Good News

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.

Calendar

• Wednesday, August 16             First Day of School, 8:00 am – 2:10 pm
• Tuesday, August 22                  6pm – 8pm  Parent Orientation
• Friday, August 25                     9th Grade Unity Hike
• August 28 – Sept 1                    White Ribbon Week

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Welcome back to the Salem APA campus! We are so excited to have the students returning tomorrow!

First Day of School – Tips for a Smooth Start

• The doors to the building will be unlocked at 7:30 am and school begins promptly at 8:00 am.
•  The parking lot is reserved for kindergarten students and their families. All other families should go through the carpool line and drop students off on the curb. 
• Parents should stay in their cars and allow our staff to assist your students. This keeps the line moving, and makes the first day flow as smoothly as possible. 
• Please take pictures and give goodbye hugs BEFORE getting in the car. 

Kindergarten Times

Monday, Tuesday, Friday

• AM Kinder 8:00 am – 11:00 am
• PM Kinder 12:10 pm – 3:10 pm PM 

Wednesday, Thursday

• AM Kinder 8:00 am – 10:30 am
• Kinder 11:40 am – 2:10 pm

4th Grade Uniform Reminder

All students moving from 3rd into 4th grade please remember that white polo shirts are no longer approved. A white button down dress shirt is now the standard along with the appropriate tie and sweater each day. 

Parent Orientation – August 22  6-8pm

This is for parents only and is a chance for you to connect with student’s 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 student 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 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.

Website Resources

• Bus Program
• Carpool Maps
• School Lunch
• Secondary Bell Schedule

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We are excited to welcome and get to know the following staff members:

Baylee Heap – 4-6th Grade Instructor

My name is Baylee Heap and I’m so excited to be a 4th grade instructor at Salem! I went to APA from K-8th grade and loved it! This last year, I heard Draper 2 was looking for more instructors so I worked there last April and May as a 4th grade instructor and as a groups teacher for 5th grade math and 6th grade reading. Before that, I was a tutor for kids K-12. I went to UVU but took a break so I could figure out what I  wanted my major to be. After working at APA, I decided to go back and get my teaching degree.  One interesting thing about me: I love adrenaline and adventure! My friend and I did a jump in the sand dunes on an ATV and crashed! We nose dove into the ground, flipped twice, and landed upside down. Luckily, the worst injury was a broken hand.  So excited to work here in Salem!!

Crystal Tejada – Kindergarten Instructor

My name is Crystal Tejada. I am excited to be a new instructor for Salem APA’s kindergarten. I previously worked as a behavioral researcher at Utah Valley University and an assistant preschool teacher. I recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in family science, and I’m planning on applying for a master’s degree in the fall. I was born and raised in Elk Ridge, Utah, and also lived in Las Vegas where I graduated from Cimarron Memorial High School. When I’m not at work, you can find me cheering on my son at some event (right now, baseball and football). My hobbies include snowboarding, playing on ATVs, and reading.

Now Hiring

We still have several open positions and wanted to let our parents know so they can come work with us, or refer your friends and family. Apply now!

• Instructor/Associate Teacher
• School Counselor

https://www.americanprep.org/careers/

Calendar

• July 31 – August 4 School Closed – Staff Training
• August 7 – 10 School Closed – Staff Training
• Friday, August 11 5pm – 7pm  Back to School Night, Used Uniform Sale
• Wednesday, August 16 8 am  First Day of School
• Tuesday, August 22 6pm – 8pm  Parent Orientation

Back to School Night – August 11  5-7pm

All students are invited to come to the school and meet their teachers!  Classroom assignments will be posted on this day. We will have a few used uniforms available to purchase, as well as information about volunteering, after school clubs, and ordering school lunches. Secondary students will receive their locker assignments and schedules.

Teacher Assignments

Teacher assignments will be posted at the teacher meet and greet on August 11 from 5-7pm. If you can’t make it to the meet and greet, watch for an email from Mrs. Barton by Monday August 14th.

First Day of School – Tips for a Smooth Start

The doors to the building will be unlocked at 7:30 am and school begins promptly at 8:00 am. The parking lot is reserved for kindergarten students and their families. All other families should go through the carpool line and drop students off on the curb. Parents should stay in their cars and allow our staff to assist your students. This keeps the line moving, and makes the first day flow as smoothly as possible. Please take pictures and give goodbye hugs and kisses BEFORE getting in the car. 

Parent Orientation – August 22  6-8pm

This is for parents only and is a chance for you as parents to make a connection and get to know your teacher and how everything works. Elementary will run on 20 minute rotations with the first one starting at 6. You’ll want to come with enough time to attend one rotation per elementary student that you have. Secondary does faster rotations of about 10 minutes and you’ll need about an hour to visit all the teachers for your student.

4th Grade Uniform Reminder

All students moving from 3rd into 4th grade please remember that white polo shirts are no longer approved. A white button down dress shirt is now the standard along with the appropriate tie and sweater each day. 

LDS Early Morning Seminary Pick Up

9th graders who wish to enroll in LDS seminary can go to mySeminary.churchofjesuschrist.org 

• Log in.  Click on the student’s name.  
• Click Register over at the right.  
• Choose the location: Salem Senior High School
• After you finish registering, email Emily Johns, the seminary Administrative Assistant, at Emily.Johns@churchofjesuschrist.org to let her know that the student will be attending the early morning class.  
• Complete a transportation request form – https://salem.americanprep.org/salem-bus-program/ 
• Pickup is free

Google Calendar

All school events can be found in the weekly newsletter, as well as on the parent calendar. That can be viewed here: https://salem.americanprep.org/calendar/  You can subscribe to this calendar online or on your phone:

• Google – https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=c2FsZW1jYWxlbmRhckBhcGFtYWlsLm9yZw 
• iCal – https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/salemcalendar%40apamail.org/public/basic.ics 
  

Contact Information

School Directors

• Elementary Director (K-6) Mrs. Jessica Barton – jbarton@apamail.org 
• Assistant Elementary Director (K-6) Mrs. Erin Short – eshort@apamail.org 
• Secondary Director (7-9) Mrs. Emily Peery epeery@apamail.org
• Administrative Director Mrs. Keri Elmer kelmer@apamail.org 

Other contacts that might be helpful:

• Secondary Secretary Mrs. Anna Hall – ahall@apamail.org 
• Bus Registration https://salem.americanprep.org/salem-bus-program/ 
• Enrollment/Registrar  Mrs. Christian Turco – cturco@apamail.org 
• Lunch Mrs. Reategui – hreategui@apamail.org, lunch@apamail.org (during the summer)

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We are excited to welcome and get to know the following staff members:

Erik Alder – Latin Teacher

I am originally from Denver, Colorado, so after a few years away getting my graduate degrees at the University of Kansas (go Jayhawks!), I am grateful to have mountains back on my skyline. Before teaching Latin at APA, I taught at American Fork High School. I have also taught Spanish at BYU, Truman State University (in Missouri), and University of Kansas. On weekends I love movies and popcorn, but more recently I have fallen in love with Kdramas. I also love to fire up the brick oven in my backyard so that I can enjoy pizza the way the Romans did: Mediterranean Style!

Nick Abraham – History Teacher

My name is Nick Abraham, and I am very excited to be teaching history and geography at Salem! I’m originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana but I moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University where I recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history teaching. I’m somewhat of a world traveler – I’ve taught overseas twice (once in Europe and once in Asia) and have visited over 16 countries! I’m looking forward to sharing the wonders of the world (both within and without the United States) with your students this upcoming school year!

Clarissa Lunt – Orchestra Teacher

Hi! I’m the new orchestra director! My primary instrument is viola, but I play all instruments well. I’m coming from Snowcrest Junior High in Eden, UT where I taught Band, Choir and Orchestra. I love Marvel and Star Wars! I love going to the beach and spending time near the ocean! I love teaching Junior High because the students are so entertaining! The kids are funny, inquisitive, and inspiring! Never a dull moment in Junior High! I’m excited to meet all the string players this year! We’re going to have so much fun!

Aleasha Hancock – Secondary Instructor

My name is Aleasha Hancock and I am super excited about my new adventure with APA! I am the mother to six amazing children ranging in ages from 24 to 11. I do not have any grandchildren yet so I have two spoiled dogs. I moved to Utah from Idaho 12 years ago. I have been working in the public school setting for the last 17 years. I have worked in Kindergarten all the way up to high school, including Special Education. I have been a computer teacher and a reading interventionist for the last five years. During that time I received my Elementary Education degree. I also have a degree in Political Science, at one point I was planning on a law degree but having children changed my direction.

In our free time my husband and I love to fish, go to concerts and camp. Lately I been able to hit the Broadway scene and enjoy several productions including Les Miserables, Oliver, Wicked and Dear Even Hanson. Fun fact about me is I have never left the United States, hopefully someday I can travel to Europe.

Halee Young – 5th Grade Teacher

Hello! My name is Halee Young and I’m excited to be the new 5th grade teacher this year. This will be my first year teaching Elementary but I have previously worked in the school system as a substitute and preschool teacher. I am completing my intern year this year but will graduate in December with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from WGU. I have conversational proficiency in American Sign Language, and you will sometimes see me signing to myself when concentrating. A fun fact about me is that I love musical theater and love to sing at the top of my lungs while driving!

Alyse Lewis – 6th Grade Teacher

My name is Alyse Lewis. This will be my first year with APA teaching 6th grade. I was a 4th grade teacher last year and spent 4 years before that teaching computers. I graduated in Elementary Education from Utah State University in April. A unique fact about be is that I’m a 3rd generation twin. I love pandas and hanging out with my friends.

Sherelda Crippen – K-3 Instructor

Hello, my name is Sherelda Crippen. I am excited to be part of the APA staff this year as a first grade instructor. I am a happy mother of eight and have one adorable grandbaby. My youngest daughter is a sixth-grader at APA. I love playing and composing music, hiking, kayaking, reading and going to the beach. I graduated from BYU Hawaii with a B.A. in English and have taught private music lessons for over 20 years. My husband, Chris, has taught for APA and several of our children have attended as students. We love the mission of APA and I am grateful for this new opportunity. I look forward to getting to know everyone and to being part of this great team.

Jacob Horspool – 4-6 Instructor

My name is Jake Horspool and I’m pumped to be an instructor this year at Salem! I just started working here at APA and I’m looking forward to this new experience. I have worked with people who have autism of all ages as well as in the food industry. I am currently studying Psychology at BYU and hope to graduate with bachelors soon. One interesting thing about me is that I am a second degree black belt in taekwondo. I loved it and it was a great learning experience as I went through my own school experience. I am excited to get to know all of you!

Click here to view the Salem 2023-2024 Calendar

December 2nd, 2022 – Inclement Weather Update – Late Start All Schools

Please visit our Inclement Weather page for campus details – https://blog.americanprep.org/blog/inclement-weather

https://salem.americanprep.org/3441/