November Recap and December Preview

Good Afternoon Parents and Guardians,

As we wrap up November, I want to share a few highlights from Apollo and look ahead as we close out the first semester in December—which is coming quickly!

Celebrating Our Students’ Success
Our band recently competed in the ABODA State Band Competition and finished 6th in the state—an outstanding achievement and the highest finish in school history! They’ll continue to showcase their talent in the Glendale Hometown Christmas Parade this month.
  In athletics, both cross-country and swim had state qualifiers. We are incredibly proud of our athletes and coaches for their hard work and dedication this season, which began all the way back in August.

Building the Graduate Portfolio
One of our priorities this year is preparing students for life after high school through a graduate portfolio. This includes academics, but also involvement in athletics, clubs, performances, and school events. Even if students aren’t participating directly, supporting their community is a life skill we value. We’ve seen great attendance at fall athletic events and performances in drama, choir, and band—thank you for supporting our students!   We are looking forward to the winter and spring sessions with more great participation by our students, parents and the Apollo Community.

Finishing the Semester Strong
The semester ends December 18, and final grades will go on transcripts—something that stays with students throughout high school and beyond. We want every student to be proud of their transcript. If students are aiming for higher grades, now is the time to act.
  Parents and students should reach out to teachers through ParentSquare and take advantage of available resources:

• Learning Centers: Open daily after school until 3:30 with individual teacher support.
• Resource Center: Additional academic help available.
    And remember—good attendance is one of the most important factors for success.

Upcoming Events
December is full of opportunities to celebrate our students: orchestra concerts, choir performances, and dance showcases begin next week. Please check our website for details. These events are a great way for families and the community to see the amazing things Apollo students are doing.

Final Exams & Winter Break
Final exams are December 17–18 (half days):

• Dec 17: Periods 1, 2, 3
• Dec 18: Periods 4/5, 6, 7
    Please make sure students are prepared to finish strong.
    December 18 is the last day of school before winter break. Classes resume Tuesday, January 6 for the spring semester.

We wish everyone a wonderful break—Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays! Before we know it, it will be 2026 and we’ll be talking about summer.
Thank you for your continued support of Apollo High School. Your involvement strengthens our school and community and helps our students succeed.

Ben White
Principal of Apollo