FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Greenfield Parents,
Middle School at GCS holds many exciting opportunities for growth, development, and fun! One of the milestones built into the culture at GCS is the Signature Trip. Each middle school class is blessed with the opportunity to spend a few days away from campus building community and experiencing God in powerful ways. This week the 6th grade students were on their signature trip. It was great to hear about the wonderful time the students had running around playing with each other. I was reflecting on how precious this time has been for them, in light of the world we live in, that is so focused on social media, how many likes or followers, and what shows are being watched.
As a principal and a parent with three grown children, I understand both the joy and the challenges that come with parenting. I remember when my own kids wanted to just watch tv, play video games, or begged me for a cellphone. It is my privilege to walk alongside you as your child and you learn how to navigate these same kinds of pressures. It is hard. Parenting is hard, but God has entrusted your kids to you to raise them up to be men and women of God.
Research paints a sobering picture of how early and unrestricted access to social media and extended screen time contributes to heightened anxiety, depression, and even loneliness in our kids. It’s a regular struggle that this generation is facing. While each of our families are unique, it’s important to consider how we might protect our children from the negative effects of this impact and the impact it brings to school.
Scripture speaks powerfully! Philippians 4:8 encourages us to dwell on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable.” I believe that, as parents, we are called to guard the minds of our children so that they are filled with things that lift them up rather than weigh them down.
Let’s work together in supporting one another, sharing wisdom and creating boundaries that promote our children’s mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Together, we can ensure that our school remains a place where our children’s hearts, minds, and souls are nurtured.
Impacting the world for Christ,
Important Dates
November 3rd: Hearing and Vision Rescreening
November 3rd-17th: Operation Christmas Child (more details to come)
November 7th: High School Preview Day for 8th Graders (details on parent square and email)
November 7th: Father Son Challenge/Middle School Hang Night (see below)
November 10th: Veteran’s Day Assembly (see below)
November 11th: Veteran’s Day – No School
November 15th: Christmas Market at VV
November 18th: Prayer Walk
November 19th-21st: 7th Grade Signature Trip
November 26th: Grandparents Day – ½ Day
November 27th-28th: Thanksgiving Break – No School
Upcoming November Staff Birthdays
Happy birthday to our amazing staff who celebrate this month! If you would like to bless our staff, here is the favorites list
Mrs. Martin (Kindergarten teacher) – November 2nd
Mrs. Kaminsky (aide) – November 6th
Mrs. Nelson (aide) – November 12th
Mrs. Dudley (Kindergarten teacher) – November 14th
Mrs. Lobato (aide) – November 18th
Mrs. Soenen (4th grade teacher) – November 23rd
Thank you!
Thank you to our families who blessed our teachers with delicious soups, salads, breadsticks, and desserts last week for conferences! We appreciate you and your generosity to always serve us!
Mrs. Majeski’s Absence:
Mrs. Majeski will be recovering from surgery through November 7th. During her absence, Mrs. Martin (Kindergarten Teacher), Mrs. Branton (GEAR Teacher), and Mrs. Massey (SSC Director) will be stepping in to provide administrative support. Please keep Mrs. Majeski in your thoughts and prayers as she takes time to heal and recover at home!
Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child packing dates are November 3rd-November 17th! Drop off filled boxes to the office or your child’s classroom by November 17th at the latest.
Father Son Challenge/Middle School Fun Night on Friday, November 7th
Join us for an exciting Color War — a night filled with games, friendly competition, and tons of fun! Check this document to find out which color team your child has been assigned to. THANK YOU, WinSupply, for your generous sponsorship and for investing in our families and community!
The Father Son Challenge is from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Please fill out THIS FORM for a ticket by November 3rd. If you would like to volunteer at the event, please sign up here! Father Son Challenge & Middle School Hang Night Volunteering
Middle School Fun Night is from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Please fill out THIS FORM for a ticket by November 3rd.
Veterans Day Assembly and Reception on Monday, November 10th
GCS Veterans (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) are invited to a school wide assembly & reception on Monday, November 10th. The reception will begin at 7:30 in the cafeteria, where Veterans and their family members can enjoy refreshments and coffee prior to the assembly. At 8:00am the gymnasium doors will open so that family members can take their seats in the bleachers. The Veterans will stay, and be escorted into the gym at 8:25. The assembly will start at 8:30am. Please RSVP here so we can ensure we have enough seats and refreshments. If possible, we would like to have each guest wear their uniform.
We also still need a few people to serve for our Veterans Day Assembly. Set up is on Sunday, November 9 and the assembly is on Monday, November 10. Please sign up here if you’re able to serve: Greenfield Campus: Veterans Day Volunteers
Veterans Day Stars
Any Veteran within our GCS community (regardless if you are attending the assembly) can be featured on the Wall of Honor. Star cut outs can be picked up at the front office. If you submitted a star last year, we are happy to reuse it! On the star please include a picture of the veteran, their name, their branch of service, and any other decor/information you wish. Please return to the office no later than Wednesday, November 5th.
Example for Wall of Honor Star:
- Picture
- J.D. Reymer
- United States Navy
Principal’s List
Congratulations to each of the 6th-8th grade students who worked hard and received ALL A’s in Quarter 1 earning themselves a spot on the Principal’s List! Click HERE to see the names of those students.
Ladies Bible Study
We are excited to begin our next ladies bible study, and continue our Monday meeting day at 8am in the Cafeteria, running for 5 weeks from Nov. 17-Dec. 15th. As the Christmas season approaches, we invite you to slow down and prepare your heart with us through, Awakening Wonder | Experiencing the Nearness of Jesus. Please see the links to either purchase from the Daily Grace website or Amazon.
Start Up Club Christmas Market
Join us on Saturday, November 15th, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM for our
Christmas Market at our Val Vista campus. Come enjoy holiday shopping and seasonal treats from our very own GCS students!
25/26 Yearbook Information
PURCHASE your yearbook today! $25 for a soft copy and $31 for a hard copy. Make sure to keep your receipt for your records. Ticket prices will increase after New Years.
Art from the Heart:
Art from the Heart was sent home last week. You will find their personalized art brochure with their artwork on the cover. Get ready to ooh and ah over their work and order keepsakes and christmas gifts with their art work on them. All orders are placed online and will be shipped to your home. Orders must be placed by November 7th for free shipping!
Staff Raffle Baskets for Christmas
Ask us about our Staff Christmas Raffle if your business or family would like to participate!
Halloween Candy
Leftover Halloween Candy? It’s that time again to consider dropping off any unopened candy at the front desk to be used for our next MS Knights Day activities. You’re welcome!
2nd Quarter Clubs
Exciting clubs are waiting for you this 2nd quarter! Check out all the details and find your perfect fit by clicking THIS LINK.
2nd Quarter Lunchroom Signup
We’re looking for volunteers to help in the lunchroom this quarter. Please sign up HERE if you are interested!
Sponsorship Opportunities
We’re looking for sponsors to help make our exciting school events like the Father-Daughter Dance and Mother-Daughter Paint & Brush Night extra special this year! Sponsoring a GCS event is a great way to support our students while promoting your business or family’s commitment to our school community. Click here to learn more and become a sponsor!
For questions or more information, please contact Adriene Mathews at sponsorships@gcsaz.org. Thank you for helping us create memorable moments for our families!
Athletics
Congratulations to all of our fall sports teams on a great season! The soccer team finished their season strong earning themselves the #2 seed in the playoff bracket. Unfortunately they lost the semi-final game, but the team has a lot to be proud of!
Tryouts for all winter sports begin next week. Registration information is on ParentSquare and is due by today.
For questions please contact Tara McIntire.
