Welcome back from Fall Break, Prospector families! We’re excited to kick off Quarter 2 together. This quarter brings the conclusion of our fall sports seasons, as well as one of the most exciting times of the year, Homecoming and the Homecoming Dance! It’s shaping up to be a fantastic second quarter for our Prospectors, filled with school spirit, achievement, and community pride. Let’s make it a great one!
Principal Ginn
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October 7- School Resumes
October 13- Site Council, 5 pm
October 24- Homecoming Assembly and Homecoming Game
October 25-Homecoming Dance, 7-9 pm
November 6 and 7- Mamma Mia Production, 7 pm
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I wanted to share a few highlights from our recent NJROTC Fall Trip to Camp Pendleton last week. The week was an incredible success, and our cadets represented Apache Junction High School with exceptional professionalism, discipline, and enthusiasm.
During the trip, cadets had the opportunity to tour multiple military commands and engage directly with service members across a variety of fields, including:
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Facility
- Provost Marshal’s Office K9 Handlers
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11th Marine Regiment – M777 Howitzer Artillery Battery
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3rd Marine Air Wing (MAW) Squadron VMM-164 “Knightriders” – MV-22 Osprey Operations
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32nd Street Naval Base – Aboard USS Portland (LPD 27)
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Naval Air Station North Island – Aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)
Throughout the trip, our cadets consistently demonstrated respect, teamwork, and leadership—qualities that drew praise from everyone they interacted with. They returned motivated, inspired, and eager to bring what they learned back to the classroom and drill deck.
I’ve attached a brief photo collage capturing some of these moments. Thank you for your continued support of our NJROTC program and for helping make opportunities like this possible for our students.
Very Respectfully,
Brad Calender
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Even as temperatures cool, one of the most essential factors in keeping our athletes safe and performing at their best is hydration.
Dehydration can lead to fatigue, decreased performance, muscle cramps, and, in severe cases, heat-related illness.
We encourage all student-athletes to:
- Drink water throughout the day, not just at practice or games.
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Choose water or electrolyte drinks over sodas or energy drinks, as they can cause dehydration.
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Bring a water bottle to school and practice to ensure easy access.
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Listen to your body—if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or overly tired, take a break and hydrate immediately.
Parents, you can help by reminding your athlete to drink fluids consistently, even on rest days. Staying hydrated is not just a game-day responsibility; it’s a daily habit that protects health and boosts performance.
Together, we can keep our athletes safe, strong, and ready to compete.
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The homecoming football game is right around the corner on Friday, October 24th! We want to honor the 1975 state championship football team at halftime of this game. If you know any members from this team, please send information to traston.yates@goaj.org
Here you will upload your 25-26 AIA Physical Form and sign all of the compliance paperwork. PLEASE NOTE: All athletes will be required to complete the following courses for the winter season:
Barrow Brainbook
Opioid Education
Hazing Prevention (NEW)
All athletes MUST be cleared in Final Forms before the first day of official tryouts/practice! Questions? Email traston.yates@goaj.org
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Home games this week:
Wednesday, October 8th
Volleyball vs. Globe 4/5/6pm
Thursday, October 9th
Fr/So Football vs. Blue Ridge
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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!
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Dear Parents and Families,
As fall break comes to a close, we are excited to welcome everyone back to the High School! We hope these past two weeks gave you the chance to rest, reflect, and reconnect with the things and people that matter the most.
Now as we return to school it is the perfect time to come back with intention. Whether the first quarter went well or had a few bumps along the way, this is your opportunity to come back refocused and step up and work towards your goals with a growth mindset.
Parents, Guardians and Families are a huge support to students especially after a break. Quick meaningful conversations around goals to finish out the semester, what supports are needed, and what students want to do differently can go a long way. Helping students verbalize their goals can increase motivation and accountability. Even a short conversation can set a powerful tone.
I can’t wait to see all the growth and learning this quarter.
Melinda O’Barr
Assistant Principal of Academics
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Hello AJHS Families,
As we begin a new quarter, there are numerous opportunities to expand your experience with pre-college activities. Here are some events happening in October.
- October 10th, there will be a presentation to 10th graders during Prospector Period from Apache Junction Parks and Recreation
- ASU Application workshop and presentation on October 14th
- University of Arizona Application workshop and presentation on Friday, October 17th
- NAU Application and workshop on October 23rd
- CAC Event Experience Field Trip for juniors on October 23rd at the Signal Peak campus in Coolidge.
Additionally, Taylee Brink from CAC will be on campus on October 8th to confer with current dual enrollment students and their progress.
Seniors, the FASFA application opened on October 1st. If you haven’t completed this yet, let’s get that done!
Your academic counselors,
Jennifer Powell 10, 12
Elizabeth Fritsche, 9,11
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For recent high school graduates, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) construction certification is a direct path to a rewarding and well-paying career in the skilled trades. By providing hands-on experience and industry-recognized credentials, CTE programs give students a strong competitive advantage for entering the workforce, pursuing advanced training, or continuing to a degree program.
With a CTE construction certification and relevant experience gained through the program, you can enter the job market right after high school. Your certification will signal to employers that you have foundational skills and a commitment to the field. Many entry-level construction jobs are available, with opportunities to specialize and increase your earnings with experience.
Potential entry-level careers with a high school CTE certificate include:
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Construction Laborer: Work on a variety of projects, assisting with site preparation, material handling, and general duties.
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Carpenter: Learn to frame buildings, install fixtures like windows and molding, and perform finishing work.
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Heavy Equipment Operator: Operate machinery like backhoes and bulldozers for site preparation and earth-moving.
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Electrician's Assistant/Apprentice: Assist licensed electricians with wiring, lighting, and other electrical system installations.
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Plumber's Assistant/Apprentice: Help with the installation and maintenance of water supply and drainage systems.
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HVAC Technician: Support the installation and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
A CTE certification is an excellent stepping stone into a formal, paid apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship allows you to continue learning on the job while earning an income. Many apprenticeships offer structured training that can last several years and lead to becoming a journeyman in a specialized trade. A CTE certificate on your resume can make you a more attractive candidate for these competitive programs, as it demonstrates prior knowledge and dedication.
For those interested in higher education, a CTE construction background offers several paths for further advancement.
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Community College: You can expand on your high school training by enrolling in a community college program. This can lead to an associate's degree in a specific trade, such as Construction Management or Architectural Drafting.
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Four-Year University: While not necessary for all construction careers, a bachelor's degree can open doors to management and engineering roles. A CTE background is particularly beneficial for college-bound students because it provides hands-on experience and confirms interest in the field.
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Specialized Certifications: With experience, you can pursue advanced, industry-specific certifications that increase your earning potential and advance your career.
Do not hesitate to reach out with questions! I love my job!
Jeff Cox
CTE Director
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