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Press Releases:
Submit press releases via email to hello@epickidsaz.com.
Events Calendar:
Submit press releases or event listings including all details to hello@epickidsaz. com. The deadline for the January issue is January 1.
Advertising:
Contact the sales department by phone at 888-313-7916 or by email at advertising@egpublishing.com.
Where to Find Us:
Epic Kids is distributed each month directly into the backpacks of children in K-8 charter and private schools. You can also find us placed in racks where kids and their families are out and about. To see a full list of locations, visit our website.
Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us.
Aayansh Guntaka is gaining both smarts and awards! This 9-yearold chess prodigy has competed in tournaments worldwide, quickly becoming one of the best in the U-9 category.
Aayansh’s interest in chess began during the pandemic lockdown when his mom taught him the game at age 6. What started as a way to pass time turned into a passion. Over the years, he improved significantly and now practices for around five hours daily. Although chess is a big part of his life, Aayansh takes occasional rest days to recharge.
To balance his intense chess schedule with academics, Aayansh transitioned to ASU Prep Digital, an online program that gives him more flexibility. He also connects with friends at tournaments, finding a balance
between his studies, his game, and his social life.
Chess has taught Aayansh invaluable skills, especially in math and problem-solving. Despite his many accomplishments, he says there’s always more to learn. His favorite parts of chess are playing the game and the thrill of winning.
Aayansh competes almost every weekend in Arizona and travels internationally twice a month for major tournaments. Of the 20plus countries he has visited, his favorite competitions include the World Schools Chess Championship in Rhodes, Greece, and the 2024 FIDE World Championship in Lima, Peru, where he won first place. He also achieved first place at the World Schools Blitz Chess Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. While Aayansh sometimes feels pressure during tournaments, he says the stress disappears when he wins. His parents,
however, find the competitions more stressful, as they’re always rooting for him to win.
On National Chess Day, October 12, Aayansh appeared on "Good Morning America" to share his achievements and future goals. He has also been featured in many local publications. Looking ahead, Aayansh hopes to become a grandmaster and eventually the world chess champion. Beyond chess, he dreams of attending Harvard to become a doctor.
To learn more about Aayansh, visit aayanshloveforchess.com.
Naya Seth, 14 years old, loves to read and write. She is a member of the National Charity League and enjoys participating in various philanthropy activities.
Phoenix Day School for the Deaf Students Win Big at Robotics Competition Headliners
Photo courtesy of Phoenix Day School for the Deaf
Phoenix Day School for the Deaf (PDSD) middle school students Owen, Espi, and Samuel recently competed and won at the VEX IQ Robotics Competition.
The VEX IQ Robotics Competition is an open-ended robotics challenge for elementary and middle schoolers testing students on their ability to build, maneuver, and code robots.
Despite being the only deaf team competing against 18 other hearing schools, the three students worked together, used problem solving skills and came out victorious during the competition.
While communicating through interpreters posed a unique challenge to
the students, they were able to work through the hurdles and not only communicate well with one another but create alliances with hearing schools in order to succeed.
“I’m so proud to see our robotics team shine in competition as the only deaf team,” says Scott Madsen, career and technical education director of Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. “Our students broke barriers and proved that determination, innovation and teamwork knows no limits!”
Their team, named the Roborunners, scored the highest total points of the tournament and earned the Teamwork Champions Award.
In the competition’s Skills Challenge, which includes driving
and programming robots, the Roborunners placed sixth overall with a combined 70 points. Their trophy-winning robot was programmed to pick up balls, carry them over to a goal, and successfully toss the balls into the goal, scoring them a point each time they made a shot.
The robot was programed and driven by the students. However, they also successfully coded the robot to act autonomously and complete its tasks without human interference. They were only one of eight teams to score programming points, demonstrating their top-notch coding skills.
The robotics team is part of PDSD’s commitment to Career and Technical
Education (CTE). Courses like these and other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classes support students in preparing for a successful future. PDSD also has an award-winning high school robotics team.
For more information on the Phoenix Day School for the Deaf visit asdb.az.gov/pdsd.
GREGORY RUSSO
From baseball dreams to banking leadership.
Gregory Russo
Profession: Banking
Age: 48
What do you do for a living?
I serve as a regional president for OneAz Credit Union. In essence, I oversee the operations and strategic direction of our branches in the Phoenix metro area to ensure that our financial services meet the needs of our community.
What type of training do you need to do your job?
My role as a regional president typically requires a strong background in financial services, leadership, and management. My college education and gained experience over the years in banking, finance, and leadership positions have helped me prepare for my role today.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Helping individuals achieve their financial goals when they didn’t think it would be possible.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A professional baseball player.
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?
• Get an education
• Gain experience
• Network
• Develop leadership skills
• Stay informed
• Demonstrate commitment
• Be patient and persistent
• Seek mentorship
One fun fact NOT about your job?
I have two to share:
1st : Three years straight from 13 to 15 years old, I was league MVP and at 15 I broke the league all-time homerun record with 25.
2nd : In college I studied marketing abroad in Rome, Italy, and helped develop marketing plans for Invicta Inc. for their backpack division.
GIVEAWAY
SLAM DUNK GIVEAWAY
Get ready for some high-flying basketball fun! Epic Kids is giving away a family four-pack of tickets to see the 2025 Harlem Globetrotters World Tour on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale!
To enter, email hello@epickidsaz.com with the subject line “I WANT TO GO TO HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS” by 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 3.
For more chances to win and exclusive social media-only giveaways, follow us on facebook.com/epickidsaz and instagram.com/epickidsaz. Don’t miss out on this epic opportunity for an unforgettable family outing! Good luck!
Contest Winners
A big round of applause for the Juliano family, our lucky winners of last month’s epic giveaway! They scored four tickets to the thrilling Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Scottsdale.
DESERT NEURODEVELOPMENT
Kathleen D. Bree, PsyD, ABPdN, ASDCS
Revolutionizing childhood assessment. Each comprehensive evaluation offers individualized recommendations to help develop a solid plan to move forward and maximize your child’s potential.
Juliano family
Big Hearts, Bright Minds
Boulder Creek Elementary students have the recipe for civic and educational success.
The StuCo kids are in the mix!
Left - Adin Muslim: Vice President Center - Scarlett Harmon: Fifth-grade secretary
Right - Luke Saigh: President
By Sondra Barr
Boulder Creek Elementary School isn’t just about top grades—it’s a place where students grow into leaders who make a real difference in their community. For the second year in a row, Boulder Creek has earned the highest letter grade in the state, and the students here aren’t stopping at academic success. From organizing food drives to dreaming up new ways to give back, these kids prove that kindness and leadership go hand in hand.
Eleven-year-old Adin Muslim, a sixth grader and the school’s student council vice president, believes the school’s PAWS program plays a big role in their success. “It encourages us to be polite, accountable, wise, and safe,” Adin says. “That helps us stay on track, improve our grades, and keep a positive mindset.” Adin’s favorite subject is math, which he loves for its universal usefulness and the joy it brings him. Fifth-grader Scarlett Harmon, 10, also loves math and says her family even turns it into a game when they eat out. “We try to guess the bill, including tax,” Scarlett shares with a laugh. “It’s great practice, and math is such a useful skill in life.”
What sets Boulder Creek apart isn’t just its academics—it’s the way the school fosters leadership and a sense of responsibility. Twelve-year-old Luke Saigh, a sixth grader and the student council president, says joining StuCo gave him the chance to inspire others. “I wanted to be a leader and a role model for younger kids,” Luke says. “Being on StuCo lets me present new ideas to teachers and get more involved in the community.”
One of the student council’s biggest projects is the annual holiday food drive. Each year, they collect donations for the Paradise Valley Community Food Bank, which supports families in need within the school district. “It’s so important because it helps people who are less fortunate,” Adin says. Scarlett agrees, adding, “The food drive takes stress off families during the holidays.”
For Luke, packing up the donations is one of the most memorable parts of the experience. “We worked as a team for a good cause, and hearing stories from
the food bank staff made me realize how important this is,” he says. Scarlett lights up when she describes seeing the halls lined with donations. “Every day, the lines of food get longer and longer. It’s amazing to see how much everyone gives,” she says.
The student council gets creative to encourage participation, offering prizes like popsicle and pizza parties for the top-donating classes. “We brainstorm ideas as a team based on what’s worked before,” Adin explains. “It’s always a group effort.”
While the food drive is a highlight, these students are already planning future projects. Scarlett envisions a pet supply drive for local shelters and a sock drive to help the homeless. Luke suggests a backpack drive filled with school supplies for children in foster care or homeless shelters. “It’s about making sure every kid feels supported,” he says. Giving back isn’t just something they do—it’s something they feel. “When I help others, it’s like a spark inside me,” Luke says. “It motivates me to be a better, kinder person.” Scarlett adds, “When I know someone else feels good because of what we did, it makes me feel good, too.”
For Adin, the impact of these projects is deeply personal. “I feel so proud knowing I’m helping my community,” he says.
The lessons these students are learning go beyond the classroom. Adin dreams of becoming a soccer player and says being on StuCo is helping him become a better leader, both on and off the field. Scarlett hopes to one day run her own animal rescue, a goal she’s already working toward by building her leadership skills. Luke has two big dreams: playing Major League Baseball or becoming a lawyer. “StuCo teaches me teamwork and how to lead, whether it’s on the field or in the courtroom,” he says.
At Boulder Creek Elementary, success isn’t just about grades—it’s about building character, lifting others up, and creating a better community. “I love this school,” Scarlett says. “Everyone works together to make a difference, and that’s what makes Boulder Creek so special.”
With students like Adin, Scarlett, and Luke leading the way, it’s clear that Boulder Creek isn’t just shaping minds—it’s shaping futures.
Photos courtesy of Boulder Creek Elementary
BOOK CLUB Brain Play HANDS-ON READING Interactive picture books to spark imagination.
By Dannelle of Maricopa County Library District
One of the best ways to get kids to enjoy reading is to involve them in the story—and interactive picture books, like “Bunny Slopes” by Claudia Rueda, make that task easy and fun! In “Bunny Slopes,” readers have to shake the book to make it snow, tilt the book to help Bunny ski down the slopes, turn the book upside down to get Bunny out of trouble, and more! If you are looking to add some imagination and play to your story times, here are some other great interactive titles for you to try. Looking for more? Browse for more titles from Maricopa County Library District at mcldaz.org.
“THERE’S
A MONSTER IN YOUR BOOK”
BY TOM FLETCHER
In this book there is a seemingly cute, but definitely destructive, monster eating holes in your book! Readers must follow the instructions to shake, spin, tickle, and other silly tasks to get the monster out. Be careful though, the only place for the monster to go once he’s out is into your room.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: This book will definitely keep kids engaged! It allows them to be more hands on with the book (literally), and they will have so much fun with the silly things the monster gets in to. Tom Fletcher also has a series of these
books with other titles such as “There’s a Unicorn in Your Book,” or “There’s a Dragon in Your Book,” so if you love this one, you’re in luck—there are many more to love!
“TAP THE MAGIC TREE”
BY CHRISTIE MATHESON
In this book, children will discover the fascinating transformations trees undergo during fall, winter, and spring. But it's not just about the seasons—each tree is also filled with magic and whimsy, waiting to be explored. While readers experience the magic of trees, they will clap, tap, wiggle, and more to help the trees along the way.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Kids will not only love the interaction they will have with their grown-up and the book, but they will learn about different seasons and how the leaves change, fall, and regrow.
Dannelle is a generalist librarian, meaning she does programming for both kids and adults! While she loves getting to work with all ages, she especially loves hosting story times and getting to connect with the kids. When Dannelle isn’t at work, she is usually at home reading with a cat in her lap or taking a nap with a cat in her lap!
Brain Play
Grow Your Own Christmas Tree Sponge!
A festive science experiment that’s perfect for the holidays.
Want to grow a Christmas tree this year? You can—with a sponge and a little bit of science magic! This fun experiment combines plant growth and creative play to give you a mini tree you can water, watch sprout, and even trim. It’s a perfect holiday activity for little botanists and future gardeners.
WHAT YOU NEED
• Grass seeds or any fast-sprouting seeds
• A sponge (cut into a Christmas tree shape)
• A spray bottle filled with water
• A tray or shallow dish
GROW YOUR TREE
1. Shape Your Sponge: Start by cutting a sponge into the shape of a Christmas tree. You can make it as simple or detailed as you like—this is your tree, after all!
2. Soak the Sponge: Dunk your sponge in water until it’s fully soaked, then place it on your tray or dish.
3. Add the Seeds: Sprinkle grass seeds all over the surface of your sponge. Make sure you cover it completely—this will be the “leaves” of your tree!
4. Keep It Wet: Use your spray bottle to mist the seeds until they’re damp. You’ll need to spray your sponge every day to keep it moist. You can also pour a little extra water into the tray to keep things hydrated.
5. Watch It Grow: In about two weeks, you’ll start to see sprouts popping up. Some blades of grass might grow faster than others, so be patient and keep watering.
6. Time for a Trim: After three to four weeks, your Christmas tree sponge will be full and bushy—perfect for a haircut! Use kid-safe scissors to trim the grass into a neat shape. Want a traditional pointy top? A flat-top tree? It’s all up to you!
THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT
Your sponge works like soil, holding water and seeds in place so they can sprout. Seeds need water, light, and a place to grow roots—and your sponge provides everything they need! As the seeds grow, you’ll notice that the roots cling to the sponge, just like they would
to dirt. It’s a hands-on way to learn how plants grow and thrive.
Ready to grow your own mini Christmas tree? Get started now and enjoy watching your tree sprout during the holidays!
Why was the student’s report card wet?
How do you talk to a giant?
What kind of shoes do ninjas wear?
Fruitcake, a holiday favorite made of dense cake combined with dried fruits, nuts, and spice, often soaked in rum or brandy to preserve it, has been around for over 2,000 years and was a popular snack of Roman soldiers because it lasted so long.
The name "December" comes from the Latin word "decem," meaning 10, because it was the 10th month in the ancient Roman calendar.
Igloos stay warm because their compacted snow walls trap heat inside while insulating against the cold outside. Body heat, along with small fires or lamps, raises the temperature inside, sometimes reaching up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, even in freezing conditions.
More than half of Earth’s species are insects (there are an estimated three million insect species), making them the most diverse group of animals on the planet.
The ozone layer in Earth's atmosphere protects us by absorbing most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
1. It was below C level. 2. Use big words! 3. Sneakers.
Brain Play
PAGEpuzzle
HOLIDAY CODE BREAKER!
Can you decode these holiday words? Use the key below to break the code.
DECEMBER WORD SEARCH
Can you find the words hidden in the puzzle?
December 2024 What's Happening
“SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL”
When: Dec. 18 – Jan. 26
Where: The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
What: Enter the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss, where his genius leaps from the page into a visually spectacular reality. Set in the fanciful Jungle of Nool, you’ll embark on a musical adventure alongside the steadfast Horton the Elephant and an eccentric ensemble plucked from the iconic author and illustrator’s beloved tales. Info: phoenixtheatre.com/events/seussicalthe-musical
“THE ELVES & THE SHOEMAKER”
When: Through Dec. 22
Where: Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix
What: Santa's elves come to help a poor shoemaker and his wife in this musical treat. Performed with large rod puppets, this is a holiday experience for the whole family to enjoy!
Info: azpuppets.org
“A WINNIE THE POOH CHRISTMAS TAIL”
When: Through Dec. 23
Where: Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N. First St., Phoenix
What: A Valley holiday tradition for over 26 years is back as Valley Youth Theatre brings Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, and all of your favorite Woodland friends to life on the stage for this special musical performance about the importance of teamwork, friendship and family.
Info: vyt.com
“BEAUTY
AND THE BEAST”
When: Through Dec. 29
Where: Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria
What: In the grand tradition of “The Little Mermaid,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “A Christmas Carol,” ABT brings this revered fairy tale to life on stage. This “tale as old as time,” reminds us to look beyond one’s exterior and find the beauty from within. Belle finds herself in the middle of a daring and magical adventure, attempting to rescue her beloved father from a terrible beast and offering herself in exchange for his freedom.
Info: azbroadway.org/events/beauty-andthe-beast
AVONDAZZLE HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAY
When: Through Jan. 1
Where: Avondale Civic Center, 11465 W. Civic Center Dr., Avondale
What: Enjoy the dazzling lights this holiday season! The light display will be up throughout the season, with a show playing every 30 minutes on the city Christmas tree. Bring a blanket or chair, your own treats, and your family and friends, to enjoy this nightly show in front of city hall.
Where: Crayola Experience, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Ste. 2154, Chandler
What: Deck the halls with tons of color and enjoy holiday fun the Crayola way! Make handmade gifts from the heart, complete a seasonal scavenger hunt and more! It's a holiday hullabaloo with “snow” much to do!
Where: Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert
What: Join Southwest Youth Ballet Theatre for their 18th annual "The Nutcracker" with live music by Chandler Symphony Orchestra. Go on a magical journey with Clara and the Nutcracker as they battle oversized mice and celebrate their victory with the Sugar Plum Fairy in the land of the sweets!
Where: Downtown Chandler, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler
What: Santa Claus is coming to town and he's hanging out in Chandler. Bring the whole family to visit with the jolly man himself at Santa’s House for free photos and to share holiday wishes.
Info: chandleraz.gov/events/santas-house-2
LIVE NATIVITY AND CHOIR CONCERT
When: Dec. 21
Where: 3817 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale
What: Enjoy a Christmas choir concert and pay homage to the birth of Christ with a live outdoor nativity featuring real performers and animals.
Where: Lavender Moon Store & Holistic Center, 13295 W. McDowell Rd., E-1, Goodyear
What: Meet Santa’s Elf and snap a festive photo! Enjoy holiday gift shopping, prize raffles, snacks, and more. Discover gemstones, aromatherapy, Reiki candles, and holistic treasures. Perfect for kids and families!
Info: lavendarmoonstore.com
WINTER CRAFTY STORYTIME
When: Dec. 23
Where: 6535 E. Osborn Rd., Building 7, Scottsdale
What: From 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., enjoy a fun “Winter Crafty Storytime” book, songs, and a fun craft for free.
Where: Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix
What: There’s a 100% chance of snow at Arizona Science Center’s Snow Week, which includes a blizzard of activities the whole family will love—from their famous Snow Hill and SnowPal Construction Zone to an avalanche of activities.
Info: azscience.org/visit/events/snow-week PUBLIC MENORAH LIGHTING
When: Dec. 29
Where: Soleri Plaza, 4420 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
What: Join Chabad of South Scottsdale for a family-friendly evening celebrating Hanukkah.
What: Ring in the New Year early with a special "Noon Year's Eve" party at the library, perfect for young children. Join in for a funfilled celebration featuring story time, crafts, and a countdown to noon. It’s a wonderful way for little ones to enjoy the excitement of New Year's Eve during the day.
Where: Arizona Boardwalk, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
What: Take photos with Anna and Elsa, play under falling snow, and enjoy bounce houses, slides, and obstacle courses. Other actives include face painting, coloring contests, music, dancing, and interactive games for kids of all ages! This is a free outdoor event. Info: azboardwalk.com
ELKS HOOP SHOOT: NATIONAL FREE THROW CONTEST
When: Jan. 4
Where: Great Hearts Academy, 14100 N. 32nd St., Phoenix
What: Each year, students from across the country enter the Elks Hoop Shoot competition for boys and girls in categories based on age from 8 through 13. Info: elks.org/hoopshoot
Now Enrolling!
Creighton Neighborhood Schools inspire adventurous thinkers, collaborative learners and kind-hearted leaders Join the adventure today!
2702 E Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-381-6000 www.CreightonSchools.org
