Weekly Blast 05.29.26
June 1, 2026 -
CONTENTS
A NOTE FROM THE HEADMASTER
HIGH SCHOOL SPECIFICS
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIFICS
ATHLETICS
COLLEGE COUNSELING
FAMILY GIVING
DATES TO NOTE
MAY 22 GLENDALE PREP COMMENCEMENT
AUG 3 & 4 GP BOOKSTORE
AUG 5 NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
AUG 6 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
A NOTE FROM THE HEADMASTER
Dear Glendale Prep Families,
As we close this year, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on the community of Glendale Prep. Throughout this year, students have continually been challenged intellectually through the Great Books of the west, meaningful discussions, performances, competitions, and more. And beyond academics, I believe something more important has continued to take root on our campus- a culture grounded in community, virtue, and in love.
At the beginning of the year, I shared with our students that I would continue with my predecessor’s commitment to be a school where students are known and loved here. I also challenged them not only to receive love, but to extend it freely to others. Over the course of this year, I have seen that lived out in friendships formed, in kindness offered, in perseverance shown, and in the daily choice to love and care for one another.
I believe a school’s legacy is not built through academic accolades alone, but through the kind of people our students are becoming. My hope is that Glendale Prep continues to form young men and women who seek what is true and what is good, and love what is beautiful. That they become young men and women marked not only by intellectual growth, but by courage, humility, gratitude, and love.
To our graduating seniors, we send them forward with great hope. As they leave Glendale Prep and enter their next chapters, my prayer is that they carry with them the virtues cultivated here and continue to make others feel known and loved wherever they go.
Thank you, parents, for your partnership, trust, encouragement, and support throughout this year. It is a privilege to walk alongside your families in the education and formation of your children.
I wish each of you a restful and joyful summer.
And that’s a wrap on the 2025-2026 school year! Please enjoy our end of year video directed and produced by our very own GP media team.
Mrs. Janssen
Farewell to GP Faculty
We also want to take a moment to say farewell to these beloved faculty members and honor their next chapters. We are so thankful for all they have given our GP community and wish them the best!
Ms. Hull – Who will be getting married in just a few short weeks and moving to the east valley with her new husband.
Mr. Thompson – Who concludes 14 years at GP and packs up his family to move across the country to be closer to family.
Ms. Horvath – Who will pursue her doctoral degree in counseling and psychology this coming fall.
Mrs. Wilson- Who will spend her summer in Japan before moving to serve students beyond NW Peoria.
Mrs. Weaver – Who might just commit to her (3rd) retirement from teaching this summer!
Dr. Christman- Who will move into the field of technical writing and editing.
Mr. Kontak- Who will continue his love in the field of athletics. We are excited to see what his next chapter brings.
HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS OF 2026 COMMENCEMENT
FRIDAY, MAY 22 5:00PM PM
Haven Church in Glendale
5902 W Cactus Rd, Glendale, AZ 85304
*Graduating seniors must arrive to Haven Church no later than 4PM
MIDDLE SCHOOL
SUMMER MATH IXL
In an effort to ensure students are prepared for both the skills and the pacing of our math curriculum at Glendale Preparatory, we will continue using IXL over the summer for our middle school students. IXL is a personalized online learning platform that provides targeted, skill-based practice tailored to student learning needs.
Detailed information was both sent home with students and emailed directly to parents.
Information on how to log in and get started are included in the link below. If you have any questions or problems logging in, please reach out to Mrs. Hayward at jhayward@glendaleprep.org.
Video: https://app.screencastify.com/watch/jclfd3qU30u9jtrjBldL?checkOrg=1967039e-e208-462f-8d99-0cf64e91dfb2
MISC SCHOOL INFO
2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
Summer is here, and while campus may be a little quieter, we are still buzzing with behind-the-scenes activity to get ready for an amazing school year ahead! Below are some key notes and dates to keep you informed and ahead of the game.
📬 Communication Over Summer
We will still keep in touch—but no Friday Blasts for now.
Keep an eye out for occasional summer emails with important updates.
🌐 Stay In the Know
The school website is your go-to for the latest info.
We are aiming to have it fully updated by June 5th!
🕗 Summer Office Hours
Open: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
Closed: June 22–July 3
🚗 Senior Parking Info
Rising seniors: Keep an eye on your inbox!
Parking sign-ups will be emailed the week of July 20th.
👕 Used Uniform Sale
Mark your calendar:
June 6th – snag those gently worn essentials!
Uniform details will be updated on the website as we receive them.
✏️ Consumables, Classics to Keep & Supplies
Consumables, Classics to keep and supply lists are posted HERE .
(Pro tip: start early to beat the back-to-school rush!)
🏕️ High School Retreat
It’s going to be a great one!
Retreat details can be found below.
🛍️ Bookstore
Save the dates: August 3rd & 4th
Info and sign-ups will be shared the week of June 15th.
Wishing you sunshine, rest, and a little bit of prep along the way!
We’re already excited to see you again this fall!
FUTURE PLANS
If your plans have changed for the 2025-2026 school year, and you no longer plan to have your child attend Glendale Prep, please reach out to Mrs. Carney, so she can refund your $175 textbook deposit and take care of your child’s records, as he or she moves to a new school. Additionally, having the most updated enrollment allows us to address our long waitlists.
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.
*Detailed pricing and date increases available on the payment portal
HS RETREAT PAYMENT
2026-2027 SCHOOL SUPPLIES & CONSUMABLES
Students at Glendale Prep are asked to purchase both school supplies (materials purchased by parents, or our outside vendor) and consumables (purchased on our Parent Payment Portal).
The Parent Payment Portal Is Open!
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, several items are now available in the Parent Payment Portal. We know it can feel like a lot, so here’s a quick guide to what each fee covers:
• Consumables: These are the workbooks and materials students write in and use throughout the year. Because they are written in, they cannot be reused or returned.
• Classics to Keep: These are the literature books students will read and annotate throughout the year (6–8 in Literature & Composition and 9–12 in Humane Letters). These books become part of your student’s personal Great Books collection.
• Field Trip Fees: These cover the cost of grade-level educational trips that enhance classroom learning experiences.
• Yearbook: Capture and celebrate the memories of the school year.
• House Fees: Supports our House system and includes a House t-shirt plus supplies for our twice-a-year Field Day competitions and activities.
We hope this breakdown helps clarify each item! Please reach out to the front office if you have any questions, we’re happy to help.
PURCHASE GP CONSUMABLES HERE
IN ADDITION…
If you’d like to save time, we have partnered with 1st Day School Supplies this year to offer parents a one-stop-shop for all 26-27 school supplies.
Click below to purchase by June 15. All supplies will be conveniently delivered to your door.
PURCHASE SUPPLIES HERE
2026-2027 FIELD TRIPS
You will see the 26-27 field trip fees vary by grade level next year. Here is what we have in store for students in the coming school year:
6th Grade – Lake Pleasant Center
Students will enjoy a day of outdoor exploration and team-building at Lake Pleasant. Activities are designed to encourage collaboration, curiosity, and a love for nature in a fun, structured environment.
7th Grade – Riparian Preserve
This field trip offers students a hands-on look at local ecosystems and wildlife at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. Through guided exploration, students will deepen their understanding of conservation and Arizona’s unique habitats.
8th Grade – Pink Jeep Tour Sedona
Students will experience the beauty of Sedona on a guided Pink Jeep Tours adventure. This exciting trip combines both geology and local history for a memorable learning experience.
9th Grade – MIM Phoenix
Students will visit the Musical Instrument Museum to explore music and culture from around the world. Interactive exhibits provide a unique opportunity to connect history, geography, and the arts.
10th Grade – Flagstaff Day Trip (Destination TBD)
This day trip to Flagstaff will offer students a chance to explore Northern Arizona’s natural beauty and cultural sites. Final destination details will be shared soon, but the day will focus on enrichment and community building.
11th Grade – iFLY Scottsdale
Students will experience the thrill of indoor skydiving at iFLY Scottsdale while exploring basic principles of physics and flight in this safe, supervised setting.
12th Grade – Senior Trip to Washington DC & Quarterly Senior Mini Retreats
In addition to our March trip to Washington DC, GP seniors will enjoy a series of relaxed outings including a day of leadership and community at the HS retreat in Williams, AZ before the remaining high schoolers arrive, a coffee shop morning with a service project for the community, among other experiences. These mini retreats are designed to celebrate their final year together and create lasting memories as a class while serving the GP and greater community.
ROBOTICS IS RECRUITING
The Robotics Program is currently recruiting for next season for the 8th-12th program and seeking any adults with engineering backgrounds that wish to become mentors. Please go to the following website to learn more and apply, or reach out to Mr. Roper at broper@glendaleprep.org for more information.
CHESS CLUB
For the first time in Glendale Prep history, we will be offering interscholastic chess through AIA, starting in the upcoming 2026-2027 school year! Membership is open to all incoming high school students, and the chess season starts promptly in August. If you are in participating, please submit an interest form here: https://forms.gle/CfY3CnenESCjjRMY6
If you have any questions about chess at GP, please contact Mr. Kilcup, mkilcup@glendaleprep.org
VOLUNTEER CLEARANCE REMINDERS
As the school year comes to a close and we begin to prepare for the 2026-27 school year, the Great Hearts Security Team would like to share a few reminders regarding volunteer clearance:
1. If you were approved to volunteer this school year, please note your application approval is valid for one-year from the date of approval. For example, an application approved on 6/1/2026 will expire on 6/1/2027.
2. The Raptor system will send a reminder email 60 days prior to your application expiration date and again five days before expiration.
3. If you obtained a Fingerprint Clearance card this year as part of your volunteer approval, Great Hearts still requires you to complete a new Raptor application annually based on your application expiration date. If necessary, your Fingerprint Clearance card information may be used to support approval of future applications through the card’s expiration date.
Please direct any questions regarding the volunteer process, or your specific application, to volunteerclearance@greathearts.org.
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
SPORTS PHYSICALS
Over the summer, GP will open spots for sports physicals here on campus. We will send details as soon as we have those.
GP ATHLETICS
COLLEGE COUNSELING
Book Club – First Read is Atomic Habits
We had our final book club meeting of the year, and it was a wonderful way to wrap up the semester! A special thank you to Krish Patel for leading an engaging and thoughtful discussion. We are so grateful for the leadership and enthusiasm our students brought to the group throughout the year.
Over the summer, we will be reading “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl. While a date has not yet been finalized, we plan to hold one book club session in late July or early August before school begins. If you and/or your student are interested in joining us, please reach out to Mrs. Sarbacker at ksarbacker@glendaleprep.org.
Looking ahead to next year, we will begin with “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt. In this timely and thought-provoking book, Haidt explores how smartphones and social media have contributed to rising levels of anxiety and depression among young people by shifting childhood from a “play-based” experience to a “phone-based” one. Our students selected this title themselves and are excited to engage in meaningful conversations surrounding these important topics.
We hope many of you will consider joining us next year for another great season of reading and discussion!
ASU High School Leadership Academy
In partnership with the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum’s White House Decision Center, the ASU Center for American Institutions is excited to invite incoming high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to the High School Leadership Academy on the Arizona State University Tempe campus. This immersive experience challenges students to step into the roles of Harry S. Truman and his top advisors during one of the most pivotal moments in history: deciding how and when to end the war with Japan. Participants won’t just learn about history; they’ll live it. Students will select a cabinet role and collaborate, debate, and make high-stakes decisions in a dynamic simulation that brings the past to life. If you’re ready to think critically, lead boldly, and experience history from the inside out, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. More information is available here.
University of Arizona Summer Engineering Academy
Still figuring out your summer plans? What if you could spend part of it learning about what engineers do? The University of Arizona Summer Engineering Academy is calling all curious minds, problem-solvers, and future innovators! Whether you dream of building bridges, coding the next big app, or exploring how things work behind the scenes, this is your chance to dive in. And the best part is it is not too late to sign up! Spots are still available, so don’t miss your chance to turn your summer into something extraordinary. For more information, use this link.
ASU Summer Programs
ASU has an incredible lineup of summer opportunities for students of all interests. Whether your student is interested in engineering, art and design, business, computer science, health and medical, STEM, or language arts, ASU has a program for them. Please check out the various programs at: https://eoss.asu.edu/access/programs/summer/search
COLLEGE COUNSELING
FAMILY GIVING
Thank You for an Incredible School Year!
As we close out another incredible school year, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your generosity, partnership, and unwavering support of our school community.
This year, your contributions through Community Investment and the Arizona Public School Tax Credit have made a meaningful impact across our campus. Because of families like yours, we are able to continue providing an exceptional education and enriching experiences for our scholars. Your support strengthens our classrooms, enhances opportunities for students, and helps our school thrive.
As we approach the end of our fiscal year on June 30, 2026, there is still an important opportunity to support our mission. Every gift, regardless of size, directly benefits our students and faculty while helping bridge critical funding needs.
Your generosity helps provide:
• Resources and support for our outstanding teachers
• Operational funding to sustain excellence across our campus
• Curriculum and classroom materials that enrich student learning
Whether through a one-time gift or a recurring monthly donation, your support makes a lasting difference in the daily experience of our scholars and faculty.
As we celebrate the conclusion of this school year, we invite you to consider making a tax-deductible gift before June 30. Together, we can continue investing in the excellence, character, and community that make Glendale Prep so special.
Thank you again for your partnership, generosity, and commitment to our students. We are deeply grateful for all you do to help our school flourish.
Please use this link to make your tax-deductible gift to Community Investment.
With gratitude,
Tammy Kempton
Family Giving Officer
DONATE
GP WEBSITE
GP FAMILY HANDBOOK
GP DRESS CODE
GP PAYMENT PORTAL
GP PSO
GP SPIRIT STORE
CONTACT INFORMATION
Jenny Haley, Office Manager
JHaley@glendaleprep.org
GLENDALE PREP ATTENDANCE
623.889.0822
Option 4
attendance@glendaleprep.org
