Weekly Parent Update
September 8, 2023
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
Archive
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September 1, 2023
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 -
August 25, 2023
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
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August 18, 2023
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 -
August 4, 2023
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 AcademyAction 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
Williamsburg Academy via Public Education Partners
Business Info
Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm MST
Friday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm MST
Closed weekends and holidays
P. 800-200-6869 F. 435-215-7699
782 S River Rd. #16
Saint George, Utah 84790