The ongoing federal government shutdown is creating growing uncertainty for Arizona’s families and students. Last Thursday, the Department of Economic Security (DES) notified families that SNAP benefits, which support over 347,000 Arizona children, will be halted starting Saturday.
To support school in responding to family inquiries, the Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) is providing the following resources:
Arizona Food Bank Network Map: Get Food - Arizona Food Bank Network
Arizona Food Pantry Map: Find Food Now - AZ Food Help
Includes Churches, School Districts, Community Colleges, Community Centers and more.
Food Bucks Now: Find Locations - Double Up Arizona
SNAP recipients can receive $30 food vouchers by presenting their EBT cards at participating farmers markets and other locations. This temporary program is funded by the Arizona Governor’s Office using ARPA dollars and will remain active for the duration of the shutdown.
While school meal programs are currently unaffected, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has indicated that funding will only last for approximately two more months. ASBA will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates to our members.
Please share these resources with your communities to help ensure families have access to the support they need during this challenging time. Additionally, ASBA has developed a template to contact your congressional representatives and advocate for an end to the shutdown in support of Arizona’s schools.
Today is an Early Release Day at Esperanza Elementary.
🕚 Dismissal will be at 11:40 am.
Please make sure arrangements are made for your child to be picked up on time. Thank you for your continued support and partnership!

Esperanza Elementary Parents, a final reminder for our essential NAMI session tomorrow: "Taking Time and Care for Your Self." As we head into a busy end of the month, remember the importance of prioritizing your well-being.
Nami: Taking Time and Care for Your Self
📅 Date: October 31st
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
📍 Location: Esperanza Elementary
Don't miss this opportunity to recharge and empower yourself. You deserve to feel your best! ✨ #SelfCareReminder #NAMI #ParentingJourney #EsperanzaSupport
Get ready to treat yourself at lunch—our PTSO Food Sale is happening Thursday, from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM!
✨ What’s on the menu?
👉 Nachos – $2 (small) / $4 (large)
👉 Pizza – $2 per slice
👉 Juice – $1
It’s the perfect way to enjoy a tasty lunch while supporting our school. ❤️
📢 Reminder: Students who ride the bus will not be able to purchase.
Come hungry, leave happy, and help support our amazing students! 🙌
#PTSOFoodSale #SchoolSpirit #YumAndFun

Esperanza Elementary parents and little learners! Get ready for a super fun and educational Fall Activity tomorrow: "Math Counting Pumpkins!" It's the perfect blend of seasonal joy and essential learning.
Fall Activity Math Counting Pumpkins
📅 Date: October 28th
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Esperanza Elementary
Let's make math exciting with pumpkins! We can't wait to count with you. 🍂🔢 #PumpkinMath #FallActivities #EsperanzaKids #LearningIsFun
Good morning, Esperanza families! Get ready for a refreshing start to your day tomorrow with our "Coffee with the Principal" session! This is a wonderful opportunity to chat, ask questions, share ideas, and connect directly with our principal in a relaxed setting.
Coffee with the Principal
📅 Date: October 24th
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Esperanza Elementary
We value your input and look forward to seeing you there! Your voice helps make our school even better. 🗣️ #CoffeeWithThePrincipal #EsperanzaCommunity #SchoolPartnership #ParentEngagement
🍧 Kona Ice Day is Tomorrow! 🍧
Get ready for a cool treat! Kona Ice will be on campus tomorrow for students to enjoy a refreshing shaved ice. 🍓🍋🍇
Don’t forget to send your child with a few dollars if they’d like to purchase one. Let’s make it a fun and tasty day! 😎🌴
#KonaIceDay #CoolTreats #SchoolFun

Huge thanks to all the chaperones who made this trip possible! 👏
Here are some of our favorite moments from the day:
We had a blast, saw some incredibly creative costumes, and raised fantastic support for our organization! Your participation truly helped us raise some much-needed DOUGH!
Tag your friends and family and share your favorite moments! Thank you again for your incredible support! ❤️
#EsperanzaBooBash #FundraiserSuccess #PeterPiperPizza #ThankYou #CostumeContest
TONIGHT is the night! Get your costumes ready for the Esperanza "Boo Bash" Costume Contest at Peter Piper Pizza in Maryvale! 🍕🎉
Join us from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM for food, fun, and fundraising! Don't miss the costume contest at 6:00 PM!
Remember, 15% of all sales benefit the organization, so come eat some pizza and play some games for a great cause!
📍 Peter Piper Pizza: 4105 N. 51st Avenue, Phoenix.
Can't make it? Order online and use code FRESHDOUGH at checkout!

Get ready for a delicious new addition to our school! Starting this Thursday, we'll be selling freshly popped popcorn for just $1 a bag!
Your students can now enjoy this classic treat, and it's super easy to get their hands on it. To make sure we pop enough for everyone, students can preorder and prepay their teachers anytime before Thursday. Just send their $1 to school with them, and their teacher will take care of the rest!
Don't miss out on this yummy snack!


Let's Talk Mental Health Tomorrow!
Esperanza families, join us tomorrow for an incredibly important discussion: "Why is Mental Health Important?" Understanding and supporting mental wellness for ourselves and our children is more crucial than ever.
Why is Mental Health Important
Date: October 21st
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Esperanza Elementary
Come and gain valuable insights and resources. Let's create a supportive environment where everyone feels understood and cared for.
Dear Esperanza Families,
The Student Council Leadership Academy is hosting an all-school food drive to support St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance. We know there are many children and families in our community who are in need, and every donation makes a difference!
🗓️ Key Details:
When: Items will be collected every Friday from October 17 through November 14, 2025.
How to Donate: Please have your student bring their donations to their classroom teacher. Student Council representatives will pick up the items.
Incentive: The class in each grade with the most items donated will win a free dress down day in November!
🙏 Most Needed Items:
Cereal and breakfast bars
Canned fruit and vegetables
Rice, beans, pasta
Canned meats, peanut butter, tuna, and juice
✨ Also Needed:
Baking mixes, coffee, tea, hot chocolate
Cooking oil, crackers, and jelly
❗️ Important Note: Please DO NOT donate glass containers or items that might spoil.
Your support and generosity are deeply appreciated! Let's make this year's food drive a huge success!
We are so excited about the energy and enthusiasm surrounding our Student Council Elections!
Our students have been hard at work creating some truly amazing and creative campaign posters. It's inspiring to see them stepping up as leaders, crafting their messages, and campaigning across the school. From promises of positive change to fun, catchy slogans, the effort and passion from every candidate are truly impressive!
It takes courage to run for an office like President or Secretary, and we're so proud of all the candidates for putting themselves out there and showing what great leaders they are.
Ask your student tonight who they're rooting for and what they've learned about the democratic process! We'll announce the results soon!
#StudentCouncil #Elections #FutureLeaders #SchoolSpirit
We want to hear YOUR ideas – what's working, what's missing, and what you'd love to see! Come meet Parks and Recreation staff, neighbors, and fellow community members who care about our shared outdoor spaces.
Join us at one of our upcoming Master Plan meetings:
Sat, Oct 25 (1:00 P.M.) - Sunnyslope Community Center
Mon, Oct 27 (6:00 P.M.) - Doubletree by Hilton Phoenix North
Thurs, Oct 30 (6:00 P.M.) - Paradise Valley Community Center
Sat, Nov 1 (10:00 A.M.) - Gene C. Reid Park
Mon, Nov 3 (6:00 P.M.) - Maryvale Community Center
Tues, Nov 4 (6:00 P.M.) - University Park
Sat, Nov 8 (10:00 A.M.) - Frye Recreation Center
Sat, Nov 15 (9:00 A.M.) - Old Southwest Canal Park
Learn more, see specific addresses, and scan the QR code to visit parksmasterplanphx.com! Let's build a better Phoenix together! #PhoenixParks #Recreation #CommunityInput #MasterPlan #PhoenixEvents

🕚 Dismissal will be at 11:40 am.
Please make sure arrangements are made for your child to be picked up on time. Thank you for your continued support and partnership!
#EsperanzaElementary #EarlyRelease #FamilyReminder

Esperanza Elementary Parents, this one is for YOU! Tomorrow, NAMI will be hosting a vital session on "Taking Time and Care for Your Self." In our busy lives, it's crucial to remember to nurture ourselves so we can be the best for our children.
Nami: Taking Time and Care for Your Self
📅 Date: October 17th
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
📍 Location: Esperanza Elementary
Come join us for a supportive and empowering session. You deserve it! ❤️ #SelfCare #NAMI #ParentWellbeing #EsperanzaParents
Today, our school conducted a lockdown drill as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our students and staff safe. These drills help ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency and are an important part of our safety preparedness plan.
We conduct safety drills quarterly to maintain awareness and readiness across our school community.
If you have any questions or would like more information about our safety procedures, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us keep Esperanza a safe and caring place for all students.
Attention Esperanza families! Tomorrow is our essential Resource Day, packed with valuable support and information for our community. Join us to connect with various organizations and discover resources designed to help our students and families thrive.
Resource Day
📅 Date: October 16th
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
📍 Location: 1403 N. 32nd Ave Phoenix, Arizona 85009 (Heart of Isaac Community Center)
We encourage everyone to attend and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity. Your success is our priority! 💪 #ResourceDay #CommunitySupport #EsperanzaFamilies #PhoenixResources
