Williamsburg Parent Update

Dear Williamsburg Academy Families,

This month, I would like to highlight the success story of a Williamsburg Academy alumni, Linden Williamson.

I met Linden in my first year of mentoring at Williamsburg in 2018, during her senior year. Linden had attended Williamsburg Academy since 8th grade, and when she entered my class as a Senior, I was struck by her level of personal accountability, commitment to excellence, and drive to make a difference in the world, things that I soon realized were embedded into Williamsburg Academy’s values.

After her graduation, Linden soon returned to Williamsburg Academy and applied to work as my Teaching Assistant (TA) part-time as she was pursuing her college education. I truly valued her student-centered perspective and her deep desire to give back to the school that had blessed her life so much. I knew she would succeed in anything she put her mind to, but little did I know the impact she was making in her field of study.

I recently received an email from Linden letting me know what she has been up to. Below is a section from that email:

“I'm excited to say that I've been accepted into a dual M.D./Ph.D. program at the University of Texas beginning in 2025, which will allow me to become a medical doctor as well as earn a doctorate degree in neuroscience. Research and schoolwork have left me very busy, but not too busy. I am the chair of donor relations at my school, and we just finished a campaign that raised $8 million for a new STEM building to be built on our campus. I also just did a commercial segment for my school that I've linked below.”

https://youtu.be/FgvuK38rmaE?si=bdXUOCUVTblWhyEK

I am so proud of Linden’s academic achievements and successes, but more than that, I am so proud of the person she is and the good that she is bringing to the world. She is a clear example of our mission to prepare promising students for meaningful lives as principled leaders.

Warmly,

Ross Gilbert

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Action Items

Arizona Burger Meet Event 🍔: Williamsburg Academy’s Burger Meet in Camp Verde, Arizona is coming up November 11! Since this is the last week to sign up, don’t hesitate to register through our Arizona Burger Meet event page!

How are we doing with our communications? Let us know in this survey. At Williamsburg Academy, we strive to make it easy to find the information you need when you need it. Please fill out this brief survey to help us ensure our communications are serving you.

Announcements

Expanding Winter Semester Class Offerings: We are expanding our Winter semester class offerings for the following courses in January:

• Intro to High School Math
• High School Math 1
• High School Math 2
• World Literature
• Leadership 8

If your student is interested in a smaller class or different class time, please visit SIS to adjust your child’s schedule accordingly.

Daylight Saving Time: Daylight Saving Time occurs on November 5, 2023, causing clocks to go back an hour. As a Utah-based institution, class times and student devices may be impacted by this. Please double-check the impact the time change may have on your child’s class times and/or devices.

Upcoming Events

November 11: Arizona “Burger Meet” – 11:00 AM-3:00 PM MT

November 22-23: Thanksgiving Break

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 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!

Arizona Burger Meet-Up: Williamsburg Academy is hosting a Burger Meet in Camp Verde, Arizona, on November 11! This exciting event will include food, great conversations, fun games for all, and a chance to meet with WA mentors such as Ross Gilbert, Karin Williams, and Colleen Tucker! Tickets will sell out, so don’t wait to register using our Arizona Burger Meet event page!

Upcoming Events

October 28: “Burger Meet” Halloween Stomp–7:20-10:30 PM MT in Layton, UT

November 11: Arizona “Burger Meet”–11:00 AM-3:00 PM MT

Announcements

Arizona In-Person Event: Williamsburg Academy is sponsoring our first in-person event for the 2023-2024 school year in Arizona on November 11! This will be a great opportunity for those living in or near Arizona to come together, mingle, eat, and engage in an assortment of activities. Further information and registration can be found on the "Arizona Burger Meet” event page. Spots are limited, so if you and your student would like to attend, make sure to sign up!

Pre-Midterm Assignments Due: We are coming up on the first half of the semester, meaning that students must submit their pre-midterm assignments by the following dates:

• Live Classes: Pre-Midterms Assignments due October 13
• Self-Paced Courses: Pre-Midterms Assignments due October 18

After these dates, the assignments will lock, and submissions will not be possible. Please visit with your student and help them make a plan to complete their assignments.

“Burger Meet” Halloween Stomp: Williamsburg Academy students are invited to attend LAU’s upcoming Halloween Stomp on October 28! Please note this in-person event will take place in Layton, Utah. Students can dance, eat, and hang out with classmates! Costumes are encouraged but not required. If costumes are worn, they need to be appropriate and contain no mask. Guests of students are welcome to join for an extra $3 per person. If your student would like to attend, make sure to register by October 23.

Upcoming Events

October 13: Final Day to Submit Pre-Midterm Assignments for Live Classes

October 18: Final Day to Submit Pre-Midterm Assignments for Self-Paced Classes

October 17-18: Midterms–Midterm Assignments lock at 5:00 PM MT.

October 19-20: Fall Break

October 28: “Burger Meet” Halloween Stomp–7:20-10:30 PM MT in Layton, UT

November 11: Arizona “Burger Meet”–11:00 AM-3:00 PM MT

Dear WA parents,

The first half of the Fall semester has flown by. Next week will be the final week of class before our mid-semester break, meaning that all pre-midterm assignments will be due.

For many of our new students who are still getting to know Canvas, I highly recommend a review of all assignments and comments made by mentors up until this point. I have found that many students who have submitted incorrectly do not go back and read their mentor's comments, causing them to miss out on points as a result. It is always a shame to see students miss points after putting forth such effort and doing such a great job on an assignment, particularly when they do not read their mentor’s comments.

About a month ago, I announced that we are piloting several WA Online Parent Meet-Ups and wanted to thank all those who completed the survey and expressed their ideas around this topic. Based on these recommendations, I will be deciding on a few meet-up dates for the duration of 2023. If you still need to complete the WA Online Parent Meet-Up Survey, please do so this weekend. I will announce the dates in the coming weeks.

Thank you so much for all your hard work in helping your students to have an excellent education. We are pleased to be part of this journey with you.

Warmly,

Ross Gilbert

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Action Items

Evaluation surveys are live! Online Course/Mentor Evaluation Surveys are available in Homeroom. WA counts on this feedback each year to improve mentoring in the classroom. Please remind your student to take the survey once for each of their courses. Surveys are due Monday, October 9, but will remain available until Friday, October 14.

Pre-Midterm Assignments Due: We are coming up on the first half of the semester, meaning that students must submit their pre-midterm assignments by the following dates:

• Live Classes: Pre-Midterms Assignments due October 13
• Self-Paced Courses: Pre-Midterms Assignments due October 18

After these dates, the assignments will lock, and submissions will not be possible. Please visit with your student this weekend and help them make a plan to complete their assignments.

Announcements

“Burger Meet” Halloween Stomp: Registration is now open for Williamsburg students to dance, eat, and hang out with their classmates at a Halloween Stomp, sponsored by our sister school Leadership Academy of Utah! Costumes are encouraged but not required. If costumes are worn, they need to be appropriate and contain no mask. Guests of students are welcome to join for an extra $3 per person. If your student would like to attend, make sure to register by October 23.

Upcoming Events

October 13: Final Day to Submit Pre-Midterm Assignments for Live Classes

October 18: Final Day to Submit Pre-Midterm Assignments for Self-Paced Classes

October 17-18: Midterms–Midterm Assignments lock at 5:00 PM MT.

October 19-20: Fall Break

October 28: “Burger Meet” Halloween Stomp–7:20-10:30 PM MT in Layton, UT

Dear WA parents,

As a parent, you want all the information you can get to help your student succeed. With that in mind, starting now, you can request an update from your student’s mentor in one of two formats: email Parent-Mentor Updates (PMUs) or live online Parent-Mentor Conferences (PMCs).

Both PMUs and PMCs will take place from September 18 to 22. To choose the best option for your student’s needs, take a look at their work in each class using Canvas, SIS, or your most recent Progress Report email. Read below to learn more about each option and which is right for you.

• Parent-Mentor Update (PMU): If you are happy with your student’s progress but still want a personal update from their mentor, request a PMU. The mentor will send you a detailed email describing how your student is doing and informing you of any concerns by September 22.
• Parent-Mentor Conference (PMC): If you have a specific concern or in-depth question regarding one of your student’s courses, sign up for a PMC. These are 10-15 minute online meetings with the course mentor to get personalized insights on your student’s performance.

Please note that you will receive a separate email next week with links and instructions for scheduling PMUs and PMCs.

At Williamsburg, we believe open, constructive communication is essential to a world-class education. We look forward to meeting with you to make sure your student is inspired, challenged, and engaged!

Sincerely,

Ross Gilbert

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Upcoming Events

September 18 - 22: Parent Mentor Conferences

I hope you and your student are settling into the rhythm of online classes after these first two weeks. If you still need clarification, please review the On-Demand Parent Orientation, where we have many helpful videos.

At Williamsburg, student success will come through the accumulation of good study habits, showing up on camera in class even if they feel anxious, being brave and sharing insights in class, attending online events, and thinking deeply about what they experienced during the week. The small things really do count!

You can help your student get the most out of this experience by completing the 3-Step Parent Support Plan. I invite you to watch the videos and see what habits can be created in your home to empower your student to succeed. Our Mentors are here to support you and your student. Please reach out to them to get advice and assistance as needed.

Thank you for the privilege of being with your student on their life journey.

Warmly,

Ross Gilbert

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Action Items

Online Parent Meet-Up Survey: Thank you to those WA parents who have completed the WA Online Parent Meet-up Survey! If you have not had the opportunity to complete the survey, please take a few moments to share your insights. Your responses will help determine the best days, times, and topics for these meet-ups.

Upcoming Events

September 4: Labor Day – No Classes

September 18 - 22: Parent Mentor Conferences

A few weeks ago, I announced that we are piloting several WA Online Parent Meet-Ups in my Headmaster message. Meet-ups will provide an opportunity for WA parents to discuss topics that are common to us all. During these meetings, we will be able to ask questions, discuss, and get advice from each other in areas that relate to our roles as parents trying to support our students in school and life.

I am very excited to provide these opportunities for parents to connect and discuss topics that are important to them and receive insights from other parents in similar situations.

All parents interested in attending these meet-ups, please complete our WA Online Parent Meet-Up Survey. Your responses will help me determine the best days, times, and topics for these meet-ups.

Thank you so much,

Warmly,

Ross Gilbert

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Action Items

3-Step Parent Support Plan: Now is a great time to start using our 3-Step Parent Support Plan with your student! If you haven’t already, we highly encourage you to watch these videos and start using this plan with your student each week.

Announcements

There are no Announcements this week.

Upcoming Events

September 4: Labor Day – No Classes

Action Items

Encourage your student to login to Canvas: All students can now access their fall courses in Canvas (our online learning management system). This means students can log in and start reviewing course content and assignments for this semester. Brand-new students should also complete the New Student Orientation assignments in Homeroom to help them prepare for a great school year.

On-Demand Parent Orientation: Our new On-Demand Parent Orientation page has everything you need to set your student up for success this year! Please be sure to review the videos on this page no later than the first day of classes on Monday, August 21.

How to Prepare for School: Please review and complete our How to Prepare for School webpage in preparation for the first day of school. If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Support team.

Announcements

**There are no Announcements this week.**

Upcoming Events

August 21: First Day of Classes

August 24: Special Online Event: School Tricks and Tips with the Student Body Presidency

September 4: Labor Day – No Classes

I want to express my gratitude to all our Williamsburg Academy (WA) families and wish you a warm welcome to the 2023-2024 academic year!

Whether you are returning or a first-time student or parent at our school, on behalf of our mentors and support staff, we are excited to join your students in their life journey this coming year.

I have often been asked how our school is different from others. There are many answers I could give to this, but the one that stands out to me is culture. Culture is hard to create unless everyone has buy-in and experiences that cement into their lives.

I have found that many students are reluctant to show their authentic selves to others for fear of embarrassment or rejection. This fear is so real for many of our students. But I see a culture within our school of acceptance of others where students can feel valued and appreciated, quirks and all, as they strive to be genuine about who they are and what they are passionate about.

Our students are exceptional at helping others feel accepted and seen for who they are. This culture is also fostered by mentors who lead by example and genuinely care about their students.

All of this leads to greater connection and community within our school.

This year, we are encouraging an increased level of connection by sponsoring several in-person events organized by our Student Body Leadership (SBL) team. Our sister schools, Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) and Williamsburg Academy of Colorado (WAC), have also agreed to open activities to our WA students throughout the year, including Prom, Graduation, and other exciting events. Further information will be provided as details are finalized.

We encourage parents of WA students to continue to hold informal get-togethers with students, families, and friends in your local area. We will strive to assist you in having these meetups.

Finally, I am pleased to announce that we will be piloting an online meetup for parents, which will happen a number of times during the semester. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for you to meet other WA parents and discuss topics that are common to us all. We can ask questions, discuss, and get advice from each other in areas that relate to our roles as parents trying to support our students in school and life. In the coming weeks, you will receive a separate email explaining this in more detail and asking for your feedback regarding times and topics to discuss. I hope you will all be a part of this fantastic opportunity to build connections with each other.

I wish you all the best in your preparations for the upcoming year, and I look forward to seeing your amazing students in class!

Warmly,

Ross Gilbert

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Action Items

On-Demand Parent Orientation: Our new On-Demand Parent Orientation page has everything you need to set your student up for success this year! Please be sure to review the videos on this page no later than the first day of classes on Monday, August 21.

How to Prepare for School: Please review and complete our How to Prepare for School webpage in preparation for the first day of school. If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Support team.

Announcements

Live Q&A: We are offering a live Parent Welcome and Q&A session on Thursday, August 17, at 1:00 PM MT to answer any questions you may have after completing the On-Demand Parent Orientation. The Zoom link for the Q&A will be sent on the day of the event.

Upcoming Events

August 17: Q&A Session – 1:00 PM MT

August 21: First Day of Classes

September 4: Labor Day – No Classes