August 14, 2020
From the Headmaster
Dear Families,

The feedback that I have heard from parents and students about week one has been incredible. There have been lots of things to celebrate from being able to build community virtually to engaging in the rich content that we prize. Join me in thanking our teachers for the tireless hours they put in preparing for our online launch! I also thank you, our parents and families, for your flexibility and grace as we started our new year in such an unconventional manner.

Ensure that your voice is heard. Please fill out this survey to reflect on your child’s experience so far. Fill out one form per child, as this allows us to get accurate data for each grade level.

We have shifted our planning to focus entirely on what it means to come back in person while supporting our families that have chosen to remain online. I will be holding Middle School Coffee Shop this coming Thursday, August 20 and a High School Coffee Shop the following Thursday, August 27. See below Coffee Shop blurb for more information and zoom links. We are working to schedule back to school events as well as a town hall for parents please watch the newsletter for these events.

As a reminder, we take attendance every day at the beginning of each period. Students are expect to log at the beginning of each class. Wednesday’s we take attendance during the 8:20 am section team building. This is a mandatory meeting for your child in order for them to be counted as present. 

Thank you for your partnership and support.

Sincerely, 
Julia Gillingham | Headmaster, Arete Prep
Attendance
All students need to be in class by 8:20 am for attendance every morning, Monday - Friday. While the students are online for learning, attendance is taken once per day. If your student is not in class they will be marked as unexcused.

If you receive an attendance call regarding an absence, please call or email the school ASAP if your student was in class or is absent.

If your student is absent for any reason, please call the school at 480-222-4233 or click here to email with the reason for the absence. Please leave specific reasons for any absence due to illness.
Coffee Shop Schedule - NEW TIMES
Middle School Zoom Coffee Shop - Thursday, August 20 @ 10:30 am CLICK HERE
High School Zoom Coffee Shop - Thursday, August 27 @ 10:30 am CLICK HERE
High School Girls Fitness
Women's Fitness Club is back!
Even though we can't meet in person and use special equipment, we can still greatly benefit from getting together and getting/staying fit!
The details:
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday at 3:15 (NO Wednesday)
  • Workouts usually take about 30 minutes
  • All body weight workouts, so you don't need anything besides some water
  • Add club to your google classroom with class code: tfjvtww
College Counseling
Welcome New 6th Grade Arete Prep Families!
Hello New Arete Prep 6th Grade Families!
New Volunteer Fingerprint Process
Great Hearts has changed the volunteer fingerprint process effective with the 2020-21 school year. The application is entirely online and available now. All volunteers must be approved through this new online procedure, including those with previously issued/non-expired Great Hearts badges, there will be no exceptions. Please note, when selecting the school, it will not differentiate between Arete Prep and Archway Arete, it will simply state Great Hearts Arete. The system will approve you for both schools.
Click here to apply. The cost is $5.00 per application per school year.
Configio - Online Parent Payment Portal
Arete Prep has an online parent payment system, Configio, that is used to avoid handling checks and cash at the school. Use this link to view what’s in the Online Parent Payment system. Payments such as clubs, sports, parking permits, etc. can be made here.  
Great Hearts Safe Return Plan
Click here for the most up-to-date info from Great Hearts regarding our safe return.
Arete Prep & Communication
A weekly email newsletter for parents is sent each Friday and includes important upcoming events and information from the school including College Counseling and the Parent Service Organization.
Please be aware that our preferred method of communication is via email, so it is vital that we have up-to-date email addresses on file so that we can keep you informed. Please email Beth Melvin with any updates to email addresses.
Arete Preparatory Academy | 480.222.4233