Williamsburg Parent Update

Dear WAU Parents,

As we begin a new semester, we want you to know how much we value your student as part of the WAU community. We’re so glad they’re here!

A new semester brings opportunities for your student to learn, grow, overcome challenges, and accomplish great things. Our mentors and staff are here to encourage and support your student every step of the way.

We look forward to a semester filled with growth, meaningful experiences, and plenty of reasons for your student to feel proud of their progress. Here’s to a great semester!

Sincerely,

Christy Hall

Director, Williamsburg Academy of Utah

Action Items

In-Person Homecoming Dance: Take a bite out of the Big Apple at this year’s Homecoming Dance! Join us on Saturday, September 19, from 7:00 PM MT to 9:30 PM MT at the Dixie Elks Lodge. Open to all 9th-12th grade students, it’s the perfect chance to celebrate the beginning of the school year with friends. Tickets are $20 per student or $35 per couple and can be purchased at the door. Check out the Homecoming Dance flyer for more details.

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 WAU Hub for the Zoom link)

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

• Friday—9:00 AM-11:00 AM MT

August 31: Course Add/Drop Deadline

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

September 19: In-Person Homecoming Dance (St. George, UT)—7:00-9:30 PM MT

September 24: St. George Academy Open House (St. George, UT)—5:30-6:30 PM MT

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

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Friday): Llama Learning Labs and Tutoring (Check the WAU 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

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

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.

WAU 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 Counselor.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Friday): Llama Learning Labs and Tutoring (Check the WAU 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 and more!

Action Items

Student Orientation and Benchmark Assessments: To ensure continued access to their Canvas courses, all WAU students must complete their Orientation coursework and Benchmark Assessments in Canvas by Tuesday, August 18. Students who have not completed these by that date will not be able to access their classes on Wednesday, August 19.

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 WAU Welcome Packet.

Note: 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

Weekly (Monday through Friday): Llama Learning Labs and Tutoring (Check the WAU 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 and more!

Dear Parents,

Welcome to a new semester! My name is Christy Hall, and I am excited to introduce myself as the Williamsburg Academy of Utah (WAU) Director!

We are thrilled to have each of your students as part of our school community. This semester will be filled with new opportunities for students to learn, grow, and connect with others. Our mentors and staff are here to support your student throughout their journey and help make their experience successful.

I am confident that this is going to be an amazing semester, and I look forward to getting to know your families and celebrating all that you accomplish. Welcome to WAU—we are so glad you are here!

Sincerely,

Christy Hall

Director, Williamsburg Academy of Utah

Action Items

Student Orientation and Benchmark Assessments: To gain access to their other Canvas courses, all WAU students 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.

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 WAU Welcome Packet.

Note: 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 WAU 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 WAU 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.

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 WAU Hub.

Upcoming Events

August 10: Fall Semester Begins

August 10-11: Live Student Orientation Days—9:00 AM MT (Zoom Link Available on the WAU 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 and more!

Dear Families,

What a year it has been! As we cross the finish line together, I want to take a moment to express how grateful we are for your partnership and support throughout this school year. The effort, perseverance, and growth we have seen in your students has been nothing short of remarkable, and none of it would be possible without you.

These final days matter. Encourage your student to finish with intention, give their best, and take pride in how far they have come. They have worked hard to get here, and it shows.

As summer break begins, carry this quote from Eleanor Roosevelt with you: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Thank you for an incredible year. We cannot wait to see what your students accomplish in the year ahead. Have a wonderful summer!

Sincerely,

Christy Hall

Director, Williamsburg Academy of Utah

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.

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 of Utah (WAU), 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: WAU 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: 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 and more!

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 of Utah (WAU), 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: WAU 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: 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 and more!