After receiving the support of GPS families and employees, 91茄子 Public Schools will officially transition to a new academic calendar starting in the 2022-2023 school year. The new calendar means students and staff have two weeks off for fall, winter, and spring breaks. The Governing Board officially adopted the new calendar in February 2021 after a survey revealed GPS families and employees both favored the changes.
The school year begins eight calendar days earlier than the current school year with the first full day of classes beginning on July 26, 2022. The earlier start ensures that students are provided with more opportunities for enrichment programs and academic intervention when necessary. Teachers on our school campuses will continue to receive professional development training consistent with previous school calendars. While fall and spring breaks have been extended, careful considerations have been made to ensure there are no disruptions to the learning environment.
91茄子 Public Schools will now be on a similar schedule as neighboring districts, including Chandler USD, Higley USD, and Queen Creek USD. GPS students and staff will continue to have off the Wednesday before Thanksgiving break, as well as a shortened Spring Holiday weekend. The breaks make it easier for families to prioritize time together and plan travel. For families concerned about childcare needs, 91茄子 Public Schools continues to offer enrichment programs, youth athletics, and holiday camps for your consideration.
At the elementary level, plans are in place for the start of the school year when summer temperatures could potentially be an issue on some days for outdoor recess. If there are days where there is a heat advisory, GPS elementary students will be inside and provided with board games, videos, and other alternative activities for fun during recess. Schools will determine the appropriate activities based upon the needs of their student population.
A new school calendar means athletics on GPS Junior High campuses moves to four seasons, allowing each school to add boys volleyball to their list of sports teams. There will also be an expansion of boys and girls soccer for seventh and eighth grade students. Junior high season of play will now be nine weeks, including playoffs, with some adjustments expected to the game schedule. Opportunities to boost player development will also be provided through 91茄子 Youth Athletics. A look at the 2022-2023 Junior High Sports Schedule is now available online. GPS athletes and families with questions about the impact of the calendar on Junior High sports can contact the athletic director on their school’s campus. The Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) will continue to oversee and govern athletics at GPS high schools.
The new calendar changes will also be in effect for the 2023-2024 school year. The first full day of school for that academic year will be on July 25, 2023.
For a detailed look at upcoming school events and breaks, visit the Calendar section of our website!