Knightly Update September 1, 2024

Good morning. I hope you are enjoying the weekend and looking forward to the Labor Day holiday. Please remember that school will not be in session tomorrow, Monday, September 2nd, due to the holiday. Enjoy your extended weekend.

Each year, I hold four site council meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to share information about our school and gather feedback from attendees. Our first meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 18 at 5:00 in our school's library. Those of you that shared your interest in being a part of this year's council will receive an email reminder later this month. If you did not register to be a part of our school's council and would like to attend these meetings, please email my administrative assistant, Rachel Gurrola. Thank you.

When students return to school on Tuesday, they have just 14 school days until the end of the quarter. Please ensure you are monitoring your child's academic progress via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. If you have any questions about your child's performance, please contact the appropriate instructor for assistance.

Thanks again for choosing ACP and supporting our school community. Have a very happy Labor Day and please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Enjoy the week.

Rob Bickes

Principal

Site events listed in bold.

Monday, September 2

• No school - Labor Day Holiday

Tuesday, September 3

• 3:00 - Boys Golf vs Casteel HS & Basha HS @ Lone Tree Golf Club
• 4:00 - Badminton @ Basha HS
• 4:00 - Fr/So Girls Volleyball @ Perry HS
• 4:00 - JV Girls Volleyball @ Perry HS
• 5:00 - Varsity Girls Volleyball @ Perry HS
  

Wednesday, September 4

• 8:15 AM - College Visit - Embry Riddle University, ACPHS College & Career Center
• 9:15 AM - College Visit - University of Arizona W. A. Franke Honors College, ACPHS College & Career Center
• 3:00 - Girls Golf @ Dove White Golf Course
• 4:00 - Badminton @ Desert Mountain HS
• 4:00 - Fr/So Girls Volleyball @ Horizon HS
• 5:00 - JV Girls Volleyball @ Horizon HS
• 6:00 - Varsity Girls Volleyball @ Horizon HS
• 6:00 - Fr/So Football @ Apache Junction HS

Thursday, September 5

• 10:15 AM - College Visit - Case Western Reserve University, ACPHS College & Career Center
• 1:00 - Varsity Girls Volleyball vs Basha HS, ACPHS Main Gym
• 2:00 - JV Girls Volleyball vs Basha HS, ACPHS Main Gym
• 3:00 - Fr/So Girls Volleyball vs Basha HS, ACPHS Main Gym
• 4:00 - Swim & Dive @ Hamilton HS
• 6:00 - JV Football vs Canyon del Oro, ACPHS Dr. Fred DePrez Athletic Stadium

Friday, September 6

• Varsity Girls Volleyball @ Volleyball Tournament of Champions, Westwood HS
• 9:15 AM - College Visit - University of Colorado Boulder, ACPHS College & Career Center
• 7:00 - Varsity Football @ Apache Junction HS

Saturday, September 7

• 8:30 - Cross Country @ Western Equinox Meet, Freestone Park

Sunday, September 8

• ACPHS Mountain Bike Team @ Fort Tuhill (Prescott, AZ)

**********

Event Recap - Week of August 26th

Monday, August 26

• 3:00 - Girls Golf WON vs Eastmark HS, 211-212

Tuesday, August 27

• 3:00 - Boys Golf PLACED 2nd vs Chandler HS & Casteel HS, 145-159-193
• 4:00 - Badminton WON @ Horizon HS, 7-2

Wednesday, August 28

• 3:00 - Girls Golf WON vs Campo Verde HS, 214-226
• 4:00 - Badminton LOST vs Perry HS, 2-7
• 6:00 - JV Football WON @ Dobson HS, 47-0
• 6:00 - Freshman Football WON vs Dobson HS, 74-0

Thursday, August 29

• 3:00 - Boys Golf PLACED 3rd vs Cactus Shadows HS & Basha HS, 151-153-162
• 4:00 - Badminton WON vs Moon Valley HS, 9-0
  

Friday, August 30

• 7:00 (CST) - Varsity Football LOST @ Crown Pointe IN, 7-42
  

Saturday, August 31

• 7:00 AM - Cross Country @ Chandler Invite, Tumbleweed Park; Top runners in each event were:
• Freshman boy Sam Besch-Stokes 17.44.5
• Freshman girl Elizabeth Hing 24.17.7
• Sophomore boy Ifaz Mezouari 17.01.1 PR
• Sophomore girl Emma Alcaraz 26.39.1
  
• Junior boy Ashwin Iyengar 17.23.7 PR
• Junior girl Safa Ahmad 24.23.9
• Senior boy Nicholas Cuevas 17.46.5
• Senior girl Brianna Haymore 24.02.6
  

**********

SAVE THE DATE

Homecoming Week - September 16-20

Homecoming Dance - Saturday, September 21 - 7:00-10:00 PM - ACPHS Courtyard

Do you know an ACP student, staff member, alumni, or family that deserves to be recognized? Email Mr. Bickes with the information so we can share the amazing news with our school community. Go Knights!

Tabitha Goon, class of 2026, just returned from Hong Kong playing for the U20 Women’s World’s lacrosse tournament representing Chinese Taipei. Her team battled squads from Wales, Korea, New Zealand, Israel, and Canada. It was a great opportunity for Tabitha meet people from all around the world who share the love of the same sport. Tabitha was awarded player of the match between Korea and Chinese Taipei, was highlighted as a top performer, and a crucial player for Team Chinese Taipei. With lacrosse being added to the 2028 Olympic schedule, who knows, you may see Tabitha competing at the games. Amazing achievements, Tabitha. Congratulations!

We are excited to announce the addition of an electronic suggestion box for students and families to input their ideas, suggestions, or comments to help us better our school. One of the tenets of The Prep Way is 'excellence' and we are always working to be better tomorrow than we are today, but we cannot do that without hearing your voice. If you have any thoughts or ideas that can help us make our school even better, please share by clicking on the suggestion box image or button below. While we appreciate and want to hear your feedback, we ask that remarks are professional and constructive. Comments that are not made in a professional way will not be considered or addressed. Thank you for sharing your ideas so we can continue being one of the best high school's in the nation, while maintaining our promise to always strive for the impossible and be extraordinary.

Our Student Government has planned a week full of fun activities for Homecoming Week. This year’s theme is Bayou Ball, A Night in New Orleans. Please take some time to read through the below information as we get ready for a Hoco Week.

The Homecoming Dance is on Saturday, September 21st from 7:00 to 10:00pm in the ACPHS Courtyard. Tickets are now on sale in the bookstore. Tickets cost $20 w/ Activity Card and $30 w/o. The last day to buy tickets in the bookstore is Wednesday, September 18th. Starting on Thursday, September 19th, all tickets will cost $30, regardless of Activity Card status, and may be purchased on Go Fan or at the door. Cash or card will be accepted at the door.

Homecoming Guest Passes are now available for pick-up in the front office. Guest passes are due back to the front office with fully completed information by 3:00pm, Wednesday, September 18th. ACPHS students may purchase their guest a ticket once the Guest Pass is completed. All Guest Tickets cost $30. Guests may purchase tickets at door, only if they have a completed Guest Pass that met the September 18th deadline. Students may check the status of their Guest Pass with the QR code in the front office.

Please find specific info below for the spirit days and events for each day of Homecoming Week.

Monday 9/16 - We kick off Hoco Week with an alternate schedule and assembly on Monday 9/16. Our theme for the day is Midnight in New Orleans, and we would love to see the entire student body wearing black for the assembly. Our featured event for the night is our Girls Flag Football Game with a 7pm start time.

Tuesday 9/17 - We hope everyone wears their pink as we get ready for our annual Dig Pink Volleyball Game, which starts at 6pm in the ACPHS Main Gym.

Wednesday 9/18 - we'll see everyone in their pajamas for Wednesday's spirit day. Our featured event will be Knight Games, a yearly tradition where students participate in small groups through a fun game circuit (dodgeball, color war, obstacle course races, etc). Knight Games will be from 7pm to 9pm and tickets will can be bought at the door or on Go Fan (students will meet in the courtyard). We'll have food trucks so please be sure to bring a little extra cash.

Thursday 9/19 - It will be our first-ever ACPHS Battle of the Bands. The event will start at 7pm in the ACPHS Courtyard. We will have food trucks and at least 4 featured bands from ACPHS. There are even rumors of a potential teacher band competing? Students can wear their favorite band t-shirt to school and we look fun to this new event for Homecoming Week this year!

Friday 9/20 - As we finish the school week, we are excited to have a Camo Spirit Day and game theme for our football game. We hope everyone can come out to the Tailgate before the game that starts at 5:30pm and our Homecoming Football Game, which starts at 7:00pm.

Our Hoco Shirts are now on sale. Please order using the link below. Shirts are $15. Shirts will be distributed during all 3 lunches, starting on September 11th. The deadline to order is September 5th. The shirt would be great to wear to Monday's Blackout-themed Pep Rally or to wear with some Camo to the Football Game on Friday night.

ACP's mental health club, "Bring Change to Mind," will be having a mental health fair for all students on September 5th for Suicide Prevention Month. During all lunches in the courtyard, there will be different mental health agencies & organizations providing information & resources. Feel free to check it out! Reach out to our social worker, Mr. Soto, with any questions.

Each year, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards 150 college scholarships worth $20,000 to high school students across the United States through the Coca-Cola Scholars Program.

Students need a 3.0 GPA and to complete an online application that requires no essays, no recommendations, and no transcripts by September 30, 2024, at 5 p.m. Eastern.

The 2024-25 application is open to high school seniors until 5 p.m. Eastern on September 30, 2024. This is earlier than previous years. Click on the links to see program details, a selection roadmap, and last year's Coke Scholars.

CUSD is proud to offer the Seal of Personal Finance, Seal of Civics Literacy, Seal of Arts Proficiency and Seal of Biliteracy to all high school students. Each seal has unique requirements and different application windows. Students must complete all requirements successfully within their high school years to qualify. Students interested in applying for any of the seals should visit the Diploma Seals website for more information. Freshmen – Juniors are encouraged to complete an Intent to participate form.

Please be aware of the following application windows for each Diploma Seal. Seniors are encouraged to apply if they have met or will be meeting all requirements this year. Visit the district website for additional information for each Seal.

• Seal of Biliteracy – May 8 – September 20
• Seal of Personal Finance – September 1 – May 23
• Seal of Civics Literacy – September 1 – May 23
• Seal of Arts Proficiency – December 1 – March 28

No late applications will be received after these dates.

The CUSD Governing Board and District Office have moved up the date of open enrollment. If you are interested in enrolling a student who will be new to ACPHS for the 2025-2026 school year, open enrollment will begin on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 7:30am. Please remember that open enrollment is offered on a first come first served basis, and siblings are not guaranteed a seat.

Students who are currently enrolled at ACPHS and will be returning, do not need to reapply for open enrollment. Families who live within the ACPHS boundaries, also do not need to apply for open enrollment.

You can find more information about open enrollment on the ACPHS website by clicking on the purple Enroll with Us button on the top right corner of the screen. Please contact Linda Bigelow with any questions at bigelow.linda@cusd80.com or 480-424-8723.

What is Key Club?

Key Club is an international, student-led organization that provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership. Key Club members around the world are learning how to lead and stand for what’s right through service and volunteerism. In partnership with their local Kiwanis club, high school students are making a positive impact as they serve others in their schools and communities. On the APCHS campus, we strive to provide our students with ample opportunities to participate in service through out the community, both in and out of our school community. We also provide opportunities for students to lead their own service projects to address issues that they are passionate about.

To join Key Club for the 2024-2025 school year, please complete the steps listed in the flyer. All steps must be completed to be added to the roster and to maintain membership. Please note that returning members to Key Club must complete the steps of membership each year. If you have any questions, please reach out to either Mrs. Osterberg or Mrs. Michaelson through Parent Square or email. Thanks!

Key Club Google Form Roster

• 9th- https://forms.gle/eqZS3iZM3sUyW63x9
  
• 10th- https://forms.gle/4ooGfbTXPcjh6iae9
  
• 11th- https://forms.gle/mLdY9kT6zzVVebG87
  
• 12th- https://forms.gle/cN7e2fUUz7HnzrkcA
  

The ACPHS Vex Robotics will team is looking for parent volunteers to help with practices. If you are interested in volunteering to help support the team, please contact Mr. Roth. Also, we are also looking for another Robotics' Coach. Click here to apply.

As a reminder, all students in grades 9-11 will take the PSAT on Tuesday, October 22nd this year. Junior students have the opportunity to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship by taking this exam. Students in grades 9, 10, and 11 must pay to take the PSAT assessment before September 11th. It is absolutely critical that ALL juniors pay the $25 assessment fee in order to be considered for National Merit opportunities. Students in grades 9 and 10 are STRONGLY urged to pay the fee so they receive a score report and personalized feedback that includes corresponding online lessons based on their performance in order to potentially improve their score on future PSAT/SAT exams. If you have any questions or need to discuss financial support, please contact Mrs. Ludwig. All students will take the exam regardless if payment was received; however, only those students who pay the fee will receive a score, corresponding personalized feedback, and qualify for National Merit* opportunities (*Class of 2026 only).

We are excited to offer you with the opportunity to take your AP exam at ACP in May 2025. Student access to MyAP began August 1, 2024. AP teachers will be sharing “Course Join Codes” throughout the month of August. It is critical for families and students to review the information below and in the corresponding attachment to understand all things associated with AP. Please note, deadlines ARE NOT flexible.

AP Exams are OPTIONAL at ACP; Therefore, students who are enrolled in AP courses are NOT automatically signed up to take the exam. Students must follow these two steps to order an exam:

1. Enter the JOIN CODE in MyAP to be added to the AP Classroom
2. Pay the $100 Exam Fee per exam (note: Seminar/Research exams are $150)

The $100 Exam Fee is NOT automatically added to the student’s Infinite Campus account. This needs to be added by the student/parent in Infinite Campus (directions on how to do this are attached). In addition, students have the option to pay the $100 exam fee in the ACP BOOKSTORE during bookstore hours.

Important dates and deadlines to be aware of regarding AP registration at ACP (these dates are not flexible):

• November 8, 2024 (If you do NOT meet the 11/8/24 deadline for payment, there will be a $50 late fee added)
• Final Date to sign up in MyAP using the Course Join Code (provided by AP instructor)
• Final Date to pay $100 Exam Fee per exam. ($150 for Seminar/Research)
• February 28, 2025
• THE FINAL DATE WE CAN ACCEPT LATE EXAM PAYMENTS ($150 for general exams; $200 for Seminar/Research)
• After February 28, 2025, you will not be able to order an AP exam at ACP.
• College Board's deadlines may differ, however, ACP's FINAL DEADLINE IS 2/28/25

If you would like to cancel an ordered exam, you may do so:

• Before November 8, 2024 = 100% refund
• Before May 1, 2025 = 50% refund
• After May 1, 2025 = no refund

Other FAQs

If you are interested in taking an AP exam, but you are not enrolled in the AP class on our campus, please see Mrs. Ludwig in B102 to get an “Exam Only” Join Code.

If you have two exams scheduled on the same day and same time, please visit Mrs. Ludwig in B102 so that we can schedule one of the exams as a “late exam”. Students who are absent on the date of their AP exam are not guaranteed to take the exam late unless it is arranged ahead of time. Additionally, no refunds will be given.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College Dual enrollment registration is now open for new and returning Dual Enrollment Students. View your high school class list for dual enrollment course offerings and admissions, placement or prerequisites needed for enrollment. To avoid a delay in processing your admissions application and next steps forms, ensure you have completed all the required prerequisites for enrollment and uploaded your Identity Authentication and Residency documents in your next steps forms.

Visit cgc.edu/dual to complete the first-time dual enrollment steps.

As a first-time dual enrollment, you'll need to follow the these steps:

1. Get admitted to Chandler-Gilbert Community College
2. Set up Duo two-factor authentication on your smart phone
3. Visit your Student Center, maricopa.edu/students, to complete first-time Next Steps forms
4. Register for Classes
5. Pay your tuition and fees

Returning Students: If you have taken Dual Enrollment classes before, you are already in the system with an established MEID (User ID) and should be able to log into your Maricopa Student Center at maricopa.edu/students to self-enroll.

• If you believe you meet the prerequisites for a class but the system will not allow the class to be added, please add all other classes first. Then email dualenrollment@cgc.edu with the following information.

• Student Name
• College ID# or MEID
• High School:
• Dual Enrollment Class Number(s):
• Dual Enrollment Class Name(s):
• Dual Enrollment Instructor(s):
• Unofficial High School Transcripts

Attachments:

Dual Enrollment First-Time Students Registration Steps

ACP students provide a tremendous amount of service hours throughout their high school career. The method for inputting and tracking one's service hours has changed this year. All students will now input their service hours through Infinite Campus. The attached document shares the steps students will need to take to input their hours. It is very important that students record any service provided over the course of their entire high school career. They may need to input this information when applying for scholarships, to colleges, internships, employment, or other opportunities during and after high school. Please make sure to enter your service hours via the method share in the attached document. If you have any questions, please see contact the office. Thank you.

Please support ACP's PTO! Donate to our Educational Advancement Fund! With school funds only covering so much, we work closely with the administration to identify and fund the school’s needs. Please donate today to help us make our $25,000 goal and bring dreams and realities to our school.

How will your donation make a difference? Your donation helps to shape the future of our school by ensuring that our students have access to the best opportunities and resources available. See the attached flyer for detailed information. Thank you for your support! Click here to donate.

Procedures for driving on campus are below and can be downloaded for your convenience. These procedures are to be followed by all families that drop off and/or pick-up their child, and for students that choose to drive their personal vehicle to school and park in the student parking lot. Staff will be posted along the route to ensure procedures are followed appropriately.

1. Parent/guardian vehicles must use the ingress east of the Visitor Parking Lot entrance on Brooks Farm Rd. and form two lanes (if driving west on Brooks Farm, please engage your turn signal if turning right onto campus)
2. ACP Traffic should only enter the neighborhood from Gilbert Road and Brooks Farm Road (from the west): and Mustang Road and Chandler Heights (from the south).
3. Do not enter the neighborhood from Lindsay Rd.
4. Student vehicles must enter the campus via the ingress east of the JV softball field on Brooks Farm Rd.; Families may also drop off via this ingress (follow security directions if using this entrance)
5. There is NO entrance to the campus from Gilbert Rd.
6. Students may be dropped off/picked up along the sidewalks south of the administrative building and west of the B building and gymnasium.
7. Parent vehicles in the left lane that have dropped off or picked up their child along the south side of the administrative building may exit the campus via the visitor parking lot exit.
8. Parent/guardians in the right lane will exit the campus via the stadium traffic light turning north or south onto Gilbert Rd.
9. Entrance to the campus via the visitor parking lot is closed from 6:45-7:30 AM and from 2:00-2:45 daily.
10. DO NOT DROP OFF OR PICK UP YOUR CHILD IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS NEAR OR AROUND THE CAMPUS.
11. Do not loiter or "hang out" in the yards, driveways, or general property of residential households.
12. Empathy for our residential neighbors is appreciated.

For your convenience, this year's yearbook may be purchased online at jostensyearbooks.com (type in "Arizona College Prep High School") or you can simply click on the button below to go directly to our school's webpage. Yearbook packages include:

• Yearbook Cost: $84.00. This price will increase throughout the year.
• Signature package: An additional $18.00. This includes a yearbook, enhanced personalization, autograph pens, and autograph pages. Additional accessories available for purchase.
• Personalized yearbook cost: An additional $7.50 that includes your child’s name embossed on the cover. You can purchase icons to add to the embossed cover for $4.00 each with a maximum amount of four icons. Additional accessories available for purchase.

Prices will increase throughout the year, and there are a limited number of yearbooks for sale, so be sure to purchase yours today! Yearbooks are available to purchase until February 28th. Arizona College Prep High School has received the National Yearbook Program of Excellence Award the past five consecutive school years.

If you have any questions click here to email Mrs. Patterson.

The first step of your senior journey is to have your portrait taken for the yearbook. The yearbook’s deadline for senior pictures is September 16, 2024. In order to meet this deadline, we have partnered with Lou Coopey Photography in Mesa, AZ to take your yearbook photos. Photos taken past this date risk not being placed in the yearbook due to deadlines. If you schedule your picture past this date, please see Mrs. Patterson no later than Monday, September 9th.

There are two options: one is free, the other is $40.00. Please read through this message completely for details and choose the option that works best for you. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Patterson at Patterson.kristin@cusd80.com

OPTION 1 ($40.00 deposit, $50.00 credit to account):

Schedule an appointment with Lou Coopey to have your portrait taken at their Mesa studio located at 202 N Lindsay Rd Suite 101, Mesa, AZ 85213 before the September 16th deadline.

Key Information about Option 1:

• A $40 deposit will be collected at the time of scheduling.
• This deposit, along with a $10 credit ($50.00 total) will be applied to each account to purchase portraits and services offered by Lou Coopey.
• Satisfaction guaranteed including retakes, reprints or refund (if certain restrictions are met for refund).
• After 30 days, the $10 complimentary credit will expire.
• The $40 remains on your account and can be used for any senior portrait purchase.
• Click here to book your appointment: https://lcpseniors.as.me/schedule.php
• Or go to https://loucoopey.com/ and click the red button to book your appointment.

To ensure a preferred experience for your Senior Portrait session, please keep in mind the following:

• It is recommended that Seniors bring their own clothing. However, if necessary, the studio will provide loaner jackets, ties, and drapes as needed.
• Students are encouraged to bring props to personalize the photo experience (i.e., sports equipment, musical instruments, etc.)
• All studio services beyond the sitting (scheduling, ordering pictures, and paying fees) will be conducted online.
• Senior sessions will include 9-14 poses (with more poses available if you have additional outfits) on a variety of backgrounds as well as Cap & Gown photos for graduation.
• All post-sitting contact will be done online (choosing the yearbook pose, ordering photos, and any additional payment).
• Students must be dressed to impress (collared shirt, tie, dress, and/or professional blouse) for their senior portrait.

Option 2 ($0.00):

Take your senior yearbook photo on campus on October 24, 2024. Note: if you choose this option, you will only be able to take your photo in one outfit due to time constraints with your classes that day.

Key Information about Option 2:

• A limited number of poses will be taken on the yearbook background only.
• Students must be dressed to impress (collared shirt, tie, dress, and/or professional blouse) for their senior portrait. Students may not take their pictures in school uniform this day but must change into professional attire prior to their picture being taken.

NOTE: For both options, students must dress to impress (collared shirt, tie, suit jacket, dress, and/or professional blouse/professional wear). Clothing must be free of logos/signage/text and should not be transparent or too revealing. Spaghetti straps of any width and off-the-shoulder tops are not permitted and will not be put in the yearbook. Jeans and denim shorts are not permitted in the yearbook. Head wear is not permitted (except in the case of religious or medical purposes).

Congratulations, Class of 2025!!

If you are able to make your tax contributions early in the year, your donation would be greatly appreciated and give us a jump start on some of our essential extracurricular activities. We have set a goal to collect approximately $50.00 per family for a total of $57,500.00 and hope that you will be willing to help us meet our goal. Thank you for supporting your child and our school!

Tax Credit Basics…

A tax credit donation is a full refund, not a deduction. Contributions eligible for a tax credit are donated directly to schools, not to the state or school district. To participate or learn more, follow the link listed below to donate online or you can complete the enclosed form and submit your contribution at your convenience.

http://www.cusd80.com/taxcredit

Arizona Law ARS 43-1089.01 enables taxpayers a tax credit contribution of up to $400.00 per year if filing status is “Married, filing Joint Return;” $200.00 per calendar year if filing status is “Single of Head of Household;” and $200 per calendar year if filing status is “Married filing separate returns.” These contributions fund extracurricular activities in public schools and greatly impact our school community and our students.

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Don't forget to check with teams and clubs for the latest link to their Facebook sites.

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School Hours

School Day Begins: 7:20 (gates close at 7:30)

School Day Ends: 2:25

Office Hours: 7:00-3:30

School Address:

4477 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler, AZ 85249

Phone Numbers:

Administration: 480-424-8700

Attendance: 480-424-8703

Fax: 480-224-9268

Find us on the web: www.cusd80.com/acphs