New Family Guide
The McGillis School
Welcome to The McGillis
School Kehilah!
We are thrilled to welcome you into our kehilah (community)! We hope this New Family Guide will be helpful to you not only over the summer, but throughout your time at McGillis.
Please note that McGillis will continue to share information via school communication channels (see p. 7) this summer. We encourage you to monitor those channels for updates as we approach the first day of school.
What Does It Mean to Be an Independent School?
Independent schools are:
• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are independent in philosophy, each driven by a unique mission
• governed by an independent Board of Trustees
• funded through tuition payments and charitable contributions
• accountable to their communities
• accredited by independent organizations that help schools fulfill their commitment to providing children with a high-quality education
McGillis is accredited by the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS). We are also a member of two other important organizations: the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and INDEX, a cohort of 177 independent schools across the country that share data and best practices with each other.
We look forward to partnering with you to make your child’s experience at McGillis the best, most transformative experience possible.
Our Values
McGillis was founded upon six universally embraced Jewish values by a small group of families in Salt Lake City in 1990. Thirty-five years later, the School has grown into a thriving Kindergarten through 8th Grade community that is home to children of all backgrounds, faiths, and perspectives.
Our values inform every aspect of life at McGillis. They are the foundation of our curriculum, they guide us in our interactions with each other, and they compel us to make a difference in the world.
In everything we do, we aim to inspire and prepare our community for a lifetime of creating a better world.
Our Mission : To
educate children and instill in our students a love of learning and the abilities to think critically, live ethically, and appreciate the value of each individual.
Portrait of a Learner
The Portrait of a McGillis Learner was developed collaboratively with faculty and staff to answer the fundamental question: What kind of learners do we want our students to be?
We intentionally did not develop a “portrait of a McGillis graduate,” as we believe all of our students from Kindergarten to 8th Grade are capable of living the Portrait of a Learner attributes throughout their time at McGillis.
In tandem with our school values, our Portrait of a Learner compels students and teachers alike to aspire to lofty and achievable objectives.
We aspire to guide each learner to become a(n):
Honorable Mensch
• Leads with integrity, honesty, and humility
• Does the right thing even when no one is looking
• Demonstrates a sincere commitment to community
Empowered Explorer
• Recognizes setbacks, failures, and mistakes as opportunities for innovation and growth
• Practices curiosity, creativity, and open-mindedness
• Generates creative solutions to complex problems
Courageous Activist
• Advocates for themself, and as a brave ally for others
• Perseveres as a resourceful and hopeful caretaker of the future
• Makes decisions through lenses of equity and ethics
Communications and Information Access
McGillis communications include:
• community-wide emails from the School
• school website (mcgillisschool.org)
• weekly e-newsletter (Magpie Messenger)
• emails from your Grade Rep volunteer
• Veracross and Canvas
• Impact Report and Guide to Giving & Getting Involved (both publications are mailed every fall)
• social media channels
• text messages for emergency communications
We have included more details about these platforms on the opposite page. If you have any questions about school communications, email us at communications@mcgillisschool.org
Follow us on social media:
Magpie Messenger
At 8:00 AM on Sundays throughout the school year, our families receive the Magpie Messenger. This weekly email covers it all, and you don’t want to miss it! You’ll find information about upcoming events, activities, and volunteer opportunities. You can also view the upcoming week’s lunch menu, links to important resources, and our recent social media highlights.
Emergency Notifications
If we experience an emergency that impacts the school day, McGillis will notify you via email and text. We will also post an update to Instagram and Facebook if the school schedule is affected by inclement weather.
Prior to the beginning of the school year, your cell phone number is automatically enrolled in our emergency text platform. We will send a test text every September and ask at that time that you add the number to your contacts.
Emails From Your Grade Rep
Grade Reps are volunteers from our parent community who represent a specific grade throughout the school year. They are an important liaison, communicating to parents/guardians on behalf of teachers and the School’s Administration. You can count on them to be a resource to you as you begin your journey at McGillis, and as messengers who convey volunteer opportunities and important gradespecific announcements.
Veracross
You already have access to Veracross and can use the same login credentials you used for Admissions and Enrollment. In addition to handling McGillis applications and enrollment documents, parents/ guardians use Veracross to access a variety of other important information, including:
• annual re-enrollment
• Community Calendar
• Athletics registration
• AfterSchool and Summer programming registration
• WOW programming registration
• Parent Teacher Conference sign-ups
• report cards
• student schedules
• community directories
• student/family handbooks
• digital citizenship resources
Canvas
Canvas is our learning management system, which allows faculty to share class content and communication for grades 4-8. The School will provide students and parents/guardians with instructions on logging into Canvas prior to the beginning of school.
Information for the Start of School
Summer Communications
During the summer, McGillis sends emails with calendar events and other important information. New families will receive a special e-newsletter in June and July with content just for them, and then we begin our community-wide weekly e-newsletter, the Magpie Messenger, in August.
Back to School Forms
We will send our Back to School materials digitally. This email will include:
• links to acknowledge the Student & Family Handbook and Child Safety & Wellness Handbook
• a link to update student and family information, including medical forms
• Lower School/Middle School/TLC supply lists
• information about Morning Care and AfterSchool
McGillis Community Calendar
Our Community Calendar lives on our website and is the place to go for the most up-to-date information on McGillis happenings. At the top of the Home Page, click on “Parents” then on “Community Calendar.” You can also view and subscribe to the Community Calendar in Veracross.
Important Back to School Events
Don’t miss these early opportunities to gather with other McGillis families, as well as meet school leadership and teachers!
And be on the lookout in Sunday’s Magpie Messenger email for more opportunities to gather throughout the year, including a new family breakfast with the Head of School.
New Parent/Guardian Gathering
Kindergarten Play Dates
Thursday, May 15
Tues, June 10 & Wed, August 13
Kindergarten Visit Monday, August 25
Back to School Night Thursday, September 4
Assigned Summer Read
Every summer, Lower School teachers in our Larger Program and TLC, as well as Middle School TLC teachers, assign a book for their students to read before they return to school. Current students take the book home at the end of the school year to keep with them for the summer; new students receive the book in the mail after they’re enrolled.
Middle School students in our Larger Program do not have an assigned summer read, but are encouraged to select their own books during the break.
Suggested Summer Reads
Magpies read! Every year, our McGillis Librarian curates a wonderful selection of books for students of all grades. Each summer’s list is updated in mid-May.
Scan here to see Ms. Heather’s independent reading list!
School Arrival and Dismissal
Grade
Kindergarten
Grades 1-5
TLC Grades 4-5
Grades 6-8
TLC Grades 6-8
Grade
Kindergarten
Grades 1-5
TLC Grades 4-5
Grades 6-8
TLC Grades 6-8
Parking lot will be under construction in Fall '25! Stay tuned for updates.
Drop-off Time
8:15-8:30 AM
8:15-8:30 AM
8:00-8:15 AM
8:00-8:15 AM
8:00-8:15 AM
Pick-up Time
2:55-3:10 PM
3:00-3:15 PM
3:15-3:25 PM
3:15-3:30 PM
3:15-3:30 PM
Drop-off Location
Main Lot or 700 South
Main Lot or 700 South
Main Lot or 700 South
700 South
700 South
Pick-up Location
Main Parking Lot or Historic Entrance
Main Parking Lot or Historic Entrance
Main Parking Lot or Historic Entrance
700 South
700 South
Traffic Protocols
700 South
• Do not leave your vehicle unattended between 8:00-8:45 AM or between 2:45-3:30 PM. During these times, 700 South is used ONLY for drop-off and pick-up, and the driver must stay in the vehicle.
• NO U-turns on 700 South.
• NO double-parking behind cars parked at a 45-degree angle.
• Students and parents must cross 700 South ONLY at the crosswalk.
• If entering 700 South heading east, park on the south side of the road and have your child cross at the crosswalk.
• If entering 700 South heading west, use the 45-degree parking.
Parking Lot drop-off/pick-up loop
• Please follow one-way traffic in the main parking lot loop.
• Do not exit the main parking lot at the entrance (north end of the lot).
Extended Care
Morning Care:
Our Morning Care program is available for students in Kindergarten through 8th Grade, beginning at 7:30 AM, Monday – Friday. No registration is required, $5 per day.
AfterSchool:
Our AfterSchool Program is available for students in Kindergarten through 8th Grade, starting after school until 6:00 PM, Monday – Friday. Registration is appreciated, but not required, $12 per hour.
Lunch, Snacks, and Birthday Treats
Lunch
The School Lunch Program is optional and designed to provide a nutritious, cost-effective option for McGillis students. Families choosing not to participate in the School Lunch Program should bring a lunch from home.
We want to accommodate children with special dietary needs (e.g., Kosher, gluten-free, allergies, etc.). Please contact Bridget Gill (bgill@mcgillisschool. org) to discuss a lunch that meets your child’s dietary requirements. If families require an outside vendor, parents/guardians are responsible for that expense.
For children with food allergies, parents/guardians must update their medical information in the Veracross Parent Portal. McGillis will work with families to teach their child not to exchange food with other students, to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction, and communicate any distress immediately to an adult. The kitchen staff posts notices when food contains nuts and/or dairy.
Snacks
Snacks are not provided in the classroom. We recommend that children bring a nut-free snack every day.
Birthday Treats
A child’s birthday is an important day and may be celebrated here at school. Lower School teachers will communicate with parents/guardians how birthdays are celebrated and recognized in the classroom. Middle School student birthdays are recognized weekly on the announcement board.
Due to a variety of factors, from food allergies to economic concerns, we strongly recommend that parents do not bring in individual treats and/or snacks for their child’s class or grade level on their birthday.
Overnight Trips
One of the hallmarks of a McGillis education is class trips in 4th through 8th grades! These overnight, off-campus excursions are chaperoned by faculty members and provide unforgettable experiences for our students. They learn together and play together, all while surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery our country has to offer. With the exception of the 8th Grade Washington, DC trip, all trips are included in tuition.
Fall Trimester
6th Grade
At the Teton Science Schools (TSS), our students have the opportunity to learn from TSS guides and their transformative place-based education curriculum in the Teton Valley for 5 days/4 nights.
7th Grade
For 5 days/4 nights, 7th graders travel to the Moab area to work with the Canyonlands Field Institute (CFI). CFI designs its program to deepen the connections students have with each other through hands-on activities at archaeological sites, riparian ecology zones, and a day of whitewater rafting.
8th Grade
Every fall, our oldest students head out on the longest camping trip of their McGillis careers: a 4-day/3night camping trip in the Uintas.
Winter Trimester
7th Grade
This 3-day/2-night adventure is a memorable one, featuring a snowshoe hike into Lily Lake Yurts in the Uinta Mountains.
Spring Trimester
4th Grade
4th graders spend 2 days/1 night with their class at the Wasatch Mountain Institute in Park City.
5th Grade
5th graders spend 3 days/2 nights camping with their class; location varies each year.
6th Grade
6th graders travel to beautiful Zion National Park to hike and camp for 4 days/3 nights.
8th Grade: Washington, DC ($2,400*)
In Washington, DC, our students celebrate the culmination of their year-long study of U.S. history and government (and their McGillis career!) by visiting sites that bring their learning to life.
*Financial assistance is awarded as part of our Tuition Assistance process; email businessoffice@mcgillisschool.org for more information.
McGillis-isms
Learn about the terms and events that are unique to the McGillis community.
AfterSchool: Our fee-based AfterSchool Program is available for students in Kindergarten through 8th Grade, from after school until 6:00 PM, Monday – Friday.
Back to School Night: Evening event when our parents/guardians hear about the new school year and enjoy drinks, appetizers, and mingling with each other.
Coffee Klatch: Informal get-togethers at drop-off in the Gathering Space or outdoors, hosted by the Magpie Association.
CSI: Abbreviation for Curious Student Investigations. One week each year, students in grades 3-5 participate in experiential learning activities led by McGillis teachers and special guests. Teachers create in-depth experiences on a topic they are passionate about.
DEIB: Abbreviation for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging. We believe a diverse, inclusive community is essential to a rich educational experience, and we support each person in our community to reach their full potential.
Ethics & Cultures: Students have a trimester-long class titled “Ethics & Cultures.” In addition to learning about our school’s values and how we can live them every day, students discover, discuss, and read about topics such as identity, diversity, inclusion, equity, social justice, culture, and world cultures. We also explore the historical and contemporary forces that oppress and separate people. Through our Ethics & Cultures program, students participate in our school traditions that are anchored in Jewish holidays.
Fall Leaf Haul: Every November, our entire school rakes leaves for our neighbors in the Douglas Neighborhood and on our campus. Parents are welcome to join us for this Fall community service activity!
Family Groups: Multi-grade groups of students that meet together with a McGillis faculty member for the purpose of sharing values and strengthening the community.
Gathering Space: An open and light-filled space at the Main Entrance where our community can gather, where students perform plays, and where we celebrate Shabbat. Also the spot where coffee is available every weekday morning for faculty/ staff and parents/guardians!
GrandFriends Day: GrandFriends Day is an annual tradition when we invite the grandparents and special friends of our students to experience the magic of McGillis.
Kehilah Crew: Similar to an advisory, Kehilah Crews are small groups of Middle School students who meet together four times each week with a Middle School teacher to participate in group discussions and a variety of games.
Lower School: Grades K-5
MAC: Abbreviation for McGillis Activity Center (our gym and stage).
Magpie: The McGillis School mascot.
Magpie Association: The priority of our Magpie Association is to build the culture of community at McGillis. There are many opportunities to participate and volunteer. Every parent/guardian of a McGillis student is a member of the Magpie Association, and all are invited to engage in ways that fit their interests and availability!
Magpie Messenger: Our Sunday morning email to families with the upcoming week’s important information.
The McGillis Fund: The School’s largest annual fundraising effort to support our school programs, Tuition Assistance, and more.
Middle School: Grades 6-8
Magpie Musings: The McGillis School’s website blog, where you can learn more about our community, culture, and values.
Movement: K-3 Movement classes focus on helping students develop their movement skills. Students will develop an awareness of how to move their bodies, how different body parts relate to one another, and how they, as a mover, relate to people, the environment, and other factors such as music or boundaries.
Morning Care: Our fee-based Morning Care program is available for students in Kindergarten through 8th Grade, beginning at 7:30 AM, Monday – Friday.
OEE: Abbreviation for our Outdoor Environmental Education program, which provides outdoor learning time for all grades, K-8. More extensive outdoor experiences begin in 3rd Grade with day hikes, culminating in a multi-day overnight camping trip in 8th Grade.
Shabbat: The Jewish Sabbath, occurring from Friday sundown until Saturday sundown. At McGillis, we acknowledge Shabbat as a time to be grateful for the past week and for the people in our lives. Shabbatot is the plural of Shabbat
Specialty Classes: Art, Music, Drama, Science Lab, Ethics & Cultures, Library, Digital Citizenship, and P.E./Movement.
The Learning Center (TLC): Our schoolwithin-a-school program for students with language-based learning differences (dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia).
Toolbox: An evidence-based Kindergarten through 5th Grade Social-Emotional Learning program used throughout our Lower School. The 12 Tools help reduce student conflict and behavioral incidents, improving classroom achievement and our school climate.
TREEkun Olam: A school-wide day of service that provides our students with hands-on experience planting trees that immediately impact our climate and community. “TREEkun Olam” is a play on the value tikkun olam (repairing the world).
The View: Digital screens in the School’s Gathering Space and outside the MAC to inform and celebrate our community.
West Campus: Open to students for the first time in the 2025/2026 school year, our West Campus building is located at 721 South 1200 East, just 500 small-child steps from our Main Building. West Campus (formerly the Douglas Ward Building) will be home to the Middle School Integrative Studies program and will host a variety of other kehilah gatherings!
WOW: Abbreviation for our Winter of Wellness program for 1st - 8th Grade students. WOW is a four-week winter activities program that takes groups of students from mixed-grade levels off campus on Thursday afternoons to experience the joy of winter with fellow Magpies.
Giving and Getting Involved
Philanthropic support, either through the donation of money or time, is critical to our success as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and it strengthens all aspects of the McGillis experience. Giving and getting involved allows us to expand and advance programs that enrich our community and make McGillis the kehilah that lives in the hearts of so many long after they leave our campus.
Giving
Philanthropic giving is deeply personal and different for every family. We invite all members of our community to explore the various ways your family can contribute meaningfully to McGillis!
Check your mailboxes in the Fall for our Guide to Giving & Getting Involved, which outlines the specific ways in which you can donate to the School.
Getting Involved
Not all giving is monetary; giving of your time is just as vital to the life of our school! We have a multitude of classroom and program-specific volunteer opportunities available, and our special events would not be possible without our wonderful family volunteers.
Magpie Association (MA)
All McGillis parents/guardians are members of the MA, whose top priority is to build the culture of community at the School. We invite you to engage in ways that fit your interests and availability—there’s something for everyone! For more information contact MAC@mcgillisschool.org (MAC stands for Magpie Association Council).
McGillis School Contacts
Jim Brewer Head of School jbrewer@mcgillisschool.org
Mary Kimball Director of The Learning Center mkimball@mcgillisschool.org
Questions?
Tuition & Tuition Assistance businessoffice@mcgillisschool.org
Philanthropy philanthropy@mcgillisschool.org
Parent & Family Events events@mcgillisschool.org
Absence, Illness, & General Inquiries office@mcgillisschool.org
Katy Hastings Director of Lower School khastings@mcgillisschool.org
Joining McGillis July 1, 2025
Tim Campbell Director of Middle School tcampbell@mcgillisschool.org
Messenger, Social Media, & Website communications@mcgillisschool.org
Lunch Program & Food Allergies bgill@mcgillisschool.org
Lower School Counselor khutten@mcgillisschool.org
MS Counselor/School Psychologist sdavies@mcgillisschool.org
