Congratulations to the following Middle School students, who were inducted into the National Jr. Honor Society at a formal ceremony on Monday, February 13:
8th Grade: Sophia Chartrand, Gillian Dee, Megan Dingman, Madison Guitard, Annalise Hodge, Eliza Kitchens, Maddy Lee, Shannon Mellin, Cameron Mercer, Mackenzie Mick, Addison Morris, Mira Thompson, Kalia Wells.
7th Grade: Haley Batten, Isabella Canada, Eleanor Early, Devon Gregory, Madison Kimball, Alex Kitchens, Sienna Leger-Redel, Madeline Morgan, Drew Palmer-Leger, Steven Pasinsky, Saylor Rabe, Ingrid Vanderzon, Denise Zarate.
6th Grade: Sabine Caplin, Max Davidson, Hannah Dyal, Alli Eroh, Emma Harter, Lily Hurtubise, Alyssa Kenniston, Alex Knight, Talia Kottler, Anna Lee, Eli Levine, William Martz, Katie Miller, Hartley Morris, Anna Ward, Sophia Ward, Kaitin Wells.

String Thing

WSD students will participate in a Park City District wide concert on February 29. “String Thing” will take place at the Eccles Center at 7:00, and is directed by Dennis Harrington, Stephen Fairbanks and Devon Colby. For all students participating, rehearsal begins at 5:00pm.

Tech Donations Wanted

The following donations would be greatly appreciated for use in the classroom:

• Working Mac or PC computers
• Headphones
• iPod/iTouch

If you have any of these items to donate, please contact Peter Leeman at email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Box Tops

The “Love My School Drive” is running from February 14 – 28. Please you’re your student collect and return Box Tops during this drive.

Summer Trip to France

Those Middle School students, parents and siblings who are interested in a summer trip to France may contact Henry Ponnefz at email hidden; JavaScript is required for more information. The proposed travel opportunity would occur in June 2012.

Ms. Baker and members of her 6-piece ensemble began the day by teaching masters classes in violin, cello, bass and woodwinds to students in fourth, fifth and seventh grades. Students were inspired and energized by insights received from accomplished professionals, each of whom is a recording artist. “They learned that more possibilities exist on their instruments than they realized,” remarked WSD Music Director, Devon Colby, who invited Ms. Baker to the school. “Jenny was very precise in her demands for excellence,” Ms. Colby continued. “She interacted with every child in the class, reinforcing technique, position, and tone production. Students were simply enchanted by her. Daron Bradford, on woodwinds, is the most talented reed musician in the state. He demonstrated half a dozen unusual woodwinds—English horn, Native American flute, etc.—that students had never heard of. Cellist Nicole Jackson Pinnell focused on correct fingering as she tuned up each student in bow hold, tall backs, and foot positions. She taught an entire song, and played harmony as students performed it. Bassist David Bowen hosted five 4th and 5th graders, teaching them shifting technique in three positions based on a D major scale. His focus was on jazzing up their technique and exploring different rhythms.”

Other ensemble members included Todd Sorensen on percussion, Jared Oaks on piano, and Lysa Rytting on harp. During the noon-hour, the group moved into the auditorium for an open rehearsal of songs from Ms. Baker’s latest CD, “Wish Upon a Star: A Tribute to the Music of Walt Disney,” which earned her a Grammy nomination this year for Best Pop Instrumental Album, and which inspired WSD’s new visiting artist series. “During her performance of ‘Colors of the Wind’ you could see Middle School students with tears in their eyes,” observed Ms. Colby.

Switching to formal concert attire, Ms. Baker chose a Disney princess-esque gown for the afternoon performance for students. As a surprise to the artist, Ms. Baker was reunited with her first orchestra teacher, 89 year-old Marian Flandro of Salt Lake City. She was then joined on stage by WSD third grade violinists, and performed “Twinkle Theme” together with the orchestra. Ms. Baker then launched into a stunning set of selections from “Wish Upon a Star,” including “Beauty and the Beast,” “Once Upon a Dream,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “A Whole New World,” and a Mary Poppins medley. During the standing ovation, first grade students presented Ms. Baker with flowers, hugs and a huge thank you from the students of Weilenmann School of Discovery.

At the conclusion of the performance, students mingled with musicians and talked to them about their instruments. Ms. Baker stayed to sign autographs, including CDs, notebooks, and even students’ violins. Thursday’s visit by Jenny Oaks Baker has fueled excitement for an already burgeoning K-8 instrumental program at Weilenmann School of Discovery.

*WSD’s “Wish Upon a Star” Visiting Artist and Speaker Series strives to expose students to artists, performers, and other professionals, whose interactions and mentoring inspire students to “dream big.”

Anna (6th), Sophie (6th) and Katherine (2nd) Ward served as Principals for a Day at Weilenmann School Today! Official decrees included Pajama Day and Creamies for everyone. The Ward Principals made morning announcements, introduced special guests at assembly, and called students for carpool. They also handed out Creamies at lunchtime, held a Power Lunch with friends, and sat in the Principal’s chair.

Parking and Pick-up

To help promote an efficient, safe, and legal drop-off and pick-up, please remember:

1. Pull forward as far as possible before you load and unload.
2. Do not park on Kilby and expect your student to meet you at your car.
3. Do not park along the red curb for any reason.

McPolin Elementary 5th Grade Circus

McPolin Elementary’s 5th Grade Circus performed for WSD’s Lower School today at a special assembly. The circus included jugglers, dancers, jump-ropers, stilt-walkers, plate-twirlers, and much more, and was led by Ringmaster Kathy Hinshaw. The Circus chooses one school a year for this performance. Thank you for choosing WSD!

WSD Lottery

If you have friends or family who are interested in enrolling for the 2012 – 2013 school year, please make them aware that our first lottery for next school year will run on Monday, February 13. Returning students need not enter the lottery.

Visiting Violinist Jenny Oaks Baker

Weilenmann will host professional violinist Jenny Oaks Baker on Thursday, February 16. Jenny is coming to WSD directly from the Grammy Awards and will teach master classes, conduct an open rehearsal, and perform selections from her Grammy-nominated album, “Wish Upon a Star.” To honor this occasion, we ask that all Weilenmann students and faculty come to school in “best-dress” attire.

Spring Break Trip to Costa Rica

There are still a few spots available for the Costa Rica trip over Spring Break with Henry Ponnefz. Interested travelers should contact email hidden; JavaScript is required as soon as possible.

Summer Trip to France

Those Middle School students, parents and siblings who are interested in a summer trip to France may contact Henry Ponnefz at email hidden; JavaScript is required for more information. The proposed travel opportunity would occur in June 2012.

Treasure Mountain Placement Tests

Eighth graders who plan to attend 9th grade at Treasure Mountain should be aware of upcoming placement tests that begin February 16. All tests will be given at Treasure Mountain at 2:45pm. Dates and information for individual tests may be found on the Treasure Mountain website. Please note that parents of current 8th graders who plan to attend Treasure Mountain next year are invited to an orientation at WSD on Monday, March 5 from 10 – 11:00am.

Weilenmann is honored to host Grammy nominated violinist Jenny Oaks Baker on Thursday, February 16. In conjunction with her visit, Jenny has kindly agreed to do a CD signing of “Wish Upon a Star,” following her afternoon performance. Students interested in purchasing CDs for signing should return this order form by February 10.

Spring Break Trip to Costa Rica

There are still a few spots available for the Costa Rica trip over Spring Break with Henry Ponnefz. Interested travelers should contact email hidden; JavaScript is required as soon as possible.

Summer Trip to France

Those Middle School students, parents and siblings who are interested in a summer trip to France may contact Henry Ponnefz at email hidden; JavaScript is required for more information. The proposed travel opportunity would occur in June 2012.

Free Wellness Party

PC MARC, at 1200 Little Kate Road in Park City, is hosting a free Wellness Party on February 4 that includes presentations, health screenings, and Zumba party. More information.

Treasure Mountain Placement Tests

Eighth graders who plan to attend 9th grade at Treasure Mountain should be aware of the upcoming placement tests:

• February 16, Honors Math
• February 28, Honors English
• February 29, Honors Math Make-up
• March 7, Honors Biology
• March 9, Honors Biology Make-up
• March 13, Honors English Make-up

All tests are given at Treasure Mountain at 2:45pm. Please note that current Algebra and 8th grade Common Core math students are eligible to take the Honors Math placement exam. All Geometry students will be placed in Algebra II and need not take the Honors Math placement exam.

Parents of current 8th graders who plan to attend Treasure Mountain next year are invited to an orientation at WSD on Monday, March 5 from 10 – 11:00am.

Robo Thunder placed 5th at the FIRST Lego League State Competition at the University of Utah on January 28. Of the 150 teams statewide, 48 were invited to compete at the state level. The team was presented with a trophy, and each team member presented with a medal commemorating this achievement. Robo Thunder will present its award-winning entry to students at a school assembly on Wednesday, February 15 at 2:00pm.

WSD is looking to build the robotics program for next year by adding a second grade 4 – 8 team, as well as a Jr. Robotics team for grades 1 – 3. These teams are fully supported by volunteer parents. Anyone interested in being a parent coach should contact email hidden; JavaScript is required, and is also welcome to attend Robo Thunder’s presentation on February 15. New teams should be in place prior to the end of this school year.

Again, congratulations to Robo Thunder for its outstanding achievements this year!

Middle School students participated in Weilenmann’s first annual National Geography Bee. Class competitions in grades 6, 7 and 8 produced 12 finalists, who competed on Monday, January 23 for the school medal. To continue in the competition, students could miss only one question. Questions began with US geography, progressing to continents and world geography. Congratulations to Kalia Wells (8), who earned the Grand Champion Medal for Weilenmann School; Sierra Wells (6), who placed 2nd; and Thomas Tuite (7), who placed 3rd. Kalia has since taken the 100-question qualifying test for the State competition. Students who win their state competitions go on to Nationals and compete for a $25,000 college scholarship.

“Take Time to Read”

Students in all grades tallied up the number of hours they read during WSD’s Literacy Week. The theme for the week was “Take Time to Read.” Each student was given a chart in which to keep track of minutes / hours of reading time. Marbles, representing hours, were added to a large hourglass so that students could then visualize their efforts. Total number of minutes reported was 3,453. The hourglass will be on display for another week as a reminder to all to “Take Time to Read.”

New Afternoon Pick-Up Plan

We are encouraged by the new system recently implemented during afternoon dismissal and pick-up. Parents, please support these efforts by reminding your students to listen for their names and load as quickly as possible, and by picking up your students no later than 3:30pm.

Building Hours

Remember that doors open at 8:00am each school day and are locked again at 4:00pm. Students in after school programs should be picked up at the lower west door. Please be prompt in picking up your students. Thank you!

Treasure Mountain Placement Tests

Eighth graders who plan to attend 9th grade at Treasure Mountain should be aware of the upcoming placement tests:

• February 16, Honors Math
• February 28, Honors English
• February 29, Honors Math Make-up
• March 7, Honors Biology
• March 9, Honors Biology Make-up
• March 13, Honors English Make-up

All tests are given at Treasure Mountain at 2:45pm. Please note that current Algebra and 8th grade Common Core math students are eligible to take the Honors Math placement exam. All Geometry students will be placed in Algebra II and need not take the Honors Math placement exam.

Parents of current 8th graders who plan to attend Treasure Mountain next year are invited to an orientation at WSD on Monday, March 5 from 10 – 11:00am.

Travel Clean Car Wash

Time is running out to take advantage of this huge opportunity for Weilenmann School. Our goal is for each student to sell 2 cards. This is one of the few fundraisers where you actually get 100% of what you’re paying for. Cards make great gifts, never expire, and Travel Clean is 5 minutes from the school.

Kids Night Out

Black Diamond will host another “Kids Night Out” event on Friday, February 3. Drop off your children between 6:30 – 9:30 for $25 per child, snack provided. Black Diamond generously donates 80% of the proceeds from “Kids Night Out” to Weilenmann School!

Free Wellness Party

PC MARC, at 1200 Little Kate Road in Park City, is hosting a free Wellness Party that includes presentations, health screenings, and Zumba party. More information.

The celebrated picture book team of Caralyn and Mark Buehner delighted students in grades K – 3 as they presented stories and storyboards of some of their most popular books. Author Caralyn Buehner read aloud I Did It, I’m Sorry, and gave the inspiration behind Snowmen at Night and the “Snowman” series. With a white board and highlighters, illustrator Mark Buehner drew pictures for a sample storyboard while students suggested story ideas. At the conclusion of their visit, the Buehners presented the Weilenmann School Library with a framed picture of a Snowman to remember them by.

Congratulations to WSD’s Robotics Team, Robo Thunder, for earning a Champion Award at the FIRST Lego League Competition at Ecker Hill on January 14. Team members Zina Horman, Max Davidson, Paul Cox, Garrett McClellan, Eric Fisher, Dominick Isaacson, Avi Gregory, and Kip McClellan led the competition in overall team dynamics and the three categories of competition: robot missions, core values, and research project. Of the 19 teams that participated at this competition, the top 6 teams will go on to state competition at the University of Utah this weekend. Robo Thunder is coached by Annette & Scott McClellan, and Derek Jewel.