| A Note from the Headmaster
Good Afternoon!
This weekend, we will host our Study Skills Workshop for students who are new to Glendale Prep, as well as for any returning students seeking support in organization and time management. Together, we will explore what it means to be a Glendale Prep student by talking through how to annotate a text, how to best prepare for tests, and how to make the most of the rich opportunities our school offers.
During the workshop, we also address how students can feel anxious or stressed when their workload compounds with an unpredictable home schedule. We emphasize that planning the week ahead is a key step in building personal time-management skills. By looking forward and anticipating busy evenings, such as a family birthday celebration or a longer extracurricular practice, students can make strategic use of Lyceum time (30 minutes of choice time before or after lunch) at school to get ahead and work more efficiently.
One topic we highlight in the workshop is homework and homework completion. Students at Glendale Prep should expect an average of 2 to 2½ hours of meaningful homework each night, though this will naturally vary from student to student and household to household.
We believe homework is an essential part of a student’s education. It preserves valuable class time for instruction, discussion, and the collective pursuit of truth, while providing students with quiet, focused time at home to make the subject truly their own. At the same time, we hold family life as paramount; time spent together, away from academic work, nurtures the heart and refreshes the mind.
We encourage families to create a calm, distraction-free environment so students can focus fully on their studies. If homework is consistently taking longer than intended (approx. 20 minutes per subject area/ 40 minutes for Humane Letters coursework), students should first reach out directly to their teacher to share their experience and seek guidance. If the challenge continues, parents are welcome to join that conversation so that, together, we can identify strategies to support the student’s learning or adjust the calibration of future assignments.
If you are not able to attend the workshop, or have further questions, please reach out at any time.
Warmly,
Mrs. Janssen
Limited Open Gradebooks
We are thrilled to announce that Glendale Preparatory parents and students will have limited access to gradebooks this school year. Gradebooks will open Monday afternoon, August 11th. A separate email will be sent on Monday for further instructions on how to access the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
Curriculum Night
Join our griffin community on Thursday, August 21st, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. for Glendale Preparatory’s annual Curriculum Night. Hear from our school leaders, and follow your student’s schedule to attend a unique lesson in each of their classes. This is a parent-only event, no students or children. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.
First Year Students: Study Skills Workshop
Glendale Prep’s Study Skills Workshop
- Date: Saturday, August 9
- Time: 8:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Location: Courtyard Classrooms
Details: This interactive and encouraging workshop is highly recommended for:
- All 6th graders
- Any students new to Glendale Prep
While it is especially geared towards these groups, all GP students are welcome to join!
There will be four 30-minute sessions taught by Glendale Prep teachers:
- Organization and Time Management
- Participation and Tutoring
- Annotating, Test Preparation and Test Taking
- How to Make the Most out of Being a Glendale Prep Student
Students must wear their school uniform. Students must attend the workshop with one parent. Please, no younger siblings.
The cost for each student/parent pair is $20 ($30 for multiple siblings attending with a parent). Please use THIS LINK [1] make this payment through the Glendale Prep payment portal.
Please register by 8:00 am Friday, August 8th.
Tutoring
The Glendale Preparatory Semester I Tutoring Schedule can be found on our website using this link [2]. Please take a moment to speak with your student about the times tutoring is offered for their courses.
High School Retreat
2025-2026 High School Retreat to Lost Canyon [3] for 9th – 12th graders is quickly approaching! Please make sure to check your email for a HS Retreat email. Consent forms were handed out today in sixth period and will need to be returned Monday, August 11th.
GP Chess
GP Chess is back, now as a full fledged, after school Enrichment Course overseen by Mr. Kilcup! Enrolled students will gather twice a week, on Tuesday and/or Friday until 4:30pm to participate in casual games. Members can also expect coaching, discussion of the history of chess, and various strategies of play and how to apply them in game. We welcome players at all levels, and from all grades. To sign up or review all the details, just look for GP Chess on the Payment Portal. Our first session will take place on August 12, so sign up soon! For questions, contact Mr. Kilcup at mkilcup@glendaleprep.org [4].
Parent Pick Up
General Reminders for GP Traffic Procedures
- There are no left turns onto 83rd, as posted by the city on the sign by the exit, during either drop off in the morning or pick up in the afternoon.
- When entering the school heading southbound on 83rd, there is only 1 right hand turn lane. Please do not turn into the lane designated for the left-hand turns.
- Planada should not be used as a drop off or pick up area. There are signs posted for no standing, no parking, and no stopping.
- Please pull forward as far as you can when picking up, we want to try our best to keep traffic moving.
- Please do not drop off or pick up in the parking lot entrance off of Pinnacle Peak.
- Please do not drop off while in the turn lanes. Peoria Police have informed us that it is considered Blocking or impeding traffic which is prohibited by both Arizona state law and Peoria city code.
Click HERE [5] for detailed traffic procedures.
2026 France Trip
Dear families,
We’re thrilled to share that we’re heading to France (Paris, Chateaux of la Loire, Brittany and Normandy Tour) in June 2026 with our partner EF Tours. We’d love for your student to join us!
This is an incredible opportunity for students to explore new places, experience different cultures, and gain lifelong skills like independence and confidence. We’ll be sharing all the details, including what we’ll see and do along with the cost of the trip.
Meeting details:
Date: August 14, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Room 706
RSVP here to join us: https://bit.ly/4eBdDAC [6]
Contact: Madame Cognet Pereira – ccognet-pereira@glendaleprep.org [7]
We’ll also open enrollment during the meeting.
In the meantime, please visit EF’s website to get answers to common parent questions. EF Tours is our trusted travel partner, and they have years of experience helping students explore the world safely and affordably.
Spirit Wear
Spirit Wear Wednesdays Are Here!
We are excited to announce that beginning this school year, Spirit Wear Day will be on Wednesdays rather than Fridays. We are excited to give our students the opportunity to show their school pride midweek while maintaining consistency with our uniform standards.
Please review the updated Spirit Wear Wednesday guidelines below to ensure your student is in compliance:
Tops:
- Uniform top, school-issued athletic shirt, or spirit shirt (non-school-issued apparel is not permitted) tucked into the waist.
- GP Athletic and spirit shirts must cover what the short-sleeve uniform polo covers. If the jersey has any mesh, white undershirts are required.
- Hoodies and pocketed jackets are not permitted in the classroom.
- School-issued athletic jackets without hoods and pockets are permitted.
Bottoms:
- Uniform bottoms or solid-colored jeans (denim, black, white) are permitted.
- Bottoms with rips, outer pockets, frayed edges, embellishments, or accessories are not permitted.
Footwear:
- Uniform dress shoes or uniform athletic shoes only.
Accessories:
- Standard uniform accessory guidelines apply.
- Hats, sunglasses, and headwear are not permitted.
We appreciate your partnership in upholding our school’s values of unity, consistency, and school spirit. Please contact Mrs. Mure and Dr. McGrath, the Deans of Students (Deansofstudents@glendaleprep.org [8]), with any questions.
Family Giving
We’ve officially wrapped up our first full week of school, and what an amazing start it’s been! Classrooms are buzzing with energy, students are settling into routines, and our campus is alive with learning and connection.
As we dive into the new year, we’re reminded that it takes a strong, supportive community to create this kind of vibrant educational environment. Your continued investment—whether through the Arizona Public School Tax Credit or our Community Investment campaign—helps bridge the gap in state funding and makes programs like classroom resources, curriculum, fine arts, athletics, and even teacher salaries possible.
Together, we’re building a school where every student can thrive. Thank you for being part of our school family and for investing in our future! To learn more about how to support our school through Community Investment and the Arizona Public School Tax Credit, please contact Tammy Kempton, Family Giving Officer, at tkempton@glendaleprep.org [9].
College Counseling
College Credit Opportunities
To assist families in understanding all of the Great Hearts College Credit Opportunities (Dual Enrollment, CLEP, and AP), we will be offering two resources to our families. One will be a webinar led by Great Hearts and one will be an in-person presentation led by Mrs. Sarbacker. You may choose to attend one or both.
- The Great Hearts webinar will be held on Wednesday, August 13th from 6:00pm – 6:15pm and the Zoom link is: https://greathearts.zoom.us/j/99243179675 [10] and the Meeting ID is 992 4317 9675.
- The Glendale Prep presentation and Q & A Session will be held on Monday, August 18th from 6:15pm – 7:30pm in the Archway MPR.
College Counseling Parent and Student Information Sessions
Glendale Prep’s College Counseling Department is excited to host grade level informational meetings for parents and students. We will share information relevant to each grade level regarding the college search process. Please join us for the specific grade level of your student in Archway’s MPR.
Please mark your calendars with the following dates:
- Thursday, August 14th 6:15 – 7:30pm Senior Parent Night
- Thursday, September 4th 6:15 – 7:30pm Junior Parent Night
- Thursday, September 11th 6:15 – 7:30pm Sophomore Parent Night
- Tuesday, September 16th 6:15 – 7:30pm Freshman Parent Night
Dual Enrollment
On Wednesday, July 16th, an email from Mr. Mac Esau, Executive Director of Upper Schools, was sent to families regarding Dual Enrollment opportunities. We are excited for the expanding dual enrollment opportunities and hopeful more student pursue these opportunities.
This year, students have the opportunity to enroll in the following: 2025-2026 Dual Enrollment Courses:
· Humane Letters II
· Humane Letters III
· Chemistry
· Economics
· Calculus II
· Spanish III
· French III
· Greek I
For those of you with children in 10th – 12th grade, we highly encourage you to explore these Dual Enrollment courses (now 17 in total) along with the AP and CLEP exams that we are offering for this coming year. Click on the links below to learn more about our College Credit programs and to register for our Dual Enrollment classes today!
Great Hearts College Credit Website [11]
Dual Enrollment Registration [12]
If you have any questions at all, please reach out to our college counselor, Mrs. Katherine Sarbacker at ksarbacker@glendaleprep.org [13].
Athletics
Athletic Sponsorship Information
For information to become an athletic sponsor, please reach out to Tammy Kempton (tkempton@archwayglendale.org [14]) or John Kontak (jkontak@glendalerep.org [15]). For families that have a business, this is a great opportunity to have visibility in the gym with a banner!
Fall Sports Start Dates
High School Football – Started July 28th. If you are interested in joining the team, see Mr. Kontak or Mr. Roundy.
High School Cross Country – Started August 4th. Reach out to Coach Webdale (ewebdale@glendaleprep.org [16]) for practice information.
High School Volleyball – Begins Monday August 11th. Tryouts are from 3:30-5:30PM in the GP gym.
Middle School Football – Begins Monday August 11th. Practice is 3:45-6:00PM at GP.
Middle School Cross Country – Begins Monday August 11th. Practice is at 6:00PM at GP.
Middle School Volleyball – Begins Monday August 18th. Tryouts are from 3:30-5:30PM in the GP gym.
Middle School Golf – Begins Monday August 18th. Practice time is will be communicated on the announcements and the athletics website.
Make sure to complete your registration on Big Teams prior to the start date of your sport above. If you have any questions about Big Teams registration, reach out to Mr. Roundy (nroundy@glendaleprep.org [17]).
Fan Fest 2025
Fan Fest 2025 is tonight! This event is in the GP gym from 6:00-8:00PM. Join us as we kick off another exciting season of Friday Night Lights with Fan Fest — a night full of school spirit, fun, and community! Admission is FREE! Enjoy performances, games, and activities for all ages! Hungry? Food will be available for $7 a person at the event (if you did not preorder).
BONUS RAFFLE OPPORTUNITY
Bring a case of Gatorade (any flavor!) and receive a raffle ticket to win:
-A reserved parking pass for all home football games
-A family pass for free admissions to every home football game this season!
Let’s pack the gym, show our Griffin pride, and kick off the season in style!
Blue and Gold Run
The 15th annual Blue and Gold Classic will be held on Saturday, August 23rd. The race begins at 7:00 AM at GP (registration begins at 6:30 AM). The distance is two miles and the cost to register is $10 (which includes two raffle tickets).
Come join the cross country team for a community fun run (or walk) with teachers, classmates, family, and friends. After the race, stay for a celebration with food, raffle items, and fellowship. Raffle items include: $200 Runner’s Den gift certificate, $300 membership at PGA Superstore, $400 Tom Ford Sunglasses, Dermatologist skin care basket, and more! ($5 per raffle ticket or 5 for $20). Proceeds to benefit GP Athletics and Cross Country. The race will run rain or shine!
Athletics Website
Check out the GP athletics website (https://greatheartsglendaleathletics.org/ [18]) for all information regarding schedules, GP athletics, fan gear/apparel, registration information and much more! |