I am a builder when I quickly acknowledge mistakes and humbly make amends

As we have practiced this month’s Builders theme, we have found it gets easier and easier each time you truly admit to making a mistake and then look for the best way to make amends for that mistake.  None of our students intend to do harm to one of their friends – sometimes they just get caught up in the moment. What do we do to try to make things better? We quickly acknowledge that we made a mistake then we follow through just as quickly with an idea to make the situation better, without using the phrase, “I’m sorry but . . .” After we have apologized and have made the appropriate amends, we must then leave it in the hands of the other person to quickly accept our apology. Keep practicing this theme in your family and see how much easier it gets each time you do it.

Upcoming Events

• March 15 to 19 – Staff Appreciation Week
• March 16 – 6th Grade: registration for Draper 3 due
• March 17 – K-3 Grade Assembly
• March 18 – 4-6 Grade Assembly
• March 19 – Jeans Day (for no missing work and no uniform infractions)
• March 22 – Term 4 Reading University Logs due
• March 23 – Extra Early Dismissal (PM Kindergarten Attends)
• March 26 – Term 4 missing work deadline 4pm
• April 1 – THURSDAY – Spirit Wear Day & Jeans Day for those students who have earned it.
• April 2 – ALL Students wear Monday through Thursday uniform
• April 2 – Builder of the Year Assembly – Invitation only to parents of student Builders
• Apr. 5 – Apr. 9 – Spring Break – No School

March 16th – 6th Grade: Registration for Draper 3

If your student will be attending Draper 3 next year, you need to register them as soon as possible. Please complete the following:

1. Watch the re-enrollment video:  https://youtu.be/TcdnZ3Rrm84
2. Fill out this google form https://forms.gle/ZNScnn4m68UsXqcdA  (code needed to fill out form is in video– you must watch the video)
3. Wait 12-24 hours for Skyward to update
4. Log into your parent access to Skyward and click on the “returning student enrollment” tab on the left side of your screen and follow the prompts to register.  

 Please contact the D3 registrar, Jerilynn Phillips (jphillips@apamail.org), or Todd Christensen (tchristensen@apamail.org) with any questions. Your priority enrollment may be forfeited if not complete by March 16th. 

March 17, 18 – Assemblies Resume

We will begin holding assemblies for K-3 and 4-6 grade groups every week. This in accordance with state regulations that allow groups of people to gather as long as everyone is wearing masks. If you have concerns about having your students attend assemblies, please email Mrs. Peery epeery@apamail.org. 

March 19 – Jeans Day – Friday – No #2 or #7 card moves

Watch for a sticker coming home on Thursday so you know if your student qualifies to wear jeans! Here are the guidelines – https://draper2.americanprep.org/jeans-day/

March 23 – Early Dismissal – Professional Development

This is a change from our originally published calendar. 

• Yellow – 12:15 pm
• Blue – 12:30 pm
• Red – 12:45 pm
• Buses will leave at 12:25 pm and arrive 3 hours earlier than usual. 
• https://www.americanprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Bus-Routes-Aug-2020.pdf  

April 15 – Class Pictures, Retakes, Off-Campus Pictures

Our class pictures, re-takes and off-campus school photos will be taken Thursday, April 15th.  If your student needs a retake done, please return the original pictures that you do not like and we will gladly have the photographer retake it for you.

Our off campus students can come any time during the day, or between 3-5 pm to have their pictures taken. Please park behind the school and enter through the Multipurpose Room doors. We would LOVE to include ALL of our students in the yearbook!

Parent Survey

Our yearly parent survey will be sent via email this week. Check your inbox!

Spark Spirit Campaign

We received over 575 submitted designs district-wide. Draper 2 had some amazing submissions, including two students who made it to the Top 10 and 16 students who made it to the third tier!!  Sabrina Smith & Carson Drage, our two Top 10 winners, will be awarded a $10 Chick-Fil-A gift card.  Our Third Tier winners (below) will be awarded an American Prep Apparel Gift Certificate that can be used towards any purchase, including the Spark Spirit T-shirt.  

Arya Patel,   Darine Safeudien,   Kiza McCarty,  Noah Ludwig

Nadia Panjikaran,  Jack Brown,  Monish Nallamani,  Mikaela Johnson

Tanvi Ankireddipalli,  Camilla Rose Malmgren,  Chloe DeVries,  Isaac Harrington

Alyvia Thompson,  Olive Bentley,  Kingston Semanoff,  Aashita Mandiwal

Reenrollment for Current Students

Coming soon! Details in next week’s newsletter

Important Dates through the End of the Year

• April 15 – Class Pictures, Retakes, Off-Campus Pictures
• April 15 – Parent Teacher Conferences 4pm – 7pm
• April 16 – Parent Teacher Conferences 8 am – 4pm – No School
• April 19 to 30 – RISE testing, grades 3-6
• April 20 – Kindergarten Field Trip
• May 3 – Grades 4-6 Field Trips
• May 7 – Kindergarten Library Books Due
• May 14 – Library Books Due
• May 17 to 21 – K-3 grades Core Knowledge Testing, Kindergarten Reading University deadline
• May 21 – Kindergarten books due
• May 21 – Grades 1-3 Field Trips
• May 24 – 1st – 6th grade Reading University deadline
• May 24 – 28 4-6 grades Core Knowledge Testing
• May 25 – 5:30 pm – 1st Grade end of year Show What You Know program
• May 25 – 7:00 pm – 4th Grade end of year Show What You Know program
• May 26 – 5:30 pm – 2nd Grade end of year Show What You Know program
• May 26 – 7:00 pm – 5th Grade end of year Show What You Know program
• May 27 – Kindergarten Graduation (8:30 am – AM; 11:30 am – Full Day; 1:30 pm PM)
• May 27 – 5:30 pm – 3rd Grade end of year Show What You Know program
• May 27 – 7:00 pm – 6th Grade end of year Show What You Know program
• May 28 – Grades 1-6, Math Books due
• May 28 – Memorial Day Assembly: Invitation only to parents of student speakers
• May 31 – Memorial Day – No School
• June 1 – Grades 1-6, Reading Books due
• June 2 – Early Dismissal – Field Day – Lots of volunteers needed! (Watch for a sign up)
• June 3 – Early Dismissal – Last Day of School

COVID Update

Great news! We are responding to updates from the state regarding COVID-19 restrictions. Our students no longer have to wear a mask during recess. If you prefer to have your students wear their masks, please notify the homeroom teacher.

6th Grade – Draper 3 Tour Dates

For all of our 6th-grade students who will be going into 7th grade at D3 in the fall; Draper 3 has set up the below dates for parents to take a tour.  A tour is OPTIONAL and the student does NOT need to attend.  This is a perfect time to ask questions, see the building and help you decide where you want to be next year.  You can sign up here:   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050f4daca92ca4fe3-2021

  April 14th 2021    10:00 AM       June 15th 2021    10:00 AM

  May 19th 2021      10:00 AM       June 29th 2021    10:00 AM July 14th 2021    10:00 AM

Test Data and School Report Cards Available

The 2019-2020 School Report Cards are available on the American Prep website’s Parent Library under “Plans and Reports” (https://www.americanprep.org/plans-and-reports/). School Improvement Plans for our Title I Campuses will also be located at this site. If you have any questions regarding this data, feel free to contact your school administrators. (3/3 notices)

I am a builder when I quickly acknowledge mistakes and humbly make amends

When we make a mistake, it is natural to feel afraid or embarrassed. The best way to resolve these feelings is to acknowledge the mistake and feelings, and then try to make amends. If your friend built a tower of blocks, and you knocked it down, what should you do? Say “I’m sorry,” and help them rebuild their tower. Admitting your mistake and doing what you can to make things better is the builder way!

Upcoming Events

• March 3 – Spark Spirit Design Deadline
• March 5 – Spirit Wear Friday, Jeans Day (for no missing work and no uniform infractions)
• March 12 – Mid-term Missing Work deadline
• March 12 – Order deadline for Spark Spirit Shirt
• March 12 – Climate survey opt-out deadline (grades 2, 5, 6 only)
• March 15 to 19 – Staff Appreciation Week
• March 19 – Jeans Day (for no missing work and no uniform infractions)
• March 22 – Term 4 Reading University Logs due
• March 23 – Early Dismissal 
• March 26 – Term 4 missing work deadline 4pm

 

DATE CHANGE – March 2 Regular Dismissal

The early-dismissal for professional development has been changed from March 2 to March 23. March 2 is now a normal dismissal day (3:15 pm, 3:30 pm, 3:45 pm).

Spark Spirit Campaign – Designs Due: March 3; Orders Due: March 12

We are so excited to be hosting a “Spark Spirit” Campaign. This is a great opportunity for our students to show their creativity and submit a design to become a limited-time spirit wear T-shirt. There are two ways to participate:

• Students can submit an original design that will be considered by a panel of students. The chosen design will be on a limited-edition spirit wear t-shirt.
  • https://draper2.americanprep.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/02/Spark-Spirit-Campaign-Rules.pdf 
• Parents can purchase the limited-edition spirit-wear t-shirt for themselves or their students. 
  • https://www.americanprep.org/product/spark-spirit/ Orders due March 12

Spirit Wear Friday – March 5

On the first Friday of every month, students and staff can show their American Prep spirit by wearing Spirit Wear items on top, and regular Friday dress on bottom.  Items can be from previous fundraising events or can be purchased through our Spirit Store.

https://www.americanprep.org/product-category/spirit-wear/

Jeans Day – March 5

Watch for a sticker coming home on Thursday so you know if your student qualifies to wear jeans! Here are the guidelines – https://draper2.americanprep.org/jeans-day/

Climate Survey – 2nd, 5th, 6th Grades only – March 12

The State of Utah requires that we conduct an annual “School Climate Survey”.  The purpose of the survey is for the state leaders to learn about the experience Utah students are having at their schools. The survey is anonymous and student identities will not be associated with their answers. 

We will administer the survey to students in 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th and 11th grades. The students will complete the surveys in the classroom with their teachers. Parents can excuse their students from participating in the Climate Survey in either of two ways:

1. Paper opt-out forms will be sent home with students, along with the survey questions. Parents may complete the form and return it to school.
2. An email will be sent to parents through Skyward with a link to the Opt Out form. The  form will also include links to the student surveys. Parents may complete and submit the form electronically through Skyward to opt their students out of the survey.

https://draper2.americanprep.org/climate-survey-and-opt-out-forms/ 

Spelling Bee Winners

Congratulations to our spelling bee winners!

1-3 Winner: Arjun Kolipaka

1-3 Second Place: Aditi Nagalingam

K-3 Participants:

• Monish Nallamani
• Aadityaa Dhanabal
• Ayansh Sahu
• Ekansh Singh
• Reyansh Kalra
• Rafael Pontes
• Arudra Karthik
• Ridhaan Kumbhare
• Anirudh Manojkumar
• Ayan Patel
• Anshi Mandava
• Katelynn Barrus
• Zeeshan Wani
• Ushasri Addanki
• Claire Lian
• Vyasaraj Singeetham

4-6 Winner: Vaishnavi Kothamasu

4-6 Second Place: Visaaradh Palanichamy

4-6 Participants:

• Aadrit Sharma
• Divyansha Raghav
• Noah Ludwig
• Parisha Khakural
• Adwita Mandiwal
• Hemanya Batlanki
• Trisha Bhatia
• Sahil Ray
• Bridger Swenson
• Logan Lee
• Aneesh Muppireddy
• Clayton Funk
• Sushmita Venkatesh
• Tavin Gatherum

Character Development – Mandy Brown

A huge thank you to our amazing parent volunteers who helped with our 5th Grade Western Round Up!!  We could not have done it without you!  Thanks to your willingness to give of your time — our students learned how to introduce themselves, practiced polite dinner manners, learned how to set goals and  how to be a true friend, as well as how to protect themselves from unkind words or actions.  It was a GREAT day.  

6th Grade Draper 3 Tour Dates

For all of our 6th grade students who will be going into 7th grade next school year; 2021/2022; Draper 3 has set up the below dates for parents to take a tour.  A tour is OPTIONAL and the student does NOT need to attend.  This is a perfect time to ask questions, see the building and help you decide where you want to be next year. You can sign up here:

  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050f4daca92ca4fe3-2021

March 2nd 2021    1:15 PM May 19th 2021     10:00 AM July 14th 2021    10:00 AM

March 3rd 2021  10:00 AM June 15th 2021    10:00 AM

April 14th 2021  10:00 AM June 29th 2021    10:00 AM

School Lunch

Because of COVID, our menu is subject to change. 

• March 2021 Menu – https://www.americanprep.org/school-lunch-program/menu/ 

• Click here to ORDER. https://apalunch.h1.hotlunchonline.net/ 

Accreditation Review

Every 5 years, we are required to undergo an Accreditation Review.  Cognia is the approved Accrediting agency for public schools across multiple states.  The Review Team from Cognia that conducted American Prep’s recent review represented decades of education experience in public schools districts and charters across multiple states.  As part of their extensive review, Cognia conducted observations in multiple APA classrooms, examined over 400 documents, and interviewed 117 stakeholders, including board members, admin, teachers, parents, community members, students, and support staff. 

We are excited to announce that American Prep received an exceptional recommendation of Accreditation from its recent review.  The Index of Education Quality (IEQ) is the numeric score given an institution at the conclusion of the Accreditation Review process.  The 5-year average COGNIA IEQ score for institutions is 280.  American Prep received an IEQ rating of 350 out of 400—far above average and indicating that APA “Demonstrates noteworthy practices producing clear results that positively impact the institution.”

Cognia specifically noted these powerful practices at APA:

1. The American Preparatory Academy (APA), directed by the chief executive officer (CEO) and the leadership team, tirelessly commit to the institution’s purpose and direction. 
2. APA’s governing board established a comprehensive set of policies and procedures, including a strong code of ethics, allowing them to fulfill their roles and responsibilities for the institution and schools’ direction.
3. APA schools provide a structured and positive culture that exemplifies the system’s mission statement “…to ensure that each student achieves maximum academic proficiency and develops virtuous character and motivation for a productive citizenry.” 
4. APA exemplifies a data-driven system where teachers record, collect, analyze, and use both formative and summative assessments to update the curriculum and assess student learning. 
5. APA provides staff members with professional learning activities based on data-driven needs assessments with a focus on collaboration and collegiality. 
6. The system provides access to information resources and materials to support the curriculum and allocates human, material, and fiscal resources in alignment with the organizational purpose and improvement of student performance.  

We are grateful to the staff, parents, students, and community members who contribute in meaningful ways to the culture and mission of excellence at American Prep!

Test Data and School Report Cards Available

The 2019-2020 School Report Cards are available on the American Prep website’s Parent Library under “Plans and Reports” (https://www.americanprep.org/plans-and-reports/). School Improvement Plans for our Title I Campuses will also be located at this site. If you have any questions regarding this data, feel free to contact your school administrators.

Looking Forward – End of Year Testing Dates 

During testing time, there will be NO EXCUSED ABSENCES.  All testing is required for all students.  Here are the dates we have scheduled – 

• 4th – 6th grade State testing – Monday, April 19 – Friday, April 23
• 1st – 3rd grade State testing – Monday, April 26 – Friday, April 30
• K – 3rd grade Core Knowledge testing – Monday, May 17 – Friday, May 21
• 4th – 6th grade Core Knowledge testing – Monday, May 24 – Friday, May 28