Dear Students and Parents,
My name is Linda Hall. I look forward to serving the staff, students, and families of Canyons as the Program Administrator for Secondary and Post High Schools and the Canyons Transition Academy Principal. I am a mother of one daughter and grandmother to a five-year-old granddaughter, as well as serving as the guardian to my brother, who has special needs. I lived in Washington for 43 years, receiving my Elementary and Special Education degree from Heritage University, a Master’s degree in Literacy from Walden University, and Administration Certification from Gonzaga University. I have worked in education for 26 years, teaching all levels of special education and serving as Dean of Students and an assistant principal. I was also the administrator for an after-school program for at-risk youth for ten years. My brother and I moved to Utah six years ago after the birth of my granddaughter to be closer to my daughter and her family. I worked for Jordan District for two years, then transferred to Canyons District for the last four years as a teacher specialist for special education.
My name is Spencer Hansen. I am excited to join the team of professionals working at the Canyons Transition Academy. In addition to my duties at CTA, I serve as the Transition Specialist for the Canyons School District. I am a father of 4 amazing children, one of which has special needs. I come from Davis County, Utah where I was born, raised and served in the Davis School District for 25 years of my career. I received my Undergraduate Degree in Psychology from the University of Utah with Honors, a Master of Science Degree in Special Education and Rehabilitation from Utah State University and a second Master of Education Degree from the University of Utah in Educational Policy and Leadership. I have worked in education for 25 years and have served as a Special Education Paraprofessional, Special Education Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. My family recently relocated from Davis County to Utah County, necessitating a change of School District.
Canyons Transition Academy teachers and staff look forward to working with you during the upcoming school year. Our first day of school is Monday, August 21, 2023. Students attend CTA Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 2:00. They will not attend CTA on Fridays. On Fridays from 7:15 to 11:15, teachers will be in the building for professional development, lesson planning, parent conferences, and IEP meetings.
In August, you will receive a phone call from your student’s teacher to welcome you. Depending on your transportation needs, you will receive specific UTA route information, including stop locations and times. Transportation will contact you with pick-up and drop-off times if your student is riding the school bus.
All new and returning students must register online through their Skyward account. Online registration begins on August 7th. You must log into Skyward Family Access using your guardian Skyward ID and password (http://skyward.canyonsdistrict.org). If you need your user ID, password, or any help, please call the IT Help Desk at 801-826-5544. If you are unable to register at home, beginning on August 7th, computers will be available at CTA, where Jenny Green will be available to help you through the registration process. You must call ahead to set up a time to register. You can reach Jenny after July 25th at 801 826-5487 to schedule a time to register your student.
During the first two weeks of school, students will participate in travel training to help familiarize them with the UTA transportation system. They will complete interest surveys, learn about the classes available, and visit sites in the community. New students will also have the opportunity to choose the classes they would like to take fall semester. Please note that students need to bring money for lunch purchases or a sack lunch, which does not require using a microwave.
Please join us for an ice cream social on Tuesday, August 29 from 4:30-6:30. During that time you can meet CTA administrators, teachers and staff and learn more about everything CTA has to offer. We are excited to meet you!
Students riding UTA to and/or from CTA will need a UTA Reduced Fare Monthly Sticker Card. The fee for the card is $2.50. A monthly sticker will be provided to students as long as they maintain 80% attendance during the previous month. Students needing a UTA Reduced Fare Card will complete an online application during the first two weeks of school. Parents, if your student misplaces their Monthly Reduced Fare Card, you will need to replace it and possibly pay the bus fare for the remainder of the month.
Students riding the school bus to and/or from CTA do not need to purchase a UTA Reduced Fare card. They will use a UTA Travel Training Pass, provided by CTA, to ride UTA during school hours.
CTA’s safety procedure requires that the doors to CTA remain locked most of the day. Parents, students arriving late, and visitors to the building will have to ring the doorbell to enter the building. If your student is late to school or needs to be picked up early, you must contact the teacher. Please get in touch with your student’s teacher by 8:45 if they arrive late or will be picked up early. The class may be in the community, and the student will need to be dropped off or picked up in the community. If the student is going to be absent, we ask that a guardian or your student notify the school.
The following are additional recommended preparations for CTA students.
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Obtain a state-issued ID.
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Apply for SSI and Medicaid. (Information included)
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Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation services, information can be found at:
https://jobs.utah.gov/usor/vr/apply.html
The CTA Calendars for 2023-24 school year, the CTA Student Daily Checklist, list of Employment Soft Skills taught at CTA and additional information will be available on our website at cta.canyonsdistrict.org in August. The CTA 2023-24 School Year Calendar will be provided to students and parents when students return to school.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
If you have questions, please contact:
Spencer Hansen, Transition Specialist, 801 826-5335Sincerely,
Linda Hall
Canyons Transition Academy Administrator
