Weekly Parent Update

Announcements

WA Graduation: The graduation ceremony for Williamsburg Academy will be held via Zoom on Friday, May 24 at 6:00 PM MT. The Zoom link for this exciting event will be available in Homeroom the week of graduation. Congratulations to this year’s outstanding graduating class!

Individual Education Program Meetings: At Williamsburg, we understand that a comprehensive Individual Education Program (IEP) team can greatly increase the success of our students. Consequently, we want to inform our partners that Williamsburg mentors are more likely to be available to attend IEP meetings that are scheduled Monday-Thursday from 3-5 MT or Friday from 12-4 MT. Anything outside of those times will likely interfere with a mentor's class schedule. If you have any further questions about IEP scheduling, please contact Camille Christensen.

WA Online Parent Meeting: WA’s final Online Parent Meeting of the semester will be held on May 6, at 4:00 PM MT via Zoom. The topic of discussion for this meeting will be ‘Strategies for Maximum Engagement and Performance Online.’ If you would like to attend, please provide your email on our Online Parent Meeting Survey and a Zoom link will arrive in your inbox on the day of the meeting. 

LAU & WL Lagoon Day: Celebrate the end of a great school year at Lagoon Amusement Park on May 22, from 9:30 AM-5:30 PM MT in Farmington, UT. Attendees who have registered by May 21 will receive a promo code to purchase tickets at our discounted group rate via email. There is no participant cap, so invite your family and friends! For registration and further event information, please visit the Lagoon Day page on LAU’s website.

Upcoming Events

May 6: Online Parent Meeting–4:00 PM MT

May 21: Final Day to Submit Assignments for Live Classes–9:00 PM MT

May 22: LAU & WA Lagoon Day–9:30 AM-5:30 PM MT

May 24: Graduation (via Zoom)–6:00 PM MT

May 24: Final Day to Submit Assignments for Self-Paced–5:00 PM MT

Action Items

Online Course/Mentor Evaluation Surveys: Online Course/Mentor Evaluation Surveys are now live in Homeroom. Every year, we rely on this feedback to enhance mentoring in the classroom. Please remind your student to complete the survey once for every live and self-paced course they're enrolled in. Surveys are due Monday, April 29th, so be sure your student gets theirs done! 

Announcements

Student Body Leadership Applications Close April 26! Is your student interested in being a part of the Student Body Leadership (SBL) Team? Participating in SBL allows students to represent fellow Williamsburg students, plan online and in-person activities, and more! To participate, students must commit to attending a weekly SBL class on Thursday at 1:00 PM and actively participate in one of the five groups that manage the Williamsburg activities (e.g., Inspiration Hour, Thursday Night Live, Discord/Special Online Evening Events, Burger Meets, and Student Outreach). 

Students must also:

• Have a 3.0 GPA or higher while maintaining an 80% or above in all classes.
• Be a Williamsburg High School Student next Fall (Juniors and Seniors will be given priority).
• Have been a student at WA/LAU/WAC for at least 1 year (2 semesters).
• Be able to devote 2 or more hours per week to this position.

If your student would like to participate in the 2024-25 SBL, have them fill out this application by Today, April 26.

End of Year NWEA Testing: All WA middle school students will be taking the final assessments of the year from the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA®) for math and language arts. The purpose of NWEA testing is to assess students' academic performance, track their progress, and determine if they need additional support. Students will access the NWEA assessment through an assignment in Homeroom between April 29-May 3. Please help and encourage your student to plan a time to complete these tests before the May 3 deadline. 

WA Online Parent Meeting: WA’s final Online Parent Meeting of the semester will be held on May 6, at 4:00 PM MT via Zoom. The topic of discussion for this meeting will be ‘Strategies for Maximum Engagement and Performance Online.’ If you would like to attend, please provide your email on our Online Parent Meeting Survey and a Zoom link will arrive in your inbox on the day of the meeting.

LAU & WL Lagoon Day: Celebrate the end of a great school year at Lagoon Amusement Park on May 22, from 9:30 AM-5:30 PM MT in Farmington, UT. Attendees who have registered by May 21 will receive a promo code to purchase tickets at our discounted group rate via email. There is no participant cap, so invite your family and friends! For registration and further event information, please visit the Lagoon Day page on LAU’s website.

Upcoming Events

May 6: Online Parent Meeting–4:00 PM MT

May 21: Final Day to Submit Assignments for Live Classes–9:00 PM MT

May 22: LAU & WA Lagoon Day–9:30 AM-5:30 PM MT

May 24: Graduation–6:00 PM MT

May 24: Final Day to Submit Assignments for Self-Paced–5:00 PM MT

Dear Williamsburg Families,

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of traveling to Japan. In fact, over 20 years ago, I used to live in Japan for several years! When I travel to new or different places, I am reminded that learning from others can help us improve ourselves and our communities. I hope we can do the same by sharing experiences and unique perspectives within our WA community. I would like to invite all our parents to join our WA Parent Meetings and share their ideas, perspectives, and thoughts.

Prior to Spring break, we held another WA Parent Meeting, where parents could discuss any topic they wished. I am really appreciative to those who attended and the topics raised. As a result of your questions, I have several action items to look into that will improve your experience.

Our next and final meeting for this semester will be Monday, May 6, at 4:00 PM MT. Our topic will be ‘Strategies for Maximum Engagement and Performance Online.’ To join us, please complete the WA Parent Meeting Survey. In doing so, you will receive a Zoom link via email one day before the meeting. Be sure to come with any questions you wish to discuss with other parents.

For those unable to attend live, please still complete the survey, as I will send all recordings to you after the meeting. 

Warmly,

Ross Gilbert

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Action Items

How are we doing with our communications? At WA, we strive to make it easy to find the information you need when you need it. Please fill out this brief survey and let us know how we are doing!

Announcements

Student Body Leadership Applications are Open! Is your student interested in being a part of the Student Body Leadership (SBL) Team? Participating in SBL allows students to represent fellow Williamsburg Learning students, plan online and in-person activities, and more! To participate, students must commit to attending a weekly SBL class on Thursday at 1:00 PM and actively participate in one of the five groups that manage the Williamsburg activities (e.g., Inspiration Hour, Thursday Night Live, Discord/Special Online Evening Events, Burger Meets, and Student Outreach).

Students must also:

• Have a 3.0 GPA or higher while maintaining an 80% or above in all classes.
• Be a Williamsburg High School Student next Fall (Juniors and Seniors will be given priority).
• Have been a student at WA/LAU/WAC for at least 1 year (2 semesters).
• Be able to devote 2 or more hours per week to this position.

If your student would like to participate in the 2024-25 SBL, have them fill out this application by April 26.

Summit Leadership Adventure: Summit Journeys and Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) have partnered together to host the Summit Leadership Adventure course from June 3-7. This course is open to the public, meaning that all Williamsburg Learning students, friends, and family members currently in grades 9-12 are invited to register! The cost for the session is $785 and payment is required at registration. This price includes food, lodging, and all other accommodations and activities. Students who are self-pay and are wanting to register can do so through our Self-Pay Registration form. LAU students can still register without cost to parents by emailing the LAU Registrar. For further information, please visit our Summit Leadership Adventure webpage.

Fairytale Mystery Party: Calling all California families! Williamsburg Academy is hosting a Fairytale Mystery Party in Bakersville, California on April 20 from 2-7 PM PT. This event allows you, your student, and friends to cosplay characters and work together to solve a mystery throughout the party. Character sign-ups and further details are available within the Fairytale Mystery Sign-up form. Please note: each attendee must individually fill out their own form to attend.

LAU & WL Lagoon Day: Celebrate the end of a great school year at Lagoon Amusement Park on May 22, from 9:30 AM-5:30 PM MT in Farmington, UT. Attendees who have registered by May 21 will receive a promo code to purchase tickets at our discounted group rate via email. There is no participant cap, so invite your family and friends! For registration and further event information, please visit the Lagoon Day page on LAU’s website.

Spring Celebration (in-person): All Williamsburg Academy students and families are invited to join Williamsburg Academy of Colorado (WAC) for an adventure-filled evening at Springs Adventure Park in Colorado Springs on Friday, April 26 from 4-7 PM MT. This celebration will feature three hours of jump time, obstacle courses, free food, video games, and more. To make things even better, the entire facility has been reserved exclusively for our school. WAC students attend free, plus, we’ve reserved additional space for a limited number of guests on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once WAC has reached their cap, guests can attend for an additional fee. Each attendee must complete both the Springs Adventure Park and WAC Waiver, available here, before the event. For registration and further information, please visit WAC’s Spring Celebration web page.

Upcoming Events

April 12: “Once Upon a Dream” Prom–8:00 to 11:00 PM MT

April 20: Fairytale Mystery Party–2-7 PM PT

April 26: Spring Celebration (Hosted by WAC)–4-7 PM MT

May 21: Final Day to Submit Post-Midterm Assignments (Live Classes)–9:00 PM MT

May 22: LAU & WA Lagoon Day–9:30 AM-5:30 PM MT

May 23: Graduation–6:00 PM MT

May 24: Final Day to Submit Post-Midterm Assignments (Self-Paced)–5:00 PM MT

Action Items

LAU & WL Lagoon Day: Celebrate the end of a great school year at Lagoon Amusement Park on May 22, from 9:30 AM-5:30 PM MT in Farmington, UT. Attendees who have registered by May 21 will receive a promo code to purchase tickets at our discounted group rate via email. There is no participant cap, so invite your family and friends! For registration and further event information, please visit the Lagoon Day page on LAU’s website.

How are we doing with our communications? At WA, we strive to make it easy to find the information you need when you need it. Please fill out this brief survey and let us know how we are doing!

Announcements

Fairytale Mystery Party: Calling all California families! Williamsburg Academy is hosting a Fairytale Mystery Party in Bakersville, California on April 20 from 2-7 PM PT. This event allows you, your student, and friends to cosplay characters and work together to solve a mystery throughout the duration of the party. Character sign-ups and further details are available within the Fairytale Mystery Sign-up form. Please note: each attendee must individually fill out their own form to attend.

“Once Upon a Dream” Prom at the Capitol: T-7 days until all 9-12 grade Williamsburg students can join LAU for Prom at the Utah State Capitol on April 12 from 8-11 PM MT! Semi-formal dress standards are permitted, you can be as fancy or as casual as you would like. All guests must abide by Student Dress Standards as found within the LAU Policy Manual. For further information, please visit the Prom at the Capitol page on our website.

Upcoming Events

April 12: “Once Upon a Dream” Prom–8:00 to 11:00 PM MT

April 20: Fairytale Mystery Party–2-7 PM PT

May 21: Final Day to Submit Post-Midterm Assignments (Live Classes)–9:00 PM MT

May 22: LAU & WA Lagoon Day–9:30 AM-5:30 PM MT

May 23: Graduation–6:00 PM MT

May 24: Final Day to Submit Post-Midterm Assignments (Self-Paced)–5:00 PM MT

Action Items

Summer Course Registration: Mark your calendars because Summer registration for the 2024-2025 school year begins on April 2. This allows you to select your student's summer, fall, and winter classes all at once!

Announcements

Party in the Park Event: Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) and Williamsburg Academy (WA) are excited to announce that they are throwing a party at Little Valley Park in St. George, UT, on April 20 from 5-8 PM MT. Students, families, and friends are welcome to join in on park activities, such as pickleball, volleyball, soccer, tug-of-war, sidewalk chalk, and more. Additionally, dinner will be catered by Chick-fil-A. For further details and registration, please visit our website's Party in the Park page.

“Once Upon a Deam” Prom at the Capitol: T-14 days until all 9-12 grade students join us for Prom at the Utah State Capitol on April 12 from 8-11 PM MT! Semi-formal dress standards are permitted, you can be as fancy or as casual as you would like. All guests must abide by Student Dress Standards as found within the LAU Policy Manual. For further information, please visit the Prom at the Capitol page on our website.

Upcoming Events

April 1: Spring Recess Study Day–No classes, offices closed

April 2: Summer Registration Opens

April 12: “Once Upon a Dream” Prom–8:00 to 11:00 PM MT

April 20: Party in the Park Event–5-8 PM MT

May 22: LAU & WA Lagoon Day (Details coming soon)–9:30 AM-5:30 PM MT

May 23: Graduation–6:00 PM MT

Announcements

Student Information Systems (SIS) Scheduled Maintenance: The IT team will be performing server maintenance on Friday, March 8, at 10:30 PM MT. This will make our SIS unavailable for approximately six hours, however, Canvas will be unaffected.

WA Online Parent Meeting: WA’s next Online Parent Meeting will be held on Monday, March 4th, at 4:00 PM MT via Zoom. The topic of discussion for this meeting will be ‘Open Q&A.’ If you would like to attend, please provide your email on our Online Parent Meeting Survey and a Zoom link will arrive in your inbox on the day of the meeting.

“Once Upon a Dream” Prom at the Capitol: Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) and Williamsburg Academy (WA) 9-12 grade students are invited to join us for a prom night to remember at the Utah State Capitol on April 12 from 8-11 PM MT! Semi-formal dress standards are permitted. This means that your student can be as fancy or as casual as they would like, however, all guests must abide by Student Dress Standards as found within the LAU Policy Manual. For further information regarding parking and refreshments, please visit the Prom at the Capitol page on LAU’s website.

Upcoming Events

March 4: Online Parent Meeting–4:00 PM MT

March 8-9: SIS Scheduled Maintenance–approx. 10:30 PM to 4:30 AM MT

March 12: Final Day to Submit Pre-Midterm Assignments (Live Classes)–9:00 PM MT

March 13-15: Study Day and Midterms–No Classes

March 15: Final Day to Submit Pre-Midterm Assignments (Self-Paced)–5:00 PM MT

March 18-22: Spring Break–Offices Closed

April 12: “Once Upon a Dream” Prom–8:00 to 11:00 PM MT

Announcements

Parent Mentor Updates and Conferences: Parent Mentor Updates and Parent Mentor Conferences are taking place now through Wednesday, February 14. Please check your email for instructions on how to sign up.

WA Online Parent Meeting: WA’s next Online Parent Meeting will be held on Monday, March 4th, at 4:00 PM MT via Zoom. The topic of discussion for this meeting will be ‘Open Q&A.’ If you would like to attend, please provide your email on our Online Parent Meeting Survey and a Zoom link will arrive in your inbox on the day of the meeting.

Upcoming Events

February 5-14: Parent Mentor Updates and Parent Mentor Conferences

February 19: Presidents’ Day–Offices Closed

Dear Williamsburg Academy Parents,

This week, we held an excellent and engaging WA Parent Meeting where we discussed ‘Online Safety’. I was thrilled to see so many parents complete our survey, add your emails and suggestions, and become involved in our growing community.

One thing that I enjoyed, in particular, was that so many of us face similar challenges as we try our best to be supportive parents. Discussing, sharing ideas, and supporting one another is what being a part of a school community is all about.

Our next meeting will be Monday, March 4, at 4:00 PM MT. To join us, please complete the WA Parent Meeting Survey. In doing so, you will receive a Zoom link via email one day before the meeting. Our topic of discussion will be ‘Open Q&A,’ so make sure to come with any questions you wish to discuss with other parents.

For those unable to attend live, please view our January WA Parent Meeting Resources and January WA Parent Meeting Recording.

Warmly,

Ross Gilbert

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Announcements

Parent Mentor Updates and Conferences: Parent Mentor Updates and Parent Mentor Conferences will take place from Monday, February 5, through Wednesday, February 14. Check your email for instructions on how to sign up.

Upcoming Events

February 5: 2024-25 Class Registration begins

February 5-14: Parent Mentor Updates and Parent Mentor Conferences

February 19: Presidents’ Day–Offices Closed

Announcements

WA Online Parent Meeting: WA’s Online Parent Meeting will be held on Monday, January 29, at 4:00 PM MT via Zoom. The topic of discussion for this meeting will be ‘online safety.’ In the past, we have provided the Zoom link on our Parent Update page, however, WA will now email the Zoom link to parents on the day of the event. If you would like to attend, please provide your email on our Online Parent Meeting Survey and a Zoom link will arrive in your inbox on the day of the meeting. 

Upcoming Events

January 29: Fall Semester Final Grades Posted

January 29: Online Parent Meeting–4:00 PM MT

February 5: 2024-25 Class Registration begins

February 5-14: Parent Mentor Updates and Parent Mentor Conferences

February 19: Presidents’ Day–Offices Closed

Announcements

2024-25 Course Registration: Williamsburg Academy (WA) course registration is opening for 2024-25 on Monday, February 5. Registering for the 2024-25 school year is required whether your student is new or returning to WA. Please make sure to watch your email as we continue to send reminders and links.

WA Online Parent Meeting: WA’s Online Parent Meeting will be held on Monday, January 29, at 4:00 PM MT via Zoom. Please check your inbox for a link to join. This meeting will serve as a space for parents and faculty to come together and discuss a range of diverse and important topics. This month’s topic is ‘online safety.’

Upcoming Events

January 29: Fall Semester Final Grades Posted

January 29: Online Parent Meeting–4:00 PM MT

February 5: 2024-25 Class Registration begins

February 10: Presidents’ Day–Offices Closed

Dear Williamsburg Academy Families,

Welcome back to another exciting semester at Williamsburg Academy! I hope that your winter holidays were everything that you wished for. I am thrilled to see so many new and returning students joining us for the winter semester. Thank you for choosing to continue your educational journey with us. 

After the success of our first WA Online Parent Meeting in December, I am pleased to announce that we will continue to hold these Online Parent Meetings for parents who can and would like to attend. Our next meeting will be held on January 29, at 4:00 pm MT via Zoom. Our topic of discussion will be online safety. I invite parents to come prepared with questions, experiences, and ideas on this important topic. 

Thanks again for your effort in helping your students to have an excellent education. We are pleased to have another semester with you all.

Warmly,

Ross Gilbert

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Announcements

Student Body Leadership Video: WA’s Student Body Leadership (SBL) team worked together and created an informative video! This video showcases the students’ leadership experiences while simultaneously encouraging other students to consider joining the SBL team next year.

Upcoming Events

January 15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day–Offices Closed

January 29: Fall Semester Final Grades Posted

January 29: Online Parent Meeting–4:00 PM MT

Action Items

Finals Proctoring: Please watch this video from Adam Hailstone that contains some important information to help your student prepare for finals! This includes details on our new proctoring options for this year. You can view full details on how to secure a proctor for your student in their Canvas courses. (Note: Many courses do not require a proctor, but some do.)

Ordering Winter Semester Books: Parents should be preparing to order their student’s books for the Winter semester. A fill list of your student’s required books and materials is available in SIS under My Students >Classes. From there, in the top left corner, click on the booklist for the upcoming Winter 2024 semester.

Announcements

Final Assignment Submission Deadline: As we are coming up on the end of the semester, students must submit all of their assignments by the following dates:

• Live Classes: All Assignments due by December 19 – 9pm MT
• Self-Paced Courses: All Assignments due by December 22 – 5pm MT

After these specific dates and times, assignments will lock and submissions will not be possible. Please visit with your student(s) and help them make a plan to complete their assignments on time.

Self-Paced Course Reminder: If you have a student in a self-paced course, please ensure that they are on track to meet their submission deadline and pass their class. If your student happens to be struggling, please contact their mentor for help. 

Upcoming Events

December 21-22: Final Exams

December 25-January 5: Winter Break

January 8: First Day of Winter Semester Classes

January 29: Fall Semester Final Grades Posted

Dear Williamsburg Academy Families,

We had a wonderful first meeting with parents on Monday night at our first WA Online Parent Meet-Up! I am so appreciative to those who attended and shared their thoughts concerning the topics discussed. As this was our first online parent meeting, I hope we can continue these meetings in the new year and create a community of parents who support one another.

For those who missed it and would like to watch the discussion, a recording of the event is available. Additionally, if you wish to stay connected with other parents and continue discussing the topics that we started, please add your name to the WA Parent Information Sharing sheet.

I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season! It is my hope that we can all renew our efforts to provide the best educational experience for your students in the New Year!

Warmly,

Ross Gilbert

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Action Items

Finals Proctoring: Please watch this video from Adam Hailstone that contains some important information to help your student prepare for finals! This includes details on our new proctoring options for this year. You can view full details on how to secure a proctor for your student in their Canvas courses. (Note: Many courses do not require a proctor, but some do.)

Ordering Winter Semester Books: Parents should be preparing to order their student’s books for the Winter Semester. A fill list of your student’s required books and materials is available in SIS under My Students>Classes. From there, in the top left corner, click on the booklist for the upcoming Winter 2024 semester.

Announcements

Final Assignment Submission Deadline: As we are coming up on the end of the semester, students must submit all of their assignments by the following dates:

• Live Classes: All Assignments due by December 19 – 9pm MT
• Self-Paced Courses: All Assignments due by December 22 – 5pm MT

After these specific dates and times, assignments will lock and submissions will not be possible. Please visit with your student(s) and help them make a plan to complete their assignments on time.

Self-Paced Course Reminder: If you have a student in a self-paced course, please ensure that they are on track to meet their submission deadline and pass their class. If your student happens to be struggling, please contact their mentor for help.

Upcoming Events

December 21-22: Final Exams

December 25-January 5: Winter Break

January 8: First Day of Winter Semester Classes

January 29: Fall Semester Final Grades Posted

Announcements

WA Online Parent Meeting: WA’s first Online Parent Meeting will be held Monday, December 4, at 4:00 PM MT via Zoom. This meeting will serve as a space for parents and faculty to come together and discuss the following topics:

1. How to get students engaged and connected while attending online school
2. Strategies for intentional use of technology.

Final Assignment Submission Deadline: As we are coming up on the end of the semester, students must submit all of their assignments by the following dates:

• Live Classes: All Assignments due by December 19 – 9pm MT
• Self-Paced Courses: All Assignments due by December 22 – 5pm MT

After these specific dates and times, assignments will lock and submissions will not be possible. Please visit with your student(s) and help them make a plan to complete their assignments on time.

Upcoming Events

December 4: Online Parent Meeting–4:00 PM MT

December 21-22: Final Exams

December 25-January 5: Winter Break

Dear Williamsburg Academy Families,

Thank you all so much for your many responses to the WA Online Parent Meet-Up form and your patience as I set up our first Online Parent Meeting.

After reviewing your responses, I want to announce the following details regarding our inaugural meeting:

December Meeting: Monday, December 4, 4:00 PM MT

Discussion Topics:

1. 1. How to get your students engaged and connected while attending an online school
   2. Strategies for intentional use of technology

Zoom link: WA Online Parent Meet-up

My intention for these meetings is to create a space where parents and faculty can come together and discuss meaningful topics. My role in these meetings will be to facilitate discussion and provide information from the school and my perspective as a WA parent.

I have listed the two most requested topics above as our starting topics, but if time permits, we can dive into other issues.

I want to invite those who would like to attend to set up a Zoom account prior to the meeting. When logging in, make sure to list your First and Last names so we can all begin to get to know one another. 

Finally, please also come prepared with your questions, experiences, and ideas regarding the topics we will be discussing.

I look forward to seeing and interacting with you on December 4!

Warmly,

Ross Gilbert

Headmaster, Williamsburg Academy

Announcements

Thanksgiving Week: As you know, next week is Thanksgiving! Wednesday, November 22, will be a study day. The actual Thanksgiving break will begin Thursday, November 23, and will go until Friday, November 24. All classes within these dates are canceled and offices will be closed. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving break! WA is grateful for you.

Upcoming Events

November 22-23: Thanksgiving Break

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.

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