- Great Hearts Glendale Prep, Serving Grades 6-12 - https://glendaleprep.greatheartsamerica.org -

Weekly Blast 04.24.26

CONTENTS
 A NOTE FROM THE HEADMASTER
 HIGH SCHOOL SPECIFICS
 MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIFICS
 ATHLETICS
 COLLEGE COUNSELING
 FAMILY GIVING

DATES TO NOTE

APR 25 JUNIOR & SENIOR PROMENADE
MAY 1 SENIOR MATRICULATION DAY
MAY 6 HS CHORAL CONCERT
MAY 12 SPRING SPORTS AWARDS CEREMONY
MAY 13 MS INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT
MAY 14 SENIOR DINNER
MAY 18-21 FINAL EXAMS
MAY 20 8TH GRADE PROMOTION
MAY 22 GLENDALE PREP COMMENCEMENT

A NOTE FROM THE HEADMASTER

Dear Glendale Prep Families,

Here at Glendale Prep, the fine arts curriculum seeks to shape, challenge, and inspire. Within our classical curriculum, drama is a natural extension of the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. It asks students to bring great works to life and to grow in self-confidence, discipline, and collaboration.
Over the past two years, Mrs. McCauley has brought renewed energy and vision to this important work, creating opportunities for students to discover their voices both on and off the stage.

This past weekend’s extracurricular production of Shrek was a joyful testament to that work, with 41 students contributing as performers and members of the production crew. Earlier this year, she directed the Middle School’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, engaging 32 students, and led the High School cast of Steel Magnolias, which brought together 23 students in a memorable performance.

Mrs. McCauley has also revived the beloved Faculty Play, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and mentorship across our community. This year’s production of Arsenic and Old Lace included 14 students serving as directors and crew alongside 15 faculty performers.

In the classroom, Mrs. McCauley leads dynamic instruction in 8th, 11th, and 12th grade courses, while also supporting the growth and development of fellow drama teachers on campus. Just last evening, our 12th grade students performed You Can’t Take It With You, and next week, Mrs. McCauley and Mr. Cecil will guide our 11th graders through Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

We are deeply grateful for the dedication, creativity, and leadership that Mrs. McCauley brings to GP each day.

“Bravo!” to Mrs. McCauley, as well as Mrs. Weiland, Mr. Cecil, Mr. McCauley, and the many staff members and parents whose time and efforts bring these productions to life. Together, they ensure that the dramatic arts remain a vibrant and essential part of Glendale Prep.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Mrs. Janssen

HIGH SCHOOL

2026 GLENDALE PREPARATORY PROMENADE
Attendees please note, no late entry after 6pm, and no early departure before 10pm. We are looking forward to a beautiful evening under the stars!

Blackstone Country Club at Vistancia
12101 West Blackstone Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

From the 303 freeway (Bob Stump Memorial Parkway) exit on Lone Mountain Parkway. After approximately 1 mile, turn right into the Blackstone Country Club Main Gatehouse.

*Please be prepared to give your name and event name to the guard. Continue on West Blackstone Drive for approximately 1 mile before turning left into the Club and parking on your own.

CHORAL MUSIC CONCERT
9TH & 10TH GRADE MUSIC CLASSES AND ALL EXTRA-CURRICULAR CHOIRS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6TH 6:30 PM
Haven Church in Glendale
5902 W Cactus Rd, Glendale, AZ 85304
• Students must provide their own transportation
• Students must arrive at the church by 5:00 pm
• All students in curricular music classes are required to participate in the concert as a portion of their music grade
• Detailed information from teacher/director about the concert will be given to curricular music students
We hope our community will come to enjoy our fine performers share their musical gifts with you.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

8TH GRADE PROMOTION
8th Grade Promotion is on May 20 at 6:00PM at Glendale Preparatory. Doors open for seating at 5:30PM. More information to come soon!

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CONCERT
7TH & 8TH GRADE MUSIC CLASSES AND JAZZ BAND & ORCHESTRA

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13TH 6:30 PM
Haven Church in Glendale
5902 W Cactus Rd, Glendale, AZ 85304
• Students must provide their own transportation
• Students must arrive at the church by 5:00 pm
• All students in curricular music classes are required to participate in the concert as a portion of their music grade
• Detailed information from teacher/director about the concert will be given to curricular music students
We hope our community will come to enjoy our fine performers share their musical gifts with you.

MISC SCHOOL INFO

2ND ANNUAL “POEM IN YROU POCKET” DAY
April has been designated National Poetry month by the Academy of American Poets, and to celebrate, we’re participating in Poem in Your Pocket Day on Thursday April 30th! Students can bring in a poem from a well-known poet and carry it in their pocket (or pencil case) to share with friends and teachers.

There will be a scavenger hunt: find poems for all ten categories and submit your form to the front office for a chance to win a prize! There will be both a high school and a middle school winner.

We’re looking forward to a day of poetry and fun with you on Thursday April 30th, so don’t forget your poem!

Mahoney

SEMESTER 2 FINAL EXAM REMINDERS
Semester 2 Final Exams are scheduled for Monday, May 18- Thursday, May 21.

Final exams are a culmination of the material students have learned through the entirety of the first semester and account for 10% of a student’s final grade in each course.  Please schedule appointments and vacations outside of the final exam testing window.

Students who miss a final exam due to illness with a doctor’s note will make up any missed final exams the first week of summer break, on a given date. Unexcused absences or illness without a doctor’s note will result in the score of a zero for any missed final exam.

2026-2027 HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT

We are excited to announce our annual 2026-2027 High School Retreat to Lost Canyon for rising 9th – 12th graders! Seniors will depart from Glendale Prep to Lost Canyon on Tuesday, September 1 for a 1 day/1 night senior retreat to then welcome 9th-11th grade students on September 2. All high school students will return to Glendale Prep on Friday, September 4.

Discount pricing through April 30th HERE!
*Detailed pricing and date increases available on the payment portal

We will need several volunteers for the parent work crew to support this event. Parents do not pay to serve on the parent work crew and additionally will receive $25 off the cost of their child(ren)’s fee for the retreat. Volunteer information will be sent Monday, April 27. We are limiting volunteers to one per family during the first round of sign-ups. Volunteer spots have traditionally filled quickly. Please reach out to Mrs. Haley with any questions.

2026-2027 FAMILY CALENDAR

Please take a few minutes to review the calendar for next school year. Here are some dates to note:
• The first day of school is Thursday, August 6, 2026
• The high school retreat is September 2, 2026-September 4, 2026. Seniors go up on September 1, 2026
• There is NO school on Monday, September 7, 2026.
• Conferences and project days will be Wednesday, October 7, 2026 through Friday, October 9, 2026
• Fall Break is October 12, 2026-October 16, 2026
• We will have the full week of Thanksgiving off- Monday, November 23, 2026, through Friday, November 27, 2026
• Semester 1 Final Exams- December 15-18
• The Winter Break is Monday, December 21, 2026, through Tuesday, January 5, 2027. Students return to school on Wednesday, January 6, 2027
• Spring Break is March 22, 2027-March 26, 2027
• Semester 2 Final Exams- May 24-27
• The last day of school is Thursday, May 27, 2027
• High School Graduation is Friday, May 28, 2027

NOTE FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE

If your student currently has medication in the Health Office, please remember to pick it up by the last day of school. Medication has to be picked up by an adult and will not be sent home with the students. Please reach out with any questions.

ATHLETICS
Spring Sports Awards
The spring sports award ceremonies will be on Tuesday, May 12th.
• Middle School – 5:30-6:45PM
• High School – 7:00-8:00PM
Athletes should dress up in a nice, school appropriate outfit. Athletes will sit with their coaches in the blue chairs on the court. Parents will sit in the bleachers.

HS Spring Playoffs
• Boys tennis – Monday, 4/27 3:00PM at Goodyear High School
• Girls tennis – Tuesday, 4/28 3:00PM at Pusch Ridge High School

MS Spring Playoffs
• Boys A basketball – Monday, 4/27 5:00 at Glendale Prep
• Girls A basketball – TBD
• MS track/field – Saturday, 5/2 at Apollo High School (all day)

COLLEGE COUNSELING
Matriculation Day – Friday, May 1st
Get ready to celebrate, seniors—this is your moment! Matriculation Day is all about showing off what’s next after graduation. Whether you’re headed to college, trade school, the military, a mission, a gap year, or jumping straight into a career, we want to see it loud and proud!
On May 1st our seniors will be wearing a t-shirt representing their next step after GP!
This is a day to celebrate all the hard work, big decisions, and bright futures ahead.

Summer Program: Summer Civics Institute on American Principles and Debates
The Lincoln Scholars Program and the Political Theory Institute in the School of Public Affairs at American University are hosting a week-long college experience seminar for high-school students exploring the key principles and debates of the American republic from its founding until today through the careful study of primary source documents. In this seven-day, small-group seminar, led by faculty from American University you will read and discuss key texts, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers, as well as key speeches and writings from the United States’ most thoughtful leaders, such as Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcom X, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, among others. If interested, please use this link and note that the deadline has been extended.

CLEP Test for Spanish and French
Any GP 11th or 12th grade student interested in taking the Spanish or French CLEP test is encouraged to take the exam on Wednesday, April 29, at Scottsdale Prep. The testing session will begin at 2:00 PM. Please note that the registration link lists a 1:30 PM start time; however, this adjusted schedule allows students time to eat lunch and travel to Scottsdale Prep before the exam begins.
I recommend that juniors taking Spanish III or French III, who WILL NOT be taking foreign language in their senior year take this test on April 29th; additionally, seniors taking Spanish IV or French IV should take the exam. Depending on the score, students can earn 4, 8, 12, or 16 college credits through CLEP.
If your student is interested, please register for a seat using the following link: 2025-2026 CLEP Exams. In addition, you must also register and pay for the exam through the College Board at https://clep.collegeboard.org/clep-exams. Students taking the Spanish exam should select the option with writing, as this may qualify them for the Seal of Biliteracy. Unfortunately, this option is not available for French.
Please remember that both steps are required: reserving a seat at Scottsdale Prep using the first link and paying for the exam using the College Board link. If you register for the exam, please email me at ksarbacker@glendaleprep.org so I can keep track of participants.

Book Club – First Read is Atomic Habits
We just held our third book club and it was amazing! What a great evening of conversation and reflection! If you would like to join us, it is not too late. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 20th from 7:00 – 8:00 pm in room 406. We are reading Atomic Habits by James Clear and will be choosing our next read. Students, parents and faculty are welcome! Reach out to Mrs. Sarbacker at ksarbacker@glendaleprep.org if you and/or your child are interested in joining us!

FAMILY GIVING
Thank You, Glendale Prep Families!
We are so grateful for the incredible support shown during this year’s Arizona Public School Tax Credit Drive! Thank you not only for your generous contributions, but also for your hard work and dedication in referring tax credits to your friends and family. Your efforts truly made a difference. Because of you, our students continue to benefit from enriching programs like athletics, fine arts, field trips, clubs, and so much more!

While we came very close to our schoolwide goal, just 36 tax credits short, we are so proud of what our community accomplished together.
And now, a big congratulations is in order! Our 12th grade class takes the win with an impressive 43% participation rate in referring tax credits! Enjoy your well-earned pizza and snow cone party!

Looking Ahead: Community Investment
Even though the tax credit drive has wrapped up, our work continues through Community Investment, which supports essential school operations like facility costs and teacher salaries.

Be sure to mark your calendar for May 5, Great Hearts Day of Giving, our final big push of the year! If you’d like to contribute anytime, you can do so here: https://give.glendaleprep.org/campaign/706416/donate. Every dollar, no matter the size, is appreciated and impactful!

Thank you again for being such a dedicated and generous part of the Glendale Prep community! Please reach out to Tammy Kempton at tkempton@glendaleprep.org with any questions!

CONTACT INFORMATION

Jenny Haley, Office Manager
JHaley@glendaleprep.org

GLENDALE PREP ATTENDANCE

623.889.0822
Option 4
attendance@glendaleprep.org

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