September - December 2013 - American Heritage School
Transcription
September - December 2013 - American Heritage School
In June of 1962, the Supreme Court of the United States decided that New York public school officials could not prescribe a prayer to be offered at the beginning of public school classes.1 This decision came as a shock to religiously oriented people nationwide. Public reactions to the Supreme Court’s decision were divided, ranging from quiet elation by supporters to civil disobedience by many school administrators and teachers.2 Six months later, a concerned LDS Church President David O. McKay said: “By making that [New York Regent’s prayer] unconstitutional, the Supreme Court of the United States severs the connecting cord between the public schools of the United States and the source of divine intelligence, the Creator himself…. Now let us remember and emphasize—that restriction applies to the atheist as well as to the believer in God.”3 In the early 1960’s, LDS Church President David O. McKay (left), and University of Chicago Law School Professor Dallin H. Oaks (right), held different perspectives about the Supreme Court’s controversial ruling that banned state sponsored prayer in public schools. Years later, Elder Oaks wrote in his personal memoirs that his limited perspective at the time was “just a small footnote to history compared with the vision of a prophet who saw and described the pernicious effects of that decision in the years to come.” At the same time, a bright young lawyer named Dallin Oaks—a devout Mormon and former law clerk for Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren—had just Message from the Head of School ........................... 1 Student, Parent, and Teacher Submissions .............. 7 “No Missing Pieces” Benefits AHS ....................... 10 Board Level Committees Expand .......................... 10 Faculty Leadership Positions Implemented ........... 11 New Computers Provided for Teachers ................. 12 BYU Science Partnership In Place......................... 12 HDE Curriculum Made Available to Teachers ..... 12 Latter-day Learning Surpasses 2,000 Members ..... 13 Directed Readings Seminars Share Stories ............ 13 Constitution Day Inspires Patriotism ..................... 13 Spirit Week Filled with K–12 Service ................... 14 International Student Spotlight .............................. 15 Spelling Bee Winners ............................................ 15 National Geographic Bee Finalists ........................ 15 Academic Report—Excellent PSAT Scores .......... 16 Trail of Dreams Wins Hearts ................................. 16 Fall Festival Fun .................................................... 17 Benefit Auction Fundraising Report ...................... 17 AHS Celebrates Gettysburg Address ..................... 18 Memorization Treasure Trove! .............................. 18 Faculty News and Notes ........................................ 19 Positions Available ................................................ 20 Honor Roll—1st Term ............................................ 21 been appointed professor of law at the University of Chicago Law School, one of the nation’s most prestigious law schools. In his personal memoirs, Life’s Lessons Learned, Elder Oaks reflected openly and candidly about his feelings at the time: “I reasoned that the [school prayer] case was correctly decided,” because “I interpreted the school prayer decision to forbid only state-authored and staterequired prayers, rather than forbidding school prayers altogether.”4 Indeed, what could be the harm? After all, there was no prohibition of private studentled prayer at school. A few months later, in the next domino to fall in what would be a series of so-called “separation of church and state”5 rulings, the Supreme Court prohibited school-sponsored bible reading.6 President McKay’s response this time was even more emphatic: “Recent SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS rulings of the Supreme Court would have all reference to a Creator eliminated from our public schools and public offices…. Evidently the Supreme Court misinterprets the true meaning of the First Amendment, and are now leading a Christian nation down the road to atheism.”7 Professor Oaks, now also concerned about how the prayer-case precedent was being used to prohibit Bible reading in schools, began to catch a glimpse of the prophetic vision previously articulated by President McKay. Still not ready to abandon his reasoning entirely, Professor Oaks prepared a thoughtful article restating his initial opinion that the prayer case was correctly decided on its facts, but that its precedent must be applied more carefully to avoid “establishing” atheism in public schools (from a First Amendment perspective, this would be as impermissible as the state-sponsored prayers or Bible reading that the Supreme Court was trying so hard not to “establish”).8 Student Government Association President Andrew Sessions takes the podium at the opening assembly this Fall. President Sessions led an inclusive effort to amend the Student Constitution to provide for significantly more involvement by students at all levels, including a new cabinet structure and a “lower and upper house” so that 7th and 8th students could have more direct say in matters pertaining to middle school. Soon came the Supreme Court cases prohibiting state funding to religiously oriented schools and requiring a secular purpose for all activities conducted by public schools,9 prohibiting state-sponsored moments of silence in any case that might be viewed as “devotional,”10 prohibiting school sponsored prayer at graduation ceremonies,11 and prohibiting use of public school PA systems for prayer prior to athletic contests.12 At last, after five decades of reflection, including a period during which he served as a state Supreme Court justice himself, Elder Oaks wrote the following in his memoirs: Finally, what I learned from this experience was that my worldly wisdom in writing approvingly of the school prayer case on the “facts” of the decision was just a small footnote to history compared with the vision of a prophet who saw and described the pernicious effects of that decision in the years to come. Exercising prophetic vision, President McKay saw that the school prayer case—which I reasoned to be defensible and probably even essential as a ruling on the facts before the Court—would set in motion a chain of legal and public and educational actions that would cause religion to be separated from education and lead to the current hostility toward religion that threatens religious liberty in our society. For me that was a powerful learning experience on the folly of trying to understand prophetic vision in terms of worldly wisdom.13 An image from the AHS north field of the temple spire rising above the school. The temple serves as a constant reminder to the school community that education and government are incomplete without a proper understanding of religious principles. -2- SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS forces. They’re seen as anti-science, antigay, and anti-women—which is to say antiprogress as the Left defines progress. Not surprisingly, then, the Left believes society will be best served if Christians are limited in their influence on public life. And in the short run this view is likely to succeed. There will be many arguments urging Christians to keep their religion strictly religious rather than “political.” And there won’t just be arguments; there will be laws as well. We’re in the midst of climate change—one that’s getting colder and colder toward religion.15 Why share this reflection from Elder Oaks’s personal history with the American Heritage School community? The point is not that secularism in education somehow spontaneously combusted in 1962 with a single Supreme Court decision. It didn’t. Secularism versus religion in the public square is a narrative as old as the Garden of Eden. As with other branches of government, the judiciary often reflects the shifting winds of public opinion.14 Nor is the point that we ought to shelve our God-given faculties of reason in trying to harmonize prophetic and scriptural guidance with unfolding societal trends. Just read the monumental collection of essays Educating Zion on the power and necessity to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118). Though I am not comfortable with the labels “Left, Right, Liberal, and Conservative,”—the point for us is that the “Rise of the Nones” (the dramatically increasing number of Americans who profess “no religion”)16 should give rise to neither fury nor fear on the part of the faithful. Urgency, yes. But we must not be shrill, reactive, or combative. Ours is a task of “carrying on” and standing firm “on the rock our fathers planted.”17 We are not a community that points the finger of blame at judges or politicians—as if we had nothing to do with their decisions, appointment, or election. When we understand the principle of representative self-government, we understand that our Republic is a reflection of our collective personal choices and behaviors, not just at the ballot box, but at home, in private, in the way that we consume media, and the way that we voice our opinion (or not)—particularly in the most powerful public square of all called cyberspace. We are charged with the urgency to learn the language of faith alongside the language of academics. But simply learning these two languages—faith and reason—is not sufficient. At the risk of putting too fine a point on the state of religious liberty in America, listen to the way one prominent scholar on religion in public life describes the current environment: As an AHS graduate so eloquently summarized at our October benefit gala: “One of the most powerful aspects about an American Heritage education is that the education we receive here requires us to act. It is not enough for us to know the principles. To be meaningful to us at all, they must work in us, change us, and from there Religious liberty is being redefined in America, or at least many would like it to be. Our secular establishment wants to reduce the autonomy of religious institutions and limit the influence of faith in the public square. The reason is not hard to grasp. In America, “religion” largely means Christianity, and today our secular culture views orthodox Christian churches as troublesome, retrograde, and reactionary -3- SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS they will change our families, our society, our communities, and even our nation.” (Karina Hansen, Class of 2012). Self-government, upon which our republic still operates, lays responsibility at our own doorstep. The power and influence of a single, principle-centered life is incomprehensible. One man, woman, or child who aligns their life with correct principles can turn the course of history, and turn it relatively quickly. Christ is the superlative example of this, but look at men in recent history like Tyndale, Luther, Washington, Wilberforce, Lincoln, Ghandi, Reagan, and women like Joan of Arc, Beecher Stowe, Nightingale, Mother Teresa, and Thatcher. History is filled with stories like theirs—each a courageous kind of “Christ in miniature,” as Tolstoy once described Lincoln. agnostically or even atheistically entrenched—then what is left for those who have a traditional view of family, law, and government? America’s founders, most of them Christian, took the Bible as their political textbook18 and agreed that inalienable rights endowed by a Creator God cannot be overridden or taken away by the laws of men.19 Communities of faith have shown tremendous resiliency in the history of mankind. Babylon could not destroy Israel. The Third Reich could not destroy Judaism. Soviet Communism could not destroy Russian Orthodoxy. The secularization of western civilization can marginalize faith for a season, but it cannot root it out of the hearts of children who are born each day with a predisposition to believe. Where did that instinct come from? History has shown, time and again, that religious faith is the most powerful and enduring force in human history.20 Here are three things we can do. First and most important: Cleanse the inner vessel for the hard work that lies ahead. Unimpeachable integrity is like the armor that protects the soul in times of danger. No personal commitment (and especially no commandment) is too small that it can be skirted, ignored, or broken. No matter how seemingly justifiable at first, the small indiscretion will inevitably become the strategic opening for the “fiery darts of the adversary.” Fix it. Heal it. Strengthen against it. This hard work of cleansing ourselves unleashes the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ that fortifies our hearts and minds to accomplish His work. Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, had arguably one of the most profound impacts upon the course of American history as any man or woman ever did. It is reported that upon being introduced to Harriet Beecher Stowe in 1862, Abraham Lincoln fondly commented she was "the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war." What then do we do? If the broad secularization of America is so well established, and its government and intellectual power circles so -4- SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS permitted to think our conscience—so long as we do not practice it. A story is only as good as its ending. The good news about the human story is that for all its painful and devastating clamor, it is a happy story, because it has a happy ending, including lots of happy chapters throughout. Thanks to Him whose birth we celebrate with the turn of another year, we know the end of this story from the beginning: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”23 Sincerely, Secondly: Get educated. Know the story. Know your religion. Know your neighbor’s religion. Understand the battle lines and the friction points. Understand the other perspectives and contours of the conflict. This is not easy work, and it takes real, devoted, study. Education is not just an academic exercise that we finished when we received a high school diploma. Nor is it something we do only when we have a little spare time. Education could mean the difference between keeping our families and losing them, quite literally, in a battle for mindspace that is already taking one in three American young adults from organized religion (including Mormonism) each year.21 Grant Beckwith Head of School Finally: Speak up. “All that is required for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing” (Edmund Burke). At some unknown point in the not-too-distant past, the moral majority of previous decades became a silent majority, content to focus on the peaceful life of scripture and local congregations. More and more Christians opted out of public life. As one Christian lawyer and author put it: “They were disgusted with the raucousness, crudity, and often emotionally and spiritually upsetting struggles for worldly influence. In truth, they feared the combat and the casualties. And many of them feared falling in love with the glories and triumphs of the world, and losing touch with Christ as a result.”22 Understandably, it is easier to choose the quiet and peaceful life of keeping our religious convictions private, but it is not necessarily better. If we do not speak up for our convictions in public, others will undoubtedly do it for us, and they will often characterize our convictions as unenlightened and not worthy of voicing. Ultimately, we may find ourselves in a world we have only read about in history books or seen on TV—where we are ____________________ 1 Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421 (1962). The prayer in question was led at the beginning of each school day, and read, “Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our country. Amen.” 2 See Wallace v. Jaffrey, Great American Court Cases. Ed. Mark Mikula and L. Mpho Mabunda. Vol. 1: Individual Liberties. Detroit: Gale, 1999. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 7 Sep. 2011. 3 “Parental Responsibility,” Relief Society Magazine, December 1962, 878. 4 Oaks, Dallin H. Life’s Lessons Learned, 2011, Chapter 16 “Assigning Reasons to Revelation.” 5 Dreisbach, Daniel L., “The Mythical ‘Wall of Separation’: How a Misused Metaphor Changed Church-State Law, Policy, and Discourse http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2006/06/themythical-wall-of-separation-how-a-misused-metaphor-changedchurch-state-law-policy-and-discourse -5- SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS 6 Abington School District v. Schempp, 374 U.S. 203 (1963) prohibited school sponsored Bible reading. Next came Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971), in which the Supreme Court prohibited states from reimbursing teachers at religious schools for teaching secular subjects, and in which the Court devised the three-part “Lemon test” for ensuring that all practices in public schools (1) have a secular purpose, (2) that neither advance nor inhibit religion, and (3) that must not result in excessive entanglement between government and religion. Next, in Wallace v. Jaffrey (1984), the Court prohibited a moment of silence for the intended purpose of a state-sponsored devotional activity. More recently, in Lee v. Weisman (1992) and Santa Fe Independent School Dist. v. Doe (2000), the Court prohibited public prayers at graduation ceremonies and those conducted via public address system prior to high school games. 7 “President McKay Comments on Ruling,” Church News, June 22, 1963, 2. 8 Oaks, Dallin H. Life’s Lesson Learned, Id. at Chapter 16. Professor Oaks writes in his memoirs that he even submitted his article to the Improvement Era, where it appeared in December 1963, approved for publication by President McKay himself. 9 Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971) 10 Wallace v. Jaffrey (1984) 11 Lee v. Weisman (1992) 12 Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe (2000) 13 Oaks, Dallin H. Life’s Lesson Learned, Id. at Chapter 16 14 Consider how differently courts began ruling on personal privacy cases in supporting the federal government’s national security initiatives in the wake of attacks by terrorists on September 11, 2001. 15 R. R. Reno, Religion and Public Life in America, reprinted in Imprimis, April 2013, p. 1 16 See the Pew Research Religion & Public Life Project “Nones on the Rise” (October 2012) stating that “The number of Americans who do not identify with any religion continues to grow at a rapid pace. One-fifth of the U.S. public – and a third of adults under 30 – are religiously unaffiliated today, the highest percentages ever in Pew Research Center polling. In the last five years alone, the unaffiliated have increased from just over 15% to just under 20% of all U.S. adults. Their ranks now include more than 13 million self-described atheists and agnostics (nearly 6% of the U.S. public), as well as nearly 33 million people who say they have no particular religious affiliation (14%). http://www.pewforum.org/2012/10/09/nones-on-the-rise/ 17 “Carry On” LDS Hymn #255 18 Hall, Mark D. PhD, Did America Have a Christian Founding? Heritage Foundation, Lecture #1186 on Political Thought, June 7, 2011 http://www.heritage.org/research/lecture/2011/06/didamerica-have-a-christian-founding 19 Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. 20 See id. Reno, Imprimis, April 2013 at p. 8 21 See Pew Research, supra note 16. 22 Hewitt, Hugh In But Not Of: A Guide to Christian Ambition and the Desire to Influence the World, 2012, p. 27 23 John 16:33 Ryan Arneson (L) was elected mascot, “Pete the Patriot,” and stands with Mr. Dye (R)who is a well loved high school teacher and also the Student Government Association Faculty Mentor. Flag-raising assembly on the first day of school. Christian examines mineral veins in rocks with a light-sensor magnifying glass during a field learning event earlier this year. Most common answer to “What’s your favorite class?” Recess! -6- SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS Student, Parent & Teacher Submissions The following students were honored and awarded cash prizes for their original Christmas Lamb paintings as part of the 28th Annual Christmas Lamb Exhibit, sponsored by the Springville Art Museum: Linda Anderson (Grade 5) Hailey Bay (Grade 3) Kenya Clark (Grade 3) Abigail Davis (Grade 5) Aeyan Gomm (Grade 3) Liza Jorgensen (Grade 1) Vivian Stone (Grade 1) Madilyn Swallow (Grade 1) Have you ever taken a stroll down the hallways and gazed at the student work on display? It is truly remarkable. The picture above depicts some of the sea creatures depicted and highlighted with summary facts by 4thgrade students. Great work, Scholars! These students’ paintings (shown below) will be displayed until early January in the Ingrid F. Nemelka Christmas Lamb Gallery of the Springville Art Museum. American Heritage School was very well represented in the exhibit this year. Congratulations, students! A tearful moment in this year’s school musical, The Trail of Dreams, Caroline Grant (Megan Holmes) slips away in the tender arms of her husband, Jedediah Grant (Kaleb Hansen) as their daughter, Caddie Grant (Aeyan Gomm) looks on. Returning alumna, Mariane Sorensen (class of 2013), stands with Hannah Swim (left) and Aeyan Gomm (center). Miss Sorensen was an assistant director for this year’s Musical, The Trail of Dreams. -7- SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS We will diligently seek to receive personal revelation. We will strive to do this by employing the 4R Method, Governmental Thinking, Word Studies, Notebooks, memorization, and T-charts. As scholars at American Heritage School, we are convicted that studying language, literature, and history is an essential tool in our academic experience. As we endeavor to learn language, we will be more capable of comprehending the best literature which will lead us to understand history. The above Constitution will assist us in our efforts to learn more, to reason thoroughly, and to become more like Christ. “Responses to the Faithfulness of the Vaudois” By: Mrs. Updike’s Seventh Grade Scholars Rachel Anderson: The Vaudois were faithful and true to their God and their religion even though it meant a harder lifestyle. I have great respect for these wonderful people. I do not know if I would be strong enough to leave my home, go into the mountains and be in danger of torture or death. They sought the truth and stuck to it. I want to be like them and although I will not be in danger for following truth, I will do what is right. The “Classroom Constitution” shown above was composed and signed by Mrs. Updike’s Seventh Grade Scholars. The full text is shown below. “Seventh Grade Core Classroom Constitution” By: Mrs. Updike’s Seventh Grade Scholars As scholars of the Abrahamic Covenant, our philosophy is that Christ is our First Cause. We love wisdom and truth. Our learning will help us throughout our lives. Alex Bigelow: The Vaudois were spectacular people! They knew what they wanted and not even the Roman soldiers could stop them. I have learned that if we want something good and we set our minds to it, nothing can stop us. If I keep Christ in my heart and my eye on this goal, I will be able to do much good. I hope that I will be more like the Vaudois. As a class we choose to be governed by correct principle. Even though each individual is unique, all can be self-governed. We will work together as a team to show respect for our teachers and peers. Using our Christian character, we will maintain order in our classroom. We will use conscience to choose the Lord’s way and increase in stature. Using the four distinctives of a Christian form of government will create organization in our classroom. We will use the examples of heroes and scholars from the past to improve our class local self-government. Using the Seven Principles as our guide, we will be united in our cause to become irrefragable followers of Christ. Joshua van der Beek: The Vaudois were wonderful examples of “Conscience is the most sacred of all property.” They did what they believed and could not deny what they knew to be true. No matter what happened to them, -8- SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS they stood from and steadfast. I can be more like these peculiar people by withstanding persecution in my day and age. I hope to someday be as worthy and peculiar as the Vaudois. January 6 9 10 16 17 20 21–24 22 23 Isabel Jensen: I enjoyed learning about the Vaudois people. The Vaudois people were very courageous and had much faith. Learning about them has helped me to strive to build a stronger testimony of my Savior, Jesus Christ and the gospel. Even when the Roman soldiers wanted to force them to leave their homes and join the Roman church, they refused. The Vaudois have helped me see what the world is like and I look forward to learning more about them outside of class. 24 24 24 25 29 30 30 31 School Resumes Geography Bee (4–8) 8:40 a.m. ACT Registration due for February 8 test Good Samaritan Lunch Day Teacher In-Service, No School (K–12) Martin Luther King Jr. Day–No School Media Fast, K–12 Required Parent Meeting 7:00–8:00 p.m. Principal’s Assembly 1–3, 8:40 a.m. | 4–5, 9:10 a.m. Principal’s Assembly (6–12), 8:10 a.m. All Kinder attend PM 12:00–3:00 p.m. Dance Festival (K–8), 2:00–3:00 p.m. Homecoming Dance 8–11p.m. (14 and up) First Grade Devotional, 8:40 a.m. McNamara First Grade Devotional, 8:40 a.m. Soderstrom First Grade Devotional, 2:00 p.m. Sivert Teacher In-Service, No School (K–6) February 5 6 7 From the Parent Organization The Parent Organization is constantly serving. Many hands joined together to make light work at the annual Parent Organization Service Project on October 30. Catching the wave of Spirit Week, parents joined together to help teachers prepare for upcoming projects. Parents gathered in the lunchroom to work on the following: - - 7 7 7 8 11–13 12–13 12 13 13 Kits were cut and assembled with bandages for the sixth grade Egyptian masks. The parents looked like full body mummies by the end, all coated in white. Root word cards were cut and organized for the second grade teachers. Christmas chains were cut and assembled for the Kindergarten teachers. Five Senses Books were assembled for the Kindergarten science project. 13 13 14 17 17 18 22 26 27 28 This service project caught the spirit of AHS— Always Honor and Serve. Not a day goes by where we are not all serving each other; parents serving teachers, teachers serving students, students serving each other, administration serving all. We truly are His hands when we are in the service of one another. Patriotic Program Technical Rehearsal 8:40 a.m. Patriotic Program Dress Rehearsal 8:40 a.m. Patriotic Program Matinee 10:00 a.m. (2–6 and 7– 12 choir) Grandparents Day K–6 School Ends 12:05 p.m. (K–12) Patriotic Program 7:00 p.m. ACT administered at AHS 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Book Fair Tu. 12–3 p.m. W & Th. 8 a.m.–8 p.m. AHS Science Fair (Required 4, 6, 8, 9–12) Parent Teacher Conferences 4:00–8:00 p.m. Parent Teacher Conferences 4:00–8:00 p.m. Valentine’s Day Celebrations 2:00–3:00 p.m. (K– 6) Eleventh Grade Devotional 8:20 a.m. Midterm Teacher In-Service, No School (K–12) Presidents Day, No School (K–12) 2014–2015 Priority Registration Due for Current Patrons 2014–2015 Open Registration Begins Girls Choice Dance 8:00–11:00 p.m. (14 and up) Fourth Grade Devotional 2:00 p.m. Fourth Grade Devotional 8:40 a.m. Teacher In-Service, No School (K–6) Because calendar information is occasionally updated, the most up-to-date calendar information, including athletic schedules, is available at www.american-heritage.org. For a list of Parent Organization service opportunities, log into Edline and click the Parent Organization link. Don’t forget to record your service hours online. -9- SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS “No Missing Pieces” Christmas Event Benefits AHS Art Program organizing the event, which was attended by hundreds of AHS community members. “Artist Eric Dowdle visited with hundreds of friends at the No Missing Pieces” Christmas event, which raised approximately $4,000 in one night for AHS art classrooms. Many thanks to Chris Culver (Upper Grades Art Teacher), Deb Dowdle, and Jan Parker (Elementary Art Teacher) for organizing a delightful art show and AHS Art Program fundraiser. Board Level Committees Expand The “No Missing Pieces” benefit Christmas event was held Friday, December 6, from 5–8 p.m. at The Dowdle Folk Art Warehouse/Studio, 1280 W. 200 S. in Lindon. Hundreds of AHS community members attended. Attendance was free and open to the public, and included free food, games, give-away puzzles, contests, a “No Missing Pieces” art show of AHS student talent, and just lots of “art fun” for the whole family. The proceeds came from puzzles, artwork, and books for sale, an original artwork auction, books, and more. Some of the artwork was worth thousands of dollars. AHS Board-level committees recently expanded in response to administrator requests, board member recommendations, industry best practices, and recommendations from independent school peer institutions. Two primary purposes of expanding the committees included: (1) to facilitate increased parent and community involvement, and (2) to increase the talent- and knowledgebase available to the School (we simply aren’t smart enough to do this without you parents!). Committees currently include: - Audit Committee - Design & Facilities Committee - Development Committee - Family Education Center Committee - Finance Committee - Legal Committee - Safety Committee - Scholarship Committee - Teacher Development & Curriculum Committee Members of each committee are listed in the AHS Parent Handbook (Appendix C), which each family receives in connection with the annual August required Parent Meeting. The Parent Handbook is also available online at www.american-heritage.org. The Development Committee has undergone the most noticeable expansion, including the formation of several subcommittees, as follows: Anna Yoon enjoys creating original art. Thanks to a generous pledge by the Dowdle family, 100% of the proceeds from the evening are benefitting American Heritage School’s art programs—over $4,000 in a single night. Also, many thanks to Chris Culver, Jan Parker, and Eric and Deb Dowdle for - 10 - SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS - - - - - Distance Education Business Development Subcommittee: Derek Maxfield (chair), Leland Anderson, Andy Goddard, Dan Hollister, Peter Knecht, Derek Maxfield, Don Powell, Richard Robbins, Scott Wilson Alumni Relations Subcommittee: Cynthia Gambill (chair), Leland Anderson, Grant Beckwith, Blaine Hunsaker, Liz Jacob, Peter Knecht, Curtis Philipp Marketing & Community Relations Subcommittee: Mikel Chertudi (chair), Jacques Bazinet, Grant Beckwith, Marc Chenn, Morgan Philpot, Jeff Sheets, David Stirling, Jenny Swim, Lyall Swim Music & Fine Arts Subcommittee: Brett Gerlach (chair), Jill Bigelow, Kayson Brown, Vicki Gerlach, Blaine Hunsaker, Rob Swenson, Ralph van der Beek, Rebecca van der Beek, Athletics Subcommittee: Dan Burton (chair), Stephanie Bigelow, Samantha Burton, Jake Carter, Jared Chappell, Amy Chappell, Ryan Denney, Laura Denney, Rebecca Higgins, Blaine Hunsaker, Derek Maxfield, Jody Nielson, Heidi Pierce, Shayne Pierce Faculty Leadership Positions Implemented Department chairs were implemented in the following academic areas for the first time beginning in August 2013: - Angie McIntyre—Core (K–3) Julie Arnold—Core (4–6) Lilly Taylor—Reading and Math Programs Lauri Updike—Core (7–12) & Foreign Language Nicole Griffith—Math Jolyn Newman—Science Rob Swenson—Music Chris Culver—Art and Drama Stephanie Bigelow—Athletics, Dance, & Physical Education These faculty leadership positions are resulting in improved coordination and are in keeping with wellestablished principles of distributed leadership. These experienced and committed teachers add tremendous strength to our leadership teams at the school. Without these wonderful committees, we would not be able to accomplish all that we hope to accomplish. Welcome and thank you to the members of these committees who so willingly share their expertise and time with American Heritage School. Additionally, special assignment faculty administrators were installed August 2013, including: - Rob Swenson—After-School Music Programs Manager Nancy Morrill—Special Events Coordinator Stephanie Bigelow—Asst. Athletic Director David Hancock—Video Production and Editing Manager These special assignment faculty administrators have also added depth of leadership and improved coordination, scheduling, and production of numerous special curricular events and extracurricular programs. Thank you, special assignment faculty administrators! David Cowley, Jens Jorgensen, and Josh Jorgensen run and finish a good race on a cool October day. Thanks to coaches for helping our youth “run …the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). - 11 - SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS On October 31, 2013, Dr. Lamb presented to students on the topic of crown ethers and how chromatography helps scientists distinguish and isolate chemical materials. As part of his presentation he produced “guncotton” (cotton or other cellulose based fibers dipped in nitric acid), placed the cotton on a ceramic tile, and lit it for a sudden, smokeless explosion! AHS Teachers Grateful for New Computers Andrew Sessions said, “Dr. Lamb showed us that students are actually involved in some pretty incredible research on a global scale, and he provided some great fireworks, turning cotton into gunpowder!” Rick Knupfer, AHS’s new Technology Director, oversees the installation, maintenance, and periodic upgrade of AHS computers and networks. He appears here in the school’s computer network “brain room.” During Thanksgiving Break 2013, new computers were installed for 33 teachers in many grades, with 19 additional teachers receiving computer upgrades throughout January 2014. A total of 70 new computers were acquired, and many classroom computers for student use are also being upgraded. The new computers replaced units that were slower and older. Dr. Lamb has also consulted with various AHS science teachers and provided access to several research and teaching resources. Right: AP Biology students constructed complex DNA models and displayed them the Biology and Chemistry Room. Mrs. Amanda Pew commented, “These computers help me do my work more efficiently. They are so much faster than the older computers! Thank you!” HDE Curriculum Made Freely Available to AHS Teachers The new installations occurred as part of a carefully planned and well-executed upgrade. Many thanks to AHS donors, Network Providers Inc., Mr. Rick Knupfer, and AHS technology support staff who made this upgrade possible. American Heritage School teachers now have free access to Family School curriculum as a supplemental teaching resource for classroom use. BYU Science Partnership in Place Faculty mentors from Brigham Young University’s Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy departments Dr. John Lamb (Chemistry) and Dr. Michael Ware (Physics and Astronomy) joined our faculty as “visiting fellows” to consult with our science department faculty in an effort to further improve our science teaching and learning. - 12 - SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS The Family School is reminiscent of a one-room school house. It facilitates children of various ages learning together. It includes 180 days’ worth of 4R teaching lessons plans, academic concepts and gospel principles in each lesson, and easy-to-use and adaptable 4R activities for children of various ages. Typically, Family School curriculum is parent-guided. However, it is also useful educators in institutions now in many locations. - “Our Christian Forebears: Principles of Seventeenth-century Puritan Discipleship” “Studies in the American Covenant—Part 1” Registration is open for second semester after-school courses (January–May 2014). Interested students (all ages) may enroll here: “Defending Religious Freedom Today” (Mr. Nicholas Gentile, left) HDE Latter-day Learning Network Surpasses 2,000 Members “The American Covenant—Part 2” (Mr. Tim Ballard, right) The Latter-day Learning Network—a social website sponsored by AHS that facilitates sharing among LDS homeschoolers worldwide—passed the 2,000 member mark in November 2013. Constitution Day Inspires Patriotism in AHS Students We invite you to visit latterdaylearning.org, where network members gain access to lesson plans and a robust library of online resources that are organized by topic in support of The Family School curriculum. Mr. Beckwith discusses Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation with AHS first graders. Eight faculty and community volunteers staffed “Freedom Stations” as a focal point of Constitution Day celebrations on September 17, 2013. Station topics and staff-volunteers included: Families worldwide in at least 25 countries and 48 states are now using American Heritage School’s “Family School” curriculum and participating in the Latter-day Learning Network. - Directed Readings Seminars Share Stories and Insights about Puritans and The American Covenant Twenty-six students enrolled in two afterschool classes that were broadcasted by American Heritage School’s Distance Education Program. We are pleased to announce that MP3 recordings are now freely available for AHS families and friends. You may access the recordings at the following links: Magna Carta (Leland Anderson) Mayflower Compact (LaDawn Jacob) Declaration of Independence (Stan Swim) Constitution (Diann Jeppson) Bill of Rights (Vona Hunsaker) Emancipation Proclamation (Grant Beckwith) Eliza R. Snow and Women’s Suffrage (Robbi Ann Sorensen) Ronald Reagan: “Tear Down This Wall” (Pat Reed) Students visited each station to learn about the - 13 - SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS landmark documents and events in “His-Story” of liberty. Fifth grade student Alison Miner commented, “I really loved seeing the faculty and administrators dress up as people, even though they were pretending to be people who are long gone!” AHS Spirit Week filled with K–12 Student Service AHS Spirit Week (October 28–November 1) focused the entire school community on service benefitting the school, local communities, and international humanitarian projects. Embracing the spirit of “Always Honor and Serve,” students, teachers, and parents served with cheerful hearts and gave approximately 2,000 thousand hours of service-work. Landy Maxfield and Julie Hendricks display dolls they prepared as part of their class’s humanitarian aid service project during AHS Spirit Week. Cierra Stice and Mercedes Ng enjoy working alongside classmates as they prepare humanitarian aid kits to be sent to needy families around the world. The ninth grade pauses in the park for a group photo after a sweat-breaking service activity to beautify a city park in American Fork. Service projects completed on Wednesday, October 30 included preparing care packages at a local humanitarian center, writing letters to service men and women, landscaping and grounds maintenance at a local park, binding and cataloging books in the school’s library, delivering care packages to the school’s neighbors, and visiting residents in a local senior citizen care center. Twelfth-grade student Andrew Sessions said, “I loved that we got to go off campus and help in the community on several different projects.” He added, “Christ’s example to us [of service] is what he would have us do to prepare for his Second Coming.” Dozens of ninth students worked diligently and effectively to maintain and beautify an American Fork City park on October 30, 2013. - 14 - SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS Congratulations to the winners of the AHS Senior Bee for grades 4–8 (The Scripps National Spelling Bee): 1st Place, Sadie Veach, 8th Grade (spelling “portraiture”); 2nd Place, Daniel Hobson, 8th Grade (spelling “postponable”); and 3rd Place, Emily Anderson, 6th Grade (spelling “accusatory”). Best wishes to Sadie in the Regional Bee, and many thanks to Mrs. Morrill and Mrs. Hobbs for their work organizing the Bee this year, and to Bob Sorensen, our Board Chairman, for serving as our Pronouncer. International Student Spotlight Hyeweon Kang has attended American Heritage School since January 2012. She is from Jeju Island, Korea, studies in the eleventh grade and is 18 years old. Hyeweon’s family continues to live in Jeju Island. Her father and mother are network marketers and distributors for Nu Skin International. Hyeweon has one younger brother, age 16, who likes to play basketball, and one younger sister, age 11, who loves to read. National Geographic Bee Finalists Congratulations to the following finalists who will participate in the all-school Geography Bee on January 9 at 8:40 a.m.: Kristyn Handy, Cara Uhl, Ethan Morrill, Emily Anderson, Aaron Boden, Sam Beckwith, Sophie Johnson, Caleb Uhl, Drew Jensen (not pictured), and Ethan Cromar. The winner will then have an opportunity to participate in the statewide National Geographic Bee. Good luck, students! Hyeweon enjoys reading, playing the piano, and watching movies. One of her favorite books, which Hyeweon recently began reading, is Plato’s Republic. One of her favorite piano numbers to play is Chopin’s “Nocturne.” After graduating from AHS, Hyeweon hopes to attend NYU, UC Berkley, or UCLA. She plans to major in psychology, Spanish (her third language!), or international business. Her advice to students seeking academic success is to read more classic books. “Most people don’t read them anymore, and it’s kind of sad,” she observes. Spelling Bee Winners From Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Kristyn Handy, Cara Uhl, Ethan Morrill, Emily Anderson, Aaron Boden, Sam Beckwith, Sophie Johnson, Caleb Uhl, Drew Jensen, and Ethan Cromar. Congratulations, Scholars! Spelling Bee Winners (left to right): Mr. Hunsaker, Emily Anderson (3rd place), Sadie Veach (1st place), Daniel Hobson (2nd place), and Mrs. Debbie Hobbs - 15 - SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS myself and my personal relationship with John Brown and acting in general. He was a man whom I had not known before, and I learned much about him and the courage he had to do what he did.” AHS Academic Performance— Excellent PSAT Scores in Fall 2013 Forty-nine AHS sophomores and juniors took the PSAT/NMSQT on October 16, 2013. The median percentile rank of AHS scores is shown below compared with the median national score. These are excellent scores. Congratulations, scholars! Zach also readily stated, “Mrs. Perry has been one of the teachers who have influenced me the most!” AHS students are grateful for a wonderful drama program! Linnea Miner said, “I think Trail of Dreams was more meaningful to me because I had just attended trek this last summer, and so to play the part of Elsie and to pull the handcart, it was easy for me to understand how hard that really was.” Median Percentile Rank of AHS Sophomores and Juniors verus Median of National Peers on PSAT/NMSQT, October 16, 2013 (AHS n=49) China Harbaugh played Mary Bathgate and remarked, “I think this is the most powerful of the musicals we have performed because the spirit and the stories are true.” 100 90 80 76 73.5 70 70 Eliana Coy commented that the preshow meetings were my favorite part. “We shared spiritual experiences or stories, sang a hymn, and had a prayer, and would often go onto stage with tears in our eyes.” 60 50 50 50 50 40 30 Some cast members said their involvement in this play was one of the most spiritual experiences of their lives because they felt the Spirit frequently and powerfully as they learned of and portrayed the sacrifices made by their faithful pioneer forebears. 20 10 0 Critical Reading Mathematics AHS Writing Skills National Trail of Dreams Wins Hearts as a Favorite Musical at AHS A 50-member AHS cast and technical crew composed of students and faculty produced The Trail of Dreams, a powerful story of love and overcoming trial on the Mormon Pioneer trail. They presented four showings for hundreds of parents and community members during October 24–26. Caroline Grant (Megan Holmes) is comforted by Elsie Nielsen (Linnea Miner) as they consider the long handcart journey to the Salt Lake Valley. Zach Veach, who played the lead John Brown, said, “I loved it! Trail of Dreams helped me learn more about - 16 - SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS Fall Festival Fun Benefit Auction and Fundraising Report— “Stepping Stones for Generations” Benefit Dinner and Auction a Success The annual Fall Festival was held Friday, September 13, at 6:00 p.m. on the east field of AHS, complete with games and family fun to ring in the new school year together. The weather, which was threatening rain, broke and let the sunshine through for a wonderful gathering of friends, food, and fun! Fundraising results were impressive at American Heritage School’s second annual “Stepping Stones for Generations” Benefit Dinner and Fundraising Auction, held at the school on Friday, October 18, 2013. Activities included a pulled pork meal, dunking booth, bake sale, donuts on strings, a plethora of relay races and lawn games, swings and playground activities, and plenty of opportunities for time for socializing and visiting with friends! The school raised approximately $300,000 thanks to the generosity of attendees, sponsors, donors, and matching donors. Our goal in this year’s Annual Fund campaign is to raise $600,000, which is comprised of three critical priorities: (1) $200,000 to improve our employee retirement benefits; (2) $200,000 to further develop our Distance Education Program; and (3) $200,000 to replenish cash reserves that have been carefully used over previous years to increase capacity and improve programs. Every dollar donated to the school this year will be divided evenly among these three priorities, and each priority is very important. Donations are encouraged and welcomed. Thank you, Parent Organization and Fall Festival Committee! We are so very grateful for YOU! Your contribution to the success of our school community has already been invaluable. Every act of volunteerism, every offering of talent, and every grateful word and note makes a tremendous difference. Mr. Anderson waits for an “incredible” dunking at the Fall Festival! American Heritage School families love to serve, study, and PLAY together! Mrs. Sivert’s First Grade Class surprised the administrators during their meeting on Spirit Day by singing “I Sing the Mighty the Power of God.” - 17 - SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS American Heritage School Celebrates 150th Anniversary of Gettysburg Address A Word Study on Memorization In his 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster defined memorization as In celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, originally delivered by President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War, on the afternoon of Thursday, November 19, 1863, the following classes memorized the entire Gettysburg Address and recited it together as part of a special assembly: - 1. to record, to commit to memory… 2. to cause to be remembered… Susan Tanner, former president of the General Young Women’s organization taught: Mrs. Coy’s 5 grade class Mrs. Cory’s 5th grade class Mr. Cornell’s 5th grade class Mrs. Andersen’s 6th grade class Mr. Crossley’s 7th grade class Mrs. Updike’s 7th grade class Mr. Griffith’s 8th grade class Mrs. Yamada’s 8th grade class Mr. Hancock’s 9th grade classes Mr. Haymond’s and Mr. Dye’s 11th grade classes. Mrs. Jeppson’s debate classes. th Learning by heart…means to learn something so deeply that it becomes part of our core: it fills us; it changes us…. Learning by heart in its richest sense is a gospel duty. It is a twin commandment to remembering. We are to learn spiritual truth by heart and then retain in remembrance what we have placed deep in our hearts. The process of memorizing, of placing truths upon “the fleshy tables of our hearts” (2 Corinthians 3:3) changes us just as consuming a nutritious meal changes us. We become different people because of what has nourished our minds and hearts. We are better prepared to serve in the Lord’s kingdom, we are more secure in mortality because of that which fills us, we are better able to discern between right and wrong because of the “internal property” which becomes the foundation of our thinking, and we have the “internal equipment” to sustain us in serving mankind. Memorization is a cherished part of our curriculum and our activities; it is our privilege and duty. The special assembly included a flag ceremony, pledge of allegiance, singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” a short video clip about Gettysburg, and group recitation of the Gettysburg address. Tips & Tools for Parents: Memorization Treasure Trove Families often remark to Mr. Beckwith what an impact is made in their home through recitation of memorizations done at school. As a result, one of our school wide goals during 2013–2014 is to celebrate more the beautiful and mission-centered memorizations and stories that are taught and learned in AHS classrooms, especially memorizations and stories that are part of “His Story.” While memorizations assigned in class can change from year to year—as teachers, students, and families share favorite passages—AHS is excited to celebrate an impressive collection of memorizations from AHS core classrooms. These passages (411 pages— typically one passage per page) are available on our website: https://www.americanheritage.org/Content/ManagedDocs/AHS%20K12%20MEMORIZATIONS,%202013-2014.pdf The first day of school flag raising ceremony - 18 - SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS (Crescendo Orchestra), Jeff Hall (Physics), Dr. Michael Ware (Faculty Mentor), Dr. John Lamb (Faculty Mentor), Mrs. Rosemary Pollock (DE History), Mrs. Belinda Ballantyne (Family School Author Team—Art), and Mr. Earl Harding (Custodial). Faculty News & Notes Trudy (Camp) Neddo, our beloved K–6 assistant principal and 24-year veteran at the school, married Guy Neddo and relocated to Colorado. Mrs. Neddo was full of excitement for this new chapter in her life, and we are all very excited for her. We are also grateful that Mrs. Neddo continues to provide part-time support to American Heritage Distance Education! Detailed bios of new employees are posted on our website staff directory: http://www.americanheritage.org/Instructor/Directory Congratulations! Greg & Elizabeth Marsh (distance education instructor and Chamber Ensemble conductor) welcomed their first child, Angela, on October 2, 2013. Congratulations, Marshes! Welcome to Debbie Hobbs as the new K–6 assistant principal. She brings a wealth of experience, including several years teaching Kindergarten and serving as a reading specialist at AHS. Like her predecessor, Mrs. Neddo, Mrs. Hobbs is also from Idaho and bring a wealth of experience from the Ranch! Jared Waugh, conductor of the AHS Crescendo Strings, married Sarah Stewart on October 24! Congratulations, Jared and Sarah! Farewell Farewell to the following employees who, during summer or fall 2013, moved on to other wonderful pursuits: Elaine Andelin, Charmaine Anderson, Jeff Arnson, Rhodes Baker, Julieanna Blake, Leann Brinton, Denise Gorrell, Spencer Greenhalgh, Shanae Johnson, Charlene Knight, Sarah McCormick, Wendy Meade, Ann Meeks, Karen Richardson, Sharon Scanland, Jake Sivert, Katelyn Smith, Monica Orcutt, Cindy Tolman, Claira Wilson, and Patrick Wright. Bob (Shari) Wheeler’s daughter Shannon Wheeler (a former, part-time AHS employee) married Adam Kilgore of Huntsville, Utah in the Mount Timpanogos Temple on November 28, 2013. Congratulations, Wheelers! Ed (Gwen) Duquette’s daughter Jessi married Jarom Loveridge on October 3, 2013, in the Mount Timpanogos Temple and enjoyed a reception in Eagle Mountain. Congratulations, Duquettes! Welcome! Welcome to the following new or returning staff: Mrs. Nancy Morrill (Kindergarten), Mrs. Kerri Nielsen (Grade 2), Ms. Lindy Heaton (Grade 3), Mrs. Kerynne Vance (Grade 4), Mrs. Amanda Pew (Grade 4), Mrs. Bethany Cory (Grade 5), Mrs. Decia Andersen (Grade 6), Mr. Casey Wilson (Grade 6), Mr. Ty Crossley (Grade 7), Mrs. Sarah Udall (Cross Country), Mr. Danny Mason (Co-ed Soccer), Mr. Steve Jorgensen (JV Boys Basketball), Mrs. Michelle Jorgensen (Choir Accompanist), Mrs. Tia Quinn (K–3 Music Assistant and Accompanist), Mrs. Heidi Rodeback (7–12 Choir Accompanist), Mrs. Ashlee Jessen (Spanish), Mrs. Corrine Griffiths (French), Mrs. Diann Jeppson (Debate & Constitutional Studies), Miss Lacey Monson (JV Girl Basketball), Mr. Jared Waugh Brigham (Kadee) Dye welcomed a new baby girl, Rebecca, on December 21, 2013. Congratulations, Dyes! Condolences Keaton Howard, son of Scott and Kimberly Howard, died in a boating accident on June 28, 2013. Keaton was in Mrs. Hobbs PM Kindergarten class last school year. We are grateful Keaton shared his wonderful life and light with the AHS community. - 19 - SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL NEWS Nancy Willis’s father-in-law, Thomas Willis, passed away on Tuesday, November 19. Thomas had been living with and receiving care from Nancy and Larry for 10 months. We extend our condolences and prayers for the Willis family. Kristi Wulfenstein’s father-in-law, Alma Jay Young, passed away on Thursday, November 21. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kristi and her family at this very sensitive time. Spencer Bushman controls the ball as he races down court! Over 700 students and employees are depicted as part of our American Heritage. Parker Reyes (Grade 9) finishes with strong determination at the Nov. 30 cross-country meet. Positions Available Please see the “Employment Opportunities” page of our website for employment opening details. We appreciate your references and recommendations! www.american-heritage.org/Opportunities.htm Natalie Miner and James van der Beek (both in the 8th Grade) prepare for the Ballroom Dance Showcase, January 24, 2014. - 20 - AHS Honor Roll – First Term American Heritage School posts the Honor Roll each term for grades 4 and higher. Students qualify for the Honor Roll through exemplary performance in either academics (minimum 3.70 grade point average) or self-government (highest self-government grade of “Outstanding” in all classes). A student receives an “Outstanding” self-government grade who demonstrates exceptional respect, effort, and work ethic; makes significant or frequent contributions to the class; and completes and submits all in-class and homework assignments on time during the term (unless otherwise excused by the instructor) . Hyrum Allen Kate Allen Jennis Andelin Amelia Andersen Gordon Andersen Rachel Andersen Samuel Andersen Chris Anderson Emily Anderson Linda Anderson Samuel Anguiano Valerie Arguello Mikaela Arnson Ryan Arnson Megan Banks Luke Banner Nathan Bartholomew Elizabeth Beckwith Samuel Beckwith Eli Beeson Oakley Beeson Erin Bevard Alexandria Bigelow Catherine Bigelow Mark Bigelow Hannah Bingham Roman Bingham Jerusha Bitter Jessica Blair Joshua Blair Carter Bleyl Aaron Boden Daphne Boggess Ian Boggess Jesse Boggess Levi Boggess Jared Bowen Emma Brady Kenzie Brandon Hadley Brimhall Caleb Brown Spencer Brown Kristelle Bruno Jenny Bryner Anna Burton James Burton John Burton Samantha Burton Bethany Bushman Olivia Bushman Spencer Bushman Draeton Bybee Klaesara Bybee Taeven Bybee Chelsey Carlson Emilynne Carr Natalie Carter Samuel Carter Jason Chang Eva Chenn Madeline Chenn Amanda Chipman Jenny Cho Hunter Christiansen Trustine Chun Clara Cook Emma Cook Carsyn Cosgrave Cate Cosgrave Hans Cosgrave David Cowley Sarah Cowley Eliana Coy Jacob Crawford Magdalene Crawford Rebekah Crawford Joshua Crockett Samuel Crockett Liberty Cromar Emma Crosby Aaron Crowder Jared Crowder Nicole Curzon Sarah Curzon Abigail Davis Kyle Denney Dorie DeSpain Joshua Dewey Marinn Duncan Misha Duncan Joseph Dunn Isabelle Fee Isabelle Fisher-Sidwell Grant Frazier Tatum Frazier Andrew Furner Addison Gardner Jacob Gardner Angie Gerlach Mary Gerlach Sabrina Glathar Jackson Graham Kenya Green Tahlia Green Anna Griffith Truman Gunther Clarissa Hales Porter Hales Taylor Hall Esther Handy Katelyn Handy Kaylee Handy Kristyn Handy Kaleb Hansen Azure Harbaugh China Harbaugh Paisley Harbaugh Daniel Haymond Hannah Hayward Chandler Helvey Halle Henderson Julie Hendricks Logan Hendrickson Josh Higgins Max Higgins Alex Hill McKenzie Hill Claire Hilmo Eli Hilmo Ivonne Hilton Joseph Hilton Natalie Hilton Sarah Hilton Scott Hilton Megan Holmes Thomas Holmes Joseph Holmstead Nathan Holmstead Ryan Holmstead Alliscen Horelica Camilla Huhem Elisa Huhem Natasha Huhem Kaden Hunsaker Parker Hunsaker Yoojin Hwang Andrea Jensen Drew Jensen Eloise Jensen Emma Jensen Isabel Jensen Sarah Jensen William Jensen Macey Jeppson Ashleigh Johnson BJ Johnson Brenna Johnson Lauren Johnson Sophie Johnson Adam Jones Alyza Jones Aryn Jones Ella Jones Jens Jorgensen Josh Jorgensen Hyeweon Kang Dan Kim Sierra Klingler Andrew Knecht Owen Knecht Reed Knecht Andrew Knudsen James Knudsen Evelyn Krallis Cayla Larson Colton Larson Kymberly Larson Matthew Law Beihe (Sunny) Le Daniel Lee Jiho Lee John Lee Carsyn Lofgreen Malissa Lytle Haozhen (David) Ma Sumner MacArthur Mackenzie Macey Larissa Maldonado Brenley Mason Kenna Mason Aleah Maxfield Landy Maxfield Allison McMurry Paige McNamara Cayden Meeker Jacob Meeks Andrew Meyer Halle Miller Clark Miner Karina Miner Linnea Miner Natalie Miner Jayden Monson Chloe Morrill Ethan Morrill Rachel Morris Samuel Morris Thomas Morris Laurie Mortensen Megan Mortensen Alessa Mousques Lauren Mulvey Hannah Murdock Matthew Ng Mercedes (Nok Yi) Ng Davin Nielson Gracie Nielson Tori Nielson Liana Nunes Brennah Oaks Ammon Olayan Liahona Olayan Elijah Orr Hope Orr Garrett Ostler Laelle Pack Marinn Patch Alyssa Patten Stuart Patterson Kennedy Peck Lexie Peck Luke Penrod Avalon Peterson Connor Peterson Ethan Peterson Kimball Pew Josh Philpot Elsa Pierce Leah Pierce McKay Pierce Trevor Pierce Elizabeth Pletsch Nathan Poulsen Hannah Price Christian Rather Casey Raubenheimer Tanlen Raubenheimer Isaac Reid Maya Reyes Parker Reyes Katrina Riboldi Isaac Rickenbach Leah Rickenbach Logan Rickenbach Ryker Roskelley Derek Rowen Evan Rutherford Baylor Sandberg Madeline Sanders Thomas Sanders Emma Schmidt Jane Selander Amber Sessions Andrew Sessions Noelle Sessions Stephen Sessions Jenasie Shawcroft Lillie Shawcroft Adam Sheets Emmie Sheets Sophie Sheets Olivia Shelton Taggart Smith Michael Sorensen Sarah Sorensen Joshua Sperry Summer Squires Cierra Stice Brianna Stirling Holly Stirling Savannah Stirling Bailey Stone Allison Story Isabel Stratton Rachel Stratton Rebecca Stratton John (Rui Tao) Su Rudy Sullivan Katelyn Swallow Hannah Swim Samuel Swim Addison Symonds Connor Symonds Emma Todd Parker Todd Caleb Uhl Cara Uhl Connor Uhl Charles Valverde Dylana Valverde James van der Beek Joshua van der Beek Ariane Van der Watt Daimen Van der Watt Daisha Van der Watt Alexia Vargas Sadie Veach Zachary Veach Hayden Wade Adelaide Walker Catherine Wall Crystal Wang Sarah Ware Olivia Washburn Ashley Welch Thomas Welcker Benjamin Weyland Samuel Weyland Mia Wilkins Alexander Willardson Ashley Willardson Lauren Willardson Bailey Willes Carly Willes Ellie Williams Ellie (Sangmin) Woo Timothy Woozley Jakob Wulfenstein Sarah Yoon Alan Zhang Gabriel Zhao Bobby Zhou MISSION STATEMENT OF AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL American Heritage School exists for the purpose of serving parents in assisting in developing the minds, the hearts, and the bodies of students in order that they may: 1. Be useful in the hands of the Lord in building the kingdom of God on earth; 2. Increase faith in and knowledge of the Plan of Salvation; 3. Develop a love, understanding and appreciation for America and the Founding Fathers; 4. Develop the basic academic knowledge and skills necessary to be able to make self-education a life-long pursuit; 5. Learn to reason and discern between right and wrong, truth and error; 6. Develop character and self-discipline of mind and body; and 7. Conduct themselves in all aspects of life as Christians. All activities, teaching, governance, and administration are to be accomplished in light of the above objectives and insofar as possible in harmony with revealed principles of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and laws of the land. All teachers, staff, administrators, and Trustees shall strive to be living examples of the values, principles, and skills taught at the school. VISION STATEMENT American Heritage School will be an effective educational resource for parents worldwide in assisting children and families to maximize their divine potential.