The Weilenmann School of Discovery officially kicked off the school year with its inaugural Summit Summer Send-Off, held at Woodward Park City on Saturday. This event brought together families, students, and staff to celebrate the end of summer and welcome the upcoming year.
Scott Stewart, the new Executive Director who took the helm this summer, reflected on the significance of this event for the school community. With a history at Weilenmann dating back to its opening in 2010, Stewart expressed the importance of community connection.
“What a great moment for the community to have this event where everybody can come together. We want to see everybody, and it doesn’t have to be our school; it’s for all kids to come, all families to come and have a great time,” said Stewart.
As he steps into his new role, Stewart emphasized that his primary focus will be on inspiring teachers who make a difference in students’ lives.
“I always describe myself as an English teacher masquerading as the executive director,” Stewart said. “I love teaching, and it’s important to me that we are always inspiring our kids.”
Principal Elizabeth Phillips also shared her perspective on the close relationship between Weilenmann and Woodward Park City. The action-sports facility is a natural extension of the school’s classrooms, allowing students to learn independence and teamwork as they walk there together after school.
“Woodward is actually invaluable to what we do at Weilenmann. It complements our program so, so well,” Phillips stated. “Our kids get to come here and get creative with their sports and their bodies, and just take who they are as students and build that bridge into who they are as community members and athletes.”
Woodward is integral to Weilenmann’s curriculum, particularly with the Adventure PE program, where students can engage in a variety of activities throughout the school year, such as trampolining, skateboarding, and skiing.
The Summit Summer Send-Off, held at Woodward, served as a perfect venue for students to celebrate returning to school in a familiar and nurturing environment. Chris Spencer, Director of Guest Experience at Woodward and parent of two Weilenmann students, highlighted the commitment to creating a safe space for the community.
“We always want to create a safe space for your kids, yourself, and the whole community,” Spencer stated. “It’s been an awesome experience having them as neighbors up the street.”
For many families, the event was an opportunity to connect before the schools resumed. Matt Smith, who has two children entering fourth and sixth grades at Weilenmann, appreciated the chance to meet other parents and ease the transition into a new school.
“It’s all new for us, and this is a really good way for us to meet people before the year starts,” said Smith.
Smith’s family, residing in Heber, chose Weilenmann for its outdoor focus and its community feel, preferring it over larger public schools closer to home.
Others, like Marian Cartin, attended the event to participate in the affordable family fun it provided, even though they are not Weilenmann parents.
“This was really about it being an affordable night to come and get to be surrounded by other people in the community,” said Cartin.
Longtime Weilenmann supporter Sarah Smith shared her family’s positive experiences with the school, particularly in relation to her daughter, who receives special education services.
“My daughter’s in special ed, and she’s had a good experience. They’ve just done a really good job with her,” Smith noted.
The Adventure PE program encompasses outdoor activities for middle schoolers, allowing them to explore and develop various skills while fostering a sense of community. Seventh grader Lily Swapp described her excitement for the upcoming year, particularly for the Adventure PE classes.
“I’m really excited for Adventure PE,” Swapp said. “It’s really fun to get out of school and explore and do a lot of new things.”
Foster Maziarz, who has been classmates with Swapp since kindergarten, expressed his eagerness to reconnect with teachers and dive back into the academic year.
“I really like talking to the teachers because they’re really cool,” Maziarz shared.
The holistic approach of Weilenmann School has left a lasting impact, as illustrated by former student and Olympic silver medalist Haley Batten. Having attended the school from 2010 to 2013, Batten credits her educational experience there with fostering her passion for learning.
“I really enjoyed my educational experience here, and I think it made me very passionate about education as well,” Batten said. “Weilenmann celebrated learning outside the classroom.”
The Summit Summer Send-Off proved to be a successful way to foster community spirit and prepare students and families for the school year ahead. With the school starting on Wednesday, the excitement among families, students, and staff grows as they look forward to another enriching year at the Weilenmann School of Discovery.
image source from：parkrecord
