FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Agritopia Families,
In an age where it is increasingly difficult to protect the innocent hearts and minds of our children, I want to share an amazing new resource for parents of children of all ages called, What Do I Say When . . . ? A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Cultural Chaos for Children & Teens by Andrew T. Walker & Christian Walker. This book delves into the following topics that are prevalent in our culture today:
Human Dignity, Abortion, Sexuality, Gender, Homosexuality, Identity, Transgenderism, Technology, Political Engagement , Hostility, and Persecution.
The authors devote a chapter to breaking down each of the cultural topics listed above. For each topic there are three different “floors” which provide scripture and conversation starters with your child. These different floors adjust the conversation according to age, development, and maturity. Since every child is at a different developmental stage within a family, it is helpful to have readily available discussion points to pull out depending on where you feel your child is at.
God chose you to be the parent of your children in this age for such a time as this. He has entrusted their hearts to you first and foremost to be nurtured and discipled. The world is only too eager to jump into the driver’s seat of influence in their lives if we do not take the wheel first.
For those who are not readers or struggle to fit a book into your schedules, you can listen to the audiobook version in only 3 ½ hours! After you learn the content of the book, you can purchase the paperback version to use as a reference for conversations with your children. I highly recommend this invaluable book to implement in the discipling of your children.
If you are interested in entering to win your own copy of this book, please enter your name HERE before Wednesday, September 4th. At our elementary morning Pledge and Prayer, I will be announcing five winners (you do not need to be present to win).
Educating with eternity in mind,
IMPORTANT DATES
9/2: No School – Labor Day
9/11: Patriot Day Event (7:15-8:00)
9/18: Picture Retakes
9/19: 7th & 8th Grade Orchestra Assembly Concert (8:30-9:00 am, AG Gym)
9/23-27: Spirit Week
9/25-27: 7th Grade Signature Trip
9/30-10/4: Literacy Week
10/4: MS Knights Celebration Day at Main Event
10/7-10/21: Fall Break
PATRIOT DAY – WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH
We will be hosting our annual First Responders Meet and Greet in honor of Patriot Day and to remember the events of 9/11. Police force, paramedics, fire fighters, and healthcare providers in our GCS community are all invited to the Agritopia Campus on Wednesday, September 11th from 7:00-8:10am. First Responders, please RSVP HERE if you are planning to attend.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR UPCOMING CAMPUS EVENTS
If you are interested in volunteering to help with campus events, you can sign up HERE.
ROOTED IN PRAYER
Join us on Mondays at 8:05 in the cafeteria as we pray over our campus, staff, and students. Parents, grandparents, and family members (including young children) are invited to join for this uplighting time!
Parent prayer requests and praise reports can be submitted for our prayer team by using this link or stop by the office to get a written request form.
Commit to praying over requests. Members on this team are emailed with requests and commit to praying.
TRAIL LIFE LAUNCHES THIS MONTH
Trail Life is a nationwide ministry for men and boys, combining discipleship with outdoor adventure. Boys will participate in various activities during weekly meetings and “hit the trail” together for outdoor activities like hiking and camping. Meetings start the third weekend in September. To sign up, complete this form. If you have questions please email info@az3368.org.
DRESS CODE REMINDERS
Please review the handbook. There have been changes to the length of shorts and skirts.
DRIVELINE REMINDERS
Left turns are allowed into our parking lot. However, if you are turning left for Driveline and blocking traffic we would encourage you to get in the right hand turn lane to enter the parking lot. We have witnessed neighborhood cars driving on the wrong side of the road due to blockage. Students cross these streets and it is very dangerous.
PICTURE DAY ORDERS
You can order your child’s photos online HERE, using the ID code: EVTPVX67G
We will not be having Spring Pictures this year.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS
9/4 | 4pm – JV Volleyball Game @ Horizon Honors
9/4 | 4:45pm – Varsity Volleyball Game @ Horizon Honors
9/4 | 4pm – Soccer Game vs. Horizon Honors- Agritopia Athletic Field
9/7 | 10am – Tackle Football Game vs. Fountain Hills at Valley Christian HS
Spiritline Green Update- The Spiritline Green Squad is looking for a few more girls to join the team. We are fortunate to have a very experienced coach in cheer and dance that is excited to grow this program. If your daughter may be interested, please contact tamera.miller@gcsaz.org for more information.
Check GCSKNIGHTS.COM for more athletic information.