Instructors
Course Description And Objectives
In this course, students will learn grammar, spelling, Latin roots, composition styles (biography, auto-biography, persuasive, cause-effect, poetry, newsletter, etc.) and a biographical sketch of Noah Webster through researching, reasoning, relating, and recording.
Students will explore key thematic questions such as:
• How does my ability to read, reason, and relate effect the choices I make and my overall freedom?
• How can I use God’s gift of language to express my ideas, thoughts, and feelings in a respectful, articulate, and correct manner of expression?
All of our learning will be principle-based. We will use the notebook method as a way of recording. We will be writing across all subjects of the curriculum. In addition to being able to discuss their learning, students will demonstrate their understanding of these topics through daily assignments, writing assignments, oral reports, and memorizations. The most reliable way to receive specific information about course work, including topics and timing, is through the teacher’s weekly email. For many students, the most challenging part of class is to record all assignments in their best cursive, and stay focused and keep up with the lessons. To support your student, please consider reviewing your child’s homework each night. This includes the weekly memorization and spelling review, as well as a twenty-minute daily reading time. Please allow for and help your child find a quiet place for one hour of homework each night.
Spelling, Greek & Latin Roots
Spalding: The Writing Road to Reading (Teacher resource)
Students will continue to review and study words which are most commonly used, as well as studying and applying prefixes, suffixes, and Greek & Latin roots.
Grammar
Students will study parts of speech, parts of a sentence, types of sentences, diagramming, editing and mechanics. Students will be able to apply grammar concepts correctly in casual and formal speaking and writing.
Vocabulary
Students will study vocabulary from class literature sources and be able to use context clues, grammar skills, and dictionaries to determine definitions and connotations.
Cursive
Students will continue to practice correct and neat cursive formation. Cursive will be required for all written assignments throughout the curriculum.
Word Studies
Students will learn how to Research, Reason, Relate and Record specifically assigned principle-based words. Students will be able to research the definition (including related synonyms); reason and record the meaning of the word through individually selected relative quotes from LDS leaders and other wise men and women; relate ways to personally apply the reasoned principle; and then conclude with a personal definition based on their research, reasoning, and personal relating in a well-written complete paragraph.
Composition
Applying the 4-R-ing process, students will be able to relate their understanding of concepts from spelling, roots, grammar, vocabulary and cursive and record their work in complete and well-reasoned paragraphs (topic/thesis sentence, details, conclusion sentence) throughout all areas of the curriculum. Students will learn how to write 5 paragraph essays for various topics throughout the curriculum, including research and works cited skills.
Memorization
Students will be able to memorize and recite assigned scriptures, quotes, and/or official documents. Sixth graders will be memorizing “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.” This will be broken down into paragraphs to be memorized January through May. Students will be able to practice using proper public speaking skills: eye contact, poise, articulation, inflection, and projection throughout their recitations. Student will be able to apply their memorization and speaking skills to oral report presentations assigned throughout the curriculum.
Literature
Course Description And Objectives
In this course, students will learn the “Seven Loves of Literature” and how to choose good reading material. We will study the author, background, settings, themes, and vocabulary of the following novels: The Children’s Homer, The Bronze Bow, and Men of Iron.
Students will explore key thematic messages such as:
• The Plan of Salvation: symbols, archetypes, parallels, and similarities with Latter-Day Saint theology.
• Personal mission and purpose relating to God’s plan for the individuality of his children.
• Overcoming the natural man through comparing and contrasting internal and external character qualities.
All seven FACE principles will be discovered and discussed in each of these novels through the teacher reading aloud, researching, reasoning, relating, and recording. We will complete word studies, research vocabulary, and complete character charts of the major and supportive characters. We will use the notebook method for recording. We will have daily discussions. In addition to being able to discuss their learning, students will demonstrate their understanding of these topics through daily vocabulary notebook additions, chapter work, reading comprehension assessments, oral presentations, group discussions and individual and group work. The most reliable way to receive specific information about course work, including topics and timing, is through the teacher’s weekly email. For many students, the most challenging part of class is to participate and assess on the significant amount of reasoning, relating, and writing involved. If a student keeps focused and remains on task during a lesson, he/she will not have daily literature homework. To support your student, please consider having a daily conversation about the day’s lesson to help determine understanding. Also, please ask your child about any principles he/she may have reasoned and related.
Rohan was born and raised in South Africa. After immigrating to the United States with his family he attended school at Brigham Young University – Idaho where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. He also focused on the areas of Criminology and Spanish while obtaining his degree. During his youth he was selected to represent South Africa as a pitcher in the youth fast pitch softball team. He and his wife are the proud parents of their son and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second son. He feels it is a privilege to be able to teach at American Heritage and looks forward to being a part of the staff.
Those who know Tricia well describe her as faithful, fearless, and fun. A native of Las Vegas, Nevada, Tricia grew up playing club soccer, but she discovered the “celestial sport”—ultimate—during college. She quickly gained an affinity for ultimate during the early years of the Orem Ultimate League. Tricia is a graduate of BYU with a bachelor of science in zoology. She is a USAU certified coach and has a passion for teaching and organizing youth activities, especially athletics. In neighborhoods where she has lived, she is known as the “Kool-Aid Mom” because children flock to her to play whatever sport she is found organizing on any given day. She and her husband are the parents of five children—two boys, both of who attend AHS, and three girls whom Tricia teaches at home. The Andersens’ favorite activities together typically involve BYU sports, service, kayaking, hiking, good books, music, dancing, or making pizza.
Ryan Anderson comes to American Heritage School having taught life sciences and served as an administrator for Tuacahn High School in St. George for the last eleven years. Ryan is a native of Soda Springs, Idaho. He served a mission in Paris France, then married Lorna Lee Robbins, of Pocatello in 1986. After attending BYU, he graduated with honors from the Southern California University of Health Sciences in 1990 and …. completed a Master’s degree in Educational Technology in 2018. After taking a medical retirement from private chiropractic practice in Idaho, the family moved to St. George where they lived for 12 years. While in St. George, Ryan also performed leading roles for five seasons on the Tuacahn professional amphitheater stage. The family enjoys music and being together hiking and camping. Ryan is excited to join the American Heritage family of faculty and students. His wife Lorna Lee graduated with a degree in elementary education from BYU.
Kathy is a musician and educator. She comes to American Heritage School with 23 years of experience teaching piano and working closely with youth across the valley. She is excited to be a part of the school community and a support to teachers and students in her new position as classroom aide. She and her husband Ric have five children, who are all married, and eight grandchildren.
Yahosh comes to American Heritage having served as the Director of Basketball Operations for Southern Utah University, Assistant Coach at Western Nebraska Community College, and most recently as the Head Varsity Basketball Coach at American Leadership Academy, where he also taught a “Values in Leadership” course and served as the “Voice of the Eagles” announcer for several sports. Yahosh served an LDS mission in Tampa, Florida, and is a second-generation member of the LDS faith (his parents joined the Church in Connecticut). He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communications from the University of Northern Colorado and Southern Utah University, respectively. He played basketball at the University of Northern Colorado, where he was named the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and where he also competed in track (long jump) and football. In addition to athletics administration and teaching, Yahosh also loves singing and acting. View a music video of the Bonner family’s original composition “I Am Here” and a duet “One Call Away.” Yahosh and his wife, Vanessa, are the parents of two sons and one daughter: Malachi, Samaiah, and Nehemiah.
Lisa is a highly trained and experienced conductor, violinist, and singer. She has over 25 years’ experience conducting and coaching youth orchestras of all levels. Prior to joining the Lyceum Orchestra program as a conductor, Lisa conducted with the Timpanogos String Orchestra program (TCO). Students from her program have gone on to study at Eastman, Colburn School of Music, New England Conservatory, Interlochen, MIT, Harvard, Stanford, BYU, and U of U, among others. Lisa is excited to bring her love of working with young musicians to the Lyceum Orchestras program. Mrs. Brodie comes from a musical family. Her mother is a professional violinist and conductor, and all four of Lisa’s children perform professionally in classical, jazz and composition. She currently teaches advanced violin students, loves to play classical and bluegrass mandolin and is currently taking organ lessons. Lisa and her husband, Jeff live in Alpine. They have four children and four grandchildren, two of whom attend AHS.
Nicole was born and raised in a small town in western Michigan. She moved to Utah about 7 years ago to attend Brigham Young University, where she graduated with a degree in Exercise and Wellness and a minor in Spanish. Nicole grew up in a very active home with 3 older brothers and 6 younger siblings. She loves playing sports, hiking, spending time with family, and playing board/card games. Nicole loves the gospel and is excited to get to help the students at AHS grow both physically and spiritually.
Jay Clark has worked in professional theater, dance, opera and touring companies for 20 years before being hired by the LDS Church in 2000 as a Cultural Arts Producer. There he was involved in the 2002 Olympic production, the Christmas presentation, “Savior of the World”, Pageants and many other Church stage and video projects. He loves performing and listening to music and considers being a part of the faculty at AHS the highlight of his professional and personal career. He and his wife Lynda have 6 children and 9 grandchildren.
Alex DeBirk comes to American Heritage after a career in structural engineering. He has designed buildings as large as a skyscraper, as small as a concession stand, and even spent some time with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, working on future satellites and lunar rovers. He received an MS in civil engineering with a emphasis in structural engineering, mechanics and materials from the University of California at Berkeley, and a BS from Brigham Young University with a minor in Japanese. Alex discovered his passion for teaching in high school when he started operating the experiential learning simulators (two of which he designed) at Pleasant Grove’s Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center, or CMSEC. He continued to teach as an LDS missionary in Fukuoka, Japan, and as a physics instructor while in graduate school. He continues to volunteer as the STEM instructor at the CMSEC’s sister program at Renaissance Academy in Lehi, where his latest simulator design is set to open in the summer of 2016. He also has extensive experience in musical theater, having been accepted to BYU’s Music/Dance/Theater program, and performing at Tuacahn, Hale Center Theater, and numerous LDS Church productions in Salt Lake City and Nauvoo. He loves the arts, the sciences, sports and the outdoors. His greatest joy, beside his wife and daughter, is knowing he has had a positive impact in another person.
Holly Dunn, Kindergarten Aide, joined the American Heritage staff in 2016. As a parent of two AHS scholars, she loves the mission and vision of American Heritage School, and enjoys helping students reach their full potential. She and her wonderful husband, Mike, have 6 amazing children, one son-in-law and one daughter-in-law (hopefully, more to come!) and two beautiful grandchildren (again, hopefully, more to come)! They lived in Ithaca, New York for 11 years, and Reading, England for 3 years, before returning to Utah in 2003, for Mike to take a teaching position at BYU. Holly enjoys flower gardening, temple work, serving in various church callings, Sunday family dinners, and date nights!
Suzanne D. Gallup is grateful to be a part of American Heritage School. In 2008, her friend Mrs. Kauffman, who was then an assistant principle at American Heritage School, encouraged her to apply as a substitute and tutor-which she did. Mrs. Gallup was born in Provo, Utah, moved to NYC at age 8, then to Connecticut the next year. She is the oldest of 9. She attended Ricks College, and met her husband from Cardston, Alberta, Canada, before graduating in 1978. Before the wedding in Cardston that summer, she participated in the Hill Cumorah Pageant. She and her husband have 4 children-2 married, and 3 sweet grandchildren. She and her family moved to Cedar Hills in 1986, where a few years later, she began home schooling her children with other friends, including the Kerrtula and Kauffman families. The Gallup family moved to Austin, Texas in 1991 and continued home schooling a few more years. Mrs. Gallup’s children then went to public school, and for 11 years, she was a teacher’s aid and substitute teacher. She also taught early morning seminary and adult continuing education classes in her stake. Her family moved back to Utah in 2007. She volunteered at the MTC for 3 years, and worked 1-½ years as a teachers aid for Timpanogos Academy. Being a part of American Heritage “is like a breath of fresh air-it’s like heaven! I can teach the gospel with any subject matter-as I had done when home schooling. For many years I had not been able to speak of the precious gospel truths to the children and teens I worked with. What a JOY to invite the spirit into the classroom through prayer, and to testify of gospel truths here at American Heritage School. It’s an environment that ignites an appetite for learning, it’s energizing, it’s a way of life!”
Blaine comes to American Heritage with significant experience coaching at the national, collegiate, high school, and youth levels, including Olympic Development Team (Utah Youth Soccer Region IV, 2014–present); Director of Coaching for the Utah Surf Soccer Club (US Youth Soccer; 2013–present); Assistant Coach for SLCC Women’s Soccer Team (2017–present); and Head Coach of the Lone Peak Varsity Boys’ Soccer Team (2010–2015), among others. Coach Hale was drawn to AHS by its mission to produce not only outstanding soccer players, but players of moral character who view soccer as part of a larger principle-oriented mission. He and his wife, Kristin, have four children and live in Alpine.
Anese is thrilled to join the American Heritage team and share her love of music with the students here. She was born in Idaho and raised on a family farm east of Idaho Falls, where she developed a love for music, nature, and work. She is a graduate of Ricks College and BYU and served as a full-time missionary in the New York, Rochester mission. While living in Delaware for 19 years, she has taught private piano lessons as a stay-at-home mother. She has rendered volunteer musical instruction while serving in LDS Church callings, such as Choir Director, Primary Music Director, Primary Pianist, Ward Organist, and Ward Choir Pianist. She enjoys playing the harp and dulcimer as well as piano and organ with additional hobbies in gardening, cooking, canning, and sewing. She and her husband Neil are the parents of four sons and one daughter.
Neil Harmon is a member of the organ faculty at Brigham Young University. An organist, conductor, composer, and teacher, he served 19 years as Director of Music and Organist at Grace United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Delaware. Neil holds a Bachelor of Music degree from BYU and Masters and Doctorate of Musical Arts degrees from The Eastman School of Music. Dr. Harmon’s widely published compositions include a seven-movement Requiem for choir, orchestra, and soprano,
Camille is a graduate from Brigham Young University – Idaho where she received her bachelor’s in History Education with a minor in Math Education. After finishing her degree, she served in the Nicaragua, Managua mission from 2012-2013 where her love for teaching was only strengthened. Camille was raised in Green River, Wyoming where she was homeschooled through elementary school then public schooled through middle school and high school. Because of her unique educational experiences, she developed early on a thirst for knowledge and an enthusiasm for learning. As one of the oldest of seven children, she also grew up with a love for children which is why she later decided to join the teaching profession. Camille is excited to join the staff and students at American Heritage School where high gospel and educational values are embraced. Camille enjoys being with people and making them laugh. Her additional hobbies include reading, puzzles, hiking and enjoying nature.
Laurel has a Bachelor’s Degree from Brigham Young University in Public Relations. After graduation, she worked for Melaleuca, Inc. in Idaho Falls in product development and marketing. Laurel has worked as a freelance writer for various magazines and newsletters. Laurel homeschooled her youngest starting in kindergarten, through the AHS Distance Education program. The Hill Family loves American Heritage and knows how it changes lives, blesses families, teaches children how to think for themselves, and inspires students to love learning. She was a stay at home mom for 20 years. For the past two years, she has worked as a substitute teacher in Jordan School District, substituting in elementary resource classes, and in schools for those with Autism. Laurel has been a substitute teacher for American Heritage for two years in K-12 grades. Her family has been a part of American Heritage for 12 years. Laurel was born and raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She has lived in Utah for 22 years. She and her husband Jay have 4 children who have all attended AHS, three of whom have graduated from AHS. Laurel’s youngest daughter will be in the 6th grade this upcoming school year. Laurel loves to hike, read, play the piano, exercise, cook, and spend time with her family.
Merrilee graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She has taught music and choir classes for 32 years. Merrilee started a children’s choir a few years ago, with whom she enjoyed traveling to many destinations, including Washington, DC. Merrilee has worked in community theater, as a pianist for the American Fork Symphony, and as a choir director in every ward in which she has lived and served. She resides in Cedar Hills with her husband. They have a blended family of nine children and 20 grandchildren with one more coming in December.
Carolyn Lundberg was born and raised in California as the oldest of 8 children who were all trained to perform different musical instruments. She came to Utah on academic and music scholarships to attend Brigham Young University where she completed her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy as a student of Irene Peery-Fox. Carolyn currently plays the harp and cello with local orchestras and has taught many years privately as well as in public school music programs. She conducted and arranged music for an LDS youth orchestra that celebrated the church’s Utah pioneer sesquicentennial anniversary in 2002. She loves teaching music to her 5 children she is raising with her husband Dean as well as the young beginners of Lyceum’s Junior Strings.
Seth received a bachelor’s degree from BYU-Idaho and is currently enrolled in the MBA program at the University of Utah. He grew up in Corona, California. In addition to his work as a writing aide, Seth enjoys ice hockey, attending sporting events, and spending time with family and friends.
Shane Mickelsen is an active composer, arranger, conductor, and teacher. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Utah State University and a Master’s of Music degree in Music Composition from the University of Utah where he also pursued doctoral studies in Music Composition. He is an accomplished clarinetist and recording musician who has recently written for and recorded with The Piano Guys, Paul Cardall, and the LDS Church. Shane regularly conducts recording sessions and recently served as the Music Director of the West Jordan Symphony. At the age of 17, he was commissioned by the School of Music at Utah State University to compose an opera for its Opera Theatre Program which he composed, rehearsed, and directed. The work was recognized with an award from the university and Craig Jessop. As an educator, Shane directed choir, orchestra, and band at American Heritage of South Jordan where he also taught Latin. He currently maintains a private studio of voice, piano, clarinet, and composition students in his home in Riverton with his wife Kacee and daughter Annie.
Jolyn Mitchell has her family roots in California and Utah and has raised her family and lived in Tennessee where she attended Tennessee State University and received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as her Educational Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision. She has been teaching professionally since 1999, specializing in middle school sciences since 2004. Her teaching experience began as a youth teaching primary. She has also been a teacher in seminary, Sunday school and Relief Society, all of which have helped her to develop a love for curriculum, teaching, learning, and youth. Her family history includes a long line of educators, so choosing education as a career was an obvious choice. It is one of her passions, as well as reading, hiking, skiing, traveling and family. Jolyn has five children who live in various places, including Tennessee, Georgia and Utah. She has traveled in Europe, Central America, Canada and Mexico and many places in the USA. Her favorite places are National Parks where she can view God’s perfect creations.
Lacey has been a multiple-sport coach and teacher at American Heritage almost from the day she graduated as one of our finest Patriot alumni! With a degree in Exercise and Wellness from BYU, Lacey loves athletics, basketball, faith-centered learning, and enjoys putting them all together at AHS. She served an LDS mission to the Philippines where she spoke
Kendra graduated with an English degree from Utah Valley University. Kendra went on to earn her Master’s degree in Education after which she taught fourth grade in Taylorsville. Kendra taught elementary school till her daughter was born and was blessed to be able to take a break from teaching to be home with her. She grew up in Northern California and lived there till she came to Utah for college. Kendra and her family enjoy boating, going on bike rides, travelling and spending time with family and friends. Kendra is excited and feels so blessed to be back in the classroom as an aide at American Heritage.
Johanne Fréchette Perry was born in Montréal, Canada and grew up in the Los Angeles area where she joined the LDS church. She has traveled the world with the BYU Young Ambassadors and graduated with a BFA in Music Dance Theatre. For over 20 years she has been a studio singer and has been featured as a soloist on many LDS recordings. She has delighted audiences across the U.S. and on PBS with her portrayal of early Utah settler Polly Matilda Merrill Colton in the show, Polly: A One-Woman Musical, written by her husband, Steven Kapp Perry. Currently Johanne sings with the award-winning vocal group One Clear Voice. In the fall, she and her husband host a Church History tour through Morris/Murdock Travel. Johanne teaches the high school drama classes and seventh grade speech class at AHS, as well as assists in the Patriotic Program and the eighth grade Shakespeare play. When not at the school she keeps busy with her four children, organic vegetable garden, and french-canadian genealogy.
As long time supporters of the Lyceum Orchestra program at American Heritage School, Amanda Riley and her family traveled from Beaver to American Fork each week to have their children participate. After many years of traveling, Amanda is excited to have moved to Highland and to be conducting the Chamber Ensemble. Amanda was formerly the Orchestra and Choir Director at Beaver High School and a general music educator at Belknap Elementary School in Beaver. She is also a graduate of Brigham Young University. Amanda followed her love for music as she started each of her young children playing the violin starting at age three and studied beside each of them. She was the recipient of the UTASTA Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2015. Her love for music, her family and youth has driven her to have a successful program where students feel safe, encouraged and allowed to follow their dreams. Amanda has a passion for touching student’s lives and inspiring them to achieve excellence.
Bailey is delighted to return to American Heritage School as the girls volleyball coach. She has loved volleyball ever since playing for her high school in Vancouver, Washington and she has loved the people of American Heritage School ever since working as the high school chemistry teacher. In the years between high school and becoming a teacher, Bailey studied biochemistry at Brigham Young University, served as a missionary in Omaha, Nebraska and taught missionaries at the Provo Missionary Training Center. All the while, she has continued to play volleyball with friends and neighbors. Although she will often comment on how much she loves volleyball, chemistry and teaching, Bailey’s greatest loves are the gospel of Jesus Christ, her wonderful husband and her sweet, little daughter.
Matt Thornton graduated from Utah State University with a bachelors degree in music education. He also holds a masters degree in music education from BYU. As an undergraduate, Matt served as the Music Vice President of the Logan LDS Institute as well as the Dance President. He was also president of the New Horizons Institute Choir. While in Cache Valley, he worked with the Cache Children’s Choir and taught in their summer music camp. He has also worked as a music and dance specialist for Opera by Children. Matt has been trained in Orff, is Kodály certified and is currently an instructor at the BYU InterMuse Academy. He is the fine arts department head at American Fork Jr. High where he has taught choir for eight years.
Jenny received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Brigham Young University in Design Illustration, with double minors in Business and Psychology. Jenny feels privileged to teach at American Heritage because she says, “It’s a school where there is no boundary between the secular and the spiritual.” She finds AHS to be a place where all truth can be incorporated into one great body and the influence of the Holy Ghost can be constantly felt. She adores the students, and enjoys helping them with their reading and math challenges. She hopes she can always help them to feel loved enough and safe enough to sense the Savior’s gentle hand in their lives. Jenny and her four children live in Cedar Hills and enjoy spending time together. They love to play in the pool, dance in the kitchen, and sled in the snow. They can also be found listening to a good audio adventure whenever they get the chance.
Lori teaches Spanish at American Heritage School. She has been involved with AHS for the past 15 years both as a parent and a teacher and is passionate about the Principles Approach. She learned Spanish through her travels to Spain and while serving a mission in Chile. She received her degree from Brigham Young University and has particular interest in language, interpersonal communication and family relations. She loves all things outdoors including gardening, hiking, skiing & water skiing. She has 5 children, all of whom have attended American Heritage School.
