An American Preparatory Academy School
Hello Draper 2 & 3 Families!
We have created a resource with guidelines and procedures: https://draper2.americanprep.org/drop-off-and-pick-up/ This is a work in progress, but we encourage all our families to review the process for dropping off and picking up students.
We have 2 items to address today:
1. Remember to follow the traffic laws
There have been several car accidents and close calls on Lone Peak Parkway. Having two lanes north of our property is new this year, and many people are confused and frustrated. Please follow the traffic laws:
We encourage those in the right lane to allow those from the left lane to merge (when their blinker is on and lines are dashed).
2. Arriving too early for afternoon pick up
Please do not arrive before this time:
As you can see in the chart below – the largest number of cars come at Purple (2:50 pm). It is important that Yellow families DO NOT come early, but wait until Purple dismissal is over.
We have seen some families with two pick up tags – you should only have one color tag. If you have students at both Draper 2 and Draper 3, you should have only a yellow tag.
For families at both campuses (Yellow 3:15 pm), the D3 students should wait at the school for about 20 minutes, you pick them up, and then proceed to pick up the students at Draper 2. About 40% of the D3 campus has to wait until the Yellow 3:15 pm dismissal. This is the only way to accommodate so many cars on our campus.
Utah Driving Resources:
https://dld.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2018/12/Driver-Handbook-2018-2019.pdf
https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title41/Chapter6A/C41-6a-P9_1800010118000101.pdf
Have you ever thrown a rock or pebble into a pond or lake and noticed the little waves that ripple away from the center in circles? Encouraging words have a rippling effect on others that can result in good things. Mother Teresa said, “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” Echoes are like ripples; they go on and on. Take the time to be encouraging this week by honoring someone’s accomplishment, expressing gratitude for something they say or do; offering a hug or a smile; or taking time to listen. Last week and this week, our students have been encouraging our Staff. It has been a wonderful experience for everyone.
Remember, encouragement doesn’t just enhance the lives of others; they create ripples in your life as well by strengthening your relationships, building trust, and spreading good cheer.
Parents of those participating are welcome to attend. It will be held in the gym, where there is plenty of space for social distancing.
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/
We need candid pictures for the yearbook! Please forward the photos you would like to be included, to mcarman@apamail.org. We particularly need pictures of the FIRST DAY of SCHOOL but will be happy with whatever you send!
If students wish to exchange Valentine cards or treats (completely optional) they may do so, within the following guidelines:
This month we can use our words to encourage others! Enjoy our lunch time video introducing this theme. https://youtu.be/o0Pvm9DMWAs
We are looking forward to 5th Grade’s “Western Round Up” on Friday, February 26 (during the school day). Thank you to all the parents who have signed up to volunteer, we can’t wait to see you there!
For all of 6th grade students who will be going to 7th grade at D3 in the fall – Click for details.
The Foundation’s 2nd Annual Notecard Art Contest has begun. It is a great way for students to showcase their creativity. This year there will be two winners, one in each of the following categories: Thank a Teacher/Staff Member AND General Thank You. The artwork will be used on notecards and thank you cards for The Foundation and for thank you cards for teachers and staff during Staff Appreciation Week at each of our campuses.
Submissions should be emailed to Michelle Goudge at mgoudge@americanprepfoundation.org in a .png or .jpg file or dropped off with a campus secretary. The theme for the contest is “THANK YOU” and the deadline is February 22. The winners will be announced after the break and will receive a $25 gift certificate for the APA Apparel Store.
Contest Rules And Guidelines:
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:
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!
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, 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
Are you looking for a way to lift someone’s spirits? Sometimes all it takes is a few positive quotes or words of encouragement to immediately turn someone’s day around. Whether it’s your lifelong best friend or a stranger you pass on the street, taking a moment to deliver a positive message can have a long-lasting effect on the well-being of both individuals.
For the next two weeks, our students will have the opportunity to share encouraging words with the Staff here at the Draper 2 campus. They will have stickers that they can give to any Staff member they feel has done an outstanding job of encouraging them, teaching a great lesson or just being positive. It will be a fun couple of weeks for everyone.
We are looking for three (3) volunteers each day to judge for our Spelling Bees. Judges will follow along on the spelling list and hold up a green card, for spelled correctly, or a red card for spelled incorrectly. It’s easy, fulfilling, and fun!
Please go here to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b044faaab2ca1fd0-spelling
https://www.americanprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Bus-Routes-Aug-2020.pdf
Spirit Wear Friday – February 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/
We know many of our Off Campus families are looking forward to joining us next term! If you want your student to return next term, please complete the following form:
https://forms.gle/NHGetX6EXe2GN2yk9
During testing time, there will be NO EXCUSED ABSENCES. All testing is required for all students. Here are the dates we have scheduled –
We have a family looking to set up a carpool. They have two students who need a ride home every day. They can help take up to two students in the morning. The drop off location is either 11800 S. and State St. OR 13490 S. and Vista Station Rd. If you can help, please call (801) 953-9714.
A huge thank you to our amazing parent volunteers who helped with our 6th 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.
5th Grade Students have their Western Round Up coming up on Friday, February 26th (during the school day). Watch for a volunteer sign up in next week’s newsletter and from your classroom teachers. It is our final ambassador event this year, and if you haven’t had a chance to volunteer yet this year, this would be a GREAT time to come see for yourself what our character development program is all about.
Wrapping up our January theme of “I am a Builder when I think POSITIVE THOUGHTS about myself and others” we were able to watch a video about the Potts family from “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” by Ian Fleming. If you’d like to see some of APA’s talented staff (Hale Center Theater actors!) then click on this link and enjoy!
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, 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
February 3rd 2021 10:00 AM March 3rd 2021 10:00 AM June 15th 2021 at 10:00 AM
February 5th 2021 1:15 PM April 14th 2021 at 10:00 AM June 29th 2021 at 10:00 AM
March 2nd 2021 1:15 PM May 19th 2021 at 10:00 AM July 14th 2021 at 10:00 AM
We are no longer accepting enrollment in our Off Campus program. We do not have enough teachers to take on any more students. Students in the Off Campus program cannot transfer from one campus to another until they return to school.
Because of COVID, our menu is subject to change.
We encourage students to show they care by doing good deeds for others all during the month. Often, the school participates in a school-wide service project during February. If students wish to exchange Valentine cards or treats (completely optional) they may do so, within the following guidelines:
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:
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!
Hello Parents,
As a classical school, it is very important that your students learn not only at school, but also that they continue to learn at home. In order for our families of elementary students to engage in “great conversations” and continued learning at home, each family needs to have a copy of “What Your X Grader Needs To Know” for their current grade level, and parents should read it at home during the year with their students. Each week on the learning plan, there will be suggested reading assignments for parents to read with their children, and the poems and stories should be all read at home during the school year, with parents and other family members. The intention is that every family reads the grade level book with their child every year they are at APA and has great conversations about the things they read!
To assist our families with this, we will provide the “What Your X Grader Needs To Know” book for you this year. We realize some of you already have this year’s book and are diligently reading it with your student. Thank you! If you already have this year’s book, we will purchase next year’s book for you. Please fill out this survey and let us know which book you would prefer us to provide for you.
At the end of the year, there will be a HUGE book exchange where you will be able to bring a book to donate, and for every book you bring to donate you can pick up a book someone else has donated from the grade level you need for the next year.
We are excited to see more of our families reading these books at home and having great conversations!
Dear Parents,
Thank you so much for the adjustments you’ve been making during drop off and pick up! We hope you’ve seen and appreciated the small improvements. I am confident that as we continue to make small changes, we will soon feel big rewards!
I received a lot of feedback that some people coming from the south (12300 S) are trying to turn left in the morning and creating dangerous conditions.
Our school entrance was designed for NO LEFT TURNS at any time, either in or out. At certain times, turning left becomes very dangerous. For your safety, we try to enforce this rule during drop off and pick up.
If you approach campus from the south:
I also wanted to mention that Mr. Bazan and I are working to create training videos. Please be assured that we will not include any faces or license plates in our videos unless you give us specific permission to do so.
Thank you again for your patience! We are so happy to have you at our school and part of our community.
Emily Peery
epeery@apamail.org
Draper 2 Administrative Director
Tip 1: Move forward on the curb as far as you can; it’s okay to wait 10-30 seconds for a car that is almost done unloading to leave, then pull forward even farther.
Tip 2: As you exit through the parking lot, form 2 lines, then zipper merge just before turning onto the driveway.
Here at APA, we always try to be positive and build each other up. What can you do if you find yourself NOT thinking positive thoughts about yourself or others? Here are some ideas you can try:
Enjoy watching our chew time video at home that introduced this theme to our students. https://youtu.be/YQ5-_1V1UfQ
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/
We are looking for three (3) volunteers each day to judge for our Spelling Bees. You will follow along on the spelling list and hold up a green card, for spelled correctly or a red card for spelled incorrectly. It’s easy, fulfilling, and fun!
Please go here to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b044faaab2ca1fd0-spelling
https://www.americanprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Bus-Routes-Aug-2020.pdf
Spirit Wear Friday – February 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/
We encourage students to show they care by doing good deeds for others all during the month. Often, the school participates in a school-wide service project during February. If students wish to exchange Valentine cards or treats (completely optional) they may do so, within the following guidelines:
We are no longer accepting enrollment in our Off Campus program. We do not have enough teachers to take on any more students. Students in the Off Campus program cannot transfer from one campus to another until they return to school.
Because of COVID, our menu is subject to change.
January 25 – 29 – What is school choice? School choice is the process of allowing every family to choose the K-12 educational options that best fit their children. Every child is unique, and all children learn differently. Some children might succeed at the neighborhood public school, while others might fit in better at a charter, magnet, online, private or home learning environment. That’s why school choice is so important! These options include all forms of education, from traditional public schools, to public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies, and homeschooling.
Find out more here: https://schoolchoiceweek.com/
During testing time, there will be NO EXCUSED ABSENCES. All testing is required for all students. Here are the dates we have scheduled –
We have a family looking to set up a carpool. They have two students who need a ride home every day. They can help take up to two students in the morning. The drop off location is either 11800 S. and State St. OR 13490 S. and Vista Station Rd. If you can help, please call (801) 953-9714.
For those who would like to participate in the Math Kangaroo Competition, it is being held online this year. Register here: http://www.mathkangaroo.us/mk/default.html
Hello Draper 2/3 Families,
Thanks to all of you who made efforts to leave early, be ready for a speedy drop-off, and had extra patience today – we needed it!
I heard from some of you that 11400 South has so much traffic that what usually takes 5 minutes took 20. I found out that there is construction on 12600 South at Bengerter Highway. IT appears this is driving extra traffic up to 11400 South, causing delays.
Obviously, there is little we can do to address city traffic patterns, but hopefully some of you will be able to find alternate routes that won’t be so crowded.
We have updated our morning drop off maps, please be sure to form TWO lines as you drive through the parking lot to exit.
