2026 August issue of InMaricopa Magazine

2026 August issue of InMaricopa Magazine InMaricopa.com InMaricopa is Maricopa's premier local news source InMaricopa is your go-to source for hyper-local news and information about Maricopa, Arizona. Stay informed with the latest community updates, events, and stories that matter to our city. InMaricopa is the only dedicated news outlet focusing exclusively on the city of Maricopa, ensuring residents are always in the know.

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August 2026

In the hot seat What it takes to answer the call during an Arizona summer

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CONTENTS

LEADING OFF Editor’s letter 4 Contributors 4 HISTORY This month in history 6 Constructing an overpass 8 GOVERNMENT Permits 10 Responding in extreme heat 12

Bills, bills, bills 16 EDUCATION A+ Charter’s new STEM lab 17 Before the bell rings 18 Back to school spending 22 COMMUNTY A sky full of drama 24 BUSINESS Like a good neighbor, Rene is there 26 Restaurant inspections 28 Business briefs 30 HEALTH & WELLNESS How to reduce melasma 32

SENIORS Weekend adventures in town 34 Happy 250th birthday, USA 36 HOME Cheryl’s peculiar gardening tips 38 Move-out date challenges 39 Is property management worth it? 40 Blessings and banana bread 41 Extreme home sales 42

THINGS TO DO Events 46 TRENDING A look at what’s hot on InMaricopa.com 55

(480) 251-4231 DayvMorgan@gmail.com MaricopaHomeSmart.com

PARTING SHOT Rooted in Maricopa 56

Dayv Morgan ABR, CDPE, CSSPE OWNER, REALTOR ®

ON THE COVER Monica D. Spencer captures an image of Maricopa firefighter Nathan Hiett in his turnout gear in July.

Maricopa’s #1 Realtor Maricopa Resident Since 2006

InMaricopa.com | August 2026

FROM THE EDITOR

I The best part of the job I FREQUENTLY TELL PEOPLE ONE OF MY favorite parts of working in journalism is that no two days and no two stories are alike. As a reporter, one morning I might have been photographing a family-owned business or covering a school event. By afternoon, I was interviewing a construction worker at a job site before heading to a city council meeting or community fundraiser. Today, my role also includes

Publisher SCOTT BARTLE

firefighters prepare each summer for Arizona’s relentless heat. Our editorial intern Kaydence Shipman introduces us to several local educators in the days before they welcome students back to the classroom. Our editorial assistant Ryan

Advertising Director VINCENT MANFREDI

Associate Editor MONICA D. SPENCER

Operations Director TIFFANY WELCH

Tafoya captures moments from the senior community’s patriotic celebration of America’s 250th birthday in a photo gallery. And Desert Cedars resident Tiffany Welch once again invites readers to her kitchen with a recipe worth sharing with family and friends. Each of these conversations

Summer Isn’t Over — Neither Is the Heat!

Advertising ERIKA PARAMO MICHELLE SORENSEN Writers KRISTINA DONNAY DAYV MORGAN BRIAN PETERSHEIM CHERYL PURVIS

$ 29

editing stories, brainstorming ideas with our staff and helping shape each issue from start to finish. The work looks different, but my favorite part hasn’t changed: I’m still meeting people and hearing their stories. And while every assignment is different, you start to notice a pattern after a while. The scenery and subjects change constantly, but what stays the same is the chance to meet people you may have never crossed paths with otherwise. If this issue has a common thread, it’s conversation. Every page begins with someone sharing a piece of their story, and every story offers a chance to better understand the people who call Maricopa home. That includes my conversation with Assistant Chief Chris Bolinger about how Maricopa’s

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started with someone willing to share a piece of their story. Now we get to share them with you.

KAYDENCE SHIPMAN MONICA D. SPENCER RYAN TAFOYA SHERMAN AND EUPHEMIA WEEKES

Until next month,

Photographers KAYDENCE SHIPMAN MONICA D. SPENCER RYAN TAFOYA

MONICA D. SPENCER ASSOCIATE EDITOR | Monica@InMaricopa.com

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Volume 21, Issue 8 InMaricopa 44400 W. Honeycutt Road, Suite 101 Maricopa, AZ 85138

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Residential homes, owner-occupied. Not valid with other offers. Must present at time of service. Doesn’t apply to past work. Call for details. Exp. 9/30/2026. AZ ROC 291261, 291262, 321010, 326088.

CHERYL PURVIS Cheryl shares her

DAYV MORGAN Dayv talks about what to do when closing and moving days don’t align.

KAYDENCE SHIPMAN Kaydence speaks with educators about the upcoming school year.

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InMaricopa.com | August 2026

HISTORY

THIS MONTH IN HISTORY For these and other historical stories, visit InMaricopa.com.

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5 years ago Sprouts Farmers Market opened its Maricopa store with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that drew about 100 shoppers eager for another grocery option. The 23,000-square-foot store became the first business in Sonoran Creek Marketplace and the only Sprouts in Pinal County. City leaders hailed the opening as a catalyst for additional retail and restaurant development in Maricopa.

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A 61-year-old man died after a hard landing during a skydive at Skydive Phoenix west of Maricopa. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office said he suffered life-threatening injuries near the drop zone and was taken to Chandler Regional Medical Center, where he later died. The Federal Aviation Administration launched an investigation into the accident.

Central Arizona College unveiled plans for its future Maricopa campus, a 217-acre project at Bowlin and White and Parker roads. Architects said the buildings would feature a simple, desert-inspired design influenced by agriculture and Native American cultures, with natural ventilation, shade and views of nearby mountain ranges. Construction crews broke ground on the new campus in December 2011.

Central Arizona College celebrated the opening of its Maricopa Center at The Shops at Maricopa Fiesta. The new facility offered classroom space, academic advising and more than two dozen college courses, expanding higher education opportunities in Maricopa years before plans for the college’s permanent campus took shape.

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InMaricopa.com | August 2026

HISTORY

Reaching new heights Looking back to 2019 when John Wayne Overpass began to take shape

Under the glow of work lights on a January night in 2019, cranes hoisted the first 82-foot steel girder into place for what would become Maricopa’s first railroad overpass. The overnight installation marked a turning point in a project years in the making, creating the backbone of the bridge that now carries State Route 347 traffic over the Union Pacific Railroad and Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway. The journey began long before construction. In July 2012, the Arizona Department of Transportation invited residents to review plans for a crossing designed to ease congestion and improve safety at one of the city’s busiest intersections. ADOT approved funding in 2014, clearing the way for construction.

Demolition began in March 2018 as homes and businesses, including the former Copa Center and Spoons Diner, were cleared to make room for the overpass. By May 2019, city leaders toured the nearly completed bridge, and two months later residents walked, biked and scooted across it before it officially opened to traffic. Today, the John Wayne Parkway overpass is both a transportation landmark and a gateway to the Heritage District. Last month, the city added programmable LED lighting beneath the bridge, giving the underpass a colorful new role while honoring Maricopa’s railroad heritage.

InMaricopa.com | August 2026

August 2026 | InMaricopa.com

GOVERNMENT

Compassionate Care. Exceptional Services.

Dash Carwash issued certificates of occupancy at 20168 N. John Wayne Parkway and 42020 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway. Hiro Investment issued shade structure for The Duke at Rancho El Dorado at 42660 W. Rancho El Dorado Parkway. The contractor is Frontier Customs. Electrical District No. 3 issued floodplain clearance for Hogenes substation transmission line at 47030 W. State Route 238. First Baptist Church of Maricopa issued floodplain use for new parking lot at 18700 N. John Wayne Parkway. El Dorado Porter 27 issued new construction for Goodwill at 44675 W. Mercado St. The contractor is The Garrett Construction Company. Heritage Academy Maricopa issued certificates of occupancy for Heritage Academy Elementary and Liberty Kids at 19265 N. Porter Road. El Dorado Porter 27 issued new construction for Legacy on Porter shops at 44675 W. Mercado St. The contractor is The Garrett Construction Company.

Lennar Arizona issued detached structure for 1,500-square-foot pool restroom at 36019 W. Anderson Farms Blvd. The contractor is IZ Max General Contractors. Maricopa Unified School District issued monument sign at 17541 N. Sorrento Blvd. The contractor is Associated Sign Company. Maricopa Unified School District issued shade structure for Santa Cruz Elementary School at 19845 N. Costa Del Sol Blvd. The contractor is Shade N Net of Arizona. G2 Partners issued conditional use on existing Verizon cell tower at 44870 W. Hathaway Ave. RESIDENTIAL Castlerock Communities to construct 5 homes in Rancho Mirage Estates. Dream Finders Homes Arizona to construct 4 homes in Rancho Mirage Estates. Gehan Homes to construct 7 homes in the Lakes Rancho El Dorado. Lennar to construct 9 homes in Anderson Farms. Meritage Homes of Arizona to construct 12 homes in Rancho Mirage Estates. Pulte Homes to construct 9 homes in El Rancho Santa Rosa. Richmond American Homes to construct 3 homes in the Lakes at Rancho El Dorado.

BRIEF

Permits June 11 to July 10

COMMERCIAL Macbrock issued detached structure for water storage tanks at 238 Industrial , 22111 N. White Road. The contractor is Los Lobos Cuellar Enterprises. Apex issued minor development review permit for garage condos at 22408 N. Ralston Road. El Dorado Porter 27 issued shell for Chipotle at 17547 N. Porter Road. The contractor is The Garrett Construction Company. City of Maricopa issued fireworks and pyrotechnics for Great American Fourth at 44345 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. City of Maricopa issued on-site improvement for ADA parking stall addition at Copper Sky.

HOSPITAL & 24/7 ER Maricopa’s State-of-the-art

YOUR BALLOT STARTS HERE Everything you need before voting in the Nov. 3 General Election.

11 RESIDENTIAL SOLAR 9 RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOLS 49 SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES 2 RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS 36 TEMPORARY ROAD RESTRICTIONS/CLOSURES

PATIENT TESTIMONIAL

✓ Meet the candidates ✓ Compare the issues

RACES ✅ Maricopa City Council ✅ Arizona House and Senate ✅ MUSD Governing Board

Scan for local election coverage

WWW.EHC24.COM/MARICOPA Visit us and read Mark’s full story online at

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InMaricopa.com | August 2026

GOVERNMENT

Built for the heat For firefighters, fighting Arizona heat starts long before the emergency call comes in STORY AND PHOTOS BY MONICA D. SPENCER Q & A

W HEN TEMPERATURES CLIMB INTO TRIPLE DIGITS, MOST PEOPLE TAKE REFUGE indoors. For Maricopa’s firefighters, the heat is just another part of the job. Every emergency call means suiting up in as much as 50 pounds of protective gear, whether it’s 80 degrees or 115. Assistant Chief Chris Bolinger has spent more than 25 years in fire service, including two decades with Maricopa Fire/Medical Department. He sat down with InMaricopa to explain how surviving an Arizona summer isn’t about toughing it out; it’s about preparation, hydration and knowing when to cool down.

How does extreme heat change the way firefighters approach a shift? Heat stress is something that we constantly have to mitigate and plan for. We encourage guys to hydrate regularly on their days off so they’re prepared before they even come to work. We schedule outside training early in the day before it hits 105 degrees, make sure our medical resources are ready and plan almost everything we do around the heat during the summer. What does extreme heat do to a firefighter’s body? The big danger is physiological, but also mental. When you’re hot, your body starts going into cognitive decline and you can start making bad decisions. It also makes you physically weaker, affects your fine motor skills and makes it harder to recover. That’s why cooling down between work cycles is so important. How much does a firefighters’ gear weigh? Depending on what protective equipment they’ve got and what tools they’re carrying, it weighs between 30 and 50 pounds. What’s one misconception people have about firefighters working in the summer? People think we only wear turnout gear for fires. We wear it on gas leaks, car accidents and other emergencies, too. Even if we’re not inside a burning building, we’re standing outside in 115-degree heat, and our bodies can’t cool off on their own. Why is hydration such a priority? Hydration is important before a call comes in, but before the shift even starts. We have reminders throughout the station, and hydration breaks are a planned part of every workout and training exercise. We can’t afford to have firefighters getting behind the eight ball. How has firefighter gear changed over the years? Our turnouts have gotten significantly less bulky, and they retain a lot less heat. That

Antonio Luna and Adam Wilson attend to Nathan Hiett in a demonstration of a firefighter rehab at Maricopa Fire/Medical Department Station 5.

allows us to be more efficient on the fireground and training ground, so we’re not spending as much time in those closed-in environments. What is firefighter rehab, and why is it important? Rehab is our chance to get firefighters cooled down and ready for the next call. After decontamination, we take off our turnout gear, expose the big muscle groups to the air and immerse our forearms in ice water. The cool blood circulates back through the body and helps lower our core temperature. We’re not just trying to cool someone off. We’re helping them recover so they can safely go back to work if they’re needed again. How has recovering from the heat changed over the years? It used to be, “Find some shade and get your stuff off.” As new ideas came along, we evaluated them and improved our process. One constant Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.” CHRIS BOLLINGER

TYPES OF HEAT ILLNESS

HEAT CRAMPS • Painful muscle cramps or spasms • Heavy sweating What to do: Rest in a cool place and drink water or an electrolyte-replacing beverage. Wait until cramps stop before resuming activity.

HEAT STROKE (medical emergency) • Heat exhaustion signs • Confusion or slurred speech • High body temperature (103 degrees or higher) • Loss of consciousness • Seizures What to do: Call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler place and cool them rapidly with ice packs, cold water or wet towels while waiting for emergency responders. Do not give fluids if the per- son is confused or unconscious.

HEAT EXHAUSTION • Heat cramp signs • Cool, pale or clammy skin • Headache

• Dizziness or fainting • Nausea or vomiting • Weakness or fatigue

What to do: Move to a cool place, loosen clothing and sip cool water. Apply cool, wet towels or take a cool shower. Seek medical care if symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour.

Assistant Chief Chris Bolinger of Maricopa Fire/Medical Department

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

InMaricopa.com | August 2026

August 2026 | InMaricopa.com

GOVERNMENT

FIREFIGHTER SCENARIO 45-75 lbs. Average turnout gear 98° Average body temperature 103° Body temperature during a fire 70° Average room temperature 300-1,200° Burning building temperature 112°, July 9 Hottest day in Maricopa in 2026

has been our Fire Corps volunteers. They respond to scenes, set up the rehab area and take care of our firefighters while they’re recovering. What’s one lesson residents can borrow from firefighters during the summer? Adjust your routine. Do your most strenuous activities in the early morning or evening, and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drink more water than you think you need. What warning signs of heat illness shouldn’t people ignore? If you feel hot, it is hot. People try to push through it instead of listening to their body. By the time you stop sweating, you’re way, way, way behind the eight ball. After more than two decades as a firefighter, what still motivates you? I like being the guy that people call on. I like serving. I like being able to have an immediate resolution to things. If I get called to somebody’s house for an emergency, an hour later I know whether I did a good job or a bad job. I like helping people.

HEAT-RELATED ER VISITS IN PINAL COUNTY

366

332 332

380

324 324

241 241

285

218

180 180 *

190

2021

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Sources: Accuweather, Maricopa Fire/Medical Department

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services

*as of July 17

Table 1

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2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

241

218

324

366

332

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InMaricopa.com | August 2026

August 2026 | InMaricopa.com

EBDUUSCI NAETSIOSN

GOVERNMENT

Learning comes to life A+ Charter Schools kicks off new school year with growth, new STEM Lab

Wins, losses from the Capitol BY MONICA D. SPENCER

A new home for hands-on STEM One of the most anticipated additions this year is the official launch of a SmartLab, a dedicated hands-on STEM space for A+’s 6th grade science classes. SmartLab gives students access to rotating, project-based stations — think robotics, coding, engineering design and digital fabrication — where they apply science and math concepts to build and test their own creations. It’s a space built for collaboration and creativity in equal measure, asking students to work in teams, communicate ideas and think critically through problems with no single right answer. For a school built around learning-by-doing, SmartLab is a natural next step: It gives the youngest students on campus the same hands-on, 5 Cs-driven experience that defines the A+ experience all the way through senior year. Looking ahead This is the first in a series of updates from A+ Charter Schools throughout the school year, as the school continues to grow its campus, programs and opportunities for Maricopa students.

These LD16 bills became law SB 1188: Aligns Arizona’s controlled substance schedules with federal classifications for medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and scheduled by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. SB 1446: Reduces paperwork time for dialysis center social workers by reducing documentation of patient progress to once per quarter unless more frequent reports are federally required. SB 1448: Expands aggravated assault protections to include public utility, telecommunications and video service workers. SB 1713: Allows a pharmacist to independently test and treat eligible persons for certain medical conditions. HB 2109: Increases fines for repeat distracted driving offenses and adds an extra penalty when a violation causes a motorcycle crash. HB 2114: Directs 75% of Motorcycle Safety Fund money toward rider education and training, with the remainder supporting motorcycle education scholarships for rural and low-income riders. Prevents funds from diverting to other uses.

HB 2126: Allows either party in a civil case to request a venue change when a judicial branch employee or superior court clerk is involved. HB 2370: Allows school superintendents and charter school leaders to modify weapons detection systems without prior governing board approval. HB 2573: Includes evidence-based psychotherapy requirements tied to ignition interlock devices and eases eligibility for a restricted driver’s license after a second DUI conviction. HB 2938: Requires cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest nickel when pennies are unavailable or no longer used. HB 4117: Makes it illegal to obstruct access to or disrupt religious services at places of worship.

RIZONA LAWMAKERS WRAPPED up the 2026 legislative session with hundreds of bills signed into law, including several sponsored

by Legislative District 16’s representatives. The measures span a range of issues, from school safety and health care to distracted driving and motorcycle safety. For Rep. Teresa Martinez (R-Casa Grande), the session marked a personal milestone. Seven of her bills became law, bringing her career total to 19. This included measures strengthening penalties for distracted driving involving motorcycles, limiting who can adjust school weapons detection systems and protecting religious services from disruption. “I feel good overall with my accomplish- ments,” Martinez said. Sen. T.J. Shope (R-Coolidge) and Rep. Chris Lopez (R-Casa Grande) also saw legislation signed into law this session. Here’s a closer look at some of the measures championed by LD 16 lawmakers and what they could mean for Arizona residents.

Families with questions about enrollment or SmartLab can call 520-265-5589 or visit APlusAZ.org.

A S SUMMER WINDS DOWN, A+ Charter Schools — Maricopa’s original project-based learning school serving grades 6-12 — is preparing for another year of hands-on growth in the classroom and on campus. A+ has built its reputation on a simple idea: Students learn best by doing. Instead of memorizing for a test, A+ students design, build, research and present real projects tied to real-world problems. Every project is built around the school’s five Cs —collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity and character — core skills A+ believes students need both in and outside the classroom. That approach has made the school a fixture in the Maricopa community, and A+ is now expanding to meet demand. Room to grow To keep up with enrollment, A+ is adding two new modular buildings on campus, set to open in October. The school is also in the early stages of planning a permanent campus expansion targeted for 2027 — a sign of just how much the community has embraced the project-based model. While several grade levels currently have waitlists, A+ is still in open enrollment for the upcoming school year, with particularly good availability for incoming 6th grade students. Families interested in joining the A+ community are encouraged to apply soon.

520-265-5589 APlusAZ.org 41735 W. Alan Stephens Parkway

LEGISLATIVE LINGO

House bill (HB): A bill introduced in the Arizona House of Representatives. Senate bill (SB): A bill introduced in the Arizona Senate. Session: The annual period when the Arizona Legislature meets to introduce, debate and vote on bills. Sponsor: To formally introduce legislation and lead it through the legislative process. Other lawmakers may join as co- sponsors to show support. Striker amendment: A legislative maneuver that replaces language in an existing bill with new text. It allows lawmakers to advance a proposal using a bill already moving through the process. Veto: When the governor rejects a bill passed by the Legislature.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Sen. T.J. Shope 60 bills sponsored 5 bills became law 4 bills vetoed

Rep. Chris Lopez 49 bills sponsored 1 bill became law through striker amendment with Sen. Shope 4 bills vetoed

Rep. Teresa Martinez 72 bills sponsored 7 bills became law 7 bills vetoed

THE JOURNEY OF A BILL

Introduced >> Committee vote >> House/Senate vote >> Other chamber vote >> Governor >> Arizona law or veto

InMaricopa.com | August 2026

August 2026 | InMaricopa.com

EDUCATION

Before the first bell 5 educators reflect on the year ahead and the advice they’ll share with students BY KAYDENCE SHIPMAN

Small school EVERY TEACHER KNOWS EVERY STUDENT WELL

Joseph Harvey School counselor, Leading Edge Academy What inspired you to work with kids? Just knowing I can help the kids. It’s never been about me; it’s about them. It’s knowing that I can help the younger generation prepare for what’s to come, especially with social media. I feel like it’s harder for them, and I just want to support them when they come back here every day. What are you most excited about this school year? I think I’m most excited to watch the eighth- grade class and see how they’ll grow by the end of the year. Do you still experience first-day jitters? I think I got the jitters out during my first year. I’m confident and comfortable with myself and the kids. What drink fuels your morning? I am a big Monster energy person. I like to have one after the drive line and it’s the perfect time for an energy boost. What’s one message you have for students? Be better tomorrow than you were today. Learn something today you can take into tomorrow that’ll make you a better human being.

Staff at Leading Edge Academy organize and set up classrooms in the days before classes begin.

Experiential learning REAL-WORLD PROJECTS ENABLE DEEPER INQUIRY AND PROBLEM-SOLVING

HILE STUDENTS WERE MAKING THE MOST OF THEIR FINAL DAYS OF summer, teachers and school leaders were preparing for another school year. Before campuses reopened, we asked educators from across Maricopa about first-day jitters and what they’re most looking forward to this year.

Nate Wong Dean of academic services, A+ Charter Schools

Kids are going to be able to build drones, solar powered cars, bridges; and it will all be connected to the science standards. There’s 3D printers and so many other things that are super modern and very hands-on. Do you still experience first-day jitters? I do because you never know what the day is going to bring. What drink fuels your morning? A McDonald’s vanilla iced coffee or a Monster Blue Hawaiian drink. What’s one message you have for students? Slow down. It’s all right to be a kid. Kids are growing up in a rapidly changing world and want to grow up so fast, so I just tell them to slow down and value your time in everything you do. It’s going to be OK, so be patient with the process.

What inspired you to work in education? While teaching at a Houston community college, I coached YMCA basketball three times a week, and they were always the highlights of my days. It felt like God kept pressing me, so I just took a chance and I never regretted it. My job is way cooler than what I could have ever dreamt of. What are you most excited about for the upcoming year? We are continuing to emphasize project- based learning. We’ve had some really cool Archer showcases over the last couple of years and I’m excited to see that grow. We’ve also hired new teachers and staff, which will help with the growth. We are also launching SmartLab, a hands-on fully immersive STEM program.

Flourish Microschools Where uriosity omes ack to ife (602) 661-8259 • amanda@flourishschools.com FlourishSchools.com Inspiring teachers WHO SUPPORT STUDENTS’ GROWTH

Editor’s note: Interviews have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

InMaricopa.com | August 2026

August 2026 | InMaricopa.com

EDUCATION

Erika Richwagen Kindergarten teacher, Leading Edge Academy What inspired you to work in education? When I was in college, I did a lot of babysitting and tutoring on the side and I really enjoyed it. I originally studied web design but seeing the impact on working with kids brought me lots of joy. I changed my major to early childhood education and have been a teacher for five years now. What are you most excited about this year? I’m most excited for all incoming kindergarteners because for a lot of them this is their first experience in a school setting. I’m excited to get to know them and be able to give them a great introduction to school. How do you like to decorate your class? With younger kids, I like to add lots of colors everywhere. I want the classroom to look welcoming and fun but not overwhelming. I also have stuffies in the class to give a sense of comfort to kids. What drink fuels your morning? I love Alani energy drinks. I’m trying not to drink them as much, but they are really good. I also do an iced coffee from Dutch Bros. What’s one message you have for students? Always remember to treat others how you would want to be treated.

Amanda Anderson 7th and 8th grade science teacher, Alma Farrell Innovation Academy What inspired you to work in education? I love kids. I know this sounds cliche, but they truly are the future. I think it takes one person to start a momentum of change. What are you most excited about this year? I’m excited because my children are joining me at this school. I want to make it the best school possible for all the kids. What are some ways you’re preparing for the first day? I am decorating my classroom and making sure every little detail is ready. I like to add some personal details around the classroom like my Army flag since I am an Army veteran. Throughout the year I also like to add the kids’ work to make it more personal to them.

Elizabeth Allison Principal, Alma Farrell Innovation Academy What inspired you to take on this role? I was a principal at another school and when this position came up, I thought it would be an incredible opportunity. I was a part of the design process, building the school from the ground up and having the autonomy to develop programming. It’s also a way to leave my stamp on the next generation. What are you most excited about this school year? Our school is a team and work-based learning program. One of the things I’m most excited about is to invite the community to come onto campus and help inspire projects and collaborate with the kids. There’s a lot of space for students to learn in their own ways. Do you still experience first-day jitters? Yes, I think that’s natural. What drink fuels your morning? Definitely coffee, I can’t start my day without it. What’s one message you have for students? We’re excited, ready and prepared. We’ve been planning for the last year from the playground to the programming, to the intervention and enrichment discovery labs.

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What’s one message you have for students? We can do this together!

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InMaricopa.com | August 2026

August 2026 | InMaricopa.com

EDUCATION

What’s in your cart? From backpacks to uniforms, 3 Maricopa families share what they spent to get their kids ready for the new school year

Choose from spacious Studios, 1 Bedrooms, 1 Bedrooms with Dens, 2 Bedrooms, and 2 Bedrooms with Dens. RESORT-STYLE AMENITIES: • Two pools • Playground • Basketball court • Pickleball court • Two dog parks • 24-hour fitness center • Smart home features • Full-size washer & dryer in every home • Elevators in every building

BY MONICA D. SPENCER

grade, stretching every dollar means shopping throughout the year instead of making one big trip before school starts. Like

OR MANY FAMILIES, BACK- to - school shopping no longer fits into a single weekend trip. It’s months of bargain hunting, comparing prices,

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reusing backpacks and watching for community giveaways, all in an effort to soften the blow of another school year. Maricopa parents say rising costs have changed the way they shop, with thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace and retailers like Ross becoming just as important as the school supply aisle. Nikki Geesey, who has four students spread between Heritage Academy’s two Maricopa campuses, said she’s trying to save her pennies wherever she can. “They are all reusing their backpacks,” she said. “We reused some pants as well [that] some of my kids outgrew from last year. We even shopped some at Goodwill.” For Darla Hyche, who is shopping for five children ranging from second grade to 11th

Geesey, she turns to thrift stores, yard sales, Facebook Marketplace and community backpack drives to help keep costs in check.

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markers and sanitizing supplies that students picked up during Meet the Teacher night. “We opened it up, verified everything was in it and he loaded it in his desk,” Browns said. For Hyche, finding ways to save is about making every dollar count without sacrificing what her grandchildren need for school. “Put your pride aside,” she said. “There’s no judgment ... They don’t need the fanciest of fancy because they grow out of it way too quick.”

“Ross is a big one,” she said. “They grow out of clothes and shoes like that, so I don’t want to spend $100 on shoes for something they’re only going to wear for a short time.” Brian Browns has found similar savings at Ross while shopping for two children attending a microschool and a fourth grader at Heritage Academy Elementary. He also cut costs with a $62 school supply kit through his son’s school. The package included crayons, folders, pencils, glue, dry-erase

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SHOW US THE RECEIPTS Here’s what three families in Maricopa said they spent while preparing for the new school year.

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Children: 3 Grades: Preschool,

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Supplies: $250 Backpacks: $0 (reusing) Uniforms: $267 Pants: $200 Shoes: $122 Total: $839

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Shoes: Snacks:

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InMaricopa.com | August 2026

August 2026 | InMaricopa.com

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