A trusted mentor once told me that it takes a wise person to know when to leave an organization. About this time last year, I looked at the successes and challenges facing LAU and realized a fresh set of eyes would benefit the school. At that time, quite a few of the LAU Board of Directors’ terms were ending, so the timing wasn’t right. Finally, after getting the new board settled in November, the timing was right. The Board started the process of finding a new Executive Director for LAU.

I’m pleased to announce that the board has found a dynamic new director, John Tripp. I am excited to see the great things John does for LAU. He has been the Executive Director at Success Academy, which is associated with Southern Utah University and is highly regarded in the Charter School community. He brings a wealth of experience and educational insight to this position. I appreciate his depth and leadership capacity as we have worked together preparing for the changeover. My departure has become easier knowing that John is in the wing. You will hear more from him in the next few weeks. To know John is to feel his deep and abiding passion for education and students.

One of my favorite quotes on gratitude was written by noted author and essayist G. K. Chesterton. He said, “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” So, with that in mind, I express a simple but heartfelt thanks to you. Your trust in us to partner with you in your students’ education is the highest compliment I could receive. And the gratitude for spending the last five years working with each of you, my colleagues at LAU, and especially the youth, will forever fill my soul with “happiness doubled with wonder.”

Sincerely,

Pete Jensen

Executive Director, LAU

Announcements

Book reimbursement deadline: This is your last chance to submit a book reimbursement request using this form [form discontinued]. Please keep in mind that there will be no reimbursements after May 1, so we recommend completing your request as soon as possible.

Required computer returns: To manage and update our device inventory, we are requiring certain laptops and Chromebooks to be returned so we can remove them from circulation. Please look here to see how this might affect your student.

Register for the Learning Brave Teen Retreat: Both sessions of the Learning Brave Teen Retreat still have limited openings for your student to attend! Click here to learn more about the program and to register your student. Registration for the first session ends next Friday, May 6, and session two registration closes Wednesday, May 18.

Outdoor Adventures is expanding: Fall registration has begun, and we’re excited to share that we’re working on adding new locations to our OA program! We currently have opportunities for new programs in Cache County, Weber County, Davis County, Salt Lake County, Utah County, Sanpete County, and Washington County. However, we still need additional students in Salt Lake County, Utah County, and Washington County to proceed with programs in those areas, so we encourage you to register your student by Saturday, April 30.

Upcoming ILC field trip: All ILC students are invited to attend our last field trip of the year on Tuesday, May 3, at Quail Cove Park on May 3, from 11 AM-3 PM MT. Students should wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes. Please be sure your student brings plenty of water, a sack lunch, and a small notebook and writing utensil.

Lagoon Day for all LAU and WL students: Join us on Tuesday, May 24, in Farmington, Utah, for Lagoon Day! We’ve extended the registration deadline to welcome as many Burgers as possible. Learn more about Lagoon Day here, or complete this form to register.

Upcoming Events

Today: Special Online Event at 1:00 PM MT – “How to Flirt” with Ross Gilbert and Pete Jensen

Today: Outdoor Adventures #9

May 3: Pleasant Grove ILC Field Trip at Quail Cove Park from 11 AM-3 PM MT

May 6: Inspiration Hour at 1:00 PM MT

May 6: First Friday Game Night at 6:00 PM MT

May 6: Outdoor Adventures #10

May 16: Last day of classes

May 17: All assignments from live classes are due before 9:00 PM MT

May 17-18: Study Day – No Class

May 20: All assignments from self-paced classes are due before 5:00 PM MT

May 20: All Finals are due before 5:00 PM MT

May 24: Lagoon Day in Farmington, Utah – Learn more and sign up here 

P.S. Are you having a great experience at LAU and want to help us spread the word? If so, we’d love to have you leave us a review on Niche or GreatSchools (or both!) to help new families find us. If your experience with us has been anything less than ideal, please call us at 800-200-6869.