PRINCIPAL’S PARAGRAPH:
Finishing what we start
There is no doubt the school looks and feels different to your underclassmen this week. Our seniors are not in the building, having completed their work and finals, they are embarking on the annual senior trip. With the building, three-quarters full, and a bit quieter than normal, we are winding down the academic semester.
Your students have a few final days of instruction, then two days of review for comprehensive final exams, which will begin next Tuesday.
As we finalize the learning for this school year, hopefully your students can finish well. I spend much time encouraging students to finish what they start. To work hard for an 18-week semester and not work strongly through the final exam invalidates the earlier hard work completed. But, one of the good things about a high stakes exam, is that it can also help improve some of the earlier performance that might not have been up to your expectations.
So final exam week is an opportunity. Hopefully your student can take good advantage of what that opportunity affords them. There will be time for rest and refreshment soon and hopefully they can take advantage of that this summer also. But, first things first. Let’s do a great job on these finals and finish strong!
Have a great week!
Blessings!
Mr. Behnken
HIGH SCHOOL FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE
Tuesday, May 21 (Half Day)
7:45-9:00 Period 1 Final Exam
9:05-10:20 Period 2 Final Exam
10:20-10:30 Snack Break/Passing Period
10:30-11:45 Period 3 Final Exam
Wednesday, May 22 (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
Thursday, May 23 (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
A NOTE FROM OUR ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT
Congratulations to our girls 4×800 relay for placing third at the ALL-DIVISION Track and Field State Championships. Mila Russo, Addison Bisceglie, Ryley Nelson and Megan Collard ran in the race against the best athletes in the state, and really represented for GCHS, breaking another school record on the track. Addison and Ryley also qualified individually, with Ryley racing in the 3200m, and Addison running in the 800m, as well as the 1600m. Baseball ended its fantastic 2024 run on Saturday in the state semifinals (RECAP), finishing the season at 16-7 overall. Beach Volleyball really cleaned house in the 2024 Division II Section III awards, with freshman Lillie Duitsman earning Player of the Year! Sophomore Alex Heyn collected Offensive Player of the Year honors, and freshman Ella Preus was recognized as Defensive Player of the Year! Sophomore Tylee Fox joined the three aforementioned on the prestigious First Team, while sophomores Addie Steil and Ainsley Fore represented GCHS as members of the Second Team. Congratulations to Beach Volleyball!
Cross Country Announcement from Coach Ford
Cross Country is a no-cut sport for those motivated to improve. Athletes must show up ready and able to run. Cross country will get in the best shape of your life, you will make friends, and you will improve your focus in school. Our team successfully qualified both boys and girls teams to state last season and the girls team won the runner-up position. The team culture is positive, supportive, and competitive. Cross Country season begins summer training on Monday, July 15th. Reach out to Coach Ford at crosscountry@gcsknights.com for summer conditioning/training plans that will prepare you for your goals.
Summer Athletics
Important Announcements HERE
SPANISH CLUB
GCHS Spanish Club is headed back to Costa Rica during Spring Break 2025. Please check out https://www.simplyventure.net/costarica. There is a $200 discount if you register by June 1st! It will be another Fabulous Trip. You do not need to be in Spanish Club in order to participate. Please contact Mrs. Jorgensen at cathy.jorgensen@gcsaz.org with any questions.
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 that school is in session in Legacy Hall. Starting in February, we’ll meet at 8:00.
Praying aloud is not required and babies through preschool aged children are welcome. Contact Kristi for more information: HSPrayer@gcsaz.org.
