August 2025, page 29 | Arcadia News

August 2025

28 AUGUST 2025 By Rachael Bouley Hopi Elementary has a new assistant principal walking the halls, and she couldn’t be more excited to be leading the Hawks. Dr. Emily James is a legacy leader who attended elementary, middle, and high school in the Scottsdale Unified School District before returning to teaching for the past decade. Dr. James attended Sequoya, Cocopah, and Chaparral and has very fond memories of her time as a student in the Valley. “There are so many wonderful teachers who have had such an incredible impact on my life. The amount of energy and love that was poured into me as a child is something I will never take for granted,” Dr. James said. “When I visit those schools, I am instantly flooded with memories of what it was like there.” Her positive educational experience as a child inspired her to pursue a career in teaching and administration, and she strives to create the same meaningful moments with her students. “I hope that they will look back one day on their time in SUSD with the same pride and joy that I do,” she explained. Dr. James received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis from Arizona State University. She went on to earn a doctorate in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. Very early in her career, she knew her goal was to become an administrator one day. Over the past decade of teaching, she has served on school and district committees to gain a better understanding and obtained her principal certification while pursuing her doctorate. “I was able to complete my principal internship with some incredible leaders in SUSD,” Dr. James said. “I also completed a superintendent internship during that time. It was eye-opening to learn about the operations from a bigger view.” Dr. James taught all core subjects (math, reading, writing, science, and social studies) and ran morning announcements, the Be Kind program, and coding clubs. Now, after teaching first and fifth grade at Tavan and, more recently, fourth grade at Cherokee, she is happy to be back in the neighborhood as Hopi’s assistant principal. “It has been a privilege to be a teacher for the past 10 years, and I am so excited to be able to serve in this new capacity. I know I have big shoes to fill, and I am thrilled for the opportunity,” Dr. James said. “My goal has always been to work with children, and my dreams have evolved along the way. I had wonderful administrators as a child and as a teacher – they inspired me to follow in their footsteps.” Dr. James emphasizes classroom community and kindness, striving to create a school environment that feels like family and a place where students are comfortable being themselves. “I believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to learn in the ways that best suit them; what works for one child does not always work for all, and that it is our job as educators to help everyone be successful,” she explained. For Dr. James, classrooms should be a space filled with learning, having fun, making memories, and exploring new ideas. She looks forward to supporting Hopi students and staff in ensuring a successful school year through collaborative problem- solving and teamwork. “I am most excited to get to know the community. I know it is made up of wonderful families, children, and staff members,” she added. “I can’t wait to form long-lasting positive relationships with everyone I have the opportunity to meet and serve.” Hopi’s assistant principal returns to her roots By Rachael Bouley August means back-to-school season for the big kids – but what about the little ones? Fortunately, families with younger children can still enjoy some cool summer fun. The Phoenix and Scottsdale areas are home to a variety of splash pads where kids can hit the water and burn off some energy. Here are a few splash pads where youngsters can play. And parents, if you want to join in, we won’t judge! 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix Open year-round from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. shopdesertridge.com The Desert Ridge splash pad is one of the more popular and well-known for north-Phoenicians, but all are welcome! Located near AMC Theatres and Cartel Roasting Co. in The District, the area offers big spray jets and ample seating for families. It’s a great spot to cool off before or after shopping. Swim shoes are recommended, and stay tuned: Desert Ridge’s surrounding entertainment areas will offer special events with DJ entertainment, giveaways, and character visits in the future. 15279 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday scottsdalequarter.com Scottsdale Quarter is an open-air shopping center with an (award-winning!) pop-jet fountain for kids and families. Located in The Quad and open during the summer and back-to-school season, this splash pad is surrounded by palm trees for just the right amount of shade. Scottsdale Quarter was named a USA Today Reader’s Choice as one of the top ten shopping centers in America, and the splash pad is one of the biggest draws for families. It’s close to popular eateries like True Food Kitchen, so you can grab a bite to eat after a day of play. 7100 N. 12th St., Phoenix Open daily 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through mid-October lucisgoodness.com Luci’s at the Orchard is a café, coffee and juice bar, and is also home to the vintage Splurge Ice Cream & Candy Shop. This revitalized, historic Phoenix ranch home has a splash pad on the pet-friendly patio, making it a great choice for families needing a one-stop shop to sip, shop and cool off. Citrus trees line the property and create a shady oasis. While you’re there, check out the gourmet marketplace with candles, soaps, specialty foods, and toys and games for the kiddos. 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale Open daily during park hours, sunrise to 8 p.m. scottsdaleaz.gov The newly renovated Scottsdale Civic Center Park now features the Water and Fog Plaza, a splash pad fountain near the Children’s Gardens on the east side. Kids can splash through the different areas and delight as fog surrounds the nearby plants. Slides, climbing structures and other playground equipment are close by, so it’s a win-win for families with active youngsters who need to let some energy out. 7700 E. Roosevelt St., Scottsdale Open daily during park hours, sunrise to 8 p.m. scottsdaleaz.gov The 71-acre park is home to a splash pad with fun features like spray rings, animal-themed sprayers, fountains and more. It’s surrounded by grassy parkland with a concrete climbing area off to the side, and other amenities nearby such as playgrounds and sport courts. The dog-friendly park often has furry friends cooling off near the splash pad, too – dogs and water, what more do you need for a fun day outside? 9500 East Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale Open daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. azboardwalk.com Arizona Boardwalk entertainment destination offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, including the OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland, but one of the most popular excursions for youngsters are the foam parties. Taking place this month on August 9, 10, 30 and 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., families will find endless foam, fire truck water play, water squirter battle zones, and other fun water activities. If you’re tuckered out from the sun, there’s also dining, shopping, and indoor interactive experiences. Jump around: A few of the best splash pads around the Valley Dr. Emily James