Weekly Parent Update

Dear Leadership Academy of Utah Families,

Our website is currently undergoing some exciting, fresh updates this weekend, which means our Communications Team is continuing their regularly scheduled programming via email this week!

Thanks to the hard work of our Marketing Team, our new website will be ready for viewing and use on Monday, November 20. All website URLs will remain the same, so no need to worry about links you had previously bookmarked.

We look forward to seeing you on our new website!

Sincerely,

John Tripp

Action Items

Digital Safety Resources For Families: Our LAU high school students have recently reviewed topics like cyberbullying, digital drama, and hate speech in their Digital Safety Course. We encourage families to take some time this week to read, review, and discuss these topics with your family.

Announcements

Thanksgiving Week: As you know, next week is Thanksgiving! Wednesday, November 22, will be a study day. The actual Thanksgiving break will begin Thursday, November 23, and will go until Friday, November 24. All classes within these dates are canceled and offices will be closed. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving break! LAU is grateful for you.

Upcoming Events

November 17: Impact Ninja Gym Activity–5:30 PM-8:00 PM MT

November 23-24: Thanksgiving Break–No Classes, Offices Closed

December 16: Winter Wonderland Activity–6:30-9:30 PM MT

Please check our Parent Resource Center to learn more and register for Activities.

Action Items

Communication Survey: At LAU, we strive to make it easy to find the information you need when you need it. Please fill out this brief survey and let us know how we are doing!

Announcements

Winter Wonderland Activity: We are pleased to invite all LAU students, friends, and family to join us on December 16 from 6:30-9:30 PM MT for an enchanted evening at the Gallivan Center in downtown Salt Lake City! This event will consist of a catered dinner and outdoor skating, so if you’re planning on attending this event, you must register. Further details and registration are available on the Winter Wonderland event page.

Impact Ninja Gym Activity: Registration has been extended for LAU students, friends, and families to sign up for our Impact Ninja Gym event on November 17 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM MT! Make sure to register on our event page if your student would like to attend.

Upcoming Events

November 11: Arizona “Burger Meet”–11:00 AM-3:00 PM MT

November 17: Impact Ninja Gym Activity–5:30 PM-8:00 PM MT

November 22-23: Thanksgiving Break

December 16 Winter Wonderland Activity - 6:30-9:30 PM MT

Please check our Parent Resource Center to learn more and register for Activities.

Dear Leadership Academy of Utah Families,

Here is a brief video highlighting the amazing qualities of LAU students, as well as some words of encouragement this season.

Sincerely,

Rubeus Hagrid

John Tripp

Action Items

How are we doing with our communications? At LAU, we strive to make it easy to find the information you need when you need it. Please fill out this brief survey and let us know how we are doing.

Digital Safety Resources For Families: Recently, LAU high school students reviewed healthy relationships and communication strategies in their Digital Media Course. We encourage families to take some time this week to read, review, and discuss these tips and topics with your family.

Announcements

Arizona Burger Meet Event 🍔: Williamsburg Academy is hosting a Burger Meet in Camp Verde, Arizona, on November 11, and all LAU students are encouraged to join! Tickets will sell out, so don’t wait to register using our Arizona Burger Meet event page!

Expanding Winter Semester Class Offerings: LAU is expanding its Winter semester class offerings for the following courses in January:

• Intro to High School Math
• High School Math 1
• High School Math 2
• World Literature
• Leadership 8

If your student is interested in a smaller class or different class time, please visit SIS to adjust your child’s schedule accordingly.

Daylight Saving Time: Daylight Saving Time occurs on November 5, 2023, causing clocks to go back an hour. As a Utah-based institution, class times and student devices may be impacted by this. Please double-check the impact the time change may have on your child’s class times and/or devices.

Early College Registration: Early College registration dates for the Winter 2024 semester are quickly approaching! If your student is interested in attending Utah Tech University (UTU), University of Utah (UofU), or Brigham Young University - Idaho (BYU-I) as an Early College student, please review the LAU Early College page and college specific websites for details regarding admission and registration dates.

CTE Scholarships and Tuition Awards: Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholarships and Tuition Awards are available for outstanding Utah students. Please see the Utah State Board of Education website for further details regarding specific scholarships and a helpful CTE Scholarship Application webinar, which will be held on Wednesday, November 1, at 11:00 AM MT.

CTE School Opportunities: Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools are a great way for 11th and 12th grade students to receive CTE/elective credits. All of Utah’s eight CTE schools are offering tuition-free training for future employment opportunities while students are still attending high school. If your student is interested in these CTE opportunities, see LAU’s CTE page for further steps to enroll and FAQs.

Celebrating our Students

Leadership Academy of Utah is grateful for the flexibility that we are able to provide our students. This flexibility enables them to pursue interests outside of school, and we love to celebrate our students and share their success stories with LAU families. If you have a student success story you would like to share, please email it to our Executive Director, John Tripp, or our Communications Team.

• Aria Graves: Aria, a 10th grader at LAU, has been selected to compete at the US Figure Skating's Pacific Coast Sectional Singles Final in Tacoma, WA. Top skaters from each of the three regions in the Pacific Section are selected to compete at the Pacific Coast Sectional, which occurs next week. Aria has and continues to train three hours daily for six days a week. In addition to her figure skating practices and routines, she persistently studies and completes her schoolwork. See Aria’s beautiful performance at the 2023 Broadmoor Fall Classic Competition. Congratulations Aria!

Upcoming Events

November 9: Alternative-to-College Fair–1:00 PM-2:00 PM MT

November 11: Arizona “Burger Meet”–11:00 AM-3:00 PM MT

November 17: Impact Ninja Gym Activity–5:30 PM-8:00 PM MT

November 22-23: Thanksgiving Break

Please check our Parent Resource Center to learn more and register for Activities.

Action Items

Early College Courses Available: LAU is thrilled to announce that we have expanded our Early College opportunities for our students! We are partnering with Utah Tech University, the University of Utah, and Brigham Young University-Idaho to provide additional opportunities for LAU students to take Early College courses while simultaneously attending high school. Please review the Early College pages on our website and reach out to your student’s counselor to discuss next steps, if interested. Additionally, if students are interested in attending a local technical college while in high school, more information is also available on LAU’s Career and Technical Education page.

Announcements

Arizona Burger Meet-Up: Williamsburg Academy is hosting a Burger Meet in Arizona on November 11, and all LAU students are invited to join! For those living close to Camp Verde, Arizona, this exciting event will include food, great conversations, and fun games for all. Tickets will sell out, so don’t wait to register using our Arizona Burger Meet event 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 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!

Changes to the LAU Board: LAU would like to give a special thanks to Jana Stout for her six years of dedicated service on our LAU board. Jana has been a great asset and will be greatly missed. Consequently, LAU is thrilled to welcome 2 new board members: Jeremiah Rogers and Tim Erickson! We look forward to working with them and are appreciative for their willingness to serve in these positions.

Women in Utah History Art Contest: All LAU students are invited to participate in this year’s “She Started It” Student Art Contest. All participants are invited to create an original piece of art inspired by a woman in Utah history who has made a difference in their community. Submissions are due January 22, 2024. Further details are available here.

Senior Opportunities: It’s senior season at LAU, meaning that there are many great scholarships opportunities and events coming up for our seniors!

• The LAU Sterling Scholarship Application is now open! The purpose of this scholarship is to publicly recognize and encourage excellence in scholarship, leadership and citizenship of high school seniors. Applications are due by November 24, by 5:00 PM MT. More information is available here.
• CTE Scholarships and Tuition Awards: Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholarships and Tuition Awards are available for outstanding Utah students. Please see the Utah State Board of Education website for further details regarding specific scholarships and a helpful CTE Scholarship Application webinar, which will be held on Wednesday, November 1 at 11:00 AM MT.
• Alternative-to-College Fair: All high school students are invited to join the LAU school counselors at the Alternative-to-College Fair on November 9 at 1:00 PM MT. This fair acts as a space for students to explore professional options outside of college, such as entrepreneurship and military service. More information is available here.

Upcoming Events

October 28: “Burger Meet” Halloween Stomp–7:20-10:30 PM MT

November 9: Alternative-to-College Fair–2:00-3:00 PM MT

November 11: Arizona “Burger Meet”–11:00 AM-3:00 PM MT

November 17: Impact Ninja Gym Activity - 5:30-8:00 PM MT

Please check our Parent Resource Center to learn more and register for Activities.

Announcements

Pre-Midterm Assignments Due: We are quickly approaching the first half of the semester, meaning that students must submit their pre-midterm assignments by the following dates:

• Live Classes: Pre-Midterms Assignments due October 13

• Self-Paced Courses: Pre-Midterms Assignments due October 18

After these dates, the assignments will lock, and submissions will no longer be possible. Please note that if your student fails their self-paced classes, they may not be able to take self-paced classes in the future.

Ninja Gym activity: Registration is now open for LAU students, friends, and families to test their ninja skills with us at Impact Ninja Gym in Sandy, UT, on November 17 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM MT! Registration closes November 10 or when participant maximum is met, so make sure to register if your student would like to attend.

Digital Safety Resources For Families: The high school’s Digital Media Course has designed an online safety document that provides information on how to help students post, comment, and upload online content responsibly. Please take some time this week to read, review, and discuss these topics with your family.

WA Arizona In-Person Event: LAU students are invited to join Williamsburg Academy’s first in-person event for the 2023-2024 school year in Arizona on November 11! This will be a great opportunity for those living in or near Arizona to come together, mingle, eat, and engage in an assortment of activities. Further information and signups can be found on the “Arizona Burger Meet” event page. Spots are limited, so if you and your student would like to attend, make sure to sign up soon!

“Burger Meet” Halloween Stomp: Registration is open for our upcoming Halloween Stomp! At this in-person event, students can dance, eat, and hangout with their classmates. Guests of students are welcome to join for an extra $3 per person. If your student would like to attend, make sure to register by October 23.

Upcoming Events

October 13: Final Day to Submit Pre-Midterm Assignments

October 17-18: Midterms

October 19-20: Fall Break

October 26: Technical School Fair–2:00-3:00 PM MT

October 28: “Burger Meet” Halloween Stomp–7:20-10:30 PM MT

November 11: Arizona “Burger Meet”–11:00 AM-3:00 PM MT

November 17: Impact Ninja Gym Activity – 5:30 PM-8:00 PM MT

Please check our Parent Resource Center to learn more and register for Activities.

Dear Parents and Students,

It has been a pleasure meeting some of our students and parents from across the state of Utah. I hear great things about LAU and also ways our school can improve. Thank you for taking the time to communicate your thoughts and concerns with me.

For many students, this is a particularly challenging time of year. Although assignments continue to arrive and due dates creep closer, helping students persist in hard things is key to their future success. At LAU, we believe this struggle is a keystone to student growth and learning.

I encourage our parents to review our parent resource videos, specifically, the video about “Grit & Persistence.” I also recommend the “Three Step Parent Support” videos. These resources will help your student make the most of their academic journey at LAU.

We love our students and their families. Each of our mentors and staff care deeply about their success, which isn’t always measured by grades or GPA.

Thank you for your continued support and your outstanding efforts with your students!

Warm Regards,

John Tripp

Action Items

Evaluation surveys are live! Online Course/Mentor Evaluation Surveys are available in Homeroom. LAU counts on this feedback each year to improve mentoring in the classroom. Please remind your students to take the survey once for each of their courses. Surveys are due Monday, October 9, but will remain available until Friday, October 14.

Announcements

October Counseling Update: Important information from our school’s counselors about college applications, priority deadlines, and scholarships are available in our counseling update.

Counselor-Led Post-High School Planning Fairs: A few of our post-high school planning fairs are coming up, including:

• College Fair – Thursday, October 12, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM MT
• Technical School Fair – Thursday, October 26, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM MT

Zoom meeting links will be sent to students the morning of the events via Homeroom. Please come ready with questions revolving around college and trade school.

“Burger Meet” Halloween Stomp: Registration is now open for students to dance, eat, and hangout with their classmates at our Halloween Stomp! Costumes are encouraged, but not required. If costumes are worn, they need to be appropriate and contain no mask. Guests of students are welcome to join for an extra $3 per person. If your student would like to attend, make sure to register by October 23.

Upcoming Events

October 12: College Fair–2:00-3:00 PM MT

October 26: Technical School Fair–2:00-3:00 PM MT

October 28: “Burger Meet” Halloween Stomp–7:20-10:30 PM MT

Please check our Parent Resource Center to learn more and register for Activities.

Announcements

Digital Safety Resource for Families: The high school students’ Digital Media course designed an online safety document for families. Since digital privacy and safety is applicable to everyone, it is important to take some time this week to read, review, and discuss these valuable tips and points with your student and family.

“Make Your Mark” Bookmark Contest: my529, Utah’s tax-advantaged savings program, is sponsoring a bookmark contest for Utah K-12 students. Eight winners will each receive a $1,000 my529 college savings scholarship account from my529 and the Utah System of Higher Education. Eligibility is determined by enrollment in a Utah school or home-school based in Utah. Entries must be submitted by October 2. Please see the official entry form for registration and further details.

Upcoming Events

September 30: Party at the Ranch

October 4: Around the World in 80 Days (Hale Centre Theatre)

Please check our Parent Resource Center to learn more and register for Activities.

Announcements

“Around the World in 80 Days” Registration: Registration is now open for students and chaperones to attend Hale Centre Theatre’s performance of “Around the World in 80 Days” on October 4. Our school is allowed 1 chaperone for every 4 students. If you would like to chaperone, please indicate so on the guest sign-up form. Registration typically fills up very quickly, so make sure to sign up soon on our website!

LAU Counselor-Led Post-High School Planning Fairs: LAU counselors have organized multiple post-high school planning fairs, including:

• College Fair – Thursday, October 12, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM MT
• Technical School Fair – Thursday, October 26, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM MT
• Non-School Options Fair – Thursday, November 2, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM MT

Make sure to add these great events to your calendar and watch for more information—including what schools that will be joining us—in upcoming WPUs. If you have any questions, please direct them to Kate Chaney .

American Freedom Festival Contest: The American Freedom Festival is sponsoring an art, essay, film, and speech contest for all K-12 students. This year’s theme is “The First Amendment to the Constitution.” Several cash prizes of up to $600 are available in addition to the chance for students to show their entry publicly by participating in festival events! Further information can be found within this flier or the American Freedom Festival website .

Study Abroad Opportunity : There is a study abroad opportunity offered through the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Program. CBYX annually offers 350 young Americans the opportunity to live with a host family and attend high school in Germany for one academic year. More information about this opportunity is available on the CBYX website . Please note this is not sponsored by LAU.

Upcoming Events

September 18 – 22: Parent Mentor Updates and Parent Mentor Conferences

September 30: Party at the Ranch

October 4: Around the World in 80 Days (Hale Centre Theatre)

Please check our Parent Resource Center to learn more and register for Activities.

Announcements

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and our LAU school counselors are sharing some tips with students in Homeroom that can help them combat negative emotions. We encourage you to discuss the importance of self-care and mental health with your students. If you have any questions, feel free to contact one of our school’s counselors for additional support or resources. Students whose last names begin with A-L are assigned to reach out to Kate Chaney , while students whose last names begin with M-Z are assigned to reach out to Shauna Larson .

Digital Management Sessions: LAU is offering a counselor-led, 6-week small group session on digital detoxing and social media management skills. If you would like your student to participate, please email our school counselor, Kate Chaney , for additional details and signup.

NWEA Testing Participant Drawing: All students who enroll and participate in our Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) testing will be entered in a drawing for an LAU T-Shirt! Drawings will occur by grade and will be held after Fall, Winter, and Spring testing. Students who participate in all three testing sessions will receive a $5 Amazon gift card, as well! If you have any questions about NWEA testing or need to sign up, please contact our Student Success Coordinator, Michele Elliot .

Retiring Board Member: LAU would like to offer a heartfelt thanks to our retiring board member, Karsten Reed. We appreciate his service as a board member for our school and wish him all the best on his future adventures!

Upcoming Events

September 18 – 22: Parent Mentor Conferences

September 30: Party at the Ranch

Please check our Parent Resource Center to learn more and register for Activities.