Williamsburg Parent Update

Action Items

Parent Curriculum Survey: Yesterday, we emailed our Parent Curriculum Survey to all parents. If you haven’t already, please take 5-10 minutes to complete the survey by Friday, November 6. Your feedback on course experiences, student needs, and future offerings will help us shape our curriculum for Fall 2027. We appreciate your input!

Daylight Saving Time Reminder: Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends this Sunday, November 1! Williamsburg’s class schedules will follow the time change. Families in states that don’t observe DST will see classes start an hour earlier starting Monday. For students in DST-observing states, class times remain the same—just be sure to double-check clocks and alarms so your student is on time and ready to learn!

Announcements

Course/Mentor Feedback: Did you know that you or your student can give feedback about a course and/or mentor at any time during the school year? Giving feedback is available through Canvas. All you need to do is click on the “Help” button on the left side of the screen and then select “WL Course/Mentor Feedback.” It really is that easy!

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Friday): Llama Learning Labs and Tutoring (Check the WA Hub for the Engageli link)

• Monday through Thursday—1:30-3:30 PM MT

• Friday—10:00 AM-12:00 PM MT

November 1: Daylight Saving Time Ends

November 25-27: Thanksgiving Break (No Live Classes, Offices Closed)

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, school calendar, and more!

Action Items

Learning Brave Summer Teen Retreat: What could five days of adventure do for your teen's confidence? Williamsburg Academy is excited to partner with Learning Brave for an unforgettable Teen Retreat in the beautiful Colorado mountains! From May 31-June 4, 2027, Williamsburg students in grades 8-12 will have the opportunity to take on exciting outdoor challenges, discover their leadership potential, and build meaningful friendships. Spots are limited, so don't miss this opportunity to help your teen discover what they're capable of. Learn more and apply on Learning Brave’s Teen Retreat event web page today!

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Friday): Llama Learning Labs and Tutoring (Check the WA Hub for the Engageli link)

• Monday through Thursday—1:30-3:30 PM MT

• Friday—10:00 AM-12:00 PM MT

November 25-27: Thanksgiving Break (No Live Classes, Offices Closed)

May 31-June 4: Learning Brave Teen Retreat

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, school calendar, and more!

There are no new announcements or action items this week.

We hope your family enjoys a wonderful Fall Break!

Action Items

Last Chance to Complete Student Surveys! Today is your student’s final opportunity to complete their Course Evaluation Surveys, which are available in their Homeroom Canvas course. Please encourage them to participate—these surveys offer a valuable opportunity to provide feedback on their Live and Self-Paced courses and mentors, helping us improve classes.

Announcements

Mid-Semester Assignment Deadlines: Midterms are next week! Students in both Live and Self-Paced courses must submit all assignments from the first half of the semester by Wednesday, October 14 at 5:00 PM MT. After this deadline, midterm assignments will lock, and late submissions will not be accepted.

Please note: If a student fails their Self-Paced courses, they may not be eligible to take Self-Paced courses in the future.

Quarterly Parent Check-In: Our Chief Academics Officer, Danelle Almaraz, will be reaching out to parents the week after Fall Break. We want to hear how your student is doing and help with any challenges. When Danelle reaches out, please be sure to share your feedback so we can better support your student’s success!

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Friday): Llama Learning Labs and Tutoring (Check the WA Hub for the Engageli link)

• Monday through Thursday—1:30-3:30 PM MT

• Friday—10:00 AM-12:00 PM MT

Note: Llama Learning Labs and Tutoring are closed October 15-16 for Fall Break

October 12-14: Midterm Testing (No Live Classes)

October 14: All Pre-Midterm Assignments Due—5:00 PM MT

October 14: Course Withdrawal Deadline

October 15-16: Fall Break (No Live Classes, Offices Closed)

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, school calendar, and more!

Dear Parents,

I hope the semester is going well for everyone! As a reminder, Wednesday, October 14, is our midterm deadline. All coursework assigned up to that point is due by this date.

To help your student finish strong, I encourage them to make full use of our Study Labs, Mentor Office Hours, and individual tutoring over the next two weeks. These resources are a great way to catch up on outstanding work and get help with challenging material. They can also help your student head into the second half of the semester with confidence. You can find links to the Study Labs and individual tutoring in the WA Hub.

Thank you for supporting your student’s hard work and dedication. We’re proud of our students and excited to see them finish the first half of the semester well!

Warmly,

John Forsythe

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Announcements

Mid-Semester Assignment Deadlines: Midterms are right around the corner! Students in both Live and Self-Paced courses must submit all assignments from the first half of the semester by October 14 at 5:00 PM MT. After this deadline, midterm assignments will lock, and late submissions will not be accepted.

Please note: if a student fails their Self-Paced courses, they may not be eligible to take Self-Paced courses in the future.

Student Course Evaluation Surveys Are Open: Student Course Evaluation Surveys open in your student’s Homeroom Canvas course on Monday, September 28. Your student’s feedback helps us improve our curriculum, mentoring, and our live and self-paced courses each year. Please remind them to complete their surveys by Monday, October 5. Surveys will remain open through Friday, October 9.

October 5-9 is Spirit Week! Encourage your student to join the fun by dressing up each day and showing their school spirit.

• Monday – Pajama Day: Keep it cozy and come to class in your favorite pajamas!

• Tuesday – "Touch Grass" Day: Take class outside, or choose an outdoor Zoom background for the day.

• Wednesday – Secret Agent Day: Grab your sunglasses and a fake mustache to go undercover!

• Thursday – Dress up as a Mentor: Dress up as your favorite mentor and do your best impression.

• Friday – Favorite Character Day: Dress up as your favorite character from a movie, book, show, game, or anywhere else!

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Friday): Llama Learning Labs and Tutoring (Check the WA Hub for the Engageli link)

• Monday through Thursday—1:30-3:30 PM MT

• Friday—10:00 AM-12:00 PM MT

October 5-9: Spirit Week

October 12-14: Midterm Testing (No Live Classes)

October 14: All Pre-Midterm Assignments Due—5:00 PM MT

October 14: Course Withdrawal Deadline

October 15-16: Fall Break (No Live Classes, Offices Closed)

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, school calendar, and more!

Announcements

Student Course Evaluation Surveys Open Monday: Student Course Evaluation Surveys open in your student’s Homeroom Canvas course on Monday, September 28. Your student’s feedback helps us improve our curriculum, mentoring, and our live and self-paced courses each year. Please remind your student to complete their surveys by Monday, October 5. Surveys will remain open through Friday, October 9.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Friday): Llama Learning Labs and Tutoring (Check the WA Hub for the Engageli link)

• Monday through Thursday—1:30-3:30 PM MT

• Friday—9:00 AM-11:00 AM MT

October 5-9: Spirit Week (Dress Up Themes Coming Soon)

October 12-14: Midterm Testing (No Live Classes)

October 14: All Pre-Midterm Assignments Due—5:00 PM MT

October 14: Course Withdrawal Deadline

October 15-16: Fall Break (No Live Classes, Offices Closed)

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, school calendar, and more!

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Friday): Llama Learning Labs and Tutoring (Check the WA Hub for the Engageli link)

• Monday through Thursday—1:30-3:30 PM MT

• Friday—9:00-11:00 AM MT

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, school calendar, and more!

Dear Parents,

I want to highlight three of my favorite resources we offer because they can genuinely change how a semester goes for your student: Mentor Office Hours, Study Labs, and tutoring.

Mentor Office Hours give your student time with someone who knows their work and is invested in their success. Students can bring questions, talk through an assignment, or simply check in. Study Labs provide dedicated time and structure to get work done, often alongside classmates working toward the same goal. And if a subject starts feeling like an uphill climb, tutoring is available to provide extra support.

Here’s what I love about the students who use these resources: they aren’t always the ones struggling most. Often, they’re the ones doing the best! Attending Office Hours and asking for help early can keep a small stumble from becoming a semester-long challenge. Learning to seek support when needed is a valuable habit that will serve students well long after this year.

Getting started is easy. Your student can access Study Labs and tutoring through the WA Hub course in Canvas. I encourage you to take a few minutes with your student to see what’s available and help them put something on their calendar.

Let’s have a great semester!

Warmly,

John Forsythe

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Announcements

No Live Classes on September 17: There will be no live classes on Thursday, September 17, due to a scheduled Mentor Work Day. Encourage your student to use the day to catch up, study, or get ahead on upcoming work. Mentor office hours will be held as usual.

Course/Mentor Feedback: Did you know that you or your student can give feedback about a course and/or mentor at any time during the year? Giving feedback is available through Canvas. All you need to do is click on the “Help” button on the left side of the screen and then select “WL Course/Mentor Feedback.” It really is that easy!

Camera Expectations Reminder: Students should remain on camera during all live classes to help build connection, accountability, and a safe learning environment. If your student needs to briefly step away, they should send their mentor a private message, such as “BRB,” and leave their camera on while stepping out of view. Please encourage your student to return promptly and come to class ready to participate and engage.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Friday): Llama Learning Labs and Tutoring (Check the WA Hub for the Engageli link)

• Monday through Thursday—1:30-3:30 PM MT

• Friday—9:00 AM-11:00 AM MT

September 11: Fishin’ in the Dark Event (Hosted by LAU in Ogden, UT)—5:30-9:30 PM MT

September 17: Mentor Work Day (No Live Classes)

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, school calendar, and more!

Hello Williamsburg Academy Parents,

This week, we have both a sad announcement and an exciting one—and they’re both on the same topic!

The sad news is that Sarah Millward, our Williamsburg Academy (WA) Registrar, has taken on an exciting new challenge with another company and will be stepping away from the Registrar role. The good news is that she’ll continue to run Adventures activities in Utah, so those who know her from that work will still see her around!

The exciting news is that the inimitable Regina Ewell is stepping into the role. Regina has been championing our CST Team for the last seven years and was also the WA Registrar before Sarah came on. She brings deep experience in everything that touches the role—including the customer service that lives at its heart.

So, this week, we bid a fond farewell to Sarah and extend an incredibly warm welcome to Regina!

Warmly,

John Forsythe

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Announcements

Online Thursday Activities: Each Thursday, students can connect with peers and get inspired through our alternating events—Thursday Night Live and Inspiration Hour. These weekly gatherings are a fun way to engage with the Williamsburg community while fueling personal growth. The Zoom link can be found on the front page of your student’s Homeroom Canvas course. Encourage your student to join each week and make the most of these events!

LAU Fishin’ in the Dark Activity: Our sister school, Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU), invites Williamsburg students, along with friends and family, to their Fishin’ in the Dark activity on Friday, September 11, from 5:30-9:30 PM MT.

Spend the evening casting a line, enjoying a catered dinner, and making memories at the beautiful Cold Springs Trout Farm in Ogden, UT. Registration closes Thursday, September 10. For more information or to register, visit LAU’s Fishin’ in the Dark event web page.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Friday): Llama Learning Labs and Tutoring (Check the WA Hub for the Engageli link)

• Monday through Thursday—1:30-3:30 PM MT

• Friday—9:00 AM-11:00 AM MT

September 7: Labor Day—No Live Classes, Offices Closed

September 11: Fishin’ in the Dark Event (Hosted by LAU in Ogden, UT)—5:30-9:30 PM MT

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, school calendar, and more!

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Friday): Llama Learning Labs and Tutoring (Check the WA Hub for the Engageli link)

• Monday through Thursday—1:30-3:30 PM MT

• Friday—9:00 AM-11:00 PM MT

August 31: Course Add/Drop Deadline

September 7: Labor Day—No Live Classes, Offices Closed

September 11: LAU Fishin’ in the Dark Event (Ogden, UT)—5:30-9:30 PM MT

Announcements

Introducing A.I.M., Our Approach to AI: Students today have tools that can generate answers, ideas, and even essays in seconds. To help students use AI without letting it do the thinking for them, we’re introducing A.I.M.:

• Acknowledge how and where AI was used.

• Inspect its output for accuracy.

• Make it your own by showing your thinking.

A.I.M. helps students use AI responsibly while building critical thinking, judgment, and ownership of their work. When questions come up, Mentors will start with a conversation and presume good faith. Learn more about A.I.M. on Williamsburg Family of Schools’ AI Policies web page.

WA Add/Drop Deadline: The last day for students to add, drop, or change classes for the semester is Monday, August 31. Please take note of this date, as finalized schedules help students stay focused and on track in their classes. If you have questions about your student's schedule, contact your student's Academic Advisor.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Friday): Llama Learning Labs and Tutoring (Check the WA Hub for the Zoom link)

• Monday through Thursday—1:30-3:30 PM MT

• Friday—9:00 AM-11:00 PM MT

August 31: Course Add/Drop Deadline

September 7: Labor Day—No Live Classes, Offices Closed

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, school calendar, and more!

Action Items

Student Orientation and Benchmark Assessments: To ensure your student starts the year off strong, they must complete their Orientation coursework and Benchmark Assessments in Canvas by Tuesday, August 18. Benchmarks are used internally to help personalize your student’s learning experience and improve our course curriculum. Additional details about Orientation and Benchmark requirements are available on Page 6 of the WA Welcome Packet.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Friday): Llama Learning Labs and Tutoring (Check the WA Hub for the Zoom link)

• Monday through Thursday—1:30-3:30 PM MT

• Friday—9:00 AM-11:00 PM MT

August 18: Student Orientation/Benchmarks Deadline

August 31: Course Add/Drop Deadline

September 7: Labor Day—No Live Classes, Offices Closed

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, school calendar, and more!

Hi there, Williamsburg families,

Welcome back—or welcome for the very first time! We're so excited to start a new school year with you, and we can't wait to see everything your students accomplish this year.

Here are the two most important upcoming events to remember:

• Monday, August 10-11: First Days of School / Live Student Orientation Days

• Wednesday, August 12: Live Online Classes Begin

If any questions come up, please contact our Customer Support Team. They are happy to help.

Looking forward to a wonderful year ahead!

Warmly,

John Forsythe

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Action Items

Student Orientation and Benchmark Assessments: To ensure your student starts the year off strong, they must complete their Orientation coursework and Benchmark Assessments in Canvas. Benchmarks are used internally to help personalize your student's learning experience and improve our course curriculum. They will have Monday, August 10 and Tuesday, August 11 during Set Up for Success Week to work on them, but students may start early if they'd like.

Additional details about Orientation and Benchmark requirements are available on Page 6 of the WA Welcome Packet. Your student will need an SIS login to complete Orientation and Benchmarks. If they haven't created one yet, you can find setup instructions on Page 5.

Announcements

Parent Back-to-School Night Recording: Our Parent Back-to-School Night was held on Wednesday, August 5. If you missed this fun and informative event, you can still catch up by watching the recording here. It's a great way to get oriented, hear from WA team members, and feel confident heading into the school year.

Set Up for Success Week: Success Week (August 10-14) is the first week of school and includes a series of important events designed to help your family start the school year strong. All parents should have received an email on Thursday, August 6, with links to your student's Live Orientation Days, a Tech Support Room, and more. Links will also be available to families on the Homepage of the WA Hub Monday morning.

Be sure to have your student attend both sessions of Live Student Orientation. Doing so will allow them to work on their Canvas Orientation assignments and Benchmark Assessments (if assigned).

Tutoring & Study Support: If your student needs help with math or language arts, has questions about another course, or would benefit from extra support this year, they can join our Llama Learning Labs, offered every weekday starting Wednesday, August 12:

• Monday-Thursday - 1:30-3:30 PM MT

• Friday - 10:00-12:00 PM MT

No sign-up is required for drop-ins, but appointments are also available. Students can access the labs directly through the link in the WA Hub.

Upcoming Events

August 10: Fall Semester Begins

August 10-11: Live Student Orientation Days—9:00 AM MT (Zoom Link Available on the WA Hub Homepage)

August 12: Live Online Classes Begin

August 31: Course Add/Drop Deadline

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, school calendar, and more!

Dear Parents,

As we enter the final stretch of the semester, we want to take a moment to encourage and celebrate your students. The end of the semester is in sight and the last day of school will be here before we know it.

We encourage students to review their progress in each class, wrap up any remaining assignments, and reach out to their Mentors with any questions or concerns. Our Mentors are passionate about supporting every student and are ready to help, so please do not hesitate to reach out.

After all the hard work is done, we hope your family enjoys a summer break that is truly well deserved and full of adventure, rest, and meaningful memories. For students who want to get ahead, catch up, or simply keep their momentum going, summer classes are a wonderful option worth exploring.

We are incredibly proud of the dedication and effort students have brought to this semester and we are already excited about everything the fall semester has in store. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your continued support in helping your students finish the year with confidence and success.

Warmly,

John Forsythe

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Action Items

End-of-Semester Assignment Deadline: Students in both Live and Self-Paced classes must submit all assignments by Friday, May 22, at 5:00 PM MT. After this deadline, all assignments will lock and late submissions will not be accepted. With just one week to go, now is the perfect time to sit with your student, review any remaining assignments, and finish the semester strong!

End-of-Year Computer Returns: As the school year comes to a close, please ensure any student computers are returned promptly. Contact our IT Support Team to request a return shipping label, and please have all computers shipped by end of day Friday, May 29.

Student Computer Renewal: If your student will be keeping their computer over the summer, please complete the Student Computer Loan Agreement to renew their contract for the upcoming school year. Please note that student email accounts and computers will be locked starting Monday, June 1, and will be unlocked on Saturday, August 1, in preparation for the new school year.

Announcements

End-of-Year Lagoon Event: Lagoon Day is just around the corner! Williamsburg students and families are invited to join Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) at Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington, UT this coming Wednesday, May 20, from 9:30 AM-4:00 PM MT. If you haven't signed up yet, there is still time! Visit the LAU & WL Lagoon Day event page to register and receive a promo code for discounted group-rate tickets.

Action Items

End-of-Semester Assignment Deadline: Students in both Live and Self-Paced classes must submit all assignments by Friday, May 22 at 5:00 PM MT. After this deadline, all assignments will lock and late submissions will not be accepted. With just two weeks to go, now is a great time to sit with your student, review outstanding assignments, and make a plan to finish strong.

End-of-Year Computer Returns: If your student's computer needs to be returned, please contact our IT Support Team to request a return shipping label. All computers must be shipped by the end of the day on Friday, May 29.

Student Computer Renewal: If you plan on keeping your student's computer over the summer, please complete our Student Computer Loan Agreement form to renew their contract for next year. Student email accounts and computer will be locked starting Monday, June 1, and will be unlocked on Saturday, August 1, to allow time to prepare for the new school year.

Announcements

Canvas Update: After multiple cybersecurity attacks, Canvas is back up and running, and all classes, clubs, and office hours will resume as normal on Monday. As a reminder, families and students should stay alert for phishing attempts, including unusual emails, unexpected links, or password reset requests that appear to come from Canvas or school-related accounts. While we have not received reports of specific incidents, these are common tactics following breaches like this, so please use caution with unexpected communication.

End-of-Year Lagoon Event: Celebrate the end of the school year with us! Williamsburg students and families are invited to join Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) for a day at Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington, UT on Wednesday, May 20 from 9:30 AM-4:00 PM MT. Registered participants will receive a promo code for discounted group-rate tickets. Visit the LAU & WL Lagoon Day event page for full details and to sign up.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Friday): Pomodoro and Tutoring Study Lab (Check the WA Hub for the Zoom link)

• Monday through Thursday—1:30-3:30 PM MT

• Friday—10:00 AM-12:00 PM MT

May 20: Finals Study Day (No Live Online Classes)

May 20: LAU & WL Lagoon Day (Farmington, UT)—9:30 AM-4:00 PM MT

May 21-22: Finals Testing (No Live Online Classes)

May 22: Final Day to Submit Post-Midterm Assessments—5:00 PM MT

May 22: Online Graduation (Check the WA Hub to Register)—6:00 PM MT

June 5: Final Grades Available

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, school calendar, and more!

Adventures course photos are available to view anytime in our Google Drive folder—take a look!

Dear Parents,

With Teacher Appreciation Week approaching, we want to recognize something we should say more often—our Mentors are truly exceptional.

At Williamsburg Academy (WA), Mentors do far more than deliver content. They guide, challenge, and encourage your student while investing in their growth. Whether offering thoughtful feedback, leading meaningful discussions, or showing up with consistency and care, they shape the daily experience of our students in lasting ways. As someone married to a Math Mentor, I have personally witnessed the hours of tutoring, mentoring, and care she gives her students.

What makes our Mentors remarkable is their ability to balance high expectations with real support. They meet students where they are, then help them go further than they thought possible. We are deeply grateful for the role they play in building not just strong learners, but confident, capable young people. Our Mentors truly are the best.

Sincerely,

John Forsythe

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Action Items

End-of-Semester Assignment Deadline: As we approach the end of the semester, now is a great time to check in with your student about their progress and review upcoming assignment deadlines. All post-midterm assignments are due by Friday, May 22, at 5:00 PM MT. Staying on top of final due dates can help your student finish strong and avoid last-minute stress—thank you for your support!

End-of-Year Computer Returns: If your student’s computer needs to be returned, please contact our IT Support Team to request a return shipping label. All computers must be shipped by the end of the day on Friday, May 29.

Student Computer Contract Renewal: If you plan on keeping your student’s computer over the summer, please complete our Computer Equipment Loan Agreement form to renew their contract for next year. Student email accounts and computers will be locked starting Monday, June 1, and will be unlocked on Saturday, August 1, to allow time to prepare for the new school year.

Announcements

End-of-Year (EOY) Benchmark Testing is on Monday, May 4! Your student’s EOY Benchmark Assessments are now available in the WA Hub course in Canvas and are due by the end of the day, Wednesday, May 6. We’ve set aside Monday, May 4, as a dedicated workday, though students are welcome to begin this weekend. Encourage your student to complete these early to finish the semester strong.

End-of-Year Lagoon Event: Williamsburg students and families are invited to join Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) for a day at Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington, UT, on Wednesday, May 20, from 9:30 AM-4:00 PM MT. Registered participants will receive a promo code to purchase tickets at a discounted group rate. Come celebrate the end of the school year with a fun day at the park! Visit the LAU & WL Lagoon Day event web page for full details and to sign up.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Friday): Pomodoro and Tutoring Study Lab (Check the WA Hub for the Zoom link)

• Monday through Thursday—1:30-3:30 PM MT

• Friday—10:00 AM-12:00 PM MT

May 1: LAU & WL Prom (Salt Lake City, UT)—8:00-10:30 PM MT

May 4: EOY Benchmark Testing (No Live Online Classes)

May 20: Finals Study Day (No Live Online Classes)

May 20: LAU & WL Lagoon Day (Farmington, UT)—9:30 AM-4:00 PM MT

May 21-22: Finals Testing (No Live Online Classes)

May 22: Final Day to Submit Post-Midterm Assessments—5:00 PM MT

May 22: Online Graduation (Check the WA Hub to Register)—6:00 PM MT

June 5: Final Grades Available

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, school calendar, and more!

Adventures course photos are available to view anytime in our Google Drive folder—take a look!