Newsletter
September 2024
Parent University News • Fall Kickoff + Conference Tips Inside!
🌱Dear Parents, Guardians, & Community Members,
Thank you for being a part of GPS Parent University. With parent–teacher conferences and fall break just around the corner, we’ve packed this edition with timely tips to help you make the most of conferences, keep the family thriving during breaks, and information about upcoming local events.
September Workshops:
- Ready, Set, Grow! Preschool Workshop TODAY Wednesday 9/10 5:30-7pm
- Raising Resilient Children Tuesday 9/23 5:30-7:30pm
October Events:
- Growing Together: A Family Garden & Resource Fair Thursday 10/16 4-6pm
- College & Career Fair Monday 10/20 6-8pm
- Bullying Prevention Family Workshop Thursday 10/23 5-7pm
- Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children Tuesday 10/28 5-7pm
These are all in person on GPS campuses. For location details, workshop descriptions, and registration, see the clickable flyers below.
With Gratitude,
GPS Parent University
FREE Community Clothing Swap 🧦🩳👗👚👕
In honor of the 9/11 National Day of Service, there is a free community clothing swap happening this Saturday 9/13 11am-1pm at 3 different Church of the Latter-Day Saints locations in Gilbert:
- 2233 S Wade Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85295
- 2958 S Recker Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295
- 3544 S Atherton Blvd, Gilbert, AZ 85297
TODAY 9/10 5-8pm
⭐3544 S Atherton Blvd, Gilbert, AZ 85297
Friday 9/12 5-8pm
⭐2233 S Wade Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85295
⭐2958 S Recker Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295
For more information about the 9/11 Day of Service and how you can get involved check out: https://www.gilbertaz.gov/community/residents/volunteer/9-11-day-of-service/participation
A Big Thank You to Shoppers Supply!
We're deeply grateful to Shoppers Supply for generously donating essential items for our Family Garden Day, including garden soil, tomato cages, seed packets, and gardening gloves. As a multi-generational, family-owned company founded in 1966 and now rooted here in the Valley, they bring honesty, knowledge, and hometown commitment to everything they do.
Shoppers Supply embodies their slogan—“You Live It. We Supply It.” Whether you're growing, feeding, building, or just getting your hands dirty, they’re there to support your lifestyle with friendly service and trusted supplies. Thank you, Shoppers Supply, for sowing seeds of community care and growth!
Tips for Making Your Parent–Teacher Conference Count
Parent–Teacher Conferences are a valuable opportunity to build partnership and support your child’s success. Here are some practical strategies to make the most of this time:
Before the Conference
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Prepare materials and questions. Gather recent work and any notes or observations you’d like to share. Write down your key questions—start with the most important in case time runs short.
Talk with your child. Ask how they feel about school and if there’s anything specific they'd like you to discuss with the teacher.
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Lead with positivity. Start the conversation by asking what your child does well or strengths the teacher sees.
Speak up—your insights matter. Share observations about your child’s interests, routines, attention, or behavior.
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Ask for clarity when needed. If educational terms or outcomes are unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for simpler explanations.
Prioritize your questions. Start with the most essential items to ensure they’re addressed, and schedule follow-ups if needed.
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Review what you discussed with your child. Share the good news and explain any action steps you and the teacher agreed upon.
Follow up as needed. A simple thank-you email or note can reinforce communication and keep the partnership strong.
