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On August 25, two Phoenix teachers walked into their classrooms expecting a typical school day. Instead, they were greeted by Arizona Diamondbacks player Ryan Waldschmidt, D-backs Legends Racers and APS representatives as each teacher had been randomly selected to receive a $500 prepaid card to use toward classroom supplies through the APS Supply My Class program.

The celebration at Clarendon Elementary School gave students a front-row seat as their teachers learned they were among 500 K–12 educators randomly selected across APS’s service territory this year. The prepaid cards will be used for supplies that support student learning, from everyday classroom essentials to materials for hands-on lessons.

“Everything I do is for these students, so to see how excited and happy they are right now is wonderful,” said teacher Kayce Kahf. “I’m going to do some flexible seating in my room, and I want to get book sets to pass out to the class as well. I am very grateful and I couldn’t be more appreciative of APS and the D-backs for supplying my classroom."

Waldschmidt visited each class alongside APS Strategic Partnerships Manager Maria Morales and D-backs legends racers Randy Johnson and Mark Grace, and he spoke with students about the importance of teachers.

“Your teacher is going to put this money to great use for you guys, so make sure you always listen, pay attention and show her respect,” Waldschmidt said. “She cares a lot about you and your future.”

Helping teachers bring learning to life

Teachers across Arizona often go above and beyond for their students, including purchasing classroom materials with their own money. APS launched Supply My Class in 2018 to help ease that burden and give educators more resources to create engaging learning experiences.

“Supporting education is very important to us at APS, and we are so grateful for all you do to shape these young students,” said Morales told the teachers during one of the surprise visits. “We are honored to celebrate you and other teachers who work tirelessly to support the success of the next generation.”

Now in its ninth year, the program has provided funding to more than 6,000 teachers. This year, 500 qualifying teachers at K–12 public and public charter schools in APS service territory were randomly selected to receive a $500 prepaid card. The visit to Clarendon Elementary kicks off a series of teacher surprises around the state over the next several weeks.

APS Supply My Class applications are closed for this cycle. However, K-12 educators within APS service territory are encouraged to visit aps.com/education for all the ways APS supports teachers and students throughout the year.

The APS Supply My Class program is funded by APS shareholders and is not included in customer rates.