Archway Cicero Celebrates Arizona’s Birthday from A to Z

While many celebrate love and relationships on February 14th, the kindergarten classes at Archway Cicero are giving love to Arizona in celebration of its 112^th birthday. In true pioneer fashion, the kindergarteners dressed up in their finest southwest cowboy and cowgirl gear as they participated in some interactive and engaging activities while learning more about the 48^th state in the union. Arizona became a state on this day, February 14^th, 1912.

Kindergarten lead teacher, Mikenna Strom, explained that while her class learned about their home state earlier in the school year as part of the kindergarten curriculum, it is fun to revisit and review some of the things they have learned as part of a full birthday celebration. “They love talking about the different places they have visited around our state like Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon.”

“Everyone is so excited to wear their cowboy hats and boots,” said Strom. “And we have some exciting things planned for them today.” Those plans included reading books about Arizona during their reading time like G is for Grand Canyon: An Arizona Alphabet and Desert Digits: An Arizona Numbers Book. After reading time and some desert-themed coloring pages, the students were treated to a small nature hike to view the many native cactus and xeromorphic plants found around the campus. This was an exciting time for the students as they pointed out different varieties of cacti as well as some of the native birds the students have been studying. The air was a little crisp, but the sun was out, and skies were blue, providing the perfect Arizonian backdrop for the little exploring pioneers.

Dean of Students, Kelsey Diamond, adorned in cowboy boots herself, explained that the students had also learned about the 5 C’s of Arizona, “Which are Copper, Cotton, Citrus, Cattle, and Climate,” she said.  You may not be familiar with the 5 C’s of Arizona unless you have lived here a while, but these young scholars learned about each component. Strangely enough, and much to many Arizonians’ surprise, neither cactus nor coyote is included in Arizona’s 5 C’s.

“This is our first year celebrating like this and I think it’s a great way to celebrate with our students and bring our community closer together as we learn more about the state that we live in,” said Diamond.

The classrooms were bustling with special activities all morning. The celebration even caught the attention of local television news media, AZ Family whose interests were sparked by young students who were learning and celebrating the history of the Copper State.

And what birthday celebration would be complete without a birthday cake? The eager students happily sang “Happy Birthday” to our great state before the beautifully decorated birthday cake, complete with our state flag, an orange-hued sunset and some flowering cactus, with the words, “Happy Birthday Arizona” spelled out in green frosting. Pieces of cake were passed out as faculty braced themselves for the anticipated sugar rush that would likely manifest in the afternoon.

Happy 112^th Birthday to you, Arizona!

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts?  Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.