Knightly Update August 18, 2024

Hello. I hope you had a nice week and are enjoying the weekend. I was impressed with the number of students trying out for a fall sport last week and with the talent that I saw on the courts and fields as well. I look forward to watching our teams compete in the upcoming weeks. As a former coach, I know how extremely emotional and difficult it is to make cuts. Every coach on our campus would love to find a place for each child that tries so hard to make the team, but that simply isn't the reality of high school sports. If your child was cut, please encourage them to tryout for a different sport throughout the school year or to join a club or other school organization. The important thing is to stay involved and to find your voice. Resiliency is important and finding new opportunities is critical. If we can help your child, or any child find their place at ACP, please let me know.

Mid-quarter grades were posted on Friday. You can view your child's progress by visiting the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. If you have any questions or concerns about the grades awarded, please contact the instructor or your child's counselor. If you are having difficulty seeing your student's grades for all 6 classes in Infinite Campus, please click over to Quarter 2. Some of our instructors implement an 80-20 grading system, and under this structure the student's grades are only able to be viewed via quarter two. Remember, we have five weeks left until the end of the quarter, so continue to work hard and ask questions if you need assistance.

Tomorrow, we have our first free dress day of the year. Guidelines for participating in a free dress day, along with corresponding district dress policies, are included in today's update. If students have any questions about what they can and cannot wear on free dress days, they should email me for assistance. There is a $2 fee in order to participate in a free dress day (I realize this is an oxymoron) as we use these days as a general fundraiser. If a student has a financial hardship that limits their participation, please email me or have them see me. Remember appropriate, modest dress must be worn and students who choose not to participate must wear regular uniform attire, i.e., polo's.

Enjoy the rest of your day. As always, if you have any questions, please contact me. Have a great week!

Rob Bickes

Principal

Site events listed in bold.

Monday, August 19

• Free Dress Day - $2 Participation Fee (see additional details below)
• 3:00 - Girls Golf @ Crismon HS (Las Colinas Golf Club)
• 8:15 - Football Jersey Night, ACPHS Main Gym

Tuesday, August 20

• 2:30 - Fall Sports Student Meeting, ACPHS Cafeteria
• 5:30 - Fall Sports Parent Meeting, ACPHS Cafeteria
• 6:30 - Fall Sports Team Meetings, ACPHS (various room assignments)

Wednesday, August 21

• 7:30 AM - Student ID Picture Retakes - ACPHS Library
• Girls Golf @ Las Colinas Golf Course
• 6:00 - Baseball Booster Club Meeting, room B117

Thursday, August 22

• 3:00 - Boys Golf @ Pinnacle Peak Country Club
• 8:15 - Football Jersey Night, ACPHS Main Gym

Friday, August 23

• Spirit Day - Life in the Tropics (wear tropical attire)
• 8:15 AM - Pep Rally, ACPHS Main Gym

Saturday, August 24

• No events scheduled

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SAVE THE DATE

Homecoming Week - September 16-20

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

8th Grade Information Night - Tuesday, October 29 - 6:00 - ACPHS Main Gym

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!

Congratulations to ACP senior Siddarth Kotum. Siddarth was part of the winning team at the International Space Settlement Design Competition this summer. As part of the competition, Siddarth and his team had to stay awake for 42 hours to create a design proposal with all the logistics of a hypothetical space settlement in the year 2059. Competitors are tasked with creating an industry accurate design for engineers to consider. Siddarth was part of the business committee and managed the subcontractors, costs, etc. 250 competitors from across the globe came to participate in 4 teams of around 60 each, and Siddarth's team won the grand prize. Amazing job, Siddarth. Congrats!

Divya Natarajan (Class of 2025) was selected to serve on the Arizona State Board of Education’s Student Advisory Panel for a second year in a row. This panel is made up of only 10 students from across the valley and we work on education reform and equity. Way to go, Divya. Thank you for serving our community.

From time-to-time, free dress days will be held throughout the school year as a general fundraiser. Students may choose to participate and wear non-uniform attire to school on days announced as free dress. In order to participate, students must pay $2. Students will pay through their 3rd hour teacher and need to have their money ready.

We hold Free Dress days every month as a general fundraiser, and we do expect students to abide by the guidelines within the CUSD dress code (see below), and keep themselves well groomed and neatly dressed at all times. Any form of dress which is considered contrary to good hygiene or which is distractive or disruptive in appearance and detrimental to the purpose or conduct of the school will not be permitted. As a reminder, Pajama pants are not permitted on any free dress day, and we ask that all students keep in mind modesty and appropriateness when choosing what to wear on a free dress day.

The school administration retains the final discretion in determining if a garment, accessory or appearance compiles with the dress code. Repeated violations of the dress standard may result in appropriate disciplinary action, including being suspended from school.

Student attire may be regulated as necessary and appropriate to maintain order and decorum within the educational system and to avoid material and substantial interference with schoolwork or discipline.

1. Prohibited Attire

Attire may be prohibited when it:

• Significantly interferes with the District's ability to maintain order; such as disrupting schoolwork, school programs and activities, creates disorder, or prevents any student(s) from achieving educational objectives.
• Affects the health or safety of students, personnel or visitors.
• Conveys affiliation with a criminal street gang.
• Exposes the wearer's midriff, undergarments, or undergarment areas.
• Contains or conveys obscene language, symbols or messages.
• Promotes or depicts the unlawful use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
• Violates the constitutional rights of any other person(s) or protected groups.
• Is inconsistent with or prohibited by the course, program, or activity.

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.

Help celebrate the start of the fall athletic season by wearing tropical (beach) attire to school on Friday. Be certain to follow the general free dress guidelines shared previously and make sure attire is appropriate and modest. If you have any questions, please see any member of the administrative team. Have fun, and GO KNIGHTS!!

We have just been notified that 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.

As a reminder, if students missed picture day a few weeks back, we have retakes this Wednesday, August 21st. Students who did not take a picture will receive a pass with their time to take their picture. Any other student who wishes to have a retake can do so during advisory. Picture Retakes will be available between 8:00am to 11:00am in the library.

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!

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).

Suit Up will be hosted at the Chandler CARE Center on Saturday, 8/31 from 9:00-11:30 am. This is for any high school student interested in men's formal wear- they will have the chance to receive a full suit with shoes and accessories!

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.

Students/families wishing to participate in NSLP free and reduced meal program must fill out a 2024-25 free & reduced application. Those students who were eligible last year have the first 30 days of school in ‘carryover-temporary’ status grace period while they reapply. Any students who were on the ‘carryover-temporary’ status and have not reapplied on or before August 26th will revert to PAID status on August 27th. For additional information and to apply/reapply, click here.

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.

The Seal of Biliteracy application closes on September 20th for all students graduating this year. Click here for additional information. No late applications will be received after this date.

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!

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