Weekly Blast 08.07.26
August 13, 2026 -
CONTENTS
A NOTE FROM THE HEADMASTER
HIGH SCHOOL SPECIFICS
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIFICS
MISC SCHOOL INFO
FAMILY GIVING
ATHLETICS
COLLEGE COUNSELING
PSO
DATES TO NOTE
AUG 13 FALL SPORTS- MEET THE COACH NIGHT
AUG 20 PICTURE DAY
AUG 27 CURRICULUM NIGHT
SEPT 1 SENIOR CLASS RETREAT (LOST CANYON)
SEPT 2-4 HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT (LOST CANYON)
SEPT 7 NO SCHOOL- LABOR DAY (R&R WEEKEND)
A NOTE FROM THE HEADMASTER
Welcome back, Glendale Prep families!
As we head into the 2026-2027 school year, our thematic goal is Deepening Our Roots: Grounded in Virtue, Growing in Wonder. This is not just some inspirational theme we hope to use to decorate the faculty office and share in meetings; it is something each of us as faculty and staff work to make part of ourselves over the course of the school year- something we model, something we ask of one another, and something we ourselves become.
Our first two weeks together as a faculty and staff were spent sitting together and wrestling with selected texts from Robert Frost and our first President, George Washington. In Frost’s The Gift Outright, we wrestled with what it takes to truly belong to a place rather than just occupy it and then we turned to Washington’s Farewell Address, and to his claim that virtue is not decoration on a well-run community but its “necessary spring,” the thing that keeps a shared purpose warming a room instead of consuming it. That same spirit shaped our practical work for the year ahead: grade-level teams wrote vision statements about what a Glendale Prep student at each grade level might aim towards, and departments worked through vertical alignment, asking not just what gets covered this year, but what a student should be able to do walking into the next. Out of it all, teachers named the two virtues they committed to model first, themselves: integrity (the same person in the hallway and the classroom) and charity (willing the good of the person in front of you, even when it costs something).
And all of this, we felt yesterday and today on our first two days of school. At our debrief yesterday afternoon, teachers shared moments like these:
“Two seniors introduced themselves to me after class and shook my hand.”
“One of my younger students used the phrase ‘sphere of influence’ naturally — the students have a real sense of wonder.”
“6th grade was amazing today! They displayed strong class culture and were eager to engage. They said Glendale Prep was better than they ever expected!”
“Asking new 7th graders how their day went: ‘It was awesome.’ ‘I actually loved my classes.'”
“All 7th and 8th grade music students sang with gusto on the first day — look out, Minstrel Boy, here we come!”
“Seeing my last year’s eighth graders in their oxfords as ninth graders.”
This is the vision we’re forming toward, and we are honored to share in the work alongside you as parents:
The Glendale Prep Graduate is prepared for a full and meaningful life in pursuit of not just success, but goodness — with a discerning heart and mind towards what is true, what is good, and what is beautiful. He holds the skill of critical thinking and can articulate thoughts, ideas, and opinions rooted in truth discovered. Virtue is at the heart of choice as one serves his community and contributes to the greater good beyond self.
It is a vision born from the Great Hearts mission: to cultivate the minds and hearts of students through the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more of what our teachers curated as their aims as they form hearts and minds in virtue and truth in the vision statements each grade-level team wrote for itself this year. I can’t wait to see where this year of wonder takes us!
In partnership,
Mrs. Janssen
HIGH SCHOOL
CLASSICS TO KEEP
If you did not purchase Classics to Keep in the GP Consumables set, students will need the following texts on Monday:
9th Grade- A Short History of the United States
10th Grade- Henry V
11th Grade- The Iliad
12th Grade- Aeneid
Please see the Classics to Keep Lists HERE for the exact ISBNs and Amazon links.
*As a reminder, the ‘Classics to Keep Set’ purchased through consumables was only for HL books. It did not include Fine Arts books/materials, Foreign Language books, and Senior Elective books.
2026-2027 HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT
We are THREE WEEKS away from 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 information on the payment portal
HS RETREAT PAYMENT
MIDDLE SCHOOL
CLASSICS TO KEEP
If you did not purchase Classics to Keep in the GP Consumables set, students will need the following texts on Monday.
6th Grade- Shane AND Land of Hope Volume 1
7th Grade- Greek Myths
8th Grade- Lord of The Flies
Please see the Classics to Keep Lists HERE for the exact ISBNs and Amazon links.
*As a reminder, the ‘Classics to Keep Set’ purchased through consumables did not include the music recorder; you will need to purchase a recorder for 7th and 8th grade music.
MISC SCHOOL INFO
UNIFORM BELTS AND SHOES
BELTS: Students must wear a black or brown dress belt if selecting to wear khaki dress slacks or shorts.
SHOES: Shoes must be solid black or brown. Athletic shoes or dress shoes are permitted.
*GP’s stock of loaner belts and shoes has depleted and will no longer be provided for students who forget or wear the wrong items. Parents will be notified and asked to bring the appropriate uniform items so that students are ready to attend class.
VOLUNTEER CLEARANCE REMINDERS
Calling all GP Volunteers!
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.
TUTORING
The fall semester tutoring schedule is available HERE! Please refer to the schedule to see when tutoring is offered for each subject and teacher. We encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities for extra support and enrichment throughout the semester.
GP HOMEWORK CLUB
Homework Club is available for all students who may require supervision after 3:45 pm, or for parents who would like a quiet environment for their children to complete their homework every school day until 5:30 pm, including half-day Wednesdays. Please send a sack lunch with your child on Wednesdays.
Cost: $175/month for one child; $100/month for each additional child, plus a $25 nonrefundable registration fee per family per year. A monthly fee is payable through a recurring, automatic charge to your credit card on the first of each month. Details available on the payment portal HERE.
*NOTE: Homework club will not be held on the following dates:
Thursday, August 6 and Friday August 7 (the first two days of school)
Wednesday, September 23 (Faculty In-Service Training)
Monday, October 5 or Tuesday, October 6 (Parent Teacher Conference half days)
Friday, February 5 (Faculty In-Service Training)
Semester I Final Exam Week
Semester 2 Final Exam Week
FORGET YOUR LUNCH?
Students may purchase hot lunch in advance or bring their lunch with them to school. Hot lunches are organized by the Glendale Prep Parent Service Organization (PSO).
The front office does not call students or leave locker notes for forgotten lunches, and we do not accept food deliveries from third party vendors (Uber Eats, Door Dash etc.) nor do we allow parents and students to bring group meals to share.
Students should check the bookshelf in the front office for any lunches that may have been delivered by a parent. Please ONLY drop off drinks that are bottled or canned; we will not accept drinks that fall outside of this policy.
Emergency lunches will be available for students who do not have a lunch. The fee for an emergency lunch is $5.00 for the first 3 occurrences. The cost will increase for each subsequent occurrence over the school year.
GP SUMMER TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY
We’re headed to Ireland and England in Summer 2027, and you’re invited!
Join us for an informational meeting with EF Tours, our educational travel partner. This life-changing experience will help students build confidence, independence, and global perspective.
Date: 08//24/ 2026 – Time: 6pm – Location: room 706
👉 Find meeting info and RSVP HERE
Please contact Madame Cognet-Pereira with any additional questions
ccognet-pereira@glendaleprep.org
FAMILY GIVING
Welcome Back, Glendale Prep Families!
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I hope you all had a wonderful summer, and I am so excited to see so many familiar faces returning to campus while also welcoming the many new families joining our Glendale Prep community. There is always a special energy that comes with the first days of school, and I can’t wait to see all that this year has in store.
As we begin another year together, I’m reminded that the strength of Glendale Prep comes from the partnership between our school and our families. Your support through Community Investment and the Arizona Public School Tax Credit helps bridge the funding gap between what Arizona provides public charter schools and the actual cost of delivering the exceptional classical education our students receive.
These gifts directly support teacher salaries, curriculum, classroom resources, athletics, fine arts, and so many of the programs that make Glendale Prep such a special place.
Thank you for being an important part of our school community and for investing in the success of our students. If you have any questions about Community Investment or the Arizona Public School Tax Credit, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at tkempton@glendaleprep.org. If you would like to make a tax-deductible gift to Community Investment or the Arizona Public School Tax Credit, please use the link below. I hope your family has an amazing 2026-2027 year!
DONATE
ATHLETICS
GP WELCOMES OUR NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
It is with great pleasure that we announce Glendale Prep’s newly appointed Athletic Director, Mr. Michael Fiore. Mr. Fiore steps into his new role already a familiar and beloved presence in our community. Mr. Fiore has served as our Middle School football coach and, as a Glendale Prep parent of three, having lived out our mission firsthand alongside his own children. He joins us most recently from Archway Glendale, where he served last semester as a fourth-grade teaching assistant.
Mr. Fiore brings twenty years of distinguished service with the Phoenix Police Department, where he held a wide range of leadership and specialized assignments, including field training officer, investigative roles protecting children and families, and service in the Tactical Support Bureau’s Air Support Unit. His record reflects the discipline, integrity, and leadership under pressure that we so deeply value in those entrusted with the care and mentorship of our student-athletes.
We know our coaches and students alike are fortunate to have him step further into this role within the Griffin family he already calls home.
FALL SPORTS START DATES
High School Football – Began July 27 *If you are interested in joining, reach out to Mr. Fiore, GP Athletic Director
High School Cross Country – Began August 3 *If you are interested in joining, reach out to Mr. Fiore, GP Athletic Director
High School Volleyball – August 10. Tryouts are from 3:30-5:30PM in the GP Gym.
Middle School Football – August 10. Practice is from 3:45-6:00PM at GP.
Middle School Cross Country – August 10. Practice is at 6:00PM at GP.
Middle School Volleyball – August 17. Tryouts are 3:30-5:30PM in the GP Gym.
Middle School Golf – August 18. Practice is at Union Hills Country Club starting at 4:30PM
MEET THE COACH- FALL SPORTS
Mark your calendars for our Fall Sports Meet the Coaches Night on Thursday, August 13, at 6:30 p.m in the GP Gym. This evening will provide families an opportunity to meet our coaching staff, hear about the upcoming season, and receive important team-specific information.
GP ATHLETICS
COLLEGE COUNSELING
College Credit Opportunities
Did you know Glendale Prep students can earn college credit while still in high school? Join our college counselor, Mrs. Sarbacker, for an informative evening covering the three primary ways students can earn college credit:
1. Dual Enrollment
2. AP Exams
3. CLEP Exams
This session is open to all Glendale Prep high school families (grades 9–12) and is a great opportunity to learn about the various pathways students can use to earn college credit before graduation.
Tuesday, August 11
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Archway Multi-Purpose Room (MPR)
Grade-Level College Counseling Information Nights
Our College Counseling Department is excited to welcome students and parents to our annual grade-level information sessions!
These evenings are designed to provide families with a clear roadmap for the college planning process and outline what students should be doing at each stage of high school. While attendance is not required, it is strongly encouraged to help ensure your student stays on track for college success.
All sessions will be held in the Archway Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) from 6:15–7:30 p.m.
August 13 – Senior Student & Parent Night
August 20 – Junior Student & Parent Night
September 10 – Sophomore Student & Parent Night
September 17 – Freshman Student & Parent Night
We look forward to partnering with you throughout your student’s college journey!
COLLEGE COUNSELING
PSO
AUGUST PSO MEETING
Calling all GP Parents! Please join Mrs. Janssen and the PSO for the first meeting of the year. We need you to make this a wonderful school year!
WHEN: Thursday, August 13 6:00-7:00PM
WHERE: Room 406 in the GP Courtyard- Enter through the courtyard gates
LUNCH ORDERS
Monday-Chick-fil-A
Tuesday-Tropical Smoothie
Thursday-Pita Jungle
Friday-Streets of New York
Ordering is now open: https://ordernow.myhotlunchbox.com/login
**Please let your student know there will not be access to a microwave when packing their lunch.
MONTHLY TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCH
Every month, the PSO and our parent community provide lunch for the entire faculty.
FIRST LUNCH: Wednesday, August 26
Please check-out the sign-up and help us toss together something special!
https://signup.com/go/TBbXzPk
PSO
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
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