Weekly Parent Update

Dear Parents,

Our new and improved Parent Resource Center is here! Please take a moment to watch this video tour and discover all the exciting updates and resources, including our brand-new Parent Video Library!

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to your students!

John Tripp

Executive Director

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 complete this brief survey and let us know how we are doing!

Announcements

Winter Wonderland Activity: LAU students, family, and friends are invited to an enchanted evening of dinner and ice skating at The Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City on December 12, from 6:30 to 9:30 PM MT. This popular event fills up quickly—registration will close by December 9, or sooner if we reach capacity. Visit our Winter Wonderland activity web page for registration and more details.

Weekly Student Progress Email Update: Starting next week, parents will receive our Weekly Student Progress email twice a week—on both Wednesday and Saturday. This email includes updates on your student’s grades, class logins, and course pacing. This change means you’ll have a closer, more frequent look at your student’s progress, giving you more opportunities to give them timely support when needed.

Post-High School Planning Events: Our LAU counselors are hosting two events designed to help high school students explore post-secondary education and career opportunities! Each will feature presentations from industry experts and include a live Q&A. Details are provided in the flyers below—encourage your high school students to attend and participate!

• College Fair - This Wednesday, November 13, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM MT
• Alternative-to-College Fair - Wednesday, November 20, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM MT

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Student Study Group —1:30-3:00 PM MT (Check the LAU Hub homepage for the Zoom link)

Weekly (Tuesday through Thursday): Math Lab Tutoring—3:00-5:00 PM MT (Check the LAU Hub homepage for the Zoom link)

November 13: College Fair (Hosted by LAU Counselors)—1:00-2:00 PM MT

November 20: Alternative-to-College Fair (Hosted by LAU Counselors)—1:00-2:00 PM MT

December 12: Winter Wonderland Event—6:30-9:30 PM MT

Action Items

Post-High School Planning Events: Our LAU counselors are hosting two events designed to help high school students explore post-secondary education and career opportunities! Each event will include presentations from industry experts, followed by a live Q&A session. Details on each event are provided in the flyers below—encourage your high school students to attend and participate!

• College Fair - Wednesday, November 13, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM MT
• Alternative-to-College Fair - Wednesday, November 20, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM 

Announcements

November Mental Health Minute and Counseling Updates: Check out the November Mental Health Minute and Counselor Update for valuable student mental health resources. You’ll also find details on scholarships and upcoming university events—take a look today!

Beginning-of-Year Progress Check (STAR Testing) Results Available Now: If your student completed the Beginning-of-Year Progress Check in Math and/or Language Arts, you can now view their results on the Renaissance dashboard. Here’s how to access them:

1. Go to the Renaissance Welcome Portal and select “I’m a Student.”
2. Enter the same username and password your student used to complete their progress check. Login help is available here under the “Instructions” section.
3. On the Renaissance dashboard, scroll to the Parents and Guardians section and select "Get Email Updates."
4. Click on "Progress" in the top right corner. The Star Unified Scores will be at the bottom of this page. You can find how to understand these scores and their implications in this document.

New Parent Video: Do you feel like you’ve tried everything to motivate your student, but nothing sticks? Don’t miss The Science of Motivation - Part 2! In this second installment of our four-part series, we explore the two types of motivation and common mistakes made with each. Watch now to learn strategies to inspire and support your student’s growth!

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Student Study Group —1:30-3:00 PM MT (Check the LAU Hub homepage for the Zoom link)

Weekly (Tuesday through Thursday): Math Lab Tutoring—3:00-5:00 PM MT (Check the LAU Hub homepage for the Zoom link)

November 13: College Fair (Hosted by LAU Counselors)—1:00-2:00 PM MT

November 20: Alternative-to-College Fair (Hosted by LAU Counselors)—1:00-2:00 PM MT

Action Items

Registration is Now Open for Summit Leadership Adventure: Summit Leadership Adventures is a life-changing, character-building, five-day high adventure experience that helps students in grades 9-12 develop leadership skills. This summer, there will be two sessions:

• Session 1: June 2-6
• Session 2: June 9-13

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and we expect sessions to fill up quickly. To secure your student’s spot, please register early in SIS under the Winter 2025 ‘Electives’ tab. For more information, please visit our Summit Leadership Adventure web page.

Announcements

Course/Mentor Feedback: Did you know that you or your student can provide anonymous feedback about a course or mentor in Canvas? Simply click the 'Help' icon on the left sidebar, then select 'WL Course/Mentor Feedback.' From there, you can share your thoughts and help us enhance your student's experience.

WL Halloween Stomp: Join us at the Halloween Stomp this Saturday, October 26, from 7:30 to 10:30 PM MT for an epic night of dancing, games, and fun! LAU students can attend for free, while guests can attend for $4 per person. Costumes are encouraged, but masks are not allowed. For more details and to sign up, visit our Halloween Stomp event web page. See you there!

Math Lab Tutoring (All Grades and Math Levels): Does your student need help mastering math concepts, have math questions, or want extra support from a tutor? We now offer Math Lab tutoring for all LAU students every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM MT. No sign-up or pre-registration is required. The link to join the Math Lab is available in Canvas on the LAU Hub homepage.

Improving Youth Well-Being Seminar Recording: If you missed our Improving Youth Well-Being Seminar with Martin Frey this past Wednesday night, we encourage you to watch the recording here. It was a valuable experience for both parents and students who attended, so be sure to check it out today!

ACT Resources and Information: Attention parents of Juniors! ACT information and practice resources are now available on our digital ACT Flyer. If you have a student in 11th grade, please read through these practice resources with them. We will announce additional details, including test locations, as they become available.

Registration for the ACT Workshop is Now Open! This prep course is available to all interested 11th grade students and will be taught by math mentor Kathryn Garland each Friday in February from 1:00 to 2:00 PM MT. Registration is required and can be completed in SIS under the Winter 2025 'Electives' tab.

New Parent Video Library Web Page: Have you enjoyed our new Parent Videos, like the 3-Step Parent Support Plan, Breaking Low Energy Habits, and the Neurochemistry Behind Motivation? You can now access all of these valuable resources on our new Parent Video Library web page! Be sure to check back regularly for new, engaging content designed to support you and your student.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Student Study Group—1:30-3:00 PM MT (Check the LAU Hub Announcements page for the Zoom link.)

Weekly (Tuesday through Thursday): Student Study Group—3:00-5:00 PM MT (Check the LAU Hub Announcements page for the Zoom link.)

October 26: LAU & WL Halloween Stomp—7:30-10:30 PM MT

Action Items

• New Parent Video: Want to boost your motivation and inspire your student too? Our four-part video series, The Science of Motivation, explores the key factors that drive motivation and offers strategies to cultivate it in both you and your student.
  

  Part one, The Neurochemistry Behind Motivation, is available now in our Parent Resource Center. Don’t miss out—learn about the five essential chemicals that significantly influence motivation today!

• Last Chance to Complete Student Surveys! Today is your student’s final opportunity to complete their Student Surveys, which are available on the home page of Homeroom. Please encourage them to participate—these surveys offer a valuable opportunity to provide feedback on their online courses and mentors, helping us improve classes.
• The Mid-Semester Assignment Deadlines: Midterms are next week! Students need to submit all assignments from the first half of the semester by the following dates: 
• Live Classes: October 11 by 9:00 PM MT
• Self-Paced Courses: October 16 by 5:00 PM MT
• After these dates and times, assignments due before midterms will lock, and late 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 courses in the future.

Announcements

• Improving Youth Well-Being with Martin Frey: Parents and students, join us for a seminar with the world-renowned adventurer, Martin Frey, on Wednesday, October 23, at 6:00 PM MT. In this seminar, Martin will teach principles of Positive Psychology that help enable young people to thrive. This is a seminar you won’t want to miss! The Zoom link will be emailed to parents one day before the seminar.
• Note: This event was formerly known as the Parent and Student Seminar.
• Utah Public Education Parent Portal: The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) provides a range of valuable resources for families in the public education system through the USBE Parent Portal. These resources include accommodations, success guides for parents and students, and much more—so be sure to check it out!
  

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Student Study Group—1:30-3:00 PM MT (Check the LAU Hub Announcements page for the Zoom link.)

October 11: Final day to submit assignments before midterm lock date (Live Classes)

October 14: Midterms Study Day (No Live Online Classes)

October 15-16: Midterm Testing (No Live Online Classes)

October 16: Final day to submit assignments before midterm lock date (Self-Paced Classes)

October 17-18: Fall Break (No Classes)

October 23: Improving Youth Well-Being Seminar with Martin Frey—6:00 PM MT (via Zoom)

October 26: LAU & WL Halloween Stomp—7:30-10:30 PM MT

Dear Parents, 

I hope you are having a wonderful Fall experience thus far!

I live in Cache Valley, where local farmers showcase and sell the fruits and vegetables they’ve grown and harvested. I enjoy stopping at these stands and purchasing their freshly picked produce. It’s great to support hard-working farmers and enjoy the bounty they generously share!

This time of year brings to mind the Law of the Farm, as articulated by Stephen R. Covey. He emphasizes that to reap a harvest, you must prepare the ground, plant the seeds, cultivate, and water them. Covey states, “The only thing that endures over time is the Law of the Farm.”

These words resonate deeply, especially as we collaborate to educate our students and children. We must prepare their minds, planting seeds of curiosity and a desire for knowledge, and then nurture those seeds to help them develop the skills needed to think critically, learn effectively, and grow into capable adults. Both staff and parents play a vital role in making online learning productive, and your efforts truly make a difference. Following the 3-Step Parent Support Plan is a proven tool that helps nurture and support your child's academic success.

Midterms are less than two weeks away. We encourage you to work with your students to identify any assignments that need to be completed or resubmitted to help them achieve their best grades. After that, please enjoy your Fall Break together!

We invite you to mark your calendar for a special online Parent and Student Seminar on Wednesday, October 23. Martin Frey, the leader of our Summit Leadership Adventure course for LAU students, will discuss ways parents can support their students. You can find more details about this event in the announcements section below.

Finally, please take advantage of the tools and resources found in our Parent Resource Center to support your child's academic achievement. If you are having challenges with your child’s educational progress, we have skilled staff available to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact our Student Support Team with any questions you may have.

John Tripp

Executive Director

Action Items

• The Mid-Semester Assignment Deadline is Coming Up! We are quickly approaching midterms. Students must submit all assignments from the first half of the semester by the following dates: 
• Live Classes: October 11 by 9:00 PM MT
• Self-Paced Courses: October 16 by 5:00 PM MT
• After these dates and times, assignments due before midterms will lock, and late 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 courses in the future.

• Student Surveys are Live in Homeroom: Please remind your student to complete their Student Surveys, available on the home page of Homeroom. These surveys allow students to evaluate their online courses and mentors, which helps us improve classroom mentoring. Surveys are due by Monday, October 7.

Announcements

• Parent & Student Seminar with Martin Frey: Join us for a Parent and Student Seminar with the world-renowned adventurer, Martin Frey, on Wednesday, October 23, at 6:00 PM MT. In this seminar, Martin will teach and inspire attendees on how they can guide, support, and facilitate transformational learning experiences. This is a seminar you won’t want to miss! The Zoom link will be emailed to parents one day before the seminar.
• October Mental Health Minute and Counseling Updates: Please check the October Mental Health Minute and October Counselor Update for student mental health resources, as well as information about scholarships and university events.
  

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Student Study Group —1:30-3:00 PM MT (Check the LAU Hub Announcements page for the Zoom link.)

October 7-11: Spirit Week

October 11: Final day to submit assignments before midterm lock date (Live Classes)

October 14: Midterms Study Day (No Live Online Classes)

October 15-16: Midterm Testing (No Live Online Classes)

October 16: Final day to submit assignments before midterm lock date (Self-Paced Classes)

October 17-18: Fall Break (No Classes)

October 23: Parent & Student Seminar with Martin Frey

October 26: LAU & WL Halloween Stomp—7:30-10:30 PM MT

The Weekly Parent Update this week is simple, with only a few upcoming events!

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Student Study Group —1:30-3:00 PM MT (Check the LAU Hub Announcements page for the Zoom link.)

October 3: The Magician's Elephant (Hale Centre Theatre)—12:30-3:30 PM MT

October 26: LAU & WL Halloween Stomp—7:30-10:30 PM MT

Action Items

Student Summit Sync Up with Martin Frey: LAU students are invited to a special event this Wednesday, September 25, at 2:00 PM MT. Adventurer Martin Frey, who led our summer Summit Leadership Adventure course, will check in with students who attended Summit Leadership Adventure this past summer. They will have a follow-up discussion about navigating personal journeys. Students new to Summit Journey or those who did not attend Summit Leadership Adventure are also invited to join the discussion.

The Zoom link for the meeting will be sent to students as an announcement in the LAU Hub on the morning of the event. 

State Assessments Surveys: If you still need to fill out a survey for your student, we invite you to take a few minutes to complete the relevant surveys linked below. State tests vary by grade, so please complete one survey for each enrolled child according to their current grade level. Surveys need to be completed by September 25. 

• Grades 6-8 - RISE Survey
• Grades 9-10 - Aspire + Survey
• Grade 11 - ACT Survey  

Detailed testing information will be sent out as assessments approach. If you have questions about assessments, contact our Assessments Director, Ashley Cabrera.

Announcements

• LAU & WL Halloween Stomp: Get ready for an epic Halloween event! LAU and Williamsburg students are joining forces for a night of dancing, games, and fun on October 26 from 7:30 to 10:30 PM MT. LAU students can attend for free, while guests can attend for $4.00 per person. Costumes are encouraged but not required, however, masks are not allowed. For more details and to sign up, please check out our Halloween Stomp event web page. 
• Upcoming Student Study Group Opportunity: Beginning September 17, LAU students are invited to join our Student Success Team for a weekly Pomodoro-style study group. The sessions will be held from 1:30-3:00 PM MT, Tuesday through Friday. Participating students will set individual 25-minute study goals, work for 25 minutes, and then report on their progress. This studying format is helpful for students who find it challenging to focus or stay on task. Our Student Support Team will be available to provide tips and additional assistance throughout the sessions. If you have questions, please email our Student Support Specialist, Jacey Rogel.
  

  The Zoom link for the study session will be posted as an announcement in the LAU Hub early next week.

• PSAT Testing: LAU does not offer Practice SAT (PSAT) testing. If you're interested in having your student take the PSAT, we suggest contacting a local boundary school in your district soon, as this test is administered in October each year. Taking the PSAT provides valuable practice for the SAT and may also qualify students for merit scholarships. For more information about the PSAT, please visit the official PSAT website.

Upcoming Events

Weekly (Tuesday through Friday): Student Study Group—1:30-3:00 PM MT

September 21: Smash Labs (Southern Utah)—7:30-10:00 PM MT

September 25: Student Summit Sync Up with Martin Frey—2:00 PM MT

October 3: The Magician's Elephant (Hale Centre Theatre)—12:30-3:30 PM MT

October 26: LAU & WL Halloween Stomp—7:30-10:30 PM MT

Action Items

Save the Date! Student Summit Sync Up with Martin Frey: LAU students are invited to a special presentation on September 25, at 2:00 PM MT, with adventurer Martin Frey (leader of our summer Summit Leadership Adventure course for LAU students in grades 9-12). At this event, Martin will check in with students from the Summit Leadership Adventure summer program and discuss navigating personal journeys. New Summit Journey students and those who did not attend Summit Leadership Adventure are also welcome to join the discussion.

The Zoom link for the meeting will be sent to students in the LAU Hub on the morning of the event.

State Assessments Surveys: To help us properly plan for your child’s state testing this school year, we need more information about your plans for their assessments. Please take a moment to complete one of the surveys linked below. State tests vary by grade, so please complete one survey for each enrolled child according to their current grade level. Surveys need to be completed by September 25. 

• Grades 6-8 - RISE Survey
• Grades 9-10 - Aspire + Survey
• Grade 11 - ACT Survey  

Stay tuned for detailed testing information as assessments approach! If you have questions about assessments, contact our Assessments Director, Ashley Cabrera.

Announcements

• Parent Mentor Conferences: Parent Mentor Conferences begin Monday, September 16, and go until Friday, September 20. Stay tuned for an email with instructions on how and when to sign up.
• No Live Classes September 19: To accommodate Parent Mentor Conferences, there will be no live classes on Thursday, September 19. Please encourage your student to take this day to study and work on assignments.
• Parent Engagement Video! Check out our latest Parent Engagement Series video, How to Break Low-Energy Habits. Discover the low-energy habits your student might be struggling with and learn practical strategies to turn things around. Don’t miss out—watch this brief, new video now!
  Helpful Note: This video is located directly under the 3-Step Parent Support Plan video. 
• Upcoming Student Study Group Opportunity: Beginning September 17, LAU students are invited to join our Student Success Team for a weekly Pomodoro-style study group. The sessions will be held from 1:30-3:00 PM MT, Tuesday through Friday. Participating students will set individual 25-minute study goals, work for 25 minutes, and then report on their progress. This studying format is helpful for students who find it challenging to focus or stay on task. Our Student Support Team will be available to provide tips and additional assistance throughout the sessions. If you have questions, please email our Student Support Specialist, Jacey Rogel.
  

  The Zoom link for the study session will be posted as an announcement in the LAU Hub early next week.

• Smash Labs Party (Southern Utah Event): Our Smash Labs event is coming up soon! Join us on Saturday, September 21, from 7:30-10:00 PM MT for Chik-fil-A, axe throwing, rage room fun, and more. LAU students get in free, while family and friends can join for a $5 cover fee. Registration closes on September 20, so register soon on our Smash Labs event page to ensure you and your family don’t miss out!
• PSAT Testing: We occasionally receive inquiries from LAU parents or students about the PSAT. This test, which takes place in October, offers valuable practice for the SAT and can also qualify students for merit scholarships. Currently, LAU does not offer PSAT or SAT testing. If you're interested in taking these tests, please coordinate with the local boundary school in your district. Those who want to learn more about the PSAT can find information on the PSAT website.

Upcoming Events

September 16-20: Parent Mentor Conferences—No Live Classes September 19

September 17: Student Study Group (Weekly, Tuesday through Friday)—1:30-3:00 PM MT

September 21: Smash Labs (Southern Utah)—7:30-10:00 PM MT

September 25: Student Summit Sync Up with Martin Frey—2:00 PM MT

October 3: The Magician's Elephant (Hale Centre Theatre)—12:30-3:30 PM MT

Dear parents,

We've been pleased to receive numerous positive comments from many parents, students, and staff regarding the successful start of the school year. LAU is dedicated to providing our students with challenging and supportive learning experiences that promote growth.

Our school personnel work hard to ensure a smooth online learning experience. However, learning tools might occasionally be inaccessible or broken, causing challenges to arise. Our team is here to assist with any Canvas, Chromebook, technological, or learning challenges. For further support, please reach out to the contacts listed below:

• For Chromebook issues, please email our IT Equipment Specialist
• For Canvas issues, please email our Customer Support Team or call 385-343-4111
• For assignment questions or class help, please contact your student’s mentor via SIS
• For additional questions, please visit our Contact page to find the right person to assist you

You can also address any academic questions or concerns during the upcoming Parent Mentor Conferences, starting on September 16. These meetings offer a valuable chance to connect with your student’s mentors and understand more about the LAU classroom experience. Our mentors are eager to discuss how they support your child's learning. Your active involvement in these conferences will greatly benefit your child's academic journey.

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

John Tripp

Executive Director

Action Items

State Assessments Surveys: To help us properly plan for your child’s state testing this school year, we need more information about your plans for their assessments. Please take a moment to complete one of the surveys linked below. State tests vary by grade, so please complete one survey for each enrolled child according to their current grade level. Surveys need to be completed by September 25. 

• Grades 6-8 - RISE Survey
• Grades 9-10 - Aspire + Survey
• Grade 11 - ACT Survey  

Stay tuned for detailed testing information as assessments approach! If you have questions about assessments, contact our Assessments Director, Ashley Cabrera.

Announcements

• Parent Mentor Conferences: Parent Mentor Conferences begin Monday, September 16, and go until Friday, September 20. Stay tuned for an email with instructions on how and when to sign up.
• Hale Centre Theatre Event, The Magician’s Elephant: Registration is now open for interested students, guests, and chaperones to attend Hale Centre Theatre’s performance of “The Magician’s Elephant” on October 3, from 12:30-3:30 PM MT. Our school is allowed one chaperone for every four youth participants. Please let us know if you want to chaperone on the guest sign-up form. Available tickets go quickly, so be sure to sign up soon!
• Parent Engagement Video Series: Calling all parents! We’re kicking off our Parent Engagement Video Series, packed with valuable insights designed for you. Get ready to dive into our 3-Step Parent Support Plan, explore fascinating topics like the science of motivation and energy management, and receive expert tips on boosting your child’s study and test-taking skills. We’ll be releasing fresh, engaging videos every few weeks.
  
  Check out our first video, 3-Step Parent Support Plan, available now! This new, condensed version is just what you need to get in lockstep with your child and help them have a successful semester. 

Upcoming Events

September 16-20: Parent Mentor Conferences

September 21: Smash Labs (Southern Utah)—7:30-10:00 PM MT

Announcements

Returning Books for Dropped Classes: If your student has dropped a class, please return their books to Amazon as soon as possible. To do this, visit our Ordering Books & Materials web page. There, you’ll find a “Need to Return Amazon Items?" section that includes a helpful video guide to assist you with the process.

Monthly LAU Counselor Update and Mental Health Minute: To effectively help our students navigate the challenges and nuances of online learning, our LAU Counselors, Kate Chaney and Shauna Larson, will be providing the following newsletters for families at the beginning of each month:

• Counselor Updates with information on college and career planning, scholarship opportunities, and other useful resources for students. 

• Mental Health Minute with supportive and practical advice on handling social and emotional challenges.

These newsletters will be shared with parents in the Weekly Parent Update and with students in the LAU Hub (in Canvas). We encourage parents and students to read these newsletters to stay informed about available resources.

Upcoming Events

August 30: Wheeler Farm Country Kick-Off (Murray)—6:30-10:00 PM MT

September 2: Labor Day—No classes, offices closed

September 21: Smash Labs (Southern Utah)—7:30-10:00 PM MT

September 16-20: Parent Mentor Conferences

Announcements

LAU Curriculum Review Committee:  LAU is seeking four more parent volunteers to participate in our curriculum committee for any Reproductive Health Systems (RHS) curriculum updates. This role involves minimal time commitment but is crucial if updates are needed. If you’re interested or if you have questions, please contact our Communications Specialist, Sharla Nelson.

August 30 is the LAU Add/Drop Deadline! Within the first two weeks of the semester, students must determine whether they want to continue, drop, or modify their classes. When reviewing your student’s course load, please note that middle school students must take at least five LAU classes, while high school students must take at least six each semester.

Sign up for New 2024-25 Courses Today! If you're thinking about changing your student's courses, keep in mind the following options:

• All Students: Funded Approved LAU Math 

• Juniors and Seniors Only: UC Scout AP Courses, Early College, and Career & Technical Education (CTE)

Smash Labs (Southern Utah Event): Head to Smash Labs on Saturday, September 21, from 7:30-10:00 PM MT for catered Chick-fil-A, axe throwing, rage room fun, and more! This event is open to LAU students, friends, and families. LAU students get in free, while family and friends can join for a $5 cover fee. Registration closes on September 20 or when the maximum capacity is met, so register soon on our Smash Labs event web page.

Sora Online Library: SORA is a digital reading app that offers both e-books and audiobooks for K-12 students, including some Williamsburg course books. Every student has access to this valuable resource and can sign up by following the simple instructions on our SORA Online Library web page.

Upcoming Events

August 23: Back-to-School Party at Splash Summit Waterpark—4:00-8:00 PM MT

August 30: Wheeler Farm Country Kick-Off—6:30-10:00 PM MT

September 2: Labor Day—No Classes

September 21: Smash Labs (Southern Utah)—7:30-10:00 PM MT

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to Leadership Academy of Utah! We are thrilled to kick off the new school year and welcome your students back to our vibrant learning community. At LAU, we take a holistic approach to education, focusing on academic excellence, personal growth, and leadership development.

This year, we are at full capacity with over 500 students enrolled! We are committed to providing a high-quality educational experience for each of those students. Our dedicated team of educators and support staff have been working diligently throughout the summer and are fully prepared to make this year a success.

Students and parents receive additional support from the LAU support team, who assist with academic and administrative queries, and Williamsburg mentors, who inspire students to think critically, lead confidently, and engage in transformational learning. We encourage you to reach out to them with any questions or concerns throughout the year.

As your Principal/Executive Director, I am here to support you and your students. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me. I value open communication and look forward to partnering with you to ensure your child's success. Our commitment to your child's success is unwavering.

Here's to a fantastic school year filled with growth, learning, and transformational experiences!

Best Wishes,

John Tripp

Executive Director

Action Items

• Order Your Student's Fall Books! Parents are responsible for all book ordering through our Amazon book order process. Please see the Ordering Books & Materials page on our website for step-by-step instructions. If you have any questions, please email books@lautah.org.
• Help Wanted! Join the LAU Curriculum Review Committee:  LAU is seeking parent volunteers to participate in our curriculum committee for any Reproductive Health Systems (RHS) curriculum updates or guest speakers. This role involves minimal time commitment but is crucial if updates are needed. If you’re interested or if you have questions, please contact our Communications Specialist, Sharla Nelson.

Announcements

Leadership Academy of Utah 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.

Thursday Night Activities: Our first online event of the year, Thursday Night Live, is on August 22 from 3:00 to 4:00 PM MT. Going forward, Thursday activities will alternate between Thursday Night Live and Inspiration Hour each week. The Zoom link for these activities can be found on the front page of your student’s Homeroom Canvas course. Please encourage your student to participate in these activities to engage fully with the Williamsburg community!

Sign up for New 2024-25 Courses Today! We’ve expanded our class offerings for LAU students! Please review each option below carefully, as each of the courses may have different registration deadlines. Then, please use the Add/Drop feature in SIS if you wish to add or drop a class.

• Funded Approved LAU Math Options: Our School Land Trust (SLT) committee has allocated funds to cover the cost of either Mr. D Math or Teaching Textbooks Math. If your student is interested in one of these options, please review the Funded Approved LAU Math web page and register them in SIS by Tuesday, August 20. Your child must also select their preferred math curriculum in Canvas by the same date.

• AP Courses Offered by UC Scout: Our SLT committee has also allocated funds to cover the cost of AP Courses through UC Scout, a University of California student program. We encourage parents of interested Juniors and Seniors to visit our UC Scout AP Courses web page for details.

• SUU Concurrent Enrollment: If your student is interested in taking concurrent enrollment classes through Southern Utah University (SUU), please review our Concurrent Enrollment at SUU web page and have your student work with their counselor to register before SUU classes begin on Tuesday, August 28.

Back-to-School Party at Splash Summit: LAU students, friends, and families are invited to our Back-to-School Party at Splash Summit Water Park on August 23, from 4:00-8:00 PM MT. LAU students get in free, while family and friends can join for $15 each. Register by August 21 on our Back-to-School Party web page, as this event fills up quickly!

Wheeler Farm Country Kick-Off: Come and join us for a country-themed back-to-school social! Enjoy dancing, country games, and a 7 Brothers Burgers dinner! LAU students attend free, while friends and family can join for $5 each. Register and pay on our Wheeler Farm Country Kick-Off web page by August 27 (or until the participant limit is met).

Upcoming Events

August 19: Live Online Classes Start

August 22: First Thursday Night Live of the School Year—3:00-4:00 PM MT

August 23: Back-to-School Party at Splash Summit Waterpark—4:00-8:00 PM MT

August 30: Wheeler Farm Country Kick-Off—6:30-10:00 PM MT

Dear Families,

As the new school year begins, I’m reminded of Meindert DeJong's, The Wheel on the School, a story about a small Dutch school in the Netherlands. The children in the book set out to solve the mystery of why no storks visit their village, discovering along the way that "Sometimes when we wonder, we can make things begin to happen."

We are all Leadership Academy of Utah (LAU) families gathering to wonder and make things happen! This sense of wonder has the power to bring together new and returning students, mentors, parents, neighbors, and even strangers. Transformation is on the horizon!

Welcome to a new school year and the exciting journey of learning at LAU.

Molly Foster

LAU Board Chair

Action Items

• LAU Back-to-School Night: Join us for our Back-to-School Night on Thursday, August 15 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM MT! Students and parents are invited to join us for staff introductions and a Q&A. This event is a perfect opportunity to meet LAU staff and ask questions before the school year starts. The Zoom link will be emailed to parents and posted in the LAU Hub one day before the event.
• Williamsburg Back-to-School Kick-Off: LAU students and parents are also welcome to attend the Williamsburg Back-to-School Kick-Off on Thursday, August 15 from 1-2:30 PM MT! Join other families and students for games and the chance to meet with your student’s mentors. Parents will receive an additional Zoom link for this event in the same email as the Back-to-School Night email, which will be sent out the day before.
• Help Wanted! Join the LAU Curriculum Review Committee:  LAU is seeking parent volunteers to participate in our curriculum committee for any Reproductive Health Systems (RHS) curriculum updates or guest speakers. This role involves minimal time commitment but is crucial if updates are needed. If you’re interested or if you have questions, please contact our Communications Specialist, Sharla Nelson.

Announcements

New Courses for the 2024-25 School Year: We're excited to announce that we’re expanding our class offerings for LAU students! After reviewing the new options, if you wish to add or drop a class, please use the Add/Drop feature in SIS. Parents can now register their students for the following classes:

• Funded Approved LAU Math Options: For the 2024-25 school year, our School Land Trust (SLT) committee has allocated funds to cover the cost of either Mr. D Math or Teaching Textbooks Math. LAU will cover the cost of one of these math programs for your student. If your student is interested in one of these options, please review the Funded Approved LAU Math web page.

• AP Courses Offered by UC Scout: Our SLT committee has also allocated funds to cover the cost of AP Courses through UC Scout, a University of California student preparation and partnerships program. We encourage Juniors and Seniors who are interested to visit our UC Scout AP Courses web page for more information.

• SUU Concurrent Enrollment: If your student is interested in taking concurrent enrollment classes through Southern Utah University (SUU), please review our Concurrent Enrollment at SUU and have your student work with their counselor to get registered before classes begin.

Back-to-School Party at Splash Summit: LAU students, friends, and families are invited to our Back-to-School Party at Splash Summit Water Park on August 23, from 4-8 PM MT. LAU students get in free, however, family and friends can join for a discounted rate of $15 per person. This event is extremely popular and fills up quickly, so be sure to register on our Back-to-School Party web page by August 21!

Wheeler Farm Country Kick-Off: Come and join us for a country-themed back-to-school social! Enjoy dancing, country games, and dinner catered by 7 Brothers Burgers! LAU students can attend for free, while friends and family can join for just $5 per person. This fee should be paid at the time of registration. Families can register on our Wheeler Farm Country Kick-Off event web page. Registration ends on August 27 or when the participant limit is met.

Upcoming Events

August 15: Fall Semester Begins (Study Day)

August 15: LAU Back-to-School Night—6:30-7:30 PM MT

August 15: Williamsburg Back-to-School Kick-Off—1:00-2:30 PM MT

August 19: First Day of Live Classes

August 23: Back-to-School Party at Splash Summit Waterpark—4:00-8:00 PM MT

August 30: Wheeler Farm Country Kick-Off—6:30-10:00 PM MT

Dear LAU Families,

Thank you for another fantastic school year! We are excited to see the largest graduating class in the history of Leadership Academy of Utah. It is an honor to work with our families and students, and we hope you plan to continue your student’s educational journey with us. 

As a reminder, please make sure to submit your student's application for the 2024-25 school year in SIS if you haven't already done so. This will enable us to register your student for classes for the upcoming year before the current school year ends. If you have questions about how to do this, you can reach out to our Registrar, Angela Maloy, by email or call customer support at 385-343-4111.

Additionally, I wanted to share some exciting new educational resources for our families. Beginning the 2024-25 school year, the School LAND Trust Committee has endorsed the following new opportunities for our students. If you would like to learn more about enrolling your student in the following opportunities, please email me, John Tripp, to begin the process.

1. Free AP Courses (UC Scout)
   UC Scout is an online program that provides quality courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) classes, that are designed to be consistent with the College Board's guidelines. LAU will pay the costs for any student to enroll in an AP course through the UC Scout program. This opportunity saves $800 per course for interested students. Enrolling in this program enables students to earn collegiate credit and have a high-quality academic experience. Interested parents can learn more by visiting the UC Scout’s website and course offerings webpage.
2. Math Resources
   In addition to the amazing AP options, the School LAND Trust Committee has approved the following math resources for our students: Mr. D Math, Alecks Math Support, and IXL Math Support. Participating in these resources allows students to grow mathematically and achieve greater academic success.
3. Math Tutoring
   The School LAND Trust Committee is committed to supporting student math achievement through after-school tutoring with our WL mentors. We will begin to offer after-school math support from 3 to 5 PM MT. More information about this will be provided in August.

Finally, we value our partnership with parents to provide our students with the very best educational experiences. Again, we are especially grateful to our School LAND Trust Committee for their efforts to connect parents and students to high-quality resources. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me for more information about these new educational opportunities.

Enjoy the summer break, and we will see you again in the fall!

John Tripp

Executive Director, Leadership Academy of Utah

Action Items

Laptop and Chromebook Returns: If your student has an LAU laptop or Chromebook and you wish to return it, or if your student won't be returning to LAU next year, please complete the 2023-24 Laptop Return, Exchange, or Incident Report form. When doing so, please indicate when you intend to return the device. Return locations are one day only at the time identified in the return form. If preferred, laptops can be returned during office business hours or mailed to the Clearfield office. For questions, please email our IT Specialist or call (435) 294-5242 Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Announcements

Final Assignment Submission Deadline: As we are coming up on the end of the semester, students must submit all of their assignments by the following dates: 

• Live Classes: All assignments due on May 21 by 9:00 PM MT
• Self-Paced Courses: All assignments due on May 24 by 5:00 PM MT

After these specific dates and times, assignments will lock, and submissions will not be possible. Please visit with your student and help them make a plan to complete their assignments on time.

Self-Paced Course Reminder: Students who fail self-paced courses will lose the privilege of being able to take this course format in the future. If you have a student in a self-paced course, please ensure that they are on track to meet their submission deadline and pass their class. If your student is struggling, please contact their mentor for help. 

LAU Graduation: The Leadership Academy of Utah High School graduation will be held on Thursday, May 23, at 6:00 PM MT at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, UT. In-person attendance is limited to seniors and their confirmed number of guests. For those who would like to attend this exciting event virtually, the Zoom link will be available in Homeroom early next week. Congratulations to this year’s outstanding graduating class!

LAU & WL Lagoon Day: Next week, LAU and WL celebrating the end of the school year at Lagoon Amusement Park on May 22, from 9:30 AM-4:00 PM MT in Farmington, UT. Attendees who have registered by May 21 will receive a promo code to purchase tickets at our discounted group rate via email. There is no participant cap, so invite your family and friends! For registration and further event information, please visit our Lagoon Day page on our website.

Upcoming Events

May 21: Final Day to Submit Assignments for Live Classes–9:00 PM MT

May 22: LAU & WL Lagoon Day–9:30 AM to 5:30 PM MT

May 23: Graduation (in-person)–6:00 PM MT

May 24: Final Day to Submit Assignments for Self-Paced–5:00 PM MT

May 27-31: Summit Leadership Adventures Session 1

June 3-7: Summit Leadership Adventures Session 2

Please check the Parent Resource Center for Weekly Parent Updates, in-person activities, and more!

Action Items

Laptop Returns: As part of an inventory rotation, we are removing all Lenovo, Acer, and Dell laptops from our inventory and replacing them with Chromebooks. If your student has one of these laptops, please fill out this return form or contact our IT Specialist at laptops@lautah.org.

If your student has an LAU laptop and you would like to return it or if your student will not be returning to LAU next year, please fill out the 2023-24 Laptop Return, Exchange or Incident Report form and indicate when you will be returning it. Return locations are one day only at the time identified below. If preferred, laptops can be returned during business hours or mailed to the Clearfield office.

• Cache Valley - Thursday, May 24, 2024 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM MT 
  • Meeting Location: Winco Parking Lot (1341 Main Street, Logan, UT)
  • Additional Details: Look for a LAU flag and signs on White Toyota Rav4
• Brigham City - Thursday, May 24, 2024 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM MT
  
  • Meeting Location: Bridgerland Technical College (325 W 1100 S, Brigham City, UT 843021)
  • Additional Details: Look for signs on a white Toyota Rav4
• Salt Lake County/Utah County Combined - Friday, May 31, 2024 from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM MT
  • Meeting Location: Maverik (14814 Minuteman Dr, Draper, UT 84020)
  • Additional Details: (Please look for a white Toyota Rav4 in the back parking lot.)
• In-person Laptop Returns - Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM MT
  • Address: LAU Office 1366 S Legend Hills Dr. Ste 190 Clearfield, UT 84015
  • Additional Details: Closed for holidays and school activities, including graduation

Announcements

Final Assignment Submission Deadline: As we are coming up on the end of the semester, students must submit all of their assignments by the following dates:

• Live Classes: All assignments due on May 21 by 9:00 PM MT
• Self-Paced Courses: All assignments due on May 24 by 5:00 PM MT

After these specific dates and times, assignments will lock, and submissions will not be possible. Please visit with your student(s) and help them make a plan to complete their assignments on time.

Self-Paced Course Reminder: Students who fail self-paced courses will lose the privilege of being able to take this course format in the future. If you have a student in a self-paced course, please ensure that they are on track to meet their submission deadline and pass their class. If your student is struggling, please contact their mentor for help.

LAU Graduation: The Leadership Academy of Utah High School graduation will be held on Thursday, May 23, at 6:00 PM MT at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, UT. In-person attendance is limited to seniors and their confirmed number of guests. For those who would like to attend this exciting event virtually, the Zoom link will be available in Homeroom the week of graduation. Congratulations to this year’s outstanding graduating class!

Upcoming Events

May 21: Final Day to Submit Assignments for Live Classes–9:00 PM MT

May 22: LAU & WL Lagoon Day–9:30 AM to 5:30 PM MT

May 23: Graduation (in-person)–6:00 PM MT

May 24: Final Day to Submit Assignments for Self-Paced–5:00 PM MT

May 27-31: Summit Leadership Adventures Session 1

June 3-7: Summit Leadership Adventures Session 2

Please check the Parent Resource Center for Weekly Parent Updates, in-person activities, and more!

Dear LAU Families,

When we are in the thick of the school year January feels like a false summit at our house. Then, here comes May! It feels so natural to give a shout when we complete a school year. A shout of joy, a shout of relief. As a board, we understand these celebrations come in a variety of parties. We understand work, health, and relationships are competing for the attention of our students and their families. This is why LAU was created for families. We aim to provide a whole family education that allows students to become their best future selves. We hope your families will return year after year, and that you will bring your friends, and create TLEs alongside one another at Leadership Academy of Utah.

As parents we are bricklayers for homes we will never live in. We are raising the parents of our grandchildren! Legacy work feels more transcendent at the change of seasons. Don't save up celebrations for later. No matter how fantastic or how disappointing the finish, the future can always be brighter than the past. Our lives are made of new beginnings.

Cheers to endings and beginnings!

Molly Foster
Board Chair

Action Items

Mandatory Laptop Returns: At LAU, we are committed to providing a great education for our students. This includes proving the latest technology available. As part of an inventory rotation, we are removing all Lenovo, Acer, and Dell laptops from our inventory and replacing them with Chromebooks. If your student has an Acer, Dell, or Lenovo laptop, please fill out this inventory form by May 10th and indicate if you would like to purchase your student’s laptop (if available) or return it at the end of the school year. If you would like to buy your student’s laptop, payment is required upon receipt of a confirmation email.

Surplus Laptops for Sale: As we rotate our inventory, it is expected that we will have surplus Acer and Dell laptops available for $100 per laptop. These laptops are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are interested in purchasing one laptop or more, please fill out this purchase form. Please note that payment is required upon receipt of a confirmation email.

Announcements

LAU Graduation: The Leadership Academy of Utah graduation will be held on Thursday, May 23 at 6:00 PM MT at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah. In-person attendance is limited to Seniors and their confirmed number of guests. For those who would like to attend this exciting event virtually, the Zoom link will be available in Homeroom the week of graduation. Congratulations to this year’s outstanding graduating class!

LAU & WL Lagoon Day: Celebrate the end of a great school year at Lagoon Amusement Park on May 22, from 9:30 AM-5:30 PM MT in Farmington, UT. Attendees who have registered by May 21 will receive a promo code to purchase tickets at our discounted group rate via email. There is no participant cap, so invite your family and friends! For registration and further event information, please visit our Lagoon Day page on our website.

May Counseling Update: If you’re interested in learning about scholarship opportunities, Early College opportunities, and information about credit recovery, please refer to our May counseling update.

Upcoming Events

April 29 - May 3: End of Year NWEA Testing

May 21: Final Day to Submit Assignments for Live Classes–9:00 PM MT

May 22: LAU & WL Lagoon Day–9:30 AM to 5:30 PM MT

May 23: Graduation (in-person)–6:00 PM MT

May 24: Final Day to Submit Assignments for Self-Paced–5:00 PM MT

May 27-31: Summit Leadership Adventures Session 1

June 3-7: Summit Leadership Adventures Session 2

Please check the Parent Resource Center for Weekly Parent Updates, in-person activities, and more!