FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear GCHS Families,
What a week it has been on campus! Spirit Week brought out the very best of our students’ creativity, energy, and school pride. From start to finish, the halls were buzzing with excitement and joy.
Each day carried its own unique theme:
- Pajama Day had everyone cozy and relaxed.
- Adventure Day was filled with explorers, hikers, and world travelers.
- Dream Job Day gave us a glimpse of the amazing futures our students imagine for themselves.
- And of course, Senior Citizen Day brought lots of laughter with walkers, canes, and mumu’s making appearances.
Lunchtime activities kept the fun going and gave students a chance to come together in friendly competition. It was such a blessing to see the way the entire student body participated, encouraged one another, and created lasting memories.
As we reflect on this week, we’re reminded of Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” The joy, creativity, and enthusiasm our students showed weren’t just about fun costumes and activities, they were an opportunity to glorify God by building community, encouraging one another, and celebrating the gifts He has given.
Now, we’re looking ahead to TONIGHT as we cheer on our 4-0 Knights as they face Winslow! We can’t wait to pack the stands, bring the energy, and continue showing what it means to be part of the GCS family, a family rooted in Christ and united in purpose.
For such a time as this,
September Staff Birthdays
Christina Lang – September 6th
Jason Pasquariello – September 7th
Rachel Boylan – September 14th
Ike Birdsall – September 18th
Dorothy Whitney – September 19th
Shelly Phillips – September 19th
Michelle Petrey – September 24th
Marc Jette – September 26th
Holly Garza – September 28th
Mike Paasch – September 29th
*If you would like to bless our staff, here is the favorites list
Senior Day – September 23rd
Attention Seniors and Senior Parents. Join us on September 23rd at 7:45am for a time to discuss Senior year activities and college admissions 101. The meeting will take place in the gym and will be led by the counseling team!
Coffee & Connect – September 26th
Please join the counselors and admin team for coffee and connecting from 8:30-9:30am in the cafeteria. On this date, we will be discussing post high school opportunities. No need to RSVP, just show up!
High School Moms Fellowship – After Fall Break
We are excited to invite all HS moms to a special time of encouragement, faith, and community this fall! Beginning Monday, October 20th through November 24th, we will gather each Monday morning from 8:30–9:30 AM.
This will be a space for moms to walk through this season of life together, without shame, with grace, and with joy in Christ. Our time will be centered around the book Well Watered Women by Gretchen Saffles, which helps women root themselves in God’s Word and flourish in every season of life.
You can purchase the book here: Well Watered Women – Amazon
We hope you’ll join us as we encourage one another, grow in our faith, and strengthen our relationships with Christ.
PSAT/NMSQT – October 28, 2025 – All 11th Graders
Annually GCHS administers the PSAT/NMSQT to our students. There are two primary purposes for giving this nationally normed, standardized test. First, it gives our students experience with a standardized test that is aligned with college preparatory standards/expectations and provides students an opportunity to accurately gauge how they might perform on the SAT or the ACT. Juniors who score exceptionally high on the PSAT/NMSQT are eligible to be considered for National Merit Scholarships. Second, the PSAT/NMSQT provides valuable information for GCHS in terms of evaluating our curricular program, identifying areas of strength, and identifying areas for improvement.
More details will follow as the administration date approaches but there is nothing for students or parents to do to register. Just know that all 11th graders will sit for the Digital PSAT/NMSQT on October 28th, during periods 1-4. If a student is interested, the College Board offers guidance on how to prepare and practice resources on their SAT Suite of Assessments: Practice webpage. The student will need to set up a College Board student account to access the practice test. It is suggested that students use an email other than their GCS one so that they will have access to their College Board scores after they graduate from GCS. (The sign-in ticket referenced will be distributed later this month.)
College and Career Highlights
We are hosting a Christian College Fair October 28th from 6-8pm for all grades 9-12. Please register your student for the fair here.
Finding a college is so much more than location and price. Here is another free resource for christian families to read through while researching their student’s next steps.
National College Fair in Phoenix Sept.21
This national fair will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center from 11am-3pm. There will be well over 100 schools in attendance. Register here!
The Christian Connector
The Christian Connector provides a wonderful opportunity for students interested in Christian colleges to apply to up to three universities at no cost, through a single application. At https://applicationu.com/, students can explore over 60 Christian colleges and submit applications to their top three choices. This free service is designed to support students in their Christian college journey!
Students can sign up for the scholarship drawing and request free Christian college information by going to https://christianconnector.com/chs.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will be holding an Admissions Information Meeting for prospective students and their families on Saturday, Sept. 27th at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort from 1-2:30pm.
The Phoenix Admissions Officer for the Prescott campus will be giving a multimedia presentation discussing Embry-Riddle’s world-class STEM-focused degree programs, career outcomes, scholarships/financial aid, etc. There will also be an extensive Q&A session after the presentation with Admissions staff, current students, parents, and alumni.
As a special guest, Prescott 2016 graduate Arthur Barriault (SpaceX Senior Space Operations Engineer) will be sharing about how Embry-Riddle helped him reach this history-making aerospace organization.
Embry-Riddle has extremely high employment rates and return on investment in fields like engineering, Space Physics, intelligence studies, cyber security, biology, flight and much more!
Any interested students and their families are invited! Light refreshments will be served. (The event is FREE!)
Hilton Scottsdale Resort
6333 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Saturday, Sept. 27th
1-2:30pm
(Kiva Ballroom)
Please RSVP at: https://erau.edu/admissions-events
EUROPE 2026
We are thrilled to announce an incredible opportunity for next year, a 10-day Europe trip in May 2026, departing just a few days after graduation! This unforgettable journey will take students to Berlin, Prague, Krakow, and Budapest. The trip will be led by Mr. Noble and Dr. Mitchell, providing a unique perspective, connecting the historical significance of these destinations with biblical insights. It’s a perfect graduation gift or an amazing way to kick off the summer.
Don’t miss out on this chance to explore Europe with your classmates and teachers, and from a Biblical perspective.
Please note: All students attending must be a current GCHS student or GCHS graduate of the 2026 class at the time of the trip.
A NOTE FROM OUR ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT
Tonight is the HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME! We’re also hosting a KNIGHT OUT and can’t wait to see everyone there. The contest between the 4-0 Knights and Winslow is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Wear BLACK and remember- students get in free. Save time and purchase tickets HERE.
Girls Flag Football kicked off on Tuesday as the Knights made HERSTORY, playing in the first-ever game for the program. We had an incredible turnout, and it was so fun to watch the team on the field. Catch the girls in action versus River Valley next Monday, September 22nd (7PM) at home.
Volleyball has a busy schedule next week with a pair of road games- at Bourgade Catholic on Tuesday and at Benjamin Franklin on Wednesday- before returning home to face a tough Northwest Christian squad on Thursday. The team is off to an excellent start and could use your support against the Crusaders (FR 4PM, JV 5PM, Varsity 6PM). Go Knights!
Also competing next week is our swim team, which travels to Casa Grande for a three-way meet against Catalina Foothills and Casa Grande on Thursday (4PM).
Stay connected with all Knights’ Athletics news and updates by visiting our official website at gcsknights.com.
STUCO UPDATE!
Pay to Dress Day – September 25th
- Bring $5 cash or card (no coins accepted)
- Must get hand stamped upon entry/payment
- Although this is a “free dress” day, school-appropriate attire is still required. Check the handbook for guidelines.
ROOTED IN PRAYER
Parents, Grandparents, and all friends of GCHS are invited to join the team of volunteers that make up Rooted in Prayer every Wednesday morning when school is in session, starting at 8 AM in the cafeteria. Praying aloud is not required. Contact Mary for more information: HSPrayer@gcsaz.org. Have a prayer request? Click Here.
A Note from Knights’ Theatre Company
