Shadow Mountain’s DAAPS experience cultivates confident scholars and critical thinkers.
11
MAGICAL BLOW UP
Inflate a balloon with a reaction-powered experiment.
Alix Ssennya
Get In Touch:
9635 N. 7th St. #9039 Phoenix, AZ 85020
Submissions and suggestions:
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 May issue is May 1.
Advertising:
Contact the sales department by email at natasha@epickidsaz.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.
EPIC KIDS PRESENTS
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
CREATIVE COLOR ART STUDIOS SUMMER FINE ART CAMP
SUMMER ADVENTURES
This is a one week summer program provided by one-n-ten, FREE, for LGBTQ+ and allied youth ages 11-13 years old. They provide a safe, inclusive space that focuses on self-expression, self-acceptance, leadership, development, and healthy life choices for young folks. Summer Adventures will include arts and crafts, education, a music room, physical & mental wellness, and loads more! Young folks will also take several field trips including a visit to the Science Center, mini bowling & pool, attending a D-Backs Game, and going to the movies together. Snacks & drinks will be available daily. Lunch is not provided. Kids attending Summer Adventures also have the option to stay and join in Youth Center Activities too! The one-n-ten Youth Center is open Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and offers a safe inclusive space for all identities. Application: tfaforms.com/5116887. The signup deadline is May 20.
Young Vincents can explore their creative side this summer. Campers develop artistic skills while painting with acrylics, drawing, sculpting, and creating mixed media projects. Experienced art educators and artists guide children in developing an eye for color, composition, and design. Students create a portfolio they are proud to display at the end of every session. Parents agree that this one-of-a-kind program blends creative fun with fine arts education. Students, from beginners to advanced, will enjoy new thematic projects each session. Sessions run Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Early and after care are available. The cost is $375 per four-day session.
TYPE: Day camp
AGES: 6 - 13
LOCATION: Creative Color Art Studios, 8300 N. Hayden Rd., Ste. A100, Scottsdale
CONTACT: 480-478-8121, creativecolorart.com
CRAFT NIGHTS SUMMER ART CAMP
TYPE: Day
AGES: 11 to 13
It’s time to get creative! Back by popular demand, Craft Nights’ summer camp offers five project-packed days where incoming 1st through 8th graders can cure summer boredom by learning new skills, making new friends, and having a blast in the studio. Each hands-on project is customizable, encouraging every young artist to explore their creativity. Kids will dive into acrylic painting, splatter art, textile crafts (like tie dye and yarn art), paper crafts, mixed media, string art, and more! All supplies are included—and the best part? Craft Nights handles all the clean-up. Campers can choose between full or half-day sessions. Week 1 starts June 16. Week 2 starts June 23. Week 3 starts July 21.
TYPE: Day camp
LOCATION: Downtown Phoenix Youth Center (they do not post the address publicly) it will be sent to attendees after the application approval. CONTACT: 480-542-0486, abby@onenten.org
AGES: 6–13
LOCATION: Craft Nights, 3241 E. Shea Blvd., Ste. 9A, Phoenix
CONTACT: 602-341-3570, craftnights.com
FIT-N-FUN AT XTREME GYMNASTICS
FIT-N-FUN AT XTREME GYMNASTICS
FIT-N-FUN camps promote health and fitness while keeping campers active and engaged. Each week, participants enjoy gymnastics, trampoline activities, group challenge games, obstacle courses, team sports, relay races, inflatables, and more. Weekly themes add to the excitement. Xtreme Gymnastics employs a high-energy staff that is USA Gymnastics Safety Certified and has completed thorough background checks. The facility is fully air-conditioned and features state-of-the-art equipment.
TYPE: Day camp
AGES: 3 - 12
FIT-N-FUN camps promote health and fitness while having a blast. Each week, campers will enjoy gymnastics, trampoline, group challenge activities, obstacle courses, team sports, relay races, inflatables, and much, much more! Have fun with a new theme each week! The Xtreme Gymnastics staff is high energy, USA Gymnastics Safety Certified, with complete background checks. Their facility is state of the art and fully air conditioned.
LOCATION: Xtreme Gymnastics, 14000 N. Hayden Rd. #102, Scottsdale
CONTACT: 480-596-3543, xtremegymnastics.com
WHERE WILL
Sweet Success
Meet the 13-year-old helping run a growing donut business. Headliners
By Naya Seth
Photos
courtesy of the Gallegos family
While most 13-year-olds are figuring out their favorite donut flavor, Gracee Gallegos is busy making them—and helping run the shop that serves them! Gracee isn’t just any donut fan—she’s part of the team behind Desert Donuts, the colorful shop her dad bought in early 2023. Since then, she’s been learning everything it takes to keep the donut magic rolling.
From designing fun flavors to chatting with customers, Gracee’s favorite part of the job
is seeing people smile when they take that first bite of a donut. One of her best memories? Helping create the erasable art wall in the shop—so kids (and grownups) can draw, doodle, and leave sweet messages behind.
Gracee is also learning how to be a boss. She’s picked up skills like marketing and franchising, as her family plans to open 25 new shops in Colorado, with two currently open. That’s a lot of donuts—and a lot of responsibility!
Gracee and her dad are also writing a picture book together called “The Magical Donut Shop – The Adventures of Dottie and Chip,” starring their adorable donut mascots. The characters even appear as plushies and keychains, which Gracee helped design.
Giving back is a big part of what makes Desert Donuts extra sweet. They team up with charities like Autism Awareness and
Parkinson’s foundations. They create special donuts for the cause and donate a portion of the profits. They also help feed the homeless. With over 70 donut flavors, a theme song on TikTok, and plans for a new dance challenge, there’s no telling what Gracee and her family will cook up next. One thing’s for sure—this is one teen who’s taking life one delicious donut at a time.
Desert Donuts’ Arizona location is a located at 3134 W. Carefree Hwy., in Phoenix. For more information, visit desertdonuts.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.
Career Day
ICE PRINCESS
Colleen Clancy lives out her childhood ice-skating dreams as a Disney performer.
Colleen Clancy
Profession: Professional Figure Skater with “Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic”
What do you do for a living?
I’m a professional figure skater and I have the honor of performing with “Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic” where I portray the role of Princess Belle from “Beauty and the Beast.” I’ve visited over 40 countries throughout my skating career. It’s a dream come true to travel the world while bringing to life the Disney stories that families all around the world know and love.
What type of training do you need to do your job?
My skating journey began when I was 5 years old (a long time ago!) My mother was a competitive figure skater, and she got me hooked! I skated competitively from the age of 5 all the way until I graduated from Miami University. After I graduated, I worked for a while outside of the skating world but missed skating so much. After a little bit of time, I started training again and sent an audition video to “Disney On Ice.” About two months later, I found myself on a plane to Japan to start performing with the show!
The training required to perform in the show is a little different than my training as a competitive skater. Each week, after we arrive in a new city, we will typically have class where the entire cast gets on the ice, and we do edges and turn exercises as a group. We will also have warm-up ice for performers to warm up their tricks and prepare for the week ahead. After a morning of warm-up ice and class, we are ready for the show!
On my off days, I also really enjoy running so I can stay active and also explore whatever city I am in that week.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
The most magical thing I get to experience as a performer with “Disney On Ice” is hearing the audience sing along to their favorite songs and seeing the joy and happiness on their faces when they see their favorite characters in person! When I’m performing and I see children dancing and singing, I get goosebumps!
Another thing I love, is that I get to continue
in the sport I have been doing my entire life. I love skating and I am so grateful that I have found a career that has allowed me to continue with my passion for so long.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I distinctly remember a drawing I made when I was little, saying that I wanted to be a professional figure skater when I grew up. I watched Disney movies on repeat as a kid and now I get to portray those iconic characters while doing my favorite thing, skating!
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?
Keep challenging yourself in new ways. You never know what you’re capable of!
One fun fact NOT about your job?
Before joining “Disney On Ice” I worked for a state representative in the Michigan House of Representatives.
GIVEAWAY
Win a Family Four-Pack of Tickets for Opening Night of “Disney On Ice presents Into the Magic”
Mickey, Moana, Elsa, Miguel, Belle, and more of your favorite Disney characters are gliding into town for a magical ice-skating adventure—and Epic Kids wants to send one lucky family to see it live!
We’re giving away a family four-pack of tickets to opening night of “Disney On Ice presents Into the Magic” on Thursday, May 1 at 7 p.m. at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. This unforgettable show, which runs from May 1 through May 4, is packed with music, movement, and messages of courage, love, and adventure.
Want to win? Email hello@epickidsaz.com
with the subject line “I WANT TO SEE DISNEY ON ICE” by 5 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2025. For show info and tickets, visit disneyonice.com.
CONTEST WINNERS
Congratulations to the Liebold family. They won a family fourpack of tickets to see “Seussical Jr.” at the Madison Center for the Arts last month.
Liebold family
By Sondra Barr
Cover story
Big Ideas, Bold Bonds
Shadow Mountain’s DAAPS
experience
cultivates confident scholars and critical thinkers.
Photos courtesy of PVSchools
At Shadow Mountain High School, there’s a classroom where the mornings are anything but ordinary. It’s home to DAAPS—the Digital Academy of Advanced Placement Scholars—a program that offers students like Avah Montgomery, Jaron Isfan, and Chloe (Alix) Ssennya a unique high school experience full of community, challenge, and deep learning.
All three seniors remember what it felt like to apply to DAAPS in eighth grade—and the excitement of being accepted.
“I knew from the start that I was going to be at Shadow for high school,” says 18-year-old Avah. “My mom is an alumna, so I was very excited to continue in her footsteps. When I heard about DAAPS, the program just clicked. It seemed like it would provide me everything I wanted—a small class size, a group of people who truly cared about learning, and the opportunity to connect with texts and history at a deeper level.”
For 17-year-old Alix, it was a path that felt like her own. “I have a brother who is two years older than me, and when he went to high school, he chose the CREST program at Paradise Valley. We are very similar people, but while he was very clearly a STEM-inclined person, I felt like, though I do like math, my interests lied more with the humanities. When it was my turn to decide on a high school, my mom told me about a ‘sister school’ to Paradise Valley called Shadow Mountain where the DAAPS program was. We decided to take a tour of the school with Mr. Storey, the head of DAAPS, and it seemed like the perfect option.”
Jaron, 17, says it’s hard to pinpoint why he applied—but something about DAAPS just drew him in. “Mr. Storey gave us a tour of the campus and specifically of the DAAPS room, and sat down and talked about the program, and for some reason I just knew that was where I wanted to go. The atmosphere just excited me.”
DAAPS students commit to a two-period morning block of AP and honors humanities classes—an interdisciplinary experience taught by a team of passionate educators. It’s a structure that not only encourages academic depth but also builds connection.
“The DAAPS community has become a part of my extended family,” says Avah. “Although it may seem like you will be increasing your workload, please know that this is not the case.”
Alix adds, “Because we have spent multiple
hours a day together for the four years of high school, it feels like we have gotten to know each other well and formed genuine connections with one another.”
The program is known for its unique projects and engaging instruction, too. “This February, my senior DAAPS class finished the book we have been reading together called ‘Tuesdays with Morrie,’” says Alix. “Mr. Storey has done such an amazing job of connecting with our DAAPS class that reading “Tuesdays with Morrie” in senior year made it even more meaningful, and many students in the class were in tears as we read the last few pages because of how poignant it was.”
Jaron remembers something a bit more hands-on. “One assignment that will stick in my mind is the cake making competition that we had during junior year,” he says. “Mr. McKown then connected the idea of the levels of the cake which build off one another in flavor yet stand alone to the ideas of the different levels of government.”
Even when juggling research papers, AP prep, and high-level texts, DAAPS students find support and motivation.
“Multi-tasking with all of the different educational aspects that come with DAAPS can be difficult at times,” says Alix, “especially during second semester when AP exams are on the horizon… It also helps that many of my DAAPS classmates would be going through the same thing, so we are able to rely on each other and support each other through the stressful times.”
The benefits of the program extend far beyond high school. “DAAPS has also
prepared me for a more self-driven style of learning that I believe will be very important in my college career,” says Avah. Alix says, “DAAPS taught me good writing skills in general, which helped not only with the main college essay, but with supplemental answers for each individual college.”
And while Jaron plans to major in biotechnology, he’s glad he didn’t take the STEM-only route. “DAAPS has helped to keep me balanced in my learning and in the future years will force me to focus on more than just STEM… DAAPS has caused me to view learning not simply for the purpose of school, but instead for the joy of learning in itself.”
What would they tell students considering DAAPS but feeling unsure?
“I would tell them that DAAPS is a lot of work, but that each assignment has meaning,” says Avah. “Also, all of the work is worth it in the end to get to complete the DAAPSTONE and have a whole year getting to explore something that truly interests you.”
Adds Jaron, “DAAPS, in my opinion, will never be too hard because the teachers are able to elevate students to the level to be up to the challenge.”
For motivated students looking for challenge, connection, and growth, DAAPS delivers. Applications for incoming ninth graders for the 2025–26 school year are open. Spots are offered on a rolling basis, so early submission is key. To learn more, visit shadowmountain. pvschools.net/programs/daaps.
Teacher Kevin Storey, along with the other DAAPS teachers, are credited for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to student success.
Alix will study journalism in order to develop her writing and analytical skills. She is still in the process of choosing a university.
Avah was awarded the Baird Scholarship and will be attending the University of Arizona in the fall as a member of the Franke Honors College. Her goal is to study pre-med and become an OBGYN.
Jaron plans to attend Trinity Western University in Canada, and will study biotechnology with the goal of becoming a doctor.
Senior Alix Ssennya
Senior Jaron Isfan
Senior Avah Montgomery
BOOK CLUB Brain Play
“DON’T LET THE PIGEON…”
MISS THESE GREAT READ-ALIKES!
By Jennifer G. of Maricopa County Library District
“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” by Mo Willems features a wild and wacky pigeon who will do anything to be allowed to drive a bus! The book, along with all of the books in the series, encourages audience participation and has appealing, cartoony illustrations, making the series an all-time favorite with children and caregivers! If you are looking for more books that feature wild and wacky characters, fun illustrations to share, and are fun to read aloud, check out these recommendations:
“SCAREDY SQUIRREL” SERIES BY MÉLANIE WATT
The “Scaredy Squirrel” books all feature a nervous squirrel who plans for the worst-case scenario, develops a contingency plan just in case, and then,
ultimately, finds out there was nothing to fear in the first place.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: With his nervous grin and the funny stories, “Scaredy Squirrel” will win over anyone who has ever been afraid of anything! Cartoony, cute illustrations, combined with the quirky, but loveable squirrel, makes for a perfect read-alike for Mo Willems’ “Pigeon” series. The books have also been adapted into a TV series!
“YOU
ARE (NOT) SMALL”
SERIES BY ANNA KANG
Kang’s fuzzy, cute, little monsters have wide appeal in the “You Are (Not)” series. Fun, straightforward illustrations and the funny dialog make the books in this series very fun to read aloud.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: The books explore important concepts and emotions in a humorous way that is perfect for preschoolers. The creatures are appealing, and their friendships are sweet and heartwarming.
“GOODNIGHT ALREADY” SERIES BY JOHN JORY & BENJI DAVIES
In another unlikely friendship book, grumpy bear wants nothing more than to go to sleep, but wide-awake duck wants to have fun with Bear! Their encounters get sillier and sillier until finally, Bear is wide awake, and Duck is fast asleep.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Caretakers will relate to this classic cartoon trope of two characters, one who only wants to sleep and the other, wideawake, who wants to have fun. The book is fun to read aloud, lending itself to various voices. The illustrations are appealing to all ages with repeating patterns and pops of color.
“MOTHER BRUCE” SERIES BY RYAN T. HIGGINS
This hilarious series features grumpy bear Bruce, who lives with four geese because he is their adopted mother. Each book in the series takes this odd but loveable family on a new adventure.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Detailed illustrations, silly scenarios, and witty writing make this a fun read aloud that will have the younger ones asking for more!
Jennifer is a librarian with the Maricopa County Library District. Her favorite books include anything by Kate DiCamillo and books about cats.
April 2025 What's Happening
“THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT”
When: Through May 4
Where: Great Arizona Puppet Theatre, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix
What: This show is based on Beatrix Potter’s classic story about a little rabbit that gets into Mr. McGregor’s garden. Lively hand puppet rabbits and a large rod puppet Farmer tell this tale entirely to music with no dialogue. This production runs Thursdays and Fridays at 10 a.m., Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Info: azpuppets.org.
EASTER BUNNY EXPRESS
2025
When: April 19
Where: Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale
What: Children of all ages can visit with the Easter Bunny at the Verde Canyon Railroad depot prior to the train’s departure on Saturday, April 19. The train’s favorite “seasonal employee,” this honorable hare loves giving handfuls of treats and armloads of hugs before bidding farewell to everyone on the train as it departs at 1 p.m. Get your photo
taken with the big bunny and visit with the Easter Bunny at the depot prior to the train’s departure. $139 to ride train. Info: verdecanyonrr.com
SCOTTSDALE FAIR & FESTIVAL
When: April 25 - May 4
Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale
What: Experience state-of-theart thrill rides designed to excite all age groups at the Scottsdale Fair & Festival. In addition to a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and wave swinger, there will be attractions like the Rastelli Circus, Sea Lion Show, The Birdman, and more. Also, enjoy mouthwatering fair food and test your skills with challenging games.
Info: scottsdalefair.com
CANDIE’S CHARACTER CARNIVAL
When: April 26
Where: Arizona Boardwalk, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
What: Experience a day of free family fun with character meetand-greets with your favorite superheroes, princesses, TV friends, fairies, mermaids, stilt walkers, and many more! Plus
enjoy face painting, inflatables, live stage performances, a soft play toddler area, music, games, crafts, coloring activities, and a variety of family friendly vendors offering unique and fun products. This event, held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will bring excitement and entertainment for children of all ages!
Info: azboardwalk.com
FESTIVAL OF TALES
When: April 26
Where: PVCC Union Hills Campus, 18401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix
What: Join the Festival of Tales, a free, family-friendly literacy event at Paradise Valley Community College from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy free books, live storytelling, arts & crafts, performances, and community resources to inspire a love of reading. Don’t miss this fun-filled day!
Where: Arizona Boardwalk, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
What: Butterfly Wonderland Foundation presents this free
family-friendly festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in appreciation of amazing butterflies. Enjoy a special butterfly release at noon, children’s crafts, games, face painting, fun tattoos, ASU’s Insect Lab, and free butterflythemed gifts, while supplies last. Enjoy music from Aaron White – Native American Grammy Award Winning flutist. Have your photo taken with Leslie The Butterfly Fairy. Children and adults are encouraged to dress up as your favorite butterfly to win big prizes during a Butterfly Costume Contest directly following the noon butterfly release!
Info: azboardwalk.com
TRACKS N TUNES
When: April 27
Where: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale
What: Rock and roll at the railroad park is back and better than ever with free Sunday night concerts from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. featuring a lively lineup of local bands playing everything from Motown and Disco to Rhythm & Blues and Retro 90s. Recognized as one of the best live music venues in Arizona, the park transforms into a community hotspot where families can kick back with a blanket or chair, enjoy dinner from food trucks or Hartley’s General Store, and soak in the sounds of the season. Train and carousel rides run until 8:30 p.m. for just $3
(free for kids two and under with a paying adult), making it the perfect evening outing for music lovers of all ages.
Info: therailroadpark.com
On Deck: May
“DISNEY ON ICE: INTO THE MAGIC”
When: May 1 – 4
Where: Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale
What: Hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse bring audiences on an expedition across raging seas, snow covered mountains and the marigold bridge in “Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic.” This action-packed extravaganza,
produced by Feld Entertainment, Inc., features Disney’s “Moana,” “Frozen,” “Coco,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” with other beloved Disney characters returning to be featured in seven fun-filled performances.
Info: disneyonice.com
MOVIES IN THE PARK
When: May 2, 9, 16, & 23
Where: Kiwanis Park, 5233 S.
Ash Ave., Tempe
What: Movies in the Park is back for the spring! Grab the gang,
your blankets and a picnic dinner and head to Kiwanis Park to enjoy a free, family friendly flick on Friday evenings. Come early to reserve your spot and hang out with the Tempe Play Mobile for fun pre-movie activities. Movies in the Park begin at dusk, at approximately 7 p.m., on the north soccer field (Baseline Rd. and Ash Ave.). The May lineup includes: “Moana,” “Moana 2,” “Coco,” and “Surf’s Up.” Info: tempe.gov/government/ community-services/family-fun/ movies-in-the-park “ANNIE”
When: May 9 – June 1
Where: Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
What: With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago
on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations... and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family. Info: vyt.com
Healthy & balanced meals delivered right to your door! Locally owned and operated by a Registered Dietitian & Personal Trainer team delivering to Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, East and West Valleys, Tucson & more.
