36 JUNE 2025 By Rachael Bouley The start of May marked Teacher Appreciation Week, and Arcadia schools scored an A+ on celebrations in honor of the educators who create a welcoming learning environment every day. ARCADIA HIGH Arcadia Appreciation Week was filled with fun for staff and students. Each day featured a creative theme and thoughtful treats to recognize the dedication and hard work teachers bring to the classroom. “The National Art Honor Society built a paper tree mural filled with notes of appreciation, and we had snacks, a coffee cart, and an ice cream truck available,” PTO President Stephanie DeHaven said. AHS alum Sam Henderson brought Hendy’s Coffee Cart for “You are Brew-tiful,” which also featured Bosa Donuts and Los Cerritos breakfast burritos on Monday. Tuesday’s theme, “Teaching is a Work of Art,” included sweet and salty snacks, bubbly drinks, and a special surprise unveiling of the top-secret caricature project. “This was by far the highlight of the week. We worked with caricature artist Adam Street to create one-of-a-kind artwork representing our campus professionals,” Staff Appreciation Chair Victoria Canada said. “The response was wonderful.” On Wednesday, “Rooted in Love, Growing Minds” brought heartfelt goodies and a handmade surprise crafted by Arcadia Art Honor Society members Bethlehem Gelan, Sophia Mignacca, and Jette Roat. Thursday’s “Garden of Sweets” transformed the teacher’s lounge into an Arcadia candy buffet before Friday wrapped up the week with “Here’s the Scoop… We Appreciate You,” featuring frozen treats from Leo’s Ice Cream Truck. BILTMORE PREP The teachers and staff at BPA experienced a delightful “travel around the world” theme during their appreciation week. Each day whisked them away to a different country, starting with a “Merci Monday” and continuing through “Mahalo Friday.” The PTO provided internationally themed food, drinks, and games, so that it was “‘plane’ to see we have the best teachers and staff in the world.” “Students also joined in the celebration with daily activities designed to recognize teachers and staff,” Principal Stephanie DeMar said. “This immersive and engaging approach highlighted the value and appreciation we have for our Biltmore Prep team.”’ ECHO CANYON Echo Canyon honored their “SUNsational” staff with a week full of special activities and treats. Staff enjoyed breakfast, lunch, a custom barista bar, and a refreshing SUNdae bar. Generous support from local businesses, including Einstein Bagels, Local Donut, Scooptacular, and Eegee’s – helped make the event even more special through donations and discounts. As a fun and unique touch, teachers and staff received small succulents in pool floaties, each numbered for a chance to win exciting prizes. “We look forward to this week where we can spoil our amazing Echo staff and show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication to our students,” PTO President Jessica Scordo said. HOPI ELEMENTARY The Hopi Hawks shared their love through special lunches, floral bouquets, and decorated doors all week long with the theme “You are SUN-sational.” The campus was filled with bright colors as teachers enjoyed personalized messages outside their classrooms, a meaningful reminder that their passion and dedication do not go unnoticed. “The staff was treated to lunches, drawings for raffle prizes, gifts and ice cream,” PTO President-Elect Kara Goodrich said. “Students also created handmade cards.” The week wrapped up with a flower stand for students to purchase and share with faculty. “We think our staff at Hopi is simply incredible, and we love to show our appreciation every year,” Goodrich added. INGLESIDE “The IMS staff is the heart of our school, consistently going above and beyond to create positive experiences for students and families,” Principal Dr. Junior Michael said. “Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to collectively highlight the remarkable dedication, sacrifice, and excellence our staff brings to our learning community.” Ingleside PTO planned a food-focused celebration to show appreciation for teachers. It started with a Cinco de Mayo fiesta featuring a taquiza Mexican buffet in the teacher’s lounge. On Taco Tuesday, sugar cookies, iced tea, and lemonade were served as a sweet pick-me- up. Wednesday’s “Breakfast for Champions” featured burritos and on Thursday, teachers enjoyed churros and horchata. Friday was gift card day. Ingleside’s Student Council also got involved, with Ms. Lucero and families donating thoughtful gifts like sodas, sticky notepads, pens, candy, and chips and delivering thank you letters throughout the week. TAVAN ELEMENTARY This year’s theme was “Tavan’s Teachers and Staff are Rockstars,” and the Wildcats had a wonderful time rolling out the red carpet. “We were so excited to celebrate,” PTO President Kristie Austin said. “Coordinator Kristal Benton worked hard to put together exciting activities and give students the ability to get involved and show their support.” On Monday, the community decorated teachers’ doors to “Set the Stage” before families provided a Mexican food lunch. Students wrote fan mail – a.k.a. letters of appreciation – which teachers received with flowers on Tuesday, alongside a soda bar in the VIP lounge. On Wednesday, students dressed like rockstars while breakfast was provided. Thursday’s theme was “Snack like a Star,” with treats and charcuterie cups during lunch. Friday was the Final Encore where teachers were showered with their favorite things. “I like that the teachers go above and beyond and help us with extra time if needed. My teachers always encourage us to read and make learning fun,” third grader Weston said. VERITAS PREP The Falcons were off to the races for Teacher Appreciation Week. Veritas Derby was a big hit, with families from different grade levels putting on impressive spreads to show their support. Eleventh and 12th grade families started the week with a Southern-style breakfast. Seventh-grade families put together a charcuterie spread, while eighth-grade hosted a beverage and treat cart full of derby- style goodies. The celebrations rounded out with delicious sweets from freshmen and sophomore families, and a chance to catch up and reflect on everything teachers do for the school community. Teacher Appreciation Week makes for creative celebrations

37 JUNE 2025 The Sooper Hoopers were a group of friends who played organized softball at Pierce Park, but the real fun happened on Sundays, when they would gather to play basketball from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and then head to The Brass Rail to watch football, have a bite to eat and something cold to drink. “It really was the perfect Sunday,” Bob Shugrue said. “We are still a close knit group that stayed friends and still sees each other on occasion for a few drinks and a catch up.” Jerry, Bob, Steve, Barry and Bill were pictured on the cover of Arcadia News’ June 1995 edition. The rest of the group included Jim Hardy, Kit Pierce, Ken Johnson, Tom Henschen, Steve Placek, Bob Kite, Bob Finkbine and Gary Frazier, who were also part of the Sooper Hoopers – but Bob said he has no idea where that nickname came from. “We didn’t come up with it or call ourselves anything. That must’ve been the Arcadia News team’s idea,” Shugrue laughed. Over the years, the group ventured into different industries. Bob worked for APS for over 40 years, while Kit founded Camelback Concrete; Ken became a professional football player; Tom is a realtor; Steve worked for Motorola; Gary owned a vegetable business and one of the other Bobs was a teacher. “These days, most of us – who still live in the neighborhood – play golf or go hiking on Camelback Mountain!” Shugrue said. ARCADIANEWSARCHIVES.COM By Wendy Fischer W hen it came time to choose a school for our son, Tavan Elementary felt like coming home. My Dad attended the school in the late 1950s, when the neighborhood had more citrus groves than houses. Generations later, we were drawn to Tavan’s academic excellence, diverse community and spirit of kindness. Innovative teaching How do you prepare children to thrive academically and in an ever-changing world? Tavan’s academic team has developed personalized learning opportunities to recognize each student’s strengths and needs. As an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) elementary school, students have hands-on learning opportunities to explore ideas, be creative and accomplish their goals. From exceptional special services to enrichment programs, Tavan offers a wide range of support to meet each child’s potential, all while keeping class sizes low. The school regularly earns “A” grades from the Arizona State Board of Education – a testament to the dedicated leadership of Principal Julie Ballard and Assistant Principal Suzi Figueora. Tenured teachers work together in accountable, collaborative teams (ACTs), continually refining their practice to ensure academic excellence. Many of these educators are longtime members of the neighborhood themselves, deepening the bond between school and public. Community and diversity Here, diversity is not just celebrated, it’s embraced. As a “Be Kind” school, Tavan holds two simple rules: be kind and follow directions. More than just a motto, kindness is at the core and extends from administrators, teachers and staff to the engaged parent-teacher organization. The PTO is a driving force, organizing annual, cherished events like Trunk or Treat and the festive holiday celebration Tavan Twinkles market. These gatherings are more than fun – they create lasting traditions and memories. Welcoming future Wildcats Open enrollment for the 2025-26 school year has begun, and we welcome all to visit the campus. Students enjoy outdoor learning spaces like garden beds where they can get hands-on with science, a thriving chicken coop and, new this year, a sound garden where creativity and exploration are encouraged. These spaces reflect the school’s commitment to nurturing the whole child academically, socially and emotionally. Another benefit is that the campus backs up to the Arcadia High fields, making close collaboration and mentorship opportunities between the two schools a possibility. Arcadia students are pen pals, tutors and AVID champions. For us, choosing Tavan wasn’t just about academics. It was about finding a community. Tavan Elementary is preparing its students not just for the next grade, but for a bright future. Shaping brighter futures 30 30 YEARS AGO YEARS AGO  Aria Bown, Amelia Molina, Lincoln Iyamuremye, Charlotte Harkensee, Livia Roman, and the “beautiful Pearl Vickers,” Mrs. Vickers name for the chicken! PHOTO COURTESY OF TAVAN ELEMENTARY