FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Agritopia Parents,
As a mom myself, I know that watching Christmas movies is a regular holiday pastime for families, which is why I feel compelled to share concerns about the content and message regarding the new movie Dear Santa (2024). The movie presents themes and messages that are inconsistent with a biblical worldview, normalizing ideas that greatly undermine a Christ-centered understanding of this holy season.
In Proverbs 4:23, we are instructed to “guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” It is essential that we protect the hearts and minds of our children by carefully evaluating the media they consume. Entertainment is never “neutral.” Stories shape us—either toward Christ or away from Him.
The movie is about a boy (Liam) that has dyslexia and accidentally sends a letter to Satan instead of Santa. Here are some of the things I find alarming:
- [Liam] says that meeting Satan may have been the best thing that’s ever happened to him.
- Satan tells Liam that after he uses all three wishes, he’ll obtain Liam’s soul. And when Liam eventually dies, he’ll spend eternity in hell.
- Satan appears with horns and the legs of a goat. He tells Liam that he’s staying at a hotel in room 666.
- [Liam] finds that Satan has brought his brother back from the dead.
- [Satan] makes a joke about trusted relatives sexually abusing children.
- Satan admits to having sex with a dog.
- God’s name is used in vain more than 20 times.
- Liam’s parents argue with one another and make verbal jabs to hurt each other. Satan describes himself as pro-divorce.
- Satan morphs a Christmas tree angel topper to have his face on it—implying that he’s been acting as their guardian angel.
- There is much more disturbing content in this movie that can be read in the full review, Plugged In’s analysis.
*Helpful Conversation Guide*
If your child asks why they cannot watch this movie, use it as an opportunity to contrast secular themes with biblical truth, always pointing them back to the good news of Christ’s coming.
*Guiding Scriptures*
Romans 12:1-2 (do not conform to this world), Psalm 101:3 (avoid worthless content), Philippians 4:8 (view content that uplifts and aligns with godly values), Matthew 6:22-23 (what we take in through our eyes influences), Proverbs 4:23 (protecting what influences us), 2 Corinthians 10:5 (take our thoughts captive), 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 (discernment in consumption and rejecting evil)
As your school principal and fellow believer, my desire is to partner with you in nurturing children who are firmly rooted in truth. May this Advent season be filled with joy, hope, and the peace that comes from focusing on our Savior.
Educating with eternity in mind,
CHRISTMAS CANDY GRAMS
Our Student Leadership Team will continue selling Christmas Candy Grams before school all of next week. Sells end on Friday, December 13th. Candy Grams are sold for $1 each and will be distributed on Thursday, December 19th.
LOST AND FOUND
The lost and found cart is overflowing! Please look through the jackets, lunch boxes, and water bottles to claim your child’s items. All remaining items will be donated over Christmas Break.
JINGLE BELL JOG
Sign Up Here to volunteer at our Jingle Bell Jog Friday, December 20th from 8am – 9:40am (check in from 7:30-7:40). We would love for parents to volunteer to assist at stations on our running course to cheer, guide, and ensure safety of the students as they run this course through the Agritopia neighborhood. This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing parents!
KNIGHTS CELEBRATION DAY
Our Middle School students will have their Knights Celebration Day on Friday, December 20th immediately following the Jingle Bell Jog. There will be various activities available for the students, all on campus, as well as festive snacks and beverages. All activities will happen during the regular half day schedule, 7:50am-10:46am. Click here if you would like to donate a gift card for our games and raffle.
DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE
Join us for a special evening of fun at our annual Daddy Daughter Dance on Saturday, February 1, 2025! Register for the event HERE.
In order for your daughter to receive a t-shirt, you must register for the event by Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11:59pm MST. Registration to attend the event will remain open until February 1st, but registrations received after January 10th will not receive a t-shirt.
DAUGHTER DANCE VOLUNTEERS & SPONSORS
Mrs. Ehlers is looking for parent volunteers to help make this year’s Daddy Daughter Dance a truly memorable event! We’d love your creative input and assistance with planning, setup, and/or cleanup. If you’re interested in contributing, please sign up HERE. Our first meeting is coming up soon—don’t miss the chance to get involved!
Business owners, this one’s for you! We’re looking for an additional event sponsor for the upcoming Daddy Daughter Dance on February 1st. Proudly display your company’s logo on event flyers, signage and more! Email [email protected] for more information.
SPOTLIGHT CHOIR CLUB SIGN UP
Spotlight – After School Choir Club for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Click here for more information and to register.
WINTER/SPRING CLUBS
See the lineup below for after school clubs starting in January. Registration info coming soon!
MONDAYS:
Young Rembrandts
Bricks for Kidz
TUESDAYS:
Chess
Classical Ballet (continuing from the fall)
WEDNESDAYS:
STEAM (STEM + the Arts)
Worship Dance
THURSDAYS:
Amazing Athletes
Spotlight Choir
American Heritage Girls (continuing from the fall)
YEARBOOK ORDERS
Click here to purchase your Agritopia yearbook. $20 for a softcover & $25 for a hardcover now through December 31st. Make sure to keep your receipt for your records. Please contact [email protected] with any questions regarding yearbooks.
IMPORTANT DATES
12/7: GCS Pancake Breakfast & Christmas Market @ VV
12/13: Christmas Chapel – 3rd-5th (11:05-11:35am), MS (12:00-12:35pm), K-2nd (12:45-1:15pm)
12/20: Jingle Bell Jog
12/20: MS Knights Celebration Day
12/20: Last Day of Quarter 2 – Half Day
12/21-1/6: No School – Christmas Break
1/7: Quarter 3 Begins
1/9-1/10: K-8 Conferences – Half Day
MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS
We are pleased to announce that GCS is introducing a boys volleyball program! If your middle school son is interested in exploring the sport and participating on a recreational team, we encourage you to register here! Please note that a completed sports physical is required for registration. The season will take place in January and February, with games scheduled on Saturdays.
MS Boys Volleyball Registration Link
NEXT WEEK GAME DATES: Come out and support your Knights!
12/9 | 4 pm- AG/VV Softball Game vs. Valley Christian @ GCS GF
12/9 | 4 pm- AG/GF Softball Game @ Horizon Honors
12/11 | 3:30 pm- AG/VV Softball Game vs. Northwest Christian @ Victory Lane Sports Park
12/11 | 4 pm- Cross Country Meet @ Mountain Vista Park
12/11 | 6 pm- Varsity Baseball Game vs. Val Vista @ GCS GF
12/12 | 3:30 pm– AG/GF Softball Game @ PVCP
12/12 | 4 pm– JV Baseball Game vs. Northwest Christian @ GCS GF
12/12 | 6 pm– Varsity Baseball Game vs. Northwest Christian @ GCS GF
12/13 | 4 pm– AG/VV Softball Game vs. Fountain Hills @ GCS GF
12/13 | 6 pm– JV Baseball Game vs. Val Vista @ GCS GF
