Weekly Parent Email – February 18, 2022
There are a lot of online learning options available and, let’s be real, many of them fall short. Some families see online learning as a method of credit recovery or as a less challenging option than traditional brick-and-mortar schools. Williamsburg, however, believes the opposite to be true. We see our program as a highly flexible, individualized, and innovative method of learning. Since we started as a small, private school that slowly moved online, we were able to identify the things that made us special from the very beginning and we have never let go of “our three uniques.”
1. Inspiring mentors trained to facilitate TLEs
Our first unique is who we hire. We know there is nothing more important in the educational process than the mentor/student connection and the ability to inspire! That’s why we only hire the best and most dynamic people to interact with our students and we train them on how to deliver transformational learning experiences. Whether it’s online or in-person, a TLE is a new way of thinking about the world or oneself.
2. Curriculum that teaches how to think, not what to think
The Williamsburg Curriculum was created internally and intentionally to teach students to question and communicate. Our six mentor practices (Connection, the Socratic Method, Engaging Presentation, Project Based Learning, Quality Feedback, and Transformational Learning) facilitate higher-level thinking skills that are critical in today’s confusing world.
3. Designed transformational social adventures and experiences
We know that humans (and especially teenagers!) are social creatures that crave human connection. That’s why we provide highly curated social experiences, both online and in-person, that allow our students to bond with one another. Providing a culture of belonging that allows students to feel safe is what brings the whole program together. We are excited to share more of these through our new Educational Empowerment Hub and Elevation Youth Summit conference (happening this May!).
We are grateful that you chose LAU for your student’s educational journey and want you to know that we remain committed to “our three uniques.” Just as you want the best for your children, we want to be the best education provider possible.
Sincerely,
Pete Jensen
Executive Director, LAU
Action Items
Open Enrollment ends today: This is the last day to secure a spot early for your student for the 2022-23 school year. You can still click here to apply now! Applying for next year is required, but the process is shorter for returning students. Please note that Open Enrollment does not include registering your student for specific classes (registration for admitted students will begin at the end of March). You can check this page for full details on Open Enrollment.
Announcements
Exciting Opportunity! The Elevation Youth Summit (along with the Education Empowerment Conference for parents) is coming up in Layton, Utah, on Saturday, May 21. LAU is working closely with Education Empowerment Hub to hold these events, so we’re excited to share that all current LAU students (or students who have applied for next year) and their parents can attend for free! Both are all-day events, and the Youth Summit includes a dance in the evening. Just use promo code LAUFAMILY2022 to get your free tickets! (Click here for instructions on how to enter the promo code.)
Wellness Week is coming soon! From February 28-March 4, LAU will be hosting Wellness Week. Each day, students will have a new lesson in Canvas with information and tips about different aspects of wellness. They can even win prizes for participating! A detailed email will be coming next week that includes the daily topics, lesson content, and event schedules.
Encourage your student to sign up for LAU Prom! This year, Prom will be Friday, April 15, from 7:00-11:00 PM MT at The Vista at Cedar Hills Golf Club in Cedar Hills, Utah. All LAU and WA high school students are welcome – and so are their guests! Prom is $5 per person for both students and guests. Click here to learn more and RSVP.
Let’s go for a swim! LAU is hosting a pool party on Saturday, April 16! From 7:00-10:00 PM MT, all students and friends are welcome to join us at Surf ‘n Swim in Layton, Utah. Visit the activity page to learn more and sign up.
Upcoming Burger Meet: Join us on Friday, March 25, for an Ice Skating Party in Provo, Utah! All students, family, and friends are invited to join us at the Peaks Ice Arena from 4:00-8:00 PM MT. Click here to learn more.
Upcoming Events
Today: Last day for Open Enrollment
Today: Inspiration Hour at 1:00 PM MT
February 21: Presidents Day – No Class, Office Closed
February 24: Thursday Night Live at 4:00 PM MT
February 25: New Student Outreach at 1:00 PM MT
February 25: Outdoor Adventure #5
February 28: Summer Registration Opens
February 28-March 4: Wellness Week