Education - Weilenmann School of Discovery

Blending tradition and innovation, Weilenmann School of Discovery provides differentiated learning delivered by effective teachers in a close-knit community.

We exceed Utah core standards by integrating visual and performing arts, outdoor education, lab science, PE, and an off-campus Adventure PE program into the K–8 curriculum. Instruction is supported by technology platforms that assist in monitoring the progress of each student in each core subject.

“We are so happy to be at WSD and love everything about it!”

— Stephanie, Lower and Middle School Parent

“I like the teachers, they are really nice. And I love all the projects we do, especially art projects.”

-Kate, Lower School Student

The WSD Difference

The educational experience at WSD includes the following three components.

Differentiated Learning

WSD’s model of differentiated instruction recognizes that every student is unique and learns content differently. Teachers differentiate through curriculum, learning process, evaluations and assessments, and the environment where learning happens, in order to respond to students’ interests and unique learning profiles. Project-based learning, technology-supported programs, small and flex groups, tiered learning assistance, and a comprehensive Special Education program are other ways teachers at WSD differentiate instruction to help students at all levels achieve optimal growth.

“At WSD, it seems very individualized. Teachers engage with their students and really get to know them. And the kids know their teachers–and like them!”

-Heidi, Lower and Middle School Parent

Effective Teachers

So much depends on a great teacher! Our teachers, like our students, are valued and respected as the heart of our school. They are drawn from the best talent available and have diverse backgrounds and interests, impressive professional, academic and leadership experience, and a passion for teaching! Just as we nurture our students along their educational path, we also support our teachers along their professional path by providing continual professional development that includes conferences, seminars and workshops, evidence-based goal setting, mentoring, and opportunities for leadership.

“We love our Lower School experience at WSD! The teachers are kind, patient and do everything they can to challenge the students and help them learn and grow.”

-Jo, Lower School Parent

Close-Knit Community

WSD families, teachers, and administrators have one thing in common–we want the best education possible for our students. It’s what brings us together at WSD, and what continues to unite us as partners in the process. Because we draw families out of their neighborhood schools, we have forged our own close-knit and caring community of teachers, students, families and friends. Each member of the WSD community is valued, and each contributes to the ongoing success of the Weilenmann School of Discovery.

WSD's Curriculum

Weilenmann School of Discovery teaches the Utah Core Standards in all subject areas. In addition to English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies/History, the subjects of Music, Art, PE, and Latin are core requirements at WSD. Outdoor and Environmental Education, Character Education, and Digital Citizenship are also integrated into the curriculum for all grades. Through WSD’s partnership with the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program and continual collaboration with classroom teachers, the Arts are fully integrated across all subjects and disciplines.

Art

Art students at WSD enjoy creating, experimenting, and innovating. Students in all grades understand the artistic process and are the proud creators of their own works. They create art in a nurturing and stimulating environment where they learn to develop technique, combine different 2-D and 3-D art forms, refine the application of artistic processes, and hone their own voice and vision.

Character Education

Students at WSD embrace “The Wapiti Way,” a program of positive reinforcement that teaches a different character value each month. Students are also taught the principles of Mindfulness in building attention, self-regulation, and empathy. Two student-run Hope Squads (grades 4-5 and grades 6-8) promote healthy and positive relationships with peers.

English Language Arts

WSD students find authentic purposes for reading and writing. The Lower School literacy program includes small and flexible grouping and is enriched by technologies in the classroom. Older elementary students are given more challenging texts that promote student independence and inquiry. Middle School English students cultivate a love of reading through exposure to multiple genres. They work toward speaking and writing proficiency by practicing oral, written, media, and other forms of communication.

Latin

Latin begins in Middle School and exposes students to a new culture through the lens of a foreign language. As students learn the context in which Latin was spoken anciently, they learn to read, write, speak, listen, and be creative in the language. They also engage in project-based learning activities and online resources to enhance their understanding, experience, and enjoyment of this classic language.

Library

WSD has a strong Library program and a Librarian who is passionate about books and about bringing students and books together. Lower School classes visit the Library once per week. Middle School students are invited to visit the library anytime their schedule permits. Supporting every student’s reading interests and guiding them to great books is the job — and the joy — of the WSD Library.

Math

The WSD Math program offers every student opportunities to engage in meaningful, rigorous mathematics. Students engage in rich learning tasks that meet the needs of different learners at different times. Learning strategies are student-centered, build on skills learned, and focus on big ideas and applied practice. Flex grouping and a supplemental online math program are used to differentiate instruction and assess student progress.

Music

Our youngest students learn General Music through world folk songs, dances, and rhythmic movement as they explore the melodies, rhythms, and joys of music. As they progress, students also learn to read, write, create, improvise, and perform music. In 4th grade, students may continue to progress in General Music or choose an instrument to play in Orchestra or Band. Middle School students will commit to one of three courses — Chorus, Orchestra, or Band — and have options to participate in Musical Theatre, Music Appreciation, and Jazz Band.

Outdoor and Environmental Education

WSD students spend meaningful time in nature on a regular, often daily, basis, and learn to consider the outdoor classroom as a vital and precious learning space. They build memories and relationships to the local landscape, learn to care for their environment, and explore and strengthen their connection with nature and the outdoors.

Science

Multi-sensory, hands-on, integrated, and experiential define the Science program at WSD, which takes advantage of both the indoor and outdoor classrooms. Students in all grades learn the vocabulary of science, develop an understanding of the nature and methodology of science as well as scientific principles, and receive guided instruction in important scientific concepts. Students perform experiments, use technology, and participate in field studies and individual projects.

Physical Education

Promoting fitness, fun, and a love for the active life are the goals of WSD’s Physical Education program. Lower School students learn new sports, build skills, develop a healthy sense of self, and practise good sportsmanship. Middle School students venture off campus each week in the Adventure PE program, exploring various indoor and outdoor sports at local venues for a full afternoon. WSD’s PE program helps all students recognize the value of physical activity for health, challenge, social interaction and enjoyment.

Social Studies and History

Through Social Studies and History education, WSD students learn to make sense of their world, prepare to contribute to a rich and diverse society, and anticipate informed participation in the democratic process. Students engage in age-appropriate inquiries and conduct research through library resources, personal interviews, and final projects. They become capable historians as they research and interpret historical data, evaluate primary and secondary sources, and make scholarly and meaningful sense of events both past and current.

Technology

Supporting students as they discover the power of their own potential and preparing them to excel in the 21st century must include the integration of technologies into the classroom. WSD uses a variety of digital resources to complement classroom instruction, support project-based learning, differentiate instruction, and monitor individual student progress. Students are taught to be digitally literate and responsible, and to use technology wisely. All educational media and technology utilized at WSD is continually evaluated and improved for effective use in the classroom.

Makerspace

WSD’s makerspace serves all students in K – 8 and facilitates their technology-supported STEM projects. Students are trained to use a variety of age-appropriate hands-on equipment including design tools, Lego STEM and robotics kits, coding kits, 3D printers, laser engraving and cutting machines, resins, polymers, and other supplies. The makerspace supports project-based learning and problem solving skills, creativity and imagination, student engagement, and cross-curricular learning.

Mobile Classroom

WSD’s “Mobile Classroom” is a Ford Transit 10-passenger van that takes small groups of students in grades 5-8 on off-campus excursions once a week. The van meets all state-required safety requirements and specifications and facilitates unique learning opportunities for students.The goals of the Mobile Classroom center around building community among our students as well as increasing student and teacher engagement in the wider community. Excursions include locations that have historical, artistic, environmental, and local importance, and that embrace the principles of place-based education.

Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program

Keep the Arts in Your Child’s Education

Weilenmann School of Discovery is proud to offer the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program to our students. BTSALP helps hundreds of thousands of Utah elementary students receive the arts-enriched education they deserve by placing arts teachers specialized in one of four disciplines – dance, music, theater or visual arts – in schools to work alongside classroom teachers and create arts-based lesson plans in the core subjects of reading, math, science, and history.

Thanks to the support of parents across the state, more than 130 schools throughout Utah

are now experiencing the positive impact of arts-integrated learning, including higher test scores and improved student understanding, retention, behavior, attendance, and self-esteem. Without the advocacy of parents and teachers throughout the state, this program could not continue.

With your help, we can work to keep BTSALP at Weilenmann School of Discovery and expand the program into every Utah elementary school. The advocacy organization Friends of Art Works for Kids was established to protect funding for arts specialists in schools and to advocate for arts-integrated learning. If you have not already done so, please show your support of the cause by visiting www.artworksforkids.org. You can use the site to become a friend of Art Works for Kids, to contact your legislator and convey how important this program is to you and your child, and to learn more about how and why arts-integrated education works.

BTSALP & WSD

WSD’s partnership with the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program benefits students across all grade levels. Specialists in the areas of visual art, music, and PE/movement collaborate with homeroom teachers across multiple disciplines and content areas in arts-integrated instruction. The result is increased support to project-based learning, student engagement, and cross-curricular learning opportunities.

A highlight of WSD’s annual Spring Arts Festival is the student art show, featuring grade level works that have been informed by the study of multiple curricular subjects.