announcements.
Turn your volume up and click here! https://shorts.flipgrid.com/watch/8629948784050721
Music at Home During the School Outage
Click here for information from our terrific music teaching team, about how to continue with your music studies:
Letter from the principal
March 13, 2020
Hello Ensign Eagles,
This afternoon Gov. Herbert announced that all schools will be dismissed for the next two weeks in order to prevent the community spread of COVID-19. Please see the attached press release from the Governor.
This is going to have a huge impact on our school and community, so we are working hard to ensure that your student will be able to continue their studies over this dismissal period. On Monday and Tuesday teachers will be at the school planning lessons for all students. We will notify you when your student's work is ready early next week. In order to practice social distancing please do not come to the school until you have heard from us. We will have resources, such as laptops and internet hotspots, available for those of you who need it.
The school district will also be releasing a plan to provide food for students who are in need, details on this program will be sent out soon.
I will do my best to keep you updated as we progress through this challenge. The best location for information regarding the school will be on slcschools.org. The district will be continually updating the website with the plan moving forward.
Please know that we are working hard to keep everyone healthy and learning. Even when we aren't in a classroom, it is always a great day to learn something new!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Erik Jacobson
Principal, Ensign Elementary
Neighborhood Kindergarten Registration
If you live in Ensign boundaries, Kindergarten packets for registration will be available starting February 24. Please stop by the main office.
District Update
UTAH SCHOOL SPIRIT WEEK
· We have all made it through our first week of school dismissal. It is now time for Utah schools to show our Utah School Spirit. Please join SLCSD schools by participating in Utah School Spirit Week online!
· Post a selfie using #utahschoolspirit and tag your school or district on Twitter/Instagram. We want to hear from students, teachers, parents, administrators, and community members. Have fun!
o Monday, March 23 – Crazy Sock Day. The crazier the better!
o Tuesday, March 24 – What Ya Readin’? Take a picture with the book you are reading.
o Wednesday, March 25 – Pajama Day. Post your coziest shot!
o Thursday, March 26 – Terrific Teacher Day. Post a message to a teacher that you miss.
o Friday, March 27 – School Spirit Day. Wear your school colors or spirit wear
Author Brandon Mull Visit
We are excited about an author visit from Brandon Mull on Tuesday, November 12 from 10:55-11:35 a.m.
His new book, Dragonwatch: Master of the Phantom Isle (the sequel series to Fablehaven) was released on October 1, 2019. We have a copy in our library and it has been checked out nonstop. Last year, we read the first Fablehaven book to several classes at the end of the school year.
Mr. Mull will come with a 40-minute presentation about storytelling and encouraging the use of imagination in children. Anyone is welcome!
Fall Library Newsletter
Click here to view in full size: Fall Library News
Everyone please look at this pick up/drop off information!
ELP Applications Now Open
Please click here for the application to our Extended Learning Program: ELP Applications Now Open
Check out our FAQ
Parent of a kindergartner? New to Ensign? Have some questions about how things are done around here?
Take a look at the Ensign frequently asked questions page. It is under the Our School tab at the top of this page.
Library Summer Newsletter
SLC Public Library card application form
art video 7
art video 8
RDT Delights Young Ensign Dancers
Students at Ensign Elementary School have enjoyed a double dose of dance this month. The Repertory Dance Theater dancers performed in an assembly for the entire school, matching their dance moves to whatever the announcer requested. At the end of the performance, students were invited to join in the performance both in the audience and on stage.
Individual K-3 classes have also been invited to learn and move with the RDT pedagogy program. Lynne Larson, assistant adjunct professor at the University of Utah, and RDT education director, says the program teaches life skills such as: creative thinking, team work, cooperation, group movement, and how to think outside the box. It is also part of the state core curriculum. “It uses their imagination,” said Kristin Adams, a 2nd grade teacher at Ensign. “Every time, they really enjoy it.” Lots of smiles and laughter coming from the students prove her point.
Red Leashes and Red Jerseys Join Red Ribbons
Ensign Elementary kicked off Red Ribbon Week with crazy sock day on Thursday and a Read-a-thon on Friday. Students spread throughout the school in pajamas and with pillows, comfortably settled with good books. Football players from West High School added to the fun by pairing up to read with the children. Five dog teams from Intermountain Therapy Animals came and made the day even more exciting. Thank you also to Melanie Rogers and our PTA, and Ms. Hamilton’s class who took charge of the event.
When it comes to making good choices, books are a terrific alternative. You can read a book for pleasure, or use books to learn about your favorite subjects. You can also use books to plan a fun trip. Say no to drugs and say yes to books!
Parking Diagram
Please take a look at this diagram of parking and drop-off locations.
Meet your New Principal for next school year!
Dear Ensign Elementary Stake Holders,
Hello! My name is Erik Jacobson, and I have been chosen as the next principal at Ensign Elementary. I would like to say what an honor it is to be chosen to lead such a great school. The more I have learned about Ensign, the more impressed I have been by all the work the community and staff have put into making Ensign the best school possible.
One of the things that drew me to Ensign was the school’s belief in educating the whole child. School is about more than just academics. Students need to be able to think critically about the world around them and then be able to clearly articulate their views and opinions. These are the educational values I see when I look at Ensign, and these are the values I was raised with growing up in rural Wisconsin.
I was lucky enough to grow up in Portage, Wisconsin, a small town just north of Madison. While growing up there, school was the center of our community. I spent every Friday night at football games and the weekends participating in school-based arts activities. This focus on community is something that was extremely important to me when I was growing up and will be essential to my leadership at Ensign.
After graduating from Portage High School, I attended the University of Minnesota, The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (where I earned my bachelor’s degree), and finally, the University of Utah (where I earned my Master’s degree). I taught 6th grade at Midvale Elementary and at Glendale Middle School before serving as an Assistant Principal at Northwest Middle School for the past three years.
It has always been my goal to be an elementary school principal, and I am proud and humbled to get to work with you and your students. It is my goal to ensure the best possible education for all of the students of Ensign, and I believe that through open and honest communication, we can work together to reach this goal. If you ever have any concerns, comments, or questions, please do not hesitate to come to me. My door will always be open. I look forward to getting to know you all. See you in August!
Sincerely,
Erik Jacobson
Did you know that Microsoft Office 365 is free for your Students?
Did you know that Microsoft Office 365 is free for your Students?
Read more at: http://www.slcschools.org/news/2014-15/office365-students.php#.WaQv9Sh96Ul
or Download this HOW-TO FLIER
