Weekly Blast 08.28.26
August 31, 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
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
Happy Friday Glendale Prep Families,
What a joy it was to welcome so many of you to campus for Curriculum Night yesterday evening. Standing in front of you, I found myself reflecting again on why I’m here; not just as your Headmaster, but as a fellow parent who has walked the path many of you are on right now.
If you were not able to join us, I shared a little bit of my story and my journey to GP. My time in education began as a public-school teacher who, for a season, walked away from the classroom because I didn’t love the direction education was headed. When I had daughters of my own, I chose the homeschool path to best shape their education myself. Then I heard a radio ad for a brand-new Great Hearts school opening nearby, and after months on a waitlist, we got in. I drove thirty minutes each way to take my kindergartener to Archway North Phoenix before Archway Glendale opened its doors. Watching from the sidelines as a parent, I saw education done differently, and it drew me back into the classroom, first as a teacher at Archway Glendale, and eventually here, as Headmaster of Glendale Prep.
As I have shared with all of you, our thematic goal this year is Deepening Our Roots — Grounded in Virtue and Growing in Wonder. We’re asking our students, and ourselves, to grow in integrity and charity, and to slow down and sit long enough to ask the deeper questions in wonder.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because of the men and women who stand in front of your children every day. Teachers who engage students in Homer and Euclid, who experiment with Marie Curie, who bring music, art, poetry, and drama into every grade level, and whose hearts are daily dedicated to the formation of your students as flourishing humans. And we simply could not keep the teachers we have, to deliver this caliber of education, without your donations of time, talent, and treasure.
That is what your Community Investment and Public School Tax Credit gifts make possible. So that you can see exactly where those dollars go, I’ve included a breakdown below.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the families who have contributed to our CI and Tax Credit campaigns this year. Thank you! You are part of the reason this culture endures.
If you have not yet given, I ask that you consider partnering with us this year through a monthly gift to Community Investment, and by directing your Public-School Tax Credit to Glendale Prep. Every gift, at every level, helps us keep the teachers who make this education what it is for your children, and for the generations of Glendale Prep graduates still to come.
With gratitude,
Mrs. Janssen
CONTRIBUTE TO GP COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
HIGH SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT
We are just days away from our 2026 High School Retreat!
At GP, HS retreat is about stepping away together, with a purpose. Today, we spoke with our students about the distinction between the trip with purpose vs. “vacation” and about what we hope to accomplish during our time at Lost Canyon.
Retreat gives students the opportunity to build relationships across grade levels, strengthen friendships, work together as teams, serve others, and get to know their teachers and staff outside the normal classroom setting. There will be plenty of fun, laughter, competition, and time to relax, but all of it takes place within the larger purpose of building community.
This is also why our retreat remains structured. We will have a schedule, planned activities, acts of service, a relaxed (but still enforced) dress code, and guided free time. At GP, we step away from the classroom for a few days so that we can return knowing one another better, strengthened as a community, and ready to tackle the school year together.
We can’t wait for next week!
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’s sixth-grade New Student Practicum emphasized the significance of interacting with your teacher and provided tips for effective memorization and study habits. Students received a handout containing memorization tips and were encouraged to share it with you at home.
MISC SCHOOL INFO
House Sorting Ceremony
Today we held our annual House sorting ceremony! Our vision at Glendale Prep is that all students are known and loved. Our House system started with the goal of Seniors and 6th graders, Juniors and 8th graders, students across our student body coming to know each other better and share time together. All students are sorted into a House where they will find their home for their full tenure at GP.
Within each House are smaller kin groups that promote even deeper connections. Be sure to ask your new student whether they are soaring with their heart and soal in Falconis, hunting where wisdom resides in Vulpes, swimming with delight against the tide in Lutra, or defending loyalty with claw and fang in Hyrax!
GP GOES PINK
Pre order your pink shirts HERE September 1 – September 21 only!! $25
ATTENDANCE
Late Arrival Reminder – If your student will be arriving late for school, please be sure to notify the front office. We must receive an email or phone call from a parent / guardian before a student who arrives late can be released to class.
FAMILY GIVING
Thank You for a Wonderful Curriculum Night!
What a wonderful turnout we had for Curriculum Night! It was a joy to see so many new and returning families on campus and to experience the energy and enthusiasm that make Glendale Prep such a special community.
I hope the evening gave you an opportunity to step into your student’s world; meeting their teachers, engaging in lessons, and experiencing firsthand the rich curriculum they encounter each day. Our exceptional teachers, dedicated families, and outstanding students are what make Glendale Prep thrive.
Thank you for the many ways you support our academy. Whether through volunteering your time, encouraging our teachers, or contributing financially, your partnership plays a vital role in sustaining the educational experience we provide. As a public charter school, Glendale Prep receives less funding per student than traditional district schools, making community support essential to preserving our classical curriculum and attracting and retaining outstanding teachers.
If you have not yet made your annual or monthly gift, I invite you to consider supporting Glendale Prep through Community Investment or the Arizona Public School Tax Credit. Every gift, regardless of size, makes a meaningful impact and directly benefits our students and teachers.
If you have any questions about these giving opportunities or would like assistance making a tax-deductible donation, please feel free to reach out to Tammy Kempton at tkempton@glendaleprep.org or make your donation here.
Thank you again for your partnership and for investing in the mission of Glendale Prep!
Mrs. Kempton
DONATE
ATHLETICS
GP FORTIS
Join our BRAND-NEW GP Fortis – Strength & Conditioning program.
Whether you are an off-season athlete or simply want to own your physical fitness, GP’s new FORTIS strength, conditioning, and agility program is your next step. The program will run this semester from September to November multiple days a week, but you have the flexibility and freedom to come when you can. 3:30-4:30 for high school, and 5:30-6:30 for middle school. It is available for any Archway/GP 5-12th student but sign up through the payment portal quickly because there will be limited spots. Reach out to Coach Rathbun for more information or to find out if this program is for you (spoiler alert: it is!) Register link below, hurry before the spots fill up.
FORTIS REGISTRATION
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
College Representatives are Coming to GP
College visits are a great way to learn about a school directly from the people who know it best. We have two college admissions representatives visiting next week, so come with your questions and take advantage of the opportunity!
Villanova University
Monday, August 31 | 1st Lyceum
Interested in a university that combines strong academics, big-time school spirit, and a close-knit community? Villanova is a private Augustinian Catholic university located just outside Philadelphia with approximately 7,000 undergraduates and a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students can choose from 100+ majors and minors, with particularly strong opportunities in business, engineering, nursing, sciences, and the liberal arts. Villanova is also known for its strong sense of community and service, Division I athletics, and more than 300 student clubs and organizations. (Villanova University)
Come meet Villanova’s admissions representative to hear firsthand about academic programs, campus culture, student life, and the admissions process.
Hillsdale College
Tuesday, September 1 | 1st Lyceum
Looking for a small college with challenging academics and a strong sense of community? Hillsdale College is a private liberal arts college in Michigan with approximately 1,500 undergraduate students and small classes that allow students to work closely with their professors.
Hillsdale is known for its rigorous classical liberal arts curriculum, with students studying across disciplines including literature, history, philosophy, politics, economics, mathematics, and the sciences. Students can then pursue majors ranging from business and economics to biology, psychology, politics, history, and the humanities.
Come meet Hillsdale’s admissions representative to learn about its academic programs, campus culture, student life, admissions process, and scholarship opportunities and see whether Hillsdale might be a good fit for you!
Even if these schools are not currently on your college list, rep visits are a great opportunity to discover a school you may not have previously considered.
COLLEGE COUNSELING
PSO
Thank you for your August donation.
MONTHLY TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCH
Wednesday, September 30
Please sign up to donate items!
https://signup.com/go/TBbXzPk
DONUT FRIDAY
Don’t forget $1 donuts on FRIDAYS before school in the courtyard.
SNOW CONES
Snow cones will be sold at the September 8 home football game $2.
SPIRIT WEAR
Did you see any spiritwear at the bookstore you are regretting not purchasing?
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.
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.
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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