Giving Tuesday – Archway Veritas

Archway Veritas is filled with traditions and celebrations of literature and art throughout the school year, but their annual Robin Hood Day is a chance for the academy to transform into the Sherwood Forest and gives the students the opportunity to give back to the community.

“Robin Hood Day is always a highlight of the year,” said Samantha Landtiser, a fourth-grade lead teacher at Archway Veritas. “In fourth grade we read The Adventures of Robin Hood by Roger Lancelyn Green. After finishing this classic novel, we celebrate with a day of archery, crafts, games, and most importantly, giving back in the spirit of Robin Hood. We hold a donation drive and then the fourth graders assemble care packages to take to UMOM.”

UMOM is located in Phoenix and their mission is to end family homelessness by restoring hope and rebuilding lives. They are an innovative provider of shelter, housing and services for people experiencing homelessness. Every night they provide safe shelter and supportive services for nearly 700 individuals experiencing homelessness – 155 families and 130 single women. They also offer over 550 units of affordable housing across the Valley.

Fellow fourth-grade Lead Teacher Trevor Guyette says the donations are collected in the spirit of helping those in need, a theme supported in the book. “[It’s] just like Robin Hood and his merry men,” he said. Guyette added that the students aren’t the only ones who get to enjoy the event. “Teachers dress up as characters from the book,” he said. “And the parent volunteers make it all happen!”

“For me, the highlight of Robin Hood Day is the team building that occurs as we complete crafts, activities, and our service project together,” said Lead Teacher Joelle Engel. “It’s a joy to engage with students in activities outside of the normal classroom setting.”

The day is full of camaraderie that rivals that of the Merry Men in Sherwood. I love seeing my students excited to help those in need and bonding with them as we try our hands at archery,” added Landtiser.

Archway Veritas invites you join in the same spirt of helping others this #GivingTuesday. Your generosity facilitates many learning opportunities like this more.