School Theme: 2011-12

I always put a lot of thought into choosing a yearly school theme.  It is an important task, as I believe the theme frames not only where we are, but also our direction for the year, providing inspiration to reach higher, think more deeply, and become better people. Continue reading...

What's New?

We are delighted to announce the addition of a new Assistant Principal, Lisa Moon.  Mrs. Moon is a wonderful teacher and will be missed in the second grade.  We look forward to utilizing her talents in various roles, however her main responsibility will be to oversee the Special Education department. Other responsibilities will include overseeing the teacher mentor program, school discipline, school safety, and playground.

Changes for this school year include a new playground, a playground sun shade (from a grant applied for by the board), additional parking spaces, an updated dress code, revised discipline and attendance expectations, adjusted school times for Kindergarten and Middle School, and a new school lunch provider—to name a few.

Creating a Great School Culture

Schools are for children.  School classrooms should be centered on the child, and all conversations should focus on what is in that child’s best interest.  This is not a learned educational philosophy, by the way, but a simple truth.  More than anything else, we as educators and administrators strive for the cheerful, joyful, and even radiant dispositions of our students.  This can happen only when students know who they are and how they fit in.  To achieve this, we must first achieve a great school culture. Continue reading...

It’s All About Teamwork

Several things must be in place for lasting learning to happen:  an exemplary teacher, a rigorous curriculum, and opportunities for individual expression, for instance.  Another imperative is an environment that is safe and risk free.  In this context, the term “risk free” implies that the school is a place where students can venture intellectually and personally without fear of social ridicule or academic failure.  Also implied is that the school is a place where children can learn and play in peace without fear of intimidation or harassment of any kind. Continue reading...

Utah Moves to the Common Core

Almost two years ago, as we began to develop curriculum for the new Weilenmann School of Discovery, it was necessary that we focus on our philosophy and goals rather than the teaching of the state core curriculum.  We already planned to teach the core, but we wanted to focus on so much more.  Our philosophy is multi-faceted.  We believe that content is critical and that students will learn to think critically only if they have knowledge of real content first.  The challenge, then, became shaping students into people who could do something with it. Continue reading...

Charter School Funding

In Utah, students that attend charter schools are funded just like students that attend a district school—at least as far as the state of Utah is concerned.  Money from the State and Federal government flows to charter schools using the same enrollment and statistical formulas that generate funding for school districts.   There’s one big difference, however.  School districts have the ability to collect taxes on your property to build schools and fund programs.  Charter Schools don’t have that authority. Continue reading...

We Need You!

Weilenmann School needs volunteers to help get the school ready for the new year. Opportunities include; building/grounds cleaning, and playgound surfacing. Continue reading...

Faculty Profiles

Students will notice some new faces at Weilenmann this year, as well as some familiar faces in new positions.  We are pleased to welcome the following faculty to their new assignments (click the photos below to learn more). See the Faculty & Staff page for a complete listing of assignments.

From the PSTO

Greetings from the PSTO (Parent Student Teacher Organization). 

This year’s PSTO leadership is:

Jill McGuinness, President
Cathy Batten, President Co-Chair
Heidi Davidson, VP, Operations and Initiatives
Laja Thompson, VP, Events
Nicole Solden, Treasurer
Vicky Fitlow, Communications and Records

We are excited to begin another year and look forward to working with those in our Weilenmann community.  Look for our table at Student Registration on August 18 & 19 to learn more about our organization and how your membership supports WSD.

2011-12 Busing Services

The following information is provided for families interested in using busing services for the 2011-12 school year. Continue reading...

Upcoming Events

Don't miss important August and Septeber events such as, New Student Assessments, Student Registration, 6,7 & 8th Grade Hikes, Family Meet & Greet, 6th Grade Orientation, Weilenmann Wild Run, and more! Continue reading...