BCHS Jag PRIDE Newsletter
October/ Early November 2025

Everything is "A"mazing!
BCHS Families,
It is such a wonderful celebration to share that we were once again awarded an A-rating by the Arizona Department of Education! The "A" represents hard work and dedication by our students, our teachers, our staff, and our families! Schools are rated based on their performance on the state ACT assessment, student growth based on the 9th grade ACT Aspire & 11th grade ACT assessments, college and career readiness, graduation rate, and student proficiency in English on the AZELLA assessment. BCHS students did absolutely incredibly this past year by raising their ACT scores and demonstrating substantial growth in all areas! Congratulations, Jaguars! This is an "A"mazing achievement!
In addition to earning a school wide A letter grade, students can also improve their own letter grades by demonstrating proficiency on the ACT assessment. This year's senior class were able to enhance 1,002 letter grades during their junior year ACT/AZSci test by earning proficient scores in ELA, Math, and Science. This means students who earned proficient, they raised a letter grade one place up to a B in aligned courses. And they raised a letter grade one place up to an A with a highly proficient score! By working hard and showing what they knew, the class of 2026 made both an individual and collective impact! Congratulations!
Lastly, a huge thank you to all of our voters that came out and voted in the November 7th election. Our DVUSD Override passed which means the reinstatement of the funds that have been in place since 1992 which help ensure supports and opportunities for our students. We are grateful for the support so we can grow our Jaguars in the classroom, in activities, in arts, and in athletics!
With PRIDE,
Mrs. Brittany Sutton
Principal
623-445-8604
Jaguar Life!
Seniors Celebrate their Official Senior Sunrise in October
As the first light of morning stretched across the sky, the BC Class of 2026 gathered on the field to celebrate a cherished tradition — Senior Sunrise. The event marked the official start of their senior year, symbolizing new beginnings, unity, and the journey ahead.
Students arrived early to watch the sunrise together. It was a moment of reflection and excitement — a reminder of how far they’ve come and how much lies ahead in their final year as Jaguars.
The morning was filled with laughter, photos, and school spirit as seniors celebrated friendship, accomplishment, and the promise of their future.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 — your sunrise has begun! Here’s to making your last year at BC unforgettable.
BCHS PRIDE Focus of the Month & Be Classy Winners!
Our Paw Pride, PBIS program. We want to reward students for their BC Pride Characteristic behaviors.
Here are the details:
"Be Classy" Cards: When a staff member sees a student following the monthly goal OR a student going above and beyond, the staff member gives them a Be Classy card. The student will then fill it out and put it in the bowl at Ms. Susie's desk in the front office.
Each month, we will draw 10 winners for our PAW PRIDE Winners of the Month to recognize their demonstration of BC PRIDE!
Our October focus was to reduce disrespect and defiance incidents by 5%. Working together, we reduced this by 13.5%! Great job, Jaguars!
October Winners are:
Payton Kartchner
Rubien Luciano
Pedro Castillo
Capri Horan
Caden Lazurek
Juk Valenzuela
Braxton Kallevig
Zeek Sellner
Makenna Claridge
Eitan Briskin
Our November Goal: By the end of November 2025, BCHS will encourage a respectful and productive learning environment by reducing classroom disruption (DIS) incidents by 5% as measured by disruption infractions.
This will be supported by reinforcing Jaguar P.R.I.D.E. on campus: Prepared: arriving ready to learn Respect: Demonstrating respectful behaviors toward staff, peers, and facilities Integrity: Demonstrating integrity in conduct and academic effort Discipline: Being disciplined by staying on-task and following expectations Everyone United: Helping one another make positive choices
We can do this Jags!
Jaguars Welcome International Visitors!
A huge thank you to Mr. Donovan for coordinating an incredible international visit in early October for students and teachers from Poland who came to experience what American schools are like.
During their visit, the students spent time in classrooms with Ms. Newton, Mr. Kunselman, Mr. Burnton, Ms. Larance, Ms. Erickson, and Mr. Donovan, where they observed lessons and interacted with BC students. Afterward, they enjoyed a guided tour of the Boulder Creek campus, taking in our facilities and learning about our diverse academic and extracurricular offerings.
The day concluded with a special session with Student Government, where the visiting students had the chance to engage in conversation about student life, leadership, and school culture in the United States. They were especially impressed by the wide range of opportunities available to BC students and the welcoming, supportive environment they experienced on campus.
A heartfelt thank you to our teachers, students, and student government for being such gracious hosts and for proudly representing Boulder Creek to our international guests. It was a memorable day of cultural exchange, connection, and Jaguar PRIDE!
Rise and Shine, Jaguars! Tips for Getting to School on Time This Winter
When the mornings are cold, dark, and cozy, getting out of bed can feel like a challenge. But being on time sets the tone for a successful day — and helps you show your Jaguar PRIDE: Prepared, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Everyone United.
Here are a few strategies to make those chilly mornings easier:
1. Prep the Night Before.
Lay out your outfit, pack your backpack, and charge your Chromebook overnight. A few extra minutes of preparation at night can save a lot of stress in the morning.
2. Set a Smart Alarm Routine.
Place your alarm (or phone) across the room so you have to get up to turn it off. Try setting it to your favorite upbeat song to start the day with good energy.
3. Warm Up Your Morning.
Set out a cozy hoodie, blanket, or pair of socks by your bed — something to grab as soon as you get up. The faster you feel warm, the easier it is to keep moving.
4. Keep a Consistent Sleep Schedule.
Aim for the same bedtime each night, even on weekends. Your body’s internal clock works best with consistency — and that means waking up won’t feel like such a shock.
5. Find a Motivation Buddy.
Team up with a friend or family member to check in each morning. A quick “You up?” text can make all the difference in building accountability.
Remember, showing up on time and ready to learn is one of the simplest ways to build great habits — and it helps you make the most of every Jaguar day.
The BCHS Fine Arts Department Awards Fine Arts Students of the First Quarter!
Congratulations to our Fine Arts Students of the Quarter — Evan Van Der Toorn for Performing Arts and Jaycee Miller for Visual Arts!
Both Evan and Jaycee exemplify what it means to be a Jaguar artist. Their creativity, dedication, and commitment to excellence shine through in everything they do. Evan brings energy, emotion, and leadership to every performance, while Jaycee’s artistic vision and attention to detail continue to inspire both peers and teachers alike.
We are incredibly proud of these talented students for going above and beyond in their respective disciplines and for representing the heart of BC’s Fine Arts programs.
Congratulations, Evan and Jaycee—you make us Jaguar PROUD!
Rocky & Ramona Take a Trip to Anthem Autumnfest!
Helpful Reminders from the Front Office
Signing Student Out-- Especially at End of Day & Signing Students In At the Start of the Day
Signing Out: A parent or guardian must come to the front office and present a photo ID before the student is released. The office will send a pass to get the student from class. Those absences are considered unexcused if the student does not sign out and sign in upon returning to campus. Please know that we will not sign out students 15 minutes before the end of the school day as it typically takes that much time for students to be notified and come to the office. For example, we will not sign out students at 2pm, during a full day schedule that ends at 2:12pm. Please arrive early so we can get your student to you.
Signing In: Please know that if your student is late to school, it is important that a parent/guardian sign the student in to the front office. If the student is not signed in to school, the student is considered tardy and will serve an lunch detention that school day for being late. It is so important that our students are on time and in class to they get the most out of their learning each and every day!
Please refer to our Parent-Student Handbook for more information on BCHS Procedures.
PRIDE Points of the Week
October Focus: Integrity in Real Life: Doing the Right Thing When It's Hard
Each Monday we share the PRIDE Point of the Week with our Jaguars focusing on our values and a monthly focus. Here are the PRIDE points of the week that were shared in October:
- Prepared: Being prepared for life means knowing what you stand for before you're tested. Integrity isn’t just about big decisions—it’s built through small choices every day. When you prepare your mind and values ahead of time, you're ready to do what's right, even when it's hard.
- Respect: Integrity shows in how we treat people, especially when we have nothing to gain. Respect is choosing kindness, honesty, and fairness—even if no one’s watching. When you treat others with dignity, you not only reflect your character—you also raise the bar for our whole school.
- Integrity: Integrity means doing the right thing, even when it's not the easy thing. It's turning in your own work, speaking truthfully, and owning your actions. Real integrity shows up when you think no one will notice—and that’s when it matters most.
- Disciplined: Discipline and integrity go hand in hand. It takes strength to stay true to your values when you're tired, frustrated, or tempted to cut corners. Keep showing up for what you believe in—even when it’s uncomfortable. That’s how trust is built.
- Everyone United: When everyone in our school commits to integrity, we create a culture of safety and unity. That means we can trust each other, lift each other up, and know that what’s said and done is real. One honest voice can inspire a whole community to be better.
In November, Jaguars will focus on Gratitude & Impact: How our actions ripple out each Monday!
Helpful Links
PowerSchool Parent Access
Canvas Parent Access
Submit your student absence through our friendly form!
See Something, Say Something: Report Anonymous Concerns Here!
Stay Updated with our BCHS Website
Jaguar Athletics
Athlete of the Month
Fall Sports Recap
🏴☠️ Boulder Creek High School – Fall Athletics Recap 🏴☠️
It’s been an incredible fall season for Boulder Creek Athletics! Congratulations to all of our athletes and coaches for their hard work, dedication, and success. Here’s how our teams finished the season:
🏸 Badminton
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Qualified for State in both Singles and Doubles – way to go, ladies!
🏐 Girls Indoor Volleyball
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Competed in the State Playoffs after a strong season of teamwork and grit.
🏖 Boys Beach Volleyball
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Ranked Top 8 in the State and advanced to the State Playoffs.
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Chase and Cruz secured the #6 seed for the Doubles State Tournament next week!
⛳️ Boys Golf
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Won the DV Cup and placed 10th in the State Championship!
🏌️♀️ Girls Golf
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Finished 11th in the State Championship – great season!
🏃♂️ Cross Country
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Congratulations to Jayden, Evan, Greyson, Jeff, Matthew, Ian, Christian, and Michael for qualifying for next week’s Cross Country State Championship!
🏈 Girls Flag Football
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Finished the season strong and qualified for the Playoffs!
🏊♂️ Swim & Dive – State Recap
Boys Dive:
Boulder Creek sent all three divers to the State Championship — and all three scored!
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Lucas – 8th place
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Nate – 10th place
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Hunter – 16th place
Boys Swim:
The boys had a strong showing this year, taking all three relays to state (only two qualified last year).
Five swimmers made state cuts: Eric, Griffin, Isaiah, Lukas, and Blayse, with Eric and Griffin competing at the state meet.
Relay Results:
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200 Medley Relay: 27th
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200 Free Relay: 25th
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400 Free Relay: 27th
Griffin advanced to finals, finishing 18th overall in both the 100 Back and 100 Fly—a great accomplishment!
Girls Swim:
The girls brought a large squad to State, with 12 swimmers making state cuts and 9 qualifying for seeding at the meet:
Swam Finals:
Delaney**, Kelly**, Karen**, Abby**
Swam Prelims:
Mollie*, Natalia*, Gracie*, Reilly*, Ava, Addy, Jazzy, Kamila
(*Prelims, **Finals)
All three relays scored this year, improving in both placement and time from last season.
Relay Highlights:
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200 Medley Relay – Karen, Abby, Delaney, and Kelly finished 2nd in the State and set a new school record.
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200 Free Relay – Karen, Mollie, Kelly, and Delaney defended their State Championship title with an All-American time (Top 50 in the nation).
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400 Free Relay – Mollie, Abby, Natalia, and Gracie finished 13th, improving from 21st last year.
In individual events, Karen, Kelly, Abby, and Delaney all returned for finals, each securing at least one A Final (Top 10 in the State).
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Delaney finished 2nd overall in both the 50 Free and 100 Free.
Check out this great student work!
NEHS student Makenna Finn wrote a fantastic review of our last Friday night home football game — capturing the excitement, pride, and community spirit that make high school sports so special. Take a moment to read her piece and see the game through a student’s eyes!
Schedules
Check out our Fall Sports schedule and come watch a game and support your Anthem Community High Schoolers!
Boulder Creek Ticketing
We use GOFAN for all home events!
Types of ticketing available
1. Single game tickets on GOFAN - https://gofan.co/app/school/AZ12766
2. Boulder Creek Student pass, online or in the bookstore for $30. Please add the athletic pass symbol to your students I.D. by having it re-printed at the Bookstore, prior to an event.
3. Family pass punch cards, $60 at the bookstore only. 20 punches per card, can use 1 or 20 punches at each event.
4. There are NO backpacks or water bottles allowed into any BCHS event. please plan accordingly.
Follow Boulder Creek Athletics!
Facebook -@ Boulder Creek Athletics
JALAC Insta - @BCHSJALAC
Jaguars Learning & Leading!
Jaguar Wins Arizona Economics Poster Contest!
Congratulations to Olivia Marsh for being selected as a statewide winner in the Arizona Council on Economic Education’s 2025 Economic Concepts Poster Contest!
With over 500 submissions from students across Arizona, Olivia’s artwork stood out for its creativity, clarity, and ability to capture complex economic ideas through visual storytelling. This remarkable accomplishment showcases not only her artistic talent but also her understanding of real-world concepts and her dedication to excellence.
We are incredibly proud of Olivia for representing BC and for earning this outstanding recognition.
Congratulations, Olivia—you make us Jaguar PROUD!
Ms. Perone Recognized as Finalist for Arizona Economics Teacher of the Year
A huge congratulations to Ms. Perone, who was recognized this weekend at the Arizona Council on Economic Education (ACEE) Convention as a finalist for Economics Teacher of the Year!
This honor highlights Ms. Perone’s exceptional dedication to helping students understand real-world economics, financial literacy, and the power of informed decision-making. Her engaging lessons and passion for teaching continue to make a lasting impact on students and our school community.
We are incredibly proud of Ms. Perone for representing BC with excellence and for inspiring the next generation of critical thinkers and leaders.
Congratulations, Ms. Perone—you make us Jaguar PROUD!
Jaguar is Coca-Cola Scholarship Semi-Finalist!
A huge congratulations to Derrick Boateng, who has been named a Semifinalist for the Coca-Cola Scholarship!
Derrick is one of only 1,237 students selected nationwide from a pool of more than 107,000 applicants — an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects his academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to making a positive impact on his community.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the country, recognizing students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to shaping a better future.
We are incredibly proud of Derek for representing BC with excellence and for earning this remarkable national honor.
Congratulations, Derrick—you make us Jaguar PROUD!
BCHS Theatre Hosts Annual Haunted House: A Spooky Good Time!
Congratulations to BC Theatre on creating an incredible haunted house experience! The event was a spooky good time for our entire community—filled with creative storytelling, impressive set design, and spine-chilling performances that showcased our students’ talent and teamwork.
From eerie lighting and special effects to detailed costumes and immersive scenes, every element reflected the hard work and imagination of our theatre students.
A huge shout-out to Ms. Munson and the entire cast and crew for bringing Halloween spirit to life in such a memorable way. Fantastic job, Jaguars—what a haunting success!
BC Dance and Choir Showcase their Talents in Annual Feeder School Tour
The BC Dance and Choir programs recently took their talents on the road, visiting several of our feeder elementary schools to showcase the amazing opportunities available in the performing arts at the high school level.
Students performed energetic and engaging pieces that highlighted their skill, creativity, and teamwork—giving younger students a glimpse of what awaits them as future Jaguars. The tour not only celebrated the talent of our current performers but also built excitement for the next generation of artists who will one day take the stage at BC!
A huge thank you to our Dance Director, Mrs. Shane, and Choir Director, Mr. Douglas, for leading these inspiring outreach performances, and to our elementary schools for welcoming our Jaguars with such enthusiasm.
The future of the arts at BC is bright!
The Importance of Being Earnest Brings Proper Comedy to the BC Stage
Congratulations to the cast and crew of The Importance of Being Earnest!
What a phenomenal production! From the sharp wit and impeccable timing of the actors to the beautifully designed sets, creative staging, and stunning costumes, every detail reflected the hard work and dedication of the entire team.
The performance showcased not only the remarkable talent of our theater students but also their collaboration, professionalism, and passion for the arts.
A special congratulations to Ms. Munson, whose direction brought Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy to life with humor, heart, and authenticity.
We are so proud of everyone involved for delivering such a memorable and masterful show — Bravo, Jaguars!
Classrooms are a Distraction-Free Zone!
To help eliminate distractions during class time, BCHS expects students to keep cell phones in their backpacks in either off or silent mode. Students will have access to their Chromebooks for learning and must come with them charged each day. Please keep any other items that may distract students in the learning environment at home.
The Fall Choir Concert was a Musical Success!
Congratulations to the BC Choirs on an absolutely outstanding Fall Concert! The evening was filled with beautiful harmonies, engaging choreography, and impressive showmanship that highlighted the incredible talent of our students.
Each ensemble brought something unique to the stage, showcasing not only their vocal growth but also their teamwork and passion for performance.
A huge thank you and congratulations to our amazing Choir students and their director, Mr. Douglas, for their dedication and artistry. We also extend special recognition to our technical crew and Ms. Munson, whose expertise with lighting, sound, and stage management brought the entire production to life.
It was a truly memorable night of music and excellence — way to go, Jaguars!
BC Marching Band Brings Music to the Field & the Stage this Fall
The BC Jaguar PRIDE Marching Band wrapped up their season with tremendous growth, earning some of their highest competition scores in recent years! The Jaguars took first place at the NAU Band Competition — earning top honors for Overall Show, Division Champion, and sweeping caption awards in Visual, Music, and Auxiliary.
Their show, a stunning fusion of classical and modern music, brought The Black Swan to life with artistry and precision. The band also welcomed feeder school students to join them at a home football game, inspiring future Jaguars to get involved early!
In addition to a full marching schedule, our bands performed a beautiful Fall Concert that showcased their concert ensemble talent.
We are incredibly proud of our band students, our dedicated band staff, and our amazing band director, Mrs. Broderick, for leading such an outstanding season.
Congratulations on an exceptional year, Jags!
Kaden Tang Recognized at the DVUSD Governing Board Meeting
Kaden was recognized in October at the DVUSD Governing Board meeting as a National Merit Semi-Finalist! Congratulations again, Kaden, on this amazing achievement! We can't see what happens next in your journey!
Secret Staff Spirit Week & First Annual Chili Cook Off
The BC Staff kept the energy high this season with two fun and community-building events!
First up was Secret Staff Spirit Week, where staff dressed up in themed attire while students used their inference skills to guess the day’s theme. Students submitted their most creative guesses, and the best name for each day earned a prize! It was a week filled with laughter, collaboration, and Jaguar spirit—showcasing the strong connection between students and staff.
Adding even more flavor to the fun, BC hosted its first-ever Staff Chili Cook-Off! With 18 delicious entries, the judges had a tough time deciding the winners. In the end, Mrs. Newton took home the Best Chili Award, Social Studies won Best Department Presentation for their “Wicked” display, and the CTE Department earned the Staff Choice Award!
Congratulations to all participants for making both events a success—and for continuing to show that BC spirit runs deep (and spicy)! 🌶️
BCHS Employees of the Month!
Congratulations to our employees of the month!
Certified Employee of the Month:
June/July: Lisa Larance- ELA Teacher & Student Government Sponsor
August: Mike Leblanc - EL Teacher
September: Betty Lake- ELA Teacher
Classified Employee of the Month:
June/July: Hyrum Wines- Cafeteria Custodian
August: Joe Bayus- Security
September: Kurtis Ryan- Plant Foreman
Thank you for making BCHS AMAZING! #JagPride
Class of 2026 Graduation Information
October Senior Product Meeting
In October, Seniors met with Jostens to learn about graduation product orders including cap and gown, announcements, and other optional products. If you haven't purchased your cap and gown yet, be sure order ASAP so it is here during product delivery in spring! To order, go to https://jostens.com
Diploma Names
Your diploma name will be the name as it appears in PowerSchool. We request that you double-check your name by logging into PowerSchool from the browser (NOT the app) as we need to have you see your full name. The diploma should have the student's legal name. If PowerSchool is incorrect, please email Tracy Wood at tracy.wood@dvusd.org by the end of November. After that date, diplomas will be ordered and names will reflect what is currently in PowerSchool. If you have any questions, please refer them to Mrs. Wood.
Seniors-- Schedule Your Senior Portraits! Deadline is December 19, 2025!
Grads Photography is the senior photographer.
Phone number: 623-580-4723
Address: 20100 N. 51st Ave. Glendale, AZ 85308
Senior portraits are taken at the studio and scheduled directly by the photographer. Please call for an appointment or go online to schedule an appointment at Gradsphotography.com
The senior picture for the yearbook is taken at no cost and must be taken by Grads. A senior can go to any photographer for personal pictures.
Yearbook pictures must be taken at Grads by December 19, 2025. Pictures may not be sent in and must be taken at Grads to be included in the yearbook.
Cap and Gown pictures will be offered on campus on February 4th during lunches in the auditorium lobby. Pricing and order information will be posted on the website closer to the date. (Cap and gown will be provided. Men wear a shirt and tie. Women wear scoop neck or V-neck shirt)
Getting Involved!
Buy a 2025-2026 Yearbook!
Join Our BC Parent Association!
Our BCHS Parent Association is incredible! To support BC Staff our parents provided grab and go snacks to staff in October! We are so grateful for the support through making copies, providing supplies, and giving us a lovely time to enjoy a meal together! Thank you so much, parents! You mean the world to us!
Our Parent Association is always looking for membership to do amazing things for our students and staff! Please reach out to our Parent Association through our their email: bcjagparents@gmail.com
Show that Jaguar P.R.I.D.E!
BC Jaguar PRIDE means that our Jaguars are Prepared, Respectful, have Integrity, are Disciplined, and show that Everyone is united! To ensure a safe, focused, and positive learning environment, we PRIDE expectations with students on Thursday in second period.
- This includes our expectation that students keep their cellphones on silent or off in their backpack so students can properly engage in learning.
- Students should be prepared with a fully charged Chromebook each day and any other items required for class to help with their success.
- It is also critical that students are in class and on time to be present for learning which is critical for their success.
- We also expect our students to be respectful of classrooms, school and personal property each and every day.
Please review our BCHS PRIDE expectations in our Student/Parent Handbook . Taking time to show Jaguar PRIDE is important as we work toward our mission of providing “a safe learning environment with rigorous academic opportunities for all students to graduate as productive, responsible, and contributing citizens!”
Upcoming BCHS Dates & Events
Catch more BCHS Information and Celebrations on our Social Media Platforms!
- X (Twitter): @bchs_dvusd
- Facebook: @BoulderCreekHighSchool
- Instagram: @bouldercreekhigh
- TikTok: @BoulderCreekJaguars
BCHS Jag PRIDE Newsletter Publication Dates
The Jag PRIDE Newsletter is published 8 times each school year and captures highlights of all things BCHS for the month of the edition. The newsletter also includes upcoming information for our community.
The 2025-2026 Newsletter Editions will be as follows:
- July 2025 (published July)
- August 2025 (published early September)
- September 2025 (published early October)
- October 2025 (published early November)
- November/December 2025 (published before Winter Break)
- January 2026 (published early February)
- February/March 2026 (published mid March)
- April/May 2026 (published mid May)
You can read past Jag PRIDE Newsletters or find our most current editions on our website!