- Great Hearts Glendale Prep, Serving Grades 6-12 - https://glendaleprep.greatheartsamerica.org -

Weekly Blast 2.21.2020

School Dates to Note:

  • Feb 21 – Middle School Epic Cycle
  • Feb 25 – National Latin/Greek Exams
  • Feb 26 – Winter Sports Awards Ceremony
  • Feb 28 – 8th Grade Field Trip
  • Feb 28 – Headmaster Coffee
  • Feb 29 – PSO Night of the Griffin
  • Mar 4 – Spring Sports Pictures
  • Mar 6 – Early Release 12:05 p.m.
  • Mar 6-10 – Senior Trip
  • Mar 9-13 – Spring Break
  • July 27 – Save the Date! Bookstore
Table of Contents:

  1. A Note From Headmaster [1]
  2. Middle School Epic Cycle [2]
  3. National Latin & Greek Exams [3]
  4. 8th Grade Field Trip [4]
  5. Headmaster Coffee [5]
  6. Compost Project at GP [6]
  7. GP Athletics [7]
  8. PSO Corner [8]
  9. College Counseling [9]
  10. Tax Credit [10]
  11. Re-Enrollment [11]
A Note From Headmaster

Hello Parents,

I wanted to share a topic that has been on my mind lately as I reflect before and after the New Year that rolls into my birthday- the time to consider life and how you have lived it. It is a concept that was impressed upon me as a young child by my mother during my formative years. I cannot remember a day or week that went by between ages five and fifteen when I did not hear my mother say, “Take ownership Kyle.”.

Taking ownership is something I have tried to develop in my life and instill in my children. It is easier to take ownership for poor words and misdeeds than it is for my attitude, mood, and judgments I can tend to make about people and situations. This is where self-reflection is vital. I believe this idea of ownership is something that makes our community great. The teachers should take ownership for their teaching; the students should take ownership for their learning. Ownership is evident most when we admit wrong without minimizing our actions or the situation and without justifying ourselves to provide some reasonable excuse.

I know this goal of taking ownership is not something we essentially come to without intention and endurance, nor do I believe we arrive at a point in life where we always take ownership. It requires humility. It comes through a gradual process of maturity and growth. I am on that journey of maturity and growth along with our faculty, staff, and students, and I truly believe that journey is more hopeful when we are in it together, striving for the same goal.

Have a nice weekend,
Mr. Navarrette

Middle School Epic Cycle
The Epic of Gilgamesh: Middle School students are invited to join us for a late-night event at Glendale Preparatory Academy for a dramatic reading of the ancient Sumerian hero story.
When: Tonight, Friday, February 21st from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Where: Glendale Preparatory Academy Gymnasium and Courtyard
What: Dramatic reading of “The Epic of Gilgamesh” around a campfire, with snacks, games, and other activities.
Payment: $10.00; students that did not pre-register on the payment portal must be dropped off by a parent who can sign a permission form.
Night of the Event:

  • Students must check-in at the gym lobby. Phones will be checked in upon arrival and can be picked up upon departure. Phones may only be used during the event to contact parents if needed.
  • Comfortable, warm clothing (pajamas allowed). Bring socks to use on the gym floor. Clothing must be “Glendale Prep appropriate” and allow for physical activity: as a rule of thumb, your clothing should cover what the uniform covers. No sleeveless or low cut shirts, short shorts, spandex, tight-fitting bottoms, or visible undergarments. Pants should fit properly at the waist. Clothing should not feature inappropriate language or images. Students who do not dress appropriately will be asked to call parents to bring appropriate clothing or leave the event.
  • Students can bring their own board games, cards, or other things to have fun with friends.
  • Students may bring a blanket and pillow to sit on outside during the readings.
  • Snack food will be provided. If your student has food sensitivities, please make certain to bring approved food with them, as we will be unable to accommodate special diets. Students can bring their own candy and other snacks.

All students must be picked up by 10:15 p.m. Please reach out to Ms. Wegener [12] with any questions.

National Latin & Greek Exams
Students who are currently studying Latin or Greek will be taking the National Latin or National Greek Exam, during 1st Period, on Tuesday, February 25th. All students will have a slightly modified schedule. This is a very exciting opportunity for the Classical Language Students, as they have the chance to compete against other students across the country and overseas. Due to the standardized nature of the test, it will not be possible to reschedule the test if your student is absent. Lunch will be moved back for all students by 15 minutes; 1st lunch will begin at 12:20 p.m. and 2nd lunch will begin at 12:55 p.m. Please ensure your student arrives at school by 8:00 a.m.

8th Grade Field Trip
The 8th Grade Field Trip to Chandler Center for the Arts [13] will be Friday, February 28th. All families paid with their Consuablmes at the beginning of the school year. All that is needed now is an online signed permission slip [14] if you have not done so already.  Again, no payment is needed.

Regular Uniform Dress Code is required. Students will depart by bus at 8:15 a.m. sharp (please arrive at school by 8:00 a.m.) and must bring a sack lunch to be eaten after their visit. Only water is permitted on the bus. Students will be released at the usual time of 3:05 p.m.

The expectation is that all 8th grade students will attend. If your student is unable to attend, please contact Ms. McLoughlin at tmcloughlin@glendaleprep.org [15].

Headmaster Coffee
On Friday, February 28th from 10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Mr. Navarrette welcomes you to join him for coffee, small group discussion, and classroom observations. What makes Glendale Prep such a wonderful community is parent support and commitment to the Academy’s ideals. This is a time to hear from Mr. Navarrette about upcoming events, as well as understand more about specific aspects of school culture. He would also like to discuss any questions you may have about the school. Most importantly, the hope is that this time will provide an opportunity for you to get to know other parents and share your common experiences. Given the timing and space, we are limited to seven parents. Click here to RSVP [16]. Please check-in at the front office.

Compost Project at GP
Did you know that the amount of solid waste created in one year by everyone in the United States is enough to cover the entire country in a layer of trash? Glendale Prep is taking strides to become an environmentally conscious school. With the help of faculty, staff, students, and parents, we hope to have a school that encourages reducing, reusing, and recycling. One of our projects is to build a compost area for all food waste. It requires some material and a little bit of time. Our “3R” ECNA students and teacher are on it, but it would be highly helpful if any GP family was willing to donate soil, a couple of shovels, gardening gloves and/or to participate in building the compost area (with plastic bins). Interested? Please contact Madame Cognet PereiraASAP at cpereira@glendaleprep.org [17]. We can’t change the past, but we can change the future. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!

GP Athletics

  • Congratulations to both the Boys and Girls Basketball Teams on their success throughout the year. To continue following their journey, stay tuned to the athletic website and social media pages!
  • Middle School Basketball tryouts begin on Monday, February 24th. A flyer has been sent home with details and we will maintain updates through social media. Boys tryouts begin at 3:15 p.m. and girls tryouts begin at 4:15 p.m. Please email Mr. Garrison [18] or Mrs. DiPietro [19] with any questions.
  • Spring sports are up and running. If your child is interested in joining a sport late, contact the athletic department for assistance.
  • The Winter Sports Awards Ceremony is next Wednesday, February 26th  at 7:00 p.m. in the GP Moyes Gymnasium. All winter Middle School and High School Athletes will be honored for their hard work and dedication this season.

PSO Corner
NIGHT OF THE GRIFFIN COUNTDOWN: Glendale Prep’s Night of the Griffin – A Night at the Rodeo is Saturday, February 29th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy an evening filled with activities for the entire family! There will be food trucks, a mechanical bull, petting zoo, outdoor activities, games, raffles, and a live auction! Admission is free, but bring money for food and raffles. Food Trucks already lined up for the event include Diner on Wheels, Soda Rush, and Waldo’s Tacos. Put this on your calendar and don’t miss it!

NIGHT OF THE GRIFFIN – HELP NEEDED: The Night of the Griffin is fast approaching, please sign up to help at the following sites: Planning and Pre-Event Help [20] and Donations and Volunteers [21].

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT: Join the fun at Night of the Griffin! Sign up for the popular Cornhole Tournament [22]HERE [23]. There will be 32 teams competing and the top 2 teams will win cash prizes, so grab a partner and sign up!

MARCH LUNCH ORDERS: Lunch orders for March is now open and closes Monday, February 24th. Order at https://greathearts.boonli.com/ [24].

WINTER SPORTS AWARDS CEREMONY: Winter Sports Awards Ceremony will be Wednesday, February 26thThe PSO supports the Athletic Department in serving the refreshments for this event and adding some treats to go with the cakes. If you can help with this, it would be greatly appreciated. Please sign up at Winter Sports Awards [25] Thank you in advance!

TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCH: The next Teacher Appreciation Lunch will be Friday, March 6th. There are many open spots needing to be filled. Please sign up to donate food or time at 2019/2020 Teacher Appreciation Lunch Sign Up [26].

PSO COMMUNICATION: If you have questions or comments, please email president@glendalepreppo.org [27]. This is a way to voice opinions, concerns, get questions answered, and help with developing future agenda items for PSO meetings.

College Counseling

  • College Counseling Conferences for Juniors and Parents:  March 3rd-4th, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please sign up [28]HERE [29].
  • College Representative Visits: Several college admissions reps will be visiting campus in the month of February. Students should register, utilizing Naviance or the sign-up sheet on the College Counseling bulletin board.
    • Iowa State University:  February 25th, at 12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. in the Library
    • Northern Arizona University: February 26th, at 12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. in the Library
  • Pre-college summer programs: A list of programs can be found by visiting the College Counseling web page [30]HERE [31]. [30]

Tax Credit
Making your Arizona Public School Tax Credit contribution to Glendale Prep is a win-win. You’ll receive your contribution back as a dollar-for-dollar credit on your state taxes AND your student will be able to participate in sports, field trips, extra-curricular and character-building programs. Contributions are due by April 15, 2020. Please make or schedule your contribution before that time.
C [32]LICK HERE TO DONATE [32]
Thank you!
If you have any questions, please contact Cathy Sparks at 623.889.0822 or csparks@glendaleprep.org [33].

Re-Enrollment
Re-Enrollment is coming! This will be the time to indicate your intent to return to Glendale Prep and secure your child’s seat for the 2020-2021 school year. Emails for current 6th-11th graders will not be sent out until the week of March 2nd from the Great Hearts’ lead office, but you can reserve your appointment now! All re-enrollment packets will be accepted by appointment the mornings of March 18th – March 20th in conjunction with Archway Glendale. If you arrive at your appointment time and your re-enrollment packet is accurately completed, you can plan on it taking 10-15 minutes. We look forward to seeing you.

  • Schedule your re-enrollment appointment by [34]clicking here [35]. Only one appointment per family, per school, is necessary. 
  • Beginning Monday, March 2nd, Great Hearts will send re-enrollment emails to current GP families. It will instruct you to log on to the Enrollment/Re-enrollment Portal, fill out the re-enrollment packet for each of your students, print single-sided, and sign.
  • In addition to the packet, you will need
    • A copy of your AZ Driver’s License or other proof of AZ residency that matches the address on the Re-Enrollment Form
    • A signed 2020-2021 High School Retreat Release Form [36]
      • NO birth certificate or immunizations records will be needed.
  • Arrive at your appointment time; park event style, facing the school sidewalk in front of the gym lobby doors.

Contact Information
Silvia Hayakawa, Office Manager
shayakawa@glendaleprep.org [37]

Attendance Line:
623-889-0822 Option 4
or attendance@glendaleprep.org [38]

Websites and Links
Glendale Prep Website [39]
Glendale Prep PSO Website [40]
GP Athletics Website [41]
“Like Us” on Facebook [42]
2019-20 School Calendar [43]
Event Calendar [44]
Tutoring Schedule [45]
Booster Items [23]
GP Family Handbook [46]
Payment Portal [47]
Lunch Ordering [48] – Password “griffins4”