FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear GCHS Families,
As we come to the close of this semester and prepare our hearts for Christmas break, I wanted to share one final newsletter with you, both to reflect on the season behind us and to look ahead with clarity.
This has truly been a remarkable semester at Gilbert Christian High School. We have watched our students grow academically, spiritually, and relationally. We’ve celebrated victories on the field and the court, witnessed creativity in the classroom, and seen faith lived out through service, leadership, and daily obedience. It has been a joy to partner with you as we pour into these young men and women.
As we move forward, please note that this will be our final traditional newsletter. From here on out, all school communication will be shared through ParentSquare as needed. This will allow us to communicate more efficiently, ensure timely delivery of important information, and keep everything in one centralized place for families.
As we head into Christmas, my prayer is that this break would be a time of rest, renewal, and joy for your family. May your homes be filled with peace, laughter, and the sweet reminder of the hope we celebrate in Christ, the true gift of this season.
Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your continued support of Gilbert Christian High School. We are grateful for each of you and look forward to all that God has in store for the semester ahead.
From all of us at GCHS, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
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
Elective Assembly, Course Catalog, and Course Requests for 2026-27
On January 7, there will be an Elective Assembly where department heads from CTE (Career & Technical Education), English, Fine Arts, Physical Education, Science, and Social Studies will share elective options as students prepare to make course requests for the 2026-27 school year, which begins on January 16 as part of the reenrollment process. In the meantime, check out the 2026-27 HS Course Catalog, which is available on the High School Counseling webpage, along with a number of other resources that are helpful for course planning (e.g., 4-year Plan Worksheet, GCHS Graduation Requirements).
High School Moms Fellowship & Bible Study
We are excited to invite all HS moms to a special time of encouragement, faith, and community this January! Beginning Monday, January 12th, through Monday, March 2nd, we will gather each Monday morning from 8:30–9:30 AM in the high school cafeteria.
This will be a space for moms to walk through this season of life together, without shame, with grace, and with joy in Christ. Our time will be centered around the study Chosen – Ephesians Bible Study by The Daily Grace Co.
You can purchase the book here (if you don’t have it yet, that’s okay!): Chosen – Ephesians Bible Study While you’re shopping, here’s another great resource by The Daily Grace Co., recommended by Mrs. Garza.
We hope you’ll join us as we encourage one another, grow in our faith, and strengthen our relationships with Christ. Please RSVP here.
25/26 Winter Parent/Teacher Conferences
Winter conferences are right around the corner! At the HS, we require parents of any student with a D or lower to attend conferences, but everyone is welcome! Please use the link to sign up.
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.
Discovery Days at Colorado Christian University is an immersive, weeklong experience designed to help rising juniors and seniors explore their calling, discover their career interests, and grow as a Christ-centered leader. This FREE summer camp has been a tradition for several GCHS students who have all loved their week at CCU. The 2026 dates are July 13-16. This will fill up! Register here. Attending this week allows each student to receive a $1,250 scholarship per year at CCU as well.
December is the perfect time to start scholarship applications… We recommend using the scholarship search engine, Going Merry. Just a reminder that you should never pay for a scholarship application.
STUCO UPDATE!
Winter Formal 2026 will be held on Saturday, February 7th at the High School gym. Tickets are on sale NOW! Follow this link: Winfo Shirts and Tickets to purchase your Winfo Tickets and Shirt. This link has ALL the details about pricing and deadlines.
Winter Formal Spirit Week: February 2nd – February 6th
*Spirit Week Dresscode Applies* IMPORTANT*: This is not an excuse to wear sweats all week. Your outfit must obviously fit the theme for the day.
- Monday, Feb. 2nd : “Tales and Tiaras”- Fictional Character Day
- Tuesday, Feb. 3rd : “Snow White vs Candle Light” – Rhyme without Reason/Twin Day
- Wednesday, Feb. 4th: “Dreaming Ever After”- PJ/Comfy Day
- Thursday, Feb. 5th: “Into the Woods”- Camo Day
- Friday, Feb 6th: “Once Upon a Knight”- Wear your Winfo shirt
Reminder: the WINFO Dresscode (as outlined in our Handbook and sent via Parent Square by Mrs. Garza) will be strictly enforced!
If a student is bringing a non-GCS guest, this guest MUST be a current high school student in good standing, and he/she MUST fill out this GCHS Dance Guest Pass and submit it to the front office no later than Wednesday, February 4th! The front office also has copies of these Guest Passes.
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.
