Williamsburg Parent Update

Dear Williamsburg Academy Parents,

Have you ever noticed your student’s focus fading after a while? That’s completely normal—our brains are built to need breaks! Knowing this, our tutoring labs use the Pomodoro Method, a simple yet powerful approach that makes study time more effective and less stressful.

The Pomodoro Method was developed in the 1980s by a college student in Italy who managed his study sessions with a kitchen timer shaped like a tomato—pomodoro in Italian. He discovered that breaking work into short bursts made it easier to stay focused and finish strong. That simple idea later became known as the Pomodoro Method, and it’s still going strong today.

Here’s how your student can try it at home:

1. Set a timer for 25 minutes. This is one “Pomodoro.”
2. Work with focus—no distractions.
3. When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break.
4. After a few Pomodoros, take a longer 15–30 minute break.

This method works because it builds focus, curbs procrastination, and makes study time feel like a game. Parents appreciate it for the lasting study habits it creates—I even used it with my own kids, and my oldest, who is now a pilot, still relies on it today!

To make it even easier, we host weekly Pomodoro Labs where students can practice this method alongside mentors and peers. You’ll find the schedule and Zoom link under Upcoming Events. I also encourage you to try it at home with your student—sometimes even small shifts in study habits can make a big difference.

Sincerely,

Renee Smith

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Action Items

Student Course Evaluation Surveys: Student Course Evaluation Surveys are now live in your student’s Homeroom Canvas course. Your student’s feedback helps us improve our curriculum, mentoring, and our courses each year. Please remind your student to complete the survey for each of their Self-Paced and Live courses by Monday, October 6. Surveys will remain open through Friday, October 10.

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 15 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.

October 6–10 is Williamsburg Spirit Week! Encourage your student to join the fun by dressing up each day and showing their school spirit.

Monday – Zoom Background: Choose a creative virtual background to show off.

Tuesday – Movie Character: Dress as your favorite character from any movie.

Wednesday – Fancy Day: Break out your best formal wear and dress to impress.

Thursday – Dress up as a Mentor: Outfits, accessories, and mannerisms included!

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—9:00-11:00 AM MT

October 6–10: Williamsburg Spirit Week

October 13: Midterms Study Day (No Live Classes)

October 14–15: Midterms Testing (No Live Classes)

October 15: All Pre-Midterm Assignments Due—5:00 PM MT

October 16–17: Fall Break (No Live Classes, Offices Closed)

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view past Weekly Parent Updates, our Parent Video Library, and more!

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

Announcements

Student Course Evaluation Surveys Open Monday: Student Course Evaluation Surveys open in your student’s Homeroom Canvas course on Monday, September 29. 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 6. Surveys will remain open through Friday, October 10.

Pomodoro & Tutoring Lab Gift Card Drawing: Students who regularly attend Pomodoro and Tutoring Study Labs have a chance to win a $20 gift card to a restaurant of their choice at the end of each quarter! Here’s how your student can earn entries:

• Attend at least 75% of labs to be automatically entered into the drawing.
• Attend multiple labs in a row for bonus entries.

Encourage your student to show up, stay on track, and get rewarded for their effort!

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—9:00-11:00 AM MT

October 6-10: Williamsburg Spirit Week (Dress Up Themes Coming Soon)

October 13: Midterms Study Day (No Live Classes)

October 14-15: Midterms Testing (No Live Classes)

October 15: All Pre-Midterm Assignments Due—5:00 PM MT

October 16-17: Fall Break (No Live Classes, Offices Closed)

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view past Weekly Parent Updates, our Parent Video Library, and more!

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

Action Items

Couldn’t make it to Parent-Mentor Conferences? If you weren’t able to attend Parent-Mentor Conferences this week, you can still connect with your student’s mentor for a quick update. Use this helpful guide for simple instructions on how to get in touch.

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—9:00-11:00 AM MT

September 15-19: Parent Mentor Conferences

September 20: Wheeler Farm Fall Country Kick-Off (Hosted by LAU in Murray, Utah)—7:00-10:30 PM MT

October 6-10: Williamsburg Spirit Week (Dress Up Themes Coming Soon)

October 13: Midterms Study Day (No Live Classes)

October 14-15: Midterms Testing (No Live Classes)

October 15: All Pre-Midterm Assignments Due—5:00 PM MT

October 16-17: Fall Break (No Live Classes, Offices Closed)

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view past Weekly Parent Updates, our Parent Video Library, and more!

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

Announcements

Parent Mentor Conferences: Parent Mentor Conferences begin Monday, September 15, and run until Friday, September 19. An email was sent earlier this week with instructions on how to sign up. Be sure to check your inbox for more details. If you missed the email, please contact our Customer Support Team.

No Live Classes September 18: To accommodate Parent Mentor Conferences, there will be no live classes on Thursday, September 18. Please encourage your student to take this day to study and work on assignments.

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—9:00-11:00 AM MT

September 15-19: Parent Mentor Conferences—No Live Classes Sept. 18

September 20: Wheeler Farm Fall Dance (Hosted by LAU in Murray, Utah)—7:00-10:30 PM MT

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view past Weekly Parent Updates, our Parent Video Library, and more!

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

Dear Williamsburg Parents,

I recently came across a Forbes article that challenged the idea of “back-to-school.” The author suggested September isn’t about going back at all—it’s about moving forward. That idea resonated with me, because each fall offers families a natural moment of renewal.

This season of reset is an opportunity not just to slip into familiar routines, but to ask: Are our routines helping our students grow in the ways that matter most? At Williamsburg Academy, we believe education should be more than simply completing assignments. It’s about cultivating curiosity, independence, and a love of learning.

As you settle into the school year, I encourage you to consider the “forward” opportunities in your family—the creative ways you can refresh habits, inspire deeper conversations, and build rhythms that make learning feel meaningful. Because if “back-to-school” only means more of the same, we’ve missed the point.

The real opportunity is to move forward—with optimism, purpose, and a focus on what best serves your family.

Sincerely,

Renee Smith

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Announcements

Parent Mentor Conferences: Parent Mentor Conferences begin Monday, September 15, and run until Friday, September 19. Stay tuned for an email with instructions on how and when to sign up!

No Live Classes September 18: To accommodate Parent Mentor Conferences, there will be no live classes on Thursday, September 18. Please encourage your student to take this day to study and work on assignments.

Thursday Night 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 Wheeler Farm Fall Dance: Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) invites Williamsburg students, along with friends and family, to their fall dance at Wheeler Farm in Murray, UT, on Saturday, September 20, from 7:00-10:30 PM MT. Enjoy dancing, country games, and Seven Brother’s Burgers catering. Registration closes on the day of the event—or sooner if capacity is reached. For more information or to register, visit LAU’s Wheeler Farm Fall Dance event web page.

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—9:00-11:00 AM MT

September 15-19: Parent Mentor Conferences—No Live Classes Sept. 18

September 20: Wheeler Farm Fall Dance (Hosted by LAU in Murray, Utah)—7:00-10:30 PM MT

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view past Weekly Parent Updates, our Parent Video Library, and more!

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

Announcements

Tutoring & Study Support: If your student needs help with math or language arts, has questions about another course, or would benefit from extra support, they can join our drop-in tutoring sessions offered every weekday:

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

Friday - 9:00-11:00 AM MT

No sign-up is required. Students can access the sessions directly through the link in the WA Hub.

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—9:00-11:00 AM MT

August 29: Course Add/Drop Deadline

September 1: Labor Day—No Live Classes, Offices Closed

September 15-19: Parent Mentor Conferences—No Live Classes Sept. 18

Action Items

Student Orientation and Benchmark Assessments: To ensure your student starts the year off strong, they must complete their Orientation coursework and three Benchmark Assessments in Canvas. Benchmarks are used internally to help personalize your student’s learning experience and improve our course curriculum. If they haven’t already, please work with your student to complete these as soon as possible.

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

August 29 is the WA Add/Drop Deadline! Students have 14 days from the start of the semester to determine if they want to continue with, drop, or change a class. Please take note of this date as finalized schedules help students stay focused and on track in their classes.

Upcoming Events

August 29: Course Add/Drop Deadline

September 1: Labor Day—No Live Classes, Offices Closed

Dear Williamsburg Parents,

The 2025–26 school year is officially underway! We’re excited to see new and returning faces in our Zoom rooms and look forward to joining your student on their educational journey.

As Mentors and support staff, our greatest desire is to support you in educating your students. Our mentors are licensed, well-trained, highly qualified, and they genuinely care. We focus on teaching students how to think, not just what to think, and know that working with you leads to the best outcomes.

We ask for your help in setting your student up for success this year. Research shows that students are more successful when parents are actively involved in their education. Below are four focus areas that can greatly boost your student’s success:

FOCUS #1: Help Students Create a Quiet Area for Class and Homework

A quiet, distraction-free area helps students focus during class and while completing homework in Canvas. Each live class is only 50 minutes long, so a dedicated space allows them to be fully present and get the most out of their learning time.

FOCUS #2: Encourage Note-Taking

Note-taking improves learning, concentration, and memory. Active note-taking during class and while reading deepens understanding and helps students recall material for out-of-class assignments. Encourage note-taking to become a habit by providing adequate notebooks and offering praise during your weekly check-ins with your student.

FOCUS #3: Establish a Regular Reading Routine

Our educational model centers on interactive classes, engaging discussions, meaningful projects, and the original works of history’s greatest thinkers—making reading essential. While not all students love to read, what they read forms the foundation for learning. Students are best prepared when they read in advance and take their own notes on the material. Spreading reading throughout the week, rather than cramming into long sessions, improves engagement and preparation.

FOCUS #4: Implement the 3-Step Parent Support Plan

We have seen great success from parents who implement the 3-Step Parent Support Plan with their student. Following this plan can positively impact your student’s learning and often turns parents into co-mentors in the process. When parents, mentors, and support staff work together, we can better ensure student success.

Thank you for partnering with us in your student’s education. Please reach out to your student’s mentors with any information that can help them better support your student’s success this year.

Sincerely,

The Williamsburg Learning Academics Team

Action Items

Student Orientation and Benchmark Assessments: To ensure your student starts the year off strong, they must complete their Orientation coursework and three Benchmark Assessments in Canvas. Benchmarks are used internally to help personalize your student’s learning experience and improve our course curriculum. If they haven’t already, please work with your student to complete these as soon as possible.

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.

Upcoming Events

August 29: Course Add/Drop Deadline

September 1: Labor Day—No Live Classes, Offices Closed

Dear Williamsburg Parents and Students,

Welcome to a brand-new school year at Williamsburg Academy (WA)! Whether you're joining us for the first time or continuing your journey, please know how grateful we are to partner with you. At WA, your family belongs here—and we’re excited for what this year holds.

As Headmaster, educator, and parent, I understand the depth of your hopes for your child’s education. I have taught in a variety of roles from Montessori to the university classroom, and I know the most meaningful learning happens when students feel known, inspired, and supported. That’s exactly what we strive to offer at Williamsburg.

As I shared during Back-to-School Night, our goal is more than academic achievement—we’re here to prepare your students to lead meaningful lives with character, purpose, and vision. Through Socratic discussions, personal mentorship, and a curriculum rooted in classical thinking, we foster a lifelong growth mindset.

This weekly newsletter is your window into school life. We’ll share what’s ahead, highlight resources and events, and occasionally offer insights to support you on the parenting path. I will also be sharing a few personal reflections from time to time, because I know how valuable it is to learn from one another.

Here’s to a year of growth and purpose. We look forward to seeing your student thrive through meaningful learning and lasting friendships. Thank you for letting us be part of their educational journey.

Warmly,

Renee Smith
Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy 

Action Items

Student Orientation and Benchmark Assessments: To be fully prepared for the first day of school, all students must complete their Orientation coursework and three Benchmark Assessments in Canvas. Benchmarks are used internally to help personalize your student’s learning experience and improve our course curriculum. Please work with your student to complete these as soon as possible. 

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.

Note: If your student is enrolled through a California partner school, they’ll complete that school’s Benchmark Assessments—no need to take Benchmarks twice!

Announcements

Parent & Student Back-to-School Night Recording: Our Back-to-School Night was held on Thursday, August 7. Due to technical issues with the Zoom recording, we encourage parents and students who missed the event to review this slide deck instead. We apologize for the inconvenience. The slide deck is full of important reminders, helpful resources, and contact information for WA team members—be sure to check it out!

Upcoming Events

August 8: Fall Courses Published

August 11-12: Fall Semester Begins (Orientation Coursework Days/Study Days)

August 13: Live Classes Begin

August 29: Course Add/Drop Deadline

September 1: Labor Day—No Live Classes, Offices Closed