Prospector Press~ Monthly Edition, 9/2//25

Posted Date: 9/02/25 (5:06 PM)

September Update

September 2, 2025

Prospectors,

There has never been a more exciting time to be a Prospector! At Apache Junction High School, we are proud of the momentum our students, staff, and community are building together. From academics to athletics to the arts, our students are excelling and showing what it truly means to wear the black and gold with pride.

This fall, our campus is filled with energy and enthusiasm. Our athletes are working hard and competing with heart, our clubs and activities are growing stronger, and our classrooms are alive with learning, collaboration, and innovation. Each day, our students demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a commitment to their goals.

As we continue this journey through the school year, we invite everyone to share in our pride and celebrate the many accomplishments of our Prospectors. Truly, it is a great time to be part of Apache Junction High School!

Principal Ginn

New Newsletter Schedule

We’re excited to share that our newsletter will now be sent out once a month with highlights, stories, and important updates. To help keep everyone informed, we’ll also send weekly update reminders each Friday, including upcoming dates and brief announcements.

Counselor's Corner

Hello AJHS Families,

Seniors and Parents/Guardians of Seniors, Grand Canyon University will be here on Thursday night September 4th at 6pm in the library. Shannon Penn will be here to answer parents questions about the Discover GCU trip and to help answer any additional questions about scholarships, applications and next steps. Please come to see what GCU has to offer.

Save the Date. Mrs. Powell and Ms. Fritsche will be visiting Seniors' classrooms on Wednesday, September 10th, to help seniors create their FSA ID account for the FAFSA application. Students have to have an FSA ID account in order to fill out the FAFSA application, which opens earlier this year on October 1st.

Mrs. Powell and Ms. Fritsche are here to help in any way we can with your students academic needs. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Dear Parents and Families,

As we move forward in the school year, now is a great time to check in with your student about their grades and how they feel they’re doing in their classes. We encourage families to sign up for Parent Teacher Conferences that are being held September 11th and 12th, as these meetings provide a valuable opportunity to speak directly with your child's teachers, discuss both triumphs and concerns, and work together on goals for the rest of the semester. When families and schools partner together, students thrive. Thank you for being involved and invested in your student’s growth.

We look forward to seeing you at conferences!

We want to inform families that our Quarter 1 Benchmark Assessments will take place during the week of September 15th. These critical assessments are designed to measure student growth from the beginning of the school year and provide valuable insight into how well students are understanding key grade-level concepts. Benchmarks are not just tests; they are tools that help our teachers better support your child’s learning. The results help guide instruction, identify areas where students may need additional support, and highlight areas of strength that can be built upon. This allows us to tailor learning experiences that meet students where they are and move them forward.

We encourage all families to help students prepare by ensuring they get a good night's rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time during benchmark week. Your support at home plays a significant role in helping your student achieve their best.

Melinda O'Barr

Assistant Principal of Academics

Prospector Athletics

Lots of great matchups for our sports teams next week! Come on out to the home games and support the kids!

Tuesday

Boys Golf - HOME Apache Creek Golf Course 3pm

Girls Volleyball - AWAY ALA Mesa North 5pm JV 6pm Varsity

Wednesday

Girls Volleyball - HOME Chino Valley 4/5/6pm

Boys and Girls Cross Country - AWAY Bradshaw Mountain

Thursday

Boys Golf - AWAY Coronado

JV Football - HOME Chinle

Friday

Varsity Football - AWAY Chinle

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Pay-to-play fees are due now for Fall Sports athletes. You can pay online now at https://az-apachejunction.intouchreceipting.com/

If you wish to pay in person or have questions about fees, please see Traci Smith in the Athletics office at AJHS!

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Remember, all ticketing this year is digital and can be found at GoFan.co Buy your tickets online before you arrive!

Questions? Don't hesitate to get in touch with Athletic Director Traston Yates at traston.yates@goaj.org

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director at Apache Junction High School, I would like to share with you why CTE courses are a valuable part of your students' academic journey, even for those who plan to attend college.

Many families assume that CTE classes are only designed for students entering the workforce immediately after high school. While CTE does prepare students with industry skills and certifications, it also provides a strong foundation for college-bound students in ways that directly support their future success.

Here are a few important reasons why your college-bound student should consider enrolling in CTE courses:

Real-World Application: CTE connects classroom learning to practical, hands-on experiences that enhance learning and prepare students for the workforce. Students see how math, science, and English skills apply to real careers and industries.
College & Career Readiness: Many CTE courses offer dual enrollment or industry-recognized credentials that can give students a head start on college credits or strengthen their college applications.
Essential Skills Development: Colleges and employers consistently look for students who can collaborate, solve problems, communicate effectively, and manage projects. These skills are taught and reinforced in every CTE pathway.
Exploration of Career Interests: CTE helps students explore potential college majors and career fields before they invest time and money in a specific degree path. Students who take CTE often enter college with clearer goals and greater confidence.
Competitive Edge: By combining rigorous academic coursework with specialized CTE experiences, students stand out in scholarship applications, internships, and job opportunities during and after college.

At AJHS, we believe that every student benefits from the unique opportunities that CTE provides, whether their next step is college, a career, or both. I encourage you to discuss the CTE pathways available with your student and explore how they can align with their long-term goals.

If you would like more information or guidance on selecting the right CTE courses for your student, please feel free to contact our CTE office. We are here to support your student’s success both in high school and beyond.

Students in our Career and Technical Education

Jeff Cox

CTE Director