Weekly Blast 08.14.26
August 25, 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 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)
SEPT 11 MQPRs
SEPT 26 HS HOMECOMING DANCE
A NOTE FROM THE HEADMASTER
Hello, Glendale Prep families,
Two weeks ago I shared the thematic vision for the coming school year: Deepening Our Roots: Grounded in Virtue, Growing in Wonder, and last week I shared the vision statements our Middle School teachers wrote for their students. This week, our High School vision statements, in the teachers’ own words:
9th Grade
Glendale Prep 9th grade students are growing in independence, perseverance, self-awareness, and responsibility. They are learning to take greater initiative in their work rather than waiting for direction and to persevere when academic challenges arise. As they mature, students should become increasingly aware of their own strengths and areas for growth while taking ownership of their choices, actions, and learning. They are developing intellectual habits by asking thoughtful questions and participating meaningfully. Above all, 9th grade students are beginning to see themselves as contributing members of the Glendale Prep community, taking pride in their school and embracing the opportunities they have to continue growing in wisdom and virtue.
10th Grade
Glendale Prep 10th grade students will strive to uphold academic humility by working well with all peers, with genuine wonder, while affirming the dignity of others. They are expected to take initiative in classwork—note-taking, preparation, and self advocacy—and support ideas with concrete evidence. Through this process, students will continue to develop an appreciation and love for the classical liberal arts.
11th Grade
Glendale Prep 11th grade students should learn to comport themselves as adults. They should be able to come up with their own thoughts and present them independently as well as respectfully engage with the thoughts of others. They should have a willingness to engage and track with the class without prompting and take ownership of their own learning. An 11th grade student should be able to handle themselves appropriately in a classroom at all times. They should be able to collaborate and include all peers in group work. They should come prepared to class with their work completed and without reminders. The expectation is that they will respect the community and individuals within the community with their actions and words.
12th Grade
Glendale Prep 12th grade student demonstrates confidence, integrity, and leadership. Seniors take pride in the knowledge and habits they have earned through years of disciplined work and trust their own preparation and abilities. As leaders of the school, they model responsibility, honesty, and a genuine investment in the intellectual life of the community. Ultimately, seniors recognize the value of their classical liberal education and seek to leave Glendale Prep prepared not only for future academic success, but to live lives shaped by wisdom and virtue.
There is a clear arc from a 9th grader learning to take initiative without being asked, to a 12th grader leading the school by the example of his own disciplined life. Every grade level, at every stage, is aimed toward the same vision:
The Glendale Prep Graduate
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.
Seven years, seven distinct aims, one destination. Thank you again for your trust and partnership as we grow your children’s hearts and minds.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Mrs. Janssen
HIGH SCHOOL
HOMECOMING DANCE
Save the date!
Glendale Preparatory High School Homecoming Dance
Saturday, September 26
Details coming soon!
11TH GRADE COLLEGE VISIT
GCU will be hosting our Junior Class for a college campus visit on Friday, October 30. Students will take charter buses to campus, learn information about the college journey, take a tour, and enjoy lunch together.
Students must have a permission slip filled out in advance to attend. Click the link below to complete the digital permission slip.
GCU PERMISSION FORM
MIDDLE SCHOOL
NEW STUDENT PRACTICUM
This week, our sixth graders participated in their second week of our “New Student Practicum” project rollout. This week’s focus was aimed towards the actions of a genuine student and the cardinal virtues that support education and active note taking. Ask your student to see the work they completed in this endeavor.
MENTORSHIP 26-27
This week our group of amazing upperclassmen mentors, and two handpicked sophomores, met and began to mentor our newest GP 6th grade students. Mentors will continue to meet each month under the guidance and leadership of Mrs. Mure and Mr. Martin. Our goal for all students is to instill a heart of service and sense of community in each person. The boys met Thursday and the girls met today. Please ask your 6th grader about their Lyceum experience.
MISC SCHOOL INFO
GP CURRICULUM NIGHT
Join our Griffin community on Thursday, August 27th, 2026, from 6:00PM-7:45PM for Glendale Preparatory’s annual Curriculum Night. This is an opportunity to 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 5:45p.m.
HOMEWORK CALIBRATION
This week, students were asked to report their time spent on homework on Thursday evening.
Students can feel anxious or stressed when their workload compounds with an unpredictable home schedule. Helping your student plan 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.
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.
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.
CALLING ALL PARENT VOLUNTEERS
We are looking for some energetic and creative parents who might be interested in running a station at field day on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4. If you are interested, please reach out to Mrs. Hayward at jhayward@glendaleprep.org
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
Kindness, Community, and a Strong Start to the Year
As we wrap up our second full week of school, I continue to be inspired by the sense of community that makes Glendale Prep such a special place. We had an amazing back to school assembly today, and the sense of excitement was evident in the cheers and smiles from faculty and students alike! It has been wonderful to see students settling into routines, building friendships, and helping one another along the way. From upperclassmen assisting new students to classmates offering encouragement and support, these everyday acts of kindness reflect the character of our school and serve as a reminder that the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty begins with how we care for one another.
We could not do all of this good work without the commitment of our families. Thank you to the many families who have already supported Glendale Prep through Community Investment and the Arizona Public School Tax Credit. Your generosity directly impacts the experience our students have every day.
If you haven’t had a chance to make a gift to Community Investment yet, we are just getting started and have a long way to go to reach our year end goal. Your gift is tax-deductible and stays right here at Glendale Prep.
If you would like to make a one-time or recurring monthly gift to Community Investment, please visit: https://give.glendaleprep.org/campaign/706416/donate
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please feel free to contact Tammy Kempton at tkempton@glendaleprep.org.
Thank you for your support!
DONATE
ATHLETICS
CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
If you are interested in helping to create the FIRST EVER Glendale Prep student designed Spirit Banner which will be flown at all of our games, see Mrs. Mure or Mr. Collum for more information.
At the end of the school year, this year’s banner will be displayed in the GP gym. Help be a part of the school’s spirit for all to see!
FALL SPORTS SPIRIT WEAR
Our Fall Sports Spirit Store is open only for a little longer. Ger your GP gear to support our student athletes.
SPIRIT WEAR TEAM SHOP
GP ATHLETICS
COLLEGE COUNSELING
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.
• 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!
Senior Information Night Make-Up
If your student missed Senior Information Night last week, Mrs. Sarbacker wants to make sure they don’t miss out on all the important information we shared! We will be holding a Senior Information Night Make-Up Session next Tuesday during Lunch/Lyceum in Room 409. Students who were unable to attend should plan to join us so they can get caught up on everything they need to know for senior year, including the college application process, important deadlines, and the senior trip.
Please encourage your student to attend. We want to make sure every senior is informed, prepared, and ready for a great year ahead!
Embry Riddle Admissions Representative Visit
Is your student interested in aviation, aerospace, engineering, technology, business, or exploring what Embry-Riddle has to offer? We have a great opportunity coming to campus!
An Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University admissions representative will be visiting us on Friday, August 28 during 2nd Lyceum to meet with interested students.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Embry-Riddle’s academic programs, campus experience, admissions process, scholarships, and what makes the university unique. Even if Embry-Riddle is only beginning to make its way onto your college list, I encourage your child to come learn more and ask questions directly of our admissions representative.
COLLEGE COUNSELING
PSO
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
ITEMS STILL NEEDED!
Please check-out the sign-up and help us toss together something special!
https://signup.com/go/TBbXzPk
SPIRIT WEAR
Did you see any spiritwear at the bookstore you are regretting not purchasing?
POPSICLE SALE
Popsicle sale will take place during lunch on the following Fridays: August 14, 21, and 28. Popsicles will be $2 each, and all proceeds will benefit the high school cross country team’s trip to the Woodbridge Classic Meet in California.
DADS CREW
If you would like to join the Dads Crew, contact Aaron at aaronjw67@cox.net
Our dad’s crew takes part in supporting various events on camps and even plans events of their own through the PSO.
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
