FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Hi Agritopia Families,
It has been such a wonderful week! This year, our chapels will be focused on our school theme of “Unashamed of the Gospel”.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek”. Romans 1:16
We opened our chapel series with the very first promise of the Gospel found in Scripture, something known as Protoevangelium. Wow! That is a big word, but important to explain to our students, as we encourage and build biblically minded critical thinkers.
What is the Protoevangelium?
The term comes from two Greek words meaning “first gospel.” It refers to Genesis 3:15, where God speaks to the serpent after the fall of Adam and Eve:
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
Even in the midst of humanity’s first failure, God gave a promise, a Savior would come. This verse is the first hint of the Gospel, foretelling Jesus’ victory over sin and Satan. It’s a message of hope, redemption, and God’s unwavering plan to restore what was broken.
Why does this matter for our children?
In a world that often pressures our kids to be silent or even ashamed of their faith, we want to remind them, and ourselves, that the Gospel has been God’s plan from the very beginning. The Protoevangelium shows us that being unashamed of the Gospel means trusting in a promise that is older and stronger than anything the world can offer. It’s not just good news; it’s the first good news.
As we explore this theme throughout the year, we will be helping our students understand how the Gospel is the eternal plan of a loving God who sent His Son to save us.
Thank you for partnering with us as we help your children grow in confidence, courage to stand up for their faith, and an unshakable identity rooted in the Gospel.
Proclaiming the Gospel,
IMPORTANT DATES
August 8th: Diamondbacks Faith and Family Night PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.
August 9th: District Wide Uniform Exchange
August 15th: Half Day
August 18th-22nd: Core Value Week
August 27th-28th: Fall Pictures
UPCOMING STAFF BIRTHDAYS
Susie Avery – August 9th
Athena Scheina – August 11th
Susan Medina – August 12th (celebrated)
Chris Shue – August 14th
Melissa Banghart – August 15th (celebrated)
Hannah Dyer – August 18th (celebrated)
Kristy Hunt – August 22nd (celebrated)
Jeanne Murray – August 24th
Sarah Vaught – August 26th (celebrated)
Susan Moore – August 27th (celebrated)
Ramzee Miller – August 28th
Cassie Pasquariello – August 28th (celebrated)
Anthony Ramos – August 31st
*If you would like to bless our staff, here is the favorites list
CLUBS STARTING THIS WEEK!
These after-school clubs are starting THIS coming week! Register today to secure your spot:
Karate Martial Arts Starts Monday
Classical Ballet Starts Tuesday
STEAM (STEM + Art) Amusement Park Island Theme Starts Wednesday
Amazing Athletes Starts Thursday
Jubilee Choir Starts Thursday
Other clubs coming up soon:
American Heritage Girls Registration Event on Thursday 8/14!
PICTURE DAY
Individual student AND class pictures will be on Wednesday 8/27 and Thursday 8/28 in the morning. Students must be in school uniform for picture day.
Wednesday 8/27
PreK AM & PM
Kinder
2nd
4th
6th
Thursday 8/28
1st
3rd
5th
7th
8th
Retakes for individual photos will be offered on Wednesday, October 1st. There are no retakes for class photos.
If you would like to volunteer for Picture Day, please sign up HERE.
PRAYER TEAM
Beginning August 11th – Join our campus prayer leader, Michelle Parra, from 8:00-8:30am every Monday to pray for our school.
ROOM MOMS
Use the link below to indicate your interest in being a room mom / class parent this year. A meeting will be held on Thursday, August 14th at 8:05am in the cafeteria. Please note that this is an informational meeting only and does not commit you to being a room mom.
Room Mom / Class Parent Interest Form
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – MIDDLE SCHOOL BIRTHDAY COMMITTEE
We’re looking for a small group of parents to help us celebrate and appreciate our amazing middle school staff on their birthdays throughout the school year. Please reach out to Kathy Gerber for more information.
MORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer Opportunities will begin after Labor Day. All volunteers must complete the Parent Volunteer Agreement.
DRIVELINE
Reminder: Do not exit the vehicle to buckle/unbuckle your child. GCS staff will assist your child and help with buckling if needed.
Watch the GCS Agritopia Driveline Video for procedures and information.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS
Fall sports are here! The registration deadline is TODAY!
Register through Teamsnap to try-out for a team.
Soccer (Coed)
Try-outs- Monday, Aug. 11, Tuesday, Aug. 12 and Thursday from 3:30-5 pm.
6th Grade Flag (Coed)
Practices begin August 19 and will generally continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5 pm.
Girls Volleyball
Try-outs- Tuesday, Aug. 12 from 3:30-5 pm and Wednesday, Aug. 13 from 3:30-5:30 pm.
Dance and Pom
We’re thrilled to officially introduce our Middle School Pom Team at Gilbert Christian Schools! This exciting new program will be a cross-campus sport, bringing students from all three middle school campuses together to build school spirit, teamwork, and community. We can’t wait to get started and watch this team shine—both on and off the sidelines!
Clinic- Tuesday, Aug. 12 from 4:30-6 pm– Agritopia Campus Rm 19- Come and meet the coach and prepare for the try out.
Try-out- Thursday, Aug. 14 from 4:30-6 pm– Agritopia Campus Rm 19.
Practices will continue through the season on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
