2023-24 AHS Welcome Guide

Welcome and Standards

Welcome from Grant Beckwith, Head of School

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO WELCOME YOU BACK AGAIN!

Many things will be new this year when you return, including new classrooms, new programs, and new faces. But the most important things at AHS haven’t changed. The Book of Mormon teaches us that when we learn by the influence of the Spirit we begin to “enlarge our souls” and “enlighten our understanding” (Alma 32:28). That has been a foundation and a hallmark of AHS teaching and learning every year, and it will continue to be so this year and forever. We trust that you will make many life-long friends here, that you will love your teachers and administrators, that you will enjoy the many opportunities you will have here, and that you will work hard to succeed in your coursework. But most of all, we hope that you will begin to see yourself and each other illuminated by the light of Christ. This year I’ll be spending some of my time at the Salt Lake City campus, but you will still see me here at the American Fork Campus most days, still teaching, still greeting at the door, and still telling you really awesome jokes. I know I say this every year, but it’s more true now than ever: This will be our best year yet!

Sincerely, Grant Beckwith—Head of School

Welcome from Chase Hale, Principal, American Fork campus

WHAT KIND OF EDUCATION DO WE SEEK?

“Education is an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan to help you become more like Him.” – For the Strength of Youth

I am grateful to report that American Heritage’s mission mandate to help students “realize their divine potential” is consistent with the seemingly simple yet profound citation above. Every summer, the school’s faculty reviews, reassesses, and recommits ahead of a coming year that is intended to be a little better than any previous at helping American Heritage students “become more like Him.”

In considering that sentence from the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet, one word seems to stand out with particular significance: become. Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines that term as the “pass[ing] from one state to another; to enter into some state or condition, by a change from another state or condition, or by assuming or receiving new properties or qualities, additional matter, or a new character…” A synonym of become—and a word with great currency at the school—is transform.

The school has long sought to deliver Transformational Scholarship, adopting that compound term as the middle of its three brand attributes: Christian Character, Transformational Scholarship, Responsible Liberty. American Heritage faculty are passionate about preparing environments, content, and experiences that facilitate the kind of transformation and becoming that our spirits naturally crave.

Are you ready? Are you willing? I invite you to make choices, big and small, today and throughout the school year, that will allow you to experience great joy and transformation this year. I hope this Welcome Guide provides helpful orientation to a coming school year that places Christ at the foundation of all teaching, learning, and becoming. Let’s make this your best year yet!

Sincerely, Chase Hale—Principal

To view the Dress and Grooming Policy, click here.

dress and grooming page

Click for Uniform & Shopping Guide

Getting to Know Us!

Click here to view our new faculty and staff!

K–5 MEET YOUR TEACHER!

AUGUST 9–15

This year more than ever, our teachers are excited and ready to meet your child as they become part of the American Heritage School family again, or for the first time.

In order for us to meet your child in a one-on-one setting, and to be prepared to meet the reading needs of each child as the school year begins, each teacher will be individually assessing their students in reading prior to the first day of school. The feedback will inform instruction and help the teacher meet each student at his/her learning threshold from the very first day of school. We will be able to share with you your child’s beginning-of-year reading level as well as the end-of-year goal.

Please sign up for an available time using Veracross to get access to this spreadsheet: K-5 Reading Assessment Sign-Up

Our preference is for all students to sign up for one of the available times in the summer. However, if the available time slots do not work with your summer plans, you may contact the teacher directly to organize a different time. We look forward to meeting both you and your child.

(Please bring your child’s school supplies to this appointment.)

If you ordered school supplies from EPI, those supplies will be delivered to the school. If not, you need to purchase the supplies and bring them to the appointment.

GRADES 6-8

NEW STUDENT SOCIAL

MONDAY, AUGUST 14

BREAKFAST SOCIAL WITH STUDENT COUNCIL 9:30 AM–10:30 AM
• Muffins, milk, and a free AHS spirit t-shirt
• Student ambassadors take students on tour of the building
Middle school students meet in Rec Hall (Legacy Building).

GRADES 9-12

NEW STUDENT SOCIAL

MONDAY, AUGUST 14

BREAKFAST SOCIAL WITH STUDENT COUNCIL 9:30 AM–10:30 AM
• Cereal Bar, Muffins, Milk, and a free AHS spirit t-shirt
• Student council and ambassadors take students on tour of the building
High school students meet in the High School Commons (HS Building).

PARENT SERVICE ORGANIZATION: Get Involved!

Welcome to the Parent Service Organization (PSO) at American Heritage!

Every parent at AHS is a member of the PSO. We work together to support our amazing teachers and administrators! There are many opportunities to serve throughout the year to help each household reach the 30 hours of required service. I can say from experience that serving at AHS will create connections and help build relationships within our school community that will be a great blessing to your family! I look forward to working together as we lift one another and support the mission of the school!

Katie Lawyer—PSO President

Katieplawyer@gmail.com

PSO MISSION STATEMENT

The Parent Service Organization plans and facilitates parent service opportunities at AHS that advance the mission of the school. We work with teachers and administrators to assist with special events and other opportunities that lift and serve AHS students, teachers, and families.

ROOM PARENTS

Sign up to serve as a room parent for your child’s class to oversee one of the following:

Volunteer coordinator, photography, celebrations, holidays

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

  • Pizza Mondays
  • Kindergarten Lunchroom
  • Main building Lunchroom
  • High school Lunchroom
  • Heritage Gardens
  • Patriot reading group
  • Room Parent Support
  • High school Dances
  • Spirit wear sales
  • Experiential learning weeks

ANNUAL SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

August- Uniform Re-sale, Spirit wear Sale, New parent Q&A
Sept- Picture Day, Grandparents Day, Book Fair, Constitution Day
Oct- Picture Retakes
Nov- Christmas Decor, Patriot Reading Group
Dec- Faculty Luncheon, Teddy Bear, Christmas Decor Take down
Jan- Faculty Dinners, Uniform Re-sale, Book Fair, New parent Q&A, Spelling Bee
Feb- Faculty Dinners, Book Fair
Mar- Middle and HS Experiential Learning, Family Dance
April- Teacher appreciation Week
May- Faculty luncheon, Field Day, Elementary Experiential learning

WHERE DO I FIND OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE?

* Join the official PSO announcement GroupMe page for on going service opportunities and other PSO info

* Find all sign ups on the PSO webpage in Veracross

* Watch for PSO quarterly emails

WELCOME!

We are a K–12 outreach library that will be serving all three of the American Heritage campuses. The stacks in our library contain family-friendly books at all grade levels. We strive to provide quality literature that invites the Spirit and inspires a love for reading. We acquire library materials through donations as well as from the proceeds of our two semi-annual book fairs held in conjunction with Parent Teacher Conferences. Donated items are carefully screened for content and age-appropriateness before being placed into circulation. Students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade have a scheduled weekly library time during which they are invited to check out books. All students and families may come to the library before school between 8–8:30 a.m. or after school from 3:10–4:30 p.m. to check out books or work on homework.

The library also serves as the textbook distribution center of the school. All textbooks are checked in and out through the library. While textbooks are issued in various conditions, efforts are made to repair and maintain books as needed. Students will note the condition in the front of the textbook at the beginning of the year. Books should be returned at the end of the year in the best condition possible. If you have concerns about the condition of the textbook that is issued to your child, please contact the Librarian. Fines will be assessed for excessive damage or lost textbooks.

Yearbooks will be held until all school materials are returned or fines are paid. Students and families may access the library through OPAC to view available books and place reserves. Library and textbooks may be checked out during the summer months as well. Parents are welcome and invited to serve in the school library as part of the 30 hours of required service. We have opportunities to help preview donated materials, returning books to circulation, processing new acquisitions, as well as textbook checkout and return. If you are interested in serving in the library, please contact Levi Crockett, the school librarian. We look forward to serving you!

Guided Reading Leveled Library

We have a second small library that services kindergarten through third grade students. Leveled reading books are sent home with each child regularly to offer added support and encourage reading practice at home. Leveled reading books can be adjusted to meet the individual needs of each child. Reading assessments are given throughout the school year to measure student growth and to best determine the leveled books that will be sent home. Leveled reading books are exchanged by aides under the direction of the classroom teacher. The Guided Reading Library has proven to be a valuable resource to strengthen the reading skills of the children and offer support to families.  

Targeted Diagnostic Instruction (TDI)

The goal for Targeted Diagnostic Instruction (TDI) is to offer quality differential instruction specifically targeted to enhance the language arts skills and learning needs of individual students within the classroom. TDI enables the teacher to be diagnostic in identifying individual student progress and tailoring purposeful instruction that targets the specific skills needed. Teachers are given the autonomy to have more fluid groups which allows the children to receive quality individual, small group, and whole class instruction.

Fine Arts and Athletics Offerings

We encourage all 7–12 students to tryout for one our athletic teams! All students need a current physical (taken after March 10, 2023). Needed forms are here:

JULY
Cross Country is running now for boys and girls grades 6–12! Contact Coach Tiffany Garfield to get details on summer running sessions and the upcoming season.
7–12 participation fee: $225
6th grade participation fee (cannot run in meets): $175

25 & 26: 5–6:30 p.m. Varsity/JV co-ed baseball tryouts. Contact Coach Blake Jansen for more information.
Participation fee: $475 varsity, JV fee TBD

25 & 27: 9–10:30 a.m. High School Girls Soccer Team Tryouts. Contact Coach Ellie Stafford for more information.
Participation fee: $475

31: 9–10:30 a.m. High School Girls Tennis Tryouts. Contact Coach Jeffrey Butler for more information.
Participation fee: $375

31: 2–6 p.m., Aug. 1: 3–6 p.m., Fox Hollow Golf Course (meet at the driving range): Boys Varsity Golf tryouts. As explained in the spring player and parent meetings, boys need to complete and record 10 18-hole rounds of golf and establish a USGA handicap to be eligible for tryouts. Please contact Head Coach Rod Morley for more information by clicking here.
Participation fee: $400

AUGUST:

August: Middle School Boys and Girls Tennis. Start date and participation fee TBD. Contact girls Coach Candice Beckwith or boys Coach Justin McKenzie for more information.

2–4: 4–6 p.m. Girls Varsity Volleyball. Practice will start Aug. 7 and will go from 4–6 p.m. until the start of school. Contact Coach Katelynn Maki for more information.
Participation fee: $450

7-9: Back-to-School Basketball Boys and Girls Camps with Coach Winitana. See posters below. Contact Coach Winitana for more information.

16: School begins

23: 3:30–4:30 p.m. Boys Middle School Soccer. Contact Coach Stephen Blake for more information.
Participation fee: $325

The Heritage Youth Choirs is a community choral organization for children and youth in grades K–12. Its central mission is to build enduring faith and musical excellence in the lives of individuals through gospel–centered choral music. Although the choir is sponsored by American Heritage School, enrollment is open to all students, regardless of school affiliation. Four choirs accommodate youth of varying ages and skill levels.
YOUTH CHOIRS AUDITIONS
All auditions will take place on AUGUST 14, 21, and 28. Visit youth–chorus.org to sign up for an audition time. Contact Mr. Swenson with questions. (801) 372-9465 or rswenson@ahsmail.com.
YOUTH CHORUS
• Grades 8–12 and changed-voice 7th grade boys • Auditioned • Rehearsals on Mondays from 3:30–5 p.m. • 5+ performances per year, guest artist collaboration, two overnight retreats, professional recording opportunities, and an optional fireside tour June 21–July 1, 2024 • Tuition: $450/year (scholarships available)
TREBLE CHOIR
• Grades 5–7 • Auditioned • Rehearsals on Mondays from 3:30–4:30 p.m. • 3+ performances per year • Tuition: $360/year (scholarships available)
CHILDREN’S CHOIR
• Grades 2–4 • Auditioned • Rehearsals on Mondays from 3:30–4:30 p.m. • 2+ performances per year • Tuition: $360/year
JUNIOR CHOIR
• Grades K–1 • Non-auditioned • Rehearsals on Mondays from 3:20–3:50 p.m. or 3:50–4:20 p.m.. • Tuition: $270/year



Lyceum Youth Orchestras at American Heritage School have reached the top of the Billboard Charts, been featured on PBS with The Piano Guys, recorded for SONY Masterworks, and have been viewed over 100 million times on YouTube! Each year we place nearly every graduate into top-notch music schools across the country. Accomplished young musicians, ages 6 to 18, travel from schools across the state to participate in this comprehensive after-school youth orchestras program.

WE STRIVE TO

  • Inspire—nurture a love of elevated music, increase faith and patriotism through purposeful events and media.
  • Instruct—develop self-discipline, skills, and character through transformational teaching and professional-
    level experience and interaction.
  • Impact—awaken individuals, families and communities to the power music has to change hearts and minds while fulfilling the divine potential of our participants.

ORCHESTRA AUDITIONS

For more info or to submit your audition online see www.LoveMusicMore.com.

Limited Openings in all 8 of our orchestras serving students ages 6 to 18 ranging from basic music readers to advanced.

AWARD-WINNING, MOST COMPREHENSIVE OFFERING IN UTAH

We strive to meet every student at the threshold of their learning!

  • PHILHARMONIC
  • CONCERT ORCHESTRA
  • SYMPHONIC STRINGS
  • SYMPHONIC WINDS
  • CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
  • CRESCENDO ORCHESTRA
  • PRELUDE STRINGS
  • HARP ENSEMBLE

With eight ensembles ranging from basic music reader to expert level, the Lyceum Youth Orchestras Program at American Heritage School provides the most award-winning and comprehensive orchestra experience in Utah. Last year’s graduating class had nearly a 100% scholarship placement rate. Students are mentored and motivated by world-class faculty and guest artists to develop not only the body and the mind, but also the soul. String players K–12 and Wind/Brass/Perc. players 7–12 are invited to audition!

What are the Plays Being Offered Next Year?

We will go from two plays in high school to three plays.  We will have three high school plays (one each athletic season) in addition to the Eighth Grade Shakespeare play in May (directed by Mrs. Perry). We will add a middle-school musical (winter season). This year only, we will also have an opportunity for the seniors who did not get to perform their Shakespeare play during covid to participate in “A Christmas Carol: The Radio Show” directed by Mrs. Perry.  The extracurricular auditions for this year are as follows:

  • Newsies:  Fall High School Musical (Directed by Mrs. Oelrich)
  • Trail of Hope: Winter Play (Directed by Dr. Anderson)
  • Children of Eden: Spring High School Musical (Directed by Mr. Walstead)
  • Middle School Musical: TBD (winter season) (Directed by Mr. Walstead)

Participation fees:

Newsies:  $100

A Christmas Carol: The Radio Show $50

Trail of Hope: $50

Children of Eden: $100

Middle School Musical: $75

Forms and Lists