FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Hi Agritopia Parents,
We’re excited to introduce a new Focus Time initiative designed to strengthen our students’ math fact fluency. Research shows that fluency with basic math facts is foundational for long-term success in mathematics, and our goal is to help students build these skills in an encouraging, non-stressful way. For elementary students, Focus Time will take place during the Driveline transition at the end of the day, in addition to regular classroom math instruction. For middle school students, dedicated practice will be built directly into their math class time. Middle school teachers will contact parents if additional fact review is necessary.
We believe every moment in a student’s day presents an opportunity for growth. By using Driveline time more intentionally, we can provide impactful, data-informed instruction that ensures each student is being supported in math. During this time, your child’s classroom teacher will incorporate fluency activities such as whole-class and partner games, flash cards, and written practice. In middle school, students will build math fact fluency during class time to ensure efficiency and confidence with more complex math concepts.
We are being intentional about our language, saying math fact fluency and avoiding the word memorization. Rather than memorization, we are focusing on fact fluency. The goal is that these facts become second nature, freeing up their minds for higher-level thinking. This shift emphasizes strategy, efficiency, and confidence, rather than rote recall. Our desire is for every student to gain fluency that will serve them in all future math learning. Every student can achieve fluency with the right strategies and support. We understand that some students will memorize math facts and that’s okay. However, we also understand that all students do not have the gift of memorization, and we need to meet every child where they are at. Students will be assessed periodically throughout the year to monitor progress toward their end-of-year fact fluency goals.
Grade Level Benchmark Goals by End of Year
- 1st Grade – Addition & Subtraction within 20; ~4 seconds per fact
- 2nd Grade – 20 addition & subtraction facts per minute (within 24); ~3 seconds per fact
- 3rd Grade – 30 addition, subtraction, multiplication facts per minute; ~2 seconds per fact
- 4th Grade – 35 addition, subtraction, multiplication facts per minute; ~2 seconds per fact
- 5th Grade – 40 addition, subtraction, multiplication, division facts per minute; ~2 seconds per fact
- 6th – 8th Grade should maintain 40 addition, subtraction, multiplication, division facts per minute; ~2 seconds per fact
How Can You Help?
- If your child’s teacher requests that they remain later in Driveline for practice, please support this effort, as it will greatly benefit your child.
- At home, families can help by practicing facts together and encouraging the use of strategies. The math teachers will provide digital resources (via Google Classroom) to guide you, and you can email your child’s math teacher for additional support and ideas.
We are grateful for your continued partnership and look forward to seeing the progress our students will make through this new initiative. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
In joyful partnership with you,
IMPORTANT DATES
September 8th: Parenting Session with Mrs. Shue
September 11th: Patriot Day Event
September 15th-19th: Spirit Week
September 22nd-26th: MAP Testing
September 27th: Mother Daughter Event
September 30th: 7th/8th Orchestra Concert
UPCOMING STAFF BIRTHDAYS
Michelle Lilly – September 10th
Mandy Lamberth – September 12th (celebrated)
Claudia Anderson – September 17th
Kelly Pireh – September 25th
Gabriella VanDonge – September 26th
*If you would like to bless our staff, here is the favorites list.
6TH-8TH GRADE PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We would like to take all of our middle school students to Feed My Starving Children on Thursday, October 23, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. This will be a meaningful opportunity for our students to serve together.
In order to make this trip possible, we must provide 30 parent volunteers to assist in the warehouse during our serving time. This role involves helping lift and move boxes (20–30 lbs) while the students are filling food bags. Without this support, we will not be able to attend.
If you are able to join us, please sign up using this form: FMSC Volunteer Form.
Thank you for considering serving alongside us to make this experience possible for our students!
DRESS CODE REMINDER
As a reminder per the GCS handbook: only black, blue/denim, khaki/tan, and gray are approved colors for shorts/pants. Please reference pages 28-31 of the PK-8 Handbook for dress code guidelines.
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.
PK-4TH GRADE PARENT CLASS
Monday, September 8th at 6:00pm
For more details go to ParentSquare and search “GCS Newsletter 08.22.2025” and read the Principal’s Letter at the top of the newsletter.
PK-4th Grade Parent Night RSVP
6TH GRADE CAMP INFORMATION
October 29th-31st
For more details go to ParentSquare and search “6th-Grade Signature Trip” to see the post on August 19, 2025.
PATRIOT DAY
Thursday, September 11th, from 7:15–8:15 am
For more details go to ParentSquare and search “First Responders” to see the post on August 12, 2025.
MOTHER DAUGHTER BRUSH & BRUNCH
Saturday, September 27th, from 10:00am–12:00pm
For more details go to ParentSquare and search “Mother-daughter” to see the 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!
MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS
Show your support and come out for the games! GO KNIGHTS!
Game Days this week:
Volleyball
Monday, Sept. 8 @ Northwest Christian
4 pm- JV
4:45 pm- Varsity
Thursday, Sept. 11 vs. Valley Christian
4 pm- JV
4:45 pm- Varsity
Soccer
Tuesday, Sept. 9 vs. GCS Val Vista
4 pm
Thursday, Sept. 11 vs. SCA
4 pm
6th grade Flag Football
Wednesday, Sept. 10 @ GCS Greenfield
4 pm
Tackle Football
Saturday, Sept. 13 vs. SCA at GCHS
8 am
