Gilbert Scoop
Posts
🎨 Ever heard of an "Adopt a Squishmallow" art class?

🎨 Ever heard of an "Adopt a Squishmallow" art class?

Also inside: Postino’s Battle of the Bruschetta, 172 new Gilbert teachers, and therapy dog reading sessions.

July 30, 2026

_{Was this e-mail shared with you?}_{Sign up here}_.

If your family has been talking non-stop about back-to-school prep, you’re definitely not alone. The new school year is here, but there are still plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy Gilbert before summer fully slips away.

This week’s list has something for just about every kind of day, from low-key game nights to evenings spent reminiscing the 70s. And if you’re looking for a way to give back, the Stock the Classroom drive is a simple place to start.

📚 Stock the Classroom Drive runs through August 3

The Gist: The Town of Gilbert is collecting school supply donations through August 3 to benefit teachers and students across Gilbert Public Schools and Higley Unified School District. The drive is called Stock the Classroom and is coordinated by the town in partnership with local businesses and municipal facilities.

Why It Matters: Many teachers pay for classroom supplies out of pocket. Donating a backpack, a pack of pencils, or a box of tissues is one of the easiest ways to help a Gilbert classroom start the year strong. For drop-off locations and the current supply list:

👋 GPS welcomes 172 new teachers

The Gist Gilbert Public Schools brought on 172 new educators ahead of the 2026-2027 school year, which started Tuesday, July 28. The incoming class of teachers joins five new principals leading Boulder Creek Elementary, Campo Verde High, Gilbert Classical Academy, Mesquite High, and Mesquite Junior High.

Why It Matters: Staffing a district of 35,000 students is not a small lift, and the number of new hires shows the district went into the school year with classrooms covered.

🥯 Carbs, Community, and Drive-Thru Convenience

689 N Arizona Ave, Gilbert

Don Guerra's Barrio Bagel & Slice quietly rewires your morning routine using heritage grains milled locally in Arizona. The rosemary bagel breakfast sandwich is worth an early departure, though afternoon brings Sicilian-style slices and a new focaccia patty melt.

There is still time to catch their end-of-summer back-to-school BOGO-50% promo ending today, with all July tips supporting Agritopia Farm. A true Gilbert drive-thru that earns its destination status!

🎨 Creative studio space, smiles included

1661 S Val Vista Dr #105, Gilbert

Hot Potato Art Studio, founded by Emily, a credentialed teacher with 16 years of experience, moved from her garage to a Val Vista brick-and-mortar. It’s the answer if someone's been asking for art class. Her daughter Harlow is the inspiration.

The studio offers kids' classes, camps, birthday parties, tutoring, and school programs. Adopt a Squishmallow is the current favorite class. Fall registration is now open, just in time for figuring out Tuesday afternoons.

Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!

Meet Coraline, a curious kitten who brings plenty of warmth

As a small Domestic Short Hair mix under one year old, this lovely female cat thrives on playful discovery and gentle companionship. Raised in a caring local foster home, she is ready to build strong bonds with a loving family, including other dogs, cats, and children after a proper introduction.

Her adoption fee is $225, which covers her spay, microchip, and vaccinations.

To learn more about this beautiful girl,

🍦 Chillin’ in Gilbert | Selected Shops | Through 07/31 | More
Cool digital savings passes featuring local ice cream shops and summer treats.

🏊‍♀️ Making Waves EmpowerHer Party | Mesquite Aquatic Center | 08/01 | More
Refreshing afternoon filled with poolside games, photo booths, and sweet treats.

🐕 Tales with Tails: Read to a Therapy Dog | Perry Library | 08/01 | More
Reading buddies who never judge a stumbled word. Perfect confidence boost!

🎨 Fall Class Kick-Off | Hot Potato Art Studio | 08/01 | More
Creative acrylic painting session exploring impressionist landscape techniques.

🪩 Line Dancing | HD SOUTH | 08/03 | More
Upbeat movement instruction boosting energy with joyful steps.

🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookie Day | Mary Lou Fulton Aquatic Center | 08/04 | More
Sweet evening treat paired with poolside socializing and community connection.

🃏 Ladies Euchre: Snacks & Goin-Alone's | 13415 S. 154th St | 07/30 | More
Casual card night: friendly gameplay, shared bites, and welcoming connection.

🎸 Tripwire Live | Icons Sports Grill | 07/31 | More
Classic rock and pop covers keeping the dance floor packed all night.

🥖 Battle of the Bruschetta | Postino East | Final round starts 08/01 | More
Culinary competition featuring limited-edition artisan toast pairings and voting.

🎤 ENCORE: A Tribute to 70's Soul | Hale Concert Hall | Through 08/01 | More
Final weekend of the Stevie, Al, Marvin, and Bill Withers celebration. Ticketed.