FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Hi Agritopia Parents,
As Christian parents, we face constant cultural pressure in how we raise and disciple our children. One of the greatest challenges today is the role of technology and cell phones in our kids’ lives. While these devices can be useful tools, they also bring significant dangers that can quietly shape a child’s heart and mind away from Christ. More and more, research is confirming what Scripture has already told us: we are called to be in the world but not of it. Too often, parents feel pressured to give in to what “everyone else” is doing, rather than standing firm in conviction.
One book that deeply impacted me is The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. It was eye-opening, heart-breaking, and motivating. Research clearly shows that children who spend more time on screens (especially social media) experience higher levels of anxiety, loneliness, and distraction. Social media apps are intentionally designed to be addictive, using feedback loops that exploit the developing brain.
Based on both research and biblical principles, here are my recommendations for how parents can approach technology with their children:
- Children should not have smartphones with internet or app access. If parents choose to provide a phone, it should be a basic talk/text-only device. The Gabb Phone and Pinwheel are good alternatives, as they do not have access to internet or social media, but they do offer some safe, limited apps for tweens and teens.
- Delay access to social media until high school. No social media access until high school-no exceptions! When the time comes, parents must be highly involved, closely monitoring usage, setting clear boundaries, and engaging in regular, open conversations, helping kids understand the importance of guarding their hearts and minds.
- Model healthy phone habits. Children watch what their parents do. When it comes to cell-phone use, parents tend to have a “do as I say, not as I do” approach. Parents must lead by example and put their phones down when their children are present, always giving their children their full attention. Two books I highly recommend for parents are Gospel Treason and The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. It is critical that parents continue to “work on” themselves as they disciple their children. (Side note: Gospel Treason is one of the most impactful books I have ever read!)
- Teach children their identity is in Christ, not in online approval. It’s critical for kids to know their worth is not defined by likes, followers, or digital affirmation. One excellent devotional for this is Confident in Christ: Gospel Meditations on Identity for Teens.
A Final Word of Encouragement
Parents, you are not alone in this journey. We know the pressures are real, and the daily decisions can feel overwhelming at times. But take heart, God has called and equipped you to shepherd your children well. As you stand firm in conviction, remember that your faithfulness today plants seeds that will bear eternal fruit. We are here to come alongside you in prayer and support as you raise your children to know their true identity in Christ.
Educating with eternity in mind,
IMPORTANT DATES
September 1st: No School – Labor Day
September 8th: Parenting Session with Mrs. Shue
September 11th: Patriot Day
September 15th-19th: Spirit Week
September 22nd-26th: MAP Testing
September 27th: Mother Daughter Event
UPCOMING STAFF BIRTHDAYS
Anthony Ramos – August 29th (celebrated)
Jamie Hurtado – September 5th (celebrated)
Jackie Patterson – September 5th (celebrated)
Michelle Lilly – September 10th
Mandy Lamberth – September 12th (celebrated)
Claudia Anderson – September 17th
*If you would like to bless our staff, here is the favorites list.
PK-4TH PARENT CLASS
Monday, September 8th at 6:00pm
For more details see the newsletter from August 22, 2025.
PK-4th Grade Parent Night RSVP
SPIRIT WEEK: September 15th-19th
Dress up themes for the week:
Monday – Pajama Day
Come comfy and cozy in your favorite pajamas.
Tuesday – Crazy Hair & Hat Day
Go wild with a silly hairstyle or wear a hat.
Wednesday – Sports & Hobbies Day
Show your favorite sport or hobby with a team jersey, dance shirt, art smock, karate belt, etc.
Thursday – Character Day
Dress as your favorite character. Costumes can be as simple or creative as you’d like: even just a themed t-shirt works. Please keep choices school-appropriate.
Friday – Green & Gold Day
Show your school pride in green and gold.
STARTUP CLUB – CHRISTMAS MARKET
Use this link to apply: Startup Club Application
6TH GRADE CAMP INFORMATION
October 29th-31st
For more details see the ParentSquare post on August 19, 2025.
PATRIOT DAY
Thursday, September 11th, from 7:15–8:15 am
For more details see the ParentSquare post on August 12, 2025.
MOTHER DAUGHTER BRUSH & BRUNCH
Saturday, September 27th, from 10:00am–12:00pm
For more details see the Parent Square post on August 13, 2025.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We’re looking for sponsors to support our parent/child events this year: Mother Daughter Brush & Brunch, Father Son Challenge, Daddy Daughter Dance, and Mother Son Outing. Sponsoring a GCS event is a great way to support our students while promoting your business. Click here to learn more and become a sponsor! For questions or more information, please email sponsorships@gcsaz.org. Thank you for helping us create memorable moments for our families!
ROOTED: PRAYER TEAM
Join our campus prayer leader, Michelle Parra, from 8:05-8:35am every Monday to pray for our school. If you have a prayer request and/or praise report please use our Prayer link.
THEATRE CLUB UPDATE
All 5th-8th grade families: There will be ONE MS theatre club for all three GCS K-8th campuses. This will take place at the Greenfield campus on Fridays beginning September 5th, from 3:30pm-5:00pm. The club will run for 10 weeks, excluding breaks and holidays.
The Diamondmind link and signup will be available through ParentSquare.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS | Game Days
Volleyball
Wednesday, Sept. 3 vs. Horizon Honors
4 pm- JV
4:45 pm- Varsity
Soccer
Thursday, Sept. 4 @ Horizon Honors (Pecos Park)
4 pm
Tackle Football
Saturday, Sept. 6 @ Phoenix Christian
8 am
