FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear GCHS Families,
As we step into this Advent season together, my heart is full reflecting on the candle we lit this past Sunday, the Advent Candle of Hope. Hope is not wishful thinking for the believer; it is a steady, anchored confidence in the promises of God. In a world that often feels hurried, heavy, or uncertain, Advent reminds us that our hope is not in circumstances, accomplishments, or even the turning of a calendar page. Our hope is in a Person, Jesus Christ, the Light who stepped into darkness and the Savior who keeps every promise He makes.
This week at GCHS, I’ve been encouraged watching students live out this hope in small and beautiful ways: encouraging each other, praying for one another, and showing kindness even during a busy season. Hope becomes visible in community, and you, our parents, help cultivate that deeply.
As we look ahead to next Sunday, we prepare our hearts for the Advent Candle of Peace. In Scripture, peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of Christ. It’s wholeness. It’s rest for weary souls. It’s the deep assurance that God is near, God is sovereign, and God is good.
Our prayer for your families this week is that the peace of Christ would settle gently into your homes, into your conversations, schedules, decisions, and moments of rest. May His peace rule in your hearts and remind you that He is with you in every detail of this season.
Thank you for partnering with us as we continue pointing our students toward the Hope we cling to and the Peace that surpasses all understanding. We love serving your children and walking through this Advent season together.
For such a time as this,
December Staff Birthdays
Andrew Rasmussen – December 2nd
Kathi Ridgeway – December 3rd
Kurt Keener – December 19th
Heather Stansberry – December 25th
*If you would like to bless our staff, here is the favorites list
Optional Staff Christmas Blessing
As we head into the Christmas season, we know it can feel overwhelming to shop for every teacher your student interacts with. To help ease that pressure, and to continue a wonderful tradition some parents began a few years ago, we will once again be hosting a Staff Christmas Raffle at our annual high school staff Christmas party. Each year, parents donate raffle items, and every staff member receives one gift. These items can be as simple as a $10 gift card or as creative as a themed basket. Last year, most families chose to donate gift cards in whatever amount they felt led to give, and they were a huge blessing to our staff. If your family would like to participate, you may donate either:
- A gift card (any amount)
- A themed basket or small gift
We have 65 staff members, so our goal is to collect 65 items in total. All donated items should be dropped off at the front desk by Friday, December 12th. Our hope is that this provides an easy, low-pressure (seriously…NO obligation) way for families to bless the high school staff, should you choose to participate, without adding extra stress to an already full holiday season. Thank you for loving our community so well. We are grateful for you!
Semester 1 Final Exam Schedule
Wednesday, December 17 (Half Day)
7:45-9:00 Period 1 Final Exam
9:00-9:10 Snack Break/Passing Period
9:10-10:25 Period 2 Final Exam
10:30-11:45 Period 3 Final Exam
Thursday, December 18 (Half Day)
7:45-9:00 Period 4 Final Exam
9:00-9:10 Snack Break/Passing Period
9:10-10:25 Period 5 Final Exam
Friday, December 19 (Half Day)
7:45-9:00 Period 6 Final Exam
9:00-9:10 Snack Break/Passing Period
9:10-10:25 Period 7 Final Exam
College and Career Highlights
Each year, the Gilbert Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) sponsors an all-day Student Government Day which allows 50 high school students to learn about the inner workings of local government by shadowing Town employees across all departments, participating in a mock council meeting and providing input on community initiatives.
Students attending the all-day event are provided a school excuse letter from the Mayor. Applications for this open on January 5th and we highly encourage all students to apply for this amazing opportunity, let’s represent GCHS in our town government for the day! For more information, please visit this link.
Christmas Drive!
Remember to purchase your yearbook before prices rise December 7th or senior ad by the deadline of 1/31.
For each Yearbook or Senior Ad purchased from now until December 10th, the Yearbook team will donate $10 to our school’s Christmas Drive benefiting local Foster Care Ministries. This is a great way to bless a family or foster child this Christmas Season through a purchase you might already be planning to make!
Use this link and code 7107 to purchase.
For any questions, please email sydney.moyer@gcsaz.org.
STUCO UPDATE!
Class Shirts and Senior Hoodies have arrived and were delivered to students in their Bible classes. Any students who did not receive their shirt/hoodie, or if they would like to order one, please stop by the office and see Mrs. Jones.
Christmas Spirit Week Dress-up Days–Students and Staff are celebrating the Christmas season with some fun dress-up days that we invite ALL students and staff to participate in:
Tuesday, December 9th: “Christmas Movie Characters” dress up like your favorite Christmas movie character.
Wednesday, December 10th: “Sunday Best” dress up for our Christmas Chapel. (Dresses/skirts for girls; slacks, button-up shirts/ties for boys).
Thursday, December 11th: “Ugly Christmas Sweater” dress in your ugliest Christmas sweater.
Friday, December 12th: “Winter Olympics Wonderland” wear your class T-shirt and deck out in as much of your class color as possible! (Freshmen-gold; Sophomores-green; Juniors-red; Seniors-blue)
Monday, December 15th: “Christmas Pj’s” dress in your cozy Christmas or winter-themed Pajamas.
Tuesday, December 16th: “Snow Day” dress like school was cancelled for a “snow day”-messy bun/bedhead, sweatpants, warm hoodie, oversized sweatshirt, fuzzy slippers, cozy blankets.
*Remember: Spirit Week Dresscode still applies and will be enforced.
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.
