GCA Weekly Update

We still have sessions available to help us make this Winterfest the best one yet. Please find a Winterfest Volunteer time slot where you can help and put your name in. Thank you.

I need to give the entire Spartan Community a Shout-out. There is such power in numbers, but there is mega power in Spartan numbers. We asked for bags to make plarn, and in a day, you brought a mountain (see photo below). We had a food drive, and we exceeded last year's total by 300+ pounds. Your generosity amazes me.

Spartans Helping Spartans

Spartans Helping Spartans is the most valuable thing we do during the year. Below is a form for our families that could use some help this Christmas season. If that is you, please fill out what you need to help your children and yourself this Christmas. Next week, I will release a list of requested items and make it possible for anyone who can help sign up to take care of them. If you would like to bring a gift card to local stores, we will put them together and distribute them to needy families in and around our Spartan community. Your participation will bring you comfort and joy, as it does us to facilitate it. Spartans Helping Spartans 2024

Our counseling department has updated our College Website. It includes available scholarships, upcoming events, and workshops related to the college application process. Check it out.

Seniors and parents of Seniors: The FAFSA is now open! Please email Kieran Parker for assistance if you need help creating your FSA ID or completing your FAFSA form. The counseling department will also host a FAFSA Night on December 9th, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at GCA in the College and Career Center to support families with their forms. If you plan to join us, please fill out this form to let us know how many will attend.

December 7th, 11 am - 2 pm - The 18th Annual Winterfest

The Winter Social is coming up on December 14th, from 8 to 11 p.m. More information will be available soon!

The 2025 GCA Science and Engineering Fair is on Friday, February 14th. We need about 25 judges willing to review and rate these fantastic projects. Judges need to have a college degree and be at school from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Please fill out this form: 2025 Science Fair Judge Questionnaire. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Ameziane at vanessa.waiteameziane@gilbertschools.net.

Are you looking for a unique way to make a global impact? Become a host family and allow an international student to experience life in Arizona while sharing your culture, traditions, and everyday moments.

Why Host?

• Broaden Your Horizons: Build lifelong friendships and better understand different cultures.

• Create Lasting Memories: Experience the joy of welcoming a new member into your family and sharing your local community.

• Enrich Your Family’s Life: Hosting is a rewarding experience for all ages, whether it’s helping with homework or celebrating holidays.

• Make a Difference: You’ll provide a life-changing experience for a young student while fostering international goodwill and cultural exchange.

What We’re Looking For:

• A warm, welcoming home with space for a student (we’ll match you with the right fit!)

• A willingness to support the student in adjusting to life in a new country

• A desire to share your culture and learn about another

• Families of all types are encouraged to apply!

We’ll Support You Every Step of the Way!
From training and resources to 24/7 support, we ensure you and your student have a successful, fulfilling exchange experience.

Take the first step towards creating a global connection that lasts a lifetime.
Apply to be a host family today!

For more information, visit www.AFS.org or call:
Doti Guymon 480-206-6435
Carol Meissner 602-214-1040

Share the World. Welcome an Exchange Student Today!

PS Check out this flyer to host for only a weekend… January 24-26, 2025!
It’s a great opportunity to experience it firsthand. We have students who would love to share their experiences with you.

Please visit our Counseling Site for contact information for our counseling team, monthly newsletters on college readiness, upcoming events, and scholarship opportunities.

If you have any questions regarding your student’s progress, academics, credits required toward graduation, or any other concerns about your child’s educational path or post-secondary plans, please contact our Guidance Counselor, Lizeth Bain, at lizeth.bain@gilbertschools.net.

If you have any questions about helping your student with college readiness, career planning, or other after-high school plans, please contact our College and Career Coordinator, Kieran Parker, at kieran.parker@gilbertschools.net.

Seniors and parents of Seniors: The FAFSA is now open! If you need help creating your FSA ID or completing your FAFSA form, please email Kieran Parker for assistance. Additionally, the counseling department will host a FAFSA Night on December 9th, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at GCA in the College and Career Center to support families with their forms. If you’re planning to join us, please fill out this form to help us know how many will be attending.

If you are concerned about your child’s mental health or need family support (food/clothing resources), please don’t hesitate to contact our Mental Health Counselor, Aisling Sansevere, at aisling.sansevere@gilbertschools.net.

Mrs. Sansevere is back and her baby is adorable.

Dan Hood Ed.D.

Principal

Gilbert Classical Academy