4 OCTOBER 2021 EDITOR’S NOTE If you were to ask me what the best month of the year in Arizona is, you would receive an overdramatic yell of the word October. And October it is, dear readers! One of the most important parts of this month comes in the form of breast cancer awareness, and we’re highlighting one woman’s mission to bring the healing journey to light. After finding that there were no rehab or exercise programs available in the Valley for breast cancer survivors, Teri Friedland took it upon herself to create one. Pink Ribbon 360 opened two years ago and helps not only with exercise and mobility, but creates a new support system for survivors as well. Chef Christopher Collins of Common Ground Culinary has exciting news as the group plans to open their eighth and ninth eateries in The Colony shopping center on 7th St. and Missouri this fall. Neighbors will recognize the names of two former Hopi teachers who have started a specialized tutoring business. It’s an after-school and weekend program that focuses on homework help, but it’s not all about assignments. The hub also offers a gaming center where students can scratch their itch for gaming and technology. Teachers We Love is back and our first recipient for the 2021-22 school year is next to this column. The TWL program was born out of a missed opportunity. Our publisher never found a chance to thank a college professor that he says changed his life. This program is our way to make sure readers can say thank you to those who are in a profession that is vastly under-appreciated. Don’t forget, you can nominate your favorite teachers on the Arcadia News website. Have a fabulous October, and thank you for reading the Arcadia News! — Mallory Gleich UPCOMING THEMES: 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 . NOVEMBER Veterans/Heroes DECEMBER Holidays JANUARY Fitness/Health “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” – L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables How long have you been teaching at St. Theresa’s? I am in my sixth year at St. Theresa and my 11th year in elementary education. Before returning to the classroom after spending time with my son, I taught first grade at Anthem K-8 in Florence and first and second grades at Eduprize School in Queen Creek. What is the best part about being a teacher? My favorite is witnessing the growth of my students first-hand. These amazing little people can accomplish big things, and the growth that they experience in kindergarten highlights just how truly capable these young students are. I truly look forward to learning along with my students every day. In our classroom, we call ourselves a “family.” We are a classroom that’s learning, playing, and growing together on our kindergarten journey. When did you know you wanted to become a teacher? I have always enjoyed working with kids, whether through volunteering as a coach in youth sports or tutoring through the Salvation Army early in my undergrad career. I have always been drawn to help children realize their full potential. I became a teacher to help children foster a love of learning; to experience a small part of a child’s journey as they develop and grow seemed natural. How do you connect your lessons to the real world? Children are naturally inquisitive, especially in kindergarten, and I have learned to “go with the flow” regarding their curiosity and questions. They ask the best questions! I have found that addressing these questions and encouraging them is the best way to make the content relevant for each student. Through the process of exploratory and hands-on learning, I present content in multiple modalities. It is incredibly important to reach all learners through their individual learning needs and to allow students to draw parallels to their real-world experiences by asking questions. Making connections to the real world makes learning real and exciting. What’s it like teaching in this “new” environment? I operated a hybrid-learning environment last year and it was extremely challenging. I had my “roomers” and “zoomers” and learned how to attend to the needs of my students in the classroom and at home at the same time. As a teacher, you pour your heart out and hope that every effort you give reaches the students to make their learning experience relevant and meaningful. This year we have been fortunate to be in person. However, different challenges arise as students in the early years learn while wearing masks. As one example, teaching phonemic awareness and reading skills has proven to be challenging in a masked environment. How do you motivate your students? Each child is expected to do their best while I offer support, tools, and encouragement along their learning journey. Each child is a life-long member of “Mrs. Wright’s classroom family,” and our class mantra is “we can do hard things!” All children know that they are unique and loved, and within the context of our classroom family, this sense of belonging and support provides all the motivation they need. Did you grow up in Phoenix? I am a native Arizonan and grew up in Tempe. I moved into the Arcadia area shortly after my son was born, and I love seeing how the area continues to grow. I enjoy how accessible everything is in Arcadia. We always find ourselves a quick bike ride or drive from a great restaurant or fun park day. I have heard it described that Arcadia is the “small-town feel” in the middle of Phoenix, which pretty well sums it up! My family enjoys spending time with neighbors and friends on our front patio, and we especially love the citrus blooms in the spring. Winning teachers receive an award certificate and special prizes. Thank you to our sponsors: Postino Arcadia, The Joffe Group and The Phoenician Spa. All winners are invited to an end-of- school year celebratory luncheon. Nominate a teacher you love at arcadianews.com . THIS MONTH’S WINNER: Danielle Wright, kindergarten teacher at St. Theresa Catholic School Nominated by Auggie and Beth Wand Danielle Wright and Auggie Wand. “Mrs. Wright does so much more than teach lessons. She goes above and beyond to know each of her students, teaches to them individually as well as in a group, and loves them through their emotional growth too. She works tirelessly to make her classroom not just a place of learning, but of fun, awe, inspiration, and encouragement.” Serving the Arcadia area since 1958 | D O G S | CATS | B I R DS | EXOTI C S | Find us on Facebook! Member Since 1959 MEDI CAL • DENTAL • SU RG E RY • BOARDI NG • G ROOMI NG • O B EDI EN C E TRAI N I NG 4855 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix AZ 85018 | www.ingleside.com HOSPITAL 602-840-3446 | GROOMING 602-952-1754 Grooming OPEN Tues - Sat Our lobbies are open. We will continue to perform curbside services for clients that prefer not to come inside. BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY BOARDING TODAY!! BRIAN A. SERBIN, DVM • JESSICA JORDAN, DVM MOLLY R. KLEIN, DVM • KARISSA SCIACCA, DVM

2021 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2021-8/31/2021) Active Homes - 35 Homes Homes Sold - 148 Homes Average Sale Price - $957,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $391 Average Days On Market - 35 days There is currently 2 months of home inventory. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 home sales have decreased 5% this year. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 home prices have increased 17%. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 17%. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 Homes are taking 40% less time to sell. (based on 2020 sales results) Arcadia Real Estate Stats 2021 HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2021-8/31/2021) Active Homes - 76 homes Homes Sold - 238 homes Average Sale Price - $2,061,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $523 Average Days On Market - 60 days There is currently 3 months of home inventory. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 home sales have increased 0% this year. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 home prices have increased 16%. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 17%. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 homes are taking 42% less time to sell. (based on 2020 sales results) Free MLS Access: visit TommyAtkinson.com TOMMY ATKINSON Walt Danley Realty 602.625.6020 LISTINGS NEEDED FOR QUALIFIED BUYERS Ask me about my comprehensive online and print marketing program that exposes your home to the largest pool of quali fi ed buyers. QUINTESSENTIAL ARCADIA RANCH 6210 E Exeter | $3,450,000 6 Bedroom | 5.5 Bath | 5,459 Square Feet