Last week the district told schools that testing would probably be canceled because of the potentially large number of students who might not attend school.

"We're not hearing there will be widespread absenteeism, so do what you have scheduled based on what you know about your school and your community," said Salt Lake Superintendent McKell Withers, of the district's new recommendation.

School districts throughout the region are bracing for the unknown Monday when some students and families may stay home in a show of Latino solidarity for immigration reform. Recent rallies throughout the nation attracted record numbers of Latino participants just weeks after students had participated in walk-outs from schools.

But Salt Lake officials say Latino leaders are encouraging students to stay in school May 1. Of roughly 24,000 students in the Salt Lake City district, 36 percent are Latino.

Whether students are tested that day will be a school-based decision, district officials said.

"I think schools should be very sensitive to whether or not their students are going to be there," said Joan Reynolds, the district's supervisor of assessment.

If students do miss the test, they will be required to make it up. No Child Left Behind, the federal education act, requires at least 95 percent of students participate in testing. Schools have a time window in which to complete the testing.

In the Ogden City School District, which is more than 40 percent Latino, Monday is expected to be a normal day.

"We're not doing anything different," said Superintendent Catherine Ortega. "We expect our kids to be in school every day."

As with every year, West Lake Junior High in West Valley City will send out a phone message in English and Spanish telling parents about state testing and how important it is for students to be in school. But this year the school will acknowledge that there are other issues tied to May 1. Nevertheless, the school, which is about 40 percent Latino, is still encouraging students to be in school.

"We're going on business as usual," said Principal David Rettie.

jlyon@sltrib.com