Upcoming Events

A Message from our Head of School
Please take a look at a message from our Head of School, Steve Bult about the upcoming school year.

Summer Office Hours and WA Weekly Schedule
Wheaton Academy Offices will be closed on July 3 to observe Independence Day. Many of our staff take vacation during the month of July. Please call ahead when seeking to meet or talk with someone to ensure that person is on campus. The next WA Weekly will be published in mid-July. Enjoy your summer!

Graduation
Saturday, August 1
10:00 a.m.
Wheaton Academy Campus
The Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, at 10:00 a.m. on the Wheaton Academy campus. More details will follow as we are made aware of State guidelines and restrictions.

General News

Book Rentals for 2020-2021 – Textbook Acquisition Form in Magnus
For the 2020-2021 school year, each family will be required to indicate whether they wish to OPT-IN to ALL ACCESS and have Wheaton Academy place the book rental orders for them or OPT-OUT and purchase/rent all books on their own. This Textbook Acquisition Form is located with all the other Back-to-School forms in Magnus. The textbook form needs to be completed by August 1, 2020. If the form is not completed, your family will automatically be placed in the OPT-IN category, and your Smart Tuition account will be billed in September.  You must complete the form for each student who is enrolled. Please contact Jenn Trott with any questions.

Book Lists for Families who OPT-OUT will be Available July 15
If you choose to OPT-OUT of Wheaton Academy purchasing your book order for you and plan to rent/buy your own books, the book list for courses will be available on the Wheaton Academy Website July 15. You will need to go to Community, Students & Families, and click on the eCampus Bookstore link at the left side of the page. Once you get to the bookstore, you will either create an account if you are a first time user, or go to the Sign-in button under My Account. Your login is your student’s wascholar email (i.e., firstname.lastname@wascholar.org), and you will need to create a password or request a new one to begin. You may then search for course names to see which books are needed for your student’s schedule. You do not need to rent/buy the books from eCampus. However, this is the location where you will find the books for each course. Please remember to complete the Textbook Acquisition Form by August 1, 2020, to avoid being charged a second time for books.

College Corner

Final Transcripts and Diplomas
Final transcripts and diplomas have been sent to all of our graduates’ college destinations and homes. Transcripts and diplomas were held for families that have financial obligations/responsibilities with Wheaton Academy. They will be sent once these obligations are met.

Athletics

Locker Room Clean-Out
The boys and girls locker rooms (both P.E. and Athletic) must be cleaned out by Tuesday, June 30.  At that time,  we will discard any remaining items remaining in all the locker rooms, and donate or throw away.If you must get into the locker room in the next three weeks,  please contact Dawn Hamm at dhamm@wheatonacademy.org  to set up a day and time to come to the Field House and get any items you may have in the locker rooms.   The Field House will be closed unless you make an appointment with Dawn Hamm.

Upcoming Events

Graduation
Saturday, August 1
10:00 a.m.
Wheaton Academy Campus
The Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, at 10:00 a.m. on the Wheaton Academy campus. More details will follow as we are made aware of State guidelines and restrictions.

General News

Book Rentals for 2020-2021 – Textbook Acquisition Form in Magnus
For the 2020-2021 school year, each family will be required to indicate whether they wish to OPT-IN to ALL ACCESS and have Wheaton Academy place the book rental orders for them or OPT-OUT and purchase/rent all books on their own. This Textbook Acquisition Form is located with all the other Back-to-School forms in Magnus. The textbook form needs to be completed by August 1, 2020. If the form is not completed, your family will automatically be placed in the OPT-IN category, and your Smart Tuition account will be billed in September.  You must complete the form for each student who is enrolled. Please contact Jenn Trott with any questions.

Wheaton Academy Video Students Win Statewide Contest
Our video production students participated in the American Lung Association’s Radon video public service announcement contest. 135 videos were submitted from 27 Illinois schools. Out of those, Wheaton Academy received news that we had three videos in the Top 10. These student producers will receive a minimum of $250 and could potentially receive up to $1300 in prize money. Of this year’s four winners, all of them are freshmen or sophomores! It would be a huge honor to have just one video recognized in the top 10, but to have four is quite outstanding. We are very proud of these students.

As a part of this contest, there is a “Most Views” award of $300 for the student who can get people to view their YouTube video the most. Not only would we love to have you watch each of these videos, but please share these videos with your friends and families. The overall goal of this contest is to bring more awareness to people on the dangers of radon in their homes. For more information, please visit lung.org/radon.

Here are the links to our three video winners:

Radon: The Silent Killer (produced by Kenna Tolman) – https://youtu.be/xEv7HoDMX6o

Radon: A Killer in Disguise (produced by Matthew and Andrew Johnston) – https://youtu.be/rGu96RGvWaI

You’re in Danger from Radon (produced by Jeffrey Master) – https://youtu.be/Truvjf26QvM

College Corner

Final Transcripts and Diplomas
Final transcripts and diplomas have been sent to all of our graduates’ college destinations and homes. Transcripts and diplomas were held for families that have financial obligations/responsibilities with Wheaton Academy. They will be sent once these obligations are met.

Athletics

Locker Room Clean-Out
The boys and girls locker rooms (both P.E. and Athletic) must be cleaned out by Tuesday, June 30.  At that time,  we will discard any remaining items remaining in all the locker rooms, and donate or throw away.If you must get into the locker room in the next three weeks,  please contact Dawn Hamm at dhamm@wheatonacademy.org  to set up a day and time to come to the Field House and get any items you may have in the locker rooms.   The Field House will be closed unless you make an appointment with Dawn Hamm.

Upcoming Events

Graduation
Saturday, August 1
Date and Location TBD!

General News

Book Rentals for 2020-2021 – Textbook Acquisition Form in Magnus
For the 2020-2021 school year, each family will be required to indicate whether they wish to OPT-IN to ALL ACCESS and have Wheaton Academy place the book rental orders for them or OPT-OUT and purchase/rent all books on their own. This Textbook Acquisition Form is located with all the other Back-to-School forms in Magnus. The textbook form needs to be completed by August 1, 2020. If the form is not completed, your family will automatically be placed in the OPT-IN category, and your Smart Tuition account will be billed in September.  You must complete the form for each student who is enrolled. Please contact Jenn Trott with any questions.

Wheaton Academy Video Students Win Statewide Contest
Our video production students participated in the American Lung Association’s Radon video public service announcement contest. 135 videos were submitted from 27 Illinois schools. Out of those, Wheaton Academy received news that we had three videos in the Top 10. These student producers will receive a minimum of $250 and could potentially receive up to $1300 in prize money. Of this year’s four winners, all of them are freshmen or sophomores! It would be a huge honor to have just one video recognized in the top 10, but to have four is quite outstanding. We are very proud of these students.

As a part of this contest, there is a “Most Views” award of $300 for the student who can get people to view their YouTube video the most. Not only would we love to have you watch each of these videos, but please share these videos with your friends and families. The overall goal of this contest is to bring more awareness to people on the dangers of radon in their homes. For more information, please visit lung.org/radon.

Here are the links to our three video winners:

Radon: The Silent Killer (produced by Kenna Tolman) – https://youtu.be/xEv7HoDMX6o

Radon: A Killer in Disguise (produced by Matthew and Andrew Johnston) – https://youtu.be/rGu96RGvWaI

You’re in Danger from Radon (produced by Jeffrey Master) – https://youtu.be/Truvjf26QvM

College Corner

Final Transcripts
Final transcripts are being be sent out this week to all of our graduates’ college destinations. Transcripts will be held for families that have financial obligations/responsibilities with Wheaton Academy until these obligations are met.

Athletics

Locker Room Clean-Out
The boys and girls locker rooms (both P.E. and Athletic) must be cleaned out by Tuesday, June 30.  At that time,  we will discard any remaining items remaining in all the locker rooms, and donate or throw away.If you must get into the locker room in the next three weeks,  please contact Dawn Hamm at dhamm@wheatonacademy.org  to set up a day and time to come to the Field House and get any items you may have in the locker rooms.   The Field House will be closed unless you make an appointment with Dawn Hamm.

Upcoming Events

Graduation
Saturday, August 1
Date and Location TBD!

General News

Any Remaining Book Bundles Must Be Returned by June 8, 12:00 p.m.
All lockers and teachers’ classrooms have been cleaned out, and all books at school have been returned to the appropriate student accounts. If you have not returned the books you have at home, you may drop them off Monday, June 8, before 12:00 p.m. If you do not make this deadline, you will need to ship them back on your own.  Please click here for a detailed instruction sheet on how to return book bundles and ship the books free of charge.

Wheaton Academy Video Students Win Statewide Contest
Our video production students participated in the American Lung Association’s Radon video public service announcement contest. 135 videos were submitted from 27 Illinois schools. Out of those, Wheaton Academy received news that we had three videos in the Top 10. These student producers will receive a minimum of $250 and could potentially receive up to $1300 in prize money. Of this year’s four winners, all of them are freshmen or sophomores! It would be a huge honor to have just one video recognized in the top 10, but to have four is quite outstanding. We are very proud of these students.

As a part of this contest, there is a “Most Views” award of $300 for the student who can get people to view their YouTube video the most. Not only would we love to have you watch each of these videos, but please share these videos with your friends and families. The overall goal of this contest is to bring more awareness to people on the dangers of radon in their homes. For more information, please visit lung.org/radon.

Here are the links to our three video winners:

Radon: The Silent Killer (produced by Kenna Tolman) – https://youtu.be/xEv7HoDMX6o

Radon: A Killer in Disguise (produced by Matthew and Andrew Johnston) – https://youtu.be/rGu96RGvWaI

You’re in Danger from Radon (produced by Jeffrey Master) – https://youtu.be/Truvjf26QvM

WA Service Team Sign-Ups
The Sign-Up link for the WA 2020-2021 Service Team is now live. You may click here to access it. We encourage students and families to sign up early. Contact Jim Holtrop at jholtrop@wheatonacademy.org if you have any questions. To read additional information regarding the WA Service Teams, click here.

College Corner

Final Transcripts
Final transcripts will be sent out next week to all of our graduates’ college destinations once all financial obligations/responsibilities have been completed with Wheaton Academy.

Athletics

This week each class had the opportunity to return books, surfaces, and clean out the locker rooms located in the Field House.  The boys and girls locker rooms (both P.E. and Athletic) must be cleaned out by Tuesday, June 30.  At that time,  we will discard any remaining items remaining in all the locker rooms, and donate or throw away.   If you must get into the locker room in the next three weeks,  please contact Dawn Hamm at dhamm@wheatonacademy.org  to set up a day and time to come to the Field House and get any items you may have in the locker rooms.   The Field House will be closed unless you make an appointment with Dawn Hamm.

Upcoming Events

Baccalaureate Service
Friday, May 29
Video Premiere at 7:00 p.m.
https://youtu.be/7sMtWGGujLcPlease join us via video on the Wheaton Academy YouTube channel for a worship service where we will pray for and commission our seniors as they start new chapters in their lives. 

Senior Tribute
Sunday, May 31
Video Premiere at 7:00 p.m.
https://youtu.be/XxuwJmrjsskWe want to mark this important day that graduation was supposed to take place, as it signifies the end of a significant chapter in the lives of our students. Please join us on the Wheaton Academy YouTube channel as we pay tribute to our seniors.

Graduation
Saturday, August 1
Date and Location TBD!

General News

A Message from the Principal
Today is our last day of school – finals are complete, and our 2019-2020 school year has come to a close.  I want to thank you as students and families for your support throughout the last nine weeks.  This was not the way we wanted to finish this school year – in any way at all, yet our community – our teachers, staff, and students have risen up.  The mission of Wheaton Academy has been accomplished this year, albeit in a way I could have never imagined. 

Our students have grown this year, and in these last nine weeks, many have been stretched in significant ways. God has used circumstances to develop their faith and character.  Students and teachers have continued to build relationships.  They have supported, encouraged, and walked alongside each other.  Our students and teachers have achieved excellence – excellence is defined as doing one’s best – and in these last nine weeks, each and every student has done their best even though that has looked different for all of us.  They have continued to learn and meet rigorous academic standards.  Our students and teachers have served so well.  Reaching out to medical personnel, making PPE equipment, blessing Windsor residents with beautiful music, donating shoes – the list goes on and on.  Finally, and most importantly, the purpose of all of this is that God would be glorified, and I believe He has been as we have offered this year to Him – to spread the Gospel and to be ambassadors of His saving and transforming work in our lives.

We are excited for our Summer Academy, where over 360 students will take classes in June and look forward to a great three weeks of learning. 

And we are already preparing to be together in August.  We continue to study, examine, and take steps to come back together next year, keeping the health and well-being of our students and faculty as a priority.  I cannot express how excited I am to have students back together on campus, together at Wheaton Academy. 

For now, my thoughts are best expressed by Paul’s words in Philippians:

I thank my God every time I remember you because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it unto completion.

Thank you for an unforgettable 2019-2020 school year – Kori Hockett

End of the Year Book Return/Locker Clean-out
Below are the assigned days for students to return to school and complete the various tasks for clean-out. If you have multiple siblings in your family, please bring both/all siblings on the oldest sibling’s assigned day. For example, if you have a junior and freshman student, both should come on Monday, June 1.

• Monday, June 1 – Juniors (class of 2021)
• Tuesday, June 2 – Sophomores (class of 2022)
• Wednesday, June 3 – Freshman (class of 2023)
• Thursday, June 4 – Incoming Freshman (class of 2024) and transfers Surface Pick-Up Day

All Activities need to be completed between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on assigned days above. Complete the activities that pertain to your student:

• Book Rental Returns (bundles only) – Commons
• Pick up prescription meds, PRN meds, EpiPens, Diabetic supplies, etc. – Commons. If medications are not picked up during this time, families should contact Rachel Austin, or the medicine will be properly disposed of over the summer. 
• Academic Locker clean-out – Locker Items have been placed in bags labeled with locker numbers on the first floor and in the Library
• Return tux, Return Music, clean out music locker, return borrowed instruments – FAC bandroom – use side door entrance by cube
• Athletic Locker clean-out – Fieldhouse – entry at office door only
• Ceramics picked up – FAC – side door entrance by cube
• Visual Art picked up – FAC – side door entrance by cube

Please note that based on the ISBE recommendations with social distancing, Wheaton Academy has determined the following guidelines for student presence on campus to return/collect items:

• We will allow for a limited number of individuals to enter buildings to gather their personal belongings at any given time. Only the student will be allowed entry.
• We ask that parents who arrive to assist students remain in their vehicle until the student brings their items outside to be loaded into their vehicle. If one-on-one assistance is necessary, only one guest may accompany students into the building.
• Parents/students should park in the parking lots, and students only should line up outside of commons covered sidewalk. Students will be permitted to enter by Mr. Holtrop to ensure only a certain number of people are in the building at one time.
• Students entering any Wheaton Academy facility need to wear a face mask/covering. All staff will wear face coverings while in the building as well.
• Hand sanitizer will be made available in school buildings for staff and students.

Book Returns May Be Completed at Home
To speed the process, you may return your book bundles from the comfort of your home. Please click here for a detailed instruction sheet on how to do this and ship the books free of charge. If you choose this option, seniors will still need to return their Surfaces on May 26, and all students will need to pick up their lockers items (if they left items in their lockers) on the day assigned for their class – however, this would limit the amount of time needed to be in the school.

WA Service Team Sign-Ups
The Sign-Up link for the WA 2020-2021 Service Team is now live. You may click here to access it. We encourage students and families to sign up early. Contact Jim Holtrop at jholtrop@wheatonacademy.org if you have any questions. To read additional information regarding the WA Service Teams, click here.

Athletics

Summer Sports
Due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and under the current direction of Governor Pritzker and his executive order, in conjunction with the IHSA’s suspension of all summer contact days, we have suspended all summer activities at this time. This includes all summer camps for high school and youth camps. Please click here for more details.

Upcoming Events

Academy Theatre Radio Hour
Friday, May 22
7:00 p.m.
Even if you can’t be together over Memorial Day weekend, you can gather your family together to listen to the Academy Theatre Radio Hour, a brand new radio theatre show, which will make its debut over the holiday weekend with entertainment for the whole family! Friday, May 22, at 7:00 p.m., they will release The Pandemic Productions, a series of five vintage radio shows brought to you by the Advanced Drama Class of 2020, a group of student actors who wouldn’t let a pandemic stop them from making good drama. Listen to The Adventures of Superman, Little Women, Casey at the Bat, The Saint: The Robin Hood of Modern Crime, and Agatha Christie’s The Case of the Missing Client. You won’t want to miss this exciting new Academy Theatre event! 

Important Information for Seniors and Families

Surface Returns
Tuesday, May 26
Commons
Parents of seniors, please remind your senior student to return their Surface Pro 6, pen, charger, and case on Tuesday, May 26, when they come to campus to return books, etc. (see book return/locker clean-out instructions below).  Please remind them to move any files they want to keep to removable media such as a USB flash drive or cloud storage such as google drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.  All Surface Pro 6 will be completely reimaged, and no data will be retained.  Congratulations to your family from the WA I.T. Department! 

Baccalaureate Service
Friday, May 29
Video Premiere at 7:00 p.m.
Please join us via video on the Wheaton Academy YouTube channel for a worship service where we will pray for and commission our seniors as they start new chapters in their lives. 

Senior Tribute
Sunday, May 31
Video Premiere at 7:00 p.m.
We want to mark this important day that graduation was supposed to take place, as it signifies the end of a significant chapter in the lives of our students. Please join us on the Wheaton Academy YouTube channel as we pay tribute to our seniors.

Graduation
Saturday, August 1
Date and Location TBD!

General News

A Message from the Principal
This is a big day.  For our senior class, it is their last day of high school, and for the rest of the student body, they have come to the end of the year with only finals left to do next week.  I feel like I am on repeat when I say, “I could have never imagined the Spring of 2020 would look like this.”  And while I would have never imagined the challenges we have overcome during these last eight weeks, I am also so grateful for the things we have found, the victories we have won, and the provision we have seen from God. 

Ephesians 3:16-20 says: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

As this year comes to a close, I know we have seen the Lord do so much more than we could have ever imagined in the lives of our students, faculty, staff, and our Wheaton Academy community as a whole.  I am praying that as we move into the summer, we would be reminded in new ways that the love of God is more amazing than we can understand and that because of Christ, we would continue to allow Him to work in and through us.  Today is a finish line of sorts, and as we have finished this leg of a long race, I am grateful for our community, proud of our students and teachers, and praising God for his goodness.  Blessings to you this Memorial Day weekend

– Kori Hockett

End of the Year: Book Return, Locker & Athletic Locker Cleanout, Choir/Band Uniform Returns, Artwork Pick-up, Medication Pick-up, and Surface Drop-off for Seniors

Parents, please note that based on the ISBE recommendations with social distancing, Wheaton Academy has determined the following guidelines for student presence on campus to return/collect items:

• We will allow for a limited number of individuals to enter buildings to gather their personal belongings at any given time. Only the student will be allowed entry.
• We ask that parents who arrive to assist students remain in their vehicle until the student brings their items outside to be loaded into their vehicle. If one-on-one assistance is necessary, only one guest may accompany students into the building.
• Parents/students should park in the parking lots, and students only should line up outside of commons covered sidewalk. Students will be permitted to enter by Mr. Holtrop to ensure only a certain number of people are in the building at one time.
• Students entering any Wheaton Academy facility need to wear a face mask/covering. All staff will wear face coverings while in the building as well.
• Hand sanitizer will be made available in school buildings for staff and students.

Below are the assigned days for students. If you have multiple siblings in your family, please bring both/all siblings on the oldest sibling’s assigned day. For example, if you have a junior and freshman student, both should come on Monday, June 1.

• Tuesday, May 26 – Seniors (class of 2020)
• Monday, June 1 – Juniors (class of 2021)
• Tuesday, June 2 – Sophomores (class of 2022)
• Wednesday, June 3 – Freshman (class of 2023)
• Thursday, June 4 – Incoming Freshman (class of 2024) and transfers Surface Pick-Up Day

All Activities need to be completed between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on assigned days above. Complete the activities that pertain to your student:

• Book Rental Returns (bundles only) – Commons
• Academic Locker clean-out – Locker Items have been placed in bags labeled with locker numbers in the Library
• Surface return days for seniors – Commons
• Choir uniform return for seniors only – Commons
• Return tux, Return Music, clean out music locker, return borrowed instruments – FAC bandroom
• Athletic Locker clean-out – Fieldhouse – entry at office door only
• Ceramics picked up – FAC – side door entrance by cube
• Visual Art picked up – FAC – side door entrance by cube
• Pick up prescription meds, PRN meds, EpiPens, Diabetic supplies, etc. – Commons. If medications are not picked up during this time, families should contact Rachel Austin, or the medicine will be properly disposed of over the summer. 

Book Returns May Be Completed at Home
To speed the process, you may return your book bundles from the comfort of your home. Please click here for a detailed instruction sheet on how to do this and ship the books free of charge. If you choose this option, seniors will still need to return their Surfaces on May 26, and all students will need to pick up their lockers items (if they left items in their lockers) on the day assigned for their class – however, this would limit the amount of time needed to be in the school.

WA Service Team Sign-Ups
The Sign-Up link for the WA 2020-2021 Service Team is now live. You may click here to access it. We encourage students and families to sign up early. Contact Jim Holtrop at jholtrop@wheatonacademy.org if you have any questions. To read additional information regarding the WA Service Teams, click here.

Athletics

Summer Sports
Due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and under the current direction of Governor Pritzker and his executive order, in conjunction with the IHSA’s suspension of all summer contact days, we have suspended all summer activities at this time. This includes all summer camps for high school and youth camps. Please click here for more details.

Upcoming Events

Fine Arts Showcase
Thursday, May 21
7:30 p.m.
We invite you to enjoy an Evening with the Arts this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. This night will feature performances from our instrumental, choral, and dance ensembles as well as a beautiful visual art show. Tune in online at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8dM7F3pYZZhdCsZWiZnaRg

Academy Theatre Radio Hour
Friday, May 22 7:00 p.m.
Even if you can’t be together over Memorial Day weekend, you can gather your family together to listen to the Academy Theatre Radio Hour, a brand new radio theatre show, which will make its debut over the holiday weekend with entertainment for the whole family! Friday, May 22, at 7:00 p.m., they will release The Pandemic Productions, a series of five vintage radio shows brought to you by the Advanced Drama Class of 2020, a group of student actors who wouldn’t let a pandemic stop them from making good drama. Listen to The Adventures of Superman, Little Women, Casey at the Bat, The Saint: The Robin Hood of Modern Crime, and Agatha Christie’s The Case of the Missing Client. You won’t want to miss this exciting new Academy Theatre event!

General News

A Message from the Principal
As we are nearing the end of what could be best called a “non-traditional” spring at Wheaton Academy, I have been reflecting on the 2019-2020 school year.  It was such a blessing to recognize many students this week for outstanding academic, athletic, and artistic accomplishments.  I am so proud of the 238 students who are taking AP tests, finishing the year strong as they try to earn college credit.  Our students and faculty were recognized with a Blue Ribbon this year.  Each and every student at Wheaton Academy has brought their unique gifts to our community this year to make our school a better place.

Unlike many schools at the end of the year, I believe our reflections, recognitions, and celebrations hold a deeper purpose.  They are an act of worship and gratitude to God for the gifts He has given to our students, and the ways He has used them.  Isaiah 26:12 says, “LORD, you will grant us peace; all we have accomplished is really from you.”  As we enter this last week of classes, I hope that we will take time to thank God, because truly, all that we have accomplished is not only FROM Him but also FOR Him.

As we prepare for the upcoming weeks, please take note of the information on book drop off and locker pick.  Also, for the over 300 students in Summer Academy, keep an eye out for information on that as well.

I pray that you will be encouraged this weekend as we prepare to experience our last week of classes.  Next week holds even more opportunities: Senior chapel on Tuesday, the Fine Arts Showcase on Thursday, and the Academy Theatre Radio Hour on Friday.  You won’t want to miss them.
Blessings to you today –Kori Hockett

Faculty/Staff Appreciation Thank you!
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone that contributed to the kind notes and gift cards that were sent out to faculty and staff last week. They were an unexpected gift, and we are all thankful for the thoughtfulness and love shown through this warm gesture. It was such an encouragement to see the love, comfort, and compassion displayed by so many. May the Lord bless you for your generosity and kindness!

End of the Year: Book Return, Locker & Athletic Locker Cleanout, Choir/Band Uniform Returns, Artwork Pick-up, Medication Pick-up, and Surface Drop-off for Seniors Parents, please note that based on the ISBE recommendations with social distancing, Wheaton Academy has determined the following guidelines for student presence on campus to return/collect items:

• We will allow for a limited number of individuals to enter buildings to gather their personal belongings at any given time. Only the student will be allowed entry.
• We ask that parents who arrive to assist students remain in their vehicle until the student brings their items outside to be loaded into their vehicle. If one-on-one assistance is necessary, only one guest may accompany students into the building.
• Parents/students should park in the parking lots, and students only should line up outside of commons covered sidewalk. Students will be permitted to enter by Mr. Holtrop to ensure only a certain number of people are in the building at one time.
• Students entering any Wheaton Academy facility need to wear a face mask/covering. All staff will wear face coverings while in the building as well.
• Hand sanitizer will be made available in school buildings for staff and students.

Below are the assigned days for students. If you have multiple siblings in your family, please bring both/all siblings on the oldest sibling’s assigned day. For example, if you have a junior and freshman student, both should come on Monday, June 1.

• Tuesday, May 26 – Seniors (class of 2020)
• Monday, June 1 – Juniors (class of 2021)
• Tuesday, June 2 – Sophomores (class of 2022)
• Wednesday, June 3 – Freshman (class of 2023)
• Thursday, June 4 – Incoming Freshman (class of 2024) and transfers who are attending Summer Academy: Surface Pick-Up Day

All Activities need to be completed between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on assigned days above. Complete the activities that pertain to your student:

• Book Rental Returns (bundles only) – Commons
• Academic Locker cleanout – Academic Building
• Surface return days for seniors – Commons
• Choir uniform return for seniors only – Commons
• Return tux, Return Music, clean out music locker, return borrowed instruments – FAC bandroom
• Athletic Locker cleanout – Fieldhouse – entry at office door only
• Ceramics picked up – FAC – side door entrance by cube
• Visual Art picked up – FAC – side door entrance by cube
• Pick up prescription meds, PRN meds, EpiPens, Diabetic supplies, etc. – Commons. If medications are not picked up during this time, families should contact Rachel Austin, or the medicine will be properly disposed of over the summer.

Summer Academy Details
Today is the last day to register for Summer Academy. It is also the last day to drop a Summer Academy course without incurring a $150 administration fee. Wheaton Academy is committed to the health and well-being of all our students, and we will do all that we can to provide them outstanding learning opportunities even amid the current COVID-19 crisis. In light of current government restrictions for gathering and our desire to plan for and provide an excellent educational experience, Wheaton Academy has decided to run Summer Academy through a synchronous learning platform. This means that all Summer Academy classes will be online with portions of class being live each day. Teachers will be conducting live instruction for up to 90 minutes at a time during the AM and PM classes. Full-day science classes will have multiple portions of live instruction spread throughout the 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. class runtime. When not receiving live instruction, students will be expected to complete independent work, small group work, or receive 1-on-1 guidance from teachers.

Our morning and afternoon classes will be calibrated to account for 3-4 hours of work each day (a combination of synchronous instruction and independent work). Full-day science classes will be calibrated to account for 6-7 hours of work each day (a combination of synchronous instruction and independent work). The day-long science classes will also include a lab element that may require students to pick up equipment from Wheaton Academy to take home and/or use basic home items to conduct labs (we will release a list of what these items will be in advance of the class). We will expect students to be ready for classroom learning each day, starting at the classes assigned start time. This means that students will need to be ready to start learning from home at 8:00 a.m. for the AM and Science classes and 1:00 p.m. for the PM classes.

Wheaton Academy believes that the Summer Academy classes will build upon the excellent foundation of E-Learning already established in the spring. We will take what we have learned an apply it to Summer Academy classes to make for an outstanding learning experience for all students involved.

Incoming freshmen and transfers will be able to pick up their Microsoft Surfaces on Thursday, June 4. We will also host a webinar on Thursday, June 4, at 7:00 p.m. for all incoming freshmen and parents. The webinar will include vital information on how to use the Microsoft Surface, how to access our Learning Management System call OnCampus, and how to best prepare for the adjustment to Summer Academy.

We will be releasing more details and expectations as Summer Academy approaches. Feel free to reach out to Angie Roberts (aroberts@wheatonacademy.org) with any registration questions and contact Brad Thornton (bthornton@wheatonacademy.org) with questions specific to classes or synchronous learning. Thank you – Brad Thornton

Summer Academy registration is now open.Register for Summer Academy

If you have any questions, please contact Angie Roberts.

A Few Items for Seniors:

1. We wanted to remind you about yearbook ads. Without any spring sports or activities, the yearbook, unfortunately, will not be featuring as many photos of our students as planned. So, we are extending the deadline for our senior ads. You may want to consider this ad as a way that you can honor your child during these times. Here is the information: Senior yearbook ads will again be available for purchase for $150 per quarter-page ad.  Fees for ads will include a yearbook at no additional cost. If you order a senior ad, you do not need to order a yearbook through the Jostens website. You may click here for an example of what an ad should look like. Please submit ads by May 15 by mailing in a check to the school. Checks may be made payable to Wheaton Academy (to the attention of Jim Holtrop).

2. If you have not submitted a senior picture for your student (we are missing 60 senior photos), please submit a headshot to yearbook@wheatonacademy.org as soon as possible.

3. Seniors need to return their Surface Pro 6 in its case with the pen attached, and the charger clearly labeled with your name.  Please return the Surface Pro 6 clean and without any other stickers on it or the case besides the name tag and the serial number sticker – do not remove those. Before you return your Surface Pro 6, please make sure you have copied any files that you wish to retain, either to cloud storage such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, or to removable media such as a flash drive. All data on your Surface Pro 6 will be permanently erased! The return date is May 26 in the Commons.

Winterim Trips 2021
Normally Wheaton Academy announces Winterim trips in April, but due to COVID-19, we have decided to delay the release of trip information until August. When school resumes in August, we will unveil the 2021 trip experiences along with application information.

Yearbook Order Deadline is May 15!
WA yearbooks are for sale again this year for last year’s price of $25.00 each. Your 2019-2020 yearbook is now available for purchase at www.jostensyearbooks.com. Go to the Yearbooks dropdown to find “Buy your Yearbook,” then search Wheaton Academy to finish your purchase. They will only be for sale through the website. We do not want you to miss out on receiving a yearbook, so please order yours today! If you do not order via the Jostens link, you will be unable to receive a yearbook next fall. DEADLINE IS MAY 15!

WA Service Team Sign-Ups
The Sign-Up link for the WA 2020-2021 Service Team is now live. You may click here to access it. We encourage students and families to sign up early. Contact Jim Holtrop at jholtrop@wheatonacademy.org if you have any questions. To read additional information regarding the WA Service Teams, click here.

College Corner

There are no new announcements at this time.

Upcoming Events

WA Men’s Prayer
Saturday,  May 9, 2020
8:00 a.m.
Each month the men of Wheaton Academy meet to pray for our school. This month, join a Zoom Meeting to gather in prayer with us.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83312424676?pwd=NWEzUzJaK2JRNE9zOVMyY2FSYXprUT09
Meeting ID: 833 1242 4676
Password: 7k9pdD

WA Women’s Prayer
Tuesday, May 12
1:30-2:10 p.m.
Zoom Meeting
On Tuesday, the WA Women’s Prayer Group will meet from 1:30 p.m. – 2:10 p.m. via Zoom. 
Meeting ID: 954 300 588
Password: Prayer 
Link to join: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/954300588?pwd=ZjdVajg2dDE0Z1JzeUtiQUlJZlRjQT09
Please contact Sarah Gieser or Claudia Fabela with questions.

Virtual Academy Awards
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
7:00 p.m.
https://YouTube.com/WheatonAcademyOrg
Please join us for the Virtual Academy Awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 13. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. on the Wheaton Academy YouTube channel. We will celebrate the gifts of character and achievement that God has bestowed on our students. You won’t want to miss this amazing event honoring our students!

General News

A Message from the Principal
As we come to the end of another week, it was such a blessing to see how our community came together during our first ever “Homestaying” week.  I had a blast looking at the photos, and I was so thankful to see over 900 pairs of shoes to send to our partners at GO Ministries.  It has also been a blessing to celebrate our teachers this week, and so many of our students took time to let them know how much they appreciate the teachers at Wheaton Academy.  So, at the end of this week, I am just thankful.  Thankful that amid circumstances that are not good, we can demonstrate what hope looks like because of Jesus Christ.  I am not surprised at our incredible students, because they come from incredible families. Once again, I want you to know that the partnership we have with you as parents is something we believe is fundamental as we seek to help students become who God created them to be. Thank you for partnering with Wheaton Academy – we are so grateful for you and your students!  I trust you will have a great weekend and I want to leave you with 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Blessings – Kori Hockett

Faculty/Staff Appreciation Thank you!
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone that contributed to the kind notes and gift cards that were sent out to faculty and staff last week. They were an unexpected gift, and we are all thankful for the thoughtfulness and love shown through this warm gesture. It was such an encouragement to see the love, comfort, and compassion displayed by so many. May the Lord bless you for your generosity and kindness!

End of the Year: Book Return, Locker & Athletic Locker Cleanout, Choir/Band Uniform Returns, Artwork Pick-up, Medication Pick-up, and Surface Drop-off for Seniors
Parents, please note that based on the ISBE recommendations with social distancing, Wheaton Academy has determined the following guidelines for student presence on campus to return/collect items:

• We will allow for a limited number of individuals to enter buildings to gather their personal belongings at any given time. Only the student will be allowed entry.
• We ask that parents who arrive to assist students remain in their vehicle until the student brings their items outside to be loaded into their vehicle. If one-on-one assistance is necessary, only one guest may accompany students into the building.
• Parents/students should park in the parking lots, and students only should line up outside of commons covered sidewalk. Students will be permitted to enter by Mr. Holtrop to ensure only a certain number of people are in the building at one time.
• Students entering any Wheaton Academy facility need to wear a face mask/covering. All staff will wear face coverings while in the building as well.
• Hand sanitizer will be made available in school buildings for staff and students.

Below are the assigned days for students. If you have multiple siblings in your family, please bring both/all siblings on the oldest sibling’s assigned day. For example, if you have a junior and freshman student, both should come on Monday, June 1.

• Tuesday, May 26 – Seniors (class of 2020)
• Monday, June 1 – Juniors (class of 2021)
• Tuesday, June 2 – Sophomores (class of 2022)
• Wednesday, June 3 – Freshman (class of 2023)
• Thursday, June 4 – Incoming Freshman (class of 2024) and transfers who are attending Summer Academy: Surface Pick-Up Day

All Activities need to be completed between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on assigned days above. Complete the activities that pertain to your student:

• Book Rental Returns (bundles only) – Commons
• Academic Locker cleanout – Academic Building
• Surface return days for seniors – Commons
• Choir uniform return for seniors only – Commons
• Return tux, Return Music, clean out music locker, return borrowed instruments – FAC bandroom
• Athletic Locker cleanout – Fieldhouse – entry at office door only
• Ceramics picked up – FAC – side door entrance by cube
• Visual Art picked up – FAC – side door entrance by cube
• Pick up prescription meds, PRN meds, EpiPens, Diabetic supplies, etc. – Commons. If medications are not picked up during this time, families should contact Rachel Austin, or the medicine will be properly disposed of over the summer. 

Summer Academy Details
Wheaton Academy is committed to the health and well-being of all our students, and we will do all that we can to provide them outstanding learning opportunities even amid the current COVID-19 crisis.  In light of current government restrictions for gathering and our desire to plan for and provide an excellent educational experience, Wheaton Academy has decided to run Summer Academy through a synchronous learning platform.  This means that all Summer Academy classes will be online with portions of class being live each day.  Teachers will be conducting live instruction for up to 90 minutes at a time during the AM and PM classes.  Full-day science classes will have multiple portions of live instruction spread throughout the 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. class runtime.  When not receiving live instruction, students will be expected to complete independent work, small group work, or receive 1-on-1 guidance from teachers.  

Our morning and afternoon classes will be calibrated to account for 3-4 hours of work each day (a combination of synchronous instruction and independent work).  Full-day science classes will be calibrated to account for 6-7 hours of work each day (a combination of synchronous instruction and independent work).  The day-long science classes will also include a lab element that may require students to pick up equipment from Wheaton Academy to take home and/or use basic home items to conduct labs (we will release a list of what these items will be in advance of the class).  We will expect students to be ready for classroom learning each day, starting at the classes assigned start time.  This means that students will need to be ready to start learning from home at 8:00 a.m. for the AM and Science classes and 1:00 p.m. for the PM classes.

Wheaton Academy believes that the Summer Academy classes will build upon the excellent foundation of E-Learning already established in the spring.  We will take what we have learned an apply it to Summer Academy classes to make for an outstanding learning experience for all students involved.

Incoming freshmen and transfers will be able to pick up their Microsoft Surfaces on Thursday, June 4.  We will also host a webinar on Thursday, June 4, at 7:00 p.m. for all incoming freshmen and parents.  The webinar will include vital information on how to use the Microsoft Surface, how to access our Learning Management System call OnCampus, and how to best prepare for the adjustment to Summer Academy.   

We will be releasing more details and expectations as Summer Academy approaches.  Feel free to reach out to Angie Roberts (aroberts@wheatonacademy.org) with any registration questions and contact Brad Thornton (bthornton@wheatonacademy.org) with questions specific to classes or synchronous learning.

Thank you – Brad Thornton

Summer Academy registration is now open.

Register for Summer Academy

If you have any questions, please contact Angie Roberts.

A Few Items for Seniors:

1. We wanted to remind you about yearbook ads. Without any spring sports or activities, the yearbook, unfortunately, will not be featuring as many photos of our students as planned. So, we are extending the deadline for our senior ads. You may want to consider this ad as a way that you can honor your child during these times. Here is the information: Senior yearbook ads will again be available for purchase for $150 per quarter-page ad.  Fees for ads will include a yearbook at no additional cost.  If you order a senior ad, you do not need to order a yearbook through the Jostens website. You may click here for an example of what an ad should look like. Please submit ads by May 15 by mailing in a check to the school. Checks may be made payable to Wheaton Academy (to the attention of Jim Holtrop).

2. If you have not submitted a senior picture for your student (we are missing 60 senior photos), please submit a headshot to yearbook@wheatonacademy.org as soon as possible.

3. Seniors need to return their Surface Pro 6 in its case with the pen attached, and the charger clearly labeled with your name.   Please return the Surface Pro 6 clean and without any other stickers on it or the case besides the name tag and the serial number sticker – do not remove those.  Before you return your Surface Pro 6, please make sure you have copied any files that you wish to retain, either to cloud storage such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, or to removable media such as a flash drive.  All data on your Surface Pro 6 will be permanently erased! The return date is May 26 in the Commons.

Winterim Trips 2021
Normally Wheaton Academy announces Winterim trips in April, but due to COVID-19, we have decided to delay the release of trip information until August.  When school resumes in August, we will unveil the 2021 trip experiences along with application information.  

Yearbook Order Deadline is May 15!
WA yearbooks are for sale again this year for last year’s price of $25.00 each.  Your 2019-2020 yearbook is now available for purchase at www.jostensyearbooks.com.  Go to the Yearbooks dropdown to find “Buy your Yearbook,” then search Wheaton Academy to finish your purchase. They will only be for sale through the website. We do not want you to miss out on receiving a yearbook, so please order yours today! If you do not order via the Jostens link, you will be unable to receive a yearbook next fall. DEADLINE IS MAY 15!

WA Service Team Sign-Ups
The Sign-Up link for the WA 2020-2021 Service Team is now live. You may click here to access it. We encourage students and families to sign up early. Contact Jim Holtrop at jholtrop@wheatonacademy.org if you have any questions. To read additional information regarding the WA Service Teams, click here.

College Corner

There are no new announcements at this time.

Upcoming Events

WA HOMESTAYING WEEK
May 4-9, 2020

We hope you enjoyed our Escape Room weekend, and plans are being made for Escape Room #2.  We are very excited about our upcoming Homestaying Week, May 4-9. We have many activities planned for students and families. The winning class will receive a Jamba Juice day in the fall.  If seniors win, a date will be determined. Please see the information below for date and details:HomeStaying Info and Details

SPIRIT DAYS

Best dressed student each day will get a $50.00 Chipotle gift card. Winners determined by creativity and originality, using items in the house. Students are to submit one picture of themselves to homestaying@wheatonacademy.org by 2:00 p.m. each day.  Must include name and grade.

Monday May 4: May the Fourth be with you. (Star Wars Day)
Send in your best  “Force be with You” action shots.

Tuesday May 5: Clash Day
Send a picture in your craziest outfit. Extra points if your background is crazy as well! Extra points for craziest pose!

Wednesday May 6: Zoom Group Day
Send a picture of your zoom screen with your favorite ensemble—it could be a movie theme, TV theme, animals, etc. (any themed group). Get your family members to join you! Extra points if it is with your advisory group.

Thursday May 7: Throwback Thursday
Send in a picture of your childhood and a picture of a reenactment today. Extra points if family members are in pictures too!

Friday May 8: Meme You Day
Send original memes of your day’s activities.

CLASS COMPETITIONS

Wednesday, May 6: Service Project for GoMinistries:  10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Drop off gently used shoes/cleats for the DR.
Class containers will be set up in the circle drop off, and shoes can be “tossed” into them as you drive by. The class with most shoes will win the competition.

Thursday, May 7: Kahoot Trivia Night:  8:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Watch onCampus for information. 

Friday, May 8: Scavenger Hunt
Participate in class Scavenger hunt during the hours 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Class with the most points wins. Watch onCampus for information. 

Saturday, May 9: Escape room Version 2 for all the WA community. Details coming next week

Online WA Parent Gathering 
Tuesday, May 5, at 7:00 p.m. 
These are extraordinary times for our families and our students. As parents, we have new opportunities and new challenges. How can we use this time to strengthen our faith and family relationships? Wheaton Academy invites you to a zoom online parent gathering with Dr. Rob and Amy Rienow on Tuesday, May 5, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Rob and Amy have two WA graduates, and two current students. They are the founders of Visionary Family Ministries, have authored several books on family relationships, and lead parenting conferences nationally and internationally. At this informal online gathering, Rob and Amy will share what the Lord is teaching them during this unusual time and share biblical and practical ways we can point our students toward the Lord. There will also be plenty of time for Q and A. You can join this call via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85407676238 (Meeting ID: 854 0767 6238) at the scheduled time above. It will also broadcast live on Facebook: www.facebook.com/visionaryfam

General News

A Message from the Principal
The calendar has turned to May, and with it, hopefully, nicer weather.  Each morning I go for a walk, and lately, I have been enjoying the buds on the trees, reminding me of the new life that comes each spring.  This reminded me of the life and hope we have because of Jesus Christ.   My prayer for each of us this weekend is that we might find great hope in Jesus’ words, “I AM the way, the truth, and the life.”  Praying you and your student will be able to take time and experience the abundance of life in Christ this weekend.  –Kori Hockett

Important Items:

• We are excited for the first Wheaton Academy HomeStaying week next week – keep an eye out for fun ways for students and families to engage with our community in a whole new way.  I can’t wait to see who wins! 
• I hope that our first “flex” Friday was productive and helpful for students.  As we continue with E-learning, please encourage your student to communicate with their teachers and Student Services so that we can continue to help them succeed and meet their needs.
• Please click here for the E-Learning Week 6 Recap.

Updated Book Return Dates, Locker Cleanout, and Surface Drop-Off for Seniors
As was stated last week, we are in the stages of planning, so please note we have updated the following dates. We have scheduled one date for each class to come to WA. Students will clear out lockers, drop-off books (for bundle rentals only), clear out athletic lockers, drop off dry-cleaned choir and band uniforms, drop off Surfaces/Surface pens/Surface chargers (senior class only needs to do this) and pick-up ceramics/artwork. The drop-off location will be the Commons. We will provide very specific instructions with the Illinois State Board of Education guidelines regarding social distancing and entering the school building at a later date. Here are the dates to mark your calendars:

• Tuesday, May 26 – Seniors (class of 2020)
• Monday, June 1 – Juniors (class of 2021)
• Tuesday, June 2 – Sophomores (class of 2022)
• Wednesday, June 3 – Incoming Freshman (class of 2024) and transfers Surface Pick-Up Day
• Thursday, June 4 – Freshman (class of 2023)

A Few Items for Seniors:
1. We wanted to remind you about yearbook ads. Without any spring sports or activities, the yearbook, unfortunately, will not be featuring as many photos of our students as planned. So, we are extending the deadline for our senior ads. You may want to consider this ad as a way that you can honor your child during these times. Here is the information: Senior yearbook ads will again be available for purchase for $150 per quarter-page ad.  Fees for ads will include a yearbook at no additional cost.  If you order a senior ad, you do not need to order a yearbook through the Jostens website. You may click here for an example of what an ad should look like. Please submit ads by May 15by mailing in a check to the school. Checks may be made payable to Wheaton Academy (to the attention of Jim Holtrop).

2. If you have not submitted a senior picture for your student (we are missing 60 senior photos), please submit a headshot to yearbook@wheatonacademy.org as soon as possible.

3. Seniors need to return their Surface Pro 6 in its case with the pen attached, and the charger clearly labeled with your name.   Please return the Surface Pro 6 clean and without any other stickers on it or the case besides the name tag and the serial number sticker – do not remove those.  Before you return your Surface Pro 6, please make sure you have copied any files that you wish to retain, either to cloud storage such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, or to removable media such as a flash drive.  All data on your Surface Pro 6 will be permanently erased! The return date is May 26 in the Commons.

Winterim Trips 2021
Normally Wheaton Academy announces Winterim trips in April, but due to COVID-19, we have decided to delay the release of trip information until August.  When school resumes in August, we will unveil the 2021 trip experiences along with application information.  

Yearbook Order Deadline is May 15!
WA yearbooks are for sale again this year for last year’s price of $25.00 each.  Your 2019-2020 yearbook is now available for purchase at www.jostensyearbooks.com.  Go to the Yearbooks dropdown to find “Buy your Yearbook,” then search Wheaton Academy to finish your purchase. They will only be for sale through the website. We do not want you to miss out on receiving a yearbook, so please order yours today! If you do not order via the Jostens link, you will be unable to receive a yearbook next fall. DEADLINE IS MAY 15!

WA Service Team Sign-Ups
The Sign-Up link for the WA 2020-2021 Service Team is now live. You may click here to access it. We encourage students and families to sign up early. Contact Jim Holtrop at jholtrop@wheatonacademy.org if you have any questions. To read additional information regarding the WA Service Teams, click here.

Summer Academy
Summer Academy registration is now open. Please click here to register.
If you have any questions, please contact Angie Roberts.

College Corner
There are no new announcements at this time.

Upcoming Events

WA Women’s Prayer
Tuesday, April 28
1:30-2:10 p.m.
Zoom Meeting
On Tuesdays, the WA Women’s Prayer Group will meet from 1:30 p.m. – 2:10 p.m. via Zoom. 

Meeting ID: 954 300 588
Password: Prayer 
Link to join: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/954300588?pwd=ZjdVajg2dDE0Z1JzeUtiQUlJZlRjQT09

Please contact Sarah Gieser or Claudia Fabela with questions.

General News

A Message from the Principal
As we have moved into over forty days being apart from one another, many different feelings and emotions kick in – I can go from gratitude to grief in the course of a day.  Our students and faculty continue to do a great job in these circumstances.  Hard times reveal character, and this has revealed the character, perseverance, kindness, and hope of our students and faculty. 

I have been reading through the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua, and over and over, the words “Be strong and courageous, for the Lord is with you,” are repeated.  I think they are repeated because we all so quickly forget.  These words have encouraged me this week.  We are praying for you, your students, and your families that through this time, you would have courage and that you would know that the Lord provides us strength. 

Thank you for your on-going support.  Blessings to you this weekend – Kori Hockett

Some important information:

• If your student is struggling with E-learning, please reach out to their teacher and Student Services.  We understand this affects all students differently, and we are working with families to help students find success in this time.
• “HomeStaying” week will be May 4-8 – this is a fun week where we will have challenges, competitions, and other activities to engage our community.  Encourage your student to participate.
• Beginning May 1, Friday flex days will be in place.  This will allow students to catch up on work and turn it in, get feedback from teachers, and get help where needed.  These days will also allow our 200 students who are taking AP exams time to study and prepare.

Faculty Office Hours
Please click here for a list of virtual office hours teachers are available.

Book Rental Returns
Some families have been asking how our book rental return will work since we are doing E-Learning. While we haven’t completely decided on the procedure, we want you to know that there will be a staggered drive-through drop-off for rentals on May 27, 28, & 29. We will communicate the procedure as details become finalized.

Senior Parents
We wanted to remind you about yearbook ads. Without any spring sports or activities, the yearbook, unfortunately, will not be featuring as many photos of our students as planned. So, we are extending the deadline for our senior ads. You may want to consider this ad as a way that you can honor your child during these times. Here is the information:

Parents, senior yearbook ads will again be available for purchase for $150 per quarter-page ad.  Fees for ads will include a yearbook at no additional cost.  If you order a senior ad, you do not need to order a yearbook through the Jostens website. You may click here for an example of what an ad should look like. Please submit ads by May 15.

WA Service Team Sign-Ups
The Sign-Up link for the WA 2020-2021 Service Team is now live. You may click here to access it. We encourage students and families to sign up early. Contact Jim Holtrop at jholtrop@wheatonacademy.org if you have any questions. To read additional information regarding the WA Service Teams, click here.

Summer Academy
Summer Academy registration is now open. Please click here to register.
If you have any questions, please contact Angie Roberts.

College Corner

There are no new announcements at this time.

Upcoming Events

Virtual Mr. WA!
Saturday, April 18
7:00 p.m.
Please join us this Saturday, April 18, for our annual Mr. WA performance! Since 2005, Wheaton Academy students have come together every year to put on a student-run production called Mr. WA. This event is designed to not only develop the community of the student body, but also raise money for the 25 Haitian and Dominican children that our school sponsors through our global ministry project, Project REACH. This year, the production will be virtual! Mr. WA will premiere on Saturday, April 18, at 7:00 p.m. Click hereto learn more about Wheaton Academy’s partnership with Kids Alive, donate, and watch the premiere on Saturday!

WA Women’s Prayer
Tuesdays, April 21 and 28
1:30-2:10 p.m.
Zoom Meeting
On Tuesdays, the WA Women’s Prayer Group will meet from 1:30 p.m. – 2:10 p.m. via Zoom. 
Meeting ID: 954 300 588
Password: Prayer 
Link to join: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/954300588?pwd=ZjdVajg2dDE0Z1JzeUtiQUlJZlRjQT09
Please contact Sarah Gieser or Claudia Fabela with questions.

General News

A Message from the Principal
As many of you heard today, Governor Pritzker made the announcement we will have to finish school in an E-learning platform.  This is such a disappointment as it is not what we wanted for the end of this school year.  Our team has been planning for many scenarios, including this one, to ensure that our students have the best experience we can provide, given these circumstances.  On Monday, April 20, I will be sending out an email and releasing a video with details you will need regarding the end of the year. 

Our students and teachers have already persevered through these circumstances so well, and we will continue to do that as we complete the year.  This weekend I am claiming Isaiah 40:28-31:

Do you not know?  Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Thank goodness that God does not get tired, and that because of Him, our hope and strength are real. 

Blessings and gratitude – Kori Hockett 

A few items:

• Thank you for your feedback on the survey last week.  Please encourage your students to continue to provide their teachers with accurate information about what they need and how long assignments are taking.  We want to work with students to help and support their individual learning needs. 
• As much as we love having people on our campus, we have closed down our outdoor athletic facilities.  Will you please help us enforce this by making sure that your kids stay off our fields until we get beyond this pandemic?  We really appreciate your help with this.  Thank you.

• As your students have needs, Wheaton Academy’s Student Services team is available and continuing to reach out to and help support students.  They are continuing to provide academic and social-emotional support. Additionally, our college counseling will continue during this time to help juniors and seniors navigate. They will work with students to support them and help them succeed.
• If you need to reach one of our staff members you can email:
  • Hollee Ball (hball@wheatonacademy.org)
  • Erin Carwell (ecarwell@wheatonacademy.org)
  • Gina Churchill (gchurchill@wheatonacademy.org)
  • Kermit Ellison (kellison@wheatonacademy.org)
  • Bart Gregersen (bgregersen@wheatonacademy.org)
• This weekend don’t forget to tune in to “virtual” Mr. WA on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. 
• Next Friday, April 24, we will not have school.  Students will have all classes Monday and Tuesday, and block schedule Wednesday and Thursday.  Friday will be a well deserved day off.
• If you are curious about some of the great things happening in E-learning, check out this link: https://wheatonacademy.org/e-learning-week-4/

Faculty Office Hours
Please click here for a list of virtual office hours teachers are available.

Health Office Update
We are praying that you and your family are staying well during this time! We want to continue to support our WA community and are available by email to answer any health-related questions or concerns you may have. 

If any member of your household receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, please report this to our nurses by sending an email to nurse@wheatonacademy.org. This information will be used to monitor the spread of COVID-19 within our community and will be kept as confidential medical information. 

We encourage families to continue referring to the following websites for the most current, factual information regarding COVID-19:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
• DuPage County Health Department

We are so thankful for the hope that we have in Christ during this uncertain time! We are praying for you! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Blessings, 
Rachel Austin, RN
Julie Grant, RN  

Wheaton Academy Tutoring Center – Help Available
The Wheaton Academy Tutoring Center tutors are busy helping students with their e-learning via FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, etc. If you would like more information on how to get help for your student, please go to wa-tutoring.org.

WA Service Team Sign-Ups
The Sign-Up link for the WA 2020-2021 Service Team is now live. You may click here to access it. We encourage students and families to sign up early. Contact Jim Holtrop at jholtrop@wheatonacademy.org if you have any questions. To read additional information regarding the WA Service Teams, click here.

Summer Academy
Summer Academy registration is now open. Please click here to register.
If you have any questions, please contact Angie Roberts.

College Corner

College Board PSAT/SAT/AP Update
We wanted to inform you that the PSAT and SAT dates in April and May have been canceled.  Currently, the next scheduled SAT date is for the first week in June.  We will keep you updated as information about these tests is released.  You can find updates on the PSAT/SAT tests here: https://pages.collegeboard.org/sat-covid-19-updates

In regards to the AP exam, College Board has announced that AP exams will still be administered this spring, just in a drastically different format and with a new schedule.  Students will be able to take tests from home on their computers.  No action is needed from you to get students registered – this already happened as part of the initial registration process.  Teachers of AP classes will be in touch with their classes regarding the changes and new test times.  For your reference, please click below for updates on AP exam content and the new schedule. https://apcoronavirusupdates.collegeboard.org/students

General News

A Message from the Principal
We have come to the end of another week.  I am so thankful and proud of the students and teachers in the Wheaton Academy community.  This is a really hard situation, and they continue to rise up and find opportunities and good.  We have a special group of students, and I am so grateful to you as their parents – even though no one of us is handling this perfectly, our students are showing perseverance, hope, and gratitude. 

As we have walked through Holy Week, it has brought even more poignant reflection on the amazing grace and love Christ showed at the cross.  I don’t know about you, but I keep finding my thoughts going to the question when is this all going to be finished?  I want to know when these circumstances and restrictions will end. 

My thoughts drifted to Good Friday, and I was humbled and thankful that while Jesus hung on the cross for my sin, for your sin, for the sins of the world, he cried out with the powerful words, ”IT IS FINISHED.”  Because of Jesus, we can proclaim the truth of I Corinthians 15:55-57:

“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This Easter, I am so grateful that Jesus has given us the victory in our salvation and relationship with Him, now and forever.  I pray your family will be encouraged that most importantly, we do have the answer to our question – when is this finished?  It already is because of Jesus and His love for us.  Blessings to you this Easter.
—Kori Hockett

Here are a few quick reminders:

• Thank you so much for those of you who have given us feedback to help us meet the many different needs of students during this time.  If you could take a few minutes and fill out the following survey, it would be very helpful as we continue to refine and evaluate how best to meet students’ needs at this time. E-LEARNING PARENT SURVEY
• As much as we love having people on our campus, we have closed down our outdoor athletic facilities.  Will you please help us enforce this by making sure that your kids stay off our fields until we get beyond this pandemic?  We really appreciate your help with this.  Thank you.
• Students have done a great job adjusting to some of the changes we implemented this week.  We want to encourage them to continue to give honest and open feedback to their teachers.  Teachers are asking students about assignments and instruction and want to know what they are experiencing.  Please encourage them to be honest and also connect with teachers during their virtual office hours.  Many teachers are holding class meetings, help sessions, and times to connect throughout the week – encourage your student to take advantage of these times to be “together while separate.”
• As we walk through these circumstances, students will have a variety of reactions, including stress, anxiety, fear, and other negative emotions.  Wheaton Academy’s Student Services team is available and continuing to reach out to and help support students.  If you need to reach one of our staff members you can email:
  • Hollee Ball (hball@wheatonacademy.org)
  • Erin Carwell (ecarwell@wheatonacademy.org)
  • Gina Churchill (gchurchill@wheatonacademy.org)
  • Kermit Ellison (kellison@wheatonacademy.org)
  • Bart Gregersen (bgregersen@wheatonacademy.org)

They are continuing to provide academic and social-emotional support.  Additionally, our college counseling will continue during this time to help juniors and seniors navigate. 

Masks
Wheaton Academy parents in China recently sent us a large shipment of masks to be shared with our school community.  If you would like to pick up these masks, please come by the school drop off circle Monday April 13 between 4 and 5 p.m. and we will provide a box of 50 to each family. Masks will in small boxes, placed along the curb of the drop off circle so each family can take a box or two according to their needs.  We are thankful for this gift from our Chinese families and look forward to sharing their generosity with you.

Stay Connected through Wheaton Academy Social Media
A great way to stay connected to the school is to subscribe to our social media platforms. You can watch chapel, waTV segments, or see messages from our principal. To subscribe to these channels, you may go to the following links:

www.facebook.com/WheatonAcademy
www.twitter.com/WheatonAcademy
www.twitter.com/theRealWAtv
www.youtube.com/WheatonAcademyOrg
www.instagram.com/Wheaton_Academy
www.instagram.com/theRealWAtv

Health Office Update
We are praying that you and your family are staying well during this time! We want to continue to support our WA community and are available by email to answer any health-related questions or concerns you may have. 

If any member of your household receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, please report this to our nurses by sending an email to nurse@wheatonacademy.org. This information will be used to monitor the spread of COVID-19 within our community and will be kept as confidential medical information. 

We encourage families to continue referring to the following websites for the most current, factual information regarding COVID-19:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
• DuPage County Health Department

We are so thankful for the hope that we have in Christ during this uncertain time! We are praying for you! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Blessings, 
Rachel Austin, RN
Julie Grant, RN  

Wheaton Academy Tutoring Center – Help Available
The Wheaton Academy Tutoring Center tutors are busy helping students with their e-learning via FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, etc. If you would like more information on how to get help for your student, please go to wa-tutoring.org.

WA Service Team Sign-Ups
The Sign-Up link for the WA 2020-2021 Service Team is now live. You may click here to access it. We encourage students and families to sign up early. Contact Jim Holtrop at jholtrop@wheatonacademy.org if you have any questions. To read additional information regarding the WA Service Teams, click here.

Summer Academy
Summer Academy registration is now open. Please click here to register.
If you have any questions, please contact Angie Roberts.

Order Your Yearbook Now!
WA yearbooks are for sale again this year for last year’s price of $25.00 each. Your 2019-2020 yearbook is now available for purchase at www.jostensyearbooks.com. Go to the Yearbooks dropdown to find “Buy your Yearbook,” then search Wheaton Academy to finish your purchase. They will only be for sale through the website. We do not want you to miss out on receiving a yearbook, so please order yours today! If you do not order via the Jostens link, you will be unable to receive a yearbook next fall. 

College Corner

College Board PSAT/SAT/AP Update
We wanted to inform you that the PSAT and SAT dates in April and May have been canceled.  Currently, the next scheduled SAT date is for the first week in June.  We will keep you updated as information about these tests is released.  You can find updates on the PSAT/SAT tests here: https://pages.collegeboard.org/sat-covid-19-updates

In regards to the AP exam, College Board has announced that AP exams will still be administered this spring, just in a drastically different format and with a new schedule.  Students will be able to take tests from home on their computers.  No action is needed from you to get students registered – this already happened as part of the initial registration process.  Teachers of AP classes will be in touch with their classes regarding the changes and new test times.  For your reference, please click below for updates on AP exam content and the new schedule. https://apcoronavirusupdates.collegeboard.org/students