Good News

Calendar

• September 19 Constitution Day
• September 20 7th and 8th Grade Leaders For Life Event
• September 22 Spirit Wear Day
• September 25 – 29 College Week
• September 27 Picture Day
• September 27 College Fair
• October 6 NOON DISMISSAL

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September Builders Theme: I am a builder when I build with enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm is one of our foundations at APA.  The following is from our handbook: “Enthusiasm propels one on to greater effort. Enthusiasm makes work enjoyable and provides encouragement for others to put forth increased effort. It is the responsibility of every member of the American Prep community to bring enthusiasm to their work and to their associations at school.”

Constitution Day – September 19

Our school will be reading the constitution from 9am-10am on Tuesday, September 19th. We’d love to have everyone join us through our vimeo link at vimeo.com/americanprep.

7th and 8th Grade Leaders for Life Event – September 20

On September 20th, we will be having our Leaders for Life event for our 7th and 8th graders.  We would love to have more parent volunteers come in and help us run this event from 11:40 am until 2:05 pm. Please reach out to Mrs. Hillyard at whillyard@apamail.org if you have any questions or would like to volunteer. 

College Fair – Calling All Parents! – September 27

Did you love your college experience?  Are you passionate about your career? If so, you would be perfect to join us this year on September 27th to present to elementary students or junior high! Sign up here if you are interested: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094DAEAE2FA1FA7-college. Please reach out to Mrs. Hillyard at whillyard@apamail.org with questions.

Picture Day- September 27 

School pictures will be taken on Wednesday, September 27th.  Students will need to be in full uniform.  As stated in the uniform guide, hair accessories should be black, navy, red, or white; and they must be solid in color or the school plaid.  Also, large earrings are not appropriate.

Calendar Reminder – Friday is a regular school day

Our original calendar created last year had this Friday as a non-school day for secondary students.  There will be school this Friday. It will be a normal dismissal. 

APA Yearbooks

Yearbooks can be purchased at the following website: www.treering.com/validate using passcode 1013947202713106. The price for yearbooks is $22.68, but you can get a 10% discount if you order before October 31st. This website also includes options to include custom pages for your child by April 12th. 

Volunteer Hours and Contributions

We are grateful for all of the ways parents contribute to the success of APA.  While contributions are no longer counted as volunteer hours, we do want to recognize all of the ways that you contribute to APA. Please use this link to record any hours volunteered, items donated, or contributions made: https://forms.gle/jNMh7gEHkXYuMTMt8. Thank you, again, for all that you do for the school!

APA Clubs

Clubs have started at APA.  Currently, we have:

• Ham Radio Club (grades 5-9) meeting on Tuesdays from 3:15-3:55
• Dungeons and Dragons Club (grades 7-9) meeting on Wednesdays (canceled once a month) from 2:15-3:55
• Pokemon Club (grades 7-9) on Fridays from 3:15-3:35.

If your student is interested in joining, please fill out the permission form: https://forms.gle/z8dNFvevbsoA65i67.  If your student is in AED, they can only choose to participate in one club per week.

Carpool Update 

Elementary families – If you are late for first dismissal, please get in line with the second dismissal. Passing is not permitted during carpool for the safety of our students. 

Secondary families – All students must be picked up along the curb – it is not safe to have students walking across the parking lot to be picked up. After 3:25 pm, all students are moved to the Elementary pick up zone.  

School Parent and Family Engagement Policies

School Parent Involvement Policies vary slightly by campus and are located within the Parent-Student Handbooks https://www.americanprep.org/parent-student-handbooks/. These Handbooks are distributed annually to parents and are now accessible on the APA website under the Parent Library drop-down tab. West Valley Parent-Student Handbooks will be available in Spanish.

Mandated Assessments and Opt-Outs

American Preparatory recognizes that Standardized Testing is an essential tool for measuring student learning and teacher success.  The data obtained from these assessments may be utilized by teachers and administrators to review student academic progress, plan instruction, and share with students and parents. Summative assessments allow for data to be used in public reporting about school quality. Parents may opt-out of most state standardized tests by submitting a Parental Exclusion form to the Academic Director.  You can learn more about the state assessments administered at American Prep and find the testing schedules for your student’s campus by following this link: https://www.americanprep.org/state-assessments/.

Calendar

• September 11 Academic Extended Day Begins, Cross-Country Team Practice Begins
• September 12 Parent Empowerment Meeting
• September 14 Mid-Term Missing Work Deadline
• September 18 Lock Down Drill
• September 19 Constitution Day
• September 20 7th and 8th Grade Leaders For Life Event
• September 22 Spirit Wear Day
• September 27 Picture Day
• September 25 – 29 College Week
• September 27 College Fair

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September Builders Theme: I am a builder when I build with enthusiasm.

The human brain is con­tin­u­ally alter­ing its struc­ture, cell total, cir­cuitry and chem­istry as a direct result of every­thing we do, expe­ri­ence, think, and believe.  Research shows that by thinking of a single optimistic word, you stimulate frontal lobe activity.  This area is connected to your motor cortex, which is responsible for moving you to act.  The longer you focus on positive words, the stronger it affects your brain. Therefore, we are more likely to become enthusiastic if we think enthusiastically.  

Academic Extended Day – Starting September 11

We are excited to start Academic Extended Day this afternoon from 3:10 – 3:35 pm. Elementary students enrolled in the program by completing a participation form. If you feel your elementary student would benefit, please reach out to Mrs. Barton at  jbarton@apamail.org if you didn’t receive a form.

Secondary students were enrolled in Skyward, it shows as their 9th period class. If you would like to enroll your secondary student, please reach out to Mrs. Peery at epeery@apamail.org. 

Cross Country Team – Starting September 11

We are so excited to announce that our Cross Country season is starting. Practice will start on Monday the 11th  and continue through the end of October. Permission slips are available from Coach Vance at rvance@apamail.org. Practice will be: Mon & Tue 3:15-3:55 and Thurs 2:15-2:55. We will start in the gym, and weather permitting, go outside on the field for most of practice. Meets will be announced as soon as we have the schedule. It should be a great season! Let’s run!

Parent Empowerment Meeting – September 12

Our first parent empowerment meeting will be about internet and cell phone safety.  This will be a virtual meeting at 7 PM on September 12th. You can join this meeting by using the following zoom link: https://uetn-org.zoom.us/j/89267303321 

Mid-Term Missing Work Deadline – September 14

Both Elementary AND Secondary mid-term missing work deadline is this Thursday at 4pm. 

Lock Down Drill- September 18

We will have a lock down drill on September 18th.  There will be law enforcement on campus. Students will receive instructions prior to the drill. 

Constitution Day – September 19

Our school will be reading the constitution from 9am-10am on Tuesday, September 19th. We’d love to have everyone join us through our vimeo link. We are looking for prominent members of our community to join us and read a part of the constitution. If you know any firefighters, police officers, city council members, mayors, representatives, community leaders, or if you are interested in reading a part, please reach out to Mrs. Hillyard at whillyard@apamail.org.

7th and 8th Grade Leaders for Life Event – September 20

On September 20th, we will be having our Leaders for Life event for our 7th and 8th graders.  We would love to have more parent volunteers come in and help us run this event from 11:40 am until 2:05 pm. Please reach out to Mrs. Hillyard whillyard@apamail.org if you have any questions or would like to volunteer. 

College Fair – Calling All Parents! – September 27

Did you love your college experience?  Are you passionate about your career? If so, you would be perfect to join us this year on September 27th. Present to elementary students or junior high! Sign up here if you are interested. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094DAEAE2FA1FA7-college.  Please reach out to Mrs. Hillyard at WHillyard@apamail.org with questions.

APA Yearbooks

Yearbooks can be purchased at the following website: www.treering.com/validate using passcode 1013947202713106. The price for yearbooks is $22.68, but you can get a 10% discount if you order before October 31st. 

Professional Qualifications

Our parent surveys consistently express confidence and overwhelming satisfaction with our teachers at American Prep.  In accordance with state regulation, all APA teachers are licensed through one of three licensing paths: Professional, Associates, and LEA specific.  Parents are welcome at any time to request information regarding the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers including: 1) whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction or whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; 2) the baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree; and 3) whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications. 

School Parent and Family Engagement Policies

School Parent Involvement Policies vary slightly by campus and are located within the Parent-Student Handbooks https://www.americanprep.org/parent-student-handbooks/. These Handbooks are distributed annually to parents and are now accessible on the APA website under the Parent Library drop-down tab. West Valley Parent-Student Handbooks will be available in Spanish.

District Parent and Family Engagement Policy

American Prep recognizes that parent and family engagement is key to student achievement.  We provide many opportunities for parents and family members to participate in, and stay informed of, their student’s academic achievement.  American Preparatory Academy trains staff annually during pre-service and teacher academy on how to communicate, build meaningful connections, and otherwise involve parents/families and the school.  These topics are reinforced during professional development opportunities throughout the year as needed.  Additional details regarding parent and family engagement are available in the annual Parent-Student Handbooks (PSHB) which are distributed annually, posted on the school websites, and available in Spanish at our West Valley campuses. For the full District Parent and Family Engagement Policy, please refer to this link on the policy page of the americanprep.org website.

Mandated Assessments and Opt-Outs

American Preparatory recognizes that Standardized Testing is an essential tool for measuring student learning and teacher success.  The data obtained from these assessments may be utilized by teachers and administrators to review student academic progress, plan instruction, and share with students and parents. Summative assessments allow for data to be used in public reporting about school quality. Parents may opt-out of most state standardized tests by submitting a Parental Exclusion form to the Academic Director.  You can learn more about the state assessments administered at American Prep and find the testing schedules for your student’s campus by following this link: https://www.americanprep.org/state-assessments/.

Calendar

• September 6             5th/6th Grade Take Flight Event
• September 11            Academic Extended Day Begins
• September 12           Parent Empowerment Meeting
• September 14           Elementary Mid-Term Missing Work Deadline
• September 25-29    College Week

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September Builders Theme: I am a builder when I build with enthusiasm.

We use cheers in our classrooms at APA to bring enthusiasm to our days.  The rhythmic chants are an affirmation of excited learning.  They affect emotional animation and energy.  Ask your children to teach you a few of our cheers so that you can bring this same enthusiasm into your home. 

Parent Empowerment Meeting

Our first parent empowerment meeting will be about internet and cell phone safety.  This will be a virtual meeting at 7 PM on September 12th. You can join this meeting by using the following zoom link: https://uetn-org.zoom.us/j/89267303321

College Fair – Calling All Parents!

Announcing our first annual College Fair!! This is only possible with amazing parent volunteers.  Did you love your college experience?  Do you have a career you are passionate about?  Then  you would be perfect to join us this year! Wednesday, September 27th is the date! Watch for the sign up genius link, but save the date for now!

Volunteer Hours and Contributions

We are grateful for all of the ways parents contribute to the success of APA.  While contributions are no longer counted as volunteer hours, we do want to recognize all of the ways that you contribute to APA. Please use this link to record any hours volunteered, items donated, or contributions made: https://forms.gle/jNMh7gEHkXYuMTMt8. Thank you, again, for all that you do for the school!

APA Yearbooks

Yearbooks can be purchased at the following website: www.treering.com/validate using passcode 1013947202713106. The price for yearbooks is $22.68, but you can get a 10% discount if you order before October 31st. This website also includes options to include custom pages for your child by April 12th. 

Reading University at Payson City Library

Payson Library has started adding our RU lists to their catalogs. You can view these lists on their website at catalog.paysonlibrary.org. In the search bar, you will type APA. You will then change the drop down box that says “In Library Catalog” to “In Lists.” Press search, and you should see the RU books they house at their library. 

Salem Students Help Read the Constitution

On August 31, 2023, the first Utah State Capitol Constitution Live Reading Kick-Off was led by the Constitution Live Youth Council. There was a 45-minute live-streamed reading of the Constitution. Our Salem students that participated in this event are Emma Morgan, Rowan Meagher, Ellery Meagher, Afton Jewkes, Naomi Jewkes, Hazel Reynolds, and Lily Reynolds.  We are excited to follow this event with our campus reading of the constitution on September 19th. 

Emergency App Drill  

Thursday at 2:40, our staff will be running a drill of our emergency app on our phones. If you notice staff briefly using their phones during carpool, it is a test of our system. 

Professional Qualifications

Our parent surveys consistently express confidence and overwhelming satisfaction with our teachers at American Prep.  In accordance with state regulation, all APA teachers are licensed through one of three licensing paths: Professional, Associates, and LEA specific.  Parents are welcome at any time to request information regarding the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers including: 1) whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction or whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; 2) the baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree; and 3) whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications. 

District Parent and Family Engagement Policy

American Prep recognizes that parent and family engagement is key to student achievement.  We provide many opportunities for parents and family members to participate in, and stay informed of, their student’s academic achievement.  American Preparatory Academy trains staff annually during pre-service and teacher academy on how to communicate, build meaningful connections, and otherwise involve parents/families and the school.  These topics are reinforced during professional development opportunities throughout the year as needed.  Additional details regarding parent and family engagement are available in the annual Parent-Student Handbooks (PSHB) which are distributed annually, posted on the school websites, and available in Spanish at our West Valley campuses. For the full District Parent and Family Engagement Policy, please refer to this link on the policy page of the americanprep.org website.

School Parent and Family Engagement Policies

School Parent Involvement Policies vary slightly by campus and are located within the Parent-Student Handbooks https://www.americanprep.org/parent-student-handbooks/. These Handbooks are distributed annually to parents and are now accessible on the APA website under the Parent Library drop-down tab. West Valley Parent-Student Handbooks will be available in Spanish.

Mandated Assessments and Opt-Outs

American Preparatory recognizes that Standardized Testing is an essential tool for measuring student learning and teacher success.  The data obtained from these assessments may be utilized by teachers and administrators to review student academic progress, plan instruction, and share with students and parents. Summative assessments allow for data to be used in public reporting about school quality. Parents may opt-out of most state standardized tests by submitting a Parental Exclusion form to the Academic Director.  You can learn more about the state assessments administered at American Prep and find the testing schedules for your student’s campus by following this link: https://www.americanprep.org/state-assessments/.

Dear Parents,

We were planning to start our Academic Extended Day (AED) on Tuesday September 5, but will delay until Monday September 11. We need time to complete our planning and clearly communicate this new program so it has a smooth launch for our students, staff, and families.

Everyone should continue to pick up their students at 3:10 pm/2:10 pm until September 11. Thanks for your patience and understanding!

Salem Administrative Team

Calendar

• August 28 – Sept 1       White Ribbon Week
• August 30                      4th Grade Success Express
• September 1                  Spirit Wear Day
• September 4                 NO SCHOOL – Labor Day
• September 5                 Academic Extended Day Begins
• September 25 – 29      College Week

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August Builders Theme: Be a Builder!

At APA, we urge all of our students and parents to memorize the Builders poem.  As we strive to internalize the virtues and the principles of this poem, we find that we both build ourselves and others. The Builders poem can be found at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1it0y02_jjjjofjyQ970cda5pVapQmj9W/view.

White Ribbon Week

Our elementary students have the opportunity to learn about internet safety during this week.  Students will have a paper attached to their learning plans.  Please take a moment to talk to your student about what they have learned and sign and return it.  On Friday, if they have all of their boxes signed, they will earn some pie.  Please reach out to Mrs. Hillyard at whillyard@apamail.org if you have any questions. 

4th Grade Success Express

Our 4th grade classes will participate in our Success Express station event on Wednesday, August 30th from 11:45- 2:05. Be sure to talk to your students about what they learned.  Please reach out to Mrs. Hillyard at whillyard@apamail.org if you have any questions about this event.

Academic Extended Day

We are busy making plans for our Academic Extended day. Elementary families that are invited to participate will receive a registration form attached to the learning plan. Secondary families will receive an email confirming the student’s enrollment.

College Fair – Calling All Parents!

Announcing our first annual College Fair!! This is only possible with amazing parent volunteers. Did you love your college experience?  Do you have a career you are passionate about?  Then,  you would be perfect to join us this year! Monday, September 25th is the date! Watch for the sign up genius, but save the date for now!

Lunch Menu

Our school lunch menu and nutritional information can be found at the following link: https://www.americanprep.org/school-lunch-program/menu/.

Professional Qualification

Our parent surveys consistently express confidence and overwhelming satisfaction with our teachers at American Prep.  In accordance with state regulation, all APA teachers are licensed through one of three licensing paths: Professional, Associates, and LEA specific.  Parents are welcome at any time to request information regarding the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers including: 1) whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction or whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; 2) the baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree; and 3) whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications. 

District Parent and Family Engagement Policy

American Prep recognizes that parent and family engagement is key to student achievement.  We provide many opportunities for parents and family members to participate in, and stay informed of, their student’s academic achievement.  American Preparatory Academy trains staff annually during pre-service and teacher academy on how to communicate, build meaningful connections, and otherwise involve parents/families and the school.  These topics are reinforced during professional development opportunities throughout the year as needed.  Additional details regarding Parent and Family Engagement are available in the annual Parent-Student Handbooks (PSHB) which are distributed annually, posted on the school websites, and available in Spanish at our West Valley campuses. For the full District Parent and Family Engagement Policy, please refer to this link on the policy page of the americanprep.org website.

School Parent and Family Engagement Policies

School Parent Involvement Policies vary slightly by campus and are located within the Parent-Student Handbooks https://www.americanprep.org/parent-student-handbooks/. These Handbooks are distributed annually to parents and are now accessible on the APA website under the Parent Library drop-down tab. West Valley Parent-Student Handbooks will be available in Spanish.

Mandated Assessments and Opt-Outs

American Preparatory recognizes that Standardized Testing is an essential tool for measuring student learning and teacher success.  The data obtained from these assessments may be utilized by teachers and administrators to review student academic progress, plan instruction, and share with students and parents. Summative assessments allow for data to be used in public reporting about school quality. Parent’s may opt-out of most state standardized tests by submitting a Parental Exclusion form to the Academic Director.  You can learn more about the state assessments administered at American Prep and find the testing schedules for your student’s campus by following this link: https://www.americanprep.org/state-assessments/.

Dear Parents, 

We have received some feedback about the changes to our spirit wear days. We realized that we were not clear in yesterday’s newsletter. We are changing Friday spirit wear days to only select days (spirit wear means APA style t-shirts or sweatshirts purchased through the school). On the Fridays that are not spirit wear days students are allowed to wear the “dress-down” Friday uniform. 

In grades K-6 the Friday uniform is: 

• Boys & Girls – Navy Polo Shirt
  • Polo-style shirt must be dark navy with white or clear buttons. No logo required. 
• Girls – Khaki Slacks or Skirt
  • Girls K-6th grade may choose to wear khaki slacks or skirts with the navy polos on Fridays. No sewn outside pockets (cargo pants) or skinny pants.

In grades 7-9 the Friday uniform is:

• Boys & Girls – Navy Polo Shirt
  • Polo-style shirt must be dark navy with white or clear buttons. No logo required. Any uniform pant or skirt can be worn with navy polos on Fridays. 

Students are not required to wear polos on Friday, but it is an option.

Secondary Notice – Fragrances and Deodorant

Due to chemical allergies, students cannot apply spray fragrance or deodorant at school. We will be directing students to take home these products so they are not in the lockers.

We encourage our students taking PE to bring a stick deodorant or antiperspirant to apply after PE. Students can also bring a cloth in a ziplock bag and use the sinks to spot clean as needed. Disposable wipes are discouraged because they will clog the plumbing if flushed. Thanks for your help with this!

We look forward to seeing you tonight at parent orientation (6-8pm)!

Calendar

• Tuesday, August 22 6pm – 8pm  Parent Orientation
• Friday, August 25 9th Grade Unity Hike
• August 28 – Sept 1 White Ribbon Week
• Friday, September 1 Spirit Wear Day
• September 25 – 29 College Week

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Welcome back from our directors! 

Welcome back to another amazing year at APA – Salem! We hope you had a wonderful, relaxing and fun-filled summer. We are so excited to be a part of your academic journey, and we look forward to seeing you as you continue to grow this school year. This school year will be packed full of fun activities and amazing academic opportunities as we have worked this summer to continue to improve your learning experience at our school. This is going to be an amazing year!

Parent Orientation – August 22  6-8pm

This is for parents only and is a chance for you to connect with students’  teachers  and learn how everything works. Elementary will run on 20 minute rotations, starting at 6:00 pm. Please plan enough time to attend one rotation for elementary students that you have. Mrs. Barton and Mrs. Short will be available to answer questions for new families at 7:30 pm in the multipurpose room.

Secondary parents rotate about every 10 minutes, so please plan an hour to visit all of your student’s teachers. In addition, please plan to attend a general session for all secondary parents. There will be two sessions offered at  6:00 pm and 7:00 pm.  Mrs. Peery will be available to answer questions at 7:30 pm in the secondary lobby.

9th Grade Unity Hike – August 25  

Our 9th graders are heading up Payson Canyon to Maple Dell.  Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for the hike (they need to meet normal free dress day standards).  We will leave the school at 8:15 and be back by 1:30.  You will need to bring your own HOME lunch.  If you have any questions, reach out to Mrs. Hillyard. 

Uniform Change- Spirit Wear days

This year, spirit wear will only be allowed on designated Fridays.   Our google calendar lists all future dates. Our first spirit wear days will be September 1st and September 22nd. 

College Fair – Calling All Parents!

ANNOUNCING our first annual College Fair!! This is only possible with amazing parent volunteers.

Did you love your college experience?  Do you have a career you are passionate about?  Then,  you would be PERFECT to join us this year! MONDAY SEPTEMBER 25th is the date! Watch for the sign up genius, but save the date for now!

Carpool Information

We encourage our families to form carpool groups, so that less cars come onto the property. To facilitate this, you can access a Zee Map for our campus – it provides the contact information for families living near you. For directions on how to use our Zee Map, please use the following link: https://salem.americanprep.org/carpool/

Professional Qualifications 

Our parent surveys consistently express confidence and overwhelming satisfaction with our teachers at American Prep.  In accordance with state regulation, all APA teachers are licensed through one of three licensing paths: Professional, Associates and LEA specific.  Parents are welcome at any time to request information regarding the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers including: 1) whether the teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction or whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; 2) the baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree; and 3) whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications. 

District Parent and Family Engagement Policy 

American Prep recognizes that parent and family engagement is key to student achievement.  We provide many opportunities for parents and family members to participate in, and stay informed of their student’s academic achievement.  American Preparatory Academy trains staff annually during pre-service and teacher academy on how to communicate, build meaningful connections, and otherwise involve parents/families and the school.  These topics are reinforced during professional development opportunities throughout the year as needed.  Additional details regarding Parent and Family Engagement are available in the annual Parent-Student Handbooks (PSHB) which are distributed annually, posted on the school websites, and available in Spanish at our West Valley campuses.

For the full District Parent and Family Engagement Policy, please refer to this link on the Policy page of the americanprep.org website.