Spring, known for its picturesque pastels, inspiring reintroduction of sunshine, and light going later in the day, is such a fitting time to celebrate First Avenue Middle School’s Arcadia Rotary Teacher of the Year, the incredible educator who gives us the same happy spring energy, ERIKA SPEED! 👏🥳 Erika very much puts the art in heart. 🎨❤️ She has helped not only provide our Spartans with incredible access to multifaceted art opportunities and education but has been instrumental through her districtwide contributions to the Arcadia Unified Arts/Arcadia Arts Council in collaboration with the LA County Arts Ed Collective, writing Strategic Plans for the district and applying for the Arts Advancement Grants. In the past five years, this work has amounted to close to $200,000 in Visual and Performing Arts Grant money! As an Arts Educator, Erika uses art classes to engage students in inquiry, creative problem-solving skills, collaboration, and reflection. She also encourages her students to explore, take risks, and look at things in new ways, helping curate lifelong “Art Enthusiasts.” Erika, thank you so much for helping us and our students paint a picture of success and access to art throughout our district! 🙏Congratulations on this very deserving recognition! 👏🙌 #ImagineInquireInspire #art #arteducation – at Duarte, CA

Watch out for our DISTINGUISHED Spartans! 🤩🏆🥳👏 Our very own First Avenue Middle School is one of less than 300 secondary schools (middle & high schools) across our entire state to earn recognition as a 2024 California Distinguished School from the @CADeptEd ! We are so proud!