Middle School Principal

The devil is having his way with teens in the world. Dropout rates,  teen suicide, violence,  and drug use are just symptoms of a greater problem- a spiritual problem.  

But as Christians we can confidently say that the teenage years do not have to belong to the devil. When God sent His Son to redeem us Jesus did not leap-frog over the teenage years. Luke 2:52 says that at twelve years of age Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, favor with God, and favor with man. This is great news for all of us. Because Jesus truly lived as a teenager He has fully redeemed the teenage years. The young people who follow Christ today live with purpose and joy. You can see it on their faces and hear it in their voices. They serve a God Who is familiar with their weaknesses and can sympathize with their needs because He has been there.

Gilbert Christian Middle School develops young people in their faith and learning by partnering with parents in the discipleship of their children. The 2:52 principle comes through in everything we do: Jesus has redeemed these crucial years. He knows teenagers. After all, He once was one! And He loves these kids. He is calling a generation of disciples to follow Him.

I very much like what Paul David Tripp has to say about these formative years. “Do you see these years as an age of opportunity or a season of survival?” Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens. With Christ it is definitely an age of opportunity!

Elementary School Principal

An important time of the Gilbert Christian Schools calendar is upon us – re-enrollment time. Our valued, current families are given the opportunity to re-enroll beginning February 6, 2012, before we open up the class spaces to new families on February 14, 2012. Beginning February 6, families are invited to visit the campus and turn in their reenrollment package. The specific location and times for face-to-face enrollment is explained in the enrollment packet that went home with your youngest GCS child on January 31st. Once this process is complete, you can trust that your child’s enrollment is secure. I value each family and each child here at Giblet Christian Schools. I hope all will return to enjoy the grace God freely provides in our wonderful environment, rigorous curriculum, and talented teachers. The following “Frequently Asked Question” format may be helpful to elementary parents:
Q. If I do not re-enroll in February, what happens to my child’s classroom spot?
A. Once we open enrollment to the general public, we cannot guarantee your child a spot in the classroom. Please take advantage of our current family only days and reserve a seat in the classroom for your child.

Q. Will I be able to select my child’s classroom teacher for next year?
A. You may request a classroom teacher, but teacher requests are done in May, not at the time of reenrollment. Mrs. Flagg prayerfully weighs each request but also considers the make-up of each class; therefore, she is unable to grant every request. Requests from all families are important, but requests are processed according to seniority at GCS Many do not request a teacher, but allow Mrs. Flagg and the teachers to place their child in a classroom we believe will be best.
Q. When are elementary classroom assignments posted?
A. Class lists are posted during the last week of school.
Q. Will the elementary school grade level configuration be the same next year?
A. Yes, we will have 2 half-day pre-k classes, 2 all-day and 2 half-day kindergarten classes, 3 first grade classes, and 2/3 and 4/5 combination classes. Sixth grade is considered middle school. A K/1 combo class will probably not be available next year due to the projected number of first graders.

Q. When may children begin kindergarten and pre-kindergarten at GCS?
A. Pre-kindergarten children must be 4 years old by September 1st. Children should be 5 by September 1st to enter kindergarten. Early entry into kindergarten is considered if the child turns 5 before October 1st, but special permission from Mrs. Flagg and a kindergarten evaluator is required. Early entry into pre-kindergarten is considered if the child turns 4 before October 1st, but special permission from Mrs. Flagg and a pre-kindergarten evaluator is required.
Q. Will the class size be the same next year?
A. Yes, all classes will remain at 18 or less. Pre-K and kindergarten classes have aides if more than 12 students are enrolled.
Q. When is the first day of school?
A. August 8, 2012 with Pie and Praise on August 6th. Check our website for the full calendar.