Knightly Update August 13, 2023
ACP High School - Edition Vol 3 Issue 6
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Hello. I hope you are planning to join us on Thursday at this year's Meet the Teacher Night. Your child's teachers are excited to speak with you about their classes, the material they will cover, and share some general information about the day-to-day routines. Please remember that Meet the Teacher Night is an opportunity for you to hear from our teachers about their program of study and not a time to ask personal questions about your child or their individual progress. If you have any questions about your child's performance, please email the instructor. You should expect to receive a response to your question within one business day. I look forward to seeing you on campus Thursday evening! Additional information about Thursday's event is included in today's update. Feel free to contact the office if you have any questions.
I continue to receive a few concerns about the manner in which parents/guardians are driving around campus to drop off or pick up their child - particularly after school and in student parking areas. Please remember to drive safely and appropriately. It is important that we model safe driving practices around our young drivers. Please monitor your speed and do not engage in reckless behavior when driving through and around student parking areas. Thank you.
Mid-quarter grades will be available for your review on Friday. You can monitor your child's progress by visiting the Infinite Campus Parent Portal throughout the course of the year. If you have any questions about your child's academics, please contact the appropriate instructor or your child's counselor. I hope our students are pleased with their mid-quarter reports and take the time to use this grading report to reflect on what they are doing well and areas to consider improving upon.
Tomorrow, we have our first free dress day of the year. Guidelines for participating in a free dress day, along with corresponding district dress policies, are included in today's update. If students have any questions about what they can and cannot wear on free dress days, they should email me for assistance. There is a $2 fee in order to participate in a free dress day (I realize this is an oxymoron) as we use these days as a general fundraiser. If a student has a financial hardship that limits their participation, please email me or have them see me. Remember appropriate dress must be maintained and students who choose not to participate must wear regular school attire, i.e., Polo's.
Enjoy the rest of your day. As always, if you have any questions, please contact me. Have a great week!
Rob Bickes
Principal
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School Events - Week of August 14th, 2023
Site events listed in bold.
Monday, August 14
- Free Dress Day - $2 Participation Fee
- 2:20 - College Visit - Washington & Lee University, ACPHS College & Career Center
- 5:30 - Fall Sports Mandatory Parent Meeting, ACPHS Auditorium (breakout sessions with individual teams will follow)
- 10:30 AM - College Visit - Northern Arizona University, ACPHS College & Career Center
Wednesday, August 16
- 2:20 - College Visit - University of Wyoming, ACPHS College & Career Center
- 6:00 - Football Scrimmage @ Sunnyslope HS
Thursday, August 17
- 9:15 AM - Sophomore Class Meeting, ACPHS Main Gym
- 3:00 - Boys Golf vs Apache Junction & Campo Verde HS @ San Marcos Golf Course
- 5:30 - Girls Soccer Booster Meeting, room B124
- 6:00 - Meet the Teacher (additional information below)
Friday, August 18
- 7:30 AM - ASVAB Assessment, ACPHS Library (registration required)
Saturday, August 19
- No events scheduled
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Knights in the Spotlight
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Closed Campus Reminder
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MEET THE TEACHER - AUGUST 17 - 6:00 PM
The purpose of the evening is for each of your child's teachers to give you a brief overview of the curriculum, review what your child will be studying, and the materials teachers and students will be using in order to achieve our academic goals.
There will not be a lot of time for individual questions, but parents or students may leave their phone numbers and email addresses, and our instructors will follow-up as appropriate. We hope to see you there!
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It's Cash for Classrooms Donation Week!!
It's our week!! This week, we are asking all members of the ACPHS school community to please make a donation to help raise funds to support the Cash for Classrooms (CFC) program. Our instructors and students have greatly benefited from the Cash for Classrooms campaign in previous years, and your generosity directly contributed to these classroom and school-wide opportunities. The money raised from generous donors like you, goes directly back to the classroom, so please consider making a donation on behalf of ACPHS this week.
While our school is focusing its support for the CFC campaign this week, online contributions can be made anytime at ChandlerCashForClassrooms.org. Donors who contribute $100 or more will receive a State Forty Eight shirt as a thank you for their generosity. An email for sizing will be sent out by the end of August, and shirts will be delivered to ACPHS.
Many businesses support matches when donating to an approved 501(c)3. For more information, please contact the Foundation at ChandlerEdFoundation@cusd80.com.
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Free Dress Day - August 14, 2023
From time-to-time, free dress days will be held throughout the school year as a general fundraiser. Students may choose to participate and wear non-uniform attire to school on days announced as free dress. In order to participate, students must pay $2. Students will pay through their 2nd hour teacher and need to have their money ready.
We hold Free Dress days every month as a general fundraiser, and we do expect students to abide by the guidelines within the CUSD dress code (see below), and keep themselves well groomed and neatly dressed at all times. Any form of dress which is considered contrary to good hygiene or which is distractive or disruptive in appearance and detrimental to the purpose or conduct of the school will not be permitted. As a reminder, Pajama pants are not permitted on any free dress day, and we ask that all students keep in mind modesty and appropriateness when choosing what to wear on a free dress day.
The school administration retains the final discretion in determining if a garment, accessory or appearance compiles with the dress code. Repeated violations of the dress standard may result in appropriate disciplinary action, including being suspended from school.
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CUSD DRESS CODE-Policy JICA
Each year parents ask for guidelines as they help students select appropriate attire for school. School pride, morale and image are influenced by the general appearance of students. CUSD wants to provide opportunities for students to express themselves within the set of parameters listed below:
Brief and Revealing Clothing
Students must recognize that brief and revealing clothing are not appropriate apparel in school. The following guidelines are examples and do not cover all situations. Students shall not wear:
- Halter-tops
- Garments with spaghetti straps
- Strapless garments
- Trench Coats
Vulgar, Offensive Messages
Students shall not wear clothing that display messages that are vulgar, offensive, obscene, or libelous; that demean others on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability; that promote alcohol or drug use or violence; or that are otherwise contrary to the school’s educational mission.
Sagging Pants
Students shall not wear pants that, when fastened, sag or fit below the waist. All pants must fit around the waist and be properly fastened.
Footwear/Jewelry/Accessories
- Shoes or sandals must be worn at all times on campus according to state law and for student safety.
- Body piercing that is a safety hazard and/or hinders performance in a classroom is not allowed.
If a student or parent has any questions about whether specific attire or accessories are in compliance with the dress code, they should contact an Assistant Principal at their school site prior to wearing such attire or accessories to ensure compliance.
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Student Store Open Thursday Evening
ACP’s campus student store, The MidKnight Snack, powered by DECA, will be open to the public on Thursday August 17th from 5:45-6:00 PM and from 7:40-8:00 PM.
Come grab a quick snack or pick up some school polos before meeting your student’s teacher. See you at the store!
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Upcoming College Visits
Monday August 14th Washington and Lee University (Lexington, VA) will be on campus at 2:20 pm until 3:00 pm. Washington and Lee is the #11 National Liberal Arts College. If interested in attending please fill out the link below
https://forms.gle/RGp66oCDpuxGB54r6
Tuesday August 15th Northern Arizona University will be here from 10:30 am - noon. Please sign up with the link below:
https://forms.gle/TyVDDLPSmESBuD8C8
Wednesday August 16th the University of Wyoming will be on campus at 2:20 pm until 3:00 pm. Please sign up with the link below:
https://forms.gle/ECcHQJFkS2PmQ9xS8
If you plan to attend any of the 3 visits next week you MUST sign up with the link for the specific school. If you have any questions, please see Mr. Ator.
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CUSD College Fair - September 20th
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Student Meal Accounts
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Digital Marketing Student Work Needed
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Free & Reduced Application Deadline
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Honoring Americans Veterans Essay Contest
As the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade celebrates its 27th Anniversary this year, the parade and essay contest theme is: “Never Forget, Forever Honor.” This year’s essay competition requirements are:
- Student must attend an Arizona high school in grades 9-12.
- Essays must be 300-500 words long.
- Entries must be submitted online on the Honoring America’s Veterans website.
- Entries must be submitted by Wednesday, September 20, 2023.
- Theme: “Never Forget Forever Honor” (the theme must be used as a part of the entry).
Honoring America's Veterans (HAV), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization strives to help Arizona's veterans through honor and recognition events. These events include the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, the Honoring Our Heroes Veterans Grand Marshals competition, and the Parade's High School Essay program. For more information about the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, visit https://honoringamericasveterans.org. Good luck!
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SIGNING STUDENTS OUT FROM SCHOOL
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PSAT Information - October 24, 2023
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The Hope Institute
CUSD has been working diligently with community partners to remove the lethal gap to keep students safe. Our partnership with The Hope Institute of CUSD will be the first school-based suicide treatment center of its kind. Any CUSD K-12 student having thoughts of suicide will be able to receive services within 48 hours and up to 4-5 times a week if needed. All clinicians will have suicide specific treatment training that reduces thoughts of suicide within an average of 5.2 weeks.
The Hope Institute is ready to open its doors and we would like to invite you to join us for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, August 30th at 6:30 pm to officially welcome them to our community! Please RSVP here.
The Hope Institute is located at the corner of Queen Creek and Val Vista off the student parking lot of Perry House (1845 E. Queen Creek Rd. Gilbert, Az 85297).
For more information about The Hope Institute, you can contact Clinical Director, Lindsay Taylor (lindsay.taylor@thehopeinstitute.net).
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ASU Martin Luther King, Jr. Contest
ASU is now accepting entries for the 2024 Student Contest. Open to all grades K-12. Winning entries receive a prize, and will be invited to participate in the 39th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at Arizona State University with their family and teacher. Entry deadline October 3, 2023. For additional information and to view a list of prior year winners, click here.
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Coca-Cola Scholarship Now Open
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The Prep PTO
The PREP PTO is the official parent/teacher organization of ACP High. Our role is to help support the staff, students, and faculty of ACP. School funds only go so far. We work closely with the administration to help determine the needs and then fund those needs. We support back-to-school events, teacher requests, general requests from the administration, graduation, and so much more. We support the entire school!
We do minimal fundraising throughout the year, so to assist us with our events and school support, we ask families to consider making a Booster donation.
Our suggested Booster Donation is:
$60 per student
$90 per family (2 or more students attending ACPHS)
Donations over $150 will receive an ACP Spirit T-shirt by the end of August.
Any donations to The Prep PTO are greatly appreciated but are not required.
The PrepPTO is a member of the Chandler School Boosters 501c3 non-profit organization. Your donation may be tax-deductible. Please consult your tax professional for information/clarification.
Thank you for your support.
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Get Your 2023-2024 Yearbook
For your convenience, this year's yearbook may be purchased online at jostensyearbooks.com (type in "Arizona College Prep High School") or you can simply click on the button below to go directly to our school's webpage. You may begin purchasing your yearbook on July 5th. Yearbook packages include:
Back-to-school special: $75.00. This is the lowest price of the year with a savings of $15.00.
Signature package: $92.00 includes yearbook, personalization, autograph pens, and autograph pages. The free icons are a back-to-school special only for a limited time. Additional accessories available for purchase.
Personalized yearbook cost: $82.00 includes name embossed on the cover and 4 free icons of your choice. The free icons are a back-to-school special for a limited time only. Additional accessories available for purchase.
Prices will increase on all three options throughout the year, and there are a limited number of yearbooks for sale, so be sure to purchase yours today! This back-to-school special ends August 18th, but you can still purchase a yearbook until February 28th. Arizona College Prep High School has received the National Yearbook Program of Excellence Award the past four consecutive school years.
If you have any questions click here to email Mrs. Patterson.
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Driving on Campus
Procedures for driving on campus are below and can be downloaded for your convenience. These procedures are to be followed by all families that drop-off and/or pick-up their child, and for students that choose to drive their personal vehicle to school and park in the student parking lot. Staff will be posted along the route to ensure procedures are followed appropriately.
- Parent/guardian vehicles must use the ingress east of the Visitor Parking Lot entrance on Brooks Farm Rd. and form two lanes (if driving west on Brooks Farm, please engage your turn signal if turning right onto campus)
- ACP Traffic should only enter the neighborhood from Gilbert Road and Brooks Farm Road (from the west): and Mustang Road and Chandler Heights (from the south).
- Do not enter the neighborhood from Lindsay Rd.
- Student vehicles must enter the campus via the ingress east of the JV softball field on Brooks Farm Rd.; Families may also drop off via this ingress (follow security directions if using this entrance)
- There is NO entrance to the campus from Gilbert Rd.
- Students may be dropped off/picked up along the sidewalks south of the administrative building and west of the B building and gymnasium.
- Parent vehicles in the left lane that have dropped off or picked up their child along the south side of the administrative building may exit the campus via the visitor parking lot exit.
- Parent/guardians in the right lane will exit the campus via the stadium traffic light turning north or south onto Gilbert Rd.
- Entrance to the campus via the visitor parking lot is closed from 6:45-7:30 AM and from 2:00-2:45 daily.
- DO NOT DROP OFF OR PICK UP YOUR CHILD IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS NEAR OR AROUND THE CAMPUS.
- Empathy for our residential neighbors is appreciated.
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Please Make a Tax Credit Donation
If you are able to make your tax contributions early in the year, your donation would be greatly appreciated and give us a jump start on some of our essential extracurricular activities. We have set a goal to collect approximately $50.00 per family for a total of $57,500.00 and hope that you will be willing to help us meet our goal. Thank you for supporting your child and our school!
Tax Credit Basics…
A tax credit donation is a full refund, not a deduction. Contributions eligible for a tax credit are donated directly to schools, not to the state or school district. To participate or learn more, follow the link listed below to donate online or you can complete the enclosed form and submit your contribution at your convenience.
http://www.cusd80.com/taxcredit
Arizona Law ARS 43-1089.01 enables taxpayers a tax credit contribution of up to $400.00 per year if filing status is “Married, filing Joint Return;” $200.00 per calendar year if filing status is “Single of Head of Household;” and $200 per calendar year if filing status is “Married filing separate returns.” These contributions fund extracurricular activities in public schools and greatly impact our school community and our students.
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Stay In Touch!
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Contact Information
School Day Begins: 7:15 (gates close at 7:25)
School Day Ends: 2:15
Office Hours: 7:00-3:30
School Address:
4477 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler, AZ 85249
Phone Numbers:
Administration: 480-424-8700
Attendance: 480-424-8703
Fax: 480-224-9268
Find us on the web: www.cusd80.com/acphs