| A Note from the Headmaster
This morning, the Glendale Prep faculty and student body gathered for our annual Beginning of the Year Assembly, a tradition marking the formal start of the school year. This year’s theme invited students to see themselves as authors, intentionally writing the next chapter in their Glendale Prep story.
In my address, I reminded students that no matter where they are in their journey, whether opening their first page as new 6th graders, inscribing their final lines as seniors, or somewhere in between, that they are both known and loved—a foundation set before me by my predecessor, Headmaster Navarrette. I also highlighted that true community is not only about receiving love but about giving it freely. I encouraged students to look for the one who is alone, to seek out new friendships, to choose kindness, and to put the needs of others before their own.
We also reflected on what it means to return to our roots as a classical liberal arts school– to pursue truth and goodness, to cultivate virtue alongside knowledge, and to find joy in learning and in life together. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, learning from their wisdom so that we might live lives rooted in what is true, good, and beautiful.
The assembly concluded with a special recognition of the Class of 2026. The seniors were called to lead by example and to write a final chapter marked by gratitude, love, friendship, and joy.
May this year be one in which every student writes a chapter worthy of the great works we study. One filled with courage, friendship, truth, goodness, and virtue.
My Best,
Mrs. Janssen
2025-26 ESEA Form
Starting on August 18th, the 2025-26 ESEA form will be available on your enrollment parent portal to complete. Please complete the ESEA form for each student for the 2025–2026 school year. Your participation—regardless of eligibility—helps secure funding for:
· Tutoring & academic support
· Technology upgrades
· Teacher training & facility improvements
Instructions on how to complete this form will be sent on Monday, August 18th, 2025.
All information is confidential. Thank you for your support!
From the Deans
Please note the following reminders from the Deans of Students to support clarity and consistency across campus:
- Tardy Tracking in PowerSchool. With open grade books now available, you can monitor your students’ attendance, including tardies, directly in PowerSchool. Please remember that an accumulation of three (3) tardies results in a detention.
- Spirit Shirts Must Be School-Issued. On Spirit Wear Wednesdays, shirts must be uniform tops, school-issued GP spirit, or GP athletic shirts. Solid-color, non-GP apparel and handmade shirts do not meet the spirit wear guidelines.
Thank you for partnering with us to maintain a unified campus. If you have any questions, please contact the Deans of Students (Deansofstudents@glendaleprep.org [1]).
Limited Open Gradebooks
We are thrilled to announce that Glendale Preparatory parents and students will have limited access to gradebooks this school year. Gradebooks opened on Monday, August 11th. An email was sent last Monday with instructions on how to access the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
Curriculum Night
Join our Griffin community on Thursday, August 21st, 2025, from 6:00p.m. to 7:45p.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 5:45p.m.
Tutoring
Each of your students’ teachers will provide weekly tutoring sessions. You can find the tutoring schedule HERE [2] and can always be found at the bottom of the Weekly Blast and linked on our website under the Academics tab [3].
Student Absences
When absent, it is always the student’s responsibility to obtain the missing assignments and any class notes. Make-up work due dates are given on a 1:1 ratio. For example, if a student was absent for three days, they would have three days to complete their make-up work before deductions begin.
Please note that teachers will not have handouts or assignments to give students prior to an absence. Students must collect these items upon their return to make up. Middle school and 9th grade should, however, work to keep up with any readings or assignments that might be completed without a handout as posted daily on the Middle School and 9thgrade Homework Overview Spreadsheet. 10th-12th graders should reach out to a classmate to keep up with any missed readings or assignments that might be completed without a handout.
Middle School and 9th grade Homework Overview Spreadsheet [4]
High School Retreat
2025-2026 High School Retreat to Lost Canyon [5] for 9th – 12th graders is quickly approaching! Please make sure to check your email for a HS Retreat email.
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 took place on August 12th,a few spots are still available so sign up soon! For questions, contact Mr. Kilcup at mkilcup@glendaleprep.org [6].
Yearbook Enrichment Course
Do you want to bring your own touch to the Yearbook 2025-2026? Writers, editors and photographers… we need many talents and qualities to build our team. To join the Yearbook Enrichment Course, please come to the information meeting on Friday, August 22nd during Lyceum 1 in room 706. Middle and high school students are welcome.
For more information please contact Madame Cognet-Pereira: ccognet-pereira@glendaleprep.org [7].
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 [1]), with any questions.
Family Giving
Our campus is alive with energy—classrooms buzzing, students engaged, and learning happening all around. This vibrant environment is made possible by the strength of our community. Your continued investment—whether through the Arizona Public School Tax Credit or our Community Investment campaign—helps bridge the gap in state funding and supports vital programs like classroom resources, curriculum, fine arts, athletics, and even teacher salaries.
Together, we’re creating 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 your tax deductible gift to Community Investment and the Arizona Public School Tax Credit, please contact Tammy Kempton, Family Giving Officer, at tkempton@glendaleprep.org [8].
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 an in-person presentation led by Mrs. Sarbacker on Monday, August 18th from 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm 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, September 4th 6:15 – 7:30 pm Junior Parent Night
- Thursday, September 11th 6:15 – 7:30 pm Sophomore Parent Night
- Tuesday, September 16th 6:15 – 7:30 pm 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 [9]
Dual Enrollment Registration [10]
If you have any questions at all, please reach out to our college counselor, Mrs. Katherine Sarbacker at ksarbacker@glendaleprep.org [11].
Athletics
Athletic Sponsorship Information
For information to become an athletic sponsor, please reach out to Tammy Kempton (tkempton@archwayglendale.org [12]) or John Kontak (jkontak@glendalerep.org [13]). For families that have a business, this is a great opportunity to have visibility in the gym with a banner!
Fall Sports Start Dates
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 will be at Union Hills Golf Club from 4:00-5:30.
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 [14]).
Football Friday Night
Our first home high school football game is Friday, August 22nd. Kickoff is at 7:00 PM. All Glendale Prep students and staff get in free! Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids (cash or card). Don’t miss opening night! Spiritline will cheer throughout the game and perform at halftime.
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/ [15]) for all information regarding schedules, GP athletics, fan gear/apparel, registration information and much more! |