Hornet News
![2026 Bond Election Information - November 2026]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784556041/gilbertschoolsnet/calovpzsxhuppry5qxqh/2026BondElection.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784556041/gilbertschoolsnet/calovpzsxhuppry5qxqh/2026BondElection.png","width":512}])
In November 2026, voters living within Gilbert Public Schools boundaries in Gilbert and Mesa will decide on a proposed $136 million bond - Proposition 422. Read on for more information about the 2026 Bond Election.
![Back to school checklist. Here's everything you need]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784100532/gilbertschoolsnet/hozbsbzzu5unrmudu8oq/BTSChecklist.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784100532/gilbertschoolsnet/hozbsbzzu5unrmudu8oq/BTSChecklist.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784100532/gilbertschoolsnet/hozbsbzzu5unrmudu8oq/BTSChecklist.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784100532/gilbertschoolsnet/hozbsbzzu5unrmudu8oq/BTSChecklist.jpg","width":1080}])
We are counting down the days and are excited to welcome you back to school on July 28!
To help you be prepared, here is a checklist of everything you need before the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
!["Hornet News" text overlay on an photo of Highland Park Elementary with the school logo.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778695711/gilbertschoolsnet/tuejyfoxictrucrm4jmr/AngieBarnardAPatHPE.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778695711/gilbertschoolsnet/tuejyfoxictrucrm4jmr/AngieBarnardAPatHPE.png","width":512}])
The Hornet family is excited to announce the appointment of Assistant Principal Angie Barnard in the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Inspired by generations of educators in her own family, Angie is committed to creating a safe, positive, and welcoming environment with foundations in strong relationships, high expectations, and joyful learning experiences.
![The image shows a group of people standing in front of a banner for Gilbert Public Schools, a highly rated school district, with various businesses and storefronts visible in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762966543/gilbertschoolsnet/q7gifmnhvpid2clqgfeu/BehindtheACIPsThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762966543/gilbertschoolsnet/q7gifmnhvpid2clqgfeu/BehindtheACIPsThumbnail.png","width":512}])
At his final meeting, the GPS Governing Board celebrated Dr. McCord for fostering an open, transparent governance culture between district administration, families, and the community.
“The culture of this district is relationships,” commented Dr. McCord. “We can have goals, we can have strategies, and we can have excellent test scores, and we can have missions, but none of that matters if we don’t have a heart.”
![Over 30 Gilbert Public Schools 2026 graduates are enlisting in the Armed Forces. Thank you for your service! Photos of four graduates.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782227259/gilbertschoolsnet/ujqfyte42kqf2nhzqjaz/MilitaryPressSquare.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782227259/gilbertschoolsnet/ujqfyte42kqf2nhzqjaz/MilitaryPressSquare.png","width":512}])
As the class of 2026 transitions from high school to the next chapters of their lives, GPS is proud to recognize the exceptional dedication of graduating seniors who have chosen to enlist in the United States Armed Forces. Across GPS campuses, 33 students have officially enlisted in the military, with many more in the process of enlisting.
![A band director stands before a student orchestra in a classroom with a presentation screen behind him.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779295148/gilbertschoolsnet/wpecsdfbhkvwgeacwrt1/HHSGraduationGOLDSquare.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779295148/gilbertschoolsnet/wpecsdfbhkvwgeacwrt1/HHSGraduationGOLDSquare.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779295148/gilbertschoolsnet/wpecsdfbhkvwgeacwrt1/HHSGraduationGOLDSquare.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779295148/gilbertschoolsnet/wpecsdfbhkvwgeacwrt1/HHSGraduationGOLDSquare.png","width":1080}])
"My instructors have always prepared us for what comes next. They've been really good mentors, not only for the aspects of band and music, but for life."
At Highland High School, graduation is a year-long collaborative effort with contributions from every corner of the campus. From meticulous administrative logistics to the professional-grade performances rehearsed by student musicians, the entire campus works in harmony to celebrate the Class of 2026 and inspire students to RISE Above.