Weekly Parent Update

Dear Families,

It was a pleasure to connect with so many of our students and families at last week’s Harry Potter Halloween event! Seeing everyone dive into a game of Quidditch and embrace quality time together, free from the distraction of technology, was truly special.

At Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU), we believe that strong family involvement is the heartbeat of student success. That is why we are deeply committed to creating these shared in-person experiences.

We are also thrilled to welcome two new staff members dedicated to supporting your student’s education:

• Summer Yates, who will guide and support students through the scholarship application process.

• Rachel Lundquist, who will help build our Legacy Scholarship fund for future students.

Both of these roles are vital in supporting families during pivotal moments in their educational journeys.

We remain excited for every opportunity our students experience, knowing always that the unwavering support of family is the greatest catalyst for a student's success.

Warm regards,

John Tripp

Executive Director, Leadership Academy of Utah

Action Items

Parent Curriculum Survey: If you haven’t already, please take 5-10 minutes to complete our Parent Curriculum Survey by the end of the day today. Your feedback on course experiences, student needs, and future offerings will help us shape our curriculum for Fall 2027. We appreciate your input!

Announcements

November Counseling Update & Mental Health Minute: This month’s Counseling Update highlights four websites to help students find scholarships, along with information on Early College and official transcripts. The Mental Health Minute offers helpful insights on gratitude and an important reminder about AI chatbots. Check out both resources with your student this weekend!

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Thursday): Pomodoro-Style Study Lab (Check the LAU Hub for details and the Engageli Link)

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Drop-In Math Lab (Check the LAU Hub for the details and Engageli Link)

November 14: LAU Day of Service Event—10:00 AM-1:30 PM MT

November 20: 504/IEP Family Support Meeting—9:00-10:00 AM MT

November 25-27: Thanksgiving Break (No Live Classes, Offices Closed)

May 31-June 4: Summit Leadership Adventure Session 1

June 7-11: Summit Leadership Adventure Session 2

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, info about in-person activities, and more.

Action Items

Parent Curriculum Survey: Yesterday, we emailed our Parent Curriculum Survey to all parents. If you haven’t already, please take 5-10 minutes to complete the survey by Friday, November 6. Your feedback on course experiences, student needs, and future offerings will help us shape our curriculum for Fall 2027. We appreciate your input!

Daylight Saving Time Reminder: Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends this Sunday, November 1. Since Utah observes DST, your student’s class schedule will remain the same, but clocks at home may need to be adjusted. Remind your student to adjust any personal clocks or alarms, so they’re on time and ready to learn on Monday!

Learn More About State Testing: State testing helps Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) families understand their students’ academic progress and growth. Review our Why State Testing Matters flyer to learn more about its benefits and the importance of participation.

Announcements

Welcome Our New LAU Staff Members! We’re excited to welcome two new team members who will help expand scholarship opportunities for LAU students!

• Summer Yates (Scholarship Specialist) - Summer helps students find scholarships that match their interests, backgrounds, and goals. She also shares scholarship opportunities, tracks deadlines, and guides students through the application process.

• Rachel Lundquist (Legacy Learning Scholarship Fundraising Coordinator) - Rachel organizes fundraising efforts and connects with families, businesses, and community supporters to grow the Legacy Learning Scholarship. Her goal is to make this scholarship available to every LAU graduate for years to come.

If you’re interested in exploring scholarship opportunities or supporting these efforts, connect with Summer or Rachel through our Contact Us web page!

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 school 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!

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Thursday): Pomodoro-Style Study Lab (Check the LAU Hub for details and the Engageli Link)

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Drop-In Math Lab (Check the LAU Hub for the details and Engageli Link)

October 30: Harry Potter Halloween Event—7:00-10:00 PM MT

November 1: Daylight Saving Time Ends

November 14: LAU Day of Service Event—10:00 AM-1:30 PM MT

November 20: 504/IEP Family Support Meeting—9:00-10:00 AM MT

November 25-27: Thanksgiving Break (No Live Classes, Offices Closed)

May 31-June 4: Summit Leadership Adventure Session 1

June 7-11: Summit Leadership Adventure Session 2

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, info about in-person activities, and more.

Announcements

LAU Day of Service Activity: Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) and Williamsburg students, friends, and families are invited to give back to the community on Friday, November 13, from 10:00 AM-1:30 PM MT! Join us as we partner with Tree Utah to remove invasive plants and plant native shrubs along the Jordan River. Afterward, we’ll enjoy lunch at a nearby Café Zupas. For more details and to register, visit our Day of Service event page.

Early College Info Session Recording: Thank you to everyone who attended Wednesday’s Early College Info Session! If you missed it, feel free to watch the recording. The presentation slides, class registration dates, and concurrent enrollment college-to-high-school credit conversion sheet have also been shared with all high school students through the LAU Hub.

Mental Health Minute: This month’s Mental Health Minute focuses on the importance of a positive mindset. Take a few minutes to review the resource with your student and discuss how their mindset can make a difference!

Family Support Meeting: LAU Parents of students receiving 504 or IEP services are invited to join our Student Support and Special Education teams on Friday, November 20, from 9:00-10:00 AM MT. Learn how to navigate SIS more efficiently and explore helpful resources, including Pomodoro study groups, math tutoring, and mentor office hours. To attend, please contact our Special Education Director.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Thursday): Pomodoro-Style Study Lab (Check the LAU Hub for details and the Engageli Link)

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Drop-In Math Lab (Check the LAU Hub for the details and Engageli Link)

October 30: Harry Potter Halloween Event—7:00-10:00 PM MT

November 14: LAU Day of Service Event—10:00 AM-1:30 PM MT

November 20: 504/IEP Family Support Meeting—9:00-10:00 AM MT

November 25-27: Thanksgiving Break (No Live Classes, Offices Closed)

May 31-June 4: Summit Leadership Adventure Session 1

June 7-11: Summit Leadership Adventure Session 2

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, info about in-person activities, and more.

There are no new announcements or action items this week.

We hope your family enjoys a wonderful Fall Break!

Action Items

Last Chance to Complete Student Surveys! Today is your student’s final opportunity to complete their Course Evaluation Surveys, which are available in their Homeroom Canvas course. Please encourage them to participate—these surveys offer a valuable opportunity to provide feedback on their Live and Self-Paced courses and mentors, helping us improve classes.

Announcements

Mid-Semester Assignment Deadlines: Midterms are next week! Students in both Live and Self-Paced courses must submit all assignments from the first half of the semester by Wednesday, October 14 at 5:00 PM MT. After this deadline, midterm assignments will lock, and late submissions will not be accepted.

Please note: If a student fails their Self-Paced courses, they may not be eligible to take Self-Paced courses in the future.

Quarterly Parent Check-In: Our Chief Academics Officer, Danelle Almaraz, will be reaching out to parents the week after Fall Break. We want to hear how your student is doing and help with any challenges. When Danelle reaches out, please be sure to share your feedback so we can better support your student’s success!

Virtual College Fair: Exploring college options? Join Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) Counselors and representatives from Utah Tech University, the University of Utah, and Weber State on Wednesday, October 14, at 2:00 PM MT. Students can learn about campus life, admissions, and more, followed by a live Q&A. We’ll share the Zoom link in the LAU Hub, via email, and through Remind on the day of the event. Check out our Virtual College Fair flyer for more information.

Early College Info Session: Join our LAU School Counselors and current Early College students for a live online panel discussion and Q&A on Wednesday, October 21, at 2:00 PM MT. High school students and parents are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and hear firsthand about the benefits and challenges of taking college courses while in high school.

The Zoom link will be emailed to parents and shared with students through the LAU Hub on the day of the event. For more details, check out our Early College Info Session flyer.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Thursday): Pomodoro-Style Study Lab (Check the LAU Hub for details and the Engageli Link)

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Drop-In Math Lab (Check the LAU Hub for the details and Engageli Link)

October 12-14: Midterm Testing (No Live Classes)

October 14: All Pre-Midterm Assignments Due—5:00 PM MT

October 14: Virtual College Fair—2:00 PM MT

October 14: Course Withdrawal Deadline

October 15-16: Fall Break (No Live Classes, Offices Closed)

October 21: Early College Info Session—2:00 PM MT

October 30: Harry Potter Halloween Event—7:00-10:00 PM MT

May 31-June 4: Summit Leadership Adventure Session 1

June 7-11: Summit Leadership Adventure Session 2

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, info about in-person activities, and more.

Dear LAU Families,

We’re excited to once again partner with Summit Journeys to offer our students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to attend our Summit Leadership Adventure Camp! Students can choose from two one-week sessions during the first few weeks of June. Each session gives students the chance to step outside their comfort zones, develop leadership skills, and make lasting memories.

Thanks to the generous vision of the Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) Board, this educational opportunity is currently offered at no cost to LAU students. Spaces fill quickly, so I encourage you to register your student as soon as possible.

At LAU, we seek meaningful ways to support students beyond the traditional classroom. Outdoor leadership experiences give students opportunities to:

• Strengthen Character and Resilience: Activities like wilderness navigation, rock climbing, and whitewater kayaking help build self-efficacy and problem-solving skills.

• Develop Healthy Tech Habits: Stepping away from devices can reduce stress, build mindfulness, and foster genuine, face-to-face friendships.

• Hone Vital Leadership Skills: Group adventures naturally develop teamwork, communication, and critical decision-making. These skills support academic success, future careers, and personal relationships.

Beyond the summer camp, LAU also offers Outdoor and Leadership Adventures Courses throughout the school year. These in-person experiences give students another way to take their learning beyond the traditional classroom, challenge themselves, connect with others, and develop valuable leadership skills through adventure.

I hope you’ll explore these opportunities with your student. Please reach out if you have any questions about how they can get involved.

Warm regards,

John Tripp

Executive Director, Leadership Academy of Utah

Action Items

Summit Leadership Adventure Camp Registration Now Open: For the fourth year in a row, LAU is partnering with Summit Journeys to provide Summit Leadership Adventure—a life-changing outdoor experience for our students. Parents can now register their high school students in SIS for this unique opportunity at no cost. Students who participate will also earn 0.5 elective credit.

• Session 1: May 31-June 4, 2026

• Session 2: June 7-11, 2026

If you’re ready to learn more, visit our Summit Leadership Adventures web page for program details. You can also watch our Leadership Adventure launch video to see what this experience could look like for your student.

Mid-Semester Assignment Deadlines: Midterms are right around the corner! Students in both Live and Self-Paced courses must submit all assignments from the first half of the semester by October 14 at 5:00 PM MT. After this deadline, midterm assignments will lock, and late submissions will not be accepted.

Please note: if a student fails their Self-Paced courses, they may not be eligible to take Self-Paced courses in the future.

Sharing LAU Student Success Stories: The Utah State Charter School Board is collecting student success stories to share with policymakers. Help us highlight the impact of LAU by sharing your student’s story!

If you have a current or former LAU student, please fill out our Student Success Stories Google form. Simply tell us where your student started, what happened at LAU, and where they are now. We’ll pass your story along to the Utah State Charter School Board!

Announcements

Student Course Evaluation Surveys Are Open: Student Course Evaluation Surveys open in your student’s Homeroom Canvas course on Monday, September 28. Your student’s feedback helps us improve our curriculum, mentoring, and our live and self-paced courses each year. Please remind them to complete their surveys by Monday, October 5. Surveys will remain open through Friday, October 9.

Early College Info Session: Join our LAU School Counselors and current Early College students for a live online panel discussion and Q&A on Wednesday, October 21, at 2:00 PM MT. High school students and parents are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and hear firsthand about the benefits and challenges of taking college courses while in high school.

The Zoom link will be emailed to parents and shared with students through the LAU Hub on the day of the event. For more details, check out our Early College Info Session flyer.

October Counseling Update & Mental Health Minute: This month’s Counseling Update highlights scholarship opportunities with October deadlines, as well as upcoming Virtual College and Early College Fairs. The Mental Health Minute includes personality tests and activities to help students better understand their strengths and abilities as they explore future opportunities and careers. Check out both resources with your student this weekend!

October 5-9 is Spirit Week! Encourage your student to join the fun by dressing up each day and showing their school spirit.

• Monday – Pajama Day: Keep it cozy and come to class in your favorite pajamas!

• Tuesday – "Touch Grass" Day: Take class outside, or choose an outdoor Zoom background for the day.

• Wednesday – Secret Agent Day: Grab your sunglasses and a fake mustache to go undercover!

• Thursday – Dress up as a Mentor: Dress up as your favorite mentor and do your best impression.

• Friday – Favorite Character Day: Dress up as your favorite character from a movie, book, show, game, or anywhere else!

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Thursday): Pomodoro-Style Study Lab (Check the LAU Hub for details and the Engageli Link)

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Drop-In Math Lab (Check the LAU Hub for the details and Engageli Link)

October 5-9: Spirit Week

October 12-14: Midterm Testing (No Live Classes)

October 14: All Pre-Midterm Assignments Due—5:00 PM MT

October 14: Virtual College Fair—2:00 PM MT

October 14: Course Withdrawal Deadline

October 15-16: Fall Break (No Live Classes, Offices Closed)

October 21: Early College Info Session—2:00 PM MT

October 30: Harry Potter Halloween Event—7:00-10:00 PM MT

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, info about in-person activities, and more.

Action Items

Student Course Evaluation Surveys Open Monday: Student Course Evaluation Surveys open in your student’s Homeroom Canvas course on Monday, September 28. Your student’s feedback helps us improve our curriculum, mentoring, and our live and self-paced courses each year. Please remind your student to complete their surveys by Monday, October 5. Surveys will remain open through Friday, October 9.

Sharing LAU Student Success Stories: The Utah State Charter School Board is collecting student success stories to share with policymakers. Help us highlight the impact of Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) by sharing your student’s story!

If you have a current or former LAU student, please fill out our Student Success Stories Google form. Simply tell us where your student started, what happened at LAU, and where they are now. We’ll pass your story along to the Utah State Charter School Board!

Announcements

Slopes to Solutions Hackathon: Utah high school students are invited to Utah State University’s first Slopes to Solutions Hackathon on Thursday, November 12, in Logan, Utah. Students from across the state will work together to develop creative solutions to challenges facing Utah. For more information and to sign up, scan the QR code on the Slopes ot Solutions Hackathon flyer.

AI Student Essay Contest: Does your high school student have ideas about how AI should be used in the classroom? The Utah State Legislature is asking students to write their perspectives and help inform future AI policies in Utah schools. Participants can win up to $1,000 and may have the opportunity to visit the Utah State Capitol. Essays are due October 1. For contest details and participation information, check out the Shaping Utah’s AI Future flyer.

Virtual College Fair: Exploring college options? Join LAU Counselors and representatives from three Utah colleges on Wednesday, October 14, at 2:00 PM MT. Students can learn about campus life, admissions, and more, followed by a live Q&A. We’ll share the Zoom link in the LAU Hub, via email, and through Remind on the day of the event. Check out our Virtual College Fair flyer for more information.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Thursday): Pomodoro-Style Study Lab (Check the LAU Hub for details and the Engageli Link)

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Drop-In Math Lab (Check the LAU Hub for the details and Engageli Link)

October 5-9: Spirit Week (Dress Up Themes Coming Soon)

October 12-14: Midterm Testing (No Live Classes)

October 14: All Pre-Midterm Assignments Due—5:00 PM MT

October 14: Virtual College Fair—2:00 PM MT

October 14: Course Withdrawal Deadline

October 15-16: Fall Break (No Live Classes, Offices Closed)

October 30: Harry Potter Halloween Event—7:00-10:00 PM MT

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, info about in-person activities, and more.

Action Items

Legacy Scholarship Fundraising Coordinator Open Position: Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) is looking for a Fundraising Coordinator to help ensure the long-term success of the Legacy Learning Scholarship Fund. This individual will lead donor outreach and community engagement to build a strong foundation of support for generations to come. If this opportunity interests you, learn more and apply via Indeed!

Announcements

Harry Potter Halloween Event: Witches, wizards, and Muggles are invited to a magical Halloween evening with LAU on Friday, October 30 at 7:00 PM MT in Layton, UT! Students and guests can play Quidditch, attend magic classes led by Williamsburg Learning staff, enjoy a Halloween feast, and dance at the Yule Ball.

Upon arrival, the Sorting Hat will place participants into houses. If your student wants to be sorted with their friends, please plan to have them check in together. Visit our Harry Potter Halloween event web page for details and to sign up.

Events and Resources for Utah Families: Utah State University (USU) is offering upcoming webinars and free resources to support Utah students and families. Click the links below to learn more or register:

• Thursday, October 22 - 12:00 PM MT: Parenting Kids in Turbulent Times

• Thursday, November 5 - 12:00 PM MT: Breaking the Cycle—ACEs, Trauma, and Utah’s Path to Healthier Children

• Available Anytime: College & Leadership—Opening the Door to Your Future

September is Suicide Prevention Month. In recognition of this, our Mental Health Minute newsletter focuses on suicide prevention, mindfulness, and resilience. Please take a few minutes to read through this important resource with your student and discuss what you learn together.

Congressional Opportunities for Students: Explore these upcoming opportunities for students to showcase their talents and learn about U.S. Service Academies:

• 2026 Congressional App Challenge: 6th-12th-grade students can design an app based on a topic or idea of their choice. Winning apps will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and winners will be invited to a special celebration. Learn more and register on the Congressional App Challenge registration web page.

• 2026-2027 Congressional Art Competition: 9th-12th-grade students can submit artwork for the chance to represent their congressional district and have their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol. The competition will be held with the 55th Annual Utah All-State High School Art Show at the Springville Museum of Art. Learn more on the U.S. House of Representatives’ Congressional Art Competition web page.

• Academy Night/Military Academy Nominations: Join Military Academy Night on Tuesday, September 22, to learn about U.S. Service Academies and the congressional nomination process. Learn more on Congressman Blake Moore’s Military Academy Nominations web page.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Thursday): Pomodoro-Style Study Lab (Check the LAU Hub for details and the Engageli Link)

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Drop-In Math Lab (Check the LAU Hub for the details and Engageli Link)

September 23: Legacy Learning Scholarship Info Session—2:00 PM MT

(Note: The date for this event has been changed from Wednesday, October 7)

October 30: Harry Potter Halloween Event (Layton, UT)—7:00-10:00 PM MT

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, info about in-person activities, and more.

Dear LAU Students and Families,

It was a sincere delight to see so many of you at our Splash Summit activity! Gathering as a community and connecting with our amazing parents and students is always a highlight.

I was equally thrilled to see the strong turnout for the scholarship seminar hosted by our dedicated school counseling team. To further empower students on their educational journeys, we have added a dedicated, part-time scholarship specialist this year. They will provide personalized guidance to help students discover new opportunities, unlock their full potential, and confidently step onto their next pathway. Please contact our Scholarship Specialist, Kaili Pitts, if you need additional scholarship information or support.

Among these opportunities, the Legacy Learning Scholarship for Seniors stands out as a powerful initiative. Generously supported by the Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) Board of Directors, this scholarship represents a deep and meaningful investment in our students’ futures. Applications open on Monday, September 14, in the LAU Hub and are due by Sunday, January 31, 2026. I strongly encourage every senior to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. To learn more and get started, please visit the Legacy Learning Scholarship web page.

As another part of our scholarship initiative, we will be reaching out to parents to support fundraising events for each class. This money is intended to fund a scholarship for LAU graduates. We are planning to hire a part-time Legacy Scholarship Coordinator to support this process!

Finally, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jeremiah Rogers and Joseph Neratko for their exceptional service to the LAU community. Their dedication, along with the wisdom and insight they have shared as board members, has been instrumental in shaping our school. We are profoundly grateful for the lasting impact they have made on our students’ experiences and our organization as a whole. Thank you for your incredible commitment to our mission!

Warmly,

John Tripp

Executive Director, Leadership Academy of Utah

Announcements

Save the Date - Legacy Learning Scholarship Info Session: Mark your calendars! Our Scholarship Coordinator will be hosting a live Legacy Learning Scholarship Info Session for LAU seniors at 2:00 PM MT on Wednesday, September 23. To learn more about this event, check out our Info Session flier. *Please note, this event was previously scheduled to be held on October 7 and has been updated.

No Live Classes on September 17: There will be no live classes on Thursday, September 17, due to a scheduled Mentor Work Day. Encourage your student to use the day to catch up, study, or get ahead on upcoming work. Mentor office hours will be held as usual.

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!

Camera Expectations Reminder: Students should remain on camera during all live classes to help build connection, accountability, and a safe learning environment. If your student needs to briefly step away, they should send their mentor a private message, such as “BRB,” and leave their camera on while stepping out of view. Please encourage your student to return promptly and come to class ready to participate and engage.

Virtual Therapy Sessions: LAU offers free virtual individual therapy sessions with our licensed therapist for students who may benefit from additional support. If you’re interested in exploring this resource for your student, please review our LAU Therapy Center flier and use the QR code to complete the parent request form. Our therapist will then contact you to discuss options for your student.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Thursday): Pomodoro-Style Study Lab (Check the LAU Hub for details and the Engageli Link)

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Drop-In Math Lab (Check the LAU Hub for the details and Engageli Link)

September 11: LAU Fishin’ in the Dark Event (Ogden, UT)—5:30-9:30 PM MT

September 17: Mentor Work Day (No Live Classes)

September 23: Legacy Learning Scholarship Info Session—2:00 PM MT

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, info about in-person activities, and more.

Action Items

State Testing Registration: As a public charter school, Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) participates in state testing each spring. To help you prepare, we’ve created grade-specific letters with important testing information and registration steps. Please read the letter for your student and complete the registration form inside today. Parents who have not submitted a form will receive further outreach by phone and/or text to finalize testing preparations.

• 6th-10th Grade: RISE Registration

• 11th Grade: ACT Registration

For more details, visit our Assessments page. If you're unsure which registration applies to your student, please contact our Assessment Director, Ashley Cabrera.

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!

September Counseling Update & Mental Health Minute: This month's Counseling Update highlights new scholarship opportunities as well as timely reminders about our new Scholarship Specialist and how to check students' graduation progress. In our Mental Health Minute, we focus on the importance of resilience and why it matters for your students' mental health. Check both resources out today!

Utah Public Education Parent Portal: Looking for more ways to support your student this school year? The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) offers helpful information for families through the USBE Parent Portal. Explore resources on accommodations, parent and student success, and more.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Thursday): Pomodoro-Style Study Lab (Check the LAU Hub for details and the Engageli Link)

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Drop-In Math Lab (Check the LAU Hub for the details and Engageli Link)

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, info about in-person activities, and more.

Action Items

State Testing Registration: As a public charter school, Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) participates in required state testing each spring. To help you prepare, we’ve created grade-specific letters with important information and registration steps for your student. Please read the letter that applies to your student and complete the registration form inside.

• 6th-10th Grade: RISE Registration

• 11th Grade: ACT Registration

For more details, visit our Assessments page. If you’re unsure which registration applies to your student, please contact our Assessment Director, Ashley Cabrera.

LAU Fishin’ in the Dark Event: All LAU and Williamsburg students, friends, and families are invited to join us at Cold Springs Trout Farm in Ogden on Friday, September 11, from 5:30-9:30 PM MT, as we celebrate the beginning of a new school year. Spend the evening casting a line, enjoying a catered dinner, and playing yard games. For details and registration, visit our Fishin’ in the Dark event web page. We hope to see you there!

Announcements

Checking Your Student’s Grades and Progress: If you want an easy way to stay updated on your student’s academic progress, be sure to check out our new video, Student Performance Data, on our On-Demand Parent Orientation web page. This video provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the parent portal, showing you how to check grades, see when your student last logged into Canvas, and monitor progress in each course. It also covers how to identify missing assignments.

Don’t miss this helpful resource! If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our Customer Support Team.

Did you miss our Scholarship Event? Watch the event recording and catch up on everything you need to know. If you have any additional questions about scholarships, please contact our Scholarship Specialist, Kaili Pitts.

SORA Online Library: All LAU students have access to SORA, a digital reading app offering e-books and audiobooks for K-12 students, including some Williamsburg course books. To get started, visit our SORA Online Library web page for instructions.

Emergency Preparedness and Response Week: Per R277-400, LAU is required to establish general criteria for emergency preparedness and emergency response plans. LAU will hold an Emergency Preparedness Week, Monday, February 22, to Friday, February 26, 2027, to highlight different areas of preparedness.

Due to the online nature of our school, LAU has a non-traditional LAU School Emergency Plan for Families, which includes resources for parents and students to review and implement at home.

Please note that our resource list isn’t comprehensive and is offered as a suggestion—your family situation may call for additional research or information.

my529 College Savings Investment Program: As you plan for your student’s future, consider my529, Utah’s official 529 college savings plan. It’s helped families save for their student’s education for over 30 years. Investing now for future education costs can help you avoid paying back borrowed money with interest. You can find more information about my529 by visiting my529.org.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Thursday): Pomodoro-Style Study Lab (Check the LAU Hub for details and the Engageli Link)

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Drop-In Math Lab (Check the LAU Hub for the details and Engageli Link)

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, info about in-person activities, and more.

Action Items

LAU Add/Drop Deadline: Monday, August 24, is the last day for students to add, drop, or change classes this semester. Please note, middle school students must take at least five Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) classes, and high school students must take at least six. All schedule changes must go through your student's counselor, so please contact them before the deadline with any requests. Students who join a new class will need to make up any missed work from the beginning of the semester.

Student Scholarship Information Event: Want to learn how your student can find scholarships and funding for education after high school? Join LAU’s Scholarship Specialist, Kaili Pitts, and our school counselors at 2:00 PM MT on Wednesday, August 26 for our Student Scholarship Information Event. They’ll walk families through scholarship options and applications and answer questions live. Look for the meeting link that day in LAU Hub, email, and Remind. If you can’t make it, we’ll share the recording in next week’s Parent Update.

Announcements

School Climate Commitment: LAU is committed to maintaining a school climate that is free of harassment and discrimination. If you have concerns about harassment or discrimination, please contact our Executive Director, John Tripp.

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.

Study and Math Support for All Students: LAU provides a Pomodoro-style study lab Monday through Thursday from 1:00 PM MT to 2:30 PM MT, and Friday from 10:00 AM MT to 12:00 PM MT. We also offer a drop-in math lab Tuesday through Friday from 3:00 PM MT to 5:00 PM MT.

Links to join both study labs are in the modules section of the LAU Hub. If your student is struggling, please encourage them to join us for these group study sessions to meet other students and get academic help.

Back-to-School Parent Orientation Recording: We had a great Back-to-School Parent Orientation on Monday night! If you missed it, please be sure to watch the recording. We also put together a Q&A Parent Back-to-School Night sheet with answers to the questions parents asked most.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Monday through Thursday): Pomodoro-Style Study Lab (Check the LAU Hub for the Zoom Link)

• Monday through Thursday—1:00-2:30 PM MT

• Friday—10:00 AM-12:00 PM MT

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Drop-In Math Lab (Check the LAU Hub for the Zoom Link)

• Tuesday through Friday—3:00-5:00 PM MT

August 22: Splash Summit Back-to-School Party (Provo, UT)–10:00–6:00 PM MT

August 24: Course Add/Drop Deadline

August 26: LAU Scholarship Information Event –2:00 PM MT

September 7: Labor Day—No Live Classes, Offices Closed

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, info about in-person activities, and more.

Dear Families,

Welcome! We’re thrilled to kick off another inspiring school year at Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU). Our mentors and staff have been preparing since mid-July to create powerful moments that will inspire and transform your student.

LAU students are dynamic young leaders, each bringing their own talents and drive to the year ahead. It’s truly an honor to work with them, and our entire team is eager to begin this journey with you.

To help you get started, we’ve created a comprehensive LAU Welcome Packet. We encourage you to save it for easy access throughout the year.

Inside, you’ll find everything you need to navigate the first few weeks and beyond, including:

• Key Contacts – Reach our Executive Director, IT Specialist, Registrar, and Counselors quickly.

• Preparing Your Student – Set up their SIS login and new student email, order books, and have them complete Orientation, Benchmark Assessments (grades 6–11 only), and a tech check.

• Resources for Parents – Access On-Demand Orientation, our Parent Resource Center, and the Three-Step Parent Support Plan.

• Beyond the Classroom – Learn about opportunities like Adventures courses, Early College Enrollment, and Debate.

• Counseling Support – Explore how our counselors can assist with academics, college prep, scholarships, and student mental health.

• Top FAQs – Get quick answers about courses, tech support, and how to support your student’s learning.

We’re committed to your student’s success and look forward to supporting you every step of the way. Please contact us if you have questions!

Warmly,

John Tripp

Executive Director, Leadership Academy of Utah

Action Items

Student Orientation and Benchmark Assessments: To ensure continued access to their Canvas courses, all LAU 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 Orientation as soon as possible. Additional details about Orientation and Benchmark requirements are available on Page 6 of the LAU 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.

Live Parent Back-to-School Night: All LAU parents are invited to our live Parent Back-to-School Night on Monday, August 17, from 6:00 PM MT to 7:00 PM MT. We’ll email you the Zoom link that day. Come meet LAU staff, hear what to expect this year, and connect with other LAU families. We hope to see you there!

Splash Summit Back-to-School Party: LAU students, friends, and families are invited to join us at Splash Summit Water Park in Provo, UT, on Saturday, August 22, from 10:00-6:00 PM MT. This is one of our most popular events and tends to fill up fast. Registration closes on Friday, August 21—or sooner if capacity is reached. For more information or to register, visit our Splash Summit event web page.

Upcoming Events

August 17: Live Parent Orientation & Back-to-School Night—6:00 PM MT

August 18: Student Orientation/Benchmarks Deadline to Complete

August 22: Splash Summit Back-to-School Party (Provo, UT)–10:00-6:00 PM MT

August 24: 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, info about in-person activities, and more.

Action Items

2026-27 Class Registration: If your student has not yet registered for 2026-27 courses, please do so by today, Friday, May 15. Students with no class schedule on file will have their application withdrawn from LAU on Monday, May 18. If your student is returning next school year, please ensure you have completed their Returning Student Application in SIS and have registered for their classes. If you have any questions about applications or class registration, please contact your student's school counselor.

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!

Returning or Renewing Your Student's Chromebook: If your student has an LAU Chromebook, please complete the 25-26 Year-End Chromebook Reporting Form to let us know whether you plan to keep it over the summer or return it.

If you're planning on returning your student's Chromebook, you have three convenient options:

1. Drop it off at our Clearfield office. Please contact our IT Equipment Specialist in advance to confirm availability.

2. Return it in person at LAU Graduation on Thursday, May 21, in Lehi, UT.

3. Ship it back using a return shipping label, available to families living 25+ miles from the Clearfield office after completing the form.

Announcements

End-of-Year Lagoon Event: Lagoon Day is just around the corner! Join us at Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington, UT this Wednesday, May 20, from 9:30 AM-4:00 PM MT to celebrate the end of a great school year. Registration closes Tuesday, May 19, so don't wait! Once registered, you will receive a promo code for discounted group-rate tickets. Visit our Lagoon Day event web page for details and to sign up.

May Mental Health Minute: As the school year wraps up, it is normal for students to feel a mix of emotions. This week's Mental Health Minute offers some wonderful guidance on embracing endings, staying connected with friends, and looking forward to what is ahead. Take a few minutes to read through it with your student!

Dear Families,

Cheers to another school year of growth and adventure! We are proud of our Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) community and committed to protecting and nurturing this unique, transformative educational experience.

To expand opportunities for our students, LAU is excited to launch our Legacy Learning Scholarship Foundation, which will award a cash scholarship to every qualified graduating senior who applies. The Foundation will be led by a board of parents and students who will guide fundraising efforts. Every dollar raised and every minute given reflects our hope and trust in the remarkable students and families who make transformational learning possible.

If you are interested in helping build the Legacy Learning Foundation, please contact our Executive Director, John Tripp. We believe this Foundation will deepen relationships and enrich learning for generations to come, and we look forward to working alongside our families to make it a success.

Warmly,

Molly Foster

LAU Board Chair

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 two weeks to go, now is a great time to sit with your student, review outstanding assignments, and make a plan to finish strong.

Returning or Renewing Your Student's Chromebook: If your student has an LAU Chromebook, please complete our 25-26 Year-End Chromebook Reporting Form to let us know whether you plan keep it over the summer or return it. Chromebooks can be returned in any of the following three ways:

1. Drop it off at our Clearfield office - Please contact our IT Equipment Specialist in advance to confirm availability.

2. Return it in person at LAU Graduation on Thursday, May 21, in Lehi, UT.

3. Ship it with a return shipping label - Available to families living 25+ miles from the Clearfield office and sent after you complete the form.

Announcements

Canvas Update: After multiple cybersecurity attacks, Canvas is back up and running, and all classes, clubs, and office hours will resume as normal on Monday. As a reminder, families and students should stay alert for phishing attempts, including unusual emails, unexpected links, or password reset requests that appear to come from Canvas or school-related accounts. While we have not received reports of specific incidents, these are common tactics following breaches like this, so please use caution with unexpected communication.

May Counseling Update & Mental Health Minute: This month's Counseling Update highlights new scholarship opportunities and important academic guidance, including a change to Language Arts 11 credits. In our Mental Health Minute, we focus on the power of endurance. Take some time to read and discuss with your student how this skill helps them navigate challenges.

End-of-Year Lagoon Event: Join us on Wednesday, May 20, from 9:30 AM-4:00 PM MT at Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington, UT, as we celebrate the end of another great school year! Register by Tuesday, May 19, to attend. Once registered, you will receive a promo code to purchase discounted group-rate tickets in advance. Visit our Lagoon Day web page for details and to register!

Upcoming Events

May 20: Finals Study Day (No Live Online Classes)

May 20: LAU & WL Lagoon Day (Farmington)—9:30 AM-4:00 PM MT

May 21: LAU Graduation—5:00-7:00 PM MT (Reservation Required)

May 21-22: Finals Testing (No Live Online Classes)

May 22: Final Day to Submit Post-Midterm Assessments—5:00 PM MT

June 5: Final Grades Available

June 1-5: Summit Leadership Adventures Session 1

June 8-12: Summit Leadership Adventures Session 2

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, info about in-person activities, and more.

Dear Parents,

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to take a moment to reflect on the heartbeat of our school community. While many traditional schools focus on the “teacher” as the primary source of information, the essence of our educational model centers on our Mentors.

At Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU), we believe that true education is more than a transfer of facts—it is a journey of personal growth. This is why we lean so heavily into the Williamsburg Family of Schools Mentor model. Our Mentors do not just deliver curriculum—they build meaningful, individual relationships. They care deeply about each student’s unique path, ensuring no one is just a name on a roster, but a person with potential to be unlocked.

Williamsburg and LAU are working even harder to support our Mentors as they refine the specialized skills needed to deliver a transformative learning experience. By focusing on mentorship over simple instruction, we create a space where students feel seen, challenged, and inspired to take ownership of their education.

I want to personally thank you for trusting us with your students and invite you to join me in celebrating the incredible men and women who show up each day to guide, challenge, and champion them.

Warmly,

John Tripp

Executive Director, Leadership Academy of Utah

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!

Returning or Renewing Your Student’s Chromebook: If your student has an LAU Chromebook, please complete the 25-26 Year-End Chromebook Reporting Form to indicate whether you will keep the Chromebook over the summer or return it.

If you plan to drop off the computer at our Clearfield office, please contact our IT Equipment Specialist in advance to confirm availability. If you live 25+ miles from the Clearfield office, a return shipping label will be sent after you complete the form. You may also return the computer on Thursday, May 21, at LAU Graduation in Lehi, Utah.

Update on LAU Student Email Addresses: Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, all LAU student communication will be sent through student LAU email accounts. To prepare, please have your student update their SIS email address to their LAU email if they are currently using a different account.

Announcements

End-of-Year (EOY) Benchmark Testing is on Monday, May 4! Your student’s EOY Benchmark Assessments are now available in the LAU Hub course in Canvas and must be completed by the end of the day Wednesday, May 6. Students in grades 6-11 who do not complete these required assessments will lose access to Canvas and will not be able to take finals until they are done.

Monday, May 4, is a dedicated Benchmark workday, though students are welcome to begin this weekend—encourage your student to complete them early to finish the semester strong.

End-of-Year Parent Satisfaction Survey: Earlier this week, we sent our End-of-Year Parent Satisfaction Survey via Remind. We encourage all parents to take a few minutes to complete it—your feedback is reviewed by our team, the LAU Board, and the Williamsburg Family of Schools and helps guide program improvements. If you need access to the survey or have questions, please contact our Communication Specialist, Sharla Nelson.

End-of-Year Lagoon Event: There’s still time to join us for a day at Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington, UT, on Wednesday, May 20, from 9:30 AM-4:00 PM MT. Come celebrate the end of another great school year with a fun-filled day at the park. Registered participants will receive a promo code to purchase tickets at a discounted group rate. Visit our Lagoon Day web page for details and to sign up.

Upcoming Events

May 1: LAU & WL Prom (Salt Lake City)—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)—9:30 AM-4:00 PM MT

May 21: LAU Graduation—5:00-7:00 PM MT (Reservation Required)

May 21-22: Finals Testing (No Live Online Classes)

May 22: Final Day to Submit Post-Midterm Assessments—5:00 PM MT

June 5: Final Grades Available

June 1-5: Summit Leadership Adventures Session 1

June 8-12: Summit Leadership Adventures Session 2

Please check the Parent Resource Center for links to view our Parent Video Library, info about in-person activities, and more.