TO: ALL WONDER MEMBERS
MEMO: FIRST DAY OF WONDER
DATE: Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Hello, Wonder Families. It was a pleasure seeing you all on Tuesday. We usually send this memo out the day after orientation, but it’s taken us until now, as our ability to focus on all our normal tasks was challenging. We wanted to share a few words to acknowlodge what happened on Wednesday and to let you know we will be available on Monday and Tuesday to answer any of your questions regarding Wonder.
Like all of you, we are extremely saddened by the murderous assassination of Charlie Kirk, a strong and dedicated Believer, husband, father, son, brother, and founder of Turning Point USA.
Charlie was shot and killed during one of his friendly, debate-style college campus events that had made him famous. This was the first stop in the national “American Comeback Tour,” held in front of 3,000 people at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City.
Over the years, we’ve watched countless hours of Charlie Kirk debating and engaging in open dialogue with anyone willing to disagree with him—on everything from his unwavering pro-life stance to his relentless defense of the faith in conversations with doubting atheists. Time and time again, he would share his faith and his hope in Jesus, always pointing people to Him, no matter the skin color or political views of his debating opponent.
The Scott family attended Turning Point’s annual AmericaFest conference last December. We didn’t get the chance to meet Charlie Kirk, but Helen and our children did meet his wife, Erika, who was very sweet and pleasant with them.
Charlie and Erika have a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son—now left without a father. Erika is now a widow. Please keep their family in your prayers as they walk through this very difficult time and learn to live without the anchor and protector of their family, Charlie Kirk.
“Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” —James 1:27
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” —Romans 12:15
P. S. Allie Beth Stucky, who some of you may have met at the Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference in 2022 when she was a keynote speaker, was a close friend of Charlie Kirk and shared a touching tribute which you can watch at https://youtu.be/XoSr4NYPaBM?si=Q-tXZy-XBWlumTsm
We suggest reading these first few memos from a computer.
Thank you all for joining us Tuesday night! A big thank you to our staff, parents, and the returning high school students (Junior Helpers) who helped us serve our Wonder families! So many new and returning faces! We greatly appreciate your commitment and enthusiasm for Wonder’s music, arts, and enrichment program. We hope you were encouraged by the vision of Wonder at this year’s Family Orientation and understand more the expectations we have for all students, parents, and staff. Quite a bit of information was covered (and some we missed – which we’ve included as highlights in this memo below) so please feel free to ask us any questions during the weekly classes.
On behalf of the entire Wonder Team, we hope that you have enjoyed a restful and relaxing summer full of opportunities spent with family and friends! As we begin our 6th year of Wonder, we are particularly grateful for the blessing of this community of staff, students and families in our lives, and are eager to see you again on the first day of classes.
We have spent the summer working hard to strengthen and enrich our music, arts, and enrichment program, fortify our identity as a faith-based, family-focused, community-centered organization, and put systems in place that will facilitate guide/family communication in every class. We are proud and excited to launch the 2025-2026 season with our incredibly talented and dedicated instructor and coach staff and your ongoing support and partnership!
Also, a quick clarification. Last night’s meal was completely complementary, and no payment was charged for it during your online registration.
We look forward to seeing everyone on the first day of Wonder. Please let us know in the comments if you have any questions and we’ll do our best to answer them.
Please read this memo in its entirety, as it contains important information about the season, and remember to check the Action Items at the bottom of each memo!
IMPORTANT OR MISSED HIGHLIGHTS
- The Wonder Scripture: Psalms 71:17-18 – God, You have taught me from my youth. Until now, I have declared your wonders. Yes, even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don’t forsake me, until I have declared your strength to the next generation, your might to everyone who is to come. – Psalms 71:17-18
- Wonder Honor Society: WHS is a free homeschool honor society intended to prepare the next generation of leaders. The Wonder Honor Society was established exclusively for home-educated students in grades 6–12 (younger siblings may be welcome if there’s enough interest). We provide opportunities for development in noble character and leadership, selfless service and citizenship, exceptional skills and scholarship, thoughtful business and entrepreneurship, and networking for home-educated students. We are determined to honor each student’s accomplishments, whether they are academic, creative, or socially impactful, and help families support their children’s goals as they are developed. Meetings are on Tuesday, from 6pm-8pm at CCPC. The family orientation is next week from 6pm-8pm (online link below).
- Memos: Memos are usually sent every Wednesday. Please read the memos. Though this one is longer, we will do our best to keep them short and sweet. If you stop receiving an email notification, please let us know. NEW information will be highlighted to help make a distinction from reminders.
- Wonder Shared Folder: If you have not accessed the Google Drive Folder, please requets access by next week. If you have a name or email address that does not match the name on your family’s account, please make a note with your families name.
- First Day of Wonder: Tuesday, September 30
- First Day Arrival: As usual, please arrive on-time (at least 15-minutes before 1st class for instrument students; 5-minutes for others) to begin class at the listed start time. New families are welcome to come 30 minutes earlier than your first class start time in order to get settled and to find your first class.
- Upon Arrival: ALL students will sign themselves in at the check-in table (grownups can help their littles) in the foyer of the Community Center (CC – west building), ENTERING the north side of the building on the first level near the front of the building. Please DO NOT enter the building from any other entrance.
- Upon Departure: Student pickup is in the foyer, not outside. Only students with prior permission can leave the premises on their own.
- Registration: If you have not done so, please plan to complete your registration payment during your arrival time, before your child is able to attend classes. Receipts will be emailed after the first week. For families who selected the Monthly Payment Option, future payments will be charged to the debit or credit card on file automatically on 15th of every month through May.
- Schedule Changes (or Corrections)
- Final schedule change requests (via email to hello@letswonder.org) can no longer be made, except as listed below.
- We placed orders for materials today in order for them to arrive on-time.
- Please note: Beginner Piano now has a few spots available.
- Choir, Guided Gym, and non-enrichment classes can be added up until the Wednesday after the first day of class.
- Placement Auditions for NEW Band and Orchestra Students (not beginners): If not submitted yet, please complete your video audition by this Friday so we can place your student in the proper ensemble. Please follow the instructions listed in the following link. [LINK]
- 1st Wonder Family Assembly: Assembly is a time for students, parents, and staff to focus on character, build relationships, have fun, and discuss important information. They are required for every student that is on-campus. They are scheduled in the gym during the first 15-20 minutes before lunch, though the first assembly is longer. You can expect 20ish minutes of the following:
- Prayer & Announcements, Acknowledgements, Character Lessons, Sharing (show & tell), Games, Guest Speaker (occasionally) & more
- Family Spaces: Families are welcome to stay on the premises throughout the day. If inside, families are asked to say in one of the non-enrichment classes and not roam the buildings or stay in the hallways. Parents MUST accompany unregistered children at all times.
- Nursery for Families: After lunch, parents of small children may use the Playroom while waiting for their students participating in a class. Parents MUST accompany children in the Playroom at all times. The Playroom staff is only responsible for children of Guides or other Wonder Helpers currently working. If you have a child who is attending for any part of the day, but is NOT enrolled in classes, please make sure you enroll them in your family enrollment. If you do not know how to do this, email hello@letswonder.org asap.
- Student Photos: Individual yearbook photos will be completed starting later in the year. There is no assigned order, though we will schedule a boys day, girls day, and makeup day. You can arrive at your normal times (unless you arrive after lunch). Dates TBA.
- Tees: We hope to have new tees (and new apparel) in by the first day of class. Returning students should swap out their old tee if it is too small. Otherwise, please keep your current tee. We did not charge families for sweaters and pullovers yet because we are still finalizing a new vendor selection and will let you know when this is available.
- Helping Hands: Please review the Helping Hands page for expectations. If you do not see your Helping Hands placement on the schedule please respond to this memo and be prepared to be given an assignment upon arrival on the first day of classes (15-minutes earlier on the 1st day, 10-minutes earlier normally, 5-minutes after class normally). Reply to this memo if you see a mistake, if you are available to be a flex helper during other blocks when needed, or are able to fill additional assignment needs (indicated by gray fields under the assignment, as well).
- Colorado Homeschool Freedom Team: We are looking for at least one person to help keep the Wonder community informed on homeschool laws in our state. We want to help keep homeschool free and separate from state oversight. This is not a Helping Hands assignment. You’d be asked to join the Colorado Homeschool Freedom Team and give a regular report to keep us informed. Use the link to join [LINK]
- Directory: We are working on the directory for families and staff and will add a tab to the Generations Inf everyone access when it’s complete.
- Wonder Attendance Line: 303-900-3284
- Contact Method:
- You can reply to memos (preferred method when applicable; instructions detailed below)
- Wonder website contact form
- Email hello@letswonder.org
- Call 303-900-3187 if a phone conversation is best
EXPECTATIONS
If you have not yet done so, please take this time to review the Wonder Way (member expectations), as we depend on every member to uphold the vision and standards set in place.
Regarding the Dress Code. Everyone’s definition of modesty may vary, and that is okay, however, during your time at Wonder and Wonder hosted events, we expect participants (males, females, young people, and grownups) to follow the dress code according to the Wonder Way. Often times, an emphasis is placed on women to uphold modesty, and although some details may apply to a particular gender based on what’s culturally worn in society, our intention is to have expectations void of partiality. Please note the following highlights:
- Changing Clothes: Students will not typically have time to change throughout the day, so please dress in comfortable, but not frumpy attire, that allows for free movement.
- Attire to Avoid: Please refrain from inappropriate attire, such as anything that may resemble cross-dressing.
- Follow the 4Bs: To keep it simple – No Backs, Bellies, Busts, or Bums
- Bottoms: Shorts, skirts (and dresses) should be at below-thigh length or longer (right above the knee) and should not be too tight
- Leggings: Leggings should be worn with shorts, a skirt, or with a dress, but not alone (this does not apply to babies and toddlers)
ATTENDANCE
Wonder programs depend on every participant to be prepared, present, and on-time during each class, rehearsal, concert, and event. Please give prior notice of any schedule conflicts by calling the Wonder Attendance Line (303-900-3284), in advance, and following the prompt when leaving a message. This applies to all participants who are unable to attend a class or required event, will arrive late, or will leave early. All absences which are not notified in advance will be marked as unexcused. Thank you for your cooperation.
CLASS NOTES
- Please be sure to SHOW the Class Notes to your child every week (even if they are absent)
- Class Notes are mainly posted for students to reference when practicing. You can expect to have Class Notes for your child during most weeks if they are in a performance class. Other classes will usually have Class Notes posted less frequently.
- Class Notes can be printed. To print, click on the Memo Title to view the View PDF & Print link above the selected memo. You can save paper by selecting the option to print 2-pages on one page, double sided.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
- 2025-2026 Wonder Calendar: Please view the updated calendar for important calendar dates and start and end times. We are still adding dates to the calendar as they are approved by the varying facilities.
- Mandatory Family Orientation (WHS): Tuesday, September 16 from 6:00pm-8:00pm ONLINE
- First Day of Wonder Generations Classes: Tuesday, September 30 from 8:30am-5:00pm at CCPC (according to individual schedule)
- First Day of Wonder Honor Society Meetings: Tuesday, September 30 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at CCPC (Colorado Chapter at CCPC)
- No Regular Classes or Meetings (October 7): No classes or meetings on Tuesday, October 7. Classes resume on October 21.
- No Regular Classes or Meetings (October 14): No classes or meetings on Tuesday, October 14. Classes resume on October 21.
ACTION ITEMS (REPLIES GENERALLY NEEDED BY FRIDAY, UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE (REPLY TO THIS MEMO))
To make sure you have access to the proper areas of the Dashboard and Wonder Shared Folder, have read/reviewed the sections on the Wonder Way (expectations page), and know how to reply to memos, please test the comment feature by answering ALL of the following questions. If you do not see the comments section at the bottom of this memo because you are on the main Dashboard page, click the memo title to view the single memo first.
- Please note: Unless you have an urgent question, you will NOT receive a confirmation or reply to your comment. We may also plan to answer your question in-person or through a future memo or announcement.
- Where do I find information? Information is usually found or linked from 2 main places:
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- Member Dashboard [LINK]: The Main Memo (for parents) and Class Notes (for students) are posted weekly on Wednesdays; the left tool bar also provides short-cuts to information like the Wonder Way.
- Wonder Shared Folder (Google Drive Link) [LINK]: Includes any shared printables and audio files; also includes the Wonder Generations Information file with tabs including Calendars, Helping Hands Schedule, Event Memos, etc.
- Photos & Video: Add your Wonder photos/videos from classes, events, the fundraiser night, and other special events like Homeschool Day at the Capitol to this year’s album [LINK]
HOMEWORK (BY FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26) BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF WONDER (NEW FAMILIES, PARENT & CHILD)
- CLASS NOTES: Make sure you’ve read the Class Notes from last week’s memo and this week. For MUSIC STUDENTS, there is a first assignment for all band, orchestra, drumline, bucketline, flags, recorder, and choir.
- Join the Wonder Honor Society Orientation to learn more: Tuesday, September 16 from 6:00pm-8:00pm Online [LINK]
- Who’s the smallest member of our Team? Hint: Not a person.
- What is the attendance line number?
- What is the Technology Policy in your own words?
- What is the Concert Black and Concert Wonder uniform?
- When is the Year of Wonder event, Family Day, and Homeschool Festival?
- We plan to attend the spring dress rehearsal and all required performance days for all our performance groups. Yes OR No (if No, please provide all planned absence date(s) at this time; keeping in mind that if the missed rehearsal or required performance date(s) are not listed due to a current conflict, your child will not be allowed to perform during respective performance events)
- We plan to have our family wagon(s) or acceptable alternative by the 1st day of classes. Yes OR No (if No, please detail when it will be acquired)
- What is the Heart of Wonder?
- We understand and agree to honor and adhere to the Wonder Way? Yes OR No
- I understand my family is required to complete this assignment in order to attend classes. Yes OR No
HOMEWORK (BY FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26) BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF WONDER (RETURNING FAMILIES, PARENT & CHILD)
- CLASS NOTES: Make sure you’ve read the Class Notes from last week’s memo and this week. For MUSIC STUDENTS, there is a first assignment for all band, orchestra, drumline, bucketline, flags, recorder, and choir.
- Join the Wonder Honor Society Orientation to learn more: Tuesday, September 16 from 6:00pm-8:00pm Online [LINK]
- What is the attendance line number?
- What is the Technology Policy in your own words?
- When is the Year of Wonder event, Family Day, Homeschool Festival?
- We plan to attend the spring dress rehearsal and all required performance days for all our performance groups. Yes OR No (if No, please provide all planned absence date(s) at this time; keeping in mind that if the missed rehearsal or required performance date(s) are not listed due to a current conflict, your child will not be allowed to perform during respective performance events)
- We plan to have our family wagon(s) or acceptable alternative by the 1st day of classes. Yes OR No (if No, please detail when it will be acquired)
- My family has reviewed the Wonder Way. Yes OR No. If no, please go do so and reply YES before commenting.
- We understand and agree to honor and adhere to the Wonder Way? Yes OR No
- I understand my family is required to complete this assignment in order to attend classes. Yes OR No
We look forward to seeing everyone on the first day of Wonder. Please let us know in the comments section if you have any questions and we’ll do our best to answer them.
Let’s wonder!
The Wonder Team