GCA Weekly Update
9/22/23
Hello Spartan Community,
As our first quarter comes to an end, I have heard a couple of different comments from people in different parts of their lives. Current students wonder if they should work this hard if they only plan on attending an in-state school. Former students come by and thank teachers for preparing them for college because, after the hard work, college is easy. GCA does more than prepare students for college academically. The six years here require study skills, time management, collaboration, perseverance, grit, critical thinking, focus, prioritization, and character. The learning process will be hard for most students at some point. I am glad it happens here with their school's and parents' support. After high school, there is a shift to independence and support systems. I am happy that our students are ready to thrive during their next challenge as outstanding young adults. Go Spartans!
Testing Update -
PSAT - October 24, 2023 - 8th - 11th grade
I know this is a little ways off, but we are ordering our PSAT tests next week. If you are a parent of an 8th, 9th, or 11th-grade student, please click this link to pay for the PSAT Test. The district pays for the 10th-grade tests, and we ask that you help defer our cost for the others by paying $20 for the test.
Thank you very much for your support in moving students forward.
Advanced Placement Registration Information 2023/2024
We are currently working with CollegeBoard to allow students to choose which exam they want to take. Students currently need to decide whether they will take it or not. Once we have the problem corrected, we will notify students and parents.
AP Exam online registration deadline – November 1, 2023
Payment Deadline November 1, 2023, NO LATE PAYMENT ACCEPTED
● Student registers and enrolls at myap.collegeboard.org. (When corrected, students must indicate "YES" to register for the exam.) The teacher will give students the class code.
● Students must pay for the exam to complete registration by the date above.
Did you know that students who score a 1 or 2 on an AP® Exam are more likely to attend college and graduate on time than academically similar students who don’t take AP? And they’re more likely to say they’re doing well or very well in college courses that cover similar content. Research (.pdf/708 KB) has proven what educators have known for some time—no matter their score, students who complete an AP course and exam benefit from their AP experience.
Students stand out to colleges and scholarship organizations by completing an AP course and exam. It demonstrates that they have persisted through challenging coursework and are ready for collegiate-level material.
GEF Power of One Campaign
The Gilbert Education Foundation runs its annual campaign to raise money for grants and scholarships for Gilbert Teachers and Students. Many of our teachers and students have benefitted from the campaign. Please click here for more information and how to donate.
Facts about the GPS Bond and Override
Please see the Fact Sheet for important information.
Yearbook Price Increase
After September 29, 2023, a 2023-24 GCA Yearbook costs from $85 to $95. If you still need to order one, please do it before September 29th. We are not ordering extra books, so you must order one to receive one at the end of the year.
Saturday Tutoring
There will be no Saturday Latin Tutoring this weekend because we are hosting a state Latin Club event on Saturday morning.
Mu Alpha Theta and Mrs. Gary will offer Math tutoring this Saturday, September 23rd, from 9 to 11 a.m., in room 126. Bring $5 and any work to get all the help you want.
GCA Peer Tutoring Club
If you are in need of tutoring, please follow this link:
https://forms.gle/cFHe8hFtJoNkoZmK6
If you are interested in becoming a tutor, please follow this link:
https://forms.gle/jT8s5qoyPyDv3Jxq6Volunteer to be interviewed about your career!
Parents - Are you willing to be interviewed by a GCA Student about your profession?
We are creating a database as a tool for our students. This will provide a list of professionals they can contact and interview to learn more about their possible career choices.
Please take a moment to open this form and fill out the questionnaire.
GCA Music News
Congratulations to all the band students on a fantastic concert this week. All the bands sounded amazing and we can't wait to hear more from you all in December at Winterfest!
Good luck to our Symphonic Strings students at the Fall Orchestra Festival today. We are looking forward to hearing how you did!
The choir concert is next Thursday 9/28 at 7pm in the Mesquite Junior High Auditorium. Students report to the auditorium by 6pm in their performance attire for warm ups and rehearsal. The auditorium will be open for the public about 6:30pm. Come to enjoy a wonderful concert!
All school provided concert uniforms have been distributed and should have come home. If your student has received a concert uniform for the year and it is too long, please find a way to hem it. Remember, there is absolutely no cutting off of the fabric at the bottom of your pants or dress. Thank you!
Junior High band students interested in auditioning for All-state, please see Mrs. Cheer for information. Registrations are coming up soon.
GCA Good Things
2024 National Merit Semifinalists for GCA
Regan Birk, Stone Guymon, Nicholas Carlsson, Heidi Ulrickson, and Victoria Wang.
Will be honored at this coming Tuesdays GPS Board Meeting at the District office this Tuesday at 6 pm. Come cheer for them.
Athletic News
Saturday 23rd - Swim @ Williams Field Invite (Spooktacular)
Monday 25th - Junior High Playoffs begin. Softball and Soccer should be at home. Go Spartans!
JV and Varsity Girls Volleyball-Away vs. Leading Edge Academy
Tuesday 26th - Varsity Swim & Dive-Away vs. Desert Ridge High School
Wednesday 27th - Freshman, JV and Varsity Girls Volleyball-Home vs Miami
Thursday 28th - No athletics. Choir Concert at MJHS Auditorium at 7 p.m.
Friday 29th - Cross Country at Toka Sticks Golf Course. Varsity Girls Volleyball-Away vs. Sequoia Pathway.
Parent Education Night
GPS and Community Bridges are offering a Drug Education and Awareness night on October 26th. Please click this link to get more information.
GCA Counseling Corner
Christy Kline, Christina.kline@gilbertschools.net Guidance Counselor
Beth Brewer, Beth.brewer@gilbertschools.net College Center Coordinator
The Counseling Dept and College Center now have a webpage with a ton of useful information!
Information about the upcoming changes with the FAFSA will be on under the “Opportunities and Helpful Links” page soon.
Please feel free to contact us at any time with concerns or questions. Throughout the year, we will be seeing students for grade-level classroom advisement and also on an individual basis.
Mental Health Counselor
If you are concerned about your child’s mental health or need family support, please don’t hesitate to contact me at aisling.sansevere@gilbertschools.net.
Enjoy the cooler weather,
Dan Hood Ed.D.
Principal
Gilbert Classical Academy