4 JANUARY 2020 EDITOR’S NOTE LOOKING AHEAD: Our neighborhood will welcome the new year with a long list of accomplishments, from the Arcadia High School Marching Band winning two state championship titles in December to the Phoenix Suns/Mercury training facility breaking ground on Camelback Road. Arcadia’s schools have much to celebrate: Hopi Elementary students recently celebrated their heritage with Western Day, Ingleside Middle School raised their letter grade from a B to an A and Arcadia High’s Cheer team placed second and qualified for the state championship in February. This January, we are focusing on the art of “you time,” with stories on hiking trails, wellness retreats and the history of the New Year’s resolution. We have a lot to look forward to in the coming months at Arcadia News . Not only are we adding another Arcadia Home and Design to the roster in March, but the Camp Guide will be packed full of good stuff for our neighborhood campers. We want to wish everyone a safe and prosperous new year, and as always, thank you for reading Arcadia News . No one has better coverage in the areas of Arcadia, Biltmore and the Camelback Corridor. Promote your business to 48,000 loyal Arcadia News readers. For more: 602-840-6379 or email roni@arcadianews.com. FEBRUARY Theme: Arcadia History Ad deadline 1/15 MARCH Arcadia Home & Design Guide Ad deadline 2/14 APRIL Camp Guide Ad deadline 3/13 How long have you been at Echo Canyon? I have been teaching here for two years. I looped from kindergarten to first grade with my current class. Looping is when a teacher follows their class to the next grade level. Our school loops K-1, 2-3 and 4-5. Each teacher stays with their class for two years. Next year, I will return to kindergarten. Where else have you taught? I started my teaching career in Minnesota. I worked in Minneapolis Public Schools teaching 3rd grade. Why did you choose to teach this grade? I love the play-based learning and socialization that happens in the younger grades. It is so much fun to incorporate cooperative, hands-on activities into every aspect of the curriculum. What was your initial feeling when you saw Principal Hughes and the rest of us walk through the door? I was very surprised when I was told, and I think the kids could tell. The big group hug from the kids summarizes my feelings that day: loved, supported and part of a caring community. It is inspiring to know what a difference we make in the lives of our students and families. What is your favorite part about being a teacher? The kids. There is never a dull moment in the life of a teacher, and that is due to the wonderful personalities that walk through my door each morning. We are always on the go: learning, creating, discovering and having fun. Did you always want to become a teacher? Yes. My parents have the proof. I wrote a journal entry in elementary school stating that I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. What is the best part about teaching younger grades? In kindergarten, I saw so many little faces light up as they discovered they could read for the first time. It was a magical feeling for me as well. Our class had already built such a strong foundation last year that we were ready for first grade on day one. I had built strong connections with the kids, and they had built strong connections and friendships with each other. What are some unique techniques you use for teaching? Each morning, I incorporate some aspect of yoga and mindfulness into our routine. We breathe and move while working on our concentration and awareness. What do you like about the area? I grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin and moved here two years ago. It is beautiful! You can see cacti, palm trees and mountains all in the same view. Our school has wonderful gardens that we use for learning. I find myself walking around our campus just to take in the view and relax. Favorite inspirational quote? “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I learn,” Benjamin Franklin. Students deserve the opportunity to be involved in their learning every day. Those are the experiences they will look back on. Winning teachers receive Arcadia News gift items and gift certificates for the Phoenician Spa and Postino Winecafé. All winners are invited to an end-of- school- year celebratory luncheon. Nominate a teacher you love at arcadianews.com. THIS MONTH’S WINNER: Gina Ostrowski, Echo Canyon Elementary Nominated by Paige Rogers Ad deadline 3/13 CATARACTS - PREMIUM IOL’S - DIABETIC RETINOPATHY - GLAUCOMA - DRY EYE OCULOPLASTICS & CORNEA - LASIK - MACULAR DEGENERATION - ROUTINE EXAM 7245 East Osborn Rd., #4 Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 (Optical Shop Available) 300 East Osborn Rd., Suite 100 Phoenix, Arizona 85012 (Optical Shop Available) 4915 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 114 Gilbert, Arizona 85234 5620 W. Thunderbird Rd., #H-3 Glendale, Arizona 85306 13555 W. McDowell Rd., Suite 102 Goodyear, Arizona 85395 9746 N. 90th Place, Suite 101 Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 (Optical Shop Available) Arizona Eye SPECIALISTS OUR GOAL FOR 2020 - YOUR VISION AT 20/20 WWW.ARIZONAEYES.NET CALL 480-994-5012, OPT 1 TO SCHEDULE.

2019 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2019-11/30/2019) Active Homes - 52 Homes Homes Sold - 204 Homes Average Sale Price - $640,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $275 Average Days On Market - 91 days There is currently 3 months of home inventory. (based on 2018 sales results) 2019 home sales have increased 5% this year. (based on 2018 sales results) 2019 home prices have increased 1%. (based on 2018 sales results) 2019 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 2%. (based on 2018 sales results) 2019 Homes are taking 4% more time to sell. (based on 2018 sales results) 2018 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS Homes Sold - 215 Homes Average Sale Price - $632,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $270 Average Days On Market - 87 days Arcadia Real Estate Stats 2019 HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2019-11/30/2019) Active Homes - 152 homes Homes Sold - 285 homes Average Sale Price - $1,353,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $369 Average Days On Market - 116 days There is currently 6 months of home inventory. (based on 2018 sales results) 2019 home sales have increased 0% this year. (based on 2018 sales results) 2019 home prices have increased 6%. (based on 2018 sales results) 2019 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 5%. (based on 2018 sales results) 2019 homes are taking 15% less time to sell. (based on 2018 sales results) 2018 HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS Homes Sold - 310 homes Average Sale Price - $1,275,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $352 Average Days On Market - 136 days Walt Danley Realty Cell- 602-625-6020 www.tommyatkinson.com tomatkinson1@msn.com The Wish List... Thinking About Selling? I have buyers that are actively looking for homes like these, if you have something close to the description and wish to sell: please call me. • Hopi school district, Camelback Mountain views, up to $ 2,000,000. • Hopi school district, 1/2 acre lot. fixer upper. Up to $ 1,300,000. • Hopi school district, any size lot. fixer upper. Up to $ 900,000. • Tavan school district, fixer upper. Up to $ 500,000. 4619 N Dromedary • $ 2,195,000 5 Bedroom/ 5.5 Bath • 5,241 square feet ARCADIA ESTATE 5244 E Calle Redonda • $ 950,000 4 bedroom/ 2 bath • 2,443 square feet ARCADIA RANCH 6101 E Calle Del Norte • $ 1,700,000 5 Bedroom/ 4 Bath • 3,200 square feet CHARMING ARCADIA RANCH Free MLS Access: visit TommyAtkinson.com LOWEST PRICED HOME IN ARCADIA PROPER